joe_jr Reviews

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)

Ghostbusters: Phoebe's Reinstatement - Good Story, Horrible Plot

[5/10 · 3 April 2024]

Really was surprised by how much potential this story had. Could have nailed so much nostalgia and created an extremely impressive script had it not been for a sidetracked plot.

The film focused a lot on the B-plot of female Harry Potter (Phoebe) and her ghastly crush (Melody), instead of elaborating on the main plot or development of Nadeem (you know, a crucial character in the film).

For a Ghostbusters film, it was critical to focus on the story of the main 4 Ghostbuster's and their family relationship, but mostly expand more on the lore of the poltergeists or Nadeem and his role. It ended up being less of "Frozen Empire" and more of "Ghostbusters: Phoebe's Reinstatement".

Score and Visuals were good. I particularly enjoyed the visual design of the poltergeists, especially the primarily featured one.

Overall, the film had potential to be a 8.5 or 9/10, but ended up being bland mostly due to a secondary plot which took precedence over the story, leaving everything in the main plot to be resolved with convince and not good writing.

Migration (I) (2023)

Appropriate, Family Oriented, and Entertaining Feel Good Movie

[9/10 · 22 December 2023]

GREAT VALUES, LOVELY STORY, NO EXPLICIT THEMES!! I honestly took a step back when I first saw this. I am ALWAYS extremely critical of movies lately, especially since recently Illumination, Disney, and even a recent Dreamworks movie have fallen flat, but wow!

This is truly a family film that is appealing to ALL audiences. Kids have laughs at gags, adults have entertainment from parenting and general themes, and they even poke fun at grandparents, who still are made out to be cool and fun-loving by the end.

From both a filmmaker and huge movie fan's perspective, it is extremely refreshing to see a kids movie have good values, no explicit themes, and still be very entertaining! The story and plot was well worked out and everything made sense. The music was fantastic (a solid original score, no spammed pop music like most kids movies). The animation was adorable and very enjoyable to watch. It was also super refreshing to see new/underground talents showcased! A lot of less known names but a fantastic job done (especially the voice actors)!

I'm really impressed and wish to express from the bottom of my heart, thank you for making such a great family film, creating a safe space for families to enjoy a movie without oversexualized themed, over the top toilet humor, extreme violence, etc. 9/10!!!

Five Nights at Freddy's (2023)

Played FNAF? You'll love it! Haven't? Probably won't enjoy.

[8/10 · 2 November 2023]

I won't go too in depth with this review, but I will say it absolutely sucks the kinds of reviews people are leaving. As with any movie based off a game, the franchise's legacy is what most of the film plays off of. Yes, you could watch the film without knowing context, but it of course falls flat since the format of the story is meant to be more immersive and experienced from a 1st person POV.

The visuals in this film were stunning, and it mostly stayed true to the games, with a few changes to make it fit a film format. The storytelling was alright, but definitely fell flat in its script (a bunch of cheesy lines and some cliche film tropes). Overall however, it was a fantastic film for any FNAF fan.

If I was rating the film from a critic standpoint, yeah it'd be a 6/10, but from an audience standpoint (with context to the lore) it was honestly up there. Plenty of films this year have fell flat in comparison (especially Halloween films), yet are highly rated (7.0+) so I'm not sure wht people give this 5 stars.

Oppenheimer (I) (2023)

Could have done without some scenes, but good overall.

[9/10 · 22 July 2023]

First off, as a huge Nolan fan, I admit I have a bit of a bias towards his films. Oppenheimer delivered in a lot of areas as expected, but let down in a few areas as well.

The cinematography was good, although some may say the footage was out of focus a lot. While this is true, it was intentional, and anyone watching the movie should be able to recognize that. Nolan noticeably directed to have wider angle lenses used, and higher apertures for a lot of the shots (which isn't typical of him). It was definitely refreshing to see.

The usage of montage is plentiful throughout the film, and sort of expected (with how Nolan's movies have always been art/film theory oriented, but especially lately). While he took some new risks doing shallow focus and montage work, I think it fits the film quite well (the depth of field specifically) adding to the "feel" of the film.

Set design, and the use to over-expose in some scenes was sort of a stroke of genius. Without going too far into detail, it added to the overarching feeling Oppenheimer has throughout the film.

