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Stargate Origins: Episode #1.2 (2018)
how to kill millions of fans hearts and ruin a franchise
I dont think i need to write a long review, as those who have seen SG-1 or any Stargate show know how special and well written it is.
This show is none of that. I honestly thought that this was a parody of the original. As Accents and actors play so over the top that it is cringe worthy to look at them. The writing is so bad that short films have better story telling and much more complex and interesting dialogue.
But lets talk about how everything we were told in the original show is disregarded. This is "Suppose" to be a prequel of the show which tells the story of how they found the stargate and how it all started. But everything in this show contradicts all the laws and characters of the original., from the gate being able to be powered by a car battery to how it was first activated. To the fact that Goa'uld didn't know that the gate was open again.
Thank you MGM for allowing a troll to write this show and for you to give it money to film it.
might I also add that the filming is pretty terrible as the lenses used make the actors faces in long shot out of focus!
Great Job
The Women (2008)
I'm not a female, but even i felt bad for all the women
This is just purely bad film. With an incredible bad message to all woman.
I think this could've been a great film. An all female cast was brilliant and acting was great. But the story and the message?...
This film literally tells women that if their husbands cheat and lie to them, then turn the other way as it won't last and everything will work out, live in denial.
I was hoping to see a inspiring film about how women can live happy and successful lifes without their lying and cheating husbands. Or at least how if one truly loves someone they fight for him and make the partner see what truly loves is.
But no this film, the cheating husband got of a women who he was cheating with as they were now living together, and wanted something that he couldn't have. But he didn't dump the her and then show sadness or loneliness, he was still with her until the end when he asked the ex wife for another chance.
So ask yourself, what did the husband learn? or what did audience learn? that if he cheats and then get bored of the affair because she isn't as smart or ambitious as the wife, and asks for another chance then its fine? even if he is still sleeping with her when he is asking you for that second chance?
Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017)
This is in no way a true Star Wars film.. Just random marvel film with SW charc
Being a movie lover and a writer, you go in a cinema with higher expectations and a different view then your average movie goer. so when i got the chance to see this film on its opening weekend, I was so excited! But unfortunately for me and a lot of Star Wars, and genuine movie fans we were let down. This 8th film in the franchise feels and views nothing like its predecessors. The film lacks in every aspect. It continuously changes its genre from being a drama, action, comedy... Its
flow always get broken up, and is always all over the place.
Then there is the whole scenes and unnecessary plot adjustments that dont make sense. The characters are becoming so ridiculous and pointless at the same time. Finn has no character progression what so ever. Ray literally had no training in the Jedi ways, as she never even had her 3rd lesson with skywalker, but took on the red guards and Kylo Ren.
Not to mention Luke (him selves) has done a complete 180 turn to what his character was in the original films. Luke Skywalker opened up and nearly had the most corrupted Sith kill him as he converted Darth Vader to the light side. Luke was the beacon and the most pure association of hope, but in this film they make his character completely different, which doesn't make sense.
I just don't want to even mention Chewy or Snoke. Why were they in the film? They added or did nothing to the story, replace them with another character and nothing changes. The rebels are still being chased by the Order, Kylo is still bed, Rey is still "learning" and everything remained the same.
I feel like I can write a whole essay on all the different levels this film failed. Story line, character development, terrible dialogue, complete waste of scenes. The Casino part was the worst.
I just hope that J.J can at least do some damage control in the third film.
The only good thing about is the visual effects. This film felt like Guardians of the Galaxy or super hero film rather then Star Wars film.
Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
How comic movies should be made
Had the pleasure of watching Thor on the opening night, and damn was this movie good. The trailer and previous films have nothing on this third installment. Now do not get me wrong, I am not some crazy fan boy, but I give credit, where credit is due. The film was hilarious and makes this action packed film seem like a great 90's comedy, the one where you laugh at funny jokes and not silly skits or genital reference. The film had really awesome colors and amazing cinematography.
The acting in the film was for most part great, few exceptions can be listed, and there were few moments where you can see actor trying to stay in character and they are trying to not to laugh, but it can be excused as 80% of dialogue was improvised, and i guess its just natural reaction of people laughing at something. One of the funniest things of the film was definitely the director, the amazing great job he did directing, as well as his hilarious character Korg and that funny Kiwi accent that makes you laugh every time he spoke.
Like I wrote at the start, this is how comic movies should be made.
