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Reviews
No Hard Feelings (2023)
Much better than advertised
Boy the marketing team really fumbled on this one. I was an outspoken hater of the trailer when it first came out. It looked like a raunchy, tacky, terrible movie, and I couldn't believe Jennifer Lawrence would have agreed to do it. And then when this appeared on Netflix, I read other imdB reviews and they convinced me to give it a chance.
There were a handful of very unnecessary scenes (primarily the late night swim at the beach scene) but once this movie hit about the 25 minute mark, it started to really transform into something richer and sweeter than the initial premise. Not to say this is some cerebral art piece, but it is a much more well-rounded movie than I ever would have thought.
And Jennifer Lawrence really shines in this. She plays the part Maddie very well. Maddie and Percy have a great chemistry that develops in time. It's a great dynamic by the end of the film.
I will echo what others who have reviewed this movie have said, so that maybe others will give it a chance. This movie is not as advertised. It is a lot better than that. It has questionable and juvenile moments that made me squirm, but on the whole it made me laugh and got me invested in the characters. It was a nice watch.
Twisters (2024)
Fun and intense but some things too predictable and on the nose
The main thing I enjoyed about this movie was the cast. Daisy, Glen, and Anthony all played their roles well together and did a convincing job individually as well.
The other aspect I enjoyed was the production, set design, and the intensity. Several scenes made me hold my breath and grab the arm rest in the theater. I could feel the panic and the terror. It was not overly CGI-ed, which I appreciate.
The storyline itself was executed a bit blandly. In the spirit of honesty I've never seen the original, but as a viewer I hold the criticism. Everything unfolds exactly how you would imagine it would. No pun intended (or maybe it is) but there were no twists or elements of shock and awe. Really straightforward all the way down the line.
And some things were really on the nose, such as having one of the "bad guy" characters straight up saying "I don't care about the people!" Who are in harm's way, or the customers complaining to a motel clerk in the middle of a tornado saying "there is no tornado, it's a false alarm, where are my bath towels?" To then get sucked up in the storm. Just a few examples of blatant dialogue used to illustrate already obvious points.
A good movie worth the watch. It was a fun way to spend the time and get the heart rate up! But it's a bit forgettable in its generality.
X-Men (2000)
A nice introduction to the series
I've never seen any of the X-Men movies, but have been inspired to do so after seeing Deadpool 3!
It was awesome to see Hugh Jackman in action as Wolverine and Patrick Stewart as Xavier. They are intriguing characters that have has the table set nicely for them in this movie to grow and progress forward.
The plot of this felt a little loose. At times I wasn't sure I was fully following Magento's motives. There were some holes that left things to be desired.
Keeping in mind this movie is from 2000, I won't knock it for some of the cheesy things that didn't age so well 24 years later like some of the special effects and some of the acting. As a lover of 2000's movies, some of these elements are nostalgic and shape the way the movies were made/stories were told.
The Instigators (2024)
A movie that's fun and fine
Casey Affleck is probably the star of this one. Matt Damon, while I love him, quite honestly could've been played by just about anybody. His character was a pretty blank slate without much detail to fill him in. He does a fine job and embraces his Bostonian roots, but he's forgettable and flimsy. Casey's character does the heavy lifting with personality and delivery of lines.
The robberies gone wrong are goofy but entertaining. The characters they bring alone for the rides and the other side characters are fun as well.
Is this a groundbreaking, amazing movie? No, it is not. But it was entertaining and made me laugh out loud at times, and never felt like it drug on too long. It's a "no brainer" movie that's meant to do exactly what it does.
Inside Out 2 (2024)
Wholesome, emotional, and creative
"Inside Out 2" is a great sequel. It was always going to be a tall task to recapture the lightning in the bottle that was the original "Inside Out" movie, but this does a solid job of continuing on the legacy even if it's not quite as excellent.
This movie introduces more creative concepts and brings them to life in a way that feels brilliant and bold. I loved how powerful and poignant the unique approaches to Riley's growing, changing perceptions were.