My disappointment comes from the two sex scenes in the film and the nuclear explosion. It's really not like Nolan to include scenes that don't add to the story or leave stale moments, so seeing this was a complete shock to me. After studying his films for many years, I feel almost like it was something he was paid off to do, which isn't something I've ever seen from Nolan, (even when had less creative control doing the Batman trilogy). The nuclear explosion was something expected honestly, as Nolan prefers Special Effects over Visual Effects, but in this case, using some CG would have sold the nuclear test scene way better. I felt like it built up to nothing really. Chills down my spine with the amazing score and visuals, all for nothing really.

Finally, the script was incredibly impressive and DID NOT disappoint for a Nolan film. An emotional and powerful message, while still being (to the best of my nerdy nuclear physicist knowledge) incredibly historically accurate.

• Overall, the film felt like an open door into the past, showing the journey of one of the most influential and genius minds of all time. While I feel it would have been really awesome to hear a fact like "only 1.38% of the Uranium in the bomb went off when it exploded in Hiroshima," they did include facts like atmospheric ignition and such, so Nolan did accomplish the goal of making the film accurate and believable. The visuals and audio were stunning as always, and the script blew me away (literally). I'm impressed with the film, but was left slightly disappointed with some things. Definitely not Nolan's best film, but better than any film of the past few years. 8.3/10.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)

Typical Indiana Jones-esk Film. Better than most films this year.

[7/10 · 2 July 2023]

*Edit* IGNORE THE 3 AND 4 STAR REVIEWS. The same people giving this movie a 4, gave Elemental (2023) a 9 star.. (I checked). It's no masterpiece, but it's not a bad movie.

First off, let me say, it's nice to go to a film and not feel like it's a political ad campaign, just a solid and entertaining adventure film. Now, onto the review.

The film is beautifully shot only dragging its feet in its writing and storytelling. Here's how I score it in each category: Cinematography 9/10 (Definitely some memorable shots), Lighting 8/10, Score/Soundtrack 8/10 (classic score feel, reminiscent of the originals), Sound design 8/10 (accurate and immersive), Location/Set design 10/10 (gorgeous and accurate), Stuntwork/Action 8/10 (was fantastic up until the end where some of the action broke the suspension of disbelief).

Overall the visuals and audio was beautiful and entertaining. As cinematic as you'd expect an epic action/adventure movie to be. Where the film lacks is in its story and value.

Story was 6/10, an intriguing concept, but tried to fit too many ideas into the allotted time and fell a tad bit flat, although the acting throughout was well executed. Plot was 5/10 as nearly every scene felt like it was rushed, cut short, or introduced concepts/items for pure convince. I believe this was due to poor editing (6/10), not cutting out things that could be cut out, with too many ideas for even a two and a half hour movie. Dialogue was 5/10, feeling unnatural a good portion of the film. The use of Film Theory (8/10) was much more present in this film than others of the last few years with gorgeous color grading and set design, top notch lighting, and great audio.

There was no apparent Moral (5/10) to the film, lacking any real emotion value. Personalky I felt like it was all just action, but I can see how some moments might hold interpreted value for some viewers.

Overall the film gets a 6.8/10, as it was entertaining, beautifully shot, and generally worth the watch (staying true to the genre/series). I loved that there was no "in your face" political message or agenda, just a hardcore Indiana Jones action film. Definitely not a masterpiece, but much better than other films of the year so far.

OtherLife (2017)

A gorgeously shot film!

[9/10 · 24 June 2023]

Watched this film a few years back and really enjoyed it. Decided to give it a re-watch and oh man was I in for a surprise. Compared to today's films (2023), this film is well above par.

The cinematography is top notch (10/10). Surprising not many others talk about it. The sharpness of the lenses, and the use of framing (some shots using a character on the front third line, feeling like the character is pushed against a wall).

That, combined with the sound design (10/10), knocked it out of the park. To me it feels like a film that came right out of a manual on film-theory.

The use of code-writing in the film is next to none. Usually filmmakers just have some trashy hacking background, but the film actually uses a coding interface (seems like C# in Unity) to give the visual for the scrip writing, which kept from breaking the suspension of disbelief (10/10).

