Judging by the trailers, I was expecting a "Hoosiers" type sports film. What I got was a one note depressing mess instead. The main message of this film seems to be that life sucks but It's sucks a little less if you can teach 10 kids to play basketball. There is no redemption there is no faith based themes and there's no emphasis on family. All that takes place is a lot of drinking by Ben Affleck and unresolved issues.That does not make for an entertaining movie and wasn't entertained at all.
Reviews
17 Reviews
The Nice Guys
(2016)
Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Lite
20 May 2016
The best way to describe this Shane Black film is to call it "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Lite." It's dark and interesting in a completely quirky way but I found it to be less charming than KKBB. The dark humor is about the same and it often works quite well. Russell Crowe is exceptional and Gosling works well enough. They do have the chemistry required to pull off Shane Black material. The pleasant surprise was the daughter character. She added much needed heart and motivation for both leads to become somewhat better men.
Overall enjoyable and I'm rounding my rating up based on expectations. I expected a truly great film and left the theatre somewhat unimpressed but that's my flaw so setting my sights so high and not a fault of the film itself.
Overall enjoyable and I'm rounding my rating up based on expectations. I expected a truly great film and left the theatre somewhat unimpressed but that's my flaw so setting my sights so high and not a fault of the film itself.
Captain America: Civil War
(2016)
a GREAT film and everything an adventure movie should be!
13 May 2016
Captain America: Civil War is everything an adventure movie should be, and more. It's the best film in any comic book movie universe.
What I liked is that there's a serious subtext to the story and it leaps out of the very first moments of the film. The movie gets just about everything right. The plot and shades of gray give much to chew on and think about. This installment perfectly picks up where we left Steve and his new team after Avengers Age of Ultron. It also follows up with Tony Stark perfectly. Yet, you need not even have seen any of those other films to enjoy this one even though it greatly adds depth to the overall story. Another huge strength is the casting. Evans again finds his pathos and his chops in this film. Robert Downey Jr. certainly has the acting chops to hang with anyone and he is again shear perfection as Tony Stark. Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther is no one dimensional character even though it easily could have been. This may also be Spider-Man's best turn on screen that we've seen and young Tom Holland is great. Sebastian Stan is again spooky perfection. Scarlett Johansson is AGAIN every bit the wise yet sexy female mainstay and a match for any male on screen. Emily Van Camp and Elizabeth Olson are smaller supporting characters but they simply shine with strength and depth. Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson certainly adds to the casting perfection. Every interaction and relationship works well and is certainly one of the many highlights of this remarkable film.
Again, this movie gets everything that matters right.
What I liked is that there's a serious subtext to the story and it leaps out of the very first moments of the film. The movie gets just about everything right. The plot and shades of gray give much to chew on and think about. This installment perfectly picks up where we left Steve and his new team after Avengers Age of Ultron. It also follows up with Tony Stark perfectly. Yet, you need not even have seen any of those other films to enjoy this one even though it greatly adds depth to the overall story. Another huge strength is the casting. Evans again finds his pathos and his chops in this film. Robert Downey Jr. certainly has the acting chops to hang with anyone and he is again shear perfection as Tony Stark. Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther is no one dimensional character even though it easily could have been. This may also be Spider-Man's best turn on screen that we've seen and young Tom Holland is great. Sebastian Stan is again spooky perfection. Scarlett Johansson is AGAIN every bit the wise yet sexy female mainstay and a match for any male on screen. Emily Van Camp and Elizabeth Olson are smaller supporting characters but they simply shine with strength and depth. Anthony Mackie as Sam Wilson certainly adds to the casting perfection. Every interaction and relationship works well and is certainly one of the many highlights of this remarkable film.
Again, this movie gets everything that matters right.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier is absolutely incredible. Best action, Great Story!
3 April 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Why this film is so great...
The main relationship centers on Cap's internal struggles, though Cap's relationships with Sam Wilson/Falcon and Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow are also important. Cap and Fury's relationship is as tense as it was at the end of The Avengers.
