Released: May 2013
OVERALL RATING: * * *
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Director: Shane Black
Writer: Shane Black, Drew Pearce
Producer: Kevin Feige
Main Actors: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Guy Pearce
Directing: * * *
Acting: * * *
Special Effects: * * * .5
Plot: * *
Predictability: * *
Entertainment Value: * * * *
I liked the first Iron Man better. It was definitely entertaining though. I'm glad I got to see it in the theater on the big screen.
It was somewhat of a weird plot line. The story was just... odd. That is all I can think of to describe it. It didn't make a lot of cense. I did like the overall movie though. It was entertaining and basically what I was expecting from a comic book movie.
Favorite Line: I just stole a poncho from a wooden statue.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Star Trek Into Darkness
Released: 5/16/2013
OVERALL RATING: * * * .5
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Director: J.J. Abrams
Writers: Robert Orci, Alex Kurtzman, Damon Lindelof
Producers: J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk
Main Actors: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg
Directing: * * * *
Plot: * * *
Predictability: * * *
Acting: * * * *
Entertainment Value: * * * *
Costumes / Makeup: * * *
As a stand alone movie, this was awesome. As a Star Trek movie, not as awesome. This is a personal issue for me and probably not problematic with the general population. I have to give this movie high marks as it is a well done, entertaining film, but if I was only viewing it as a Star Trek movie, the score would not be as high.
Here is a list of WHY I don't totally love this movie. Spoiler alert if you haven't seen it.
1. At times I was wondering when Princess Leia would come in - the music, background aliens, and some of the costumes were very Star Wars like. This is not bad cause I love Star Wars, but I like keeping my Star Trek and Star Wards separate.
2. Spock saying Khan... Just didn't feel right.
3. Klingons were a bit too different for my taste.
4. Star Trek always had a clean, institutionalized feel to it for me. This didn't feel very 'clean'. I don't know if any of you get what I'm saying, but that is the best way I can think of to describe it. The feel of the film wasn't as crisp / clean as I usually get when I watch a Star Trek film. It wasn't bad, just, well, not my normal feeling.
5. A little too much suspension of disbelief at the end with Spock and Khan.
I do recommend seeing this of course, but I think I need to change my mindset a bit about my Star Trek films. I am very curious to see what J.J. Abrams does with Star Wars.
Favorite Scene: Kirk trying to explain to Spock why he lied in his report and why he was upset. Very Star Trek - Loved.
OVERALL RATING: * * * .5
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Director: J.J. Abrams
Writers: Robert Orci, Alex Kurtzman, Damon Lindelof
Producers: J.J. Abrams, Bryan Burk
Main Actors: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Simon Pegg
Directing: * * * *
Plot: * * *
Predictability: * * *
Acting: * * * *
Entertainment Value: * * * *
Costumes / Makeup: * * *
As a stand alone movie, this was awesome. As a Star Trek movie, not as awesome. This is a personal issue for me and probably not problematic with the general population. I have to give this movie high marks as it is a well done, entertaining film, but if I was only viewing it as a Star Trek movie, the score would not be as high.
Here is a list of WHY I don't totally love this movie. Spoiler alert if you haven't seen it.
1. At times I was wondering when Princess Leia would come in - the music, background aliens, and some of the costumes were very Star Wars like. This is not bad cause I love Star Wars, but I like keeping my Star Trek and Star Wards separate.
2. Spock saying Khan... Just didn't feel right.
3. Klingons were a bit too different for my taste.
4. Star Trek always had a clean, institutionalized feel to it for me. This didn't feel very 'clean'. I don't know if any of you get what I'm saying, but that is the best way I can think of to describe it. The feel of the film wasn't as crisp / clean as I usually get when I watch a Star Trek film. It wasn't bad, just, well, not my normal feeling.
5. A little too much suspension of disbelief at the end with Spock and Khan.
I do recommend seeing this of course, but I think I need to change my mindset a bit about my Star Trek films. I am very curious to see what J.J. Abrams does with Star Wars.
