Deoglood Reviews

Archenemy (2020)

Exactly what I wanted to see - Awesome low-budget!

[9/10 · 2 March 2021]

Joe Manganiello is perfect in this role, true grit and tough as nails. The execution was low-budget and satisfying - The script touched upon several relevant social issues and was surprisingly more touching than you'd expect from a 'superhero' movie, thanks to the excellent acting of Skylan Brooks and Zolee Griggs, who I definitely look forward to seeing more of.

This isn't for armchair producers who require high budgets to fulfill their perfect teeth and hair expectations. The playful psychedelic graphics gave it a distinct and memorable feel and was well used.

Totally worth seeing. Highly recommended!

Warcraft (2016)

A fantastic movie!!!

[10/10 · 27 March 2018]

Warcraft is one of those movies that is an example of how adaptations should be done. Please note: I have not ever played the game!

To start, I have to wonder again and again at the 'movie critics' who've rated this and other movies so poorly. The plot was well-developed, the acting was exactly how you'd want from the genre, and the cinematography was very well done! I can go on and on about the tremendous job on the cgi, which surpasses so many other movies that have gotten far better critic review.

I suspect Warcraft didn't do so well due to poor marketing or representation in the US, because while it is a gamer's fanbase, the movie stands well on its own. I truly wish to see the sequels. Warcraft is exactly the gritty, passionate kind of movie I wanted to see!

Geostorm (2017)

I adore Gerard Butler, but...

[3/10 · 22 March 2018]

Folks, I am petitioning to be a consultant for natural disaster special effects production. I knew from the trailer that this was gonna be, um, poorly done. I am a huge fan of the genre (2012, The Day After Tomorrow, etc plus all the books: Mother of Storms, Seveneves) and gosh, have actually seen a few actual disasters! So while its expected that production of such things in films should have a good deal of creative margin, there are a few things that really can't be sidestepped.

Please, the idea of tornadoes is fantastic, but when the highlight of these phenomenon in film digress from 1939's The Wizard of OZ (which was pretty f'n good in my opinion!) to some poorly modelled drillbit that OMG actually drops down to the ground like a enormous spinning roll of Pillsbury dough... They are meteorological processes, not gelatinous solid objects that happen to spin! It was sad when they were done so poorly in X-Men2 when when everything else was done so well, but what happened in GeoStorm? Its like a moron got ahold of 3d modeling software and someone said 'Good enough!'

The scope of the movie had me almost desperate to see it, despite the trailer, and frankly I just kinda got depressed from the poorly-realized situations and aspects of production. Who dropped the ball? This could have been such a good movie!!!

The Lodgers (2017)

Like a good book

[8/10 · 14 March 2018]

If you enjoy easy-paced movies, you'll enjoy The Lodgers as I did. I found it easy to get drawn into the ambiance of the 1920's authentic Irish village, as the story builds firmly the culture of that period to give it the needed texture for the lore. I am unfamiliar if a poem repeatedly recited in the movie is based on anything historical, but it adds to the story pretty well even if a bit too often.

While most ghost stories make us scared in the way supernatural things do, The Lodgers abundant apparitions aren't the only thing that makes the viewer uncomfortable - it visits a disturbing taboo that twists as the story unfolds, thankfully with intelligence.

I've never been a fan of sudden 'boo' thrills, so the few provided were thankfully spooky and actually added to the story.

This may not be on the top of the average typical viewer's thrillers, but is done well enough to be added to my October playlist, as the cinematography and acting are well done, and a story intriguing enough to satisfy someone looking for a good afternoon show on a breezy autumn day.

Martian Child (2007)

Read the book!

[6/10 · 9 March 2018]

The book was fantastic! Folks are saying the movie was mushy, but the book was nearly autobiographic of David Gerrold, who is an amazing author. The Martian Child found a fantastic balance of emotion, humor, and a deep investigation of how we can be confounded by something that doesn't fit quite right in our perspective of normal.