Game of Thrones: Beyond the Wall (2017)
Beyond the Wall? NO Beyond the disbelief
From the people who use to bring you creativity and shock, thanks to mainly having great source material to write from. Now that the show has surpassed the books, we can clearly see the change in quality and not in the good way. You would think now that everyone is on the same plain field, one would think it would be easier to please everyone. Which is not the case, as the writing is just taking all the fans and anyone who has a brain for a joke. There is no longer time or distance in the show, no essence of danger, no shocks, no patience for the audience to understand or let the story progress in a normal way. Everything has to happen now and in each episode, with no time for the audience to feel anything. Now with this episode I have to call it, this is stupid. After looking into the game of thrones maps, and taking on board the distances between certain places have come out with the most shortest and fairest distance between Eastwatch and Dragonstone is around 1700-2000 miles. An average speed of flying bird is between 20-30 mph... Assuming here that the G.O.T ravens fly at 55 mph it would take the raven 31 hours just to get to Dragonstone. now also allowing the dragon to fly at 155 Mph with someone on their back not falling off, would mean that Daenerys flight back would be 11 hours if she flew with no stops and a map of exactly where to go to Eastwatch, not to mention where they are in behind the wall. Remember she's never been up north nor behind the wall. So in total that's 42 hours of straight flying with no breaks, stops or looking around for directions. In the episode we see the guys walk out of Eastwatch in the morning, they walked before capturing the walker, and when they told Gendry to run to Eastwatch it was evening. They got stuck on the frozen lake, and the next day they started to fight and got saved by the dragons. Now that means that less then 24 hours have had to pass. Assuming that they didn't start to fight in the early hours of the morning, at most 16 hours had past since Gendry left them. 16 hours vs 42 hours?? Come on G.O.T get your act together! If you need a new writer, feel free to contact me.
Not to mention the fact that the whole surprise ending was not even funny. We know from previous episode that whatever dies get turned into the walker, they killed a polar bear at the beginning of the episode, and we have seen other animals be undead too. So why did fans were in shock when it happened? and didn't even ask the questions where the chains came from?...
Game of Thrones: Eastwatch (2017)
The difference between having source material and making TV show
This episode along with this season and the last episodes of season 6 is the perfect example of when Script writers are left to their own imagination to write the story of a progressing series.
With the first seasons, we get to see amazing television show, with some of the most gripping and twisting story telling. The show showed us that every action has a repercussion. Ned Stark wanted to be noble and Honorable, got captured and killed, Rob betrayed Frey's and we know what happened to him.
But now that the show has surpassed the books, the writers are back to writing just typical television where the main characters are invulnerable from their stupid choices. Jaime rides against a dragon, and miraculously escapes not just the fire but capture as well. How does he swim underwater for miles while wearing chain mail, armor and his 20 pound hand? how did he not drown? or get caught by the dothraki? But fine, what about the easy way out that they show Little finger leading Arya? in the past it was done very subtle and not to in the audience face. If you didn't see it, well to bad you missed it. Now its "Hey, look at this. Do you like how we connect the dots for you?"
Why bother watching if everything is put on a plate for you? where the characters travel thousand miles in 5 minutes. Do you remember how first season, you would have 2 episodes of just Brann, and Arya and you are just waiting to see what happens to the others one, but they don't show everyone in the same episode? yeah me too.
Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017)
What a Shame Luc Besson was way to close to this film
Just came back from the viewing of Valerian and the city of a thousand Planets. and honestly speaking it was a disappointment, do not get me wrong it was beautifully shot, but the editing and the amount of exposition used through boring dialogue for no reason, the constant change in the character traits, decisions and illogical reasoning behind the story make this a disappointing film.
The acting was overrated, in most of the scenes the main actors looked bored and had no chemistry between them. Clive Owen looked he wasn't even acting but was just reading the script. Valerian was one of the most unlikable characters in a major Hollywood film for a while. He was suppose to be the carefree hot shot like Hal Jordan, or even Jay or even Captain Steven Heller.. A over the top cocky but extremely talented soldier, officer, pilot etc... but Major Valerian just comes of as stupid and annoying guy.
Someone should have been there to let Luc know that there is lots of problems with this film. To much unnecessary dialogue ad exposition.
