brighterside11 Reviews

Guy Ritchie's the Covenant (I) (2023)

The Covenant: A Gripping Tale of Loyalty and Redemption

[7/10 · 10 May 2023]

The Covenant is a thrilling and captivating action movie directed by Guy Ritchie and starring Jake Gyllenhaal as John Kinley, a US army sergeant who escapes from a Taliban controlled region with the help of a local interpreter. The movie is a roller coaster ride of high-octane scenes, suspenseful moments and unexpected twists that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The camera work is superb, creating a realistic and immersive atmosphere that transports the viewers to the harsh and beautiful landscapes of Afghanistan. The acting is also top-notch, especially from Gyllenhaal who delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as a man haunted by his past and driven by his sense of duty. The supporting cast also shine in their roles as Kinley's allies. The movie explores intriguing themes of loyalty, redemption and sacrifice, showing how far one would go to pay back a debt or save a life.

However, the movie is not without its flaws. Some aspects of the plot and the characters are underdeveloped or unclear, leaving the audience with questions and confusion. For instance, the movie does not give enough background on the local interpreter who helps Kinley escape, nor does it explain how his son was killed by the Taliban. The movie also glosses over the consequences and impact of Kinley's escape, such as how it became public and famous, and how it affected the Taliban's operations and reputation. Moreover, the movie could have delved deeper into the themes of sacrifice for others, especially in relation to Kinley's family and friends who risked their lives for him. The movie also lacks some emotional depth and resonance, as it focuses more on the action than on the drama.

Overall, The Covenant is a solid and entertaining action movie that showcases Guy Ritchie's signature style and Jake Gyllenhaal's impressive talent. It is a must-watch for fans of the genre and anyone looking for a thrilling and inspiring adventure. However, it is not a perfect movie, as it suffers from some plot holes, lack of character development and shallow exploration of its themes.

7/10.

Evil Dead Rise (2023)

Evil Dead Rise: A Horrific Disappointment

[2/10 · 10 May 2023]

Evil Dead Rise is a disgrace to the horror genre and a slap in the face to the fans of the original franchise. It is a mindless, soulless cash grab that relies on cheap jump scares, gore and CGI to appeal to the lowest common denominator of moviegoers. The acting is atrocious, the characters are bland and stupid, and the plot is nonsensical and full of holes. The movie has nothing to do with the Evil Dead mythology, and it insults the legacy of Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell. It is a clear example of how Hollywood has lost its creativity and integrity, and how movies are just sold to the dumb masses who don't care about quality or originality. Evil Dead Rise is a waste of time and money, and it should be avoided at all costs.

Time Trap (2017)

A sci-fi Parody

[2/10 · 30 July 2022]

This can't be a serious film. 2 directors, fundamentally conflicting approaches, and then i think they hired a consulting group that literally turned it into a parody once the accountants realized there were sub-zero on *any* potential return.

This literally was not a movie, but an exercise in what happens when mid-way through project they realized they messed up, really, really bad, and it was no longer about creating a movie, but how to limit the loss financially.

This includes the obvious reviews here -- whether these be real folks that were 'incentivized' to inflate the rating through a mechanism or another, or whether it be a hired group to purposefully inflate the rating, those with iq's above that of a rodent will see through it within the first 15 minutes.

1 star for 'potential of the idea', and another for having the audacity to put it into production, no stars for literally every other element of a film.

Wow. Just wow.

Ambulance (2022)

Was this really an action thriller?

[3/10 · 24 April 2022]

Or a comedy because I literally could not stop laughing at how bad this movie was.

I had to look the movie up *as it played* to see if I was watching a serious movie or a comedy. The intro of 15 minutes was good and I gave it 3 stars for the interesting way they introduced the background of the characters.

But after those 15 minutes, boy. Every. Single. Possible. Thing. That could go wrong with a movie, did.

Swan Song (I) (2021)

Can you copy and paste love?