Oddly, that is the problem of the movie, as it tries to remove many of the interesting aspects, such as that the father is single and gay, and in fact the task of trying to adopt while not being a heterosexual is almost heroic. While the major component of adopting a behaviorally confounding child is okay for a Saturday morning children's show, Seth Bass and Jonathan Tolins omission of the gay component smacks of the worst kind of censorship because gosh, it may not make as much money, so the movie ends up partial drudge.

I found the interaction with the adopted son very faithful to the book - Bobby Coleman did a great job, and the Cusacks brought their usual amazing abilities that make any film glow. Again I complain of a wasted opportunity to make something extra special. I wish this could be remade with the same actors but a truer adaptation.

A Beautiful Mind (2001)

Good movie, great acting, but inaccurate

[6/10 · 8 March 2018]

For those who don't know, the poor rating will not make sense. For those who've heard but think its no big deal, I disagree with you. For those who know and care, please help stand up with me.

It is fact, not speculation, that John Nash was at very least bisexual, and the tendency to suppress this fact only adds to the stigma of shame thrust upon those of us who are not happily heterosexual. The people who write the scripts insist on changing facts to make the movie more mainstream and profitable, to make it more palatable for those whom share distaste for people who don't fit into how their egos require.

It is a shame, because this movie could have been groundbreaking beyond its intriguing portrayal of a brilliant man's inner turmoil, done so well otherwise. You cannot use an excuse that revealing a complex man's complex natures would only give the story too much distraction.

I would have enjoyed the movie otherwise but found the omission disgusting. Much like 'The Martian Child' by David Gerrald that was successfully translated to bigscreen, but because it would be 'unacceptable' to have characters 'marred' by so-called character-defects that would reduce their likability, well we certainly can't allow children to have such role models, can we?

I am fortunate to be well-educated and well-read, to have known that gay or bisexual men can be awesome and powerful, not just amusing. There are plenty who need the truth more than the majority demand placation.

Annihilation (I) (2018)

Annihilation is amazing!

[9/10 · 7 March 2018]

My mind was blown after reading the book of which the movie is based, and this production has done an incredible job of what must have been a very difficult transition from imagination to the screen. I am very glad they made this!

It is one of those movies that so many will be "What?" because of the complex ideas presented, but regardless if you 'get it' or not, it will open your eyes to everything we take for granted as normal. Annihilation the movie did not perfectly match up with how I interpreted the book, but it respectfully adhered to the book and I realize how much I missed initially when reading. Usually one wants to watch the movie again after reading the book.

The visual effects are intense and fantastically done, the cinematography is outstanding and I was surprised how well the acting was, given the abstract concepts. Well done for the entire crew and cast!

Black Panther (2018)

Such a frustrating disappointment

[4/10 · 16 February 2018]

I was looking forward to Black Panther last year when it was announced, but as the release came closer, it became clear that the marketing team was working overtime. In fact, it became suspiciously clear that the movie may be compensating for something.

And also in fact, I admit being turned off because every web page I visited, every trailer I wanted to see, everywhere I turned, Black Panther's ads were in my face worse than a mobile service provider or insurance ad. At least those didn't take over what I am trying to read.

So, seriously, I knew there was going to be political and social messages, I can't think of any Marvel or DC superhero movie that doesn't have one. I accept that the atrocities that have happened and happen today in Africa can be powerfully addressed in a mainstream movie, indeed I was looking forward to it.

What I think is a shame is how that chance was buried beneath magical technology. I know, I know. The comic book version made it work. On big screen, the costume-change was more absurd than when Wonder Woman spun around in a blast of light. And I know so many of the others in the Marvel universe have blingie wardrobe swapping also, so why should this movie's bother me?

Because it distracts from the already stressed-out plot. I wouldn't begrudge an ethnic or gender group the privilege to share the same insta-powers and unbelievable technology or give airtime to diversity (I'm still waiting for Colossus to come out!) but in this case, Marvel did the genre a disservice. Why oh why wasn't I consulted on these nuances?

Just as Marvel Studio spent too much money on marketing, they spent too much money on focus groups. They are trying to appeal to a specific audience and yet maintain balance and it doesn't work. What could have been a beautiful and strong story ends up being overhyped, muddied, and ultimately ungraceful in the face of a diverse culture's own depth of flavor and strength.

