Any criticisms this movie gets should be directed to the writers solely. Ryan Gosling did what he could to salvage a mediocre movie. The action was very entertaining and RG tried to make the comedy work with what he had. It's hard to make a movie about movie making itself. I enjoyed the soundtrack to the film which was another strong point for me. Overall, enjoy the movie for what it is and it is not an Oscar Worthy film with a killer plot line and script. The villain was pretty predictable and the side villain as well was weak and did not make me not like him
which is what you want viewers to do.
Reviews
16 Reviews
Dune: Part Two
(2024)
Worth The Watch
12 April 2024
Dune 2 is a long watch but satisfying to say the most. The movie was balanced and showed both sides building arms and being ready to engage in an all out war amongst one another. Javier Bardem and Josh Brolin bring it as mentors to Timothee Chalamet and how he can best lead his tribe.
Timothee Chalamet on the other hand is soft spoken, compassionate, but at the same time when he has moments when he has to rally his tribe. It becomes rather unbelievable and its hard to take him seriously because of his small stature and lack of physical strength. I guess digitally boosting his voice helped but another kind of actor with great physical strength and acting could have been more believable and inspiring than Chalamet but at the sametime he is very popular as a lead actor so I guess it was fine.
The score for the film was done well and completed many of the scenes well. Zendaya's character was very skeptical but was willing to go along with the cause in order to make a better life for her tribe. Her performance in this movie was stellar too and she had good chemistry with Timothee Chalamet. Overall, this movie will be getting a third sequel and with good reasons too!
Timothee Chalamet on the other hand is soft spoken, compassionate, but at the same time when he has moments when he has to rally his tribe. It becomes rather unbelievable and its hard to take him seriously because of his small stature and lack of physical strength. I guess digitally boosting his voice helped but another kind of actor with great physical strength and acting could have been more believable and inspiring than Chalamet but at the sametime he is very popular as a lead actor so I guess it was fine.
The score for the film was done well and completed many of the scenes well. Zendaya's character was very skeptical but was willing to go along with the cause in order to make a better life for her tribe. Her performance in this movie was stellar too and she had good chemistry with Timothee Chalamet. Overall, this movie will be getting a third sequel and with good reasons too!
The Batman
(2022)
A Worthy Else World Franchise
12 April 2024
Matt Reeves scored wonderfully here with this well thought out story and character development. This movie was cast in the same vein of how Batman '89 was done. Michael Keaton/Robert Pattinson would surely not have been any director's choice or even consideration to play Batman BW by a majority of directors. Matt Reeves and Tim Burton saw something in those two that others didn't and it definitely was the right move. Similarly, like Jack Nicholson being casted as The Joker, one couldn't have gone wrong with casting a wonderful actor in Colin Farell. He delivered the penguin role well and the casting of John Turturo as Carmine Falcone was one for the decade.
Introducing Batman and BW's world in the second year of his story truly made a difference and gave the character's world a fresh start instead of him having the epiphany to become a super hero in response to unjust acts that were done to him. Reeves did an excellent job showing how the duo identity of Pattinson's character had discovered who and what his family would become to Gotham City in a highly charged political environment and time.
Overall, this movie is one worth watching on a relaxing Sunday in the evening and is one that is definitely worthy of a sequel! I am really excited to see what Reeves will do for the next film!
Introducing Batman and BW's world in the second year of his story truly made a difference and gave the character's world a fresh start instead of him having the epiphany to become a super hero in response to unjust acts that were done to him. Reeves did an excellent job showing how the duo identity of Pattinson's character had discovered who and what his family would become to Gotham City in a highly charged political environment and time.
Overall, this movie is one worth watching on a relaxing Sunday in the evening and is one that is definitely worthy of a sequel! I am really excited to see what Reeves will do for the next film!
