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Star Trek: Discovery: Will You Take My Hand? (2018)
Perfect Conclusion to an Epic Season
As a SUPER TREKKIE for LIFE, this last episode was perfect. Seeing the USS Enterprise in the final scene gave me goosebumps and Burnham's speech to the Federation Council was Amazing! 10/10
Donnie Darko (2001)
My Favorite Movie of All Time
Donnie Darko, I actually could not believe that I have never written a review of one of my favorite movies of all time. I actually first saw this movie more than seven years ago and immediately fell in love with it. It is a movie that I proudly own and will never get tired of watching. This film has so many themes but principally teenage angst, social isolation, hallucinations/schizophrenia, time travel, metaphysics, parallel universes, and how choices that we make each day in life affect us. All set in the backdrop of a beautifully American, Virginia suburb in the heat of the 1988 presidential elections. Donnie Darko is a modern masterpiece of thought-provoking and emotionally haunting film-making.
Genre: Sci-Fi/Drama/Fantasy/Horror
The Good I never really liked Jake Gyllenhall, but this is by far his best work as an actor, his role as the title character takes the cake. Donnie Darko is a boy suffering from "Schizophrenia" and he sees hallucinations of a dreary giant bunny rabbit that warns him of the end of the world. He narrowly avoids a really strange incident that starts off a chain of events that will change his life forever. The human emotion displayed by all the characters is amazing. You will relate to the whole range of emotions in this movie. Donnie Darko is someone I can relate to very well as a boy who understands the deeper meaning of the Universe yet feels lonely and spiritually isolated because no one sees life in his level. His family is your typical suburban household in which no one seems to truly understand or get along with each other, but who nevertheless love each other. Another character Donnie Darko reminded me of was Holden Caulfield from "A Catcher in the Rye" as the boy who exposes the phoniness of the adults, especially self-help guru Jim Cunningham (Patrick Swayze). Along the way of Donnie trying to explain his hallucinations we encounter several very deep questions such as the "philosophy" of time travel, the meaning of love, choices we make in life, predestination, parallel universes and how genuine people are. The soundtrack of this movie really stands out "The Killing Moon" is a haunting track and then Head Over Heals by Tears for Fears and Mad World by Gary Jules leaves you absolutely loving the film. The best thing about this film is that you can watch this movie over and over again and still pick out new details from the movie and storyline, and you can even interpret the ending and themes in a variety of ways. The setting is perfect as well, as the movie takes place a seemingly perfect American suburb in October 1988 amidst the heat of the Presidential elections.
The Bad: Nothing was bad about this film, except maybe the typical movie goer would find this film a tad weird or hard to understand. But this is why I love it.
The Ugly: Roberta Sparrow as the crazy old lady with wild hair who holds the secret to time travel.
Overall this is one of my absolute favorite movies of all time. Some might compare this movie to "Butterfly Effect" but "Donnie Darko" did it earlier and better. Richard Kelly is an absolute genius filmmaker, I think he can officially be called a prodigy with this film. This is a movie that I can never stop watching just because it makes you think each time you watch it.
Inception (2010)
Supra Inception Movie Review
Inception by far was to me personally the most anticipated movie of the year. I even refused to see the movie with a sober-mind, waiting a week to acquire a good amount of psilocybin in preparation to watch this movie. Well to say the least Inception was all I anticipated it to be. A movie which is principally there with a purpose of philosophical and scientific questioning. The science-fiction setting was appropriate, the plot while paradoxical in some respects is still exceptionally done, the acting with the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Ken Watanabe and Cillian Murphy was superb. The score by Hans Zimmer was haunting. Overall the best movie of the year 2010. Inception is a contemporary science-fiction classic.
The Good The idea of invading dreams in order to steal secrets is a fresh idea, but the idea of placing thoughts, of actually shaping conscious thought is even fresher. This is what Dom Cobb (Leo DiCaprio) and his crack team of extractors are hired to do by a mysterious Japanese businessman who sets to convince a young heir of a multi-national energy conglomerate to divide his dying fathers empire, so the business man can assumingly gain more business. The Plot is assuredly good, as the extractor manipulates the subjects consciousness by creating dream worlds in which all the laws of physics could be manipulated. The graphics and visuals of the setting are what really made this film.However the hero of course has a mysterious emotional past centered by a deceased wife and family. Which really makes you appreciate the decidedly human conclusion of the film. There were also some decent action scenes. The musical score was amazing. The acting from all the actors was never lacking as well. The best quality of the film however is that it makes the audience think. This is what really made me love the movie. Any movie that makes you question reality is well worth it.
The Bad Nothing much. I thought the dream worlds could have been designed with a little more imagination. As imagination is truly boundless. But other than that I found the paradox of working for money to be interesting when nothing is really real anyways. Others might say that it borrows too much from The Matrix, but I find that excuse to be a shortcoming. The action scenes might have been a little rehashed and forced also.
The Ugly A beautiful film. I really found nothing ugly except the old man. LOL.
Overall a wonderful film. Christopher Nolan really outdid himself in this masterpiece. He is building a great reputation. I gained knowledge from this film, the one thing I do know is that I know nothing.
Supra Score- 9.7/10
Capitalism: A Love Story (2009)
Very Important and Relevant Film
OK, So I saw this movie a few weeks ago, and now I am writing the review. Nevertheless, Capitalism is a very important film to watch, like most of Michael Moore's films are. They deal with current political and social events and Capitalism was no exception. The whole premise of the film was trying to explain the financial crises of 2007- present. I think Michael presents a very real picture on how our economic system affects those who have very little and how it benefits the rich and those who "have it all" and our need for expansive economic reform here in the United States and the world.