A core theme surrounding Cap is the idea that he once used to represent America and has now become alien to modern thoughts and values due to the passage of time.
The camaraderie between the Falcon and Captain America is built on a shared military experience.
This movie stands on its own, but it certainly respects its roots in the origin film.
The film is really grounded in a believable world that supports the political thriller aspect, and it's helped by the caliber of the cast involved.
Seeing this level of emotional stakes of this hero's journey is rare.
The fighting is very visceral and believable.
The Winter Soldier is a negative image of Steve Rogers.
I like that he wears his heart on his sleeve. I find it endearing especially in today's world to have a character who doesn't hide anything and tells the truth and sees truth as an important component to being a human being. This movie puts him through a lot.
Captain America Winter Soldier was every bit as awesome as I thought it'd be! Amazing!
The main relationship centers on Cap's internal struggles, though Cap's relationships with Sam Wilson/Falcon and Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow are also important. Cap and Fury's relationship is as tense as it was at the end of The Avengers.
A core theme surrounding Cap is the idea that he once used to represent America and has now become alien to modern thoughts and values due to the passage of time.
The camaraderie between the Falcon and Captain America is built on a shared military experience.
This movie stands on its own, but it certainly respects its roots in the origin film.
The film is really grounded in a believable world that supports the political thriller aspect, and it's helped by the caliber of the cast involved.
Seeing this level of emotional stakes of this hero's journey is rare.
The fighting is very visceral and believable.
The Winter Soldier is a negative image of Steve Rogers.
I like that he wears his heart on his sleeve. I find it endearing especially in today's world to have a character who doesn't hide anything and tells the truth and sees truth as an important component to being a human being. This movie puts him through a lot.
Captain America Winter Soldier was every bit as awesome as I thought it'd be! Amazing!
The Monuments Men
(2014)
'The Monuments MEH' Indeed. Very Mediocre.
7 February 2014
Warning: Spoilers
The reviews that I glanced at labeling this "The Monuments MEH" are right on the money. This is a sterile and mediocre effort all the way around. The absolutely superb cast was completely wasted by clumsy writing at even turn. Nothing meshed well and just about every scene fell flat and felt disjointed. There are a few nice scenes (Clooney's first cigarette and Bill Murray's record from home) but those moments are far and few between and, again, felt piecemeal. To me, it seems like they wasted a terrific concept and a stellar cast and missed a golden opportunity to create art themselves.
Honestly, change the cast out and this endeavor would hit lower than a made for TV movie that's easily forgotten. I can see why the studio moved it from December and dumped it in February.
Honestly, change the cast out and this endeavor would hit lower than a made for TV movie that's easily forgotten. I can see why the studio moved it from December and dumped it in February.
Don Jon
(2013)
Just Awful
9 October 2013
Warning: Spoilers
Thank you Hollywood. Without this film, I never would have guessed that sex is better when real emotion is attached to it. Groan.
This movie is a repetitive mess centering on two people that you never care for nor did I care what happens to them. Everyone is a caricature from Tony Danza's father character to the mindless mother to the lead's friends. The movie gets major points for showing Scarlett Johansson being dry-humped but honestly, there's not much else titillating or exciting about the film. That may be the exact intention. Showing the consequences to porn addiction and its pitfalls but this movie is too much of a mess to land on a particular point or even care if they do.
This movie is a repetitive mess centering on two people that you never care for nor did I care what happens to them. Everyone is a caricature from Tony Danza's father character to the mindless mother to the lead's friends. The movie gets major points for showing Scarlett Johansson being dry-humped but honestly, there's not much else titillating or exciting about the film. That may be the exact intention. Showing the consequences to porn addiction and its pitfalls but this movie is too much of a mess to land on a particular point or even care if they do.
The Wolverine
(2013)
The gravitas and intensity of this movie is off the charts!
3 August 2013
The gravitas and intensity of this movie is off the charts. Anyone that says otherwise is lying. Everyone seems to acknowledge that this movie's action is amazing. Let's not forget about this cast though. They really deliver. Sure the depth and lead up are complex and enjoyable but does get any better then the final showdown and conclusion?
