Change Your Image
jpr-reardon
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Lists
An error has ocurred. Please try againReviews
Gladiator II (2024)
A Great Film - Falls Short Of Its Predecessor
I was lucky to sit through an early screening here in NYC, so let's start with the obvious.
Gladiator 2 has superb CGI & practical effects. You will, at times, feel as though you are in Rome. Denzel excels in his role and is a shoo-in for an Oscar nomination, and the blood & gore is highly entertaining. What's not to like about a Roman gladiator lopping off a head in THEE Colosseum?
Now, the drawbacks.
Paul Mezcal, a phenomenal actor, fell short of what I wanted from him in the film. Without divulging the plot, he excels in one-on-one scenes and compliments his screen partners well. However, he could have done better in group settings where he was supposed to be the catalyst of the scene. As a "leader" throughout the film, inciting the rumblings of a rebellion, uprising, etc., we expect a draw from him. However, at no point was there a desire to follow him. This may be a nitpick but when the one character im supposed to be enraptured with doesn't make me want to charge into the fray it falls short of its target.
The story is better than average but could be better. It complements the bones of the original film and provides some fan service, but it is in no way a standalone marvel compared to its predecessor.
The music score was solid, but they could have taken some notes from Dune Part 2 on how to give an audience goosebumps during its most pivotal scenes.
All in all, it's a good counterpart to the original Gladiator, one of the better films of 2024, and will receive some Oscar buzz, but it falls short of what it could have been, which is a masterpiece.
Brothers (2024)
A Step Backwards for Max Barbakow
The biggest drawback of the film was simple: many of the characters in this film are hyper-exaggerated to the point where you can't take them seriously.
For example, Brendan Fraser, despite being a Hollywood icon with some seriously wonderful films under his belt, was maddening in this. His character had a cartoonish, over-the-top, somewhat childish behavior scheme that just wasn't believable.
I blame this misstep on the man setting the film's tone, director Max Barbakow. This was a massive step backwards from his most recent film "Palm Springs" which was quite enjoyable.
The relationship between Brolin and Dinklage, our titular "brothers," felt forced and, at times, dull throughout the film. Their arguments felt scripted, which is the exact opposite of what you want to feel in a film. I was never invested in their familial development because the writing never evoked those feelings with the audience. In short, the lackluster writing was only exacerbated by the sluggish on-screen chemistry.
It might be worth the watch if you've run through the many streaming catalogs available but shouldn't be at the top of your to-do list.
4/10.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)
Macabre, Insane, and Really Fun
Fans of Beetlejuice can rejoice that our beloved overlords at the Hollywood cinema factory DIDNT mess this one up.
Keaton returns and blows it out of the water; truly I don't think anyone else could play the role and I'm happy that Burton agrees with us on the matter.
Jenna Ortega was a fantastic addition to the kooky assortment of characters Burton's films evoke and it goes without saying that Winona & Catherine continued to thrive in their respective roles
Speaking on the film; at no point does it take itself seriously. This is exemplified by the writing, set design, the rather random signing montages, abrupt stop-motion animation and eye-ball bursting drama (literally).
I am insanely pleased that we're able to revisit the world that Tim Burton so carefully created over 35 years ago.
If you're a fan of Burton. Ortega, the goth regime, wonky visuals, or just a fun movie going experience, this one is for you.
Rebel Ridge (2024)
I Wanted Carnage
Let me start with saying the film is good. It is well acted, well written, and decently paced. There's an argument to be made that the film could have been a handful of minutes shorter but without careful consideration and time I'm unwilling to give I'm unsure what would be cut.
My only gripe, because im a film sadist, is I wanted a bit more carnage. The film attempts to emulate others (like our beloved wick films or reacher), but it fails to reach the same level of hollywood violence we've come to expect from the genre.
Many may argue this is a good thing but it didn't tickle the part of my brain that I wanted it to. Terry, our protagonist is wronged so repeatedly during the course of this film that it would have made the Pope himself command genocide on the masses, yet we're made to believe that Terry is so honorable he couldn't be bothered to hurt another soul.
My only gripe with what was otherwise a great film.
Godspeed.
Smile (2022)
Terrifying Depiction of Trauma
*Note* I'm unsure if it's worth mentioning that I struggle with diagnosed anxiety. Still, it feels relevant, given that it influenced my feelings and thus my subsequent opinion of the film.
Smile was an alarming and often unnerving illustration of trauma. Throughout the film, I found myself, at times, unable to look at the screen, my ears pinched in fear of whatever was about to transpire. In truth, by the end of the film, I practically disassociated with where I was. This feeling was likely a byproduct of how engrossed I was with the movie (albeit with my hoodie pulled nearly over my eyes).
