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Meg 2: The Trench (2023)
Fun to Watch
To be clear, this is not a classic. I did not go into this movie or the first one expecting Jaws. I did not expect drama, suspense, or great acting. I expected a silly monster movie with eye-candy, over-the-top action, laugh-out-loud moments, and ridiculous, suicidal, anti-heroism stunt work by Jason Statham. This delivered in spades. This was a highly entertaining movie that was even more enjoyable than the first one.
The film knows what it is and does not try to take itself too seriously. When you have giant sharks and other monsters eating people you couldn't care less about faster than I can eat my popcorn, all at a place called Fun Island, complete with comedic perspectives that include a camera shot from inside a shark's mouth; you know the filmmakers were not going for realism.
If you want an Oscar winning cinematic experience, skip this one. If you want to watch something fun, be prepared to laugh and give this a try.
Reminiscence (2021)
Pleasantly Surprised
The trailer looked interesting, but the ratings were so low I almost did not give this a try. Pleasantly surprised I did. No, this is not an action movie. This is sci-fi noir, like a futuristic Maltese Falcon.
There is a great deal of dialogue and heart. I could tell this was a passion project like Vertigo and some of my other favorite films of all time. I was not surprised when I saw it was written and directed by the same person. Very visual and moving. Old-fashioned storytelling. The story develops slowly towards the climax and resolution and does not tie the ends with a sappy happy ending.
For those who want minimum dialogue and non-stop action, this film is not for you. If you want to savor some neo noir, give it a try.
Cry Macho (2021)
Classic Narrative
Classic old-style film. Morally ambiguous characters caught up in classic moral dilemmas. Not a bunch of smoke and mirrors (special effects and action sequences) distracting you from the story and the great actors bringing it to life. As always, Clint Eastwood's face says more than his mouth. Brevity is the soul of wit. When he does speak, the line is always quotable. The same can be said of Natalia Traven. I could not understand a word she said, but I knew what she was feeling. My wife and I both loved it. A tough chick-flick. I guess that was in the title: Cry Macho.
Glass (2019)
Unpredictable
This movie was what I expected, while at the same time being completely unpredictable. I did not expect much action even though this is a "superhero" movie. M. Night Shyamalan movies are not known for action, and a person who goes in expecting a standard superhero film will be disappointed. I expected plot twists and actively tried to guess what they would be. The movie satisfied. In classic Hitchcock style, it kept the intensity while showing very little onscreen action, and the plot twists remained unpredictable. James McAvoy's performance was brilliant. While not the ending I expected, it was a fitting end to the trilogy. It's nice to watch a film that does not rely on effects and action while sacrificing story and character development.
Weird Science (1985)
Incredibly Stupid
I was a young teenager in the eighties and I remember all of my schoolmates raving about this movie. Maybe I would have liked it if I watched it then. I really enjoy some of John Hughes other films. I finally watched this for the first time.The acting is wooden, the jokes are lame, and the premise is incredibly stupid. The movie is also very dated as my two teenage children could not make it through 20 minutes of this movie.
The special effects are decent for the time, but movies do not hold up solely on the strength of their special effects. If you know the time period, you will understand how movies like this got made back then. You also understand and are thankful that they do not make them like this anymore.
Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
A Realistic Villain
I love comic book movies. However, it gets tiresome watching the continued parade of super villains with grand agendas to take over and/or destroy the world. Michael Keaton's well-played Vulture has no such grand designs. He just wants to support his family comfortably, even if his business is less than legal. He uses the deeds of those who are more rich and powerful than him as justification. That's it. No grand designs to take over the world, and no deliberate attempt at mass destruction (although that accompanies any decent comic book movie regardless). When teenager Peter Parker interferes with those plans, the only revenge plot is to keep Spider-man from interfering with his family business. Again, simple plans. It is the simplicity of the villain and the superhero that made this movie a breath of fresh air in comparison with its competitors. This is one of the best comic book movies since The Dark Knight.