Coloring of the film was superb. The grade was not over-the-top, and felt natural, while still giving off the Sci-fi vibe. The production designers did amazing with what they had (which I knew their budget). Lighting and VFX were top tier. All (9-10/10).

I know I am singing its praises, but it did have its hiccups. While the plot of the film was very well executed, its story is probably best formatted as a short-film. Regardless, they did a fantastic job creating it as a feature, and kept the audience's attention for most of the film (9/10).

Overall, if you're a sci-fi fan that likes believable stories that could theoretically happen in the current day (not out-of-this-world), look no further, as this might be one of your new favorites. Visually stunning, immersive, heart-pumping, and mind blowing. Chances are, you'll feel like your money was well spent renting it, or even better if you're able to stream it on a subscription platform (like Amazon Prime video). It gets a 9.5/10!

This Is the End (2013)

Wacky, Witty, All-Star Comedy

[6/10 · 22 June 2023]

From the get-go the film is not meant to be a cinematic masterpiece. The film is about an all-star cast (literally, even the background actors are all famous stars) playing their-selves surviving an apocalypse.

Because of the film's nature, I won't be reviewing it as I do normally, however I do want to note: cinematography (6/10), sound design, with a top level soundtrack full of legendary pop songs (8/10), stuntwork (9/10), and story/dialogue (4/10).

Most of the dialogue and story simply compliments the comedy of the film, so if you were looking for a compelling story, or good dialogue, you're looking in all the wrong places, as it's severely lacking. The film's stuntwork, comedy, and scenery make up for a lot of the areas it's lacking, which make the film still entertaining. It's an interesting combo to see all-star actors in an apocalyptic B-movie, but it ultimately works.

Overall, the film gets a 6/10, as it accomplishes its mission of being a wacky all-star film with lots of stupid comedy and funny references, however, as a film it's not very appealing. It is worth the watch, but not worth paying for to see in theaters.

World War Z (2013)

A Surprisingly Decent Film

[7/10 · 22 June 2023]

I was avoiding watching this film for quite a while because I was afraid they would torch the zombie genre, however I was presently surprised to see this film not take the imagination too far. The film stuck to a realistic view of a zombie apocalypse, not from some fantasy world perspective, but from the real world.

The cinematography was well done, using the low-lighting to add to suspense while still lit enough to see what was going on. The sound design was nice, no jump-scare screeching sound or over-the-top score/soundtrack. (8/10)

Not a fan of the cast, but they did a good job with their roles. I was honestly most impressed with the zombies, especially during the hospital scene. The movement was directed very well. The CG was visually impressive/appealing and the editing went unnoticed. (9/10)

The story at least had a common goal, "find a cure" although the plot (how it unfolded) was all over the place. It seems like a lot of the plot was only introduced to carry on the story, and didn't feel natural, although it at least felt believable. The dialogue was mid-tier. (4/10)

The films conclusion is probably the best it could have been, which is why overall I feel the film was decent. It introduced an idea, took us for a (slightly confusing but believable) ride, and finished with a bang. Overall the film was a good one for the genre. 7/10!

UglyDolls (2019)

Not the worst movie, but definitely lacking in areas.

[6/10 · 20 June 2023]

First off, the animation quality is low budget. It feels like an escaped Nick Jr. Show animation made it into the film world but never got the upgrade to real animation. The character design and film's color was cute for kids, but again, the film is nothing to write home about.

Creating the movie as a musical didn't feel like it added to the film at all, although in terms of kid's movie musicals, it was much more bearable than most. The voice acting was surprisingly decent, and the sound/score was well done. The film also didn't seem to be affected by external political influence. Simply a cute story written for kids that has just enough content to keep their attention.

I'm glad to see a unique concept come back to the film industry. Although it wasn't executed that well, the moral value and film's concept (certain dialogue that drove the point home) was really what made the film. I'd be curious to see how the film would have done had it been animated differently (considering it had a $45M budget), as I feel it could have been much more successful. Overall it would be worth seeing the film on a streaming platform, but not worth renting. For its story, wholesome message, and unique attempt to create something new, it gets a 5.5/10.

