White_Prophet Reviews

Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)

Funny and fun! ...But my least favorite MCU movie - 68% (Favorable)

[7/10 · 8 July 2018]

I did enjoy this movie. It was funny, had really cool effects, fun action scenes, and a few heartwarming moments. However, I could say the same things for every other movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The Incredible Hulk was always my least favorite Marvel movie - it was the only one that I didn't actually like and think was good. I still don't think it's bad and enjoy it quite a bit. That is sort of how I feel about this movie and I think it may actually be my least favorite MCU movie.

I liked the original Ant-man- I thought it was pretty good but even then it was in the bottom 3 MCU movies for me. This movie is very much like the first, but not quite as good. Like the first, this movie is pretty self-contained and light, but it feels like it's juggling a few too many story lines which consequently takes away from the main narrative. Hope is probably the brightest part of the movie, and Micheal Pena delivers most of the good comedy, but Paul Rudd himself doesn't really stand out much. The main villain is decent but felt rushed and Walton Goggins was completely wasted. Throughout the movie I was mostly just mildly entertained. In fact, the most excitement I felt was waiting for the mid-credits scene. The post-credits scene however was a waste of time.

Overall, this is another fun MCU movie, but a pretty forgettable one that doesn't do much to justify it's existence.

Annihilation (I) (2018)

The more you think about it, the better it gets - Awesome (89%)

[9/10 · 8 July 2018]

I watched this movie for the first time last night and while I definitely liked it, I wasn't quite sure what in the world I had just seen. I thought about this movie for hours and after letting it digest and making sense of the deeper meanings and themes, I really came to appreciate and love this movie. (The ATZ Show has a really good explained video on Youtube that will completely change the way you look at the movie.) I watched Annihilation again today because this is one of those movies that requires a second viewing - there was so much that I missed and I can confidently say that this is is arguably my favorite movie of 2018.

First of all, there's no denying that this film is simply beautiful. The way it's shot, the scenery.. fantastic. Also, this movie is extremely original, I've never seen anything like it before and I love it when a movie offers something new. A few more adjectives that come to mind to describe this movie are immersive, intense, creepy, emotional at parts, trippy at others, there's just so much to appreciate in this movie.

What really elevates the movie for me however is all of the deeper meanings, themes, and symbolism that are going on beyond the surface plot. This is a movie with many layers that really makes you think, and people can interpret it in many different ways. That being said, this movie is definitely not for everyone... if i were to judge it solely by my first immediate reaction, I would rate it much lower, maybe 3.5 stars. I needed to really think and pick apart the movie to really appreciate the great work of art Alex Garland has put together. It's films like these that remind me why I love movies so much.

The Death of Stalin (2017)

Not a movie for me - 50% (Unfavorable)

[5/10 · 8 July 2018]

I understand that this kind of humor works for many people, but unfortunately I am not one of them. I may have chuckled a few times, and I did like Jason Isaacs quite a bit when he made his appearance, but overall I didn't enjoy this movie at all. I do not think it's a bad film- I understand the political satire and the intent of the humor, it just wasn't quite my tempo. I knew that this wasn't a movie for me from the first 15 minutes, so I do applaud myself for being patient enough to actually see it through 'til the end.

The First Purge (2018)

Another fun Purge movie, told from an interesting viewpoint - 68% (Favorable)

[7/10 · 8 July 2018]

I enjoyed the original Purge movie, the second one even more so, but I did not like Election Year at all. This movie is a return to form for the franchise - I did enjoy it quite a bit though not as much as the first two. This one has a new director and it definitely shows as this movie has a very different tone to it.

I really liked Y'lan Noel in this movie, he is a total badass and I definitely want to see more of him. In fact, I'd say the acting overall is improved in this installment - I liked much of the supporting cast, Lex Scott Davis and Marisa Tomei in particular. I also dug the soundtrack, even though it felt like someone going through their Spotify playlist with a different song playing in back-to-back scenes. The action in this movie is also very thrilling and as the movie progressed I was definitely engaged and having a good time.

However, I noticed there was a bit too much violence in this movie compared to the others. Usually I don't mind that sort of thing but at one point it felt like someone was getting stabbed every other scene. There's also a notable difference in the delivery of it's social commentary and political message compared to the the other movies. This one is a bit heavy handed and definitely hits you over the head with it. Also, the main character, while fun to watch as an action star, isn't necessarily a person you want to root for in this movie.

