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Reviews
Black Bear (2020)
Creatively challenging yet ultimately confusing
This is certainly a film which may seem to have several different interpretations and thoughtful output of ideas. There are two parts of this film, with each part separating itself by showing title cards.
It starts off relatively straightforward with Aubrey Plaza's character being a writer and attending a remote isolated cabin to find ideas. There she meets Christopher Abbot along the way and he further introduces her to his wife Sarah Gadon- who appeared to be pregnant. The story delves into a seemingly live triangle waiting to occur. The acting is strong and combing by everyone involved, especially Plaza. The very ending seemed to show them crashing in a fatal car crash in the woods. Suddenly the screen goes black and we then see the title card for Part 2.
Now for Part 2, everything seemed different almost as if the actors were portraying different characters (although all their characters in both parts have their same names). This time it still takes place at the same cabin but Abbott appears to be a director with Plaza being the actress and they are on set of a film. We are shown numerous members of the film crew. It's different here in that Abbott and Plaza are the actual couple while Gadon is the one who Abbott cheats with (role reversed from Part 1).
Even with its confusions we are still watching and waiting for explanations but it seemingly never came. We don't know what exactly is real and what is an hallucination or an idea in Aubrey Plaza's mind (considering her character is a writer).
Black Bear certainly has entertainment value yet at the same time feels somewhat pretentious and like a film for higher intellects where it demeans its audience. Perhaps this is a film required for a second viewing with close attention to detail or simply something with several interpretations.
Unhinged (2020)
Straightforward silly yet entertaining
This is certainly a simple and straightforward film. One of the first and earliest films to have been released in theaters during the COVID times of 2020. Of course it wasn't a box office success and perhaps should have been pushed back a year where it ultimately would have garnered more money.
As a film it's a road rage thriller, which isn't a type of genre in which we have seen too many. Seems very few in between. With a simple plot, the main attraction is due to Russell Crowe playing a complete psychotic and deranged menacing character.
The lead protagonist woman of Rachel does some rather silly things along the way. First is of course her initial reaction to cutting off Crowe's vehicle which caused everything. But besides that, why didn't she take her phone in the gas station with her? Also not having the phone being password protected is another risky thing (which was foreshadowed earlier by her son). How was he able to get in her car? There didn't seem to be any broken windows or anything? Did not seem that she was in the store for a while either.
There were several outlandish violent scenes where the finale included Crowe hunting her down and a fight ensures. It seemed like he attacked her badly yet it seemed like she was untouched. When he had her in the driveway after her car tipped his over, all he had to do was kill her there and he wins. Of course, that wouldn't be a happy ending, and she must ultimately win in the end. Without Crowe predictably dying.
It's a film where there is suspense and watching Crowe is great. Also moves at a quick pace and is quite short in runtime. Nothing special, a little silly and far fetched but still worth the watch.
Psycho Goreman (2020)
Unique and bizarrely entertaining
This is a film certainly quite different than the typical mainstream films we see today. Apparently it's an independent Canadian based production film with rather lesser known actors. As watching, it very much has the feel of a children, teen Disney tv series simply from the acting of the lead Mimi and the overall tone and over the top atmosphere of the film. Or even reminiscent of the Power Ranger tv series of the 1990's with its cartoonish nature.
It's seems rather bizarre how a lot of these negative reviews have completely missed the point. It's supposed to be satirical, comedic and poking at fun. Not meant to be taken serious and it's obvious with the acting tone and nature of the film.
The plot is relatively simply but it's bizarre yet engaging simply for the watching Mimi boss around this oddly crafted creature- Psycho Goreman (whom resembles a more disfigured Thanos or a character type from Mortal Kombat). He has sone funny one liners and the chemistry offers some awkward entertainment.
There are some graphic violent scenes such as Goreman blowing up a random person's head, Goreman seemingly melting a police officer's face, and other scenes of him using his sword. The finale battle with him battling the other robotic woman was rather thrilling.