Ruby Gillman: Teenage Kraken (2023)

Typical Movie Experience, Good Family Film

[6/10 · 19 June 2023]

The film's story/plot was lower tier for a Dreamworks Animation movie, but overall the film was decent. The film was at best comparable to Spies in Disguise (2019), Abominable (2019), or Ron's Gone Wrong (2021) (comparable to these films in the following categories:).

The film's animation was fairly good, on par with other animations of the last few years. Some "out of this world" character designs make the film more stand out a bit, but does not add to character memorability. The soundtrack is upbeat and chipper, with some more modern music. The score has some epic and heavy "hits/boojs" that rumble the theater, so it's got an immersive aspect to it.

Characters were less relatable than characters of other other films, but still goofy and fun-loving. This is mostly due to the 2-dimensionality of the secondary characters, but generally audiences, especially children, will not care/notice and will laugh at their antics.

The film's writing is reminiscent of Turning Red (2022), with a lot of parallels in the storyline such as: family lineage (females of the family turning into krakens), controlling the transformation by remaining calm, hiding the truth from the main character till they learn for themselves etc., with some slight variation. Basically what you've seen in the trailer.

I really look forward to the moral values and deeper meaning behind the films I watch, however I felt the film lacked in this area. The moral of the film is really to "love yourself" and to not hide it from others, but also trusting that "mothers know best." While I like the morals, it's not like Paw Patrol (2021) or Coco (2017), where the moral is both memorable and powerful (being emotion driven).

Overall the film is a typical movie-going experience, with some action, entertaining visuals and story, and upbeat soundtrack. Audiences will tend to laugh and enjoy the animation/color of the film more than they'll watch for the story/emotional value. Worth a family trip to the movies, but more-so a one-and-done film viewing experience. 6.5/10.

The Flash (I) (2023)

Love the movie, only minor issues

[7/10 · 16 June 2023]

The film (in my opinion, as all reviews are) is mostly a copycat of "Into The Spider-verse" or other timeline cross-over films.

Everything was really well done, which I don't say for most films, but the sound/music, dialogue/writing, and cinematography/editing, was good. Yes, the CGI was pretty bad to 2023 standards, but everything else was decently done.

Only complaints are that...

• 1: They've started casting to appease audience's social standard (racial casting, although in this case the main casting was well-done to be honest).

• 2: The film mid-way through tended to focus on batman and crew, not much Flash development, but they clutched up with the story in the final act. (Not to mention SPOILER: they show 3 different Batmans, 3 different Supermans, and 2 different versions of the Flash, leaving out John Wesley, the OG Flash)
• 3: The "crossover episode" mentality is a bit overdone and stale, but can still be refreshing as it's somewhat uniquely done.

Small complaints, but it gets an A+ for being a superhero movie. Worth the watch, well scripted and shot, good action, but an overdone yet still interesting premise.

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)

Better than the first. Best animated movie of 2022.

[9/10 · 28 December 2022]

Puss in Boots: Last Wish was an incredible display of high quality storytelling and masterful script writing. Besides some small critiques of the animation style and some crude humor, the film was near perfect.

The storytelling was unique to the franchise and seemed genuinely inspired. The script reflects this. Without giving too much away, Puss learns valuable lessons, and the film itself contains a good overall moral message.

The film can seem a bit dark at times with lots of comedic but somewhat frightening deaths, however some jokes are spread throughout to lighten the tone.

Personally, I felt the antagonistim was one of the most well written of all time. Very reminiscent of the Oscar winning character of Anton Chigurh from No Country for Old Men.

The animation was intentionally low frame rate in action scenes, however I found it worked much better in the final scenes where the frame rate was the full 24 (not 12). Some might find the film anticlimactic in a few ways, but overall, most would find the movie well worth their time and money.

9/10 stars!

Nobody Dies (2018)

Actually a Really Fantastic Movie, Just a Horrible English Dub

[7/10 · 1 October 2022]

Ander Mens (or the English title "Nobody Dies") is a film with a really cheesy plot, poor gunfights, and sub-par dialogue (at least in the English version), but I cant help but think the film would have been received way better by the American audiences if the sound design was actually done correctly.

I would love to find a South African copy of the film, as the cinematography is fantastic, the concept is entertaining and well executed, and the comedic writing is quite enjoyable to be completely honest. A few parts actually had me cracking up.