The Good: So many great case studies on this flawed economic and social system, from homeowners who barred themselves in their home, only to have the whole sheriffs department come and evict them forcibly. To airline pilots who only make 15,000 dollars a year, and people wonder why pilots overshot Minneapolis by 200 clicks, these pilots face one of the most stressful jobs in the world, yet need to hold another part-time job to make ends meet. Of course you do have your comical and informative 1950's footage explaining capitalism, the profit motive, competition and the evils of socialism. And of course you have Michael Moore very comically trying to get into various corporations from General Motors to Goldman Sachs to try to speak to the CEO's and get some of the bailout money back for the people. Moore also points the connection of the Treasury Department and the Federal Reserve is mostly staffed by people who worked for Goldman Sachs and a variety of other financial companies who have been in the spotlight for mismanagement. Henry Paulson and Alan Greenspan are no exception. The anything goes "laissez-faire" mentality that Alan Greenspan advocated during the Bush years is one of the reasons why the system is in distress now. He also mentions that Citigroup in an internal report labeled the United Stats not as a democracy or a freemarket but a Plutocracy, where the top 5% of the people control 90% of the wealth, and where social mobility was stagnant at best. Moore also delves into various philosophical questions such as whether Jesus would be a capitalist or not. His conclusions I agree with. He also interviews several clergy from both the Catholic and Anglican communities who believe the freemarket is evil. He also explores the desecration and decline of his home state of Michigan, once Americas industrial powerhouse, now a sad shell of its former self. In the end the most impacting part of the movie is when Franklin Roosevelt comes on screen and calls for a second bill of rights in which all Americans would have a right to a job, a decent livable wage, universal healthcare, freedom from unfair competition, monopolies, and bad business practices,a home, and recreation. All for the greater pursuit of happiness. I almost cried when I saw Franklin Roosevelts face and his dedication for justice for the American People. His second bill of rights should be a vision we make a reality in the coming years.
The Bad: Of course some people are gonna hate Michael Moore and his films no matter what. And some people will be turned off at the relatively simplistic way Moore explains capitalism. And some people will also be critical in how Moore interjects religion in his movie. To me its all good, however it would have been nice to have a few proposals for alternate economic models. The Second Bill of Rights however for the most part sealed the deal.
The Ugly: From Citigroup calling the USA a plutocracy to the gritty decay of cities like Detroit and Flint. There is much ugly in this film, but it all comes with the realization that reform of the system is of utmost importance.
Conclusion: Moore paints another realistic picture on how the financial decline affects ordinary Americans and how the system must be reformed. I urge every American to watch this important and relevant film.
Supra Score: 9/10
Watchmen (2009)
Watchmen Movie Review
Watchmen Movie Review
Watchmen was yet another film I came into the theater knowing nothing about, except that all my friends had seen it and told me it was excellent. I was expecting something like a mix of Sin City and V for Vendetta. While it did borrow certain elements from both movies, it was something totally unique in its entirety. The accurate 1985 setting and the masterful depiction of this alternate world and its history throughout the 20th century and the story of the heroes that are center to the movie and the undergoing nuclear detente that was the definition of the cold war between the Soviet Union and the United States was done well. In going with the backdrop of the threat of Nuclear Holocaust, we also see the conflicts and character studies of the Watchmen who are several heroes with their own deep history. As well as the internal conflict the intriguing God-like hero Dr. Manhattan undergoes in which he struggles to understand human nature and if humanity is actually worth saving.
Genre: Action/Sci-Fii
The Good: The first thing that struck me with this movie is the excellent cinematography and the excellent musical score used throughout the movie. The history of this Alternate United States is told exceptionally, with numerous scenes striking the heart, such as JFK's assassination. There are also many images that will stay burned in your head throughout the movie, from the scenes in Mars, to the rape scenes, to all the bloody and gory scenes. The setting of the movie was perfect depicting a gritty 1985 New York where even though the United States is a police state with Richard Nixon as president, still greed, corruption, and crime still run rampant. Dr. Manhattan is a wonder to watch, he has so many amazing powers that truly make him like God, yet has a calm detached demeanor as he struggles to understand humanity. All the other characters are well done, esp. Rorschach a conflicted hero that may be insane who has a mask that has Rorschach ink blots that are constantly shifting, to the all American do-gooder Nite Owl, to the "villain" of the movie, golden boy Ozymandias (Veight). The story itself while very long and complex could have been a bit better, but is satisfactory to me. The constant news of the world being at the brink of nuclear holocaust really captures the sentiment of the Cold War. Overall a great movie with many positives.
The Bad: The weakest link might have been the story, the main gripe was that it was way too long and complex with many heroes to follow. But I liked it. The conclusion to me was sort of weak, but I guess it was a nice surprising twist but I think it was unnecessary.
The Ugly: There are so many bloody, violent, and gory scenes in the movie that it may turn off some. But I enjoyed it, it showed humans at its worst. Also Dr.Manhattan is naked most of the movie, but I don't think it was ugly, it was amazing!
Overall, one of the better hero films I have seen in recent memory. I loved the history of this alternate United States and the depiction of the Cold War. Dr. Manhattans powers were mind-blowing, there were also plenty of philosophical points as Dr.Manhattan struggles to understand humans and their natures. The Cinematography, Setting, and Musical Score are worth the price of admission alone. There are also many scenes which depict the ugly side of humanity all in making the movie more real. The story could have been a bit better, but it was satisfactory to me.
Supra Score - 8.5/10
Wanted (2008)
Wanted Movie Review
Wanted Movie Review
New Addition: The question of is The movie worth buying renting or never seeing it?