The Adjustment Bureau (2011)
Very Disappointing
This is the most disappointing movie I have seen in a long time. I knew very little about it before watching it. I purchased it because it was on sale, and it was a sci-fi, thriller, romance with Emily Blunt and Matt Damon with 7.1 stars on IMDb. I figured it had to be good. This movie is more theology than sci-fi, and I assume the message is as offensive to the faithful as to those who do not subscribe to any faith:
"Selfishly follow your heart at all costs and everything will work out in the end even if it requires God to change His/Her master plan. Angels are nothing more than old, tired, bumbling idiots with magic hats easily overpowered by smart humans. Angels cannot prevent accidents, but can create circumstances that force the impulsive, brainless idiots who inhabit this planet to make adjustments in their lives."
To the faithful, such notions of God and angels should be offensive. To those who do not subscribe to any faith, the message seems to be, "We do not have freewill. There are masters of our fate. The only way to gain freewill is to ignore logic and act on impulse." This message seems equally offensive.
Unlike a well done science fiction story, the movie was never able to suspend my disbelief. Each plot twist was so far fetched and unrealistic that it just irritated me more. The resolution increased rather than absolved that irritation.
Everything else about the movie was first rate: the acting, editing, special effects, etc. Therefore, I felt compelled to give it more than a single star. However, all the audio visual candy in the world cannot make a poor story worth watching.
Point Break (2015)
Decent Remake of a Cult Classic
I was not expecting much from this movie. I was pleasantly surprised. The opening scene was too predictable to have the emotional impact it was going for, but the rest of the film did a good job of taking the core story of the original and using it to showcase some visually impressive stunts and extreme sports. This is not Shakespeare, so I was not expecting Oscar worthy performances. It delivered what I expected, and even found a way to keep the ending of the original film intact and even more visually stunning. Despite the similar story and wider array of stunts and extreme sports, this version was able to deliver a more family friendly film than the original. The original will always be a classic. However, this is the version I can enjoy with my kids.
The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015)
Aggravating to Watch
The story was fun, the action was fun, and the plot twists were enjoyable. The acting was decent. The locations were enjoyable to see. However, I did not enjoy watching this film for two reasons. The first reason is because many of the scenes are shown twice. The first time the scene is shown, information is deliberately left out, even though the information that is left out is not too difficult for thinking audience members to discern. Then, almost instantly, the scene is shown again filling in the missing information. Were the filmmakers deliberately trying to pad the running time of the film by showing everything twice? This was both irritating and unnecessary. In addition, the split screen scenes added nothing and just increased the aggravation of watching this movie. This could have been much better. Touches that I'm assuming were meant to be touches of artistic flair made the movie tedious and annoying.
Raising Arizona (1987)
Three Decades Too Late
For decades I have heard mixed reviews about this film. Friends and critics either thought it was hysterical, or it was stupid. I agree with both statements. This movie is hysterical because it is stupid, which is not an accident. Not all stupid movies are funny. The premise, the characters, and the dialogue are all purposely outrageous making this over-the-top melodrama a first rate comedy. Even though I watched it almost three decades too late, it was still one of the funniest comedies I have ever seen. It even solicited a few belly laughs. This has become one of my new "go to" movies when I need a good laugh to readjust my mood.
Mud (2012)
Surprisingly Engaging Film
I was surprised how much I enjoyed this movie. The movie does not offer the stark good vs. evil characters common in movies today. All of the characters were flawed. I was familiar with the attitudes and the logic of the characters because I know people with similar dispositions. I could identify with all of the characters, but I would not want any of them as my friends. You know from the start that the main character is a murderer, yet you somehow want to believe that what he did was justified. The acting and the cinematography was stellar. This is old style story telling; a slow build up to a climax and resolution; not jumping from one climax to the next. The movie kept my attention until the end and was more entertaining than I anticipated.
Jaws (1975)
I Caught a Fish THIS BIG!