The new emotions meshes great with the storyline for Riley, and I liked them incorporating her more directly into this plot.
There was one weird spot that I could've done without. It felt contrived and like it went on far too long. It was only a few minutes, but I think that time could've been way better utilized. It took me out of the magic moment of the movie as they tried to be funny in a way that felt entirely out of place and just didn't land with me.
Overall this movie is Pixar at its best! So glad they made this second installation of the "Inside Out" world.
Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
What an absolute blast
I always have a great time watching the Deadpool movies and not only was this no exception, this may have been the most fun I've had yet.
The way Ryan Reynolds has absolutely perfected his version of Wade/Deadpool is marvelous. Yes, pun intended. Every line, every ounce of the delivery, every twitch and wink and smirk of body language is in the name of comedy and serving this one-of-a-kind not-hero hero. I could watch Deadpool do and say anything and likely find it hilarious.
The Easter eggs and surprises and reveals in this movie were next level. I am not going to say anything more than just expect the unexpected. Wolverine is the tip of the iceberg.
Was the plotline the best executed? Not really. Choppy and a bit muddled in parts. But the rest of the movie makes up for anything the storyline may lack. You can still thoroughly enjoy this movie, even through some plot holes or head scratching moments. That's a testament to the character Ryan has built and the effort put into giving the audience a great fan experience.
Long Shot (2019)
Funny and entertaining if a bit excessive at times
Seth Rogan doesn't usually make movies for me, so when I originally heard about this movie it seemed like the kind I would want to take a chance on. There were a couple elements of this movie that were a little too "Rogan" for me, but on the whole it was mostly endearing and funny.
He and Charlize had really nice chemistry. She knocked it out of the park in her role in my opinion. She was elegant, funny, poised, caring, and carefree when it mattered. I loved the way she brought this comedic version of the Secretary of State to life.
O'Shea Jackson Jr. Was also incredible in this movie to me. He stole every scene he was in. His delivery and timing were natural. He deserves more props for his part in this movie!
Worth the watch knowing at times things will get a little bit raunchy and immature. But this was definitely my favorite Seth Rogan project!
Just Mercy (2019)
An important story about mercy and justice that was missing some things
"Just Mercy" is based on a book by the same title written by the incredible human that is Bryan Stevenson.
Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx do great jobs in their roles. They bring you into their world and allow you to really feel that desperate tension. You feel the frustration, the sadness, and the anger. They do an excellent job telling an important story.
Having read the book, I felt the movie was missing some essential elements.
For one, we never get to witness Bryan's successes along the way. We are subjected to failure and resistance the entire movie. It makes the tone feel quite hopeless, and it's hard as a viewer to understand why he would continue on this path. Throughout the book, we learn about a lot of his success stories. We are shown the rewards of his work and get to see the difference he made. It would've been a few minutes in the movie showing some handshakes or releases or seeing others out walking around a store or church. It would've made Bryan's motivation more clear.
It also doesn't really touch on the complexity of the death penalty. Michael B. Jordan plays the role the way it was written, but it mostly shows him as very green and struggling to navigate everything. Bryan Stevenson grows substantially throughout the course of his book, and touches on the ugly and harsh truths of what the death penalty does to a society, even in cases where the accused are truly guilty. I felt this was a missed opportunity to show some compassion for the subject as a whole.
The movie is well done for the movie they wanted to make. But it is such an important story and subject that I can't help but feel it was missing some things.
Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty (2022)
Very well done and always entertaining
It's a shame this show was cancelled. There was a lot more story to tell and lot more action to see unfold, especially between Magic and Larry. The end of the second season feels super abrupt, but that's not the fault of Adam McKay or anyone else responsible for the creation/writing.
The cinematography of this show is amazing. The casting is phenomenal. The emotions and intensity never waiver. It is entertaining from the first episode to the last. I love the humor, the anger, the blood, sweat, and tears.