Critics are saying that this may be the year's best superhero movie because, for a sufficient amount of time, it doesn't feel like a superhero movie at all. While true, it DOES feel like a good comic book. They took what works from the books (intelligent grit, grounded fantasical elements and a flawed, textured anti-hero) and made it sing in this film.
I truly enjoyed this movie.
Critics are saying that this may be the year's best superhero movie because, for a sufficient amount of time, it doesn't feel like a superhero movie at all. While true, it DOES feel like a good comic book. They took what works from the books (intelligent grit, grounded fantasical elements and a flawed, textured anti-hero) and made it sing in this film.
I truly enjoyed this movie.
Goon
(2011)
Better than most... man, do I miss Bob Probert and fighting in the NHL!
3 April 2012
Maybe it's the fond memories of when hockey used to really be like this but I enjoyed this effort quite a bit. (Although, that's FAR more swearing then I'd like to hear in peacetime. This movie has to be the f-bomb champion of the year) Sure there are Hollywood liberties taken but nothing that's too much to overlook or for the story to overcome. It's certainly not a complex story or character but that's part of its charm. It's a story about a hockey enforcer that's a bit of a simpleton and knows it. It's based on the true life of minor leaguer Doug Brown but has to be loosely based. I know nothing of him but I'm wondering if Liev Schreiber's character is loosely based on Marty McSorley? Whatever the case, this movie works better than most sports tales and very worthwhile to watch if you're a fan of the old days in hockey. Man, I miss Bob Probert...
Tower Heist
(2011)
Fun Film. So close to greatness but final act falls a bit short
7 November 2011
As this film set up, I really thought it was going to be an all-time classic. I loved the concept and character set up so very much. The conclusion of the film itself hits far lower then anticipated but still delivered enough fun and excitement to make it a worthwhile effort. The plot turns silly and I'm not sure what the characters were actually thinking but maybe that's the point. No one involved with the heist has any expertise and the over-the-top action is what results. Eddie Murphy is great but the size of his roll has been over-inflated. Besides a few three second scenes, he doesn't even show up until halfway through the film. It's Stiller's movie through and through and he does deliver a fun film that was headed to instant classic levels but ran short of smarts when it counted most.
Friends with Benefits
(2011)
genuinely likable and far better than I was expecting
12 August 2011
Both Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake do fine jobs and their chemistry and timing carries the movie. Their back and forth banter is delightful and both of their characters are genuinely likable. We all know where the plot is heading but somehow they manage to deliver an intelligent and fresh take on the concept. Unlike so many of these type of films and comedies, both leads feel real and are normal people. The supporting cast is great except for Woody Harrelson's character who literally can't go 2 seconds without remind everyone he's gay and/or being obnoxious to the max. Overall, this is a surprisingly strong effort with heart. Plus, Mila sexes up the screen in the most pleasant of ways even though there is no nudity.
A Fun Ride That's Worthy of All The Praise! Bring On The Avengers!
10 August 2011
Captain America is a very very good film. I firmly believe that this character is the very toughest to bring to life in the Marvel stable simply because of his complexity. They did a fairly nice job keeping it simple but remembering to do so with heart. The film features a nice pace, the perfect cast and wonderful throwback action sequences. It does have its flaws but not enough to sink the film by any means. Overall, it's a fun ride that respectfully delivers a movie worthy of the legend and sets up for what could be amazing sequels and what will be an awesome Avengers film.
The Good
The cast is remarkable and every single character played to perfection.
Tommy Lee Jones simply stole every scene he was in and his character had the audience in the palm of his hand. Best audience reactions throughout the entire film.
Cap's wartime real costume, look and shield work is amazing. It's right out of the books. The same can be said of the Red Skull's look.
The brutality was not only welcome but needed. It grounded the film and made everything play out in a more real world tone with real consequences. The body count in this film is surprisingly high.
The film had true heart because they made Steve relatable and you instantly rooted for him and wanted to follow his path to glory. The pre-serum 98lb weakling Steve is not only an amazing CGI feat but perfectly hooks the audience.