I remember begging my parents to see this when I was four years old. They did not let me see it then, but I viewed it the first time it was broadcast on national television several years later. Now, decades later, I still revisit it from time to time and felt the need to go from VHS, to DVD, to Blu-Ray. Classic storytelling never gets old. This is not just proved by Spielberg's film as a whole, but also by the iconic scene where Robert Shaw tells a fish story after comparing scars with Richard Dreyfuss. Old classics never drown. I have lived around fishermen my whole life, and this is still the most suspenseful fish story I have ever seen or heard.
Jurassic World (2015)
2nd Best Monster Movie Ever Made
22 years ago when I saw the original Jurassic Park, I thought it was the best monster movie ever made. I still believe that. The sequels paled in comparison. After walking out of Jurassic World, I am convinced I have just seen the 2nd best monster movie ever made. Just like a Godzilla movie or any other classic monster movie, after all the suspense associated with human casualties, this movie ends the way any great monster movie should, with the monsters fighting. The dinosaur battle at the end is the most impressive monster battle filmed. While the original Jurassic Park had a fresh story that makes it hard to beat decades later, this is the first worthy sequel.
Into the Woods (2014)
Fairy Tales with Adult Themes and Lessons
I never saw the stage musical, but I had the cast recordings on cassette years ago (remember those)? Therefore, the visuals never distracted me from the lyrics of the songs and I was amazed at how well Grimms' Fairy Tales (closer to the real tales the brothers told, not the Disney versions) were thrown together and used as adult metaphors and life lessons. Bad people can be exciting to be around. Nice people are not always good, and good people are not always nice. Looking for solutions to problems is smarter than trying to assign blame. For personal growth, we often have to leave our comfort zones and journey to dark and scary places (into the woods). Ultimately, be careful what you wish for, and if you are going to pursue your wishes at all costs, know there will be consequences and you may not really want what you thought you did.
I think the film does a fantastic job of bringing the musical to the big screen. Just like Chicago, not only is the film well acted by a stellar cast, but all the actors do a great job singing their lines. This is another musical masterpiece from Rob Marshall.
Skyfall (2012)
Daniel Craig Brings Bond Full Circle
This is one of the finest Bond films made. The opening stunt sequence is brilliant. Daniel Craig was given the task of giving the origin story to Bond in Casino Royale. The origin story comes full circle in this tale by introducing classic Bond elements, characters, cars and musical cues from the old movies. The way the dazzling imagery from the exotic locations was shot transcends the genre. Far from the usual two-dimensional villain, Javier's Silva exhibits a sweetness that makes him even creepier. The film continues to probe Bond's past taking us further into the roots of the character than even Casino Royale did. So, in addition to the usual well-choreographed action sequences and unique settings, this film is lavishly shot with an emotional resonance that begs multiple viewings.
Les Misérables (2012)
Adequate Version of an Outstanding Stage Show Based on a Classic Book
Overall, it was very well done. Several aspects of the film disappointed me (Russell Crowes' singing, some songs shortened and eliminated, minor story changes, too much spoken dialog). However, the good outweighed the bad (Russell Crowes' acting, Anne Hathaway's outstanding performance as Fantine, close-ups of the generally great acting and generally acceptable singing, additional songs and lyrics).
"Lovely Ladies" was a little more graphic than the stage show, but in a sad way, not a gratuitous way. The same is true of the battle sequences and Javert's suicide.
My kids both gave it two thumbs way up and were not as disappointed as I was through some of it. My son said he knew Russell Crowe's singing was weak, but he could actually feel me tense up as he butchered "Stars" and the suicide song. I wanted to push him into the river. Overall, it was an adequate film version of an outstanding stage show based on a classic book.
August Rush (2007)
Too Incredible for Belief
I really wanted to like this movie. I love music, and I enjoy several of the actors involved. A great movie can suspend any disbelief at least until it is over. This film was unable to do that. The movie took one unbelievable turn after another. The orphanage environment, the way children's services operated, a father forging his daughter's name and signing away her baby for adoption while she is in a coma (nobody would notice the paper was signed while she was unconscious?), the instant ability to both play instruments and write music, the enrollment of a minor in a prestigious music school without even appointing a legal guardian or trying to locate his parents.
