alexandermarchack Reviews

Orphan: First Kill (2022)

Not the greatest, OK sequel

[5/10 · 28 January 2023]

I wasn't particularly excited about this one knowing that it was a prequel. I would say overall I was surprised at the twist at the middle of the story, but it definitely wasn't as gripping as the first.

Due to the strange set up and confusion of the first, and the reveal, it was much stronger compared to the start of this story already knowing the gimmick. In that way it doesn't lean into it as much, making the it overall weaker.

The acting is fine and serviceable, with some violence inbetween but nothing new or crazy going on here. I would only say watch this if you watched the first, and even then it is not necessary as it doesn't enhance the original in any way.

M3GAN (2022)

Doesn't take itself seriously and better for it!

[7/10 · 24 January 2023]

I came into this based solely off of the good things mentioned about it, and I was not dissapointed!

Subtlely unsettling, realistic and surprisingly funny, M3AGAN is very entertaining especially beacuse you can tell that it knows what it is - horror/comedy. Because it leans into this for the most part of the story, it is very amusing to watch what M3GAN does next in every scene.

Although it may seem futuristic, a reality where this can occur is not so far off...maybe in the 80's when terminator came out it was a pipe dream, but putting this in a realistic scenario puts everything into better context. Before you know it the machines will take over the world...just not yet...

Overall I would say the movie accomplished what it set out to do, and I would recommend to watch as it is quite entertaining! Points dedcuted just simply because it really isn't high level story telling or stakes and it doesn't tell a particularly new concept in this sort of thing.

Alice in Borderland (2020– )

Great coming back for season 2!!

[8/10 · 18 January 2023]

It's really hard to believe that time flies so quickly, ended up watching this show initially after watching squid game! Although it had come before it (one year) alice in borderlands is awesome and still has high stakes fun tension in each episode that keeps you glued to the screen.

Again it really is just the nature of death games that makes everything the more interesting. Games are not just games when the stakes are so high! This is not unlike Danganronpa (one of my favorite videogames!). Each game is tense and the drama is real, and this was espeically present in season 2!

What really stuck out to me was that final fight with the King of spades. The fight was brutal, and it was amusing watching Arisu come in after everyone fought for their life to get that man down. The way it played out was awesome!! Arisu finally getting with Usagi was a plus as well.

The way the show wrapped up was done well, establishing why everything happened the way it was, and the reason behind everything. That last card was so unsettling...we'll see what the future holds for the series. It was fine as it is, and I'd be happy to leave it!

Overall super enjoyable and would recommend for a manga adaptation!

Ghosts (2021– )

Awesome! Fun for anyone who is human

[9/10 · 28 December 2022]

This show really threw me off, especialy since I was only expecting a sitcom with ghosts. But it's apparent in the first episode, that the concept is very unique and hilarious, and throughout the first season that didn't change at all.

The premise is simple enough, couple moves in, she bumps her head, and now she can see the ghosts anywhere and anyplace. That's what really makes the show special, as each ghost is coming from a different time, with different mentalities and thoughts making for some very amusing situations. However, the common thread throughout the story is that they were all human, and share the same human experience.

This is where the show shines through as unique, as there are some truly touching stories throughout each individual episode throughout the show. The way the writing weaves this in with laugh out loud humor really makes this show special.

No big special effects or action sequences here, just solid writing for characters that bring this show together.

Overall I couldn't recommend it enough, and hoping the quality of the show keeps going through season 2 and beyond!

Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)

Surprised people are rating it this high...

[6/10 · 18 December 2022]

Avatar the way of water is an acceptable sequel to the original, but definitely is a different kind of movie then the first. It is much more family oriented which can be good if that's what you're looking for - but that is not the case for me.

There was just the feel from the start where the chief accepted a known danger to his people which threw me off for the entire film. Why would you let a known fugitive that the sky people hate into your village? A complete stranger?

I thought he was going to take his family somewhere else and protect them on his own, but that doesn't happen. All he does is endanger more people, get the whale killed, get water people terrorized all because he decided that's where he was going to stay.

I will say that there was some emotional impact with the family story this time around, but I didn't feel it was super engaging enough or as strong as some other movies.

In terms of visuals - definitely stunning. If you're here to see beautiful underwater sequences in a sci fi world, this is where you want to be. None of the CG was weird or bad, so you coudl really immerse yourself in this new world over the jungle.