Wanted Movie Review
Category: Action/Adventure
When I first saw the previews of Wanted, I did not really wanna see it, it seemed like it was all flash and pizazz with little substance. So I did not see it the opening weekend like I usually do, instead I waited about two weeks after many of my friends said it was one of the best movies they have seen. Some of my friends compared it to Fight Club and The Matrix, Two movies, which after watching Wanted, I have to say are vastly superior to this Generic Flashy Hollywood Action packed movie with as I predicted had little substance upon viewing it.
The Good:
The best thing about this movie is the action sequences and special effects, which is enough to warrant a viewing at the movie theaters. In fact I thought the action was pretty groundbreaking, albeit with a little too much CGI (computer generated imagery). Everything else is just really bland and rehashed. Even the twist at the end of the movie was sort of expected, although it was predictable if you thought about it. The acting was also OK at best. This movie,overall, left much to be desired.
The Bad: The plot was sort of ridiculous, there were many things that did not make sense. The acting was average at best. The movie was too predictable, too flashy, and altogether too much Hollywood to be considered a good movie. The main actor James McAvoy for some reason I thought was not suited for the role of the main protagonist. Angelina Jolie also looked sort of old in this movie as well.
The Ugly: A bullet flying though 10 miles of obstacles to slowly explode through a skull, that was pretty cool and ugly at the same time.
Conclusion: I can see why many people compared this to Fight Club and The Matrix, it seems that Wanted borrowed from both these movies, but failed to live up to the originals. Basically Wanted is a very watered down and bland version of both these movies with a more idiotic plot and just as good action sequences.
Is it worth buying, renting, or never seeing it? I think its worth renting once a year, but its not worth buying at all.
Supra Score: 6/10
Hancock (2008)
Hancock Movie Review
Hancock Movie Review Category: Action/Adventure/Superhero/Parody I was really excited and intrigued after seeing the previews for Hancock, starring Will Smith. It seemed like such an original concept, an antihero who everyone hates trying to redeem himself to the masses by going straight and looking good. But a mysterious menace looms for this superhero, called John Hancock. I admit I thought this move was going to be original, but not so original and weird to the point of excess.
The Good: Will Smiths acting is a constant, you know thats going to be good regardless of the film. The special effects were also amazing and really intriguing, it really meshed well with the action sequences. This is also the first movie in which YouTube.com was seen so frequentely which I guess its a good thing. The various spurts of comedy were also really funny and welcomed. But the real good qualities of this movie ends here. Oh yeah and Charlize Theron looks super HOT! The Bad: So Original and Weird to the point of being a turnoff. The Script and Storyline needed some work, I don't know if the screenwriters overcomplicated the movie purposely, but the whole love story behind the movie to me was sort of unnecessary and stupid. There are a lot of questions to Hancocks origin that were not answered. As well as the behavior of the people in this fictitious Los Angeles, which was also sort of strange in a "Last Action Hero" sort of way. Jason Batemans character, Ray, had a too large part in this movie as well. It seems like the script was worked and rewritten various times and the end result was far from perfect which detracts lots of the movies enjoyability. The enemies of Hancock were also very spontaneous and were not well explained.
The Ugly: Well, when you literally see BIG BOB in prison with a head shoved up his ass. LOL.
Conclusion: Hancock is a great movie, to watch at the movies for the fantastic action sequences and special effects, as well as the comical moments of the movie. But the movie itself is too complicated and leaves many questions unanswered. The dialogue is really bad at times and I didn't know whether to take this movie seriously or not. But in the end I enjoyed even with the various downfalls, just because its Will Smith and the action was so good.
Is it worth renting or buying or neither? Renting it once a year would be sufficient
Supra Score: 6.5/10
No Country for Old Men (2007)
No Country for Old Men, Exceptional.....
No Country For Old Men Review
I have to admit I knew absolutely nothing about this film before watching it, never saw a trailer, or nothing. All I knew is that many people were saying it should be the film of the year and IMDb's 8.6 Rating. Much like "There Will be Blood" I came into the theater with a clean slate not knowing at all what to expect and what the movie was about. When the movie ended all I could do is sit with my mouth agape as a million thoughts and questions ran through my mind. This is an epic movie, a movie which makes you think philosophically and moralistically , makes you appreciate characters, makes you appreciate the art depicted so masterfully in not only the acting, but the cinematography and even lack of musical score and a movie that you will never figure out with just one sitting, its a movie worth watching over and over again. A modern classic.
Genre: Action/Drama
The Good: There are so many things that are not good, but utterly EXCEPTIONAL in this movie. From the acting, which is exceptional by everyone in this movie to, well everything else. Josh Brolin is excellent as the conflicted resourceful protagonist Llewlyn Moss, Tommy Lee Jones as the nostalgic reflective observer sheriff Ed Tom Bell and one of the most haunting performance by Javier Bardem as the destructive personification of death with an airgun, Anton "Sugar" Chigurh. Anton is truly chilling in all his scenes, with a memorable and unique demeanor and appearance as well as philosophy in life. Everyone else in their supporting cast is excellent as well. The cinematography is awesome as well. The lonely Rio Grande Desert landscapes are hauntingly amazing, especially with lack of musical score. The violent scenes and lack thereof also give a unique approach to this movie. The setting of Texas, 1980 is also done perfectly. The unconventional ending is also that was welcomed for me, although to many people it was disappointing, I found it extremely refreshing. The reflective monologues used by the Sheriff to reflect on changing times is also something that for me was almost Shakespearian in nature. Also the questions the movie will leave you asking enhances its overall quality.