I watched this with my children. They were irritated that every few minutes I was saying, "That could never happen because . . ." I was so frustrated with all of the unbelievable scenarios I was asked to accept that I wish I would have avoided this. I bought the DVD for $2.39 on a clearance rack. I think I overpaid.
Chicago (2002)
An Unexpected Masterpiece
I never get tired of watching this film, and I have turned many people who refused to give it a chance into fans. I have found this is not a movie that can be enjoyed through a casual watch, because everybody I know who has done this did not understand the plot, nor did they understand how the film splices the reality of the situation with the incredible dance numbers.
The themes of this movie are no different today than they were in 1920s Chicago where the story takes place. Reality is often not as important as what the majority of people believe reality to be. With a pretty face, some expert media manipulation, and the right lawyer, a person can get away with murder.
The jazzy songs are well-written and well-performed by actors I never realized had musical talent. The dance numbers are incredible. The movie is both hysterical, and sad. So laugh at the lawyer and the murderesses as they put on their puppet show for the public; cry with the innocent as they are jilted and executed; and have a great time in the process.
Licence to Kill (1989)
One of the Best
This is one of my favorite Bond movies and I have always been surprised how many people did not like it, or have never seen it. Usually I watch James Bond movies for the magnificent stunts and spectacular locations, and can never remember the convoluted plots by the end of the film. However, this one is different. The stunts are first-rate as always, though the locations are not as exotic. The plot is unusually straightforward, yet his methods are not. Watching Bond sow seeds of doubt in Sanchez's head, inciting Sanchez to do the bulk of the work in destroying his own operation, still amuses me even after numerous viewings. Even though I enjoyed Pierce Brosnan's performance as Bond, after Licence to Kill, I was always disappointed that Timothy Dalton did not take a few extra turns at the character.
Clash of the Titans (2010)
A Classic Too Updated
As a child, the original Clash of the Titans was one of my favorite monster movies. I still have a nostalgia for watching it periodically today.
The majority of people going to see this movie want to watch humans battle realistic looking monsters. However, this film attempts to complicate the original story with a subplot about ancient gods needing prayers and fear for their own immortality. An additional subplot about the hero rejecting his demigod status and therefore refusing help from his father was also added. This just bogged down what should be a straightforward excuse for showing realistic looking monsters on the big screen.
The CGI beasts were much more impressive than in the original. However, the action sequences were shot too close and too fast to allow the viewer to have a good understanding of what was happening.
Unlike Jurassic Park and The Lord of the Rings, most monster movies fail to transcend visual candy. That is fine. Sometimes a mindless monster movie is a visual masterpiece that hits the spot. I could not tell you the plot of a single Godzilla movie. This film attempted to complicate the plot and transcend its monster movie status instead of just sticking with a basic story. The result is a movie that is partial eye candy and an attempt at plot depth, both of which were incomplete and left me unsatisfied.
Hush (1998)
Classic Hitchcockian Style Thriller
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie the first time I saw it ten years ago. The film reminded me of some of my favorite Hitchcock flicks, namely Shadow of a Doubt and Notorious. The story builds slowly and generates just enough paranoia of impending danger to keep the audience interested. By the time everything comes together, the audience has an emotional investment in the main character and experiences genuine anxiety at her ordeal. This is so refreshingly different from the movies that slice and dice cardboard characters in an attempt to generate suspense.
After seeing how poorly people have reacted to this film, I revisited it to see if my memory served me correctly. My assessment remains the same. Jessica Lange gives a stellar performance as the homicidal control freak. Gwyneth Paltrow is easy to empathize with as the paranoid daughter-in-law. Nina Foch is hysterical as the cheerful old lady who knows all the family secrets. I have met each of these characters in the real world. The only reason I would hesitate to call this a masterpiece is because there is no Hitchcock cameo. Still, this is a worthy imitation of the master's work.