A story featuring a true hero is so refreshing at this point. No dark brooding and moody anti-hero here
The story itself is told with a very nice pace and in a crisp manner. Nothing drags at all.
The dialogue is witty and the humor works its way seamlessly in to the natural order of the story.
The tone and period work is dead on perfect. I loved the flavor of this film when the focus was not on anything Hydra.
The Bad
I really wish they had stayed entirely Nazi and left the Hydra element out, laser guns and all.
Having no "learning curve" hurt the overall film as well. What always works in origin films is having the hero learn and come to grips with his new powers or abilities. Iron Man and Spider-Man are prime perfect examples. I enjoyed Steve's initial use of powers because circumstances demanded it but they never showed him training or learning combat techniques at all. That's a terrible oversight, especially since the character is known as the world's greatest hand to hand fighter in terms of the Marvel Universe.
I would've liked to have seen more background on Steve as a character... growing up without a father and mother during the Depression era and the building of his ethical and moral code.
Overall: A great film that is one of the year's best and oh so close to being perfection. Wonderful job by all involved.
The Good
The cast is remarkable and every single character played to perfection.
Tommy Lee Jones simply stole every scene he was in and his character had the audience in the palm of his hand. Best audience reactions throughout the entire film.
Cap's wartime real costume, look and shield work is amazing. It's right out of the books. The same can be said of the Red Skull's look.
The brutality was not only welcome but needed. It grounded the film and made everything play out in a more real world tone with real consequences. The body count in this film is surprisingly high.
The film had true heart because they made Steve relatable and you instantly rooted for him and wanted to follow his path to glory. The pre-serum 98lb weakling Steve is not only an amazing CGI feat but perfectly hooks the audience.
A story featuring a true hero is so refreshing at this point. No dark brooding and moody anti-hero here
The story itself is told with a very nice pace and in a crisp manner. Nothing drags at all.
The dialogue is witty and the humor works its way seamlessly in to the natural order of the story.
The tone and period work is dead on perfect. I loved the flavor of this film when the focus was not on anything Hydra.
The Bad
I really wish they had stayed entirely Nazi and left the Hydra element out, laser guns and all.
Having no "learning curve" hurt the overall film as well. What always works in origin films is having the hero learn and come to grips with his new powers or abilities. Iron Man and Spider-Man are prime perfect examples. I enjoyed Steve's initial use of powers because circumstances demanded it but they never showed him training or learning combat techniques at all. That's a terrible oversight, especially since the character is known as the world's greatest hand to hand fighter in terms of the Marvel Universe.
I would've liked to have seen more background on Steve as a character... growing up without a father and mother during the Depression era and the building of his ethical and moral code.
Overall: A great film that is one of the year's best and oh so close to being perfection. Wonderful job by all involved.
Planet Hulk
(2010 Video)
Great Fun! Marvel Rulz!
5 February 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Animated films like this one are the reason why Marvel is king. Honestly, most agree that the Marvel Universe is the richest, most entertaining fictional realm ever imagined by man. Now, it's good to see live action and animated features that can match or at least come close enough to the magnitude of the books. While not as complex as the reads themselves, these animated features carry their own level of satisfaction. Just like "Hulk VS" before it, this film delivers the goods. It's more than fun to see Hulk in a gladiatorial setting. It's a blast to see Beta Ray Bill pop in from out of nowhere! When you compare these animated films to their only real competition, it clear to see that Marvel still has the advantage. Planet Hulk makes Green Lantern: Fist Flight look sick by comparison. Hulk VS outclasses the mindless Superman/Batman: Public Enemies and so on. When the foundation is stronger, the things built upon it will be stronger as well.
Hulk is the strongest there is... and so is Marvel. Bring on the Thor animated project!
Hulk is the strongest there is... and so is Marvel. Bring on the Thor animated project!