Can't Stop, Won't Stop: A Bad Boy Story (2017)
Biopic films have hit the bottom
my last review was for the film All eyez on me. Which was a biopic of Tupac, a much better rapper then P. Diddy, but after seeing this so called "film" i have to put in the quote bracket, as it was more of an attempt at self marketing with a seriously bad script! and terrible actors then a movie. The time of great music biopics is over!
With films like 8 mile get rich or die trying, hustle and flow, notorious and N.W.A Straight outta of Compton, giving fans a great story telling with good cinematography while focusing and embracing the rap industry we have hit the bottom with this one.
Do yourself a favor and press skip, stop giving your money to producers who make terrible films. Stop supporting crap! go and rent one the films above and enjoy it. Otherwise you are only giving them more reason to make films ever worse.
All Eyez on Me (2017)
Terrible film. Just bunch of random scenes with no story
Damn!! Had the so called pleasure of seeing this so called Biopic of Tupac today, and well as you can see by my rating and the title it is not good. But do not think i am a hater, I love most films. And for the people who know me, they know how much I admire and love Pac. So it was incredible disappointing to see this garbage. It baffles me how even the actors involved were okay with this. This film has just bunch of random scenes, which have no connection to one an another and no introduction to lead them in, it was like the writers, and i do mean writers! because there was 3 decided to put random scenes and then were like "How are we going to connect them? what will be their part in the overall story" and the director replied "Who cares, we will show the audience the progression from Tupac from child to adult and have it in between interview with him, trust me it will look cool" But it didn't. Not only that, but some of them were not introduced or had any real meaning to the story, while others were complete lies. Jada Pikett-Smith came out and said every scene involving her was a lie and never happened! What?! Gotta be joke, right?... Nope, its true. She came out and publicly said it. I cant believe that after such great story telling biopics like Notorious B.I.G and N.W.A we get this piece of trash! I'm sorry but this movie was terrible. They made Pac look like an idiot. its that simple, he listened and agreed with people in the film from first contact, his actions and rise to fame were overlooked by him acting like a spoilt brat. his charisma and portrayal of thug life, gangster type was non-existent as he coward back from any real decision in the film. Do yourself a favor and watch Tupac: Resurrection 2003 documentary then this film! It is much better.
Milk Men: The Life and Times of Dairy Farmers (2015)
Riveting and brutally honest documentary on the history and future of dairy farmers
Documentaries are one of the hardest films to make, as they can be either to boring and narrative or to one sided that they only push one agenda which make the documentary seem less a documentary and more of propaganda.
Milk Men: The Life and Times of Dairy Farmers is a very riveting documentary that does the perfect job of being on the balance between the two sides of the story. As the documentary progress we are shown the struggle and the every day adversary of farmers and the effect it has on them and their families. The ups and down of dairy farmer are extremely wide and thin. The director brilliantly allows the families and the documentary to show how much the industry has changed from the once thought of family dream of owning a farm to a billion dollar industry that thrives on taking over family farms.
For any one ever interested in what it means to be living on edge or what it means to have a family farm, I suggest you get yourself a copy of this documentary or stream it online. You will not be disappointed.
Lost in the Pacific (2016)
A decent Action film with all the problems of Hollywood
Had the chance of seeing this film couple of days ago. Lost in the Pacific stars Brandon Routh and Russell Wong, it is written and directed by a newcomer Vincent Zhou. Zhao has got another feature under his belt by the name of Last Flight, which is also set inside a plane during a freak electric storm. In Lost in the Pacific, Zhao goes into a different direction by stepping away from Horror/ thriller to Action/ drama.
The film starts of with us being introduced to key characters as they arrive for the first flight of the new Plane that has Ocean Airline. Russell Wong plays the CEO of the company who has invested everything into buying this new flight route and into this new state of the art plane. Yuqi Zhang an upcoming Chinese Actress plays Ruoxin, who is also one of the main characters in being not only the co-pilot, but is also the sub plot character of being the love interest and also plot progression tool.
