peterw1210 Reviews

The Invitation (II) (2022)

Nothing Above Average

[5/10 · 5 January 2023]

The Invitation, for me, just felt like it didn't take any risks with the storytelling, and just fell flat. It was basic, I've seen it before, I knew what was going to happen, and it was predictable. This was a very bland film, and wish that more choices were taken for the characters, they felt very one dimensional. Then when the big twist in the movie came, I just wasn't surprised, it was too predictable. I felt like this film had potential, but just didn't capitalize on the given potential. As a whole, it was ok, it isn't like it was unwatchable, it was a generic film that I've seen done over and over again with nothing above average.

Overall, 5/10.

Whiplash (2014)

Brilliant Performances from Simmons and Teller

[8/10 · 5 January 2023]

Miles Teller and J. K. Simmons were phenomenal in Whiplash. And it really goes to show how well an overall film can be when the two leads understand their roles completely. The character development that can be seen in Miles Teller's character 'Andrew' is exceptional. This film was like watching a concert as well, the music and sound was literally blasting off the speakers, it was awesome! Overall, I felt like some of the written dialogue could've been more effective for the characters, but it didn't take away from anything shown in the film. Fantastic cinematography, good writing, and perfect acting. This was amazing.

Overall, 8/10.

Dead Poets Society (1989)

Outstanding

[10/10 · 5 January 2023]

Dead Poets Society has got to be one of the best written films I have ever seen. The way the writers are able to control your emotion is insane. You truly go on an emotional ride in this film as a viewer, and will feel ever single emotion there is. The acting is outstanding and it's really rare to see a cast that clearly understands their role in the film and portrays it not only realistically but rememberable. This is one of the few films that I will remember for the rest of my life just because of how good it is. Definitely my favorite Robin Williams movie and I recommend this for everyone.

Overall, 10/10.

Prisoners (2013)

Fantastic Suspense

[8/10 · 18 December 2022]

Prisoners is a film that will have you on the edge of your seat. It grabs the attention of the viewers so easily with the suspenseful story it tells. The acting in this film was phenomenal, of course Hugh Jackman gets a lot of credit for his performance in this film, and it's true, he's great. But the best performance in my opinion was definitely by Jake Gyllenhaal who plays Detective Loki. He just makes the character so believable, it's unbelievable. Each scene really connects well to the next, and creates a chilling atmosphere throughout the film. The director Dennis Villeneuve did a tremendous job on this.

Overall, 8/10.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (2022)

Felt Dull

[5/10 · 16 December 2022]

I really was hoping for an upgrade after last year's animated Diary of a Wimpy Kid movie came out. These had big shoes to fill because they will be compared to the original non-animated trilogy of films. But much like the first animated film, I was disappointed. The animation still lacked and the scenes didn't connect very well. It felt very drawn out, more than it needed to and the scenes were just boring. I suppose the voice acting was a little better. But there wasn't much of a chance for a phenomenal performance. I feel like the idea has potential but they really need to fix a lot if they plan to continue this animated movie series.

Overall, 5/10.

The Prestige (2006)

Complex and Fantastic

[9/10 · 10 December 2022]

Pay close attention! This is a film that requires the audience's attention. The character development is so great in The Prestige, and it's amazing to see actors Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman totally rock the roles in this film. The twists, some more predictable than others, really create an illusion within the film, and it's breathtaking. The complexity in Nolan's writing always seems to amaze me, but this has the potential to definitely be one of his best. The story is phenomenal and even if you aren't a real big fan of magic, this film is something that you'll be able to get into and watch.

Overall, 9/10.

Nope (2022)

Just Okay

[6/10 · 23 November 2022]

I was very excited for Jordan Peele's newest film 'Nope' which portrays a very interesting alien invasion story. I feel like the first scene of a film can really set the tone for how the rest of the film is, and the first scene really got me invested and interested in this film, but after that I really just kept wondering if I was missing something. The story quickly just went in too many directions and even though the leading acting by Daniel Kaluuya was amazing, I just felt lost. There was a lot of "filler" type of scenes that really didn't allow for character or film development.

Now with that being said, there was some really good moments and I really like how Jordan Peele was able to incorporate Sci-Fi and comedy into a horror genre movie. Compared to his first two films of 'Get Out' and 'Us', this film didn't meet expectations, but throughout the film it is evident how talented Peele is at directing and I can't wait to see what he has for us all next.

Overall, 6/10.

Chicken Little (2005)

It Just Falls Apart

[5/10 · 14 October 2022]

I really felt like Disney had a lot potential with this one. It's really set up well with a character that shows potential for character development in the future. There's a clear want for every featured character in the story, but after a little bit, it just begins to fall apart, terribly. The movie quickly changed its genre into one mess of an alien movie, if you'd even call it that. What happens in the second half of the movie? I'm really not even sure, it's just so messy. Everything that was set up in the first half is pretty much erased, and the characters show little to no character development. It's very disappointing.

Overall, 5/10.

The Outsiders (1983)

Stay Golden

[8/10 · 14 October 2022]

I think almost everyone has read the original book "The Outsiders" and loved it. The story it created is one of the most memorable of all time. With such a successful and beloved book, a lot is expected from a film. For me, I was surprised to see such low ratings for this film, I felt that although it doesn't surpass the book, it stands on its own. The characters are something I felt the movie hit a home run on, the casting just couldn't have gotten any better. If there was no dialogue at all throughout the movie, the audience would still be able to tell what was happening, and that's credit to the fantastic directing and acting by the cast and crew. It's a story of drama but with a mix of comedy.

