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Reviews
Halloween II (1981)
The Night He... STAYED Home
Halloween II had a direction of a narrative that I was a fan
of. I enjoyed the immediate continuation of THAT story but wasn't a
fan of what THIS story had to offer. The direction of Myers, both in
character and performance, I wasn't a fan of since he was a robot-like
figure with a human motivation. Going against the interesting features
from the prior film. The characters the audience follow, although had
some entertaining and well executed deaths, were hollow and
unmemorable figures that were in tune with the mediocre characters
of the subgenre. Halloween II is an entertaining movie, if you watch it
directing after the '78 film. But on its own, it's quite unremarkable.
Joker (2019)
All It Takes Is One Bad Day!
Joker was epic. It's a fantastic character study centred around the most popular comic book villain of all-time but crafts a story that makes this incarnation of the character stand on its own. It's a beautifully crafted piece with stunning cinematography and art direction. I'm a fan of this changed appearance of the Joker. And Todd Phillips does a fantastic job in the director and writer's chair. Phillips' tackling of certain political and social issues will spark conversations in groups full of people smarter than myself, but I understood the messages that were coming across. But Joaquin Phoenix is one of the biggest draws of the film with such a praiseworthy performance. I don't really care for the Oscars and award shows anymore, but Phoenix deserves the accolades coming his way for such a masterful and haunting performance.
One thing that I must point out, is that it's unfair to compare Phoenix to Heath Ledger's performance in The Dark Knight. They may play the character with the same name, but these are two drastically different portrayals in both performance and script and it's unjust to compare. Just worship the fact that we were given two immense performances from two different actors.
Friday the 13th (1980)
The film that started it all... somehow
Friday the 13th was an interesting movie because it was an open rip-off of Halloween that sparked one of the biggest and most recognizable horror franchises ever. It has commendable features, mainly the template that inspired a generation of horror filmmakers and fans, but the most interesting aspect is that this isn't the most renowned entry. It's defiantly one of the instalments that I throw on the least because of its script and character, but is better than a lot of the lesser sequels.
Halloween (1978)
Everyone is Entitled to One Good Scare!
Halloween is an incredible film that was made on a minimalistic budget and the filmmakers creativity shined. This film started the slasher craze of the 80s and is still a film that inspires many horror directors and screenwriters of today. Michael Myers is a phenomenal antagonist with a KILLER performance from Nick Castle. These characters, these scares, this direction is flawless in my opinion and that is credit to John Carpenter and Debra Hill. There are components that audiences will critique, whether it be certain performances or sound design, they don't bother me, but may bother you. This film is the definition of simple but effective and is my favourite film of all-time! If you haven't checked this out and claim to admire the genre, you must check it out immediately, so you're not berated by intense fanatics.
The Dead Don't Die (2019)
THE DEAD DON'T DIE... the enjoyment does...
The Dead Don't Die was a very disappointing film unfortunately. With a great and comical step-up, I was expecting one of the better comedy movies of the year, but I was mistaken. Audiences are treated to some affective comedy thanks to the actors and director, but unfortunately the script is full of useless characters and plotlines with unsatisfactory endings and a message that became exasperatingly demonstrated by the end of the runtime.
Rambo: Last Blood (2019)
where's Rambo?
Rambo is a franchise I wrote off a long time ago. Thinking that it was a ridiculous action franchise that held nothing for me. I recently checked out First Blood, the first in the franchise, in preparation for this film and certainly enjoyed the movie. I went and saw this "finale" with my father, as the first time I saw the movies was with him. I enjoy Stallone as an actor and action hero and looked forward to this instalment.
So, let's see how it is...
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POSITIVES!
Elements of Rambo, in his old age, are very interesting. His living environments, his prescribed medication, and his enduring trauma are all strong assets that could've been better displayed in this "ending". Stallone is an awesome actor in certain roles. Whilst this isn't the actors best outing as the character, his figure and imposing impression is extremely effective and terrifying. The depiction of the antagonists, although not the best villains ever, were showcased in a method that made them horrendous and formulating audiences to anticipate their demise. There is some awesomely executed action in the second and third acts. Incredibly gruesome and entertaining for those action movie fans. There is some great sound design in those sequences, along with some decent makeup demonstrated.
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MIXED!
Whilst the film has that enjoyable revenge-driven action movie plot, the shift in tone and story direction don't make this feel like a Rambo movie, certainly not a finale. There are elements of that character and franchise touched upon in this instalment, but it wasn't as strong as previously established.
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NEGATIVES!
This script is both rushed and dragged out. With weak dialogue and supporting characters. The film rushes through the opening act, but then takes it's time to get to the action in the following acts. There are some impressive practical effects here and there, but the CGI could be a bit jarring. And lastly, this may seem like a ridiculous negative, but the lack of the long hair and headband was hilariously disappointing. It also adds to that idea of not feeling like a Rambo movie. Another element that adds fuel to that fire is the change in location. When I, and hardcore Rambo fans, think of the character, we think of Rambo in a nature/forest environment. Whilst these locations are very well constructed, it doesn't feel like a Rambo setting.
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In the end, Rambo: Last Blood wasn't a strong conclusion, if it was one. The script was hurried and didn't feel like a conclusion to the character in question and didn't feel like the character. It's a script that feels derivative from other action movies with the character of Rambo in the title. It has some impressively implemented action sequences with a lot of gruesome kills, if that's what you want. Although it had some Western traits, I would've preferred a movie along the lines of Unforgiven or Logan where it was more of a stronger character study with action components.
It Chapter Two (2019)
IT: CHAPTER TWO... IT's pointless
When my friends and I saw that the prior film was the first portion of a two-part story we were captivated to continue the journey, just with a different cinema experience after an awful one. Most of my friends returned for the sequel and we had another annoying cinema experience.
*SMALL RANT*
If you want to text or have your phone out during your time at the cinema, don't come. Think about the people surrounding you for a change as we have come to the cinema to have a pleasurable experience and not worry about whose messaging you or not.
Anyway It: Chapter Two.
So, let's see how it is...
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POSITIVES!