[8/10 · 24 December 2021]

Very powerful exploration of the soul, love, selfism, and loss.

This is definitely a slow burn and takes time to absorb and be engrossed - you need patience to watch this - if you're looking for a sci-fi 'thriller' this is not it. This is more sci-fi drama/romance.

Acting across the board was amazing.

Camera work and cinematography was stellar.

There were some plot holes or unlikelihoods that required a bit of forgiveness, but otherwise didn't distract too much.

Highly recommended watch.

The Selfish Giant (2013)

Legendary

[10/10 · 4 May 2014]

Every once and awhile a movie comes along and rattles your core. It doesn't use graphics or fantasia - just raw human grit.

It picks you up gently, rising you ever higher. You peer from this mountainous peak of mortal avidity as you gaze upon the truth that which it shows with such grotesque purity. You then realize you're helpless at such a height - as if suddenly finding yourself uncomfortably aware of the precarious position you're in as your heart, your mind, and your soul yields to its every whim; forcing you to confront the harsh reality that is life.

In the midst of the aftermath, you emerge anew, humbled, adapted - for one more jaunt into the fray.

This my friends, is one of those movies.

Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey (2014)

A great narration into the vastness of the universe

[10/10 · 11 March 2014]

Absolutely blown away by Neil deGrasse Tyson's hosting of Cosmos. You can tell he enjoys telling the story of the Cosmos. What makes the Cosmos remake most exciting to me is that new theories such as the 'Multiverse' theory and new findings are inevitably making its way to the front-line of grand-audience explanations of the universe. Also, now that graphics technology is more advanced than it was years ago during the first Cosmos series, the illustrations are much more telling and mesmerizing; this helps the viewer to visually break down some complexities that Neil alludes to in some of his narrative discussion.

I can't think of anyone better to narrate this story other than Neil. It's obvious he's passionate about this show. Neil's tribute to Carl was touching in explaining how Carl inspired 'just a 17 year old kid from the Bronx' to become one of the most influential scientists of our modern generation.

I'm extremely excited for the rest of the series to evolve and use the previous Cosmos series formula as a sort of foundation to continue captivating and inspiring the audience. After viewing the first episode, it's evident that future episodes will not disappoint.

The Counselor (2013)

One of the Best Modern Films of the 21st Century

[9/10 · 6 February 2014]

What A Breath of Fresh Air.

Anyone who has rated this movie poorly, in my opinion, simply does not have the intellect to follow the dialogue and fully enjoy the film. The highest rated review labeled the dialogues as 'cryptic'? There's nothing 'cryptic' about it, no more than Algebra is cryptic to those who do not understand Math, or art to those who do not appreciate art.

In all honesty, this movie is for intellectuals, and just not for those used to dumb-ed down, generic 'action' flicks coming out of Hollywood. This movie rates very highly on my all time top 15 movies. In a time when media and film appeal to those with little to no true appreciation for art and true human nature, this film is a great breath of fresh air.

The many themes are powerful. Sex, drugs, and money masquerade as a front for the deeper consequences of greed, desperation, and ignorance. The story, the dialogue, the entire cast, camera work, the music; the silence; everything is synergistic to produce a beautiful symphonic poem of a movie. If you're used to your Diehards, Saws, or Thors (or even consider them remotely thrilling), please, by all means, look elsewhere. If you're into intellectual stimulation with artistic class, this film will not disappoint.

Pacific Rim (2013)

For the fun crowd not the serious one.

[1/10 · 14 July 2013]

For someone who is into more mature movies, this is God awful.

If I were into a movie that did not take itself seriously, I would give this a 10/10 simply because it's the type of blockbuster that you watch for eye candy, stupid jokes, and just pure goofiness. So don't get me wrong, this movie is 'fun.'

If you were expecting an even remotely believable plot, characters with depth, serious tone, and Tom Hanks type acting ability that makes you feel the feels, then this is NOT the movie you want to see.

