moonbus69 Reviews

The Batman (2022)

This Batman Blows...

[10/10 · 2 May 2022]

This Batman Blows all the previous Batman films out of the Theater!

Don't get me wrong. Batman is my all-time and most favorite Superhero.

I've seen every Film & TV incarnation of Batman and read the comics too.

The 1960's Batman TV series (Adam West), Tim Burton's Batman (1989), and the Fox TV animated series... And of course, Christopher Nolan's trilogy.

I Love anything with Batman. And this new film eclipsed any expectations.

No spoilers here... Just have to say this film has amazing action and a great cast. The director did an awesome job. As action films go, this is high art!

I will see this film many times, and can't wait for the Blu-ray disc. Soon...

Dune (2021)

A Sci-Fi Masterpiece!

[10/10 · 26 November 2021]

After seeing 'Dune' two times (in a theater, then at home), I can say it is the Best Film of 2021, and a Science Fiction Classic.

The actors, designs, and look of everything more than met my expectations. I tip my hat to the director. He pulled it off well.

Fans like me finally have gotten the film adaptation we've longed for... I imagine author Frank Herbert is happy. I know I am!

Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)

Fun Comic-Hero Movie for all the Family

[10/10 · 30 November 2020]

This movie was a blast... Great action scenes aplenty. Very clever too, the way the Ant-Man and Wasp suits and those cool shrinking Hot Wheel cars are used!

A great movie for families, as a big part of the plot/story involves both Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) and Hank Pym's family members.

Also, the trip into the tiny sub-atomic micro-verse is very cool. This part is something debated by science.

As a fan of comics and science, this adventure was a great mix of both!

The Fisher King (1991)

Full-throttle Funny and soberly sad comedy

[10/10 · 11 June 2020]

I somehow had missed this film earlier, and just watched it for the first time. Robin Williams is an amazingly funny guy, but some of his work (Mork & Mindy) is not to my tastes... and this was why I likely passed on this film long ago. It was shown on the Movies! channel recently. Then I got the DVD and watched it again... My god, what a great film! It makes you LOL and cry in short order. I've always been a fan of Jeff Bridges... Star Man, The Big Lebowski, etc. This is one of his best, at least as far as a drama/comedy. He is like the super brother I never had. Beau, you are one lucky son-of-a-gun, for sure! The team-up of these two guys is just magical. And, as someone that has met a few 'down-on-their-Luck' and homeless types... this story is very much believable. It illustrates the words of SF author Alfred Bester (from his 'Time is the Traitor' story), that "every man could be happy, if everybody would just lend a hand..." It is as simple as that. God Bless you, Terry Gilliam... and Thank-You!

Star Trek: Picard (2020–2023)

Not your Daddy's Star Trek... That's Good!

[9/10 · 31 May 2020]

I've been a fan of TOS and Next Gen. A really Big Fan, so here goes: The first episode was thrilling... and all visual effects are top rate! Plot a bit confusing at first, but I continued watching. Very glad I did. A good cast... Always loved Picard, and was great to see Data, and Riker and Troi! Elnor looks like he dropped in from LOTR, and is a great character. Soji, Captain Rios, Raffi, Blonde doctor, the Romulan Lady 'sexy witch'... and more awesome characters in this fast paced series. I watched all of season 1, and was blown away... Damn Good! There was one scene in Episode 5 that was quite disturbing (violent). But overall, have to say this is a great new series for the franchise... The story involves synthetic life forms (like Data). As a big fan of films like 'Blade Runner', this right away got me hooked on the show. In short, just like 'The Mandalorian' has reinvigorated the Star Wars universe... 'Picard' has done the same (for me) in the Star Trek galaxy! Live Long & Prosper, Star Trek!

1917 (2019)

Amazing War Film... Amazing Filmmaking!

[10/10 · 10 February 2020]

Until today, my favorite war film of all was 'Das Boot'. Now it is my favorite war film about WW-2, because a few hours ago, I watched what, IMHO, is the best war film ever made. And also a masterpiece of modern filmmaking, by director Sam Mendes.