I agree with Roger Moore's Metacritic score of 63, and I still look forward to future additions to the Black Panther series, with hopefully more elegant approaches and culturally worthy scripting.

Oh, and while the 'white boy' comment maybe culturally authentic, it was just as unwelcome as the 'n'-word.

Edit: And btw while Blade was the first black Marvel hero on screen, nobody bothers to mention Storm being the first AFRICAN hero on screen, but gosh all the street-racer thug wannabes can't relate to her much, not enough 'tude.

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017)

Nicely paced adventure, clearly aimed at teens

[7/10 · 24 July 2017]

I found the storyline engaging and the cinematography beautiful throughout the movie. Luc Besson's vision was predictably wonderful and engaging.

What I did find disturbing is the over-obvious pandering to popular culture, where everybody is skinny. It was disturbing to hear the female lead played by Cara Delevingne, demand "Let me go, fatty!" I guess in the future, body-shaming and elitism is still alive and well. Frankly I don't blame them for trying to eat her head.

I wish good people didn't always have to be elven, entitled, or effortlessly gifted.

On the upside, the diversity of the various species was enjoyable and thoughtful - It would have been a better movie if it wasn't so simplified for what Hollywood seems to think the masses want.

All in all, a good movie, spectacular visuals, but the acting was stymied by the simplified plot. I hope these young actors get more action films with fuller scripts, and that Luc Besson can apply his talent to less-infantile projects.

300 (2006)

Always catching the coat-tails of...

[10/10 · 9 June 2007]

...Wonderful productions, I wonder how much I've been influenced by exposure to the various thumbs of armchair critics. However, there can be little influence from naysayers about this film because I am a true fan of the sword and sandal classics.

In retrospect, one wouldn't be surprised that the entire film was shot on green-screen sets, but it was so masterfully (or at least distractedly) done that you don't think about the dramatic skies and wheat fields as piped in. In fact, the entire cg aspect was transparent, which even the Matrix and the Lord of the Rings series had not managed to do completely.

The stylization of the effects, such as the radiant glow, deepened shadows, and slow motion sequences, seemed to emphasize the movie's illustrated roots, and though sometimes I found myself wishing I could see clearer, I always found deep satisfaction and immersion in the storyline. I think without the effects the plot would have required more elaboration, and turning a piece of art into another 'Gladiator' look-alike.

This movie is going on my keeper list, as I found it very comforting to watch, inspiring, and I will never tire of looking at (finally) scantily clad men, especially Gerard. The kingly figure of Leonidas, cloaked in red as is his Spartiate warriors, reminds me of the warrior class and king from George Nader's sci-fi book 'Chrome'. Romantically idealized, the simplistic portrayal of virtue and honor are purely portrayed by a directly stylized hero.

Of course, the villain was just as idealized, and therein is the complaint. Nobody likes a baddie without explanation, and perhaps the studio thought that being a Persian god was explanation enough. I would have enjoyed a much more developed Xerxes, but Ru Paul did a great job on the part. Just kidding. Rodrigo Santoro was superb, as big and evil as the comic portrays, and he does a good job overwhelming the much smaller king of Spartans.

The acting was good, and the script solid enough, all in all earning a rating of an 8, but as promised, tanned and bearded men with valor earns it a 10. We need more movies like this.

God of War (2005 Video Game)

Finally a VG that I can relate to!

[10/10 · 25 March 2007]

This outstanding slice-n-dicer arises from the under utilized ancient Greek mythology. While not completely rooted in historical myth, the authors have created a well though out, intriguing storyline that brings both ambitious goals and better than most emotionality to the screen.

The interface, while very functional as most Playstation games are, is exceptionally intuitive and rewarding. When I began my first game, on a moderate setting, I was expecting to be daunted by the numerous, very beautifully rendered moves preformed by Kratos, the game's hero. Forgive me for doubting, since I've turned 35, I have found that programming VCRs has become challenging. I'm sure that a seven or fifteen year old will wonder what I'm even talking about.