Star Trek (2009)
Among the Best Star Trek Films
While I grew up watching Star Trek reruns and movies, I have not watched anything to do with Star Trek in a decade. My ten year old son has never seen Star Trek and had no desire to see this movie. I took him anyway. Now he wants to rent all of the previous films.
This film does a fantastic job of telling an origins story that is much different than most people probably guessed it would be, yet at the same time remains true to the original mythology. Somehow the movie maintains a perfect balance of familiarity and unpredictability. Combine that with updated visual effects and intense action sequences, and this movie becomes a highly entertaining character study that deserves repeat viewings.
Only one thing really irritated me about this movie. The plot is so complicated that the movie makers felt it necessary to explain in narrative during a Vulcan mind meld halfway through the film. I felt like I was being treated like a kid since the movie did not trust my intelligence enough to supply enough information for me to fill in the blanks. Instead, the filmmakers resort to explicitly telling me exactly what is going on. I resented those few moments.
Still, the movie was much better than I expected it to be.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
Very Entertaining for Those Who Are Not Comic Book Purists
I went in with low expectations because,until recently, a movie has never been made based on a comic book that did not dumb the plot and characterizations down. Therefore, this did not disappoint. The characters and the story may not be as complex as the comic books from which they are derived, but for the uneducated moviegoer, this is a very visual film with great action sequences and unexpected plot twists. For those of us who already know the story, the movie is not all that it could be based on the source material. However, 95% (Yes, I pulled that number out of the air.) of the time in art, the source material is the original inspiration and is always better. If a person goes in expecting to get a better connection with the source material, that person will be sorely disappointed. If, however, a person goes in expecting to see a violent story about a mutant with claws and an attitude who is seeking revenge, the movie delivers. Hugh Jackman plays a great Wolverine. Liev Schreiber's Sabretooth is also very well delivered.
Coraline (2009)
Visual and Unusual
This film was very visual and unpredictable. I took my kids to see the 3D release. My children immediately voiced my assessment after the film, that the 3D could have been used more effectively. The story is extremely dark and creepy. I am not sure who the actual audience for this is. This seemed to be The Twilight Zone marketed for children. While the film kept our interest as we watched it at the theater, none of us are anxious for a repeat viewing. The novelty of the strange story, the brilliant visuals and the suspense are magnetic on the first viewing, but the film is not something that we enjoyed enough to revisit.
The Dark Knight (2008)
The Incredible Dark Knight
I think the word incredible is on the wrong comic book movie this year. When everybody was making a big deal about Heath Ledger's death earlier this year, I was thinking: "Big deal. He is some Hollywood actor that has very little influence on my life." As I walked out of the midnight screening of The Dark Knight last night, I was disappointed when it sunk in that I would not be able to see him reprise the roll in a sequel. Even after sitting through a run-time of over 150 minutes, I was still ready to watch more Joker. As I walked out of the cinema, I felt like I was walking out of a funeral. Heath Ledger's portrayal of The Joker is phenomenal. He is so frighteningly demented that I almost felt guilty laughing at him.
Some of the best laughs go to Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman. As usual, they also turn in stunning performances. All of the main characters did a fantastic job. The movie maintains its intensity very well. It not only kept my attention, but like Christopher Nolan's Memento, I was ready for a second viewing immediately after finishing the first.
The only problem that I had with this film is that I had a hard time believing that the boatloads of people would have made the choices that they made given the dilemma presented to them by the Joker. Until that moment, the film had suspended my disbelief and I was really buying the Gotham myth. Overall, that was such a trivial part of what went on in the film that it is not even worth dropping the film a star over. This film ranks among the best films ever made.
This is not Batman for the kids though. Despite my children's' protests, I do not think I will be letting them view this yet. The hero and the villains are the stuff that nightmares are made of.