kipmcmillan Reviews

Monkey Man (2024)

I will tell my friends and more...

[9/10 · 29 April 2024]

Dev Patel has earned his place as an outstanding actor, and this movie makes me want to see more from him. Could it be said it's a clone of the John Wick movies? Sure... But it certainly isn't a disrespectful or uninspired bad clone. I really enjoyed the pacing, story, cinematography... Everything.

For his directorial debut, Dev made a great action film that I honestly want to see what he does next and how he grows from the lessons learned from this film.

I did find some of the action sequences disjointed, but there's some real gems in those sequences.

I also appreciated the diversity in the cast of characters. I don't know much about the Bollywood, but I certainly hope this finds a great audience all over.

The Last of Us: Long, Long Time (2023) Season 1, Episode 3

A Real Must Watch Episode

[10/10 · 31 January 2023]

I cannot believe what I watched. Very few shows have made me cry like that. It was something TV or movies should have had a long time ago. A truly unique, beautiful story of love. It doesn't matter the sex of those involved... But the talented performances of Nick Offerman and Murray Batlett are stunning. The direction from Peter Hoar kept it touching and realistic without being sensational or tasteless. A beautifully written story by Craig Mazin has made this one of the most important individual shows to have been created in a long time.

Should you watch it? You're damned right you should. It normalized a homosexual relationship with respect... Something I haven't seen to date.

If anyone who made this episode in any capacity, congratulations on your beautiful achievement. Cheers.

Bullet Train (2022)

A Genuinely Fun Movie

[9/10 · 9 January 2023]

I was pleasantly surprised with how fun this movie really is. The sets are simple (it is a train...) Yet dynamic. The style is fantastic for everything. The dialogue is snappy and fun. The action is excellent and doesn't make you sea sick.

Overall, movies like this are great. The story is easy to follow and is paced so well that the 2 hour (I think?) run time just disappeared and I was hooked from the beginning. The violence is just right too... Not too gruesome, but enough to not make it lame. I want more movies like this! Stylish, smart, good stories and great action. I highly recommend it, especially if you like a strong action movie.

Willow (2022–2023)

I'm trying to like it... But it's not easy

[3/10 · 1 December 2022]

When I saw Willow, I was drawn into a unique fantasy film with great characters and story. It was a movie that has endured with me ever since.

With this show, has anyone heard of character development? Pacing? STORY???

This show has jumped so quickly into an "adventure" with the people in the room. Who the heck are they and why should they be trusted to save the world?? I would have preferred the flashbacks to guide the story. And that song in the outro is so jarringly out of place.

The writers should have actually watched the movie instead of playing on their phones.

I'm losing interest and I just don't care about the characters... I hope the 3rd episode is better... Otherwise my heart will be broken.

The Righteous Gemstones: Interlude II (2022) Season 2, Episode 5

OMG.

[10/10 · 20 February 2022]

I never review individual episodes, but this episode was on another level. The writing, the performances, the insight into the family... If this episode isn't a stand out at the Emmy awards... Then the system is truly rigged. BEST EPISODE SO FAR!

Murderville (2022– )

I want MORE!

[9/10 · 16 February 2022]

This show's premise is simple... Making a celebrity improv their way through a murder investigation. Will Arnett is brilliant guiding the show and keeping it fun. IMO, Conan O'Brien was the greatest, Sharon Stone was a fantastic surprise, and overall this is great fun... Especially when they go over the top.

Peacemaker (2022– )

Juvenile, Crude and A Lot of Fun

[8/10 · 22 January 2022]

Firstly, if you don't like crude humor, don't watch this because that's the core of the show. I do enjoy the humor, there is a story, the character development is limited to a few characters, and quite frankly the hate against this show comes from whining millenials who aren't getting what they want... Get over yourself, and have a little fun in life. If you have specific expectations, you will be disappointed. But if you watch this for what it is -- a fun silly show with some great writing that's different from most of the rest of the TV shows out there.