Favorite Scene: Kirk trying to explain to Spock why he lied in his report and why he was upset. Very Star Trek - Loved.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Olympus Has Fallen
Released: 2013
OVERALL RATING: * * *
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Director: Antoine Fuqua
Writers: Katrin Benedikt, Creighten Rothenberger
Producers: Mark Gill, Gerard Butler, Ed Cathell III
Main Actors: Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart, Dylan McDermott
Directing: * * *
Acting: * * *
Predictability: *
Plot: * * * *
Fight Sequences: * * *
Entertainment Value: * * * *
It was not easy to watch the beginning of this movie due to the recent Boston marathon bombing and the reminder of what happened on 9/11. Since things blowing up, fist fights, gun shots and action are right up my alley, I quickly got over my uneasiness and got into the movie.
I thought the fight scenes were well done. The editing made things look pretty good and the variety of killing styles used was appreciated. It gets boring if everyone just uses guns. A good head grab and twist is always well received.
The main problem with this movie was how predictable it was. Don't get me wrong, there were a few times where I gripped Joe's hand harder in suspense (yep, saw it with my wonderful boyfriend), but you already knew how it would end as soon as it started. I guess I would have been sad if it had ended differently though.
I recommend the movie if you like action movies. It was definitely worth seeing.
Favorite Scene: In the coffee shop with Banning and the boss woman. The other agents coming in to talk them was amusing - it reminded me of the little puppy dogs following a someone holding a bone.
OVERALL RATING: * * *
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Director: Antoine Fuqua
Writers: Katrin Benedikt, Creighten Rothenberger
Producers: Mark Gill, Gerard Butler, Ed Cathell III
Main Actors: Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart, Dylan McDermott
Directing: * * *
Acting: * * *
Predictability: *
Plot: * * * *
Fight Sequences: * * *
Entertainment Value: * * * *
It was not easy to watch the beginning of this movie due to the recent Boston marathon bombing and the reminder of what happened on 9/11. Since things blowing up, fist fights, gun shots and action are right up my alley, I quickly got over my uneasiness and got into the movie.
I thought the fight scenes were well done. The editing made things look pretty good and the variety of killing styles used was appreciated. It gets boring if everyone just uses guns. A good head grab and twist is always well received.
The main problem with this movie was how predictable it was. Don't get me wrong, there were a few times where I gripped Joe's hand harder in suspense (yep, saw it with my wonderful boyfriend), but you already knew how it would end as soon as it started. I guess I would have been sad if it had ended differently though.
I recommend the movie if you like action movies. It was definitely worth seeing.
Favorite Scene: In the coffee shop with Banning and the boss woman. The other agents coming in to talk them was amusing - it reminded me of the little puppy dogs following a someone holding a bone.
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Assassin's Bullet
Released: 2012
OVERALL RATING: * *
(on a scale of 1 to 4)
Director: Issac Florentine
Writer: Hans Feuersinger
Producer: David E. Ornston
Main Actors: Christian Slater, Donald Sutherland, Elika Portnoy
Directing: *
Acting: * * *
Predictability: * *
Plot: * * *
Entertainment Value: * *
Why I had high hopes for this movie, I'm not sure. Oh right - guns, action, suspense. I thought it would have a lot of those things. It wasn't horrible or anything, just somewhat mediocre. I wouldn't recommend it unless you're board out of your mind and nothing is on TV.
The story had so much potential, but I think they just missed the mark on making it good. There were just really dumb things in the script. It also needed way more action and less of that lovey dovey stuff. In addition, the ending was just odd. It left me thinking "What the @#%@!?".
The directing was not good at all. The camera choices were lame - they keep using the circle around the actor deal. The first time, okay, but they did it too much. If I notice camera work during the film, it isn't good. There were a couple scenes that needed more extras. It just looked off.
I do think the actor's did a decent job with what they had. I do think highly of Donald Sutherland, but his role was not in the movie much. I would have liked to have seen more of him.
OVERALL RATING: * *
(on a scale of 1 to 4)
Director: Issac Florentine
Writer: Hans Feuersinger
Producer: David E. Ornston
Main Actors: Christian Slater, Donald Sutherland, Elika Portnoy
Directing: *
Acting: * * *
Predictability: * *
Plot: * * *
Entertainment Value: * *
Why I had high hopes for this movie, I'm not sure. Oh right - guns, action, suspense. I thought it would have a lot of those things. It wasn't horrible or anything, just somewhat mediocre. I wouldn't recommend it unless you're board out of your mind and nothing is on TV.