If I had to call out one thing, it's the overly sexual nature of the first season and the first part of the second. Everyone knows about the young and ignorant womanizing ways of Magic Johnson. It really didn't need to be graphically displayed. Same for Jerry Buss. I dislike when a show tries to shock and awe you with explicit sweating, grunting, and thrusting that does absolutely nothing for the storyline.
Overall though, a wonderfully entertaining show. (Dramatization is a disclaimer through the entire thing.)
Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood (2019)
Slow but entertaining the whole way through
This movie is clearly a love letter to old Hollywood, and it overlaps with some historical events which brings the Manson cult and Sharon Tate into the fold. It's a very intriguing look into a slice of life in Los Angeles in 1969.
The acting is outstanding from top to bottom. Every cast member does a great job with their parts, even the big names that only pop in for a short time. They do such a good job at keeping interest in the characters. And there is enough variance in who gets the screen time that even though the movie is quite slow, I never got truly bored with one storyline over the other.
The ending was also not at all what I expected, in a great way. The ending I was expecting was looming over me the whole time, but it was so surprising. I loved the direction QT went with it.
I'm not a die-hard Quinton fan by any means. He's very 50/50 for me. This was actually one of my favorite movies of his because it's not his usual brand of nonstop extreme violence, and the setting was so nostalgic and inviting. I enjoyed the viewing experience from start to finish!
Hit Man (2023)
Fun watch but could've been better
First thing's first: Glen Powell is incredible in this movie. He transforms across the spectrum of characters incredibly well. He's dynamic and believable in this role that boarders on absurdity and keeps it in bounds.
The premise of the story was entertaining and engaging, with an enjoyable secondary cast.
Adria Arjona was also fun, but her character could've better developed. The high octane romance tag transpires feels entirely too surface for how emotionally involved it becomes in the end. There were no flashes of actual connection beyond sexual intensity and discussion about murder. It would've been nice to see them have at least one "get to know you" interaction outside of the sex-murder dichotomy.
The ending is also.... Unnecessary. Maybe for laughs amongst the people who knew the real Gary Johnson, but for storytelling purposes it was a little too campy.
An entertaining watch, one of Netflix's better recent films. But it does fall a little flat in a couple places.
Our Great National Parks (2022)
Beautiful look at thriving wildlife
Nature documentaries always help me feel better about the state of the natural world. It's always enjoyable to see how creatures and vegetation thrive when allowed to.
This show is a nice, hopeful, educational look at the wildlife that occupies just a handful of the many National Parks around the world. Truthfully, I had no idea how many countries had protected land. It was a really exciting thing to learn!
I found Obama's narration to be a great fit. Nobody can ever take David Attenborough's crown, but I still quite enjoyed the way Obama's voice overlayed.
My only complaint is that with the title of the show, I would've liked to know more about the actual parks. Programs, length of existence, things they've accomplished, initiatives that global supporters can help with, etc. It was 99% about the ecosystems, which is lovely, but I would've liked Park info, too.
Mean Girls (2004)
20 years old and still iconic
I can't believe they tried to remake this movie. You simply cannot recapture the magic of this film that is so incredibly 2004. This movie fully encapsulates what teen/tween culture was in the early 2000's.
There is a reason even now every line of this movie is so quotable. The writing was really well done. Something that seems to lack in so many comedies is the way that subtly is used in this movie. It's not bombastic or a barrage of shocking language or gimmicky scenes. Some of the best lines are delivered in a high school cafeteria or an afternoon math class. The hilarity of everyday life is truly underrated.
The cast is also just perfect from top to bottom. Everyone in these roles just fit and play them so well. Lindsay Lohan's full 360 transformation is especially believable. But everyone acts their parts so well.
Will watch this again and again, always. 10/10, no notes! You go, Glen Coco!
IF (2024)
Emotional, creative, and thought-provoking
I'm shocked this has received such low ratings. Maybe because I'm viewing it through the eyes of a 30 year old with no kids I'm trying to entertain, but I thought this movie was pretty incredible.
I loved the childlike wonder this movie has. I love how vibrant and creative it is. I think the young lead actress positively steals the show; she is so magnetic and shines so bright.