There is no question that the adult casting for these characters was spot on! There is an array of talent assembled here for this project and everyone does their best job at establishing these characters as adults with their performances and, especially, looks. Most of the actors shared satisfactory chemistry with each other, with the dinner scene being the best example of that interaction. I'm a massive fan of Bill Hader so he was defiantly the standout for me. A lot of audiences were worried about his acting ability going in, and critics seem to be impressed with his performance. I had faith in Hader from the start since I'm a big fan of the HBO series Barry. The film itself has wonderful cinematography which continues that unnerving atmosphere that Muschietti establish in the prior film. And the sets and locations are all well designed with a lot of practical elements that were greatly appreciated.
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MIXED!
While it's enjoyable to revisit this enticing narrative, the actual plot of the film has a more action/adventure movie flavour to it without a great deal of action taking place. This makes the film seem less like a genuine horror film and more like an event. And the design of Pennywise the Clown I'm still varied on, since I'm under the impression that Pennywise is a form IT takes to lure its victims. Doesn't change the fact that it's still an impressive and eerie design.
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NEGATIVES!
This script feels awfully vacant with a lot of filler and slow pacing. The film isn't scary. It has mostly jump scares and not enough of that uncanny sensation that the prior film included. The second act is so rinse and repeat, with the flashbacks and scares, that it becomes tremendously predictable. There are setups with no significant pay off, so much so that they could be erased from the film. And there are components of the script that could've been better explained and/or adapted. And the climax of the third act is so incredibly tacky that it feels like an ending from Goosebumps with a cheesy message of togetherness and overpowering a tormenter. Lastly, with the script, is character. While we have the prior film to understand what these characters WERE like, there's no strong depiction of how these characters are as adults. There are some things that are settled, but not enough. The film just jumps straight in without a significant or defined setup. Moments and components of the first film, that I didn't agree with, are here as well and that's in the editing. Segments from the trailers were so powerful that I couldn't wait to see them on the big screen, but they're ruined when the editors would distort the image or sound. With the child actors, they had to be digitally de-aged and had to sound younger with ADR. It was incredibly distracting if you were aware of these elements going in. The visual effects were a step up from the CGI of the first, but still weren't completely solid. And the overall enjoyment of the film was weird since I was laughing and enjoying other workings, but the horror elements just weren't around enough to enjoy that genre.
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In the end, It: Chapter Two wasn't on the same level as the prior film, which has gone down in my enjoyment and rewatchability. This film is going to go down a lot faster with the script that this sequel offered. So unbalanced and vacant with its narrative and character. Perhaps in a double-feature event, audiences would feel differently, but I'm unsure of that impression.
Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood (2019)
ONCE UPON A TIME... IN THE MIND OF QUENTIN TARANTINO
ONCE UPON A TIME... IN HOLLYWOOD B- (65)
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This is a 2019 Comedy, Drama film, starring; Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, and Margot Robbie, directed by; Quentin Tarantino
'A faded television actor and his stunt double strive to achieve fame and success in the film industry during the final years of Hollywood's Golden Age in 1969 Los Angeles.'
Tarantino has always been a director that's at the top of most audience's favourite directors, so obviously a new film in his career will be on a lot of Most-Anticipated lists. At first I was a bit shocked at the initial reactions being very mixed. I prefer to ignore reactions prior to viewing the project in question and that's what I did with this film.
So, let's see how it is...
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POSITIVES!
The fact that the film touches on and explores Hollywood and filmmaking is entertaining to selective audiences. As someone that enjoys the behind-the-scenes of filmmaking, this was enjoyable. This is perhaps the funniest Quentin Tarantino movie with plenty of laughs to be had by all. A lot of it was physical humour, and there were practical effects in those limited number of scenes that were vastly sturdy. A film with both Leonardo DiCaprio and Brad Pitt is seriously stimulating and the two-share strong chemistry together whilst being solid respectively. I'll admit that Brad Pitt was the more enjoyable side of the two with the comedy, physical, and other attributes. There's also a lot of other talent in the cast that will have audiences in a state of surprise. The cinematography is great, and the overall film looks gorgeous along with some entertaining editing. The costumes and other forms of makeup were all good restorations of the certain period being adapted. And there's a lot of music to tap along to.
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MIXED!
There is no denying that Quentin Tarantino has made some of the best films throughout his filmography, but this has the least Tarantino-esk atmosphere. This film had a very straightforward direction and what's so brilliant about Tarantino's vision is that it's always ahead of everyone else's. Although the recreation of the times and structures was fantastic and wonderful to observe, there seemed to be too much focus on those recreations rather than producing a significant story...
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NEGATIVES!
The story? There were components to manufacture an entertaining narrative set in a "Golden Age" of Hollywood, but they never assembled. The film was more about glorifying Hollywood, which is something that Tarantino is fascinated by, but that doesn't mean that respective audiences would be as attracted. Sharon Tate's (Margot Robbie) appearance in the film and the way the character is written in the script is very empty. She's only in the film to allude to the tragic events that occurred in her life. And these elements really effect the enjoyment of the project. If you were expecting a clever and unique story then I apologise.
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In the end, Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood is an awfully varied project in my eyes, like most critics. Whilst I enjoy the performances, comedy elements, and just the period being adapted, Tarantino made a film for HIS enjoyment and not so much yours. I'm not persecuting the director, he's phenomenal, but this could be towards the bottom of my ranking for his career.
Long Shot (2019)
THE MOST SURPRISING COMEDY OF 2019!
From the first preview, I thought that this would be the throw away comedy film of the year. A film with not many laughs and phoned in performances. Clearly, I didn't think much. But then the first reactions came in and they were positive. Praising both the comedy and the chemistry and respective performances of Rogen and Theron. My anticipation increased and this must be the best comedy of the year so far.
POSITIVES!
The story of the characters and their respective statuses developing an affection for each other is funny and that is an element that is kept consistent throughout the film. The comedy and romance genres are balanced very well. With Rogen being apart of the project, audiences can expect some raunchy humour, but then again, there can be natural comedy here and there. I also appreciate, since this is a film surrounding a heated topic, politics, it doesn't go out of its way to make a statement about the current state of it. Maybe it's depending on interpretation, but the story focuses on these characters and the romance they develop. The actors themselves do a good job and both in different fields. Theron proves that she is a very capable comedic actor and Rogen excels in the drama side. But the most surprising element about the actors is that they share very convincing chemistry. I also must mention O'Shea Jackson Jr. and his comedic talent. Jackson made the audience laugh with every line of dialogue he had, and I'd like to see the actor explore more of this comedic flair.