Once we get in the air. The drama starts to unfold with passengers and the crew. Russell Wong playing the more dramatic role rather then his usual action heavy type of character really works well here. Props for the director at placing him as the serious actor with emotional lines, Wong delivers them brilliantly. Ruoxin does a pretty good job herself, you can see that while English isn't her first language she is trying a lot, and is proving to be a great actress. As the plane is heading towards the storm, Wong's character whose only motivation is to push further his plane and his airline company doesn't want to be late to all of the media that is waiting for them in Hong Kong. Meanwhile Zhang's character is to prove that she is worthy of being a co-pilot and wants to be respected by all of her peers and co-workers. Being pushed into going through the storm, the plane gets hit by a lightning and is forced to land on abandoned military airport on a small island, where they pick up some mutated cats. Unfortunately the CGI here is the let down of the film. The cats look to fake and very cartoon like and as they are the secondary main villains of the film it does have its draw back, once they narrowly escape the island cats and manage to acquire some new passengers along the way. Brandon Routh character who is is suppose to be this dark mysterious stranger with a good heart works quite well. He has a great physique and looks like he was in the army. Saying that I did feel that any second now Russell Wong was going to go all out on them and do his martial arts.
Acting in this film, for most part was good. The decision of having the film be in both English and Chinese does add value to its cast and makes it easier for them to show emotion as they are not worrying about saying their lines correctly, but it also damages the film as we are not given a reason for world wide airline to just bring with them one reporter who has bad English, and would rather speak Chinese over English. What about the characters choice of most exposure?...
Story wise the film is interesting, and does try and answering each owns question within the film. The cats were there for a reason, the bad guys motivation was also explained, to a degree and the all of the passengers had their own back story too. But it did feel at times that the film wasn't quite sure which way to go and so had the moments of where something was written for the purpose of shock value or extra tension.
This wasn't a bad movie, it had some dramatic moments, some comedy from Brandon Routh along with Action to balance it out and mystery too. Was it a master piece? No.
XKWX (2016)
For Sci-fi, Thriller, Supernatural and mystery fans. This is a watch
For sci-fi, thriller and mystery fans, and especially fans of the supernatural, this is definitely a great web series with huge potential and an intriguing concept to it.
Each episode, we are introduced to new characters and their unbelievable stories. The show almost has an X-files feel to it, with the strange and mysterious radio station that allows people to openly tell their strange and unimaginable stories to... No one?
It is the type of anthology show where every episode gives you a new story, new characters and no relation to the previous events shown, but every episode gives more clues on the XKWX radio station that no one is listening to and a new attitude to the mysterious Radio Host. From him being over-the-top / sarcastic in pointing out that no is listening to his guest, to a high-standard host reminding them of radio broadcasting standards.
The more I watch the more I feel that the show is building up to something. The radio station that is mentioned in a book, a host that sees more then he let's on, and a need to ask certain questions. I don't want to spoil it, as it will take some of the "OH" factor away from watching the show and getting that feeling of suspense.
One of my favorite aspects, apart from my theory as to what the station and its Host represents, is the music and the sound. I think they are on just another level. Great original scores and amazing ambient sound. 10/10 for sound department.
Acting in the show is also on a high level, each actor brings something different and unique to every episode. My favorite would have to be the host played by Thomas Garner. He does a brilliant job of voice acting to express a variety of emotion without being seen. As well as Rory Dunn who played a brilliant character Peter Kirkmann. Probably my favorite episode so far.
Overall, this is a great show with each episode being original not only in story, but also in tempo, acting and even style, so remember to watch each one.
Dragon Ball Super: Doragon bôru cho: Mirai kara no messêji Gokû burakku shûrai! (2016)
Awesome Episode that gets you excited for the next one
After watching the newest episode, all I can think is how much does each episode feel like a teaser trailer for the next one? I mean previous episode we had nothing happened, We already knew that Black was stronger then Trunks, and so we had a 20 second clip of Trunks going his full rage SS2 and Black just toying with him. Then he ends up in main time line and wakes up to seeing Goku. That was is it. Granted we have more development with Whis and the universe system and King of Everything, but that only makes it more confusing. If there was originally 18 universes and we got told that universes have twins which have to add up to 13, then how would the erased 18 ended up to 13? 18+13=31 or was this something that the King changed afterwards. Anyways, the whole episode everyone waited for some information and we got side tracked by Child Trunks having private lessons and hanging out with Young Mai now. This episode comes around and we get some back story that Black Goku has been around 1 year and is slowly killing everyone on the planet, Trunks has been fighting him but with no chance. However, we do get the quick scope of how Trunks defeats Babidi and Majin Buu with the help of Supreme Kai, and that's it. Would've been cool to see more of the action and his interaction between the Kai. Could it be the Green Kai from the previews? This episode told us few things, one that i predicted in my previous review, that Black is somewhere between SS3 and SSB, and that Trunks while looking weak is probably around SS2 level. I do have to say that although I know how much i criticize this show for being a trailer for 20 minutes for the next episode, I still love all of the comedy and light hear-ted aspects and animation of each of the new episodes. This was no excuse, from the reaction shots of Beerus and Whis, to Trunks thinking Whis was the God. Plus we did have quick battle and amazing animation for Trunks going out all against Goku and SS3.