On Oscar Sunday, I took my father, a Navy Viet Nam era Veteran, to see '1917'. We both were blown away by this film. The actors, the cinematography, the way the camera never left the main characters... the realism of the sudden shocks, uncertainty, and horrors of war... not just WW-1, but of all wars, in all eras. "War is Hell" someone once said, and this film proved the point to me.

If you like a gripping war or action type film, if you are a film student or budding filmmaker, love historical & period films, or just enjoy a great story... there is all of that and more in '1917'.

Inside Llewyn Davis (2013)

Of cats & chords... bums & strums!

[9/10 · 10 January 2020]

You don't have to be a musician to enjoy this film, but I am and it hit me hard! For every Bob Dylan, or Elvis, or Beatles, or Britney Spears and Taylor Swift, etc. there are many hundreds/thousands of 'hopefuls'. This is the story of one...

The music is just a part, but it is excellent, and Oscar Isaac plays & sings very well. He showed his real depth as an actor (and musician too!) The film is set in 1961 and was like watching the world of New York, etc., thru a time-machine lens... Oh, God Bless! the Coen Brothers for making films like this that touch the Heart and Funny Bone. To me they are National Treasures and have my deepest admiration and gratitude. Good Work, Boys!!!

The main title character, played excellently by Oscar Isaac, is quite pathetic at times, but has a real passion for his 'Life's Work' of writing and playing folk songs. But how he treats his friends, others and himself (and cats), says more than his music ever does. He is really the 'walking wounded' ever since his singing partner had died by suicide. He appears to just muddle forward in life? It seemed to me that he lived up to that expression of "Being one's own worst enemy", as he insults or says mean things to all those who try to help him, or those that care and have been closest to him, or even made love to him (Jean).

The scene where he played a song to his father (who has dementia, and does not talk?) was very moving, and will hit anyone that has an old parent or known someone with a similar situation. And the plotline about the orange cat really got to me, as a cat lover. When Llewyn abandons the old man (John Goodman) and the orange cat in the car by the side of the road, it was a heart-rending scene, and what happened later when he encounters that cat again on the road. Why does he not help others more? Maybe he feels he is of no use, except for his music. And at the end, he seems to abandon any hope for that as well?

As a struggling songwriter/musician myself, this film really connected with me. I watched it three times, after getting the DVD, and will watch it quite often... This is a very rich story, of a time in America that had it's own unique magic, when the Space Race had just begun, and JFK was still alive (and the American Dream too!) And it's a film to make you root for an anti-social but likeable anti-hero. For Llewyn isn't really a bum with a guitar, nor is he much different than any of us... He just needs to care a bit more about others & himself... and cats!

The Lion King (2019)

A nice break from the Human world!

[9/10 · 3 August 2019]

I liked the original Lion King film. As a lover of all animals (esp. Cats!) I just had to see this new 2019 remake... Like many have noted, the CGI here is so incredibly life-like. I also found it amazing and breathlessly beautiful. Some say this remake has no feeling, but the film was such that it moved me to tears of joy! I have to see this again soon, and will await the Blu-ray disc (by Christmas?!) Honestly, I didn't have any real nitpicks... It was just a fun and lovely break from the daily 'rat-race' of life in the human world of today... Nuff said!

Saint-Ex (1996)

Artistic film about famous author & aviator

[9/10 · 31 December 2018]

I saw this on VHS back in the 90's several times. A very art house type of film, with very imaginative and fantasy-type action scenes cleverly placed in between the more mundane parts... Far from a straight-ahead biopic kind of film, but for anyone that has read 'The Little Prince' or Saint-Exupery's other books about his flying adventures, this is quite a delightful film!

Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

Not Your Daddy's 'Star Wars'....

[9/10 · 10 June 2018]

With so much negative & toxic chatter on the Net about "Solo", I debated for a long while about seeing this film. But a good friend (and big Star Wars fan) said he enjoyed it, so I took the plunge (June 9). Star Wars is such a rich and wonderfully realized 'universe'... so many species, aliens, creatures, planets, spaceships, technology, etc... and 'Solo' had these - in spades (to use a card-playing term). Don't get why so many knock this film (and The Last Jedi), but it was much less serious and a lot more fun than ALL the newer SW films that have been made since 1983, when ROTJ came out... All-in-all, I had one helluva good time watching this film. I wasn't expecting the actor taking on such an iconic role as Han Solo to be 'perfect', but he did an excellent job playing a much younger Han... He had much of Harrison Ford's voice 'timbre' (sound quality), and did the 'wink' and other facial ticks that Ford had imbued his original portrayal with. So... if YOU just WANT a FUN Star Wars movie, this is it! ...and May the Farce be with You! ;-)

Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)

We all have a secret 'inner life'?