Many of the acting scenes in this movie just made me cringe. But again, those who don't care about the acting, or credulity and depth of characters will thoroughly enjoy the movie. Those looking for a serious flick that takes itself seriously, do a U-Turn on this one.

Kill List (2011)

Contemporary Abstract Filming Art - Masterpiece

[10/10 · 18 May 2012]

Why is it that those who gave this film a poor score always tend to need answers or expect plausible conclusions? Why must everything be spelled out for them as if they need their hand held throughout the entire film. I expect 90% of those who rated this film poorly to be unsophisticated, close-minded, morons with no taste in art and lack basic creative faculty - these are the people that think they know everything, but understand nothing, and it scares the crap out of them.

This film is the Director's execution of contemporary abstract filming art molded into a realist shell - a masterpiece. It does not dwell fully, and completely, in the abstract space; It maintains a fine balance between abstract and concrete realism, so as not to bore the viewer.

What I love most about this movie is the fact that the director fools the audience into thinking they're watching a realism based movie; Which is why when you try explaining the movie to someone verbally, they'll stare at you with the 'deer in the headlights' look. This movie isn't meant to have its story spoken of or written about in its entirety, but meant to be watched, meant to be thought about, and meant to be felt. Very much like abstract art - you can try to explain it, but you'll end up just confusing yourself and those you try to explain it to - especially when explaining the whole piece and not just a section.

And speaking about feeling - this film will test your wits. This has got to be the most brutal, intense, shock-based piece of art, I've ever seen. And I've seen a lot.

This movie is a brilliant master piece in Contemporary Abstract Filming Art and I commend the Director, Actors, Writers, and all those involved with making this stunning-shocking-nerve-wracking, thought provoking, controversial film.

Retreat (I) (2011)

Close, but no cigar

[5/10 · 24 February 2012]

As the rest have said, acting is done very - very well. Scenery and setting is unique and refreshing. The story is very interesting.

But I'll tell you right now: you can have the best actors, the most interesting 'idea', and some great interaction between characters, however if you have a plot hole as big as the one's you see in this movie (yes, there were many), then it ruins the entire movie.

You know those moments while you say to yourself, "Seriously? Why would you do that?" or, "You must be daft." Well, you'll say that over and over again throughout this whole movie.

The end gives a nice twist. You'll like the story, but the plot holes and multiple character fails are just too prevalent to ignore.

The Reef (2010)

Intense but the actors' decisions are stupid

[5/10 · 5 January 2012]

I give this an 8/10 for acting and intensity and a 3/10 for plot quality due to stupid decision making from each of the protagonists.

Watching this was like watching one of those cliché scary movies where a man/woman hears a noise upstairs (window breaking) when they know they're the only one's in the house - So they should call the cops immediately and run right? No better yet, they should snag a cell, sprint out of the house and THEN call the cops; instead you watch hopelessly and stunned at the stupidity, and sheer audacity of them to wander upstairs to investigate what that weird crashing sound like someone was breaking into a house was.

Sigh.

Well, you get angry at the actors in this movie like you would any other cliché scary movie.

Stupid decision 1: They swim like jelly fish to land in SHARK infested waters. F$#@! SWIM! Are you SERIOUS?! You're going to Froggy paddle 12 miles in shark infested waters?! YOU MUST BE N#F*EFI KIDDING ME. I decided to let this pass thinking maybe they were just conserving energy, but still, 12 miles in shark infested waters you'd think you'd swim your heart out.

Stupid decision 2: Let's hang out like its a party when one of our friends gets his leg bitten off and dies. Oh yeah real smart to hang out next to a bloody mess in shark infested waters for an extended period of time.

Stupid decision 3: Let's let the girl with the bloody foot who was 30 yards out from land try and swim the final gap of ocean between her and the reef she was resting on. She should have stayed on that flipping reef. You guys will understand my anger when you see it.

Epic Fail: "Pull me up! Pull me up!" For like 5 minutes.