MIXED!
Although where the story ends is humorous, it can be a bit farfetched and predictable to a fault.
NEGATIVES!
My only real negative is that the film is a bit too long. Some scenes could've been cut down. 2hrs is a tad too long for a comedy of this nature.
So, Long Shot was a very surprising and welcomed romcom. Both Rogen and Theron really sell this story and have a lot of fun along the way. It does follow the cliché romcom story and is too long. But audiences will be pleasantly surprised and entertained by the raunchy comedy that Rogen is known for.
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
IT'S THE END(GAME) OF AN ERA!
This is it! This is "THE FIGHT OF OUR LIVES!"
Of course, this was a film on my anticipation list. I didn't put it on the actual list because it was a given. I've been with this extensive universe for 10, going on 11, years. Going into the cinema, I was excited and worried, because I knew that this would be the end of an era and characters. Coming out I was exhausted in the best possible way. I, and the entire audience, were full of emotions both happy and sad. Now let's get into why.
POSITIVES!
After Infinity War, we were all coming back no matter what! The plot is obviously about reversing what had happened, but all of us are invested in this world, so obviously we were onboard with that. Without spoilers, the course the film takes is fantastic. Although it has a slow start, it was fantastic to slow down and deal with the impact of the Infinity War events and to see these incredible characters cope and to see how the actors performed. Everyone is great, as always. Robert Downey Jr. is fantastic. Audiences get to see an impeccable performance from the man that started it all and he is in good company. The core Avenger characters/actors are all great. Where Renner and the writers take Hawkeye is epic. Chris Evans is awesome as Cap and Johansson shines bigtime in the film. Although Josh Brolin's Thanos' appearance is limited, audiences have Infinity War to understand the character! Anthony and Joe Russo return with a punch. Taking risks in the story and action. AND THE ACTION! The final action sequence is easily my favourite action sequence among the MCU movies! The Russo Bros have an incredible ability, that they utilized in The Winter Soldier, where they showcase a character in a small role but make them large. This is what they used in Infinity War and Endgame and that made them perfect to helm to two-parter finale. The Russo Bros also had two shots that made me super emotional. The first is the final shot and it's a tear jerker from an emotional standpoint. And the other occurs as the film wraps up and it showcases how far the MCU has come. They also cameoed more of the Community cast which was hilarious! The entire film flows incredibly well and doesn't at all feel like a 3 Hour epic. This is a praise to the editors of the film, never once making the audience bored in the way they formed the narrative. The visual effects are stunning. In Infinity War I had a problem with the digital image mixed with the live action, but not here. Everything is seamless. From the digital characters to the action. It has got a lot of beautiful and familiar artwork and sets that all blend well together. The costumes are fantastic. Iron Man's and Cap's costumes were fantastic adaptations of the source material. But then again, there were other updated costumes and makeup that were welcomed upgrades. Alan Silvestri's score is used to perfection in the most epic moments! There is so much that I enjoyed and loved, but I love the fact that there are two things that occur in the third act that I have been awaiting for such a long time and the fact that they used both in the epic action sequence was the best thing to occur onscreen for such a long time!
NEGATIVES!
The problems I have with the film are minor and don't impact my opinion significantly. Most of these are to do with the writing. Like I said before, the film has a slow first act. Once we get past that the film picks up, but it's still there. Again, without spoiling the movie, the film deals with a certain plot device and being a huge fan of that certain device, after the movie finished, I started to deconstruct it and not a lot of it works. But that's nit-picking. The humour between characters works very well, but the humour for the audience not so much. The film takes itself seriously, and that is awesome! It's just that the humour and comedic elements are weak. Thor is awesome in the final act but before then he is used as comedic relief with how the character is displayed and portrayed, and it feels forced and unwarranted. It's unfortunate because Hemsworth was so hilarious in Thor: Ragnarok and those comedic elements flowed well into Infinity War, but not here. And lastly, this is an issue not to do with the movie but the audience. There is a lot of references and cameos to past MCU films, like a lot. And whilst this is fantastic and helps wrap up storylines and character arcs, there will be audience members that don't appreciate the references because they hadn't seen the MCU movies/franchises being referenced. Example; someone that watches The Avengers franchise but doesn't watch the Guardians of the Galaxy movies may not understand certain scenes. Not the Guardians in particular, just an example.
CONCLUSION!
So, Avengers: Endgame satisfies the biggest MCU fans and Marvel Comics fans with its interpretation of story and character. There are so many epic moments, along with the powerful and sad scenes that will cause a few tears due to a great script and fantastic acting. This isn't my absolute favourite MCU movie, but it's high on the list. It's the Endgame and the stories that the film wraps up are done in an appropriate and epic fashion.
The Curse of La Llorona (2019)
SAME HAUNTING, DIFFERENT RULES!
When the previews were coming out for this I thought "Oh great! Another supernatural horror movie aka jump-scare galore". But I was still intrigued by the mythos that the film would explore. But, obviously, this is just like every other supernatural horror movie coming out of the gate these days.
POSITIVES!
Like I said, the mythos and lore of the film had me interested. It wasn't exactly a haunted house routine but a spirit targeting children. Linda Cardellini was believable in the lead role as the mother of the children in danger. Cardellini was good because of how you believed in the fear she had for her children. It's not a career defining portrayal but satisfactory for the film. Michael Chaves directs the project and although, as a director, they tackle the typical routine, which I'll get into. But there is some cool camerawork utilized with a couple of nifty one takes. The visual effects of the film work very well. And I appreciate the actual look of La Llorona more than the character.
NEGATIVES!
The route that the story goes is predictable. We've seen this a billion and one times. The actual setup to this film is drawn out so much that the story gets dull. Once it does get going in the third as, so much is happening. Characters reappear, you think it's going to wrap up but nope, and characters making dumb decisions. Chaves, as a director, tackles the useful jump-scare practise and doesn't exactly help build a haunting atmosphere. Another recycled scare is the sound. Footsteps, floor creaking, offscreen dialogue. This just isn't enjoyable because, as an audience, fans of the genre have seen this again and again.