[9/10 · 5 May 2018]

I did not see this back when it was in theaters.... I finally watched 'Birdman' for the 1st time just last week. And good I waited. Think I appreciate the story and the main character, played expertly by Michael Keaton, now, as I can relate to the struggles he was going through. I'm not an actor, and have no allusions to 'Fame', even the 15-minute variety that artist Andy Warhol once spoke of... But, being a near senior citizen, the trials and tribulations of anyone that is over 'a certain age' is something that I, and anyone in that era of life, that also likes a thoughtful AND entertaining story/film, surely can relate to.... We might all not have an 'inner voice' that insults us, and eggs us on to 'Do Better' (while said voice appears, now and then, visibly - and, wearing a super hero suit), but we are fallible, sometimes (often) ego-driven creatures.... and simply just want to know we are loved (lovable?) and appreciated - as we go faster and faster through this often hectic, and at times crazy & stressful existence, on this tiny speck floating in an immense and indifferent universe! This film is both fascinating and a bit perplexing, so I will have to watch it a second and third time... very soon. But, if you like watching odd & unusual types of films: one that has humor, occasional fantasy & action, and social commentary - and especially, if you enjoy the underrated and excellent acting of Mr. Michael Keaton - then 'Birdman' just might be the film for you? Enjoy!

Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)

A Classic Monster Still Lives!

[9/10 · 12 April 2018]

Like many, I fell in love with 'The Shape of Water' movie in 2017. After watching it at home yet again, I then bought a DVD copy of 'Creature from the Black Lagoon'... I love the older Sci-Fi & monster type movies, and had not seen 'Creature' in a very long time. Wow! I was amazed at how much this old B&W film from 1954 still entertains. A well told horror tale, full of beautiful underwater scenes - and beautiful Julie Adams! And there is some honest to goodness science speculation, throughout this fun Saturday afternoon 'creature feature' popcorn classic, that appealed to the science-loving geek in me... The DVD I found also has an excellent commentary track with a ton of interesting tidbits on the film, and other nice DVD extras. I found a copy a month ago at Big Lots! for just 5 bucks & tax. Was the best 5 bucks I've spent in many a moon.... Cheers!

Isle of Dogs (2018)

Amazing and Fun!

[10/10 · 10 April 2018]

Watched this yesterday (April 9) and still so happy inside - such a clever story, great animation & music, and the voice cast was superb. THANK-YOU! Wes Anderson!!!

If you ever had a pet go missing, or pass away recently (as me and some friends experienced last year), this movie will both fascinate and haunt you a bit.

If you love dogs and animals, Japan & anime, great animation and good stories, this movie has it in spades. I fell in love with this film - and I'm a cat person! (my one tick, was that the bad people all had cats... but its just a story. A GREAT ONE!) -Cheers & Good Day.

A Shot in the Dark (1964)

Best Pink Panther movie ever!

[10/10 · 8 April 2018]

I love all the Pink Panther films that actor Peter Sellers starred in, as Inspector Clouseau. Of those, this has been my favorite film of all. It is funny in each and every scene... there is not one wasted minute in this movie!

It is a real sad shame, that The Oscars do not give out many awards for Comedy films and actors. Being funny on camera is a rare gift and talent... and Peter Sellers had it in spades! He certainly showed a genius for looking completely natural, while being LOL funny at the same time... He was brilliant in Kubrick's "Doctor Strangelove", but in this film, Peter sellers soared to such hilarious heights as only he could fly! God Bless you, Mr. Sellers, wherever you are... and a very heartfelt "Thank-You!" (and another Thank-You! to director Blake Edwards, for this film, and also "The Great Race"). Lastly, to Ms. Elke Sommer - "You are so beautiful!" - now and forever!

Bubba Ho-Tep (2002)

A LOL Horror-Comedy!

