John Wick

Released:  2014

7 Out of 10 Ginger Snaps

7 out of 10 ginger snaps 

Director:  Chad Stahelski and David Leitch

Writer:  Derek Kolstad

Producers:  Basil Iwanyk, David Leitch, Eva Longoria

Main Actors:  Keanu Reeves, Michael Nyvist, Willem Dafoe




Favorite Scene
Cop's arrival at John Wick's house after he just killed 12 hitmen

Favorite Character
Hotel Manager (Charon)

I have to be honest.  I gave this a lower rating then I would have if they had NOT killed the dog in the beginning.  I know - it was the impetus for the whole point of the movie, but... it made me really sad.

Anyway, now that I have admitted my bias, I did fully appreciate the explosions, gunfights, fist fights, and overall KILL THE REAL BAD GUYS AND GET REVENGE theme.  It was humous in how they handled the catering that took place to the badass guys.  That is one of the reasons I liked the Hotel Manager, played by Lance Reddick, so much.  I do hope that in the real world, places like the hotel and dinner reservation orders do not exist.  That would be so messed up.

The acting, effects, and fight choreography were done well.  Keanu Reeves is still hot using martial arts to kill people.  Not the best actor in the world, but this role was perfect for him.  He just had to go around kicking butt.

I recommend the movie to those of you who like violence on screen and appreciate nicely executed fights.  Those of you who will continue to cry after the dog dies, not recommended (I'm close to being in that camp, but not enough to negate my appreciation for staged combat).

The Imitation Game

Release:  2014

Number of Ginger Snaps:  9 out of 10

9 out of 10 ginger snaps 

Director:  Morten Tyldum

Writers:  Graham Moore, Andrew Hodges

Producers:  Nora Grossman, Ido Ostrowsky, Teddy Schwartzman

Main Actors:  Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode




Favorite Character
Stewart Menzies

Favorite Quote
"I know it's not  ordinary.  But who ever loved ordinary?" - Joan


Wow.  Just Wow.  I'm actually reading a SciFi book right now, Cryptonomicon by Neal Stevenson (thanks to my hubby), which includes this movie's character.  Alan Turing was a real person who was pivotal in decrypting the Nazi's Enigma machine and the start of digital computing.  This movie was based on his life.

Benedict Cumberbatch portrayed Turing brilliantly.  His characterization was just as I pictured while reading Crytonomicon.  I still get willies thinking about the decisions that man had to make.  The film captured the turmoil, secrecy, and genius of the people involved in WWII decoding.

I liked the directing choices Tyldum made.  He portrayed the time period well.

I really don't know what else to say.  Turing was totally and utterly brilliant.  All I could say after watching the movie was "How???  HOW??? How does that happen????  How can someone think that into existence!?!".

Oh - and I do recommend Crytonomicon - it's brilliant too.