Hopefully this ARC lasts longer then expected, as it has been revealed that Black Goku identity gets revealed at Episode 53.
Independence Day: Resurgence (2016)
good but not great!!
First of, let me say I loved the original don't get me wrong and this has all the same ingredients but its missing will smith, the main characters while okay just cant make up for the classic 90's will smith.
Stray and Generic Chinese insert cant quite hold the attention of the audience or my brain.
Moving on the visuals are STUNNING i made the happy accident of seeing this in 3D and its gorgeous there's nothing wrong visually with the movie its 10/10 -3/10 for Generic lead(s) and the sidekicks barely make up for it.
It could have been a lot worse so i am glad they had enough sense to make this a decent sequel.
All i can say is next time their going GALACTIC ;) so this isn't the last we've seen of Independence Day.
Toy Story (1995)
one of if not the best animated films ever
Toy Story is a sheer delight to view on the screen. The characters are well done, the plot is exceptional, and the best thing of all, the film is entirely produced on the computer. The animation is extraordinary in it's ability to bring such great entertainment to the screen. The film also teaches some good lessons for the kids like friendship (mainly between Woody and Buzz Light-year) respecting everything around you and never being to greedy or needy.
Spectacular entertainment all around and one of the best films Disney has come up with. This is a film, that not only can the kids enjoy but also the adults too.
Le professionnel (1981)
One of the greatest Soundtracks ever!!
I can give this film 10 stars just on the sound track alone! or me this is the best work of Bel Mondo. The story its just perfect, Joss (main character) uses the orders that the service gave to him to kill president N'Jala even after he became friend to to his government. They betrayed him and left him to die in prison. The character of commissionaire Rosen it's a perfect one. I have seen this movie maybe 20 times and every time I find something new. The speech in the end between the minister and captain Valeras it's my preferred moment: Is this call under surveillance? Of course Mr. Minister. The duel between Rosen and Joss in the best picture of Paris I have ever seen is also great. But the truth is every moment and every word is perfect. You don't have to miss this movie.
Dragon Ball Super: Doragon bôru cho: Mirai kara no SOS! Kuroki aratana teki arawaru!! (2016)
The Trunks saga begins
We have finally hit the new arc of Dragon Ball Super, and it is about one of the shows most loved characters; Future Trunks, the son of Vegeta the last remaining Z fighter in the future who once came back and gave a deer warning to Goku and co. He is returning as his time line once again faces a new enemy. Although we never see the enemy through out the episode there has been tons of people already crashing the internet and telling who it is, but in the last few minutes when the "Black' get revealed Trunk doesn't say anything about that Black is... Not going to spoil it for you if you don't know. Overall this episode felt like a trailer for the Arc, with a lot of building up of Trunk's future being destroyed and him trying to get back to main time line regardless of how much he has to sacrifice.
Hopefully, the writers do not screw up the time line universe of DBS as it can be complicated to explain how and from where this new bad boy has come from.
Warcraft (2016)
Great film with so much hate for no reason
Had the pleasure of seeing the film on its premiere in Australia. Warcraft is one of the most anticipated game adaptation to ever hit the screen, it is the film that had the chance to beat the curse of video games to movies. Did it do it? well some would say no, others would say probably not! But, for me it was a yes. This was a very entertaining movie with really awesome special effects and amazing fight scenes and with an interesting story to follow. For those that say that the human characters were not developed properly or that there was only one real character that you can relate to, I would have to agree but also point out the fact that this film was about Durotan, and setting up the relationship that the humans are going to have with humans. I would have love to see how Llane Wrynn came into power as the King and how he and the Guardian became such good friends, but that's something they can do in later films. It is like complaining why can Han know what Chewy is saying? and why doesn't any one remember Obi Wan if Star Wars is set only 15 years after the destruction of the Jedi council.
Overall I do not want to ruin the film, or give a lot away, except for the fact that this was a film that sets up the universe for Warcraft films still to come.
