kvang145 Reviews

Great White (2021)

Great Movie without Sharks

[5/10 · 18 May 2021]

Great story. Great scenery. Great performance. However, the one thing that drags the movie down is the shark.

Since the movie is about shark, and viewers likely came only to see "shark", I'll review the cons first. (If crazy Shark-nado CGI doesn't bother you, you don't have to worry a thing. But, if you are ashamed of watching them, pay attention): While the movie does contain a huge plot on sharks, the visuals and representation on them are uncomfortable. First off, they are CGI. The CGI crew did a fantastic job creating visual of them underwater (with the effect of filters), but when sharks leap out into the air, or from aerial shot of them, they look horrendous. Horrible enough to want to block them out of your memories. The only realism you can enjoy watching about sharks here are their fins, as they use real props on those scenes. While the movie does a great job limiting the unnecessary poor shots of them, seeing just one of these clip makes everything unforgivable.

For the good news, or just trying to find reasons to watch this film: The movie has superb characters. Every character contains great bonding that makes everything understandable. While dushy (bad) characters exist, they don't go over the top and make things unbearable. There's lots of great suspense, realistic emotion, and intelligent plot to the movie, so these definitely makes it worthwhile to enjoy.

Aside from a few "convenient" actions, if you take away the CGI shark, you would had an awesome monster movie. It's not a terrible movie, it's just... why did it had to go this way...

The Call of the Wild (2020)

Bad expectations.

[4/10 · 10 December 2020]

Well... fresh movie has fresh reviews, and those reviews were mostly positives from people who were braced for it. All I can say, I forgot how important researching is before watching a film. The movie was a disappointment, and here are some important keys that makes it a horrible experience:

The movie heavily uses CGI. There's only one reason to complain about CGI, and that's when it's obviously horrible CGI. The movie employs CGI not only for everyday characters, but also for everyday environment.

The acting is bad. It only takes one sour apple to ruin a barrel. This is the case of a side character voicing too loud. If the movie was based on that actor, it would be enjoyable, but instead, it went the comical route that sticks out like a sore thumb.

The story is full of cliches. This is probably where the good reviews and the bad reviews clashes. If you're new, young, inexperienced, this movie is smooth for you. If you're the opposite, every action and moral that happens is a cliche that isn't well performed. The movie is very fast paced that you're constantly bombarded with poor executions one after another.

Fast paced is also very injuring to the movie because it skips character developments. With no character developments, everything you hear from actors sounds like poor improv acting... it's almost like it's based on a book or something... yup, it is. With that, unless you're familiar with the novel, this isn't a movie you'll want to brag about.

Overall to say, this is a family kids movie... with obvious CGI.

Veronica (I) (2017)

The Importance of Suspense.

[5/10 · 10 December 2020]

If you're looking for a possession movie, this is one. If you're looking for a suspense movie, this is not. The movie has some good surprises, but not suspense. In comparison, you would call that mystery, which fits perfectly with its point of theme. While the movie is "fine" to watch, I really had a hard time getting any thrills. While there were some character developments, it's really just a sad story that no one can care about...

This isn't a really great movie to recommend others, but if you're all out of option, this isn't one to hate either. It's VERY NEUTRAL (hence the 5/10 ;P ) Most importantly to say, this is a PG13 "mystery" film, with only 2 scenes of brief violent/gore that pushes it to the R maturity.

Here are some positives you can find in the movie, if you're still curious into watching it. The movie doesn't contain annoyingly loud surprise music. There are no dead silence... (so you won't get scare?). Story falls with "based on true events" kind of movies. The heroine takes action... no dumb character cliche. Evenly paced. Finally, enjoyable actors, even from the kids.

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark (2019)

In for a Rollercoaster Ride

[7/10 · 17 November 2019]

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, what a title, and what a movie. Whether you enjoyed it or hated it, it's pretty understandable.

The movie has exceptional visuals and effects. The sounds (fright moments included) are perfect, as well as the lighting. Definitely a movie where the audience can attach themselves to the characters as the characters have pretty good developments. Since it's not just a single monster/entity killing everyone, you'll really surprised around the corners to see what comes next. The details and population crew are... shall we say, "spared no expenses."

Would've been perfect, and could be, if you could only ignore the dents and scratches that pops up occasionally. The movie is quite the immersion, and you could really get into it, quite deep, only to be stopped by a brick wall. There are several scenes of the film that brings you back into reality when you noticed those minor, but obvious details. Just when the momentum gets going, you get halted by... poor acting(?). Maybe it's just a misunderstanding of character emotion on my part, but whatever it is, it gives critics and movie enjoyers something easy to pick at.