I don't wish to give away the plot, so I won't, but I would encourage most to watch this film. I haven't slept comfortably for days, and although for many, that might be a deterrent from watching, I think it's a testament to why you should see the film. Any movie worth watching should elicit a feeling, not a momentary one, but one that lingers, one that you tell your friends about or one that you quietly think about to yourself, but regardless, one that doesn't leave your mind.
This film meets this mark and exceeds it with a cohesive storyline, a chilling soundtrack, and overall good performances from its lead cast. Bravo.
Game of Thrones: The Long Night (2019)
Watch the Entire Show Just So You Can See this Episode.
Couldn't have had a better battle to represent the journey that is Game of Thrones. It provided everything you could ever want and more. From start to finish I was enraptured.
Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
A Solid Film For the Star Wars Franchise
I am not a Star Wars nut, nor do I know the lore associated with the backstory. This review is written from the perspective of someone who like Stars Wars movies and enjoys taking it all in. I was lucky enough to see an early preview of this film and it was really, really good.
Alden Ehrenreich, Emilia Clarke, Paul Bettany, and Donald Glover all do extremely well in their respective roles. The Cinematography, like most of the new Star Wars films will simply blow you away. When you're watching the film it's almost as though you're there, experiencing each and every detail with them. In fact I believe I'll be watching it again on its wide release so I can catch some of the things I missed the first go round.
The overall Plot-Line is good. It's mainstream, but its certainly not as cheesy/ludicrous as some of the other newer Star Wars films.
I enjoyed myself, I enjoyed the film. Overall it was an 8/10 in my book. A good quality fun film.
Arrival (2016)
Intellectually Fulfilling Masterpiece
I don't have much to say about this movie. The film was absolutely amazing.
If you're a fan of movies that make you think, question human existence, ponder the universe and reach for the stars than this a movie for you.
My friend said something after the movie that I thought described the film very well "Despite it's slow start the latter half of the film rewarded me intellectually in a way that I cannot describe."
I put this film up there with "Interstellar", "The Martian", "Europa Report", and other great Sci-Fi films that use theoretical story lines as the backbone of their project.
Please see this movie with an open mind or else you may find yourself utterly dumbfounded, every single scene has a deeper meaning that ties into the overall piece.
A masterpiece in and out! 10/10
The Voices (2014)
Good Film with Okay Ending
The Voices is a Film that Strikes me as good and bad in many different respects. Ryan Reynolds played the role of a creepy, Schizo, sociopath to the tee but his acting was not supported by good film writing. The Movie simply didn't know how to create an ending to what already was a great story. If the film had a more interesting and well thought out ending my vote for the film would be more like an 8 or a 9 but because this area is lacking it'll have to settle for a 7. If you like very Dark Comedies with moments of blood and gore (Similar to the amount you would see in films such as Inglorious bastards than this is the film for you!)
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Stunning, Hilarious, Overall Genius
This film is one of the most intelligent, well thought out, stylish, action-packed, humor-filled films I have ever seen. I have just left the theater and I already want to go back in and watch it again. The film despite being a Marvel action film was loaded with humor that made you laugh out loud. You fall in love with all the characters in the movie and you grow to have a deep connection with all of them in unique ways. This movie will make you tear up, it will make you grab you seat in frustration, it will make you lean back in astonishment, and it will make you scream with laughter.
If you are wondering what the movie is about the plot is about an outlaw known across the universe (or so he says) as Starlord or Peter Quill played by Chris Pratt. Quill inadvertently stumbles upon one of the most dangerous devices the galaxy has seen and is chased by the ruthless Ronin who is determined to destroy everything that lives. Quill assembles a motley crew of warriors who are later dubbed the "Guardians of the Galaxy" and they embark on a quest to save everyone and themselves.
I don't want to tell you anymore so you can see the movie yourselves but I guarantee you will enjoy the film as much as I did unless you are an emotionless heathen. I give the movie a solid 10/10 as I was highly entertained the full duration of the film and never found myself bored despite it being 2 hours long! Hope everyone who reads this goes and watches the film and I bid you adieu.
The Strain (2014)
Scary AF, But Interesting Storyline
The Strain after the first episode has definitely persuaded me to watch the next episode with it's frightening but complex storyline and thrilling pace. The basic idea of the show without giving away any spoilers is that the CDC is working to solve a virus that is quite basically the weirdest thing anyone has ever seen. The bodies all appear to have no markings or bruisings or anything wrong with them other than a strange color and the smell of ammonia. They all appear to be dead but are they really?