I will be re-watching this film in its original language when I can access it. I believe the film, in its original language would be at least a 6 or 7 stars film, thus why I'm rating it as such, however I will update my review when the time comes.

Well worth the watch if you like comedic action films and don't mind a bit of poor dubbing. I bought a copy at a dollar tree, however it seems you can watch it online. Would definitely suggest for that audience!

DC League of Super-Pets (2022)

A Woke Attempt At Recreating Secret Life of Pet's Success

[5/10 · 31 July 2022]

Honestly, from a screenwriters perspective, this film would receive a very low rating (for poor writing, cliche/predictability, tacky and unfunny jokes, etc.) however the animation itself was the only real redeeming quality.

For hardcore (or even just average fans), there was a lot of unnecessary changes to characters (their characteristics, some personalities, and strays from the source material) in an attempt to appeal to newer generation viewers. Newer generation viewers won't mind this, but longer time fans might find it unenjoyable. The characters were basically used as gimmics, similar to Teen Titans Go. The film's overall plot and plot devices ended up being anticlimactic

The animation isn't my taste, but was well done and fits the modern film 3D style. Music was well selected and didn't feel out of place. The sound design seemed on point. Production design was decent and showed understanding of film theory.

Jokes fell absolutely flat most times.. for instance one character cursing throughout the movie and being "censored". Not sure how pre-screening of the film didn't catch that viewers didn't find that part funny. Maybe some will find it funny, but the theater I was in was dead silent. I think most of it came from the film being directed towards kids, but having loads of sexual innuendo and tacky jokes that weren't funny for adults and went over kid's heads.

Overall the film aimed for a newer, younger audience that doesn't attach too much to older source content. Not as reaching as Emoji Movie (2017) or Space Jam (2022), but not as well done as Dora (2019) or Paw Patrol (2021) in creating content for parents and children. Kids might like it, adults might not.

7/8 for animation 2/3 for story, content, and failure to meet genre standards.

Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank (2022)

This film is a well made adaptation of Mel Brooks' Blazing Saddles!

[7/10 · 25 July 2022]

Nothing more to really say. For those who are curious about content, it had:

• Good animation (stylistic, no errors) that might not be "hyper-realistic" like films nowadays, but will stand the test of time (even the music used was stuff popular from earlier years, not new pop songs that might die out in a year).

• Great storyline. Literally Blazing Saddles for about 50% of it, and with some adaptation for young audiences. No huge stray from the original (like rapping squirrels or a hard pushed agenda).

• Stayed true to the jokes, 4th-wall breaks, moral values, and light-heartedness of the original. Plus a pretty awesome cast.

While the film is not groundbreaking or revolutionary, it was a great family film that used simple animation (instead of overreaching), kept the values and comedy from the original, and was worth the money spent. Would highly suggest to any Mel Brooks fan, and would suggest to any family that wants a fun but morally good film.

Siblings (2004)

A Dark Realist-Drama Gem Disguised As A Dark-Comedy

[6/10 · 2 July 2022]

This film is surprisingly dark, but unfunny for a "dark comedy." The first 3 minutes were the only part that contained comedy. The rest of the film is more of a realist/drama. The film is actually fairly great from that perspective, and would have been much more successful if advertised as such.

The film is full of unnecessary sex, making out, and profanity. If a film has any element, it should play a role in the film. It seems a lot of the sex and making out had no true purpose (except in one use of an affair), which kind of ruined the film for me since I don't watch films for sexual content and in this case it takes away from the film itself.

I think the biggest letdown is that I was expecting to have a good laugh but instead was met with a dark drama. I tend to like realist dark-dramas however, meaning that overall I'd have rated this film another star or two if I had watched it from that perspective.

Overall good cinematography and storytelling. Poor coloring (color grading). Good choice of music and dialogue. Poor use of sexual content and poor genre advertising.

This film could have been an indie masterpiece with a few tweaks and changes.

Pixels (2015)

Classic Adam Sandler Action/Comedy

[7/10 · 30 June 2022]

This is a decent action/comedy film and is fairly entertaining. Was worth seeing when it was in theaters and is definitely worth seeing if you're able to see it on a streaming service.