Overall, The First Purge is another interesting and fun action thriller with a slightly different approach that sometimes works and sometimes doesn't.

The Equalizer (2014)

Can't wait for the sequel! - 79% (Very Good)

[8/10 · 2 July 2018]

Fun, quotable, stylish, and overall a really good action flick. Denzel is the ultimate badass.

Unfriended (2014)

Original, entertaining, but silly - 68% (Favorable)

[7/10 · 2 July 2018]

I feel about this movie much like how I felt about The Purge (also made by Blumhouse). It has a neat premise, it's intense and engrossing, has a pretty good lead performance, and says some interesting things about society. The movie also deserves some credit for possibly redefining "found-footage" and "low-budget" since this movie was filmed almost entirely on a computer screen. However, I can't say Unfriended is particularly good; this horror movie did not scare me at all and had many stupid and over the top moments, with an entity that felt like more like an internet troll that a vengeful spirit. All that being said, it's still enjoyable and way better than it should have been.

Mamma Mia! (2008)

"Pretty fun... if not for the songs alone." 69% - (Favorable)

[7/10 · 2 July 2018]

I loved the songs of course and that was definitely the best part of the movie for me. Streep and Seyfried were good and the Greek setting made for a lot of beautiful scenery. Other than that, the story was pretty basic and one that you can't take too seriously, especially towards the end. There were a lot of cheesy moments and probably too much singing (I'm not that into musicals, though i love La La Land) but if you just go with it it's pretty fun if not for the songs alone.

Hotel Transylvania 2 (2015)

Still fun but not as fresh as the first - 68% - (Favorable)

[7/10 · 2 July 2018]

Tartakovsky does his thing once again and this movie is beautifully directed with really cool and creative animation. The cast does a pretty good job, the jokes are still pretty smart, and there are some good messages with the new story that is being told. However, this sequel doesn't do much to justify itself as it's pretty much an extension of the first movie. It's still a fun movie for the entire family, but nothing too special.

Hotel Transylvania (2012)

Fresh family fun! - Pretty Good

[7/10 · 2 July 2018]

I did not know this movie was directed by Tartakovsky, which is probably why I liked it as much as I did. He is one of my favorite animation directors and he does a great job in directing this movie as well. The humor is a bit hit or miss, mostly kid-oriented but there were some creative jokes and I laughed out loud a couple times. The cast does a good job for the most part and the movie has some heart to it. Overall, a pretty pleasant surprise that could have benefited from some better writing.

The Purge: Election Year (2016)

The worst of the franchise by far - Pretty Bad

[4/10 · 2 July 2018]

This is where the franchise fails for me. I understand that the director wanted a hopeful ending and show how getting rid of the Purge would play out... but the execution was nothing special. While Purge Anarchy added a lot of really cool aspects to the franchise, this movie doesn't do anything new at all. The cast is pretty forgettable and you don't care much about these characters. Even Frank Grillo's character, which was a badass in Anarchy, is pretty underused in this one. Towards the last third of the movie, I found myself getting annoyed at how linear and uninventive the film was compared to the others. In summary, while Frank Grillo is still doing his thing and there are some decently fun sequences, this is a completely forgettable movie and a step downwards in a franchise that wasn't even good to begin with.

Ella Enchanted (2004)

Not as good as I remember - 65% (Fine)

[6/10 · 2 July 2018]

As a kid, i liked this movie quite a bit so there is some nostalgia there that brings this movie up a bit for me. I think that Anne Hathaway did a good job in this, there is decent chemistry between the two leads, and the premise of the movie is still pretty engaging. However, re-watching it today the movie doesn't quite hold up. The movie is a bit too childish with some very cheesy and cliched dialogue. Overall it's a decently fun movie that works best for a younger audience.

The Purge: Anarchy (2014)

Enjoyed it a bit more than the original - 69% (Favorable)

[7/10 · 2 July 2018]

I felt like this was a necessary sequel because with such an interesting idea like the Purge, it would be criminal not to explore what it would be like out in the streets while this event is happening. The movie does a good job in that department because you really get a feel for how chaotic and dangerous the environment is. Frank Grillo comes in and does an awesome job, turning the franchise away from horror and more into a straight up action thriller. The supporting cast is more likable this time around and there are some really cool and intense scenes throughout. Much like the first movie, this has some interesting things to say about society, but there seems to be a cap to how good these sort of movies can be.