Wonka
(2023)
If You Are Wise You'll Read This From Me
10 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
It is no secret that studios are now requiring their filmmakers to check boxes off a list. This movie is no exception. The title of the movie is Wonka, however, the main plot is not about him and rather Wonka's story is secondary. That should be enough for you to know some pandering went on here. TC doesn't help or hurt the film in any way which I found odd. To mask the awkwardness of his voice they should have hired a singer. Overall, Grant did a great job and the visuals of the movie are stunning. A sequel for this film isn't needed because they pretty much fast forwarded it visually to Wilder's time at the end in 10 seconds. I will not be seeing this again unless I hold a Wonka marathon and decide to watch all 3 at once.
Batman
(1989)
The Best Batman Film Made In The Live Action Catalog
12 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This movie should receive way more credit than it actually gets. This movie set the standard for future super hero films that was to be respected and admired. This movie still holds up and Burton's influence early on in his career is truly stunning, from his design of the Batsuit and the overall tone he wanted to set with this movie.
The casting was superb, Keaton and Nicholson, it truly does not get any better than that! I also like how they were able to get Hollywood royalty in the casting of Jack Palance despite his small appearance in this film. Keaton's Batman and Bruce Wayne to date is the best portrayal that is out there. Jack Nicholson's Joker is also a cut above Heath Ledger's Joker. The scene with the Joker and Rotelli after the mob meeting is enough proof that Jack's Joker is scary, crazy, and psychotic. The only knock that this film could get from me is how much the studio insisted on Prince's music to be used in this film. It is a shame that there was not Burton could not do anything about this (he was an extremely young director that was just starting) but it is what it is. One of the best scenes this movie has to offer is when Keaton flies the Batwing towards the end of the movie as he vowes to end the Joker's mass biological weapon against Gothm and its citizens. Lastly the set design and art direction is truly what separates this film from the others in Batman's portfolio.
The casting was superb, Keaton and Nicholson, it truly does not get any better than that! I also like how they were able to get Hollywood royalty in the casting of Jack Palance despite his small appearance in this film. Keaton's Batman and Bruce Wayne to date is the best portrayal that is out there. Jack Nicholson's Joker is also a cut above Heath Ledger's Joker. The scene with the Joker and Rotelli after the mob meeting is enough proof that Jack's Joker is scary, crazy, and psychotic. The only knock that this film could get from me is how much the studio insisted on Prince's music to be used in this film. It is a shame that there was not Burton could not do anything about this (he was an extremely young director that was just starting) but it is what it is. One of the best scenes this movie has to offer is when Keaton flies the Batwing towards the end of the movie as he vowes to end the Joker's mass biological weapon against Gothm and its citizens. Lastly the set design and art direction is truly what separates this film from the others in Batman's portfolio.
Casino
(1995)
This Movie Is a Cut Above Good Fellas
12 December 2023
This movie is really the only other Scorsese movie where fans can directly compare this film to Goodfellas. I must say that this film is superior to Goodfellas in many ways. Goodfellas is too campy (the beginning scene when Henry Hill says, "As far back as I can remember I always wanted to be a gangster" and then the camera zooms in and Rags to Riches comes on immediately). I also know that GF had issues (with folks that actually knew the real Henry Hill) with how many of the characters were inaccurately portrayed especially Henry Hill and how Scorsese made this character way more charismatic and sophisticated than he truly was. Many other aspects of that film were too over the top.
Okay onto writing about Casino. This film is truly a dark cinematic master piece. The tone and overall delivery of this film is more polished and was given a lot of thought. Here Scorsese uses a robust original score and contemporary songs to truly complement the film in scenes that were energetic and or dramatic. Scorsese's ability to show his viewers that while the mob operated best in secrecy and in the streets of cities, they ironically could not function in a town such as Las Vegas where a lot of mob activity was legal and their activities were basically shown in the light and in the public eye; there was no hiding here.
When you have a strong cast of De Niro, Pesci, and Sharon Stone you know they are going to deliver and that the supporting cast around them will elevate their performance and be inspired to work hard with season actors that I have mentioned. While most will knock the movie for its length, I truly believe that the length of the film was justified due to excellent screen writing and overall presentation of what mob life was like in the 80's era of Las Vegas. This movie truly deserves the watch if you've never seen it and it definitely deserves a top 3 ranking of films that Scorsese has ever made.