Film-wise, good cinematography, great CG, decent script, decent comedy, great production value. This film was really tacky with a lot of its jokes, but overall was kinda funny. If you like Adam Sandler, you'll find it funny

While not the best film (like many others, only being at or slightly above par), definitely one that any Adam Sandler/Kevin James fan should see. Great value overall, didn't feel like a cheapy Netflix film like most films nowadays, so definitely will feel like you got your money's worth.

Race to Witch Mountain (2009)

Super Cheesy 2000s Disney Movie. Totally Worth the Watch.

[7/10 · 30 June 2022]

Fun action film for the whole family. With action films you tend to have to have the younger viewers cover their eyes or feel nervous about violence/crude and profane jokes. In this film there's none of that. No bloodshed, no excessive violence or crude content. Just an exciting, family-friendly adventure.

The characters are well written and the story is entertaining, but the CG is super cheesy and the special effects are B-movie quality. Fight scenes feel very much like "The Rock's" style and the cinematography was fairly well done. Overall I actually really enjoyed the movie and while not one of the best overall films, definitely one of the better family friendly films and well worth a watch if you're looking for a fun and exciting adventure/action film.

If you're looking for a fun watch for the whole family, this is definitely on of the better ones.

Total Recall (I) (2012)

Good Introduction - Bad Time Filler... An Okay B-Movie Full of Action

[6/10 · 26 June 2022]

If you're looking for the original, well you've got a similar story... that's pretty much it.

From a look at the film from a single film's perspective, the film has a good introduction and exposition, introducing us to the story and the wild spin it's about to take for him, but the rest of the film is just action for the sake of action. A lot of crappy camara shakes, unremarkable dialogue, and a bunch of plot twists that obviously come with having amnesia.

Good for playing in the background, or great for people who like tacky B-movie action and aren't looking for the next Matrix. Runtime could have been cut down a lot (cutting all the unnecessary and constant action, down to an hour twenty or so), would have probably made the film more coherent as well, but then it wouldn't be the same movie that it is. Overall the film isn't bad or good, it just exists. It's not a waste of time to watch, but definitely isn't rent-worthy. Best to watch it if you run across it on a streaming service (like how it is currently on Netflix).

Spenser Confidential (2020)

Dora the Explorer Level of Detective Work - Emoji Movie Level of Comedy

[4/10 · 25 June 2022]

This film was trying to achieve so many things that it achieved nothing. Is it a comedy/detective? Is it a thriller/suspense? For the first time, a film with Mark Wahlburg in it left me feeling like it was nothing more than a flopped, low effort, Netflix film.

Some of my biggest hangups are that Spencer uses sentences like "You're a fighter and you can't control your anger?" while he himself goes to jail for beating up a fellow cop because he was angry... Spencer constantly excuses his own actions and believes he wasn't in the wrong, regardless of what his character says at the start of the film. Also a bunch of fighting between people that don't need to fight for reasons none other than to start a fight.

A lot of forced music moments and general sound mixing issues. People say the film was "funny" but there was almost no funny moments besides maybe one during a specific pursuit in the film. Decent cinematography and mediocre set design. The editing in the film seems to have been controlled by the director's vision... very direct and reaching (trying to be reminiscent of a 2000s detective film.

The story wasn't really worth the 2hr runtime and the crime-solving adventure is non-existent. The clue trail is less like Knives Out (2019) and more like Dora the Explorer. "Crime... Criminal... All the exposition that should have been hinted at near the start of the film but instead is given in the last 20 minutes!" No rising action, just events happening on a screen for an hour 30 minutes, then a conclusion.

If you're wanting a film to play in the background while you try to go to sleep, it will at least give something that looks visually appealing while it's on your screen. If you're looking for something that will fill your time, this might do it. But if you want something worth going to the cinema to see, this WOULD NOT be it. I'd imagine this film is best fit for Netflix to play in the background to fill people's time. Not the worst film, but without a doubt not an authentic and well thought out film. Not a film you should spend money on (unless you love Wahlburg). Can't in my right mind put anything like this over a 5 at max, considering it's a below average movie.

Gravity (2013)

CG Centered Script That Should Stay In the Empty Void Of Space.