Edge of Darkness
(2010)
why, why, why??? 3/4 = great; 1/4 = disappointment
3 February 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Oh why, why, why??? This is 3/4 of a masterful suspense thriller that does everything right. I found myself mesmerized and moved by the story early on. Mel Gibson brings his A-game and is as good here as he's ever been. You truly feel his character's loss and are fully engaged in his efforts to uncover truth and get justice for his daughter. Subsidiary characters and potential villains are introduced masterfully. I even found myself chuckling out loud at certain actions and moments in the film. I was loving everything about this intense yet intelligent film. Then, it came time for the third act and conclusion. Needless to say, the final flavor and resolution didn't meet the high level that the rest of the film had remarkably crafted. It was like puncturing the fuel tank on a race car that was in the clear and ready to coast home to victory. A 10/10 "masterpiece" quickly became a 7/10 "nice effort"
The Incredible Hulk
(2008)
Will leave your movie-going senses on high! Great Film!
11 June 2008
You'll not have a more enjoyable two hours in a movie theater all year. I applaud the creators of this movie that looks and feels like a live action comic. There are some cerebral moments but when it's time to Hulk out... run for cover! With "Iron Man" and "Incredible Hulk" hitting box office gold, this is beginning to look like the golden age of super hero movies. This movie will leave your movie-going senses on high, just like a Hulk movie should.
This film works because of the great cast and the fact that the director took this subject matter seriously. Casting a perennial Oscar contender like Ed Norton was perfect. Veteran's like William Hurt and Tim Roth really shine in their roles. What can you say about the stunningly beautiful Liv Tyler? She's just fabulous.
Incredible Hulk was much, much better than I expected and much better then the last film. Spider-Man set a new standard for the superhero film genre but this movie ups the ante. I look forward to seeing it again and I hope it does well enough to be worthy of a sequel. If you're going to turn a comic book into a movie, this is the way to do it: with style, wild action, true heart and soul, an ideal cast, and utter belief in your story. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie.
This film works because of the great cast and the fact that the director took this subject matter seriously. Casting a perennial Oscar contender like Ed Norton was perfect. Veteran's like William Hurt and Tim Roth really shine in their roles. What can you say about the stunningly beautiful Liv Tyler? She's just fabulous.
Incredible Hulk was much, much better than I expected and much better then the last film. Spider-Man set a new standard for the superhero film genre but this movie ups the ante. I look forward to seeing it again and I hope it does well enough to be worthy of a sequel. If you're going to turn a comic book into a movie, this is the way to do it: with style, wild action, true heart and soul, an ideal cast, and utter belief in your story. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie.
Speed Racer
(2008)
Unsatisfying Frantic Stupidity Geared for Eight Year Olds
9 May 2008
I have so many questions. I know a large majority are starting to call it a dud but why is anyone praising Speed Racer at all? Did people take the idea of going to see it stoned to heart? That's the only possible way I see anyone praising it. Even using it to appeal to your mindless inner child fails. For the most part, it's just pointless and unrealistic CGI used to cause the eye to dart around frantically. That's the only reason this movie even exists. Why would anyone think this was a good idea for a movie at any stage of development? This movie was like Tron on steroids but it's all so very unsatisfying. I know it's geared to kids under the age of ten but does anyone know any kids that actually like these characters? How can anyone not be disappointed from start to finish after watching Speed Racer?
It seemed like every time the action sequences threatened to get good they had to remind you just how silly and stupid this movie was required to be. I just don't understand why they felt it necessary to insult your intelligence at every turn with camp and completely ridiculous action. All this stupidity was beyond absurd and I just don't find moronic and impossible cartoon stunts fun to watch. I thought I'd find a guilty pleasure. Instead, what I found was a waste of time and an insult to my active brain cells.
It seemed like every time the action sequences threatened to get good they had to remind you just how silly and stupid this movie was required to be. I just don't understand why they felt it necessary to insult your intelligence at every turn with camp and completely ridiculous action. All this stupidity was beyond absurd and I just don't find moronic and impossible cartoon stunts fun to watch. I thought I'd find a guilty pleasure. Instead, what I found was a waste of time and an insult to my active brain cells.