Lastly it's reported there is a sequel in the works which is intriguing to think about, however we wonder how different things may be and if it were to work as good, considering Mimi isn't a little girl anymore (the actress in real life must be about 17 years old). Considering it has been over four years, we wonder when and if it will really occur.
Overall if you understand the purpose of this film and have an open mind, it's a well made film with a funny anti hero.
Twisters (2024)
Actually intriguing and engaging
Deemed as somewhat of a remake to the original. However in comparison to the original, there will always be those who prefer the original due to it being made first and having a nostalgic effect. After watching both films right after one another, can conclude that this 2024 version is quite easily superior. The cast is an upgrade. The story is more compelling and heartfelt and it doesn't have unnecessary cheesy scenes.
There is more emphasis on a backstory to know our lead character in Kate (Daisy Edgar-Jones) as well as how everything unfolded. She was quite easily more likeable than the whiny nagging Helen Hunt. Glenn Powell as the social media star YouTube character is essentially a today's days in age aspect which may not properly resonate with those beloved of the 1990's but it shows a generational change. A more compelling character than Bill Paxton.
The major aspect which makes this film solid, good and better than the original is its easily more suspenseful and has more thrilling moments. The tornadoes destroying the farmland country aspects looked better. Also the love triangle dynamic was more compelling here as opposed to the original. Twisters felt a lot more realistic and its conclusion with Kate being the one to properly disrupt the tornado was well executed.
As a whole this was more engaging, and am generally confused as to how a lot of these reviews prefer the original to this remake. All it takes is watching both, one right after the other and the decision is clear. Don't let nostalgia cloud your judgment.
Twister (1996)
Disaster of a film
Having being beloved by nostalgic 1990's fans, and with the 2024 remake of this film. Watching for the first time several decades later, do not quite understand the high praise. The visuals are solid but the overall story just isn't interesting.
First both leads in Helena Hunt and Bill Paxton are entirely unlikeable and come off rather selfish. The entire "jealous ex- partner" aspect was rather irritating and only brought the film down. It also made Paxton's character look silly in how quickly he went back to Hunt after bringing his new girlfriend along. Also Philip Seymour Hoffman as the comedic relief simply isn't funny.
The action is just rather tame and standard. No real suspense and no real thrills.
Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood (2019)
Well executed controversially done
Apparently loosely based on real events mixed with several fictional events, this film is certainly an ensemble piece of filmmaking. As having been pointed out, it is a lengthy film and it takes a rather slow build to get fully intriguing. Although the cast of different characters make it still worthwhile even during its slower parts.
The first half is certainly weaker and it picks up in hour two and delivers a very thrilling and engaging final 35 minutes. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio as the lead top shot tv/ film actor but it's Brad Pitt who has the better and more engaging role as his stunt double playing it very cool and calm. We see why he won the Oscar for his role.
One of the highlight scenes is his scene where he drops off Margaret Qualley at the ranch where he encounters with the rest of the dozen or so women. It wasn't exactly explained why they were so tense and unwelcoming to his character simply wanting to see his older friend. This entire sequence was well shot, well acted and gave the film a needed boost at that point.
Margot Robbie seemingly portrays a real person in Sharon Tate and unlike the real events, the ending here is changed where she seemingly survives with having the three intruders being killed by DiCaprio, and Pitt's characters. This was certainly the other major highlight of the film with the action, violence turning up a notch.
The film may be slower paced to some and its climax may not be fully great but it's still entertaining simply for the cast involved and their acting prowess. Perhaps this is Tarantino's tamest film as nothing is too graphic (save for the brief ending) as we are accustomed to his past films. Overall even with a lengthy run time, it is well executed and there is enough happening to enjoy all around.
Long Shot (2019)
Romantic comedy goes too political
With a lot of these political romantic comedies, they are very hit or miss and this film really isn't funny but some of the humor comes from the awkwardness of Seth Rogen's character and the situation he finds himself in. The plot is relatively intriguing about him finding and seemingly reuniting with the woman who used to babysit him when he was younger. Though apparently their character's age difference was only three, when it made it seem like it was quite bigger.