Yang men hu jiang (2004–2005)

Chinese Drama

[7/10 · 6 June 2019]

For a movie that depicts war, the story actually follows more closely into the viewpoints of family conflict and romance. Classic Chinese action film, filled with sword/spear plays and kung-fu action. For over 30 episodes of film, you get plenty of character developments, making each death and suffering emotional. Great musical songs and dramatic cue makes this movie one of the best remarkable film to enjoy. This film is more romanced and emotional heartbreaking focused. Filled with lots of romantic teasing and comedy, surely will bring some warmth or smile to those who are seeking. There's also plenty of action scenes and kung-fu displays, but the fights are always due to revenge/love. What sets this particular film apart from the other saga adaptation is the heavy drama, more focused onto a single Yang family son. No knowledge required. It's a folklore saga during the period of a dynasty of China. The film walks you through into knowing who's famous and what happened in the past leading up to the present. Knowing the story/geography of the China's dynasty would certainly be easier to swallow, but for now, all that matters is knowing who's good and who's evil. Great classical film starring wonderful acting, real props, real explosions, and real sceneries. Plenty of characters to idol on. The film "Yang Men Hu Jiang (2004)," will take audiences on a ride of family struggle, whether it be honor or duty, love or justice.

Polaroid (I) (2019)

Definitely not a Dumb Horror Teenager

[8/10 · 12 May 2019]

Ever find a movie boring because the characters keep running separately? Or keep ignoring the threat? Or perhaps don't know how to ask for help or turn off their devices? Well, Polaroid is finally breaking that chains again. Unlike most of the recent "young, dumb, teen(and even adult!) horror" movies, this movie has characters that catches on the obvious and thinks accordingly. Great twist, happy ending, what's there not to like. Finally a good horror to the collection again. Graphical settings and appearance are decent in the movie. Special effects were overall fine. Only a few were a shame, but those scenes that did well helped covered the fault. The special effects on the monsters were great, but later on we loses it and never get to see it again. -1 As for enjoying the movie... can't enjoy a good movie if the movie itself is dumb, which brings us to the topic of: Logic! The movie had enough people to think logically to make a movie progress quickly. Enough of the "I don't believe this is happening", here we get "Lets check something out!" Everything progresses fairly well so us audience actually gets enough of a story. Actors were great (only 1-2 minor actor were cringe worthy)! Lots of realistic emotions and reactions. The only sad part I had to deduct the rating from a perfect score here is how they backed a key rule they stated. Everything would've been fine and even overlooked if they even decided to just not show the one hypocritical moment. It would've be better to follow one law than to yield to conveniences. -1 In the end, quick justice. Some movies have bully scenes for hours till they finally get what they deserve, this one progresses very quickly leaving no time for such distraction. Everything was complete, nothing left was questioned, I totally enjoy and can immerse myself into the story.

World War Z (2013)

Standing out

[7/10 · 23 April 2019]

Great movie. First movie EVER to have the term, "zombie", in their dictionary. Lots of good action and story. Would've been perfect gem, if only weren't for it's specks and scratches. The movie has a lot of characteristics for its zombies, and as the movie is base on zombies, these details are important. If only they weren't so contradicting. Perhaps if the movie explains itself of these matters, everything would be fine, but the movie progresses on and ignores whatever is needed for conveniences. Movie has a lot of realistic/intelligent moments, but the CGI is... obviously CGI. They didn't put a lot of thoughts into the CGI like physic.

Glass (2019)

When Drama (Split) Crossover To the Action (Unbreakable) Fails

[4/10 · 21 April 2019]

Pretty much the movie has great ideas and wonderful plot. Glass is a mixture of the drama of Split, while finally taking the extra foot into the comic, or fiction, world of Unbreakable, or so you would think. In reality it's pretty much a confusion and disorder of two genre that didn't know what it was. While Unbreakable has full action and demonstrates what superpower is, you don't see any of that here. The action in Glass is horrible, limited to almost nothing. Instead of seeing a man launch into the air with a punch, or stopping gun shots, what we see is people making dents in metals, doing acrobatics, and body wrestling. There is no superpower involved in this third chronological film. Total failure to the eyes of Unbreakable fans. As for the drama... it's a mixture. Everything was great, all except the main course. By now everyone should at least know "TheHorde" has multiple personality or characters embedded into him, base on how well it was portrayed in the last film on Split. Instead of continuing the character from there, we get to see a whole new different "character". Unlike Split, in Glass, TheHorde changes personality VISIBLY by grunting and acting in pain, (reminder, in Split, his transformation is subtle). Not does it only sticks out, his monologues and acting is terrible. They bring no importance or emotions whatsoever. It's like the director told him to keep transforming is personality because he's not sure the audiences are certainly aware that he has split personality yet. Gotta say, Bruce Willis is a nice fan treat, but his actions were slow and low. As a human being, I know that age has it's limitations, but in the eyes of movie audiences, those kind of actions/acting makes it seems like he didn't want to be in the movie, or he's really weak. The only saving grace is the last trio, Mr. Glass. The twist of his plots and mastermind made the movie a poetic masterpiece. However, that doesn't make rights to the horrible performance of 2/3 of the show. Overall, this movie is like an action movie that is performed by teens. You have to use your imagination in order to understand what's happening. Performance by adults=bravo, Performance by kids=how cute, Performance by teens=um... sure...