The Bad: Nothing, I got confused a few times on some of the roles of the minor characters, but this is a movie I will watch over and over again. Many will be disappointed with the unconventional ending, I loved it. Many will also not like a movie that makes you ask so many questions, to me that enhances the replay value infinitely. Many will also not like at the exclusion of some key and violent scenes, ala "Reservoir Dogs". But to me it makes this film as unique and as refreshing as possible.
The Ugly: Antons overall destructiveness, but being zapped by his powerful airgun through your neck is a terrifying scene in the movie.
Overall, one of the best films I have ever seen. To me this film is more entertaining and as deep as "There Will be Blood". The acting is also comparable, To me they are about equal, as well as cinematography. The one thing that makes this better than "There Will Be Blood" is the entertainment factor. This film is more entertaining in various aspects. A movie that will definitely be in my collection and should be in your too.
Supra Score - 9.7/10
Jumper (2008)
Jumper Movie Review by Supra
JUMPER Movie Review
I saw Jumper the night it debuted, I have to say, I saw the previews and thought it was going to be a hip CGI infested action fest, with little story, well it was action infested but the storyline and character development was actually pretty decent. Here goes the review
The Good: The strongest qualities of the film was the international imagery and settings used throughout the film, it made me really want to be a "Jumper" as well. There are awesome shots of Rome, Egypt, New York, Tokyo, London and even Ann Arbor, Michigan. Hayden Christiansen is a remarkable young actor as evidenced in the Star Wars movie, and Sam Jackson well he is the same bad ass he always is. The contrasting "good guy" characters are well done, the bad guy characters led by Sam Jackson, are well done as well. The action sequences were amazing, especially transportation of moving cars. The ubiquitous love story that doesn't really need to be there is also present. But in this case is needed if they ever want to make a sequel.
The Bad: Don't expect the best storyline, but it was actually pretty good considering its a sci-fi action movie. One aspect of the storyline was very confusing and I found that it detracted from my enjoyment of the movie, but I am not going to reveal it here. People who don't like flashy hip action films should avoid.
The Ugly: An angry white haired Sam Jackson torturing the poor protagonist with a million volt whip and taser.
Overall: A very entertaining sci-fi action flick, don't know if I would buy it, but the action sequences are amazing and unique as well as the settings and scenery, really makes u want to be a jumper without the consequences of being pursued by the Paladins!
Supra Score: 7.5/10
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of Crystal Skulls Review
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of Crystal Skulls Review
I have been a huge Indiana Jones fan since I was a little kid, so I was excited when I heard last year they were making the 4th movie installment of the acclaimed trilogy. Of course my main concern was can Harrison Ford do it? I mean he is 65 years old, of course he put those doubts to rest with this awesome installment of Indiana Jones. Spielberg and Lucas again make movie magic with Indiana Jones, delivering a totally original story, an exciting adventure, new enemies, new characters and new history and myth in delivering an awesome and satisfying Indiana Jones experience.
Genre: Action/Adventure
The Good: What I most loved about the movie was the story, which I wont fully reveal, only saying that I have always been fascinated, since I was a little kid, with the legends of El Dorado and the mystery of the Nazca Lines. Harrison Ford, Shia LeBouf , and everyone else acted excellent. The 1950's setting was done to a T (the movie takes place in 1957) the cinematography was exceptional again. The soviet enemy was not as intimidating as the Nazi's but they also did very well in creating an enemy figure. Harrison Ford looks a bit his age, but he was in excellent physical condition for this film and he still brings his brand of Indy Humor and Cockiness (Remember he is supposed to be 58 in this film, Indiana Jones was born in 1899) Shia LeBouf as Mutt Williams is an excellent stereotypical cocky 50's kid with a leather jacket. There were also some extremely memorable scenes in this movie in placing the movies in the middle of the atomic age of the 50's, which I will not reveal. I am only saying that this film has so many great qualities, definitely one of my favorites.
The Bad: The main complaint was that this movie was too unrealistic in several scenes, guess what? Naysayers.....this is an action/adventure MOVIE. You have to expect some parts to be unrealistic, but it is all in good entertaining fun. I guess thats the only bad part about it.
The Ugly: Surviving a nuclear blast, oh yeah, Catacombs, Tombs, Killer Ants, Ugly Russian soldiers, a crazed archaeologist and of course what the crystal skull really is.
Overall, an awesome Indiana Jones that does not disappoint. Its an awesome thrill ride and Harrison Ford still has what it takes to be Indiana Jones Jr.
Supra Score - 9/10
Belly (1998)
One of the most visually stimulating films ever
"Belly" con temporarily shot in late 1998 is one of the most visually stimulating films I have ever seen. Nas, DMX, Method Man, and others all prove to be great convincing characters in their roles as big time new york gangsters whose run of good luck in crime is about to run out. This has got to be one of my favorite gangster films of all time. It boggles me that this film got such a low score, apparently by people who don't appreciate cinematic art when they see it. It amazed me when I saw that Nas, who is my favorite rapper of all time, actually got a big part in developing this film, to mainstream society, Nas is misunderstood and criticized by all media and the industry, much like this exceptional film. But to those who know real music and real movies they recognize that Nas is the best rapper out there and Belly is one of the best gangster movies out there. What I most love about this movie is the nostalgic sense of the late 1990's that it brings out, a time where everything was changing. From the cars, Mercedes-Benz CLK 500 and the Lexus GS300 to the visual hip hop movie style that makes this film encompassing and exceptional, as well as nostalgic. Nas is an excellent narrator, as well as en excellent actor, and an exceptional writer and artist. The scene from "One Love" has got to be one of my favorite scenes of all time. The scenes in Jamacia are 100% real, and the dangers and the high life of crime are depicted sincerely in this movie. This movie sends out so many good messages about society that I cant list them all, the soundtrack is excellent, the cinematography is excellent, the acting is excellent, and the plot is excellent. So many memorable scenes to list. Overall one of the realest movies of all time, and one of the best, if not the best gangster film ever. I still never get tired of watching this movie, especially with a blunt to pull on.