This game is gory. It's not just gory for gory's sake, but honest to gory gosh gory because the hero is a violent guy. I loved the feel of this, because it reminded me of watching the swords & sandals movies, just as they slashed and wrestled their way to ultimate, noble glory, so does Kratos. In fact, if there is any real flaw, it is because there is perhaps too much hubris distributed among all the characters in this game.

I've been bored of the video game industry's fascination with anime and the Japanese spiky- haired teen heroes. There is plenty of luscious large-chested babes in slinky, barely decent attire, and then you have 'warriors' that look like ten-year-olds in safety-mom's dream football gear. I've never been a big costume fan. In God of War, Kratos is rendered bare- chested and powerfully built, with a blazing red body tattoo, scars and white skin. It's something I can relate to. He's moody, vicious, and he extracts blood and limbs like nobody's business. I can relate to this too.

The God of War world is expansive, inviting exploration as well as providing very good direction, and only once did I have any trouble with the puzzles. I spent nearly two days solid trying to place a dumb crate into a room to jump to a ledge. Apparently it had to be just so, and I kid you now, I was near destroying my console with my bare hands, Kratos style.

If this game has any educational value what so ever, it will teach patience, and that try, try, try yet again will eventually pay off. This game stays in my personal library. I love it.

The Prestige (2006)

Splendid story of the dual nature of everything!

[9/10 · 24 March 2007]

Layer upon layer of this story keeps sweeping over me. It lapses and recedes, fading after only a few minutes past the credits. I'd like recommend this movie not only as an entertainment, but as a philosophic proposal about 'right' versus 'wrong'.

The movie begins with a very good question about "getting your hands dirty" and it's this very question that adults *should* think about when facing judgment about war and crime. The fact is that anybody can justify how far they go. But it's the accountability to those whom you effect that matters.

For those who haven't seen the movie, this all probably means nothing to you and you think I'm talking like an idiot. Assume you are right and see the movie anyway. It's dark humor and tricks will give credit to a well made production, with the well-matched talents of all the actors.

It seems funny that they had to get Hugh to take off his shirt in almost any movie he's been in, and while I don't complain about it, it seemed almost cheap for this performance. I wonder if it was in the contract?

This was an emotionally turbulent movie, and although I never felt compelled to cry due to my leathery nature, there are many significant scenes that would be too traumatic for the gentle-hearted and young. Seeing someone drown is bad one time, seeing it happen several times is even more so. Funny how watching an actor get shot isn't nearly as harmful?

The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

Well done!

[8/10 · 27 December 2006]

Comments are unnecessary. If you are even looking at the comment section, it probably is just to see what other people are saying about it for curiosities sake. You've already bought or rented or paid to see DWP. If you are the type that won't see this movie, then you haven't looked it up in IMDb and you certainly aren't going to check the ratings. Tell me I'm wrong.

The only problem I have with the movie is the level of toleration that the girl has for the queen bee. I mean, I would have gone postal and fixed the situation immediately, of course without eligibility for a raise and all.

Anyway, fun movie, reminds me of the nasty remarks made by the pros who write for IMDb. I liked the display of courage, but felt the 'girl gone astray' aspect wasn't made for real life. I mean, people fade away, get lost in their jobs. Would friends really get that p.o.'d over a workaholic?

The Fountain (2006)

A beautiful and creative story...

[10/10 · 27 December 2006]

... that wasn't put together with enough dummy clues to allow viewers who are unfamiliar with spiritual concepts a step-by-step instruction of what to think and believe. I was so relieved by this!

When you understand the philosophy behind the movie, the motives for the disjointed segments becomes clear. The funny thing is that the movie demonstrates that you don't have to understand! The Fountain has something for everybody, including those that call it junk, it's damned funny when you get it!