Trance (2013)
Danny Boyle plays mind-games
The film opens with a light-heart ed look at robbery in the art world. James McAvoy plays an auctioneer, however this is no 'Mickey Blue Eyes'. McAvoy explains that procedures are now in place to prevent quick smash and grabs. One procedure is to stash very expensive pictures in a safe place. Vincent Cassel is a thief who hits McAvoy on the head during a robbery. McAvoy goes to hospital and after this long intro the credits roll.
Mcavoy has stashed the picture but cannot remember where. Cassel wants the picture and the humour of the opening of the film is quickly dispelled as Cassel attempts to find out where the picture is. The subject matter of the film becomes heavier now and remains so for the rest of the film. Rosario Dawson is brought in to use hypnotism to find the picture.
The action in this film revolves around these three leading- characters, much as a trio were at the center of events in Danny Boyle's first film 'Shallow Grave'. Here though Boyle was determined for the first time to give a strong leading-role to a woman. All three of this trio give strong performances. McAvoy, who was recently in 'Welcome to the Punch', is given more to work with here. There is much more depth to this performance by McAvoy. Cassel and Dawson also have depth to their roles as thief and hypnotist. The writing here has created fully-rounded characters. All three are believable in their roles. The same applies to Danny Sapani in a supporting role.
In 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind', Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet erased their memories of each other. This film is the opposite of 'Sunshine' in that here the attempt is to rediscover lost memories. This film is also unlike 'Spotless' in being an adult film with adult themes. There is full-frontal nudity as well as sex and violence.
JCVD (2008)
Van Damme like you've never seen him before
J.C.V.D. is not a Jean Claude Van Damme movie whatsoever, no more than its namesake. There are no drawn out fight scenes, no car chases, and certainly no bad one-liners. Instead, the film is a hybrid, a meta-film, going beyond documentary, documentary, or full blown narrative. If I were to categorize it as anything, it would be a documentary of a documentary since it isn't afraid to break the fourth wall and does so on many occasions. The narrative is broken up, flipping back and forth if not only for the element of short lived mystery. It is not a character study since Van Damme is almost too well known for that, rather it is reenactment of his life dramatized for Hollywood. It doesn't matter if the story is true or not, the important thing is that Van Damme makes it real. Obviously drawing from his real life experiences, he pours his heart into his cinematic counterpart and proves to the world that he can flex his acting muscles just as well as he can flex his biceps, if not better now in his old age. Van Damme humanizes himself in a way that we have never seen. In a power and telling scene where Van Damme literally is lifted above the fourth wall, he explains to the camera his inglorious life and career, full or mistakes, drugs, and heartbreak. It brings a heart to those action films of yesteryear, of a past where things were simpler and a present where retrospection, as well as introspection, only leads to heartache.
This film speaks about the power of the celebrity and the quick to judge public. It brings to light the blood thirsty court system once it has a celebrity to make it famous. And it shows that not all of these superstars are the personalities we see on film. That they are normal people thrust into extraordinary situations with nothing to do but buckle under the pressure of the public. But beyond the serious nature of J.C.V.D. there are plenty of Easter eggs to be found for those pure action fan boys. References to all of his previous work and signature high kicks are spread throughout the film that give it it's humor while the performances and solid writing attribute to many laughs as well.
The opening sequence of J.C.V.D. perfectly captures the message it is broadcasting to our time. It features an action sequence where Van Damme is out of breath and sloppily taking out soldiers while the stunt men and actors alike exhibit their heartless effort for a pay check in the film industry while the director throws darts at a picture of Hollywood. It lacks all the magic of his work while accentuating the cheesiness to a point where the fake film is a mirror image of the action industry today. And as Van Damme tries to catch his breath and lobby for a better film, he can only walk away in disgust of what his beloved career has become. J.C.V.D. is a film that knows what it is and what it is trying to say. Yet it somehow goes beyond that to become something more. It breaks down and then raises up one of the most famous action stars of all time only to show him in one of his best roles. Himself. It is not a tribute to those days gone by where I would rent six Van Damme movies and watch the rest of the afternoon away, it is more. It is a fun, funny, entertaining, and a damn good film. One thing is for sure, I will never look at Van Damme the same way again, and that is a great thing.
