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Reviews
Reminiscence (2021)
Reminiscing the days when studios released good movies
A total failed attempt at film noir. All the elements were there: a masuline gruffy leading man narrating the movie (Jackman), a loyal sidekick (Newton), and the femme fatale (Ferguson). But the film was never able to gain enough traction to take flight. The storyline had potential but substandard acting and meandering plot-line left me detached and indifferent. There were a couple of plot twists but not unpredictable.
The movie had great potential with its setting of ocean flooded coastline and the technology of reminiscence as an escapism from an intolerable existence. But these futuristic concepts were not developed other then as simple underutilized background to forward an uninspired story line forward.to it's predicable and uninspired ending.
I am a fan of Hugh Jackman and Thandiwe Newton. But the scene of their big argument was some of the worst acting I've seen from actors of their caliber... totally forced and unbelievable. The fight scenes were also unconvincing and the choreography was below modern movie's standards..
A movie to watch when it streams or on DVD rental. But unless you are a strong Jackman fan not worth spending the money in the theater. Alternate movies might be Blade Runner (Harrison Ford) or Surogates (Bruce Willis) both of which are better movies in my opinion.
And to those who rate Reminiscence high and pity me for not being capable of understanding the movie, I have seen thousands and thousands of movies in my lifetime. I like movies of all genres as long as they are well crafted films. I know the difference between a great move, good move, mediocre movie, and terrible movie. I don't begrudge your rating of 9 or 10 so please don't begrudge my rating of 5.
Jungle Cruise (2021)
A decent way to spend a hot afternoon in a cool theater
Entertaining movie but not great, not original, and not memorable. Definitely a mass produced factory-line Disney movie with the obligatory but average CGI that at times appeared too cold to reach realism.
The acting was fine. Though Blunt and Johnson tried hard they were just shy of reaching the onscreen chemistry needed for a believable attraction and live happily ever after ending. Plemons as the antagonist of the movie was more a parody than to be taken seriously as a catalyst for the movie's plot line. I did think Paul Giamatti's performance was one of the best of the movie even though a small role.
Understanding this is a Disney movie for family audiences helps set the right level of expectation. It is a decent movie for a family "outing" though the Christian conservative right may be offended and question the need for inclusion of one scene in particular. I'm sure it will be cut from the Russian release of the movie.
Not a summer blockbuster in scale, but a decent way to spend a hot afternoon with the family.
Old (2021)
A once great director hits rock bottom
Being a fan of M. Night Shyamalan's early works it is sad to how far he has fallen in his craft. His newest movie "Old" makes his previously worst movie "The Happening" now his second worst movie.
High school level acting, nonsensical story line, terrible cinematography. Even the obligatory surprise ending is contrived and unrewarding.
If you need to get the bad taste out of your mouth after seeing this movie try re-watching "The Sixth Sense", "Unbreakable", "Signs", or "Split".
This is the last time I pay to see an M. Night Shyamalan movie. Good night M. Night...