CONCLUSION!
So, The Curse of The Weeping Woman/La Llorona isn't the most original haunting horror film. Cardellini holds the film together with her performance. A lot of the time I thought of this as a Scooby Doo spin-off and Velma is now after a real ghost. If Chaves went in a more original direction and with his camerawork this could've been something special. I'm fearful of The Conjuring 3 and hope Chaves really steps up. This is a film that has been done before just with a different set of rules.
Missing Link (2019)
You're MISSING out!
This is a small film that not many audiences were aware of. I became aware of this via Hugh Jackman's Instagram. Other than that, I had never heard of it. Then suddenly it was out in cinemas. The reason I went and saw it was because it was the only film in the cinema, at that time, I hadn't seen. My wallet has become aware of this. I'm glad that I went and saw this because it has been one of the better films of the year so far.
POSITIVES!
All the actors involved with the project do a terrific job. Jackman is fantastic, Saldana is just as awesome as ever, and Galifianakis was a perfect choice to voice the lovable sasquatch. There is a tonne of great humour for both children and adult audiences to understand and applaud. Chris Butler does an incredible job directing this stop motion animation. Getting these well-received lively performances but also great animated work. The film is edited together to create a classic adventure film and it keeps you very well involved. The animation itself was fantastic. It was an awesome throwback to the classic animated films with its tone and ambiance. The character design was amusing but not off-putting. But there is also awesome artwork in the background. There is some good sound design that's not just a repeated soundboard. An entertaining score from Carter Burwell and some amusing original music.
MIXED!
The plot and writing are familiar and that makes it predictable. Where the story goes and the character arcs are foreseeable but the fact that they are entertaining and have a lot of charm, it's easy to overlook those aspects!
CONCLUSION!
So, Missing Link is vastly enjoyable, and I'll recommend it to anyone that enjoys an entertaining animated movie but also to any fans of stop motion. All the cast are great in those roles, especially Galifianakis as the endearing "title character". There is some great humour in the script for all audiences to enjoy but also some hilarious physical humour. My favourite sequence is on the boat when our characters are on the run from one of the antagonists and the boat is on the harsh seas. If you were a fan of Kubo and the Two Strings, this is from the same studio. But this film has a touch of familiarity in its script and that makes it predictable.
Hellboy (2019)
HELLBOY ISN'T THE WORST THING TO HAPPEN... BUT WASN'T GOOD
There has been a lot of negativity surrounding this film. Mainly since it's a reboot and not a continuation of Guillermo del Toro's franchise. Audiences haven't been impressed with the marketing for this remake, stating the fact that the tones seem extremely mixed. After seeing it, although I can't see it receiving glowing recommendations and such, it's not the worst movie/reboot ever made.
POSITIVES!
This is still an engaging story. The idea of an agency hunting and killing monsters with monsters of their own. This film delves deep into sorcery which is insanely entertaining. I've talked to multiple people that say that they prefer Pearlman over Harbour without seeing this remake. That is totally unfair. Harbour really carries this film to the best of his ability. Pearlman laid the groundwork of how to portray the character and Harbour is a top student. The practical effects used in this film are awesome. Some terrific work across the board. That crosses into the artwork in the film with its practical sets and on location scenes. Probably controversial, but I much preferred the gritty, darker look to Hellboy in this film. I love the look of Pearlman but compared to this that design looked far too clean. Harbour isn't the only actor in a very awesomely designed costume. There are some incredibly crafted and used costume and makeup sported in this remake.
MIXED!
Neil Marshall takes the director's chair for this reimagining and does a satisfactory job. Although there are some awesome action sequences with Hellboy vs. Giants and the concluding fight sequence. There is little to no character work shown and the R-Rating is unnecessary. Besides (awesome) moments of the third act, the language and gore used was over the top and redundant. There is a fair use of music used in the film although the use of Mötley Crüe's "Kick Start My Heart" was awesome there comes a time when the filmmakers overplay their hand.
NEGATIVES!
There is so much, almost too much, to chomp on in this film. Certain plot points glossed over in a blink of an eye. The film does retread over already established material shown in the del Toro films, but the new and interesting "character arcs" are rushed. If you don't know the source material than you'll probably forget a lot of what you learn. A lot of the humour doesn't work at all. Dedicated at inappropriate or abnormal moments. Besides Hellboy, none of these characters are awfully notable. Even the actors in those roles feel very two-dimensional. The story could've cut a lot out and instead focused on a certain plotline that felt very much out of place but helps with Hellboy's origin. There are very minor editing problems. Sudden cuts that don't work, but there is a couple of one-shots that work well in the action. And lastly, the CGI is awful. Practically all of it is obviously fake and takes audiences out of the moment and makes them uneasy. A certain scene towards the end comes to mind.
CONCLUSION!
So, Hellboy isn't HELLISH. It has its strong elements in the production of the project. David Harbour is suitable in the role. Although, like many others, I would've preferred a follow-up to del Toro's franchise. Even elements of this film could've been utilized in a Hellboy III, but we got this. The script is extremely weak with the amount of material within the writing. There isn't strong character work or humour. It has some awful use of CGI. But if you try to look past all of this, it is imperceptibly enjoyable.
Thor: The Dark World (2013)
THOR: THE DARK WORLD... a boring title for a boring movie
It was around this time that I had become a massive fan of Thor, even making him my favourite among the Avengers. So, I was excited for this film because of that and because, from the trailers and marketing, we were going to get some incredible Thor action... Suffice it to say, this is probably the most forgettable film in the MCU, but still not a terrible film.
POSITIVES!
It was really in this film that both Hemsworth and Hiddleston knew the ins and outs of their respective characters. Hemsworth is a much better performer in this film bringing elements we saw in the first film and the grownup character we saw in The Avengers. Hiddleston is just a terrific performer and, as a character, has had a terrific growth. There are some very terrific visual effects when it comes to the entertaining action sequences involving Thor and his hammer, Mjölnir. There's the vastly engaging costume design in the returning characters but within those action sequences you have the background with its practical and character design. The sound within those sequences is all very strong and present. And another great score from Brian Tyler that really fits that character and world.