Supra Rating 9.5/10
Cloverfield (2008)
Cloverfield.....awesome monster movie
This movie has been hyped up for quite a while, I remember seeing the teaser trailer during Transformers and everybody in the crowd questioning the trailer. The trailer depicted this movie as quite mysterious, but still very intriguing. I actually had no idea it was being filmed in a first person perspective (through a hand held camera) throughout the whole movie until I actually saw the movie. To some people it might be a huge turn-off, I actually felt like I was in the movie, as intense as it was, feeling every whim and emotion of the character, there is no third person here, you feel what the character are feeling, you see what the character see, you feel the terror that they feel and surprises at every corner. Basically it is a giant monster attacking New York City type movie (Godzilla and King Kong comes to mind) but much better filmed and one billion times more intense. I related to the character Hud, the most, as he was talking nervously and comically throughout the whole movie, thats just like me in real life, always trying to make light out of a serious situation.
The Good: I haven't felt an emotional rush in the movies since I can remember. You feel like you are one of the characters, going through the same confusion and mass panic that they are enduring. The guy who is filming Hud, is my type of guy, one who always makes light and talks excessively in tight situations. How the movie starts out is very light and I got to know the four main characters very well, at least for my tastes. Some will say there is a huge lack of character development and that detracts from enjoying the movie, I related with the characters very well (maybe because I am a young urban professional) and the trendy party atmosphere is something that I have seen in my own life. The back "love" story is also something that is welcomed between the two main characters (some may not like it). When the monster hits, you feel the same sense of confusion and what happened? that the characters do, to some (especially New Yorkers) it evokes images of amateur 9/11 videos. The first person adaptation then takes you through an hour and a half thrill ride throughout New York City as the four main characters try to survive, all while making a daring and romantic attempt at saving a damsel in distress. The sense of destruction, violence, disbelief, and fear is as real as it can get, as normal life gets disrupted by something enormous. The acting is perfect. The setting and images of a New York under devastation is also very well done.
The Bad: I guess this is one of those you either love or hate movies, one of my friends hated it, most others loved it. The shaking camera might be a turn-off for some, I loved it, it added such an intense sense of realism. The Monster itself was CG, but thats OK. Some might think also its tries too hard to be hip and the guy holding the film gets annoying, I liked everything. Also the movie might be too random for some.
The Ugly: Giant Subway Rats, and the Spider Creatures, plus the gruesome death of one of the main characters, and the monster itself was preety ugly resembling a cross of Godzilla, King Kong, and a giant Scorpion, Fly creature.
Overall, a breath of fresh air for film making, maybe they will make more of these type of movies, I think it only really works well in intense horror or monster movies probably. I also like the romanticized saving damsel in distress story line from the protagonist. But the strongest quality of this film is the sense of fear and panic the viewer gets, its like you are in the movie suffering and questioning with the characters. No other film has made me feel that way.
Supra Score - 8.5/10
There Will Be Blood (2007)
A character study not seen since Citizen Kane
There Will Be Blood
This film initially intrigued me because it had so many positive reviews. After all several critics said that this should be the "Film of the Year". I saw the trailer once in the movies, and thought it was a historical movie about the oil boom era of the United States in the late 19th century. My cup of tea, being that I love any movie that has to so with History. However I was in for a rude awakening from what I anticipated. More than anything "There will be Blood" was an intense and profound character study that I have not seen since probably Citizen Kane, it has elements of history, but even stronger and more subtle messages about evangelical Christianity, greed, hypocrisy, capitalism, and the dark side of human nature. The story of centers around the persona of a certain man named Daniel Plainview and his quest for oil wealth and exceeds plainly in doing so.
The Good: Daniel Day Lewis who plays Daniel Plainview gives a performance to remember as he plays a man who is devoid of all ethics and love in his quest for wealth. He displays all the intensity and greed of his character in exceptional light. The supporting cast, including Paul Dano who plays Plainviews nemesis, the leader of the evangelical church of the 3rd revelation, Eli Sunday, is more than exceptional in their roles. The cinematography was excellent giving you a feel of early 20th century rural California. The plot and story while slow for some, is absolutely perfect in the depiction of the sinister of this man and how he affects a rural community. The strong messages of hypocrisy within religion institutions, human nature, evil, insidiousness, and greed are all exceptionally depicted here, as well as the ever-important historical aspect of the movie. The sound score was also excellent, with a haunting score whenever something of significance happens. A character study at its best.
The Bad: The movie might me a bit slow-moving for some. There are no overly violent, nor any sexual scenes, which is a huge plus for me, to others that is what makes a movie. The only other bad is that the role of Paul/Eli is confusing when one finishes the movie. But it can be clarified in any movie message board, they are twin brothers.
The Ugly: Daniel Plainviews sinister and insane facial expressions, especially when he starts losing his sanity. As well as his nihilistic views of humanity.
Overall:
Again, I haven't seen a character study like this since "Citizen Kane" and its distinct depiction of a few elements of American culture, human nature, greed, capitalism, sanity and religion make this movie well worth the price of admission. The emotions displayed in this movie covers the whole spectrum. No big bangs here, just a satisfying film experience that leaves you pondering about certain aspects of humanity.
Supra Score - 9.5/10
Munich (2005)
A Portrayal of Humanity Like Schindlers List
MUNICH After two years I finally saw the movie tonight...and in a way I was awestruck.