Mortal Engines (2018)

Wasted Resource

[6/10 · 8 March 2019]

Great plot, great visuals, great acting. Poor story, poor conflicts, poor details.

The movie had really good visuals/graphics, and intriguing mechanics and physics. Good musics and actions. Pretty much everything to draw you into enjoying a movie. However, a single bad apple spoils the basket, or in this case, multiple bad cases. If you're into having a normal pass in time, the movie's fine, but if you're trying to find a good movie to watch, this one isn't the one.

One of the important character is a badass. Over the top action hero, perhaps too over the emphasis. Kung fu master with a gun... quite the boring spectacle. They also wear a outfit similar to a white tuxedo and that clothing, while attentive, is out of place and is immune to dirt and damage. Next important character has an amazing story to them. This character is also a super strong character, but goes out in pathetic way... yeah nothing else to talk about because the character is an important detail, makes a cameo and leaves. Finally foreign marketing. Some movies blends continental products well, some movies have small details that sticks out a bit, and some movies shoves it in your face.

Definitely a rushed project or a compacted movie to fit everything in before the time limit. Lots of cheesy moments that shows the good people have everything going good for them. However, awesome graphics and designs in the movie made it just bearable to enjoy .

A Star Is Born (2018)

Shed no Tears

[4/10 · 7 February 2019]

A Star Is Born: Quite the embarrassing moment when you regret putting on the movie as a family's movie night. This is my first time seeing over-advertisement on a film. Most times you only heard of them because bad films are either too bad to watch or too old to visit. Romance in films are not my area of expertise, as an audience, but that doesn't mean I can't have a good time watching one. With that said, lets dive straight to the negatives.

The movie had an interesting beginning segment. You've revealed the conflict, the possible romance, and given troubled family relationships. Sounds like a great movie to explore. Certainly creating a lot of expectations and hopes from the audiences, but no. The movie glances through these topics like they're not the focus of the movie. Who cares what happens with the dad or best friend, all we want to see are the main couple... or at least that's what the movie show. Lady Gaga is known as a famous music artist and Bradley Cooper for his films and looks. So when I saw Lady Gaga's acting, I was wowed. She did amazing, over-the-best realistic human emotion. However! Her role in music in this film did not exist. The music in this movie were horrible. Diving deeper, she sings pop musics in a romance movie. Sure, if she sang good, that doesn't mean much, however she didnt sang anything! Bradley Cooper on the other hand, was amazing with his singing scenes, but horrible with his actings! Here, let me explain, Director: "Act like an alcoholic" Cooper: "Okay. I'll just drink a lot and speak a little" I'm amazed at such a role reversal, and would be surprised if or why the director purposely swap their talents. One thing's for sure, party pop rock music didn't fit here.

Much like the film, I'm gonna point fast to the other notes and not give out detailed or plain explanation. They rush pass by the other characters, including close family. You'll only see scenes with either couples in them. No back stories. Family have conflicts, but conflicts don't affects the main characters in any way. Conflicts gets solved but doesn't yield any importance. How do you show people love each other? Not with dates, but with sex... er, bedroom moments over and over until you understand that they love? each other. Finally, there's the ending moment. A good movie should have either an emotional finale or a unexpected twist. When I saw the ending outcome, I saw it coming. Worst of all, it wasn't emotional at all simply because the actors didn't portray any importance. Movie fast forward a lot, from single to spouse, and cut the boring dates?

After finishing the movie, all I felt was, "Oh... is it done yet?" Definitely a movie that is based on another piece of work, and not worth to see it as a film of its own at all. I did not see or knew it was a reworked film, but had the feeling, if it was this dull with their acting lines and music, it could might as well be. Long and behold!

Maquia: When the Promised Flower Blooms (2018)

Beautiful Meanings... Behind a Piece of "Artwork?"

[7/10 · 2 November 2018]

A masterful creation of what is a mother's love. This movie carries action and drama from the viewpoints of struggling people. Time flies by quickly in the plot, but the ends justifies everything, so on that note, yes, it has a complete ending that fullfills satisfaction. Definitely a good classic or child-memory lane movie to watch. Good artwork and music, with only one bad CGI (within anime?) scene.