Million Dollar Baby (2004)
Clint is surely one of the greatest directors, actors to make movies
Clint Eastwood, one of the all-time most famous actors -- and directors -- has more than enough money where he could choose to pull the strings on block-buster, mindless action pictures, Ala Jerry Bruckheimer, or comic books. Or, hell, in his twilight years he could just lay back and enjoy his millions. But no. He has chosen instead to make quieter, lower-budget, heart-felt, character driven films like "The Unforgiven" "True Crime" "Mystic River" and now Million Dollar Baby. And the world is a better place for it. Eastwood uses his multiple talents to make films that have something valuable to say. In the emotionally powerful, Million Dollar Baby, he tells an allegorical tale of boxing to subtly express themes of hope, redemption, sacrifice, persistence, and belief in one's self. The movie emphasizes that failure is a more honorable and personally fulfilling trait than never having tried, while also frowning upon laziness and leeching off others. But see the movie and judge for yourself. I personally consider great films as the ones where I leave the theater with a better understanding of human nature, or a desire to improve the world by even a little bit. Eastwood's latest more than succeeds on those counts.
Jannat 2 (2012)
Not very entertaining
Only watched this movie as it said it was remake of The Departed. Started watching, has nothing to do with it, but being a critic still watched it regardless. This is a movie about Sonu Dilli KKC, who is another small gun supplier in the horrible streets of Delhi. Sonu Dilli is offered a so called Jannat by an officer in exchange of information related to illegal gun deals going on. The script is not so good, the direction is not up to the mark, and the songs are all right. The movie barely keeps you interested! especially the first half was quite boring. The movie is very predictable as we all know that what can an officer of Delhi provide an criminal which he calls Jannat. The movie is nothing special, I won't really recommend it watching in a theater, but hey it's the summer so you can try, but believe me the movie has nothing under it's sleeves, that can surprise you. If you are another Delhi belly fan who is easily impressed by some curses and a little Bahama bag, then this is for you, but if you are like me, who understands good movies, then don't bother watching this. In fact, it doesn't even deserve the title Janet according to me. Jannat, in search of heaven was the real Janet. This is another Imraan Hashmi movie which is trying to make big bucks with the same name.
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)
movie that really invigorates someone with its performance
Every once in a while, there comes a movie that really invigorates someone with its performances, story, and direction. Birdman is one of those films that just delivers on all forms to bring a unique experience. While that sounds like over the top praise, I feel like this film will be heralded as a classic as the years fly on by.
Good: I love the story for this film as it encompasses pretty much everything that comes along with being in the entertainment world whether it is Hollywood or Broadway. It talks about the plight former A list actors have with trying to stay relevant, the over saturation of superhero movies and how every major actor seems to be a part of one, the battle between big budget movies against indie films, an actor's need for either credibility or box office draw, and the infiltration of Hollywood into Broadway among many other topics. It balances all of these subjects with grace and it never feels disjointed. Add to that the very meta and excellent performance by Michael Keaton, a hilarious turn from Edward Norton, a career best for Emma Stone, a regulatory one from Zach Galifianakis, and a great supporting cast helps makes the beautiful chaos on screen work. Then there's the direction which is marvelous how the movie seamlessly looks like it was shot in one take. Fantastic editing involved along with beautiful cinematography with some breathtaking shots.
Overall, this is one fantastic dissection of the entertainment industry without feeling pretentious and having a lot of fun doing it.
12 Years a Slave (2013)
incredible story that makes an amazing film
12 Years a Slave tells the true story of Solomon Northup, an educated and free black man living in New York during the 1840's who gets abducted, shipped to the south, and sold into slavery. It is a film that stimulates at both an emotional level and an intellectual one.
Chiwetel Ejiofor plays Solomon Northup. He's been a "that guy" actor for sometime – film-goers may know his face but not his name. After this film his name will be known. He gives, quite simply, the best performance from a leading actor since Daniel Day Lewis in There Will Be Blood. Because of his character's position as a slave he is usually unable to speak his mind unless he is prepared to be beaten. As a result Ejiofor is forced to utilize body language and his eyes, which become enormous pools of emotion to express himself to the audience. He's forced to endure terrible things, but he always maintains a certain dignity and nobility that makes his plight even more affecting. It's a performance of incredible subtlety that may leave you speechless and in complete awe.