Now most stupid people will watch this movie and say its the most biased movie they have ever watched, either biased against Jews and Israel or biased against Palestinians and Muslims....these people are just nincompoops (i.e. fools) This movie is a portrayal, a very beautiful and all at once ugly portrayal of human nature, very much like Steven Spielbergs other masterpiece "Schindlers List"....this movie encompasses a whole range of human emotion to an uncanny degree as reflected on the characters, it lends no preference over which "side" is better, its just an astonishing and shocking portrayal of humanity.
First of all the central theme is vengeance, but also mixed with that is rage and hate, self-preservation, nationalism, ethics, paranoia, and of course love of family and nation. One actually feels for the main character, Avner, (masterfully played by Eric Bana) in this movie, and the roller-coaster of emotions that he endures and the ensuing paranoia and guilt after has had helped commit his actions. One feels as if he is transformed with Avner from a good soldier who puts God and country before all else to a tormented human soul who seeks justification for his actions against fellow human beings amidst a paranoia which engulfs his reality and threatens the ones he loves the most, his family. In essence the movie questions if the ends justifies the means, and if violence, vengeance, and hatred really solve anything at all....which we all know it doe not.
This movie has tons of action as well, for all the action fans, and as a student of the 1972 Munich Kidnappings, it accurately portrays the events that transpired in September 1972, and the bloody secretive war that transfixes Israel and Palestine over the next couple of years, filled with terror.
Overall a masterpiece of a film, which of course inspires claims of Bias either for or against the Jews , questions of who is the most terrible nationality Palestinians or Jews?, in the end no one is right, if everyone is wrong, this film finally is a study of human nature for we are all susceptible to unrestrained hate and vengeance and we are also endowed with a conscience, an ethical means of doing things.
There are things greater, than Jew, Christian, Muslim, Buddhist or Shinto, things greater than the color of your skin, or who is your God, or what language you speak, that thing is humanity, which is a burden or a blessing, a curse or a cure....it is up for you to decide, and this film like Schindlers List masterfully paints a real portrayal of the strifes and range of humanity. of what it is to be human.....
I LOVE THIS FILM Supramaxx rating 10/10
The Lost City (2005)
One of the best films I have seen
This film accurately portrays what was going on in Cuba before, during, and after the Cuban revolution. It focuses on the upper middle class Fellove family and how political ideology affects and divides their family institution. This film also has an extraordinary love story with some of the most breathtaking scenes in a tropical paradise that I have seen. The outdoor scenes (taking in my native Dominican Republic) shows so much natural beauty. Ines Sastre and Andy Garcia have wonderful chemistry. This film actually had some moments that made me cry. This is basically one of the best films to see if you have some interest in Cuban/Latin American history. I recommend it to anyone.
I give it a 10/10.
Reign of Fire (2002)
Good Sci-Fi Action Film
I have to say, what first attracted me to this movie, was the theatrical trailer, which showed helicopters and modern armies combating dragons....It really impressed me...I love movies with big modern weapons combating dragons.
So I rented it from Netflix, and I was surprised that one of the best actors (if not the best, in my opinion)today, Christian Bale played a role in this film. So with anticipation I watched it.
I have to say the film was for me just about OK. Not what I expected, But not too bad either.
I originally thought it was going to be like nations and modern armies against dragons, sort of like Godzilla, instead it was the story of a band of English survivors and a small army of Americans who show up at the English fortress who have come up with a way to kill dragons. Not what I expected but entertaining nonetheless.
The story was OK, There are major plot holes, and a major degree of unrealism (How did the Americans get to the UK?, How come they have unlimited fuel, The dragons seem easy to kill, why didn't we kill them with bowguns?) but it was a relatively entertaining film I would have to say that McNaughey does the best acting job, second to Bale, but both are exceptional actors.
What most impressed me about this film was the settings, and how artistic a London in ruins looked at the end of the film. The helicopter sequences are also very nicely done. The dragons were all CG, but they looked good, But not as good as Jurassic Park.
Overall an entertaining Sci-Fi Action Film, with some good acting performances, an OK story, and lots of unrealism. But hey its a movie! I wouldn't buy it, But I would rent it again.
Supra Rating 7/10
The Siege (1998)
One of the best, if not the best terrorist thriller ever made.
The Siege.....I have no idea why it got a 5.9/10....I only saw this movie yesterday and I was like DAMN, this and the peacemaker are one of the most underrated movies today....both predicted in some way or another something similar to what happened on 9.11.01.....wow...and this situation depicted in this movie even though unlikely to happen, can happen....I love this movie...and recommend anybody who likes political or Terroris thrillers to watch it....one of the best films I have ever seen....Denzel Washington and Bruce Willis round up a superb cast with some of the best acting I have ever seem....whoever wrote this movie is a genius...One of the best movies ever....10 out of 10....Supramaxx.
Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004)
Biased Liberal Propaganda
Anyways so today I go with my cousin Chris to go watch Fahrenheit 9/11. I didn't want to see this crap *ahem, movie, but since I had to write a paper for it for my anthropology class, I decided to go. Let me just tell you that this film aroused passions in me that I didn't even know existed. First of all let me say this is an extremely important film, and it is the duty of all patriotic Americans to go watch this movie to see what the media muckrackers of the left are planning to conjure up next to sway the public opinion of many feeble-minded Americans. Anyways, I could honestly say that this is the biggest example of Yellow Journalism in the 21st century.