MIXED!
Now when it comes to the plot and story of the film, it would be a negative, but it revolves around what would later be known for building up to Infinity War. The reason it would be a negative is because the story is just dull. Made even more so by the actors and filmmakers involved. Moving to the art direction of the film, even though it is immaculate and terrifically built it adds to my thought process of the Thor franchise having a very inconsistent tone as this is a lot darker than the film prior.
NEGATIVES!
Let's start off with the writing of the film. Like I said, this film is perhaps the most forgettable entry in the MCU. Nothing about the entire story sticks with you after the viewing. That's why this is a very difficult movie to review. This film doesn't care about building any other character besides Thor and Loki. The antagonist of Malekith for instance is the worst villain in the MCU because audiences know nothing about him. Christopher Eccleston gives it his all in the role, but the writers don't care about him because he is not Thor or Loki. All the humour is mishandled. Thor's weak supporting cast is still that. The "chemistry" between Thor and Jane is non-existent and even Natalie Portman feels as if she doesn't care. I forgot to mention Kat Dennings in the first movie, but as the comedic character she is terrible. Moving onto directing. Patty Jenkins was meant to direct this, and she wanted to focus on the relationship between Thor and Jane and add to that Shakespearean tone that the first film set up. Taylor is known for Game of Thrones (and ruining Terminator even more) and this feels like an offbeat and uninteresting GOT episode.
CONCLUSION!
So, Thor: The Dark World (also a boring title) is an extremely mediocre. Although it has its impressive devices within the filmmaking process, it fails to capture what makes an MCU film fun and engaging. And instead aims for a darker approach that upsets the tone the MCU has cemented and goes against what the first Thor accomplished in tone and storytelling. In the moment the film can be enjoyable with its action sequences and where the film takes the characters of Thor and Loki, everything else, afterwards, falls flat in comparison.
Iron Man Three (2013)
I AM IRON MAN... AGAIN!
Here we have a film that is divisive, to say the least. When this film was first released, I was on the negative side. I was young and wanted action, action, and more action. But over time this film has grown for me, and on the positive side. This is a character piece and a strong one of that. It's a film that takes risks and a film where Downey is at his best as this iconic character within the MCU and comic book fandom.
POSITIVES
Something to admire about this plot is that it takes the character in a different and welcomed direction. Tony Stark is as important of a character as Iron Man and to have him and his powerful mind being the draw and the lead was very entertaining. This goes into the writing of this character and their story. The path the film takes is very interesting and faces the repercussions of the Battle of New York. This helps to maintain this shared universe and not have them be offbeat stories. Robert Downey Jr. is incredible in this role and he takes this character and performance to new heights. Yes, there is the sarcastic humour that the character is known for, but there is some real and powerful emotion that the actor develops in his face alone. Downey still maintains that incredible and natural chemistry with his co-stars and that elevates their performances as well. For what Ben Kingsley does in the role of The Mandarin, he is very entertaining. Shane Black takes over the director's chair and he does a very good job. The film has its different tone, but still has that "realistic" quality that Favreau set up in the first two films. Some very good visual effects that come with the Iron Man sequences. What they do with the multiple Iron Man suits in this film was so fun and helped ground the film in the comic book realm. Anyone that knows the character knows about the multiple armours that the character creates. The sound design that I've praised before is still present in this film. Along with new sounds that are strong. This is the first film, in the Iron Man franchise, that has a great and memorable score from Brian Tyler. And overall the film is fun. It has its humour and engaging action sequences, but also, a lot of heart.
NEGATIVES!
The main negatives I have with this film involve the villains. Even though this film was released in 2013, no spoilers. What the film does with the character of The Mandarin I am mixed on. It upsets comic book fans but makes sense in the narrative of the film. My main negative is the story of Aldrich Killian and Guy Pearce's performance. I mean, 1. it's Syndrome from Disney/Pixar's The Incredibles. 2. it's boring. Pearce gives a portrayal of a cynical villain that has been done before and all the "humour" that the character/actor tries to deliver falls flat. Not once is this villain threatening or memorable.
CONCLUSION!
So, Iron Man 3 gets a bad rep and it doesn't deserve it. I am kind of a hypocrite since I have ridiculed this film in the past, but I've grown and so has my appreciation for this film. If you are looking for an MCU film that is not-stop action, I can't see you enjoying this Iron Man instalment, but if you are looking for a superhero film that takes risks with its material and character, then I suggest you check out Iron Man 3.
Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
CAP... back when he wasn't as great as he could've been...
Captain America was a character I was obsessed with but knew little to nothing about the character. I think it was because at this point, I knew that this Universe was going somewhere. That it was real, and an Avengers movie was underway. Again, I didn't see this one in the cinema. But I really tried to. I finally got the chance to see it a few months later and left the film extremely underwhelmed by the film and character. Over time it has changed, but I, personally, don't understand audience's strong appreciation for The First Avenger.
POSITIVES!
The plot is enjoyable. It's interesting to have a period piece set in a comic book film, but also set around one of Marvel's icons. Chris Evans stars in the title role and for the character he was given, Evans does a very acceptable job. Evans in this role hadn't received the exact praise that I give him now but was still a good performance. The real standout was the gorgeous and talented Hayley Atwell as Agent Peggy Carter. Not just a strong female character, but just a great character. Evans and Atwell shared incredible chemistry onscreen. Although I wasn't a major fan of her spin-off series, I was still happy she got the reception the character and actress deserved. Tommy Lee Jones is always an entertaining presence, so it was great to see him. Hugo Weaving as the Red Skull was awesome. Just the perfect choice to deliver that character. Joe Johnston directs this project and he does a fine job. As a director, he can create an incredible atmosphere that really feels like a throwback to '40s cinema and just that time period. This is also a praise to the sets and the costumes within the picture. I really enjoy this Captain America uniform. There's a lot of inspiration taken from the Ultimates run, but we also get the classic suit which is a lot of fun. The shield that Cap uses is such an obscure weapon but is very memorable for its prop and sound design. The score and music utilized in the film is another cool throwback to that time period and is quite catchy.
