jaysser Reviews

Vice (I) (2018)

Absurd, yet genuine

[8/10 · 24 April 2020]

Vice is a movie based on the true story and events surrounding Dick Cheney who assumed several positions in the white house, last of which was known to be the Vice President to George W. Bush.

Throughout the film, you notice a mixture of elements between authenticity and absurdity. The story is all real. The way it is depicted to the audience is absurd, and at times, abrupt, which in my perspective has made it more interesting to watch. Hats off to the genuine performance and the creativity in both screenplay and editing.

Vice is undoubtedly a great film that displays a biography in a unique way.

The Blair Witch Project (1999)

Not bad for suspense

[6/10 · 23 April 2020]

The Blair Witch Project is quite the suspense. I would not say it is the scariest movie out there, but it can surely keep you on the edge at certain points. When a film triggers a set of emotions in you, that's how you know it was well-made. I particularly loved the performance, and I believe most of it was improvised. I did see some over-exaggeration at times, but nothing I was not expecting from a typical horror ambiance. An extra point goes for the actors' handling the cameras themselves. On the other hand, while suspense was the main element in the movie, I would have loved to see more frightening scenes, the ones that make you jump off the couch.

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

A one-of-a-kind movie you will NEVER forget in your lifetime.

[10/10 · 20 April 2020]

No matter how many times I watch this movie, I never get over it. A genuine and absolute outlook on life and death, freedom and captivity, friend and foe. A perfect score is what the Shawshank Redemption will always deserve. Its idea will never die.

You're Next (2011)

I literally laughed at how RIDICULOUS this "horror" movie is.

[1/10 · 19 April 2020]

It has been a while since I have last seen a horror movie, at least a good one. I don't know how and why I was intrigued to watch You're Next, and boy did I make the wrong choice there. First off, since when is the color of blood brown? I understand this is a low-budget film, and I am pretty sure the cost of making the blood's appearance at least half-real wouldn't have killed the making of the movie. Second, is it just me or was it too obvious that Felix, Zee, and Crispian were in on the "plan" ? While Felix and Zee display their emotionless behavior towards all surrounding events, Crispian, whose "superhero" girlfriend admits that he is not tough, decides to run outside and call for help, even after knowing his sister died the exact same way, and disappears until the end of the movie. I don't think it's considered a plot twist if the twist is overt, at least not to me. This goes without mentioning that all three sons could not care less for their mother's or sister's deaths. Long story short, I did not see anything original in this movie. I am no expert, but I do not believe it requires a high-budget film to make up a creative, well-executed plot. Having had additional effort put into performance and character development would have at least kept the audience with a tiny feeling of excitement throughout the film.

Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

A ravishing animation

[8/10 · 3 January 2019]

I was so thrilled to see a comic book turning into an impressively magical animation film, especially one bringing incredible emotions. The visuals, soundtrack, story-line and characters are intriguing and keep the audience at an excessive degree of excitement.

Limitless (I) (2011)

Creative, but expected better

[7/10 · 14 September 2013]

I would like to point out that the idea of the mysterious pill is unique and creative. The movie's plot is revolved around this pill which can be viewed as a good substance to enhance the brain's functioning, while destructing the process of human activity. If it were me, I would have never taken the pill as it would have ruined my conscience. Rather than making him a better person, it turned Eddie Morra to a vicious man (he killed that woman in the hotel).

The making of the film was well-done. There were clearly lots of effort put into editing, picture enhancement and special effects. Also, I loved the acting, in general. Bradley Cooper shows lots of talent, especially in the scene where he finds Vernon dead in his apartment. Even-though it didn't affect the film's general outcome, I expected a more extended, interesting role for Robert De Niro.

Regarding the script, it is well-written, but I think it could have been more appealing with more action and suspense, which would have better attracted the audience.

Scream 4 (2011)

They killed the original plot!

[3/10 · 5 September 2013]

I do not understand why Kevin Williamson was so eager to complicate an already twisted plot. The original story line of Scream 1, 2, and 3, which was revealed at the end of Scream 3, was adequate. Scream 4, on the other hand, was a total disaster. It felt like Kevin just added to it because he was bored. In my opinion, it was a waste of time. I would have stuck to the original plot. The one thing I actually liked in the film was the murder scenes. It contained more violence, more brutality, more shocks and suspense than all other Scream films. This doesn't change the fact that it was a horrible film due to the lack of creativity and the meaningless, complex plot.

Grown Ups 2 (2013)

A complete failure!

[4/10 · 5 September 2013]

As much as I think highly of Adam Sandler and his true devotion to comedy, Grown ups 2 was a flop. He, Kevin James, and Steve Buscemi deserve much better than this. No plot, no content, silly jokes, useless roles = a waste of time. I believe Dennis Dugan has the ability to create much better comedies; comedies like "I now pronounce you Chuck n Larry" or "Big Daddy" that I personally found entertaining. He shouldn't have wasted time doing a movie that gives the audience nothing to laugh about or learn from. I'd give it a 4/10 due to the actors' efforts, performance, and dedication. It does not deserve higher.

The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)

Entertaining, but too long.

[7/10 · 4 September 2013]

One thing I love about Steve Carell is that he leaves a good impression in every movie he's enrolled in. His performance and expressions in "The 40 Year Old Virgin" makes the audience believe in the situation that he is dealing with. Judd Apatow's movies are known to include comedian actors such as Paul Rudd and Soth Rogen who played two amazing roles in this movie. Seeing that the movie turned out to be entertaining and well developed, I found it longer than it should have been. I think movies like "The 40 year old virgin", or "This is 40" (also directed by Judd Apatow) should be plain and simple (about 1 hr 20 min - 1 hr 30 min max). Despite the fact that the plot is amusing, it should have been compressed. Overall, it was a good movie.