Although many of the stories are true, the opinions are all Michael Moore's opinions and all his opinions are sadly misrepresented. First of all he shows our nations president, George W. Bush, as an incompetent, greedy, self-centered imbecile who doesn't give a damn about the United States, and get this Bush was actually friends with Osama Bin Laden!!! WHAT A LOAD OF BULLSH*T!!! THIS MOORE HAS SOME NERVE! Well all I can say is that his criticisms of the Bush Administration in his documentary is the truth was exaggerated and some of the stuff that he talked about was purely fiction! The part that upset me the most is how he compared the Iraq war with the war in Vietnam and how he said the Iraq War is worst than Vietnam, First of all let me get this one thing straight 55,000 Americans died in Vietnam because of a war that was caused by democrats, JFK and LBJ as the main factors, In the Iraq War of 2003-2004 only 600 Americans have died and we have won this war as well! AS A MATTER OF FACT ALL WARS HAVE BEEN CAUSED BY DEMOCRATS IN THE 20th CENTURY, with exception of Bush senior in 1991 with desert storm and that wasn't even a war, that was an police action! Anyways I all I wanna say is that Michael Moore is a man who wields extraordinary power over the minds of ignorant feeble-minded Americans who come to watch his movie, his weapons of course are his camera and his entertaining and comical style of production. He is also a man who self-proclaims himself as a defender of the underprivileged and the urban poor when he himself is a millionaire and stands to make substantial profit with this movie and get this he makes over $30,000 a speech when he talks at various colleges around the country. He degrades our armed forces in this film as well and den lifts the army back up when he interviews Mrs. Lipscomb (who lost a son in Iraq) this sort of inconsistency in his movies just displays the level of hypocrisy this man has. This film made me realize not to hate Bush and his administration , as Moore surely intended me to do, but to hate Moore and his blatant lies and his perverse vision of America.
I also realized that Moore is a very powerful man and he will persuade many ppl to go against this great government because of his movie making skills and his entertainment skills, But he is the biggest Muckracker, Yellow Journalist there is out there and he is a Media Darling! Hah! Funny his core supporters are college students, HAH, Mr. Moore I laugh at your face, I am a college student, I am a minority, I am also an American who refuses to play your mind games and refuses to drown in your liberal hypocrisy!!! Anyways, Go watch that piece of leftist crap Farenheight 9-11 see if your one of the weak minded or one of the stronger minded. God Bless! Bush 2004! Supramaxx Rating 1/10
28 Days Later... (2002)
Disappointing...I cant believe I bought this movie.
28 Days Later....I bought this movie thinking it was going to be a great zombie flick, turns out its one of the worst I ever seen. Turns Out, Resident Evil is 20x better than this movie. There are just so many plot holes and the mood of the movie is way too light for me, throw that in with almost no blood and gore, and it turns out to be a crappy movie. First of all, London is completely empty?!? Fine I got to admit there are some great shots of London being empty, But it just doesn't work out. There has to be at least 5 million ppl in London and most of them infected with "RAGE" as the movie likes to call the disease. but when Jim is walking the streets are completely empty. What is this, the zombies cant come out in daylight?? "WHICH WAS NEVER EXPLAINED IN THE MOVIE" and throughout the scene Jim only encounters about 2 cars, one the Mercedes that he touches and the other a Double Decker Bus, C'mon there has to be more cars somewhere in London, does everyone walk???? I would've made a bunch of cars on the street flaming and burning crashed into each other a bunch of bodies burning in the streets, Stores broken and stuff. But not just completely empty streets seems like everyone disintegrated. The most cars u see are in the tunnel, anyways I have much more complaints about this movie. Second of all the mood was just to light for me and this MOVIE WAS NOT SCARY AT ALL. Kids could see this movie and not get scared, there is no blood or gore. And in the whole of England there is just like 15 survivors out of a country of at least 50 million ppl. C'mon!!!! And why diddnt Jim let the army guys "mate" with his female companions, HELL if the survival of the human race were at stake, I would say Hell Yes!!! and the ending is just way too happy for me. This Movie really Blows!!!! If u want to see a light-horror flick which isn't well done, please see this movie. Some of the scenes reminded me of the green scenes from the LoTR, there is just too much greenery, not enough zombies, not enough destruction, not enough survivors to make this believable, Do yourself a favor and see either Dawn of the Dead or Resident Evil which is much better than this crap! i'm getting ready to return this movie as I type this. SUPRA RATING- 3/10
Equilibrium (2002)
I CANT BELIEVE I'VE NEVER HEARD OF THIS MOVIE!!!!
Equilibrium, in a word, incredible. You know I have never heard of this movie until I saw it at my school just like 15 minutes ago and was so utterly impressed by it, wow. I definetely recommend this movie for all sci-fi/action fans. I still cant believe that I never heard of this movie until today. Did this movie even come out in theatres?? It would've made a ton of money, In my opinion it has a more sound story than the Matrix and the visual effects are the same if not better than The Matrix (And I was a huge Matrix Fan B4 I saw this movie). The premise of the movie,a no emotion utopia, is very original, actually it reminded me of 1984 and Farenheight 451 with an original twist. Thats all I can I say without spoiling it, the whole story of Equlibrium is actually most similar to 1984, except the hero wins at the end after getting betrayed, unlike 1984 where Winston learns how to love Big Brother after being betrayed. 1984 is my favorite novel and Equlibrium is probabaly my new favorite movie. Like the tagline says FORGET THE MATRIX, DAMN I STILL CANT BELIVE I'VE NEVER HEARD OF THIS MOVIE UNTIL TODAY!!! EVERYBODY SHOULD WATCH THIS MOVIE!! ITS THE BEST SCI-FI MOVIE EVER!! OK OK But its one of the best I've seen, I'm going to buy the DVD now, this gem has to be in my collection. Go see it, rent it, buy it, borrow it, it has to be seen and its lesson has to be learned. SUPRAMAXX RATING 10 OUT OF 10. Dont Hate Appreciate!