The Long shot is still watchable for the talent involved and has a good sense of what people like but it's mainly highly political. The drama aspect is light. The ending is certainly the typical happy predictable rom-com type you would come to expect.
Black and Blue (2019)
Intriguing enough gritty cop drama
There are plenty of different type of cop drama thriller types. Very rarely do they separate themselves to be different. This film has a different feel in that it stars a leading woman as a rookie cop who gets put in a difficult situation. The New Orleans setting is a solid touch as it shows the grittiness of the city and their surroundings.
Certainly elevated by a strong performance by British actress in Naomi Harris. Although the plot is rather simple, it's still somewhat worthwhile in seeing her journey and how it ends as it gives a realistic sense. As with these type of films, there are some predictability in its outcome even though it's the right outcome. Worthy addition, given the empathy of the lead. However don't expect a female centred Training Day.
Miss Bala (2019)
Lacks edge to standout from its genre
These female lead driven assassin vigilante action drama thriller types seem to have been renaissance within the last several years. Many of which essentially follow the same formula where a woman unexpectedly gets caught up into that works and must obey, follow the orders of a crime boss in order of survival for what ever reason.
Miss Bala doesn't really do anything special that hasn't been done before and is rather tame in the action department. The story feels rather over complicated to a degree where we aren't sure why she is working undercover for both sides.
Gina Rodriguez isn't the problem of the film as she does a convincing and likeable portrayal as our lead hero. The plot just somewhat drags along and is entirely predictable. The film feels nothing more than an episode of a police crime thriller we would see.
Peppermint (2018)
Revenge female driven Punisher
The story of this film isn't original and seems to rehash several other prior female led revenge thriller types we have seen many times. Or revenge films in general such as the Punisher (2004).
The action is certainly more violent and brutal than expected but with its R-rating it certainly delivers. The story definitely has some flaws in the writing, and there was a lot usage of social media tactics with showing Twitter footage as well as camera recordings and several news reports. It felt rather rushed in the game but still solid entertaining.
It made the film feel somewhat like a superhero movie where everyone knows who Jennifer Garner's character Riley North was. She shows emotional retrains in the film as a mother who lost her husband and daughter but certain parts also becomes quite irritating. They definitely made her out to feel invincible where as she took a lot of damage yet survived in the end. Peppermint isn't great, better than what the critics gave it but nothing special.
Term Life (2016)
Run of the mill thriller gets confusing
The plot of this film is similarly familiar to several average straight to video thriller dramas with an occasional father/ daughter estranged relationship. It is quite predictable in how the setup begins, with both leads (Vince Vaugh and Hailee Steinfeld) seemingly at first disliking one another- more so Steinfeld being 'kidnapped' by her father not being able to trust him and not exactly knowing what's happening then of course as they spend time together, the hatred turns to love (and it happens rather quickly).
The violence is very cookie cutter PG-13 type with gunplay and chases, while acts of intimidation are routine, but the core tale here is parenthood, with Vaughn (Nick) returning to a fatherhood role he hasn't played in years. It is a solid watch for their chemistry however the plot gets completely confusing watching different characters come into play as cops and undercover cops.
The pacing of the latter act moves rather quickly but overly we aren't entirely show what exactly occurs. The random insertion of Terrence Howard was bizarre as well- his character is randomly introduced in the second half and doesn't offer much.
The film feels somewhat like a mess in the end with its conclusion. Even its cover art poster looks cheap and is a sign of the film not being anything special. It is watchable for entirely forgettable.
Hardcore Henry (2015)
Adrenaline filled first person shooter film
Apparently being considered a cult classic to a degree by some, Hardcore Henry is certainly a different and unique viewing experience. It starts off relatively intriguing watching our hero Henry move around from his point of view then after a while it slowly loses its charm. The film somewhat drags on but still remains relatively entertaining. It is essentially a video game turned into a film, with people comparing it to the Far Cry games.