Uncle Drew (2018)

Fun for basketball fans of all ages - 72% (Pretty Good)

[7/10 · 2 July 2018]

I'll admit, even though I'm a huge basketball fan, I went into this movie with very low expectations. The trailers didn't entice me much and the movie itself didn't start off too strong for me. However, as the story progressed, it got funnier and I was having a pretty good time! I was pleased to see that the movie had some heart to it, with some good messages towards the end. Lil' Rel Howery and Tiffany Haddish were pretty much the only strong performances, but you're not really looking for good acting in a cast comprised mainly of NBA players. Overall, Uncle Drew is a pretty predictable movie that doesn't do anything particularly special, but one that made me laugh, smile, and ultimately won me over.

Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018)

A worthy companion piece to the first (80% - Pretty Great)

[8/10 · 29 June 2018]

It's not as masterfully made and great as the original, but overall, i think it comes pretty close! This is more of an alternate version than a sequel, one that focuses more on Del Toro's character which is definitely something I wanted after watching the first Sicario. He does a great job here and so does Brolin and Isabela Moner. The intensity is still there in this movie, except this time it's for pretty much the entire run time. It does a good job portraying the horrific nature of this environment in a gritty and realistic way, much like in Taylor Sheridan's other movies. There's also a focus on how kids are affected when they get caught up in the workings of the cartels and it's crazy that things like this actually happen. While the violence may be a bit much for some people, I thought it served the film's purpose well. Overall, it was a really intense ride and a worthy companion piece to the first Sicario.

SuperFly (2018)

"An extended cut of a rap music video" - 68% (Favorable)

[7/10 · 26 June 2018]

I liked the original Super Fly, it's considered a blaxploitation classic. The movie had a lot of style and a killer soundtrack and I can see the cultural impact it had. This modern remake does the original justice in many ways. This new portrayal of Priest is just as stylish and cool, and even more of a badass with his new fighting skills. He even looks like the original actor quite a bit. The soundtrack for this movie is also really good and there are some pretty cool action scenes. However, none of it is groundbreaking and there isn't much new here that the original didn't already do. While I appreciated that the movie had a couple of twists and wasn't a complete rehash of the original, it's a story that's been seen many times before. Overall, I suppose it's good this was made to introduce the iconic character of Priest to a newer generation, but this movie is pretty much an extended cut of a rap music video, which for me wasn't such a bad thing.

The Purge (I) (2013)

Not scary, but pretty entertaining - 69% (Favorable)

[7/10 · 23 June 2018]

I really struggled on deciding whether I liked this movie or not, and ultimately I just can't say that it's a good movie. However, I did enjoy it quite a bit! I think the premise was really interesting and I liked the creepy vibe and imagery in the movie. I really like Lena Dunham's performance and the main villain was very entertaining to watch... I feel like he wouldn't make a bad Joker. Ethan Hawke was also pretty good, but the kids... not so much. The movie also became pretty cliche and predictable which ultimately brought it down for me. Overall, it was an enjoyable ride with some pretty good ideas and social commentary but it could have been executed better.

Truth or Dare (I) (2018)

So bad it's actually enjoyable! -- 6.8/10

[7/10 · 14 April 2018]

So I went in to this movie knowing it was going to be really stupid, which it was, but I'm not going to lie.. I enjoyed this movie! If you go into this film, knowing what you're getting into, then I think there is some fun to be had. When I video chat with my friends on Facebook messenger, we fool around sometimes with that creepy smile filter and I honestly think that's where the director of this movie got the idea from. Every time the characters made that stupid face in the trailers, I could not help but laugh out loud. I don't know if they thought that was something that would scare audiences.. but it is not scary whatsoever.

Overall, this is not a movie that should be taken seriously. The characters are stupid, you don't really care about most of them, and the script makes choices that don't make much sense -- to the point where you just have to give up and go along with the ride. Instead, this is a movie that you get together with your friends and laugh at.. similar to The Room in that way. I wouldn't pay to see it but streaming it with friends could make for a decently fun night.