Bringing back the same villain as a clone kind of just made me roll my eyes. We couldn't think of another antagonist that was maybe different/better? They repeated some of the things from the first one with the villain learning to be an avatar and I'm like I'VE SEEN THIS ALREADY.

All the kid stuff is fine, typically I don't like seeing kids act so not really a strong point for me.

The action was really good, but action cannot save a weak plot and mediocre character interactions. Felt like it dragged a bit too long, with the action and visuals the only thing keeping me awake - NOT the plot/story.

Overall, if you watched and enjoyed the first avatar this is good enough, but definitely not great as a sequel.

Romantic Killer (2022)

Took some time, but really got into it!

[7/10 · 10 December 2022]

I wasn't too sure about this one when I saw it for the first time, but definitely grew on me as we watched the episodes! Didn't particularly binge it, but each episode is quite fun and the main heroine isn't just dainty and is quite fun to watch as she fights being in a romantic relationship.

Surprisingly the show also went into deeper themes and problems with finding someone, whether it be someone forcing themselves on you, childhood crushes, rejection, and having a stalker! Having the main heroine as strong and helpful with everyone made the show very enjoyable.

The animation surprisingly goes hard depending on what was going on, and they used it very well at certain points. Overall was very funny, and was nice to watch a comedy/slice of life for the first time in awhile!

Orphan (2009)

Definitely fresh and strange...

[7/10 · 5 December 2022]

Went in completely blind for this movie, and felt like it was pretty enjoyable! The entire concept of the movie is interesting, once you see that its just a normal little girl who is a complete psycho....until you find out she's not a little girl. This movie had me pissed and wanting to punch this kid in the head LOL

The twist that she's actually an adult in disguise with a metal illness and genetic disorder I really enjoyed. Really put in context the rest of the movie how a child could do these things (not that its not possible). The scene especially when she was acting sus towards the Dad made me puke in my mouth LOL.

My rating is a 7 just because it was enjoyable and I would recommend watching it, but nothing really BLEW me away with it. You can really tell through the acting that it's a mid 2000s movie, some parts are a little cheesy.

Inside Man (II) (2022)

Certainly surprised by the mixed rating!

[9/10 · 17 November 2022]

Not sure why the reception is what it is for this series, I thought it was fantastic! They kept a small close knit set of characters and wove a story that kept me engaged the whole way through. It's especially interesting the whole concept that anyone can be a murderer...it just takes a certain set of circumstances for it to be true.

Anything with David Tennant he blows out of the water naturally, really enjoyed watching him here again and you can really see his range from loving father to....what he becomes. As always this is another story that hinges on a family...and the story goes to some dark places.

I could see some not believing how he acted, but one has to put yourself in the mindset of someone actually going through instead of a watchers lens. Nothing felt too out of place or so far fetched.

Overall Inside Man is a great example of a tight story, executed well in a short amount of time. I think I much prefer this format compared to longer or ongoing shows!!

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

Solid entry into the MCU, especially as of late...

[8/10 · 15 November 2022]

A surprise to me, as I didn't specifically look forward to this movie as it did not have the late Chadwick Boseman in the leading role, but Marvel did a great job of being respectful to his passing, and honoring the legacy he had created with the character.

In terms of themes it was a very layered movie, although a marvel movie it had a certain depth that recent projects haven't shown. Especially the focus on characters dealing with grief, and the rammifications of geopolitics, including both non and ficticious nations.

Namor was an AMAZING villain, I dont care what anyone says judging his height or he wasn't super ripped or anything. The actor brought it, and you could tell he was an actual ANTI-hero, you could understand where he came from, and the reason behind his conclusion by the end of the movie. They have shown he is powerful, and not to be reckoned with.

Shuri taking over as M/C was my only hesitation and I'm not fully on board yet, but she does act really well - but she had huge impossible shoes to fill.

Overall a solid entry in the MCU and one of the better movies in Phase 4 (Spiderman is king of course though).

Green Lantern: Beware My Power (2022)

Really Enjoyable! Didn't expect the low score!

[8/10 · 15 November 2022]

Had a really fun time with this movie! Highlighted for me especially was the style of animation. The way that the characters are outlined in bold in certain angles, it really is a beauty to watch. Especially when you compare it to the standard animated movie universe DC has been putting out the last few years, it looks great. What's best about animation is having it's own identity, and it was present here.

I also liked how the show didn't pull any punches?? It was super violent and realistic, especially when the ring went through...you guessed it...Sinestro LOL. I swear every green lantern story has to incorporate parallax and Sinestro which I don't mind, but it was predictable.