MIXED!
A big mixed element on the borderline of a negative for me would be the writing. Although I enjoyed the look of the film and so forth, as a war film it feels very held back. I understand that they couldn't go too dark with it, but they could've explored deeper themes and have some controlled imagery. This would've made Cap's ideals and characteristics stronger for the character he was. Even though he does these impossible things that makes him a legend, I didn't find him to be a "legend" character. A problem I had with the Red Skull was that he felt like a cliché villain. Wasn't bad, just had the feeling of recurrence.
NEGATIVES!
It's probably not an editing issue but it's an issue. The amount of montages in this film, glossing over very important events, is unacceptable. As soon as Cap is on the frontlines of the war, the film goes into montage-madness. Basically, skipping over what could've made Cap a stronger character in this film. Something else that would be a major con would be the CGI. So many shots and visuals are clearly fake. Shots of an obvious greenscreen. Not as bad as some films, but still disrupting.
CONCLUSION!
So, Captain America: The First Avenger is a film that a lot of audiences enjoy, and some audiences have grown to appreciate. For me this film feels rushed. It feels as if that they needed a Captain America film, but Avengers was right around the corner. I think if the filmmakers took a few more risks with exploring WWII. Quicker storytelling so we get to see Cap in more of a war setting. Really adapt some of those incredible concept arts, making this one of the darker entries into the MCU than this would've been one of their greatest films.
Pet Sematary (2019)
SOMETIMES DEAD IS BETTER...remakes not so much
Now I own this novel, but I have not read it. Much like a lot of Stephen King's work. The original film and overall story have been referenced enough in other projects and has been recommended for me. I bought the original film not too long ago. Although I think the film is dated, it had interesting concepts and a story I was very much a fan of. There is a lot there that could be improved upon and that's why this film shot up on my anticipation list. I have now seen this film and I can say that it is okay but failed to improve in many areas.
POSITIVES!
It still has that story. That very interesting concept of bringing back the deceased, but once they return, they are not the same. I do really enjoy that story. The directing in this film is a fine job. The co-directors build a great atmosphere, but also take risks and different courses keeping fans of the original film and, I believe, of the novel pleasantly surprised. The film looks great for a horror film and helps in building that ambiance. The art direction of the film and its production is very well constructed. The look of the Pet Sematary (Cemetery) and its burial ground has a very strong dreadful impression. Even though it's not a recurring element, the "homemade" animal masks were something to appreciate. And the makeup as well. Without spoilers, it's a subtle thing, but when you can notice a certain character look it seems so natural. And there's the character of Pascal and their practical look was so realistic and awesome.
MIXED!
Now all the actors involved in this film are talented in their respective fields. And when you look back at the '89 film the acting isn't the best but is part of the film's appeal for sure. Here, the actors aren't bad, but they are not delivering some of the best performances in their careers'. John Lithgow for instance is a talented actor, but Lithgow isn't as fun as Fred Gwynne in that role. Dale Midkiff isn't good, almost at all, but delivers a lot of emotion regardless. Jason Clarke has the acting ability to fun loops around Midkiff but feels as if he didn't get the chance.
NEGATIVES!
This is a transition into the writing. The film is pretty good for the first two acts, but the last act feels insanely hurried. Packing less of a punch than intended. A lot of the "scares" in this film are almost all but jump- scares. It has its atmosphere but is ruined by these non-impactful sharp images and a quick raise in sound. THIS IS NOT HORROR! There are characters that aren't as impactful as they were prior. The iconic Zelda is wasted in this film. Every 5 minutes, it feels, the audience is reminded of her existence and that got old fast. It led to a weak climax regrettably. The visual effects (CGI) were laughably fake and took you out of the moment. And something that must be acknowledged is the marketing and how it spoiled a big twist/change in story. Not a fault of the movie or filmmakers, but the marketers.
CONCLUSION!
So, Pet Sematary had its strong horror elements, but was ruined by repeated modern qualities. Its writing wasn't as strong as it could've been neither was the acting. One of the foundations I enjoyed about the original was the conversation topics about death as an idea. That is a one and done element in this film and exchanged for repeated and insufficient troupes in the horror genre. The original film means so much to a lot of audiences and I can see those clusters walking away dissatisfied.
Thor (2011)
THOR, THE MIGHT AVENGER!
Thor I would say is not my personal go-to superhero. I knew of him. I'd seen the character in different forms of media and comic books, but he was never the standout for me. I was young when this film was upon release and I was very little aware of the film's existence or it's placement in the MCU. The moment I found out about the connection was in the Iron Man 2 post-credits scene. If you read my review for that, you'll see that I didn't exactly watch the film until it's home release. I wasn't aware that the post-credits were a trend at the time. After watching the first Thor trailer and then researching it, I came across the scene. Now again I didn't watch this film in cinemas. I watched it with a close friend, and we were both mildly impressed. And over the years I have seen and read many mixed reviews, but I still maintain that this is one of the better produced and made films in the MCU!
POSITIVES!
Now I understand the audience reactions that come from this film. Ones that think because the character isn't kicking ass throughout the film that it's boring. I don't think that at all. There is action. Not an insane amount, but enough to show you what the character can do. But this is a great character arc. One, I thought, so great that it made Thor my favourite Avenger for a time. This is something I love about the plot and writing. This is a character driven story with a character that rises above selfishness and arrogance. The writing overall has a very Shakespeare charm about it. A story about family, and, brotherhood. Tom Hiddleston portrays the antagonist in this film, and he is brilliant. You instantly understand his motive and the actor's approach to a "villain" and so well deserving of the praise the character and actor has received throughout the MCU. But this film is packed full of amazing talent. Whether they a good or not, the actors that are involved are all talented in their acting background. I must praise rich and unblemished cinematography. This is a beautiful film to look at. The visual effects are stunning as well as is the artwork behind them. It is a great blend of having these God-like characters in this comic book world. The costume and makeup departments have very immaculate work. Brilliant sound design, particularly with Thor's Might Hammer, Mjolnir. A pungent score, that I think is improved on, but it works for this film.
MIXED!