Micheal Fassbender gives the best performance of his already extremely impressive career, even besting his previous high marks from the films Shame and Hunger (both directed by Steve McQueen, who also directed 12 Years a Slave). He plays Edwynn Epps, a vicious and demonic slaver and perhaps the most loathsome and disgusting character ever put on screen. If alive today, he'd likely be a drunk with severe anger management issues. By turns pathetic and terrifying, he embodies the ultimate nightmare of a deeply flawed man given absolute power over other human beings, and through that absolute power finds only madness, which drives him to deeper cruelty. He's always a menacing and malignant presence even when not on screen, as his slaves must always be aware and prepared for his seemingly random bouts of sadism.
Other actors give excellent performances as well. Paul Giamatti, Paul Dano, Benedict Cumberbatch, Sarah Paulson, Alfre Woodard are all great in relatively small roles. But in this film of titans it's the one you've probably never heard of who perhaps stands above them all. In her first role in a feature film, Lupita Nyong'o, playing the pretty young slave Patsy - the object of Edwynn Epps demented and horrifying affections and the emotional epicenter of the entire picture, gives one of the most devastating performances I have ever seen. A portrait of unbearable sadness, her character is a mirror image of Solomon. While Solomon is a man who refuses to break and give up the dignity which he's known since birth, she is one who has long since been broken, and who never knew dignity in the first place. Her life is a living hell, forced to endure the "love" of Edwyn Epps and the brutal jealousy of his wife, she's trapped in a terrible triangle that she can't escape. Despite that, she retains a level of innocence that only heightens the tragedy of her character. It actually gets to the point where simply looking at this character might be enough to bring you to tears. It's a shattering performance.
Starting his career as a video artist before making full length films, Steve McQueen has an uncanny eye for imagery and contrast. He's also a very patient film maker, utilizing long, steady single shots to emphasize various things. In his prior films this has felt like a purely stylistic choice, here, it's a choice aimed directly at our heart. When the events on screen become their most horrifying and ugly is when his camera becomes the most unflinching. At times feeling perhaps like we're seeing out of the solemn eyes of the ghost of some murdered slave, watching in sorrow and rage. This is both McQueen's most accessible and artistically searing film yet.
There are also moments of stunning natural beauty that would make Terrence Malick proud. Alone, these shots would inspire wonder, but in the context of this film they make us feel more forlorn, as if the ugliness of man is encroaching on the natural beauty of the world.
Perhaps the most noteworthy thing about 12 Years a Slave is the way that it portrays slavery itself. Instead of taking the easy way out and limiting his exploration of the topic solely to the slaves, Steve McQueen increases the scope and we see how it affects those who profited by it. Take Benedict Cumberbatch's character. A seemingly decent and caring man who treats his slaves with some semblance of respect and kindness. He comes off as a relatively good man who is trapped within the powerful confines of the institution of slavery. In 12 Years a Slave, slavery is shown as a horrifying and destructive social construct that drains the humanity from everyone it touches, turning good men into moral quandaries, turning flawed men into monsters, and turning an entire race of people into livestock and tools.
All in all, if you get a chance to see 12 Years a Slave, don't miss it. Not everyone will be able to stomach it but it's an outstanding film that deserves and needs to be seen.
No Country for Old Men (2007)
Amazing film with an incredible acting on display
Fargo, had its quirky character and its grotesque moments, but this film is all about a subdued natures intermixed with quick action. For what I expected, I got some of it, but also a bit more of a subdued air and timing than I expected. It would do things in spurts, action at the beginning then a lull and more thunder. It worked great for keeping one on edge, which Brolin did, excellently in the lead role lying awake thinking too hard. Jones too was good in a strong supporting role as a close to retirement sheriff who is on the outside shaking his head at the carnage and mayhem unleashed by the simple finding and taking of a satchel full of money.
The real gem and glue of the film though is Javier Bardem's menacing character who has his own brand of justice, which is extremely harsh and well insane. Even the one who claims to know him cannot even begin to stop or even slow him down. Bardem whom I have not had the pleasure of seeing in anything before is gold and like no other before looks to have the supporting actor award locked up in this performance. His presence is felt, even when he does not show up. That is something I have not seen in film well since probably The Third Man and Orson Welles' character Harry Lime.
I cannot really describe the film that well so I will suffice to say that is best modern western tale I have seen since The Three Burials of Melquiades, which also happened to have Tommy Lee Jones and was directed by him to boot. Another thing I noted was the lack of strong score. The filmmakers just seemed to let the sounds of the creaking boots and the desert landscape speak for the film. It felt natural and a bit menacing.