Okay onto writing about Casino. This film is truly a dark cinematic master piece. The tone and overall delivery of this film is more polished and was given a lot of thought. Here Scorsese uses a robust original score and contemporary songs to truly complement the film in scenes that were energetic and or dramatic. Scorsese's ability to show his viewers that while the mob operated best in secrecy and in the streets of cities, they ironically could not function in a town such as Las Vegas where a lot of mob activity was legal and their activities were basically shown in the light and in the public eye; there was no hiding here.
When you have a strong cast of De Niro, Pesci, and Sharon Stone you know they are going to deliver and that the supporting cast around them will elevate their performance and be inspired to work hard with season actors that I have mentioned. While most will knock the movie for its length, I truly believe that the length of the film was justified due to excellent screen writing and overall presentation of what mob life was like in the 80's era of Las Vegas. This movie truly deserves the watch if you've never seen it and it definitely deserves a top 3 ranking of films that Scorsese has ever made.
Disney Controlled LF Got It Wrong
12 December 2023
This movie was a clear departure from the magic that Lucas/Spielberg cast on all 4 movies, yes, even Kingdom! Since Disney took over LF, for this movie they simply hired writers that are clearly from a different generation than the ones that helmed the previous films. The writers for this movie mocked Indiana Jones, made him weak, and basically a carpet for other characters to walk all over him. Phoebe's character Helena was rude, sarcastic, and a feminist that did nothing but to further show how today's writers do not value characters such as Indy that was a strong leader that truly did things his way. The 21st century Short Round character Teddy Kumar was boring, dry, and another whipping boy for Helena to boss around.
What they should have done was hire Lucas and Spielberg to direct/write the movie and even bring back Short Round to help Indy one last time to go on one last fortune and glory filled adventure. Disney as of late has truly been disrespectful to George Lucas and truly twisted the creative world he had with Star Wars and the Indiana Jones franchise. This movie was another sad reminder that today's writers are filled with an agenda to satisfy a small amount of people who will never watch or even talk about this film ever again after having watched it one time.
What they should have done was hire Lucas and Spielberg to direct/write the movie and even bring back Short Round to help Indy one last time to go on one last fortune and glory filled adventure. Disney as of late has truly been disrespectful to George Lucas and truly twisted the creative world he had with Star Wars and the Indiana Jones franchise. This movie was another sad reminder that today's writers are filled with an agenda to satisfy a small amount of people who will never watch or even talk about this film ever again after having watched it one time.
The Flash
(I) (2023)
Great Movie But Misunderstood
20 October 2023
This movie was absolutely fantastic! Ezra Miller did an excellent job playing three characters which is not an easy feat to accomplish. Despite his off screen problems and yet to be proven allegations, his skilled acting range showed off in dramatic and comedic fashion. Michael Keaton did an excellent job once again but it was nice to see his character have some personality. Sasha Calle was fantastic but under used. Her with drawn personality was great and you really felt for her all throughout the movie. To people who felt this should have ended the DCEU, nope this movie was about BarryAllen!
Taurus
(2022)
Dark and Gritty
16 October 2022
Very dark and gritty film. It dances on the line of fact and fiction for Colson's life. There is an element of the film that is introduced in the beginning, is later addressed in the film, but I think that Sutton could have tied it in with Colson's character to make a deeper impact on the film. Overall it is a good film but it could have had some tweaks made to it order for it to be a 10 but no film is perfect! I saw it screened at the Newport Beach Film festival! I think that Colson and Sutton would make a great pairing and could be good for both of their careers in film in the long run!!!!!!
Beverly Hills Cop
(1984)
Eddie Murphy and cast bring it!
23 August 2022
Excellent movie from the music, dialogue, to the comedic timing! Way better than the Lethal Weapon franchise. This was a great start to this franchise! Judge Reinhold and John Ashton had perfect chemistry with Eddie Murphy! Can't wait for BHC4!
Blacklight
(2022)
Get ready to be entertained but also be lectured!