I loved the effects. I loved the moods and the sets. The acting was wonderful, I'm grateful that Pitt didn't get the part, not that he's not a good actor, but it just wouldn't have worked so well. The majority of the cast has already been proved, but this role gave Hugh Jackman a well-deserved chance to demonstrate his ability. And Weisz too. Such realism and passion, as those who have faced disease and death know what this looks like. There is so many valuable lessons in this movie. I'm literally just sitting here going "...wow." and wondering how to right it.

YOU MUST SEE THIS MOVIE!

I wished it were longer. I wish it had been me, any part of it. I can't wait for it to come out on DVD or blueray. The movie did poorly because it wasn't mainstream, but I hope that they don't stop making movies like this!

The Descent (2005)

It's hard to complain about a movie that you didn't pay to watch...

[3/10 · 27 December 2006]

... But given that I like the horror genre, let me complain a little.

It don't make no sense that a film like this gets a 7.4 average rating when there are other films that are far better with lesser scores. I would have expected a 4 or a 5.

So lets see, the caves were realistic. The plot didn't really matter because you were there to see people trapped in caves with monsters. They did remind me of the LotR Gollum character, but thankfully weren't so comical. The initial vague images were nice.

I felt creepy from being trapped, yes my palms sweat. They did that good. But the acting was only as tolerable as a typical teen slash movie, and the ass-kicking was just plain dumb. I really wish movie makers (even the ones outside of Hollywood) would get away from this notion that you have to eventually empower the audience for them to be satisfied. I mean, jeez, everybody wants to be Rambo! C'mon!

So why did the film get a weirdly even across-the-subpopulations census?

This is a booby film, and that brought my score down from a 6 or 8. Let me repeat this: I'm a big gay guy who wishes they'd make films like this with big strapping hunks (not those pretty boys that seem to be the stars in all films now) in skimpy shorts and tank tops, all sweaty and hairy, trapped together, underground, all of whom cannot act. Heck, I'd give it a 10 if it had the right guys!

And rightly so, I've lowered my vote to a reasonable 3. I am resisting trying to counter- balance the straight guy's vote by giving it a 1 because it deserves a better score for effort. Go put Bill Goldberg and some other equally strapping hunks in a film like this, no chicks to fight over, and I'll give it two thumbs up like everyone else, okay?

The Pink Panther (2006)

Twenty-six years is long enough...

[8/10 · 27 December 2006]

...to walk in the footsteps of a brilliant actor who started the series in 1963 and who's path stopped in 1980. I like what Blake Edwards and Shawn Levy has done, and even the over- the-top Steve Martin's flavor was perfectly toned for today's comedic senses.

I remember the low-tech but wonderfully executed stunts of the old movies, and the gags that had me in giggling fits, even to this day I laugh hard just remembering them! In the 2006 version, many of the stunts were merely amusing, like the bicyclists getting in wrecks. However underachieved many of the elaborate setups had been, Steve Martin and Jean Reno always pulled it off with great effect. Kline was sometimes too much of a good actor, but when the film finished, he equated to good balance for all the guffaws!

The makeup of the plot was a little bit like a Scoobie-Doo episode, departing from the original series with a quick, convenient solution and the inspector walks away with medals and a woman. I suppose it would have been too cliché if it ended up like the former episodes had done, and the ending did make me feel satisfied, so maybe I'm just an average stupid 'umarikun'. So be it.

The DVD has ended up in my comfort collection and I recommend it to friends, not enemies.

Brokeback Mountain (2005)

Despite hype, portrayal is authentic!

[9/10 · 18 November 2006]

I've read many of the reviews, and I'm real puzzled by the audience's blindness to the passion between the two cowboys. Can anybody give an example of better acting of passion? Given that cowboys are a special breed, and that the movie not only displays two men loving each other, but that two men in this very specific circumstance and faced with this very real challenge, I just don't know what someone could expect.

The so-called 'family values' crowd can complain about how a movie would 'celibrate' infidelity and a lifestyle that is 'ruinous', but they are missing the point. It's that kind of thinking that the two cowboys have caved to and tried to be what they knew, against their nature. At no point was this glossed over or amplified, it was and is real for today's and yesterday's rural men and women.