Superman Returns
(2006)
It's no fun at all. A BIG let down.
29 June 2006
Where to begin? The movie blows. How's that for starters? Dull and wooden.
The dialogue was boring. Kal-el and Lois Lane were lifeless and weak. Bryan Singer, the director, claimed that he was making a "chick flick" out of this Superman movie. He missed the mark by a mile. Stalking an ex- and eavesdropping on conversations is romantic? Being brooding and distant is romantic? Not talking is romantic? Hardly. A good romance movie has a more complicated emotional structure. This was rather simple and immature.
Parker Posey was miscast. Instead of Ms. Teschmacher part II, she should have been cast as Lois Lane. She had much more screen presence than the waify Kate Bosworth. Lois Lane is a very strong female and Kate was just wispy and weak. The sad thing is that Bosworth's Lane is a good reflection of the weak and ineffectual state of current mainstream news media. God, it almost makes me mad about how lame the character is presented in Returns.
The plot is pretty much exactly the same as Superman (1978). Even the Lex Luthor landgrab sceme is essentially the same. The opening credits and theme suggest that it's going to be the same style of movie but it isn't. Sadly, Returns is nowhere near as interesting as the original movie that "inspired" it.
It depresses me that I'm giving this film a lousey review. I really did want to like it because I loved the original movies. Margot Kidder as Lois Lane was awesome. Those movies were fun. Returns takes itself way too seriously and it's no fun at all. In fact, I can't even bother looking for the rumored humorous gay subtext that people were talking about before the movie's release. It's just dull.
The dialogue was boring. Kal-el and Lois Lane were lifeless and weak. Bryan Singer, the director, claimed that he was making a "chick flick" out of this Superman movie. He missed the mark by a mile. Stalking an ex- and eavesdropping on conversations is romantic? Being brooding and distant is romantic? Not talking is romantic? Hardly. A good romance movie has a more complicated emotional structure. This was rather simple and immature.
Parker Posey was miscast. Instead of Ms. Teschmacher part II, she should have been cast as Lois Lane. She had much more screen presence than the waify Kate Bosworth. Lois Lane is a very strong female and Kate was just wispy and weak. The sad thing is that Bosworth's Lane is a good reflection of the weak and ineffectual state of current mainstream news media. God, it almost makes me mad about how lame the character is presented in Returns.
The plot is pretty much exactly the same as Superman (1978). Even the Lex Luthor landgrab sceme is essentially the same. The opening credits and theme suggest that it's going to be the same style of movie but it isn't. Sadly, Returns is nowhere near as interesting as the original movie that "inspired" it.
It depresses me that I'm giving this film a lousey review. I really did want to like it because I loved the original movies. Margot Kidder as Lois Lane was awesome. Those movies were fun. Returns takes itself way too seriously and it's no fun at all. In fact, I can't even bother looking for the rumored humorous gay subtext that people were talking about before the movie's release. It's just dull.
Hostage
(2005)
THIS is how a thriller should! Edge of your seat stuff!
11 March 2005
I just loved this movie. Tense. Engrossing. Gripping from start to finish. All words to describe a conversation with Johnny Betts. But they also adequately describe Bruce Willis' latest movie Hostage. The movie could also be referred to as Redemption because that's definitely what you'll see this as if you have been disappointed with Bruce's recent efforts.
Hostage sacrifices heavy action and humor for a darker, more character-driven tale, and it works. THIS is how a thriller should be!
Are you in the mood for a dark, intense, edge-of-your seat thriller? Then Hostage will most certainly entertain. If you're the type of moviegoer who only knows how to complain about clichés and coincidences then I'm sure you'll do the same here. I recommend loosening up and enjoying life a little.
Hostage sacrifices heavy action and humor for a darker, more character-driven tale, and it works. THIS is how a thriller should be!
Are you in the mood for a dark, intense, edge-of-your seat thriller? Then Hostage will most certainly entertain. If you're the type of moviegoer who only knows how to complain about clichés and coincidences then I'm sure you'll do the same here. I recommend loosening up and enjoying life a little.
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