The film is definitely action packed and contains hardcore top notch over the top violence and gore with explosions, head shots and heads being blown up. The problem is we don't know much about Henry, just him being partly a cyborg.
Sharlto Copley is the standout character portraying different roles where he unexpectedly and for some reason kept coming back to life- similar to a character in a video game.
The finale with the lead villain having Henry defeat him was rather predictable, though filled with solid action sequences. In the end, Hardcore Henry is certainly an acquired taste. It is not a masterpiece as some fans claim but still is a solid entertaining watch.
Finestkind (2023)
Slow burn but a patient watch gets better
We are introduced to the characters and get a sense as to where things may be headed. It isn't quite predictable as we get further along, the main story of crime comes into play- which is the standout. It really gets more intriguing around that crime plot point where the villains are introduced and the money troubles for Ben Foster arise (although it takes a while).
Of course as seen in several films, the lead character has a large amount of debt to pay, so they get involved with drug dealers and find a way to pay it off.
The first half is more so about Charlie (Toby Wallace) finding his way, then further along the second half is about Tom (Ben Foster) and his troubles, along with his reconciliation with his aging father (Tommy Lee Jones). Along with an unintentional 'caught off guard' scene with Jones confronting the villains in the coffee shop.
The film may not be for everyone (critics weren't too high on it) but it was relatively a different story blending family relationships with the act of fishing bonding. Although it's really more passable for its thrilling second act.
Pandorum (2009)
Familiar sci-fi rehash
Well no, this is not a good movie. And it does not matter how many similar films are to be had. Pandorum is not a good movie and wasn't expecting much. Given its cast, expected something somewhat more engaging and entertaining. The final product was rather unsuspenseful and not nearly as thrilling as hoped for. There are brief jump scares but the overall tone and atmosphere simply isn't anything special. Many compared this to the Alien films (Prometheus), all though those films had more depth, better intriguing characters and better writing. By the end, we are left wondering what took so long.
Smashed (2012)
Slice of life realistic depiction
Starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead in one of her more earlier serious roles as she portrays an alcoholic teacher whom seemed to have troubles struggling with her everyday life. The film is definitely loved for its authenticity and slice of life realism. The acting is solid all around and involves scenes in which we would come to expect. Aaron Paul plays her husband whom also appears to be an alcoholic but to a lesser degree. However this is more solely about Winstead's character. Also a lot of the problems revolving her character was really her own doing, such as lying to her children about being pregnant then getting further into more lies. We were supposed to grieve with her actions but those lies made her out to be rather unlikeable.
The film doesn't feel like it reaches a true climax. In the end, it's not too dramatic but perhaps that's for a reason. Did not too like its cliffhanger ending. Was rather depressing. Certainly this film would be enjoyed more by those in relatable scenarios.
Texas Killing Fields (2011)
Average crime drama doesn't reach top heights
Apparently this is based on true events which occurred several decades prior spanning for a long time. This film has more so the feel of an episode of CSI or any police crime drama thriller type we have seen before. Also somewhat reminded of True Detective but this was obviously made before that. It starts off slow, picks up the pacing and interest a little in the middle then doesn't exactly reach to great heights as it should have.
Chloë Grace Moretz is possibly the standout in a very early tome portraying a troubled teen. The highlight and climax involves her being ultimately kidnapped with the lead cop (Sam Worthington) finding the killer in the house and ultimately taking them down. The reveal of the killer was far too predictable and rather anti climatic. In the end, this film wasn't anything special and was rather average.
Jennifer's Body (2009)
Intriguing enough cult classic status
When this film was released in theatres it was severely overlooked and passed over. Briefly remember any tv ads and trailers, and perhaps was a misfortune of bad marketing from the studios. Also this was clearly targeted towards teenagers but given its R- rating (of which it deserved- had they watered it down to PG-13, it doesn't have the same effect), that hurt its box office revenue, especially back then.