[10/10 · 8 April 2018]

I was a fan of Bruce Campbell since 'Brisco County' originally aired on Fox TV, and just had to give this movie a try.

An unusual mix of Horror, Comedy, and much Elvis, JFK, and ancient Egyptian mythology, buy it really works! I've seen this gem a half dozen times, and it is as fresh and funny as it was on the 1st viewing. If you enjoy the far-from-average type of comedy film, or love Elvis, and love that action-comedy genius named Bruce Campbell - then watch this movie!

I just wish that Mr. Putin in Russia, and the leaders in China and N. Korea would watch American films like this, and maybe see that the USA is not such a bad bunch of folks after all!

Duck Soup (1933)

Non-stop Laughs!

[10/10 · 8 April 2018]

A high point in the films of the Marx Bros. Maybe their very best film ever... though 'A Night at the Opera' is a very close second place....

Yes, non-stop zaniness and a bare plot of a story, but does that even matter, when you can LYAO just watching this rare gem, any day of the week?! Laughter is medicine, and the Marx Bros. all deserve an honorary PhD. for their comedy antics! God Bless the Clowns! God Bless mother Marx for giving birth to these geniuses of Comedy.... the best ambassadors that America could ever gift to all the world! Maybe if every country shared their comedy with every other country, we would understand each other a bit better? That's my plan for World Peace!

When the Cat Comes (1963)

A Magical-Mystery of a Movie!

[9/10 · 31 March 2018]

I first found this film on YouTube, a few months ago, by chance... Glad I did!

Have enjoyed many foreign films in past - mainly Japanese and Russian, and a few from other countries. This was the first film from Czechoslovakia I have ever watched (with English subtitles, of course). Except for the language, the people in this town could be from any small town... even from mid-1950's or early 1960's America. The everyday cares, joys & troubles, were much the same as most men, women and children have, the whole world over. But... When the Cat Comes... watch out! The cat has your (and mine) number.... A very beautiful and touching story - and the clever use of color, music, sound effects, was all quite well done. I just wished they could have screened this in school, when I was a 'wee lad'. Maybe it's high time they show good movies in the schools again! (In 1st grade, my teacher showed 'Journey to the Center of the Earth' with James Mason, in the class. I never forgot that!)

This film is from 1963, but it is a story as timely as ever. If only this cat would visit the halls of all the political leaders (in Wash. D.C., and elsewhere), things might get 'back on track'?! To bring world peace & understanding, maybe we should start by watching each other's films.... each other's STORIES. Films such as this deserve a wider audience, and I hope Criterion will add this to their list of foreign titles on DVD and Blu-ray... I would buy it again from them, gladly!

Annihilation (I) (2018)

Amazing & Thoughtful Sci-Fi Adventure!

[9/10 · 26 March 2018]

A very engaging plot/story... a 'Thinking Person' type of fiction/horror film. And so very beautiful - visually. The effects, set designs, scenery, many colors, and especially the very dreamy quality of light throughout (good job, Cinematographer!) And congrats on some great work, Director!

A truly mind-blowing and very philosophical type of Science Fiction film - much like '2001' was in its heyday (now 50 short years ago). And the ending is extremely powerful and effective... All the cast are fantastic! My hats off to Ms. Portman, as she really pulled it off, the whole film through, of her character's past and present job/life experiences. This could be her very best work yet?!

This film is one that you should go in knowing as little as you can. I did, and it made the experience all the better, as we all can see a film 'for the first time'... just once. But you should see this in a movie theater, or at home with a good surround type speaker system... the sounds (and music) are so amazing!

Almost gave this film 10 stars... because I had dearly hoped for a much different ending (I have not read the book this is based on, but I plan to).

Lastly, I highly recommend, to anyone that liked this film, to go watch the 1979 Russian science fiction film by Andrei Tarkovsky: 'Stalker'. The plot is a little bit similar, and like this film here, has much amazing scenery.

The Shape of Water (2017)

A magical fairy tale movie!