As much as I would love to say more I can't say much more of the storyline without giving away information one needs to learn themselves. The acting in the show of course isn't amazing but it's just a cable TV show only there to entertain us. The CGI and actual things you may see in the film are decent and look fairly real. Overall the first episode was entertaining and I do hope to see good things coming up in the show. I give the Pilot an 8/10!
Godzilla (2014)
This Movie Is Worth Your Money
I could not even believe my eyes the first time Godzilla came onto the screen. Listen when I tell you that all 160,000,000 million dollars of their budget must've been spent on this bad boy because he was unreal. Now I personally saw the movie in IMAX so i'm sure the experience that others may have had who didn't see it in IMAX wasn't as good but i cannot imagine it was anything but Spectacular.
Now that iv'e gotten that out of my system time to tear the movie apart. Bryan Cranston appeared to be the face of the film in the trailers and when you actually watch the movie the brief amount of time he is in the film isn't all that spectacular. In a wrap he is a necessary catalyst that could've been played by a less notable actor and achieved the same feelings. But please understand that in no way was he bad in the film, it was just that his role was underwhelming given how much you see him in the trailer.
Elizabeth Olsen and Aaron Taylor-Johnson did a great job in their roles and I give them a warm applause. Ken Watanabe was either the worst actor to come across the face of the earth or was told to do some of the stupidest things i've ever seen. Throughout the entire film he just stands around watching monsters with a stupid-ass look on his face (Pardon my French). By the end of the film I think that he was a professional at having his mouth hang open because that is essentially the ONLY thing he does for the entire film.
All in All I REALLY liked the FILM but I did not approve of the Actors for the most part. I feel as though some more reliable people could've been put into some roles. In Cranston's case they needed to have more screen time for him or just get someone else and with Ken well Ken's just a lost Cause. I would say this film is great for anyone looking for some CGI and great action scenes filled with non-stop action, excitement and peril. But if your going for the build-up of a story and great acting, don't bother it isn't worth your time. Sorry if I come across as a little Cynical but you can see from my rating that I did truly enjoy the movie but i'm a critic and i have to give it to you the way it is.
Helix (2014)
I Like It A Lot
This show is great, as much as people would like to say oh it isn't good because its one of those Sci-Fi low budget shows, they cant. I've read reviews about bad writing and directing because the characters in the show are making decisions that any person in their right mind wouldn't make. My question to you, have you ever seen a horror movie where people don't make bad decisions? Part of a thriller is watching as someone puts them self in mortal danger. I don't want to say much about this show as id love for you to just watch it for yourselves but it is fantastic and spellbinding, it keeps you on the edge of your seat till the second the episode ends!
Good Job Sci-Fi I hope to see more good stuff!
Identity Thief (2013)
One of the Best Comedies I've Ever Seen
Do not listen to others who may say that this movie was garbage or not good. I went to this movie with a few of my friends and the theater was packed. Melissa Was hysterical the whole entire movie and pardon my french she had me laughing my ass off to the point of embarrassment.
The movie had a really good story-line, one that was original and new. Throughout the movie they added more and more characters so your mind didn't become bored of the whole entire situation and in the end it was a pleasing and satisfactory finish one that didn't leave you mad, sad, but happy and maybe even with a giggle.
Please go see this movie i gave it 9/10 it was extremely funny don't listen to the critics these days they don't judge a movie by its awesomeness. That's my Job!
Flight (2012)
Denzel+Zemeckis=A Masterpiece
This has to be one of the best movies i have seen this year and trust me i have seen a lot of movies. I usually go and see two a week and 99 percent of the time I don't get my ass up and write a review but this was such a phenomenal movie that i was forced to comply.
Robert Zemeckis did an amazing job directing this and getting it down to be almost absolute perfection, the beginning the middle and end all wove together to create a movie that left you not eating popcorn or sipping your soda but staring at the screen in pure a pure dumbstruck state.
Don't even get me started on Denzel Washington, he played his role in this movie so well it was hard to believe he was acting. He played his part of an alcoholic, drug addicted, lieing ,untrustworthy pilot to the point of perfection. (OSCAR)
There really isn't that much else to say except that the beginning scene of the crash should go down in history as the single most intense and well done movie scene EVER. A must see for anyone 15 and older. Even though there is a fair amount of nudity in the very beginning the movie overall should be seen by all. Im expecting at least Three Oscar Nominations.