The surprise to Dad and I was that it tied into the DC showcase that we most recently watched...Adam strange. It was so out of the blue and exciting when he randomly zeta'd into the movie!! We didn't expect the tie in at all, and the timing was perfect as we had watched it the night before.

Overall felt it was a fun movie, not sure of the hate, would recommend if you like unique DC animated movies!

Batman and Superman: Battle of the Super Sons (2022 Video)

Highly enjoyable! Execeeded expectations

[7/10 · 6 November 2022]

Very cool! Going in super fresh, I didn't know about the super sons at all. I really loved their interactions (Damien and Jon) and it really pushes the movie forward. Already seen many movies with Batman and Superman, so it's a fresh change. It is also very funny at times, but nothing super forced.

Specifically what stands out to me is the animation. I'm typically not inclined to like cell shaded, but it is done really well here. I think the specific shading that they do regarding each individual character stands out. They also have a great voice cast, with those coming from anime/videogames.

Overall this was a fresh take with these two new characters, would recommend!!

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners (2022)

A breath of fresh air!

[8/10 · 2 November 2022]

Realistically it's been a very long time since I've seen anime this brutal and stylish, and I was glad I stumbled on it on Netflix!

There is something about how the world is crafted right off the bat that really brings you in, and once they've done that they take you on a ride. David as a main character is great to follow, especially when he goes from a young kid to an adult you really get to see how far down the rabbit hole it goes. But at the core it is a love story, whether it's love towards his mother to stride towards something, or with his girl, who eventually gets their wish after everything that has happened however bittersweet.

In terms of animation I haven't seen anything like this since Tengen Toppen Gurren Lagaaan, the animation is rough and intentional, and it gives a style that normal anime nowadays cannot compare to. The violence is visceral and in your face, and there are sexual themes and nudity. You can tell it's for a mature audience, and thats what really makes it stand out compared to other shows.

Overall as a contained story it's great, highlghy enjoyable, and I would recommend!!

Primal (2019– )

PERFECT

[10/10 · 28 October 2022]

The show is phenomenal. Period.

If you want to look at an amzaing, fresh, exciting and well animated show, look no further. No dialogue required for the story telling, Primal excels in what it does and that's crazy action that is hyperviolent and keeps you watching until you don't realize that time has passed.

The episodes go by so quickly it's hard to believe what you are seeing. Between the two seasons it tells a complete story of Spear and his Dinosaur Fang, and the narrative isn't complex, as for the most part it is a survival story. It is primarily focussed on the interaction between the two of them.

Bottomline, highly recommend to anyone who is interested!

Blade (1998)

Rewatched after some time...still enjoyable

[7/10 · 28 October 2022]

Take Wesley Snipes out of the movie...and I would definitely rate this much lower. He CARRIES the whole movie, from the action to the way he acts, you can't help but bask in how cool he is.

The movie is great at building the world, the rules, and the stakes (no pun intended) of having vampires within this world. What hasn't aged well is the CG which can't be helped, but its defintely glaring as the movie is quite old.

However the costume, acting, and fight scenes are top notch here, and this is why you watch the movie. Great unfiltered violence, which is surprising considering this is Marvel's first successful big box office outing. Blade's costume is PERFECT and there is no improvment to be made. Nuff said.

You can however feel its age in the acting of the other characters which aren't as great, but still overall enjoyable for a violent action romp.

House of the Dragon (2022– )

Enjoyable outing back into the GoT Universe

[8/10 · 28 October 2022]

It took a bit getting used to, but thoroughly enjoyed this season of house of the dragon. Although the original GoT put a sour taste in everyone's mouth, this brings it back to dragons and drama, with shocking twists and turns which is very amusing.

Highlights off the top of my head is Matt Smith, who is clearly loving being in the role, and the King as well (who cannot catch a break with all the drama going on around him). These two characters pull the show for me, along with the dragons of course.

My favorite scene might be the scene after all the children fight and everything is super tense in the dining hall. You never really know what will happen in Westeros...and this show is no exeception.

Hoping that it continues strong, as it's quite enjoyable and will continue to be so as the characters are now well established after the first season.

Werewolf by Night (2022 TV Movie)

Very Cool! Looking forward to where it leads...

[7/10 · 18 October 2022]

I'll be honest when Dad mentioned to watch this I wasn't super keen on paying attention...although different in the marvel universe I wasn't particularly interested in the monster aspect.