Being the Ricardos (2021)

It's not all about the Ricardos... And that makes it a good movie

[7/10 · 17 January 2022]

Firstly, believing that Nicole Kidman and Javier Bardem in their roles is so easy... But the rest of those responsible for the show deserve so much acclaim too. Nina Arianda, JK Simmons, Tony Hale, Alia Shawkat and Aaron Sorkin's script/direction help carry this movie into something worth watching. This is a good movie that highlights not only some of the life of Lucy and Ricky, but how their relationships and friendships meant to the I Love Lucy. I never realized that how Vivian Vance and William Frawley were actually part of the shows development... How Lucy and Ricky participated with the writing... And how they actually were a family (of sorts).

If you've ever been a fan of I Love Lucy, this is definitely worth watching.

Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)

A Very Good Movie!!

[10/10 · 9 January 2022]

Firstly as I write this, I'm watching it for the second time. Jason Reitman has done it right. It's full of nostalgia, it shows the love to the original 2, even the effects keep much of the look to the original. The story flows well, the characters are well established, and it doesn't forget where it came from while constantly looking forward. Things that Paul Feig did not do.

Is It perfect? I don't know and don't care. It's definitely got a rewatchable quality, it's fun, and it brought a year and smile to my face...

The Matrix Resurrections (I) (2021)

Fascinating and Fun Experience

[8/10 · 8 January 2022]

Firstly, if you have delved into some of the mythology behind the how and why of the story, this should be a fascinating story. For the casual viewer, keeping an open mind and just enjoying the details within this movie are great.

The juxtaposition of the original trilogy vs the meta storyline has provided an interesting chapter. Lana has definitely grown as a storyteller and filmmaker... This is a very good movie that is full of so many details to make it rewatchable.

Gunpowder Milkshake (2021)

Just Fun

[7/10 · 9 November 2021]

I like a stylistic action movie that doesn't take itself too seriously, and has some originality. Letting the ladies prove there's too few female lead action movies... Because they do better than many of the guys. It's an enjoyable watch with several good action scenes that actually let the ladies flex their action chops. I had fun watching it.

Only Murders in the Building (2021– )

A Fresh and Incredibly Well Written Show

[10/10 · 6 September 2021]

As a fan of Steve and Martin, I couldn't wait for this. But my expectations were blown away by the writing, acting, and the great ensemble. This show (only 3 episodes in) is just fun to watch and the story pace keeps you engaged. Selena Gomez is doing a great job keeping up with the incredible talents she gets the privilege of working with.

Car Masters: Rust to Riches (2018– )

Gotten lame... and Terrible Workmanship

[1/10 · 26 August 2021]

I enjoyed the first season... It was a fun concept. Season 2 was a carbon copy, with stranger builds. Season 3 has shown that the "we're going to lose the shop" concept has gotten old. The "concept build" uses a terrible Corvette rather than showing skills in building a frame... They use Harbor Freight lights... And it's supposed to be "on par with the most advanced cars on the market" by putting a camera on it... And the concept bike has horrible"carbon fiber" wrap that you can see cheap work. It's now so staged that it's difficult to watch and give any respect to...do I recommend this show? Omg no. And that guy trying to sell/find cars is such a slimeball car salesman that my wallet would close on it's own. Highlights of the show? Constance used to actually work on engines... Caveman and Tony are very very cool guys. And Mark's ego needs to be deflated...I don't recommend anything after season 2. I regretted it.

Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)

Redemption

[10/10 · 21 March 2021]

Thank you Zack and everyone else who made this happen. This is a vastly superior and clear movie. I actually know what's going on... I don't care about the 4 hours... It is about telling a story that makes sense, rather than just cutting something together to make money.

The Great Escapists (2021)

It's Really Not Bad!

[9/10 · 25 February 2021]

Firstly, I read several reviewers on various sites just insulting this show. Clearly the reviews on IMDB say it's got an audience. This show has a good premise and silly execution. The Mythbusters combined with Gilligan's Island with a little Grand Tour. If you like Tori and Hammond, you will like this show...

Palm Springs (2020)

Cristin Milioti is Incredible

[10/10 · 6 January 2021]

This movie is fun, charming, endearing, smart and really well performed... Especially Cristin Milioti. Her performance runs the gamut of emotion, subtly that is difficult to ignore even with Adam Samberg being Adam Samberg (funny, talented, natural). He's not necessarily the greatest actor, but this is definitely one he brings his A game... Probably out of respect and to keep up with Cristin. Everything is great about this movie and you will not be disappointed watching this movie. Heck, just watch it... Watch it with someone... Please!!!