Monster (2003)
Except For Theron's Acting This Movie Was Horrible And Depressing.
I can't believe I got forced to watch this movie! First off it is a very depressing movie, Second of all it was depressing, and third of all it was depressing. I gotta commend Charlize Theron who did an excellent job, I dont know how such a beauty got transformed into such an ugly woman, she reminded me of beetlejuice, and then the whole lesbian romance made it disgusting! If you like depressing dramas with a damn good actress then this is your movie, everyone else STAY AWAY! Supra Rating 3/10
A Walk to Remember (2002)
First romantic movie I have ever seen is the best romantic movie I have ever seen!
This movie is absolutely wonderful...Im an 18 year old guy and I have never really seen a love story movie, my fave types of movies are usually sci-fi and action movies, Honestly When I first started seeing this movie I didnt know what it was about, I thought it was some cheap teen flick. I actually didnt want to see it, But by the end of the movie I almost started crying. This movie is about one boys quest and one girls quest to discover one of the strongest emotions in life and that emotion is love. This movie is wonderful in so many ways, the story is sooo original, the inclusion of the religous aspect of the movie makes it soo much better and the characters who are polar opposites at the beginning of the movie know by the end of the movie that LOVE negates all opposites and makes everything so much BETTER. I actually felt all the emotions that the charcters felt as when Mandy is the social outcast and West gets rejected by his friends for falling for this social outcast. I realize how cruel the world is when I see this hatred and how West's former friends make their life miserable, yet throughout all this love still survives....I just dont have word to describe this movie....It is an absolute masterpiece....Mandy sings beautifully in this movie and this movie is filled with emotion that anyone can feel...More importantly its a story about ever perservearnt love in the most unlikely of places. The ending is quite a shocker and makes the story more heart warming and sad at the same time. But the love that those two had is certainly praise-worthy to say the least and this movie overall is a masterpiece. A classic movie dealing with the wonderful discovery of true love in the most unlikely form. In a word, WOW. See It, especially with a loved one. Its a perfect movie of love. SUPRAMAXX RATING - 9.5 out of 10
The Matrix Reloaded (2003)
The Matrix Reloaded Is One Of The Best Sci-Fi/Action Films I have EVER SEEN!
In a word, WOW! The Matrix:Reloaded is heavy-duty stuff. The Action Sequences alone are worth the price of admission, but the story makes it so much better and so much more interesting. The Matrix:Reloaded has the best action sequences of any movie I have ever seen! The Special Effects have evolved into near-perfection from The original Matrix. The story is much more interesting, although you need a dictionary when the architect speaks, there are some really interesting charcters that are introduced and Neo is as cool as ever. The Freeway action sequence is the best in a movie EVER as well as the ATTACK OF THE CLONES sequence which pitts Agent Smith and his clone army agianst Neo is amazing. The story is so complex but interesting that it might make some ppl confused, But I understood it fairly well. As you see this movie you begin to wonder about Fate, Love, Destiny, Life, and Human Nature in General which seem to be the deep themes for this movie. All I can say is wow! The French guy introduces a new homorous villain, Agent Smith is now a rogue and The Agents are still there as well as the Ghost Brothers! All I can say is this is a movie that has to be seen to belived! GO SEE IT NOW! Even if the story doesnt make sense to you, Tha action sequences are the best, the apex of modern filmmaking! SEE IT! Supra Rating: 10 out of 10
Vanilla Sky (2001)
An Excellent Psychological Movie (The quest for identity and love)
Vanilla Sky was Quite a thought-provoking film. I really liked the extraordinary and original story. I could sum it up like this one rich, handsome man life comes tumbling down when he refuses to fall in love with his "friend" who loves him, he gets in her car and she attempts a double suicide. This whole scenario for me was probably the most emotionally-driven some say that Julie was crazy, and she was to a certain extent, but i cant help but feeling her anger over her lovers indecison to commit to a relationship, I mean julie really loved David, it was almost like Romeo & Juliet or Ethan Frome, This movie also reminded me of "The Picture of Dorian Grey" in many facets of the movie. But sadly, David is really in love with this other girl he just met whose name is Sofia and Julie gets jealous and tries to commit a double murder. The whole movie is extremely intriguing and explores the depths of the mind of David Aames and the state of mind he really is in. Overall a very artistic movie with one hell of a conclusion, It is basically a mans quest for identity and love which isnt actually real. I recommend drama and sci-fi entusiasts to watch it. All actors perfromed great. Cameron Diaz was terrific as the woman who believed in true love. Penelope was great, I love her spanish accent, and Cruise was very good as well. I didnt think it was confusing like most ppl think, I actually found it pretty striaghtfoward, It was a greta movie that can best be describes as "The Picture Of Dorian Grey" By Oscar Wilde meets The Matrix meets Romeo & Juliet. A Great Movie. Watch It. Supramaxx rating 8.5/10
The Peacemaker (1997)
I think this movie was better than THE SUM OF ALL FEARS
The Peacemaker is one of the best action-political thrillers I have ever seen. It grimly foreshadowed what terrorism can do (9-11), but the pace of the movie is great and it is a very realistic situation in today's present world. This movie is filled with pulse-pounding excitement and the acting is absolutely superb. I espoecailly like that they used russian language actors. The whole movie in my opinion was exceptional and yes I did see THE SUM OF ALL FEARS and it is comparable, But The Peacemaker did it better and earlier, This is simply action packed, the car chase scene is great and the helicopter scene as well. This movie was just excellent and is way better than the sum of all fears, Clooney is a much better actor than Affleck. Anyways I recommend this movie to anybody who likes political-action thrillers. SUPRAMAXX RATING - 9/10 SEE IT!