[3/10 · 24 June 2022]

One of the biggest rules in film is to create a meaningful and timeless script that isn't based on something that will be easily outdated. This is meant includes the visuals as well, so that the film you make withstands the test of time. Besides it's gorgeous (for its time) graphics, the film has really no substance and a heavy lack in research.

First off, the film focuses mostly on its achievements in CG, which is impressive yes (which is why I give it +3 stars), however it will no doubt look fake to future audiences (as it already does to most visual effects editors nowadays). Think about the "Neo vs 100 Agent Smiths" from The Matrix Reloaded (2003) or really any scene. Looked good at the time, but looks fake now (really any CG from the film). Luckily it was the story that carried that film, not its graphics. There is nothing from Gravity that makes me want to ever rewatch it again (even though I did my duty as a reviewer and watched it twice).

Second, it's attention to detail might help engage the viewer, but the unrealistic physics (how characters interact and the particles that hit the ISS), seemingly unexperienced astronauts and their lack in protocol, and their lack of an actual purpose for being outside of the ISS... Just ruins it.

Finally, all of it together is kind of a slap in the face to real astronauts and gives a bad/false viewpoint of how astronauts would handle situations, makes them look unprofessional, and makes Sandra Bullock look like a fool instead of having someone powerful and experienced like the real life Peggy Whitson kicking ass and taking names. Instead we get to watch Sandra float around helplessly and cowardly for nearly the entire runtime of the film.

I am starting to see a trend in Bullock's recent movies... Long winded, pretentious story, with an unrelatable character, and it ends anticlimactically. Some might think my review harsh, but as a filmmaker it shames me to know writer/directors get big budgets and huge name actors just to create a film that lacks in research, has no investment in its story, and doesn't really care about anything besides its CG appeal.

Premonition (I) (2007)

Great Concept. Horrible Resolution.

[5/10 · 11 June 2022]

The film's concept (basically a remake of Memento - 2000 with a taste of Day Break - 2006) is solid and is well thought out. Everything fits together like a puzzle... even the puzzle they make in the film being a metaphor for the film itself. That's the whole point of the film, as Linda Hanson tries to put her life back together as it seemingly all falls apart. However, the resolve of the film is poorly executed. Let me explain.

If, as a viewer, you're on the ride along to figure out what is happening with Linda's life, then you should, as a viewer, receive a resolution that fits the rest of the journey. For instance, as the film goes on you begin to edge your seat, constantly ramping up. However the film's ending feels like the writers didn't put any effort into it. So much so that it comes off as pretentious and overreaching. Basically, without giving away much, it's like you gather all of the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, each piece having a clue to what the whole is, and when you put it all together, it's a jigsaw puzzle of a jigsaw puzzle. The whole movie gives us pieces leading up to a matter of fact that any viewer already is told, and literally one extra fact that feels lazily added in as a "glimmer of hope." It's almost repulsive how big of a slap in the face it was for me to have given them my time for an hour and a half, just for them to say "here's our half-assed 'sorta plot twist but not really' ending."

Honestly the film would have been better off without the final scene and instead just ending with her asking herself the one question and like looking up at the camera as cheesy as that sounds. Way better than something that feels heavily like an amateur script AND LITERALLY is what I've seen happen, when film students have to add something to the end in order to resolve a film. They think of a quick resolve, then throw a hint toward that resolve somewhere earlier in the film so it feels like it makes sense. Well, I see right through it, sorry.

Overall the film was well done in some areas, everything interconnecting and somewhat entertaining at the least (kept me from turning it off). Cinematography was well done and the acting was alright. It's a real shame that they couldn't have taken more time to figure out a proper ending. If you haven't seen the film before, it has potential to be a great film, but you have to go in knowing you're gonna be sorely disappointed by the ending.

Happy Gilmore (1996)

Simply the Best Adam Sandler Movie

[9/10 · 11 June 2022]

A great family film filled with laughs. Some unforgettable moments with Bob Barker, Carl Weathers, and of course Adam Sandler. The cinematography is above par (no pun intended), editing is on par, but what really puts the film at the top is its storytelling and comedy. It's a feel good movie about a hockey wannabe turned pro golfer. The story has a lesson for all of us... we can find success in life (even if it's not what we planned) by having a good attitude/being a good sport, and doing what makes us Happy (finding our Happy Place). The comedy is pretty family friendly besides some language (unlike some other Adam Sandler movies which can be pretty profane and heavier in sexual content).