It was definitely cool the way that it was shot (primarily black and white except for a few scenes), but characters and what was going on did not particularly interest me...until Man Thing showed up.

Because he did, from about 30% into the movie the 70% left I was pretty engaged. I loved the way he looked, you could tell they actually made sure to put in effort to make him look good (unlike She-Hulk), and the werewolf himself also looked great, as you could tell things were shot practically (CG garbage is too prevalent nowadays and it really pulls you out of an experience).

For that reason I felt it was a solid 7, but again even I'm a marvel fan and I wans't particularly interested, it is only for the dedicated few.

She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022)

Passable...but defintely not for everyone

[6/10 · 18 October 2022]

Here's the thing...if you realize very early on this is supposed to be a comedy you can accept it for what it is and enjoy it for the most part.

However if you're looking at plot and special effects...it is really these aspects where She-Hulk fails to get more than a specific marvel audience to watch.

The plot is very loose and doesn't feel inter-connected, it really is just random stories thrown together to feel like they are...when they aren't.

The actress who plays She-Hulk is very strong (as an actress lol), and she really is likeable and the way that she is meta throughout the show (4th wall breaking) is definitely fun and missed since the last Deadpool movie (however she doesn't do it better per se).

We got to see freaking Daredevil again!! Was great to see Charlie Cox play a significant role in an episode, and it shows the character is in a really good place. The jokes about him being IN she-hulk just cracked me up. Can't believe after I said Hulk Smash...she did Matt murdock lmfaoooo

Overall enjoyable, but would not recommend to anyone who doesn't strictly like marvel and is willing to accept that they are trying to do different things with their properties instead of cookie cutting movies.

Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2015)

Another action packed spy movie...what can I say?

[8/10 · 18 October 2022]

Tom Cruise is hanging off the side of a plane?? Not even surprised at this point. What was really funny was that Tricia didn't believe that this was the case, but I knew as soon as I saw it that he was doing it for sure. It feels like any chance that this man gets to put himself into danger he chooses it...and the audience benefits it greatly. What a way to start the movie and get you focussed, the dedication and high is real!

Rebecca Ferguson plays a great double (triple?) agent throughout the whole film, you never know where her loyalties lie or what she's attempting to do. On top of that there was truly balsy seen with Benji and a bomb, with Ethan completely betting the safety of everyone on a hunch that his opponent couldn't take a risk. That was also a nail biting sequence as well!

Lastly the underwater sequence...to find out that he actually shot it...and can hold his breath for 6 minutes is mind blowing?? I was expecting a few minutes or something but the man is literally a secret agent. Can't wait to get to the next one, then will be fully prepared for 2024's mission impossible!

Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (2011)

Really good fun! They've got the formula down now

[8/10 · 18 October 2022]

Tom Cruise is insane.

That really is all I have to say about the movies at this point. He really is like the equivalent of Jackie Chan in terms of stunts in American movies.

As always there is a new threat to face, and Ethan is ready and willing to step up to the plate to stop it. This is pretty straightforward...Russian nuclear threat...sounds familiar right?

The plot aside, there are some twists and turns but mainly what I feel you come to these movies for is fun characters (with some slight humor that isn't in your face) and great spy action.

What really sold me was the whole sequence and situation regarding the Burj Khalifa, which has a great sequence where they are attempting to impersonate and infilitrate/execute a deal as WELL as one of Tom's most insane stunts.

The fact that he went out there on the Burj like it was nothing is incredible, you really feel the threat of falling...because it's real~ having crazy stunts is real action...and it shows!

Smile (V) (2022)

Great movie, built off of other chain movies

[7/10 · 14 October 2022]

Great supernatural death chain movie! Really gave off the Ring vibes but just a little more contemporary. Love the device of using the smile as a way to make you feel uncomfortable - something that is normally happy is absolutely terrifying here.

Making the audience completely on edge the whole time with her constantly hallucinating was great, you never know whether the monster is present or not. My favorite was when she was talking to the therapist and it's the middle of the day and it's calm...then the phone rings and it's the therapist. Gold. I love when a medium makes you uncomfortable during the day - that's true horror.

Unfortunately, the CG is rather off in the finale as most recent horror movies but it doesn't take away from the overall experience. The finale is typical of a movie like this which is ok.

Would recommend to watch for something creepy to watch during the day!

Entergalactic (2022)

Very enjoyable animated love story!