Chris Hemsworth stars in the title role. An actor that had only gotten a starring role on soap-operas in Australia. This was the big break for the actor, and he is okay. Obviously over the course of his own and The Avengers' franchises he has really delivered an entertaining character. But in this film, he is adequate. Now the director of this film Kenneth Branagh does a fine job. Some of his camerawork was a bit off, especially with the dutch-angles. But I feel as if his main intention in this film was to deliver a grand scale epic drama rather than a comic book film.
NEGATIVES!
Natalie Portman is a fine actress. There is no doubting that. But the chemistry she has with Hemsworth feels very much like acting than natural. Portman feels miscast. Like I said before there is a lot of talent in this film, but some of that talent feels wasted. Particularly with Idris Elba. I keep forgetting that the actor is in the MCU. And the actor never really shows off his incredible range in any of the films he is showcased in. Now my biggest complaint would be, despite the filmmaking in this project, the film isn't as enjoyable as other entries in the superhero genre. The urge to rewatch this film isn't very potent. It is a great character arc and the audiences that criticize the film for not having as many action sequences do have just opinions.
CONCLUSION!
So, Thor I enjoy for its filmmaking troupes. I enjoy the character more than the performance. The antagonist, for sure, outshines the protagonist. It is a great expansion and departure for comic book films and the MCU. Delivers a brand-new character and one of the most powerful Avengers. It is a bit hit or miss for audiences and I understand that. But there is more to enjoy than dislike for me.
Iron Man 2 (2010)
I AM IRONMAN...pfft
I remember when this film came out. I was still on an Iron Man high because of the movie released prior and because of the animated series that was on at the time. I didn't get to see the film until many months later and this was a major of a disappointment because of how much is unfolding on screen during the film's runtime. It leaves you at a loss for words and not in a good way.
POSITIVES!
Robert Downey Jr. is still great. No matter the issues I have with the character in the film, Downey is good at portraying the cynical hero. Downey still shares great chemistry with the rest of the cast. The chemistry between Downey and Paltrow is fantastic and is one of the draws of the franchise. Sam Rockwell portrays Justin Hammer and he is very entertaining in his antagonistic role. The action scenes are very well done. Some of the best action in this franchise and it is all edited together well without audiences getting nauseous. The visual effects are incredible. A great mix between practical and a computer image. There's also some awesome, weapon sounds that emanate from the suits and drones. Also got some great music to go along with the project.
MIXED!
Explaining the plot to someone is difficult. Since it crosses many different stories, which I'll touch on soon. Don Cheadle takes over the role of James Rhodes after Terence Howard didn't reprise the role. Cheadle is okay, we've seen that he gets better, but he didn't bring the same energy to the character that Howard brought. Jon Favreau has said that he wanted more time on this project, but Marvel had a deadline so Favreau had to rush this project and it shows. But he did the best job capable. Now although we get new Iron Man armour and the War Machine armour, but there are a lot of those types weaponized suits/drones that it can be difficult to tell apart the "characters".
NEGATIVES!
A big issue this film has is it's writing. It doesn't know what story it wants to tell. It covers Tony's adventures as Iron Man, Tony and the supporting characters at Stark industries, two separate villain story arcs, and the setup of The Avengers taking a bigger role than it should've. There is too much to focus on and not all of it is interesting. Mickey Rourke is the real antagonist of the film and the film has no clue who the character is. I don't know if he is Whiplash or the character from the comics, Crimson Dynamo. And his performance feels very dull and at times he is impossible to understand. One thing about Iron Man in his franchise is that he doesn't have a score. It's a small complaint, but a superhero must have an awesome score. The film just isn't fun either. Tony Stark is fun in every other film the character utilized in except this one. Stark is unlikeable for a good deal of the film. Stark is meant to be the attraction, but the character is odious.
CONCLUSION!
So, Iron Man 2 should've been in development for a longer period. It's more of an Avengers prequel than an Iron Man continuation. Luckily the character grows after this, but this is a big dip in the Iron Man's career and the MCU. It's a film that makes you struggle with your opinion. It has its entertaining action and visual quality. But it suffers in delivering a powerful sequel.
Shazam! (2019)
SHAZAM!... It really gets stuck in your head after this AWESOME DC Movie!
I'm a comic book fan. I love these worlds of superheroes and villains, but I've always been more drawn to the DC comic books. So, to say that I was excited for this film was an understatement. I love the character of Shazam! because of what that character is. A child in an adult's body with incredible power. Pretty much something I can relate to, minus the superpowers. And this film proves, that after Aquaman, DC is on a roll with this new franchise!
POSITIVES!
That plot of a child in an adult's body with power is an awesome plot and this film plays with that idea to the limit. The story is very standalone which also works in the film's favour. You have your references to the Extended Universe but is still centred around this title character. Speaking of character, that is another strong positive for the film. The character of Billy Batson is so well delivered in the character's humour, but his dilemma's as well. It's not just him. Grazer's Freddy Freeman is a very well-established character. And so is the villain of Dr. Sivana portrayed by Mark Strong. Billy Batson is portrayed by Asher Angel and Zachary Levi as the embodiment of Shazam! Both actors do a fine job. I had faith in Levi from the start as a big fan of Chuck, but Angel does a good job and is memorable as the younger version. Both actors share great chemistry with Grazer, who does a fine job on his own. Sandberg has a career as a horror director, but he was a perfect choice for the chair. There are horror elements, but he exceeds in the superhero genre and does an accurate representation of childhood without making the film childish. I love the overall look of the film with its sets and locations. Without spoilers, I enjoy certain character designs. Although it got a lot of hate from the set photos, I really enjoy the Shazam! costume. It is insanely accurate to the source material and is a great deal of fun. With some very strong sound and a heroic score, these all add up to an enjoyable time. The credits have a great deal of laughs. And any fan of Geoff Johns and Gary Frank's work on the Shazam! character will not be disappointed.
MIXED!
Although the character of Dr. Sivana has a satisfactory motive, it's the performance of Mark Strong that feels replicated from the antagonist roles the actor has done before... at least he was an actual villain in this DC movie. Although respectable throughout, the visual effects at times could be a little jarring. Obvious fake images can take an audience out of the moment. There is a lot of songs used in the film that are, although catchy, could pop up frequently. And the tone took a while to establish itself. In the beginning, and any scene with Dr. Sivana by himself, the tone was dark, but safe. Whenever the scene/s focused on Shazam! It brightened up high.