This movie made me laugh and it made me cry. It gave me an hour and 40 minutes to let my inner child be happy, sad, and feel seen. I loved it from start to finish.
I also cannot overstate how much I enjoyed how present this movie felt. A 12 year old with no phone, no iPad, no smartwatch, just her imagination and a big heart that takes her on a journey. I'm glad this movie exists, especially in 2024.
There was only one scene/element that I felt was tackled in a lazy way. It's truly the only thing stopping me from giving it a 10.
If you want a comedy aimed at keeping kids' entertained with jokes and gags, this isn't the movie. And in fairness, maybe it was advertised that way. But this movie is a lot more than that. I encourage viewers to have an open mind.
Always Be My Maybe (2019)
A simple tender classic
It feels now in 2024 that "Always Be My Maybe" was one of the last genuine movies of its kind in the rom-com world: A genuine movie that's not too cheesy, not too over the top, not to awkward and cringe-worthy, not posturing for some larger social message that outshines the heart of the story.
Refreshing dialogue that feels believable. Chemistry between the leads. A wholesome boy-and-girl nextdoor backstory. Side characters that perfectly play their roles to supplement the story. Ambition and a purpose driving motives. These are all of the elements that come together in the movie.
A couple of scenes maybe were too drawn out and forced, and there were some things tied up very conveniently with a bow. But all in all this is an adorable movie worth watching again and again.
The Bounty Hunter (2010)
Fun and sweet
I think 5.5 is awfully low for this sweet, fun rom-com romp with Gerard Butler and Jennifer Aniston. They have just awesome chemistry, I think they really play off of each other well in this movie.
There are enough silly antics and heartfelt moments that it feels balanced. There are, of course, plenty about this movie that is not believable, but not many comedies of this nature are going to deliver you a polished plot. I think the point of this movie is to be entertaining and enjoyable, which I felt it was.
I would've liked a little more acknowledgement of the "wrongdoing" of Gerard's character, though. It seems like he gets off relatively scot free in the accountability aspect of things while Jennifer's character takes the brunt of the blame. On par for a male-female comedy in 2010, but I still think the script was on the verge of going there and just pulled up and decided not to.
Fun popcorn movie that holds up for laughs 14 years later.
The Fall Guy (2024)
A very fun movie that's easy to root for
Is it actually possible to dislike a movie that stars both Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt? I simply don't think it is.
Ryan Gosling channels the part of his range I have come to love most from the movies Barbie and The Nice Guys; his humor. His delivery is unique and his timing is nearly perfect. Everything always seems to land well and his dry, witty, sarcastic chops help carry this movie. His chemistry with Emily Blunt (who is amazing, always) was authentic and easy to root for.
It's a goofy movie with the perfect amount of nonsense mixed with good humor and a lot of heart. A very fun watch.
Dog (2022)
Could've been better but was still a good, touching movie
I'll echo everyone else here and say this was not a comedy. There are ways that it could've been tweaked and written to have made it a true comedy, but Channing Tatum isn't a comedian and his solitary performance with a dog isn't enough to make it clearly a comedy.
What "Dog" actually is is an emotional road trip drama that is kept light enough with some off color scenes and jokes to keep it from getting too deep. And when you use that measuring stick, it is a pretty good movie.
If this film had fully leaned into that identity and developed Tatum's character a little better along the journey, and hadn't rushed the ending so much, it could've been a totally solid movie. Instead it is good not great, a little shaky, but still a nice watch.
Eddie the Eagle (2015)
A satisfying and heartwarming watch
I saw this movie originally when it came out in theaters and I loved it then. I have long since wanted to re-watch it; I have finally checked that off the list.
Taron and Hugh have great chemistry together in this film. They absolutely shine side-by-side in their roles, playing them in ways that really tug on the heartstrings. They bring to life the humanity of people they are portraying, making them immensely likeable and relatable.
The storytelling of this movie also just feels good. The involvement of Eddie's family has a well done arc. Eddie's training and development is also showcased nicely. Everything is developed and brought along in a way that makes you feel very satisfied by the end of the movie. Is a heartwarming true story that is well worth watch.
