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steviegjd
Reviews
Argylle (2024)
Silly and derivative, but fun
This movie is quite derivative of a few specific movies and genres. It's also very corny and silly at times. However, it's fun to watch.
The main plot turns on something it's hard to see coming. And when it happens you think so egging like "that's ridiculous". It also has several false ends that are a bit trying. Near the real end, one is likely to think "when is this going to end"?
The acting is fine in it. The action scenes are generally well choreographed and well shot. Smne of them are over the top. But they're fun too.
The film is shot in some neat places. The sets look good. Many of the actors were in the Kingsman movies, previously made by the same director. The film has the same tone as those films.
It's entertaining but not deep. It's set up for a sequel that dies not need to be made.
Civil War (2024)
Good action and shallow foundation
It's hard to review this movie without giving up any spoilers. But here goes.
There are many good things about this film. The basic story and interplay between the characters is great. As is the acting of the main characters. The climatic was scene is well-filmed and is exciting. All of the action scenes are well done. These things are all positive.
But the problems are glaring and practically overwhelm the good parts. And I think I know why the main problem exists: to not upset a certain segment of society. That may be about profit; it could be a choice. Though I recognize that some people dispute the main reason for the.1861-65 Civil War, it's clear to most people. There exists a great deal of conflict in this country about the merit of deifying the leaders of the confederacy. So this movie avoids any sense or morality and ignores the reasons for this movie's civil war. It also has "allies" who could never be allies here. That lack of reality, combined with the deliberate choice not to reveal the cause, makes the movie rather shallow to me.
Many people might call that bold. It was lame to me. But it will probably attract a larger audience and that's probably the goal anyway.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)
This has run its course
The original 1984 Ghostbusters was great for its time. The sequels and reboots varied greatly.
Afterlife gave me hope that there was something left in the tank. New blood mixed with nostalgia, layered in a kind of sweetness - with Paul Rudd. What could go wrong? Frozen Empire is gone wrong.
The new characters aren't given much to do. Paul Rudd looks lost. The nostalgia wears thin quickly. There was a guy in the theater where I saw this laughing loudly at things that weren't funny. Maybe he's the target audienc?
Bill Murray does nothing but smirk. It was funny in 1984. It's not funny anymore. Other original actors are treading water with a very poor script. While it's marginally fun to see these folks again, the narrative is so plodding and unfunny, you lose whatever nostalgic juju you might have for the material.
This is so bad that the powers that be should really consider letting this go before any shred of dignity has disapated.
There are many specific elements I could comment on, but I don't want to create spoilers, even though there is incongruity in aging, a disastrous cosmic relationship, and paltry few laughs - except for the guy in the theater who was having a 1984 time travel experience.
Madame Web (2024)
Not a good movie
I don't know this from the comics. But I generally enjoy superhero movies. I came to this with an open mind. But this is not a good movie.
The story is convoluted. The script is poor. The editing is terrible.
I like the idea of the main character and the three potential sidekicks. I think it could have been campy fun. The acting was inconsistent. Dakota Johnson is kind of flat, as was one of the girls. The other two girls are better.
While it was entertaining at times, it is so inconsistent that as a whole it's pretty poor. It actually makes The Marvels look good.
That is not an endorsement.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 (2023)
The third time is not a charm
I loved the first Greek Wedding movie. It was charming and poignant and had universal. "annoying family" appeal. The second movie was not nearly as good, though it was interesting to see what happened and it was nice to revisit the charming characters. That latter attribute is the only good part on the third installment.
Seeing the characters is pleasant. The story is contrived and much of the dialogue is silly. The conflicts all seem forced and fake. Some of the gags are humorous. Andrea Martin is still great. Many of the shots are poorly conceived. The beauty of the Greek isles is nice to see. But it feels a little like BFGW1 crossed with her Greek tour leader comedy "My Life in Ruins", but both of those movies are better.
I like Nia Vardolos.. I just didn't like this. Movie much.
Special Ops: Lioness (2023)
I'd love more of this
One gauge for a story's rating is how you feel about it and the characters when it's over. Do you never think about it again, or are you immediately wanting to know what happens next? Do you not care what happens to the characters, or are you disappointed that it's over and there might not be any more?
When Special Ops: Lioness was close to ending, I immediately looked to see if there was an epilogue coming. I watched the final scenes and wanted to know what else was going to happen. I may or may not ever have those feelings satiated.
I really enjoyed this show. It took a few episodes to grow on me. But then it became a reason to look forward to Sunday. The cast and acting are very good. The characters' conflicts feel genuine. The emotions feel honest. The action scenes are kinetic and energized. I love that the three main characters are strong women.
This is just my opinion. But i want some more please.
Black Adam (2022)
Not for those who want a serious film
This movie may not be what "Black Adam" fans wanted to see: He's not the guy from the comics. But Dwayne Johnson doesn't want to play a villain either. This movie is much more like Shazam than any other DC or Marvel film. It's kind of silly and simple. But it's also funny. My friend and I cracked up numerous tones. If it's taken on it's merits: good effects, silly and funny,, it's very entertaining. If you want a morbidly serious film, you'll hate this. If you want Snyder-verse melancholy, you will be very disappointed. It may be that this tone is not ideal for an Arab-centric, anti-white privilege, super hero trope. But i laughed a lot.
Herself (2020)
Terrific performance
Clare Dunne is excellent in this film. Her vulnerability and trauma are palpable. The story, which she wrote, is a bit formulaic. But it's a worthy film. There are some corny and melodramatic moments. But the heart of the film is true.
The Polka King (2017)
Not great, but not the atrocity depicted in some of these reviews.
This is not a great movie. It is caught in a time warp. I love Jack Black. But, when he is out of control, the movie can go off the rails and that happened here. This movie has a similar vibe to Bernie and Nacho Libre, both of which were better movies. This would have been a better film if his character was played straight, as opposed to the goofy character in The Polka King. The real Jan Levan stole real money from real people. He wasn't a sweet misguided immigrant. The story deserved a better vehicle for its telling. I do, however, find it ironic that a number of the super critical reviews here are by people who cannot spell, don't know how to use proper punctuation and have bad grammar. Draw your own conclusions.
Something Wicked (2014)
Something wicked is something stupid
This is a bad movie. It took years to get released and there is a reason for this. It is truly bad. The acting is terrible. Everyone in it is truly bad. It is filmed like a cable movie. Both the direction and cinematography are amateurish. Even the editing looks like something out of "The Room," which is the movie this most reminded me of. But where "The Room" became a midnight movie laugh fest, one which its creator now insists was intended to be a dark comedy, "Something Wicked" takes itself very seriously. Which makes it all the worse when you are laughing out loud at how bad it is. The only thing redeeming is the ending - and it is not worth the trouble of sitting through this piece of junk.