[10/10 · 9 January 2018]

Am watching the Blu-ray of 'The Shape of Water'. It is a modern fairy tale, a romance story, a period piece (early 1960's), a tribute to old films & TV, and simply a very beautiful and well crafted, visual & fantasy film. This film is a joy and was the best thing to redeem a very tough year (2017). No spoilers this review... Only can say that if you missed it in the theater, watch this on DVD, Blu-ray or streaming... soon! And I hope you see & feel the magic! Director Del Toro has worked a miracle yet again... Muchas Gracias, Maestro!

Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017)

Of all the Star Wars films, since the OT...

[10/10 · 6 January 2018]

Am seriously dumbfounded... Not by the newest Star Wars film, but by the number of people that dislike or hate it. Go figure... Maybe I am a more 'casual' fan, light-years from the cosplay, buy-every-action-figure, comic book, and read every SW novel type of Super Fan... But I am a '1st Fan', having seen each SW film since the very first one premiered way, way back in May of 1977. I loved the first movie so much, a high school chum and I even hid out in the theater restroom, right after seeing 'Star Wars', just so we could see the next screening right away... yup! Oh, what memories... Now, am only going here on my one and only viewing, so far, of The Last Jedi, but I enjoyed it... A lot... In just one word, after it ended, I could only say was: "Whoa!" Yes, oh yes, there is a lot in this film that came almost out of nowhere, or maybe from some wormhole in the screenwriters deep-dark imagination... Like the burning of the Jedi Texts (hey, I love old books, so the burning of ANY books, especially ones with mystical/spiritual and other esoteric type of knowledge, just rubs me wrong!). And the part of Leia 'Force-Flying' (?) back to the rebel command ship soon after being blown out into space... well, that was more unexpected stuff, but hey, she is a Skywalker after all, and the other half of Yoda & Obi-Wan's 'Last Hope' (Episode 6, ROTJ). Mostly, I just took all this and more into stride, and simply just watched what was a very cool, action-packed, fantasy/science fiction-filled adventure... I had gone in hoping the movie would be good, but not expecting any certain things to happen, or not happen, in the story or on screen. Just watched SW:TLJ with an open mind & heart, and had a great time... And, I found so much to like in it, like the many new aliens & creatures, vehicles, etc. Basically, it was just a 'Fun Time At The Movies', which was all I really wanted... I got that & more! And so, for now, like Stan Lee says: "Nuff said!" (...and May the Force be with You!)

Star Trek: Discovery (2017–2024)

Judge 'Discovery' by the 1st episode? Wrong! Just wrong!

[10/10 · 4 December 2017]

Been a fan since I watched TOS (The Original Series) as a kid, 1st run! Loved Next Generation too. Loved Enterprise. Loved DS9. Voyager was fine. Then - I hate to admit it now - the 1st episode of Discovery gave me mixed feelings... And I, like some other fans that only had seen that 1st premier episode, quickly gave it a mostly bad (unkind) review... Boy, was I wrong!

Have now seen the first 6 episodes, and I LOVE Discovery!!! Yes, the Klingons are very different, light-years different, from their past incarnations. And the look of the technology (like on Enterprise) looks light-years ahead of TOS days of Kirk (William Shatner)... But, like J.J. Abrams reboot of the Star Trek feature film universe (or, 'Abrams-verse' - which I also love!), sometimes a 're-do' can be very 'refreshing'... 'rejuvenating'... a much needed 're-imaging'. That is how I think of Discovery today. A new & fresh take on 'The Final Frontier'. The spirit of the original is there! The quality story-telling and interesting characters, cool ships & hi-tech, and "fascinating" (as Spock would say) aliens and strange planets and beautiful starry galaxy is there! And, something I really appreciate - some great humor - is there too! Also, as this newest Star Trek (like most good Science Fiction) is a good commentary on the present, the inclusion of some gay characters on the ship seems appropriate...

My one 'Nitpick' of the show - and shared by some friend-fans of mine - is being asked to pay for a brand-new series, from the 'Get-Go'! Now that seems just plain wrong, as all the previous Treks aired for free. But "That's Entertainment" today, I guess... New World, New Trek.

I really love Michael Burnham, Saru, Lorca, and all of the 'new crew'. May their voyage of Discovery (pun intended), go for a 'full mission'... and for as many seasons as possible! Will be watching this show, as long as she flies on... Thank-You!