Honestly can't say much more. There are some things that just make the movie funny that can't be typed out. Give it a watch. You'll find something to laugh at, something of good moral value, and definitely a movie quote or two.

Antlers (2021)

The Worst Horror Thriller I've Ever Seen...

[2/10 · 8 June 2022]

This film lacks in many ways. I'm not even gonna give it the time of day to discuss anything but its flaws, but do note that the cinematography and visual filmmaking is decent, everything else though... not even close.

The following review is geared towards others that have seen the film, but I will try to give some general information for those who haven't seen it.

The biggest issues I had with the film:

• Plot convenience (specifically Julia's backstory)

A lot of the things in the film were shallow level and could have been thought out a lot better. The history they gave Julia (sexual abuse suffered at the hands of her father) was weirdly convenient and only really played toward her being able to diagnose Lucas (a boy she teaches at school) as "abused." They wrote in her addiction of alcohol to play hand and hand with the abuse, making it "more real", but never actually addressed the addiction nor the assault/abuse. They wrote in Paul's mention of his encounters with his father (suggesting sexual as well, and the pills he takes), but never addressed it either. They introduced it as a plot point, hitting anxiety pointers to put the audience at the same un-ease (the piano, the asphyxiation, imagery), but it ultimately came off as a weird sexual fantasy that only served to serve one reason (besides obvious jump scares), which was to enable her to "diagnose" psychological abuse (which is still very different). They went as far as having Paul take anxiety pills and other small details, but never actually gave it any life to the story. Almost as if it was a gimmick. Honestly was tacky and sort of sickening to see them play it that way.

• The death of the Wendigo

Obviously big spoiler: At the end when they're fighting the Wendigo, the action is pathetic and anticlimactic. The action is only there for action's sake and uses basically none of the story that we watched for an hour and a half to actually lead them to killing it. It's just "it's here, let's stab it with a knife." And then on top of that, she kills the boy's brother after literally just having mentioned that he had enough trauma from seeing her stab his dad, then proceeded to tell him "your dad is dead", followed by her LITERALLY killing his brother in front of him. Next scene (days later max) he's walking on the beach like nothing happened.. like what?!

• Cheesy ending (but true to the genre)

A few other cheesy moments besides the end scene, like a deputy walking in without backup after literally being told it's a monster, the sheriffs not seeing a covered up car despite being out on a MISSING PERSONS APB, nor using actual protocol like probable cause for entering the building, where they literally go "oh the building smells like death and decaying bodies, better come back with a warrant."

Truly incredible how a FEATURE FILM with a budget like this one can have a story that seems like nobody even thought it out. Character's backstory being there for convenience because they couldn't take the time to write down actual motivation for the plot point? No special item they need to obtain to actually kill this thing, they just kill it? Constant conflicts of interest and countering of the character's decisions, and honestly all the issues together just kill the film for me. Possibly the worst film I've ever seen, but understanding from a viewer's perspective that it does have aesthetic qualities I spare it a star.

Nobody has to agree with my option, but as a filmmaker in the industry, this was definitely the worst horror thriller I've ever seen and one of the worst ever made. An example (and saddening one at that) of where mainstream film is headed.

Eagle Eye (2008)

Great Action-Thiller Film!

[9/10 · 8 June 2022]

The film is extremely well thought out, the editor and sound designers are amazing, the cast was great, and the cinematography was beautiful. In just the first 15 minutes you can see all of these things. The sound of sirens outside of Jerry's apartment and the mix during some following scenes (no spoilers) are good examples of this. Each beat of the film leads to the next and fulfills the "adventure" in the mystery/action aspect of the film.

Not much else to say besides "watch it". As a filmmaker I'm surprised to see viewers and even some other filmmakers didn't love it. Pros are Shia LaBeouf, good mystery and action throughout the film, amazing hollywood style visuals, great acting. Cons, possibly lacking a deeper meaning for most viewers, but has good values and is well worth the watch for the adventure. Rewatchable.