There is an interesting dynamic from both leads that make it worthwhile and the chemistry being different characters is what work. Megan Fox is the title character and on the cover of the posters, but Amanda Seyfried's portrayal was just as good and she's a likeable lead to watch for. Also the dialogue of one liners from Fox and several bickering back and forth from them two is credited to clever writing. Several funny quotables.
The film is still quite cheesy and has a fantasy aspect and satanic type portions which did not initially realize, for the reason being as to the intent's of Jennifer's actions. It makes sense to a degree but we are supposed to suspend disbelief when things seemed relatively realistic to start. Such as her becoming possessed (not exactly a vampire) and randomly being able to fly (this was somewhat silly).
Overall even with its flaws, it's still highly entertaining, has the nostalgic factor of those 2000's teen slasher type films and we see why it became a cult classic.
The Roommate (2011)
Full of clichés but unintentionally entertaining
Considering the very low critical responses to this film and its subpar reputation, had low expectations. The Roommate was quite easily better than expected and better than the reviews claim. It's as if people expected something entirely different than what it was intended on being. It's relatively a tame thriller with a psycho roommate causing bad intentions and intents. It doesn't quite go too far but that's perhaps due to its PG-13 rating.
The acting isn't anything special and it isn't as suspenseful or mysterious as it could have been, but there is still an entertainment factor in watching Leighton Meester's performance as this crazed roommate. Several scenes of unintentional comedy such as a scene where Leighton shows off a specific tattoo she got to Minka Kelly. A brief encounter scene with Billy Zane (as a professor) with Leighton Meester.
This film very much plays into clichés targeted to towards teenage women with its plot devices and things surrounding it yet it works for the type. Although the ending was rather predictable and somewhat anti climatic but perhaps the proper decision. In the end, it's a film better than initially expected. The critics were a little harsh here.
The Eagle (2011)
Painfully slow paced and boring
Described by several as a lesser version of the Gladiator, the Eagle is an apparent historical medieval period piece with soldiers fighting in battle. These type of films have been done many times before and with each new film, there seems to be something new added. The visuals and costumes look great, as does the overall feel and atmosphere. However the story is just bland, very slow paced and entirely boring to keep watching. For a film with a run time of well under two hours, it feels longer than its run time suggests. There simply seems to be several confusing aspects about the film within.
Puncture (2011)
True story based yet uninteresting story
Apparently based upon true events as a true story. Having no knowledge of the actual story, had no real interest in the film as a whole. This is very much a depiction of a young lawyer whom is a drug addict yet wants to make a subtle heavy change. A lot of this film is rather confusing to a degree and the pacing moves rather quickly from scene to scene. This is an independent film and one of Chris Evan's lesser known films, and for good reason as this is certainly not exactly mainstream applicable, considering it being a true based courtroom drama dealing with heavy drug dosage.
The acting is solid as is the directing but overall if there is no interest in the story, there is simply no care. The ending was rather depressing but considering it's a real story, those who are familiar with the story shouldn't have been shocked.
Rubber (2010)
Absurd confusing idea stretched to a feature film
This film is described as a comedy horror. Directed by beloved French director Quentin Dupieux in a rather lower budget English language film about a rubber tire which supposedly comes to life and has powers of blowing things up (we see it blow up a rabbit, a bird, and many people's heads).
What is confusing is not only the fourth wall breaking in the beginning of the film by the apparent lead sheriff where he states that several films have no reason for its existence- although it seems he was speaking to a group of spectators of sorts. It was unclear in which of this film was a film within a film. It seemed as such at first but as we continue watching, we weren't sure.
The tone is obviously comedic and not to be taken serious but the exploding of the heads were quite graphic. The ending with the sheriff supposedly shooting and "killing" the tire, then seeing the tire come back as a child's tricycle was rather bizarre.
A positive is this film is very short on runtime- something quick to pass the time but ultimately nothing special and an absurd idea made into a feature film for the sake of it.