NEGATIVE!
The only negative would be the very end. Dancing around spoilers, there is a cameo that shows where the DCEU is at currently spins you out if you are in-depth with this universe.
CONCLUSION!
So Shazam! is a very entertaining action film. A hilarious comedy where almost every joke lands a punch. DC and Warner Bros. found the perfect people to deliver this to audiences. It is not one of the greatest DC movies or superhero movies but is another step in the right direction for the DCEU for sure!
Iron Man (2008)
I AM IRON MAN!
This is it! The start of what is probably the most well-known cinematic universe. I remember when this film was coming out and Iron Man was everywhere and the hilarious thing about that was nobody knew this character. After the film's release that changed. That changed big time. The first time I properly saw this was around Christmas time, 2008. I had got the DVD as a gift and I was so happy when I got the chance to watch it... that was 11 years ago...
POSITIVES!
When it comes to this kind of character, it is a smart move to begin with an origin story. I do, however, believe that the film is mistitled. It should called "Tony Stark" and that isn't a bad thing. Clearly. The way that the character, and story, is written is such a strong character piece that it propels this widely unknown character to A-Level reception. What this character goes through to put him on a journey to become a "superhero" is a very entertaining narrative. This is a testament to the writers, director, and especially the incredible Robert Downey Jr. This man is a treasure in real life and an artist in film... it also helps that he is just so natural because the character is pretty much himself. Downey is great with the comedic side, believable in the dramatic side, and as heroic as a hero can be. Downey shares great chemistry with his co-stars; Jeff Bridges, Gwyneth Paltrow, and, for his one-time appearance, Terence Howard. Jon Favreau stars in front of the camera but excels behind it as the director. Like Downey, Favreau can balance all these genres to create a very coherent tone with some great action sequences. Those action scenes are packed full of visual effects that still hold up a decade later, and for years to come. The balance of CGI and practical was very strong, obviously I'm in favour of practical, but the CGI is sound. The look of the film. With its sets in imagery has a touch of sci-fi, but it is grounded. The suits/armour utilized in the film are my personal favourites. For a long time, this is what I think of when I think of Iron Man. The sounds that emanate from the suits (repulsor blasts) are fun to mimic, especially when you're a child and obsessed with the character. It has a decent score, but it has a very rock'n'roll centric soundtrack that works.
NEGATIVES!
My only real negative with this film affects and could've affected the MCU, but mainly the Iron Man franchise. And that's the treatment of Jeff Bridges' antagonist character, Obadiah Stane and the third act. This character could've had the potential to be the Lex Luthor to Iron Man's Superman. But, spoiler alert for a 10-year-old film, the character is killed off. The character builds the "Iron Monger" suit to square-off against the hero after just being argumentative about replicating the Iron Man armour... 5 mins later he gets an arc reactor and magically has a suit of armour. The Iron Man vs. Iron Monger fight isn't anything special. There are plot points that come back around that are fun nods, but other than that, the final fight sequences get better as the universe expands. After Obadiah Stane is killed, in a lacklustre way, the character is forgotten about as the MCU continues. No remorse or even a reference to the character. I would've preferred that the character becomes a behind the scenes type of villain throughout the Iron Man franchise, building up to an explosive fallout between Stark and Stane. But the film went in a different direction.
CONCLUSION!
So, Iron Man was such a great choice to begin this Cinematic Universe. It's said a lot in interviews that anyone (meaning franchises) could've been in RDJ's and the film's shoes, being the one to kick-off the franchise. But I very much appreciate Iron Man being the first film. Not only for what it did for the character, but for the people behind it. Regarding RDJ's rough history in the public eye, Jon Favreau not being a massive name in the industry directing Indie Films, and just the status of the Iron Man character being a C-Level character. And now, look around. Robert Downey Jr. is back and better than ever, Favreau is doing some massive movies, and Iron Man's popularity is compared to Spider-Man, and Batman. That's because of this extremely entertaining blockbuster!
The Dirt (2019)
TAKE ME TO THE TOP!...well...
So, THE DIRT
This Netflix Original, Music-Biopic, Drama starring; Douglas Booth, Iwan Rheon, Colson Baker, and Daniel Webber, directed by; Jeff Tremaine, tells the story of the Glam Metal band, Motley Crue. Their members and their stories.
I would say that I am a fan of, mostly, the music of the band. I wasn't too aware of the band members of their lives. So, when the trailer dropped for this film, I was very excited. Because I would "learn" more about the band and because the film looked very fun.
POSITIVES!
The acting in the film is good. The film hinges on the actor's performances. They all share good chemistry which adds for some good drama and humour. It brings a few audience members to tears before the film wraps. The construction of the stages and sets were all great. They're not massive highlights of the film, but they are there for entertainment. That's also something about the costumes and makeup that are very exact to the time and the band's stage performances. It has it's 80s vibes all about the production. There is also the music side of the film. Motley Crue's music may not be for everyone, but it was an awesome soundtrack. Looking up facts and watching documentaries centred around the band after I watched the film and sure the film takes a few liberties with the timeline but tells the story of the band quite truthfully and roughly. Really gets into THE DIRT of the band...
MIXED!
The film is enjoyable, but you feel unpleasant for enjoying it. Even thoughit's the band's life story it's still very DIRTy... last one. But the film's entertainment just stops halfway and goes into the dramatic side of the film. Not that the two sides are good by themselves, but together they feel like two different films. There is also the narration and fourth wall breaks of the film that are unneeded and it makes the film really feel like the book it's based on. Just the actors reading from the pages. The unbalanced tone also goes into the direction of Jeff Tremaine. As a director, Tremaine was able to show off the outrageous nature and antics of the band, but when it came to the storytelling it became unbalanced.
NEGATIVES!
My only negative is the plot itself. It IS the standard Music Biopic template of having a through the year's kind of style along with the rise and fall of the band.
CONCLUSION!
So, The Dirt is enjoyable in the moment of watching the film. Throw it on for some entertainment and some great music. It has varied elements in the writing and direction, but very amusing and emotional.