Yet the liberals complain that the movie was poop because the story would be stupid if the characters had been heterosexual. This would be true, because in the social context, two straight people falling in love and cheating is pretty common, and usually petty in nature. If you cannot distinguish the different social forces that make this story significant, then by all means, DO NOT SEE THIS MOVIE! Go to church and pray for your sins.

For those of you who claim there is no passion between these two men, you know nothing about cowboys or rural men. Step out of the metro-sexual mindset, this ain't the Gillmore Girls.

I've been fortunate, having experienced love like this. It's painful, it's frustrating, and sometimes it's worth every second of it. What those actors did was nothing short of accurate and they honored what this movie was about.

This movie was Shakespearean, and the acting was excellent. There were some things I didn't like, but they were stylistic and not even worth complaining about.

Sleepy Hollow (1999)

A film for all ages!

[10/10 · 28 October 2006]

I enjoy comfort sometimes. My idea of comfort sometimes is to sit in my living room on a windy autumn evening eating bread and cheese and sipping hot soup while reading a good book.

This movie is all comfort for me, like the Harry Potter series. The gore is usually comical and the mood is just right, and the scenery is very well done. I'm no history buff, but I remember reading ghost tales when i was young, and this is precisely what I was imagining!

This isn't a good story for younger children, unlike other Burton films, I believe they will find it too disturbing. Too bad, because in keeping with the traditions of European/American fokelore, this film has a quality that tends to stick with you. The actors are so adept that you would have to struggle to not be drawn into the movie.

Again, another permanent addition to my movie library. Watch it if you haven't seen it.

The Illusionist (2006)

What a nice movie, excellent acting and believable acting!

[10/10 · 28 October 2006]

While this movie won't go down as a classic like 'On Golden Pond' or 'Elizabeth', I find myself very satisfied almost all aspects of the film. The characters are very detailed and are portrayed very well. The sets are not overdone, nor does the cinematography distract from the story. The special effects are tastefully done, and the plot twist is successfully veiled.

The only drawback I noticed was the characters are not represented 100% accurately for the time period, but perhaps this is for the best because going overboard is so easy to do. This film was very good!

I look forward to purchasing this movie for my collection, to watch on a rainy night beside a fire and eat a warm comforting meal.

An American Haunting (2005)

I kinda like bad scary movies, but...

[2/10 · 28 October 2006]

Read the negative posts. They are uncommonly accurate.

I have only to add that there should be a job position created for directors like this. Said employee should be equipped with water pistol, foam bat, and common sense. This employee should also be contracted in as being 'un-let-goable.' He or she should supervise the direction the film is taking and beat some sense of style and taste into the director, til reason or unconsciousness occurs.

Why would you take a great tale, the shadow of it being apparent in this tragedy, and ruin it with horrible acting, bad effects that are poorly placed, and re-writing the story so that it not only destroys the spirit (pun intended) of the original, but actually erases any chance for that crucial suspense and fear that we are looking for?

Save your money, don't rent this film. Watch a Saturday morning episode of Scooby Doo (the original series). They are far better than this movie...

Grimm (2003)

I rented the movie because it's cover looked interesting. I'm sorry.

[1/10 · 5 January 2006]

I love foreign films, really. When actors can perform in their native language, it seems to draw me into the plot all the more. However in this case, it doesn't help. There are a few good, humorous aspects in this film, and a ton of potential, but right up to the credits I found myself waiting for the plot to wrap itself up or conclude. I cannot tell you how much I regret watching this film. The camera work was good, the acting was good, and even the concepts seemed very good, but too much was covered without really hitting my sweet spots. How can it be so promising without delivering? But the real bummer for this movie was the flavor throughout. It was like watching a really long episode of Seinfeld. Can anyone be so without common sense and not accidentally drown during a rainfall? The two protagonists are dumb as sticks, and it was actually worse than watching a teen-horror flick where the blond bimbo decides to leave the relatively safe locked room and wanders aimlessly through the axe-murderer-saturated woods. At least there was suspense. Please somebody help me forget this movie, I've be negatively influenced by it and have forgotten how to eat with forks and knives.