Now to the negatives, which should not be a deterrent to watching, but understand why it's not the best: 1. Theme of the movie is motherhood, but what you ended up with is teen pregnancy... yeah. What some people strongly feel is not empathy but pity. 2. A lot of character brush-offs. Each character development is very limited, scenes are spread to multiple characters, meaning there is no main character focus on. 3. Lots of unknown background. The story has a strong history, which is the action and adventure side, but what the movie focused on is the side-story of Maquila. 4. Action and drama not a good mix. Action fans want a little drama, but drama fans won't appreciate action... wierd huh?

Final note: 7/10 - it's like a Shakespeare's play/book. You "can" or "have to" emphasize on each and every action in order to enjoy the work... like a painted art. If you watch it, you didn't waste your time. If you didn't watch it, you're not missing out on anything.

The Meg (2018)

A proper helpful review that doesn't say, "ignore the hater"

[6/10 · 19 September 2018]

"The Meg (2018)". It has a nice tune to its name. From it you can guess it'll be about open water with the huge fish... yes fish. The movie carries the same simplicity of the title into the creature. Instead of the awe inspiring myth of a monster's name, you get a giant oversized fish.

Although the movie has a category of "Horror" attached to it, the movie felt very short on scary. There are no terrorizing scenes or surprises in the movie. Better yet, there are no dramatic scream/death. Back to the fish vs monster; everyone, especially the main character, Jason Statham, are not afraid of the creature. Although there is a simple explanation, (the meg is defined as a huge shark, people know what a shark is, how it behaves, and human have firepower, what's to fear), everyone accepts death and reality, so move on?

This brings to a good feature though. The character felt very realistic. Ever seen a horror movie where people say, "lets split up, so the monster can't get us," or so, well this movie has the exact opposite. Each action the people fighting against the Meg are simple and straight forward. Although some actions have little thought into the process, the movie carried the simple tune of, "we're taking responsibility" and "look forward". Hell YES! Love this.

Enough of the long oversights, here are some quick ratings on the movie:

CGI is not horrible. The use of buffering was good, they did real good work on the MEG, but less attempts on the smaller sharks, which looks really dumb.

Visual lighting is horrible. Some movies you say, man it's too dark I can't see anything. Well this one, it's so bright it's unreal. You can see everything, which lessen the thriller of things.

Finally concept. Good character decision making, but fast movie pace lead little time for caring or knowing each character.

The movie receives a 7/10, pretty good and worth to see once. The movie is tuned very low for the younger audiences, so they'll have a blast! Oh yeah, it's an action movie. Stab stab, punch, boom! If you see it as a horror film, it'll be 4.5/10

A Chinese Odyssey: Part Three (2016)

Not a sequal in the Odyssey

[2/10 · 21 March 2018]

Movie has a very good intro and concept that seems to link to the previous Chinese Odyssey. Since the movie is a decade apart in making from the prequel, everything visually, from actors to sets, will be different. A few minutes after the opening and you'll noticed that not only did the visual concepts changed, the mental state of the characters are altered. The movie kept the close to the history, but since the relationships that defines each person is severed, this movie has created not a sequel, but a separate one. Suggests not to watch in sequence to the past two odysseys.

Now time for some personal opinions: If you enjoy the previous, Chinese Odysseys, as much as a 10/10 rating, you'll be extremely disappointed in this one. The CGI hurts the eyes, the combat/action has now taken to "modern fantasy" of waving through air for magics, and the love triangle has disappeared. If you're used to modern Chinese fantasy movies, you'll do fine in seeing a new movie, as opposed to a sequel. However, you'll definitely noticed everything that's CGI, because this is one of those movies that don't use visual buffering.

Max Steel (2016)

A Movie For the Selected Few

[5/10 · 19 December 2016]

Well, I was completely disappointed. The only tip I can give to y'all is the movie, "Max Steel", is similar to "Power Rangers". Therefore if you are still into or starting to like those series, then go for it.

Otherwise if you're trying to find a good time, this will make you cry tears in despair. Likewise, if you're a viewer like me who wants to explore, you'll probably enjoy the beginning, but puke toward the end.

Here's some details into why the movie isn't a success for me:

The protagonist is arrogant

The villain is arrogant (oh... they're supposed to?)

The movie skips a lot of character build ups

Finally and most importantly... yelling solves EVERYTHING!!! These would be great in books/novels, but doesn't help movie production.

Range 15 (2016)

A Movie for the Selected

[3/10 · 30 September 2016]

Everyone has different tastes and picks on movies, so here's some pointers to decide if you should have a go:

Positive features- Totally R-rated. If you enjoy sex jokes, it'll help keep interest in movie. There was a comedic tone throughout the movie. A strong conservative ideal take in the movie. Finally a new take of actions and attitude on this theme of Hollywood's horror, hence the comedy.

If you're interested in watching, stop reading here already and go watch. I got