[7/10 · 12 October 2022]

Of course coming off of spiderverse, the main thing that caught my eye about this film was the animation style. I would say that it is on par if not a little less stylish than that, and it works very well in this world (the style is weaved into the world).

I'm not particularly into love stories, but this one felt very grounded and real, and showed how love is not just a straight line, A to B, but a winding road that always changes, not everything is easy! This is actually the first one that I've watched in years, and I'm glad I did.

Music was also great as well (again taking notes from spiderverse) which helped shape the mood of the film as events were unfolding.

Overall very enjoyable, would recommend to watch to anyone who loves good music, stylish animation and a realistic love story!

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010)

Good enough as an action movie...not as an adaptation

[6/10 · 8 October 2022]

This review is coming off rather fresh from reading the first book, and for the most part, the movie does not represent the book as well as I would have liked.

The movie turns into a roadtrip as it is, but the reasons and motivations for being places is all over the place, and coming from a reading perspective it's hard to watch. Watching with Tricia we were pointing out many things that didn't make sense or that were changed.

As a movie I understand they need to choose certain set pieces that are visually appealing to the watcher, but the story did not have to change and be rearranged the way it was presented here.

In terms of acting though our main three are done well, Logan Lerman delivers his one liners well, and gives off the Percy vibe - although much older than he should be in the books which changes thew ay the story watches vs. Reads. Same goes for annabeth and grover, which again is not an acting issue but a casting issue.

I have to highlighy praise the movie for it's special effects, as it really looks like they had a big budget. Every monster looked GREAT even by today's standards (cough cough marvel she hulk cough cough). However flashy, doesn't make up for the short comings of the film.

Overall, not a great adaptation, fun characters and action, great special effects, but just a decent film. I wouldn't specificlaly recommend anyone to watch it unles they wanted to critique it as a reader turned water.

Barbarian (2022)

Great movie! Wish the last act was a little better...

[7/10 · 3 October 2022]

Overall barbarian is an enjoyable movie, especially if you go in fresh! Not knowing what was coming next was great, especially when the set up isnt exactly what you expect, then the 2nd act comes in and it confuses you again!

I really liked the opening with the casting of Bill Skarsgard (from the IT movies) as the person in the house, which immediately puts you on tension as he's known for having the villain role. That makes every shot in the start filled with tension...whether its a coffee cup or just a sentence uttered from his word. The movie makes you think it's one thing, then goes in a totally different direction while keeping you engaged.

The second act was also quite amusing, changing to the actor, making it a slight comedy for some time. But it's great how they eventually weave that story as well into the overall narrative. I wish there was more explanation as to how the woman was freakishly strong...but it's more of a nitpick than anything.

The last act is standard chase action more or less, nothing particularly to write about here. The killing of the monster felt...incomplete for some reason? However did not take away from the overall enjoyment of the film.

Overall it was super enjoyable, super tense, the mystery keeps you engaged, with some scares, but doesn't stick the landing as much as I would have liked. Would recommend to watch though!

The Wicker Man (1973)

Incredible! A must see!

[9/10 · 25 September 2022]

This was an amazing movie that successfully makes normal people do strange things, making you absolutely uncomfortable and question what you're seeeing.

I would say everything about the movie except the last 5 minutes landed for me.

In terms of characters, I love the policeman, he gives off this heir of total righteousness througout the movie and it's perfect. When everything is going on around him that's weird he's still nice and polite as he slowly tries to grasp and complete his mission.

The plot of the movie is not particularly strong, it's a "what happened to this person" story, but thes setting and acting is so strong that it doesn't need to have an intricate plot. You're supposed to be thrown into this strange town, and just revel and what the heck is going on here. The images and camera angles are perfect to keep you engaged, the movie is only 1.5 hours and you don't feel it at all. It would make anyone squeamish in their seat.

Thirteen Lives (2022)

Exciting!! Watched it twice in a week!!

[10/10 · 15 September 2022]

I came into this movie not knowing what it was about, and was blown away by how intense it was. The whole movie is gripping, and you definitely don't feel the 2.5 hour runtime. It's even better that the story is based on an actual event, making it much more intense while you watch.

All the acting is spot on, especially feels great that they got Thai actors to tell the story that happened there. The diving also feels very authentic, and every time they go in you feel the space close around you...It's crazy how there was such a natural twist in the way they get the kids out - did not expect it at all! Knowing that it actually happened makes it even more incredible!

Overall was an amazing movie, a great ride and would definitely recommend it to watch!!