Knives Out (2019)

10 Times Better Than You Think

[10/10 · 1 March 2020]

Unbelievable fast paced, brilliantly acted (by everyone, especially Ana De Armas), with enough twists and turns to keep anyone enthralled and captivated throughout the film. This movie was on my watchlist for the actors and the reviews... It's now on my rewatch list!

Dolemite Is My Name (2019)

Eddie is too damn good

[10/10 · 28 October 2019]

Wow. You know when you watch a movie (no matter how good or bad) and you can tell everybody has their heart and soul and it was fun for them? This is an outstanding movie that everything has heart, soul, laughs, love, fun and is an excellent film. Eddie is spectacular. This man acts with such ease, subtlety and respect to the script and his fellow actresses and actors. He knew Rudy Ray Moore and he's saying thank you to one of the greatest... Please let the academy recognize him with an Oscar.

Stan & Ollie (2018)

A Love Letter to a Beautiful Friendship

[10/10 · 19 October 2019]

I have just enjoyed some incredible performances that were propelled with beautiful effects and scenery. So many nuances immerse you into what is truly a pleasure to watch. A must for anyone who's ever enjoyed Laurel and Hardy... Or for anyone who hasn't. A truly underrated film. Congratulations to everyone who made this film.

Live in Front of a Studio Audience: Norman Lear's 'All in the Family' and 'The Jeffersons' (2019 TV Special)

Brilliant

[10/10 · 23 May 2019]

Only one word could describe this evening... BRILLIANT. Performing 2 incredible episodes of shows that changed the world. The performances were fun, and complimentary to the original performers (especially Jamie Foxx's hair). This was a great idea

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile (2019)

Zac Efron Deserves the Accolades

[8/10 · 17 May 2019]

Firstly as a child, I remember a lot of the story from the news. Ted Bundy was very charming and charismatic. He captured the attention of the world. As a period piece, the use of news videos to compliment everything has been very well done. Although I find the story a little lacking. There are a lot of known details of what led him to that life, and it would have been interesting to include. I'm glad they didn't sensationalize or dramatize the murders. Finally, Zac Efron shows a lot of power. I actually forgot this is not Ted Bundy at times. Incredibly well done sir...

Polar (I) (2019)

Not John Wick...

[8/10 · 6 February 2019]

Let's face it... Hollywood has very few ideas but when someone has a good idea, it gets repeated. Without knowing the history of the story, I can see why dumbass critics panned this as a John Wick ripoff. I disagree. The visuals are cool, the atmosphere is engaging, the story allowed for some character development (needed more), and quite frankly Mads Mikkelsen is amazing. Please give this an opportunity. If you like a stylish movie with killing... You will be entertained. Will this go down in history as a significant film, doubtful... But I found it an enjoyable movie on a cold evening. Note to Producers... Part 2? The junkies revenge...

Surviving R. Kelly (2019–2023)

Shocking... and Very Important

[10/10 · 13 January 2019]

Incredible story by some courageous women. I'm not here to argue if R.Kelly is guilty or not, but shows granting people the strength to stand up is so important. The combination of strength, fear, anger, and more emotions on the faces of everyone (especially the ladies--cheers to your courage) is gripping. Abuse comes in too many forms... And something isn't right in the R.Kelly world.

The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)

Outstanding.

[9/10 · 19 November 2018]

I am a fan of the Coen Brothers, I am a fan of quirky comedy, and I am a fan of smart movies. This is all 3. This is a collection of stories each unique withina western setting. Incredibly shot with long shots that immerse you into what was a largely untouched country. The costumes and dialogue complete the atmosphere. While the quirky comedy isn't for everyone, the short stories don't last too long to spoil the movie, allowing the viewer to undoubtedly find one they like. If, you find yourself liking it all, you'll be pleasantly satisfied with each story. This is an education in great filmmaking.

Band of Brothers (2001)

Share With Your Children

[10/10 · 25 October 2018]

This is an incredibly poignant and important show that everyone should watch once. It's so real in the portrails of these men and women who lived through this war. I've watched it a couple dozen times and I still get drawn into this story and am touched by the sacrifices so many people made. Please show this to everyone you know. It's important to tell these stories that are becoming lost to time and history.