13 February 2022
Don't expect this film to be an Oscar worthy contender...far from it! It's an action movie that is fun to watch but that is where the positives stop. Between the head fake news reporter and Neeson's cry baby daughter, this film is a tough pill to swallow. The film bad mouths the US government and it's clear to see that this is the unfortunate direction Hollywood writers continue to go in! Listening to Neeson's daughter talk in a very disrespectful manner to her father is almost every scene is annoying! Wait for it to go to various streaming networks and play this movie in the background while you do actual productive things w your life! Don't watch in theaters!
The Many Saints of Newark
(2021)
A movie Dr. Melfi couldn't even provide clarity for!
1 October 2021
Had my doubts from the release of the trailer as it was cut in a commercialized way and lacked continuity and the culture that was set in the tv show. The flash backs scenes from the tv show were better than this. If Chase would have kept that cast, that would provided better continuity and would have pulled new viewers of the show if word came out that the same characters in this movie were the same ones played in the show.
Too many stories going on at once and it would have been great to see how some early symbols from Tony life would have materialized...ducks come to mind?
It would have also been great to see Carmine and his New York crew to be seen in this movie and how that dynamic would play out between the Sopranos and New York. The plot about the race riot or even Dickie's mistress, did nothing to move the film forward or shed light onto anything. Chase missed the mark and should not develop any more material from his master piece from the TV show.
Too many stories going on at once and it would have been great to see how some early symbols from Tony life would have materialized...ducks come to mind?
It would have also been great to see Carmine and his New York crew to be seen in this movie and how that dynamic would play out between the Sopranos and New York. The plot about the race riot or even Dickie's mistress, did nothing to move the film forward or shed light onto anything. Chase missed the mark and should not develop any more material from his master piece from the TV show.
Batman
(1966–1968)
Life Lessons
13 October 2020
While most would say that this show is 'campy', 'ridiculous', and 'silly', you folks are wrong! It is no secret during the production period that the country was going through some troubling times with the deaths of JFK, MLK JR, RFK, and the counter culture that was flipping America on it's head.. this show was special and influential in a big way.
The costumes, music, villains, bat-(insert crime fighting tool), Batmobile, and formula based script, was purely fun and entertaining. Adam West and Burt Ward were upbeat, positive, motivated, and committed to fighting crime for the sake of law and order! Adam West in particular always did a great job leading by example, simply by telling kids to buckle their seatbelt, always follow the letter of the law, and to be mindful of the choices you make.
For the production period of 1965-1968 for the show, story telling and the movie making process was done very differently than how it is done today. Why everything has to be dark, evil, and brooding is beyond me! The live action evolution of Batman from West to Pattinson is a natural progression of how young people can grow with the character as it changes from actor to actor. This show has been paid homage to countless times by productions that followed this show. This alone is worth seeing on Youtube or conducting outside research online, especially if you are a Batman fan like me! This show is awesome!
Christopher Robin
(2018)
Great Movie!
22 August 2018
Disney turned out another good one this time. The animation of Pooh and Friends was way better on the screen then what I expected from the promo photos. Although the movie does tend pace of the slower side of things, Winnie and Christopher's interaction was charming and enjoyable to watch. Winnie the Pooh's character was simple, humorous, and logical. He could see right through Christopher's poor attitude as to how he chooses to live his life. However, I felt that this movie may have been tough for young children to understand in it that Winnie the Pooh did dole out soundly advice for Christopher to not be so caught up in his work and forget about having fun and spending time with his family. The parallels of Christopher transforming into that of a young boy as Pooh had seen him, was definitely something that young kids could not extract from the movie. Besides this, the movie was a great family movie that had a great evolving plot and some nostalgic short scenes that had a nod to the Disney cartoon classics in the '90's.
Alice in Wonderland
(I) (2010)
Creative, Colorful, and Spectacular!
31 March 2018
Tim Burton & Co did a fantastic job with this movie! So he deviated from giving a straight adaptation from the animation to live film... So what!? He still incorporated all of the characters from the film, updated the story to 21st century film techniques/technology, and also added "The Burton Effect". Disney often gets so scrutinized the moment they decide to tweak their new content! After all, how boring would the movie had been had they strictly followed the animation? We'd all know how the movie went from start to finish. I'm excited to see Through the Looking Glass!
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