I enjoyed Mad Max: Fury Road and that fact comes as a big surprise to me. I was expecting a brain damaged WWE version of this remake. Judging by the trailer, I wasn't expecting much. What we get instead is a super romp of an action film that goes out of its way to keep the pedal to the medal at all times from start to finish. I can't say I'd want every movie at the cinema to be all action orientated like this one but it's refreshing to see a few at times and to see one get action right. No CGI floating crap but solid real world stunts. The stunts are very believable and it a well executed film. The action is intense even if it is over the top and cartoonish. I've become so sick and tired of wire-work fight scenes that when a movie like this chooses to use raw, real action instead of wires, I applaud. My only real criticism of this one was the fact that is too long of a running time. All action wears thin after the hour and a half mark.
Reviews
4 Reviews
Avengers: Age of Ultron
(2015)
I just love Avengers Age of Ultron! Such a superb sequel.
20 April 2015
What's the old saying? "Talent hits a target no one else can hit; Genius hits a target no one else can see." Well, Joss Whedon is officially a genius and the talent of this cast was evident in every scene. They all hit it out of the park. Yes, I just love Avengers Age of Ultron. This movie works on so many levels and makes you draw on absolutely all of your emotions. The last time I enjoyed a movie this much was the last time these characters assembled. Again, they managed to deliver a remarkable cool factor. What makes it extra special is following this film after all the other solo efforts from each character. I enjoyed the others films quite a bit but they all delivered something different. Winter Soldier delivered conspiracy thrills. The Iron Man trilogy factored in Tony Stark's complete dramatic arc, character flaws and all. The Dark World was pure sci-fi fantasy. Seeing them blend together in Avengers and the sparks that resulted is an extra special treat.
It all works so well and is grounded enough to carry the story and the audience through an unbelievable ride. In fact, it doesn't just fit, it's an exciting symphony and that dichotomy and difference in characters and how they interact are what makes this movie truly great. It's why Avengers stands so tall above any other franchise at the moment. Things like Transformers, Fast/Furious, and even Star Wars or Star Trek all operate with monotone restrictions. Avengers covers all angles and even multiple genres all by itself. It delivers depth of character with its fun and amazing action sequences. There's a reason why these movies make as much money as they do. They deliver a lot of everything and do so at a high quality.
Right from the beginning of the movie, where we get the all in one tracking shot, through the epic final globe smashing conclusion, everything is on go and everything delivers superb intensity and spectacle. This is going to be many many people's favorite film of 2015.
It all works so well and is grounded enough to carry the story and the audience through an unbelievable ride. In fact, it doesn't just fit, it's an exciting symphony and that dichotomy and difference in characters and how they interact are what makes this movie truly great. It's why Avengers stands so tall above any other franchise at the moment. Things like Transformers, Fast/Furious, and even Star Wars or Star Trek all operate with monotone restrictions. Avengers covers all angles and even multiple genres all by itself. It delivers depth of character with its fun and amazing action sequences. There's a reason why these movies make as much money as they do. They deliver a lot of everything and do so at a high quality.
Right from the beginning of the movie, where we get the all in one tracking shot, through the epic final globe smashing conclusion, everything is on go and everything delivers superb intensity and spectacle. This is going to be many many people's favorite film of 2015.
When the Game Stands Tall
(2014)
frustratingly mediocre
28 August 2014
I'd have to classify this effort as frustrating because there really is a remarkable story in play and the elements to construct a great movie.
There's a perfect cast and concept in place as well as wonderfully filmed football scenes. However, what hits the screen is a mediocre near misfire. Most everything comes across as bland. They played it safe at every turn. The football itself is muted as if to include non-football fans. The faith aspect is also muted as if to not seem too preachy. The relationships are scattered and light as if they couldn't be bothered to find depth. Instead of diving in to any one area, they tried to cater to a wide crowd and ended up diluting any impact on any level. Certain characters go absolutely nowhere and I was left to wonder why did they even bother to introduce them in the first place? Also, instead of trusting the audience to figure things out, they ham-fisted narrative in to the story as a way to hold a viewer's hand to explain certain things and football related matters. It's "see spot run" storytelling and this story deserves better.
There's a perfect cast and concept in place as well as wonderfully filmed football scenes. However, what hits the screen is a mediocre near misfire. Most everything comes across as bland. They played it safe at every turn. The football itself is muted as if to include non-football fans. The faith aspect is also muted as if to not seem too preachy. The relationships are scattered and light as if they couldn't be bothered to find depth. Instead of diving in to any one area, they tried to cater to a wide crowd and ended up diluting any impact on any level. Certain characters go absolutely nowhere and I was left to wonder why did they even bother to introduce them in the first place? Also, instead of trusting the audience to figure things out, they ham-fisted narrative in to the story as a way to hold a viewer's hand to explain certain things and football related matters. It's "see spot run" storytelling and this story deserves better.
Sin City
(2005)
weightless, and worthless
2 April 2005
Sin City is everything movies shouldn't be. It's shallow (of picture, character, and themes), monotonous, hostile to morality, witless, pointless, weightless, and worthless. Stop calling this trash cool, because it isn't.
There were certainly things that I liked (ALL the women were fabulous) but the overall tone of the movie just didn't work for me. I've seen this movie called your typical mindless video game movie. While it's certainly not typical, it certainly was mindless.
If you're looking for mindless gore, it works. If you're looking for an artistic and fun film, you'll be disappointed.
There were certainly things that I liked (ALL the women were fabulous) but the overall tone of the movie just didn't work for me. I've seen this movie called your typical mindless video game movie. While it's certainly not typical, it certainly was mindless.
If you're looking for mindless gore, it works. If you're looking for an artistic and fun film, you'll be disappointed.
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