Quarterback (2023)
Well documented journeys
I enjoyed the format of "Quarterback." I'm watching it for the first time to get acquainted with what to expect for when "Receiver" comes out later this year. And even though a whole other football season has transpired, I was still able to enjoy the way they documented these three very different men who play the quarterback position.
It was a great balance between on-the-field and off-the-field. I enjoyed getting personal glimpses of Mariota, Cousins, and Mahomes. They were all so different from each other that it kept the show interesting throughout each episode and never felt repetitive or bogged down.
A well-done sports series by Netflix.
Road House (2024)
Almost there, but poorly executed
I'll start by saying that I've never seen the original movie (and didn't realize this was a remake) but this made me want to. I'm so intrigued by what the story of this film could've been; I'm thrilled to know that an alternate version exists.
Jake Gyllenhaal does the heavy lifting of this one. He embraced the role and tried to give Dalton enough charisma, personality, and emotion to save the rest. While he's not entirely able to, he gives a hell of an effort.
The rest of the acting feels mediocre at best. Jessica Williams does a pretty good job with what she's given, but she's not given enough to make an impact. Everyone else reminded me I was watching actors in a movie rather than making me believe in them.
The CGI of this movie is insanely bad. It actually negatively impacts the entire film, even scenes it's not present in because it makes the whole world feel flimsy and fake. It feels like we've gone so far in the opposite direction lately with special effects. Things no longer feel more realistic because of them, but rather more phony.
I wanted to like this more than I did. Sadly it's a pretty forgettable "B Movie" level watch.
The Internship (2013)
Fun and entertaining
This is not a cerebral comedy that has aby ounce of complexity to it. It's predictable, cheesy, but it is funny. It's maybe not gut splitting, but it is surely amusing.
Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson really do shine together. They compliment each other very well comedically, playing great off each other. They're a fun duo that carries this movie, but they also vibe with the supporting cast.
Cliche and surface, sure, but it does what it's meant to do and that's entertain. 11 years later it's a fun movie to throw on and chuckle in between some saccharine heartfelt moments that cross generations.
The Boss Baby (2017)
Whacky, wild ride that winds up hilarious
The first 10 minutes of Boss Baby I didn't know what to think. It came at me so fast with it's whacky, wild style that I was not sure how I could get through 90 minutes of it.
As the movie went on I started to really enjoy it. The humor was the type of stupid-funny that is actually hilarious if you're willing to indulge in it. If you're in the mood to watch something with the intention of laughing, it is a perfect animated movie for it.
Alec Baldwin really shines in this as a voice actor. He truly couldn't have been more perfect for this part. His delivery and personality ties the whole thing together.
The Greatest Showman (2017)
A magical movie that never disappoints
Rewatched this movie for the first time in about 5 years, making it probably the fourth total time I've seen it.
It. Never. Disappoints.
Stunning, vibrant, and magical from the opening scene to the last. It also never lags; the pacing is perfect and the songs keep everything moving fluidly in an almost effortless way.
The performances top to bottom are fantastic, but Hugh is such a shining star. The definition of a leading man in this movie. He plays the part flawlessly.
The music is also unbelievably good. It walks the line of the show tune-pop blend with grace, making the songs easy to listen to again and again awhile staying true to the form of art the movie strives to be.
Timeless and sensational!
Uncut Gems (2019)
The most insane thing I've ever watched
I am... Speechless. In a bad way.
Five years ago this movie came out and it's always been one that's piqued my interest. Finally got around to watching it and I was truly shocked by the entire production.
This movie is so overstimulating it's unreal. It is a complete and utter jumbled mess. There are endless plot holes, countless questions, and it never actually turns into anything. I hated all of these characters, every single one. They were so irritating I literally laughed while watching it many times because of these sheer obnoxious audacity.
One star for Lakeith's acting, one star for the Weeknd's random as hell appearance, and one star for the basketball involvement/Kevin Garnet, the only truly entertaining aspect of this whole thing.
WOW.