The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)
Rather bland and uneventful
Having not seen the original film, yet watching this remake version for the first time. Cannot compare the two. However it appears that the consensus is the original is better as this remake wasn't necessary. For a film, it's relatively bland and doesn't offer much suspense or mystery. As others have obviously pointed out, the child played by Jaden Smith was the weak point as he came across as incredibly ungrateful, too whiny and overall a lack of sympathy for his step mother (Jennifer Connelly). A lot of the movie just felt like it was getting to a climax then suddenly it ended without anything memorable.
The Mist (2007)
Claustrophobic non horror type yet entertaining
Beloved film by novelist Stephen King's adaptation. The Mist has certainly a wholesome and claustrophobic horror where it isn't exactly a horror film to the same degree but more so a mobster mystery film. Nothing is really scary but there are some jump scares only from the monsters (not major but minor to a degree). This is quite an ensemble film with a group of people trapped in a supermarket.
We immediately could see who are the likeable characters, and who are the ones not to like. Mainly the religious woman which her intent was to make people dislike her due to her religious preaching.
There wasn't exactly an explanation of how these monsters (the tentacle creatures near the beginning as well as the giant insect monsters) came about and where they came from. The explanation of the overall mist/ fog wasn't too clear either.
Its ending was rather bizarre and "gut wrenching" but was certainly unpredictable. Overall, the film is certainly entertaining and although it isn't exactly scary or completely mysterious, there is a certain watchable factor where we want to see things unfold.
The Beautiful Ordinary (2007)
High school teen drama with several characters
Based on its synopsis, there are instant comparisons to Dazed and Confused (rather overrated film in hindsight). Remember the Daze (apparently titled "The Beautiful Ordinary" in some regions) is quite like the typical high school type drama, comedy which circulates the last day of plenty high schooler's day and night.
This film is quite reminiscent and obviously takes inspiration to older teen drama tv series of the 1990's early such as Dawson's Creek or Beverly Hills 90201. The plot outline is quite basic but very reminiscent of the lives of these high school students similar to the one would see in those series. This film released originally in 2007 but takes place in 1999, which is perhaps a nod to Dazed and Confused (released in 1993, taken place in the 1970's).
There are a lot of silly moments with characters acting stereotypically silly and doing dumb things, with of course the typical teen tropes of drinking, smoking, attending lavish house parties (considering they seem to be rather rich students). Amber Heard is billed as the lead yet this is very much an ensemble with several different characters getting a lot of screen time. Her character isn't as likeable as others. Leighton Meester's storyline is possibly the best and most intriguing. As with Stella Maeve's- yet her's is rather minor. A lot of the major storylines are rather predictable but we continue watching.
Even with several flaws, it is enjoyable simply for seeing the various different characters. It doesn't exactly push the boundaries and is actually rather tame. There aren't any explicit scenes of skin shown, and really only one somewhat violent scene (an over the top fight scene)- rather random presumably the opposing high schoolers show up and they start fighting. No major violence such as no character gets shot, no character receives major injuries from weapons, no car accident or no character dies.
In the end, it's watchable and entertaining depending on your take but considering the lack of votes, lack of total reviews. Remember the Daze is possibly forgotten.
The Sasquatch Gang (2006)
Certain likeable charm with intriguing storytelling
Having been compared to Napoleon Dynamite for obvious reasons, with similar people having worked on both films. However this film isn't exactly on the level of Napoleon and isn't quite the same. The comedy tone with its silly, dumb deadpan quirky nerd-like characters are obviously enough to draw comparisons. As well as the acting style of everyone seemingly acting clueless and oblivious. There are some touching heartfelt moments to be had and some moments which may seem nostalgic due to the teenagers and there whereabouts.
The storytelling was actually quite compelling, being told in somewhat of a non linear fashion with title cards showing the chapters before each major new instance. The comedy is certainly for an acquired and specific audience of films in that regard, however did not find anything quite humorous. Justin Long and his sidekick friend have some silly moments for comedic purposes but nothing is laugh out loud funny. In the end, there is a likeable charm in a silly way with the lead characters where we want to see them succeed.