Overall, 8/10.

Shrek (2001)

Timeless

[7/10 · 14 October 2022]

This film truly is timeless. Even here today in 2022 to see what this film has become is amazing. It's unique, it's fun, and it's clever with the blended mix of parody, comedy, and storytelling. The character work is done really nicely and the animation is outstanding for 2001. The voice actors are also casted perfectly and Eddie Murphy shines in his role as Donkey. Each character feels authentic even though it is a fictional story full of fairytale creatures, and the film itself is much more than an animated comedy. Although it isn't anything groundbreaking, this is a good film with lots for everyone.

Overall, 7/10.

13: The Musical (2022)

This had a lot of potential

[5/10 · 15 August 2022]

This somewhat follows the original story from the past Broadway musical, the music is good and the cast is super talented. Where it falls short is too much was changed from the musical, the story falls short. It doesn't leave the audience with anything to think about, it's just generic.

Overall, 5/10.

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)

Silly

[6/10 · 11 August 2022]

The story told in 'Anchorman' is pretty basic. The film really funny, but other than an hour and a half of laughter it doesn't offer much else as a film.

Overall, 6/10.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

Just the Beginning

[8/10 · 10 August 2022]

This story was told very well. I felt like the narration in the beginning of the film was overdone a bit, but when the dialogue finally began, it was amazing. The characters are very original, though I would've liked to see more character development from some of the characters, there is no denying how well the actors know their characters. Elijah Wood was an excellent choice for Frodo Boggins. The world created through this film is amazing.

Overall, 8/10.

Cars (2006)

Enjoyable funny adventure

[7/10 · 29 July 2022]

Cars is enjoyable. It does a good job of keeping the story moving, and shows tremendous character development. It definitely is a good film, and is really funny.

Overall, 7/10.

Black Swan (2010)

Dramatic

[8/10 · 29 July 2022]

This film is very dramatic. From the atmosphere set just from the music throughout the film, to the fantastic acting, especially from Natalie Portman.

Overall, 8/10.

A Bug's Life (1998)

Interesting Concept

[6/10 · 29 July 2022]

A Bug's Life is good, the characters are funny, and the story is ok. But it doesn't do anything special to make it better than a good movie. I would've liked to see more character development.

Overall, 6/10.

Taxi Driver (1976)

Taxi Driver

[8/10 · 29 July 2022]

The jazzy music really gets the audiences attention in Taxi Driver. And the acting throughout the film is great. Rob De Niro is outstanding.

Overall, 8/10.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul (2017)

What??

[1/10 · 28 July 2022]

I'm not sure what this was, it just wasn't the same as the other three original movies. The cast is ok, but the script is just so lazily written. The scenes drag on, and it just isn't funny at all.

Overall, 1/10.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days (2012)

Very Funny

[7/10 · 28 July 2022]

Another great film added to the original and Rodrick Rules. This one focuses on the summer, and is very funny. Steve Zahn as Frank Heffley has a larger part in this film, and Zahn does a really good job.

Overall, 7/10.

The Good Dinosaur (2015)

Forgettable

[5/10 · 28 July 2022]

The Good Dinosaur has amazing animation, but the script and plot are just unoriginal and bring down the film. I've seen the theme done before, it didn't feel like the originality that Pixar is known for.

Overall, 5/10.

A Quiet Place (2018)

Fantastic

[8/10 · 25 July 2022]

It's scary, it's emotional, it's just fantastic. From the cinematography to the acting, A Quiet Place is a near masterpiece. With so little dialogue, there isn't a second where the audience feels lost because it's so well acted and directed. A Quiet Place is very good.

Overall, 8/10.

The Black Phone (2021)

Unique Concept

[7/10 · 25 July 2022]

The Black Phone creates a unique plot and concept, and really does a good job filling in the story. The acting is good, but Ethan Hawke stands out tremendously is amazing in this film.

Overall, 7/10.

Leave No Trace (2018)

Good acting and a well made story

[7/10 · 22 July 2022]

Leave No Trace is a good film. It's story is thought out well, and the actors are believable. Some parts of the film are slow and don't add to the story, but overall this is an emotional film.

Overall, 7/10.

A Goofy Movie (1995)

Funny With Much More

[8/10 · 11 July 2022]

A Goofy Movie is exactly what the title says, it is goofy, funny, silly, but with much more to the story. The music in this film fits it well, and it isn't just music thrown into the film to fill the story, the music is very beneficial to the story and acts as dialogue in a way for the characters. The characters wants are very clearly shown through the animation and story. This is a very underrated film, and it is a big story in a short run time.

Overall, 8/10.

Inception (2010)

Amazing And Creative Concept

[7/10 · 10 July 2022]

Inception is quite interesting, and watching it requires the audience's full attention. Inception begins with intrigue and quickly creates a grounding of characters and a plot. The cinematography is outstanding, but it just felt like the writers began running out of ideas and didn't really know how they should end the film. I think the potential in the film Inception was incredibly high.

Overall, 7/10.