Blade Runner 2049 (2017)

Do machines have a Soul?

[10/10 · 6 October 2017]

Went to 1st screening on opening day, and three days later it is still hard to describe how amazed and blown-away this film left me... Blade Runner 2049 is simply, in one word: "COOL!"

Many visuals were so richly constructed, and reminded me of the breathtaking visuals of films I've seen many times before (Kubrick's '2001', and Tarovsky's 'Stalker - two other favorite films). Not as imitation, but likewise, as almost a separate character of the story. You can't do this kind of story-telling, visually, in a 90-120 minute film. So, to me, the length of the film was about perfect!

One thought in my head, just as in the original Blade Runner, was that machines (non-organic life-forms, like the Replicants) may indeed have a 'Soul' (if humans indeed have one?) The other thought I had was that every life, whether organic or synthetic, is so unique and precious. This was the message that I got from the action/plot/story...

Thought that all the cast was wonderful. As Harrison Ford's character came in at the late minutes of the movie, I can say that as 'K', Ryan Gosling carried his part and the main plot of the film very well! Am so ready to see this in the theater at least 2 more times... and buying the Blu-ray (with many extras - one hopes!)

Simply a worthy and beautifully crafted sequel to the original classic! And I say this as along time fan of Ridley Scott's 1982 film, and of the novel (Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep) it was based on, by that long gone genius writer, Philip K. Dick.... Just go and SEE THIS MOVIE - SEE IT TODAY!!!

The Naked Maja (1958)

Gorgeous scenery...and gorgeous Ava!

[9/10 · 28 July 2015]

I just happened onto this film, playing on a local broadcast digital TV channel (The Works), and am glad that I did. I had never seen this film before or heard of it, but have always loved the art of Goya. This movie made me want to go look up his complete life story, and of the Duchess (the part played by Ava Gardner). Just saw a scene where Goya (Anthony Franciosa) is painting in a field, and Maria (Ava) is with him, and some soldiers on horseback are riding by. The captain comes to greet Maria, and when they leave Goya voices his displeasure about 'war-making', etc. This scene reminded me of the one in 'Immortal Beloved' (movie about Beethoven with Gary Oldman) where Napoleon's army is attacking nearby... and how, through history, some of the greatest works of music, art, etc., are created during times of great unrest and horrific wars. Maybe this is the 'balance' that helps maintain the human world, and all our collective sanity? Anyways, the scenes, costumes, music, and especially Ava, are all so very, very beautiful!

Futurama: Bender's Game (2008 Video)

Best Futurama Movie!!! (... So Far)

[10/10 · 15 January 2009]

Of the first 3 of 4 FUTURAMA movies, I love this one the best. The jokes are almost non-stop, the story moves much faster, and overall, this one was more like the regular episodes are/were...

The spaceship demolition race was so cool, and the whole 2nd half was a blast (I never was into Dungeons and Dragons, but enjoyed all the references anyways. I liked LOTR movies, so that stuff was great too, and all the many references to other stuff, I always dig that junk!)

Have watched this DVD almost every day since it came out, and still haven't gotten tired of it. It just is so darn good, and the characters are all in top form. Some of the best FUTURAMA writing, jokes, etc., for my money.

To paraphrase that garbage scow driver, "If you's likes FUTURAMA's, then you's justs got-stas gets 'Bender's Game'!"

The U.S. vs. John Lennon (2006)

Very moving memorial to a rare human being!

[10/10 · 9 February 2008]

I cannot thank the directors/producers of this film enough.

Using much classic film and TV footage (some possibly never seen widely before), interviews both old and new, with his music expertly mixed in, this movie is a 'must see' for even casual John Lennon and Beatles fans. It is also an intimate look at John and Yoko as a couple and of their projects together.

This is a very heart-felt and well thought out memorial, and an inspiration for anyone working toward a more sane and peaceful reality/world.

The film and extras should be required viewing in high school or college history, social studies, and ethics classes. Many viewpoints are presented from the wide variety of people interviewed for this documentary.

Anyone wanting to understand the passion and magic of John Lennon, and the wild ride that was the USA from the late Sixties through early Seventies would find something very worthwhile in this moving film. A documentary that is definitely NOT boring, and one to watch often!