The story had so much potential, but I think they just missed the mark on making it good. There were just really dumb things in the script. It also needed way more action and less of that lovey dovey stuff. In addition, the ending was just odd. It left me thinking "What the @#%@!?".
The directing was not good at all. The camera choices were lame - they keep using the circle around the actor deal. The first time, okay, but they did it too much. If I notice camera work during the film, it isn't good. There were a couple scenes that needed more extras. It just looked off.
I do think the actor's did a decent job with what they had. I do think highly of Donald Sutherland, but his role was not in the movie much. I would have liked to have seen more of him.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Chupacabra vs. the Alamo
Released: March 23, 2013
OVERALL RATING: * *
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Director: Terry Ingram
Writer: Peter Sullivan
Producer: Keith Shaw, Kirk Shaw
Main Actors: Erik Estrada, Nicole Munoz, Julia Benson
Directing: *
Plot: * * *
Acting: * *
Predictability: *
Entertainment Value: * * *
Erik Estrada on a motorcycle is still kind of hot. I had to laugh though cause of the background they used when they showed him on front views - it was so bad. The effects in this movie were horrible, but in a way, great! It fit with the SyFy original movie expectations.
I liked Crocket. He was funny and they cast him well. There were some very bad casting choices though. Erik Estrada's kids did not at all look like him. The actor who played his son looked asian. The daughter was too white to be hispanic. It just looked weird and it made me make up stories as to why he has an asian son and a white girl daughter - they were adopted.
I did find the movie somewhat entertaining. It made me laugh and things blew up - if you read my reviews, you know I'm really into blowing up stuff - and guns, and Erik Estrada with a gun, on a motorcycle.
Favorite Quote: "We got chupacabras up in here"
OVERALL RATING: * *
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Director: Terry Ingram
Writer: Peter Sullivan
Producer: Keith Shaw, Kirk Shaw
Main Actors: Erik Estrada, Nicole Munoz, Julia Benson
Directing: *
Plot: * * *
Acting: * *
Predictability: *
Entertainment Value: * * *
Erik Estrada on a motorcycle is still kind of hot. I had to laugh though cause of the background they used when they showed him on front views - it was so bad. The effects in this movie were horrible, but in a way, great! It fit with the SyFy original movie expectations.
I liked Crocket. He was funny and they cast him well. There were some very bad casting choices though. Erik Estrada's kids did not at all look like him. The actor who played his son looked asian. The daughter was too white to be hispanic. It just looked weird and it made me make up stories as to why he has an asian son and a white girl daughter - they were adopted.
I did find the movie somewhat entertaining. It made me laugh and things blew up - if you read my reviews, you know I'm really into blowing up stuff - and guns, and Erik Estrada with a gun, on a motorcycle.
Favorite Quote: "We got chupacabras up in here"
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Flying Monkeys
Released: 2013
OVERALL RATING: *
(on a scale of 1 to 4)
Director: Robert Grasmere
Writer: Silvero Gouris
Producer: Phillip Poole, Brad Krevoy, H. Daniel Gross
Main Actors: Electra Avellan, Maika Monroe, Michael Papajohn, Vincent Ventresca
Directing: *
Acting: *
Plot: *
Entertainment Value: * *
Predictability: *
First, I just have to say: SyFy, I love your movies even though they are horrendous. It's like a car wreck - I can't not watch.
This is a movie about flying werewolf demon monkeys. While flying werewolf demon monkeys is intriguing and has potential to be fabulous, it wasn't. The Asian actors were awful (no offense against Asians, just the ones in this movie). The directing was lacking. The production value was cheap.
I have to admit that the monkey they had was really cute. It made me want to go out and buy a monkey - werewolf demon or not.
They did throw in the gratuitous 'girl in bra' scene. I suppose that is standard for B movies.
I think the writer and / or director may have been trying to make a political statement about a need to gun control. If people used their guns and shot the monkeys, the monkeys would double. Ohhhh evil demon guns! (lame)
Favorite Line: "Hey monkey breath - get off my porch."
OVERALL RATING: *
(on a scale of 1 to 4)
Director: Robert Grasmere
Writer: Silvero Gouris
Producer: Phillip Poole, Brad Krevoy, H. Daniel Gross
Main Actors: Electra Avellan, Maika Monroe, Michael Papajohn, Vincent Ventresca
Directing: *
Acting: *
Plot: *
Entertainment Value: * *
Predictability: *
First, I just have to say: SyFy, I love your movies even though they are horrendous. It's like a car wreck - I can't not watch.
This is a movie about flying werewolf demon monkeys. While flying werewolf demon monkeys is intriguing and has potential to be fabulous, it wasn't. The Asian actors were awful (no offense against Asians, just the ones in this movie). The directing was lacking. The production value was cheap.
I have to admit that the monkey they had was really cute. It made me want to go out and buy a monkey - werewolf demon or not.
They did throw in the gratuitous 'girl in bra' scene. I suppose that is standard for B movies.
I think the writer and / or director may have been trying to make a political statement about a need to gun control. If people used their guns and shot the monkeys, the monkeys would double. Ohhhh evil demon guns! (lame)
Favorite Line: "Hey monkey breath - get off my porch."
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Flight
Released: 2012
OVERALL RATING: * * * .5
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Writer: John Gatins
Producers: Jack Rapke, Steve Starkey, Laurie MacDonald, Walter Parkes, Robert Zemeckis
Main Actors: Denzel Washington, Kelly Reilly, Bruce Greenwood
Acting: * * * *
Directing: * * *
Plot: * * *
Predictability: * * *
Entertainment Value: * * * *
Engaging Consistency: * * * *
Definitely a "Must Watch" movie. This is a deep dive into the world of an alcoholic pilot who miraculously saves a flight from total disaster while under the influence. Having personal knowledge of alcoholism and having grown up with an airline pilot, I totally could believe this movie. It was upsetting, but a very good portrayal of the situation. I grew up around a lot of airline pilots and yes, they do (or did in the 80s) like to party hard.
I did cry a lot at the end. This is not a movie to watch when you want something light and fluffy. It is definitely something to see when you want a good drama (and a good cry). I saw this movie when I was sick and, if you want a good way to clear out the mucus in your head - I suggest seeing this as you'll cry it all out.
Denzel Washington did an outstanding performance of course. John Goodman was friggin hilarious. The performances alone are worth seeing this movie. They also had good music that matched well with the story.
Favorite Scene: Nicole taking pictures in the morning - great portrayal of an addict starting in recovery - and there was a Big Book in the scene!!
OVERALL RATING: * * * .5
(on a scale of 1 to 4 - 4 being best)
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Writer: John Gatins
Producers: Jack Rapke, Steve Starkey, Laurie MacDonald, Walter Parkes, Robert Zemeckis
Main Actors: Denzel Washington, Kelly Reilly, Bruce Greenwood
Acting: * * * *
Directing: * * *
Plot: * * *
Predictability: * * *
Entertainment Value: * * * *
Engaging Consistency: * * * *
Definitely a "Must Watch" movie. This is a deep dive into the world of an alcoholic pilot who miraculously saves a flight from total disaster while under the influence. Having personal knowledge of alcoholism and having grown up with an airline pilot, I totally could believe this movie. It was upsetting, but a very good portrayal of the situation. I grew up around a lot of airline pilots and yes, they do (or did in the 80s) like to party hard.
I did cry a lot at the end. This is not a movie to watch when you want something light and fluffy. It is definitely something to see when you want a good drama (and a good cry). I saw this movie when I was sick and, if you want a good way to clear out the mucus in your head - I suggest seeing this as you'll cry it all out.
Denzel Washington did an outstanding performance of course. John Goodman was friggin hilarious. The performances alone are worth seeing this movie. They also had good music that matched well with the story.
Favorite Scene: Nicole taking pictures in the morning - great portrayal of an addict starting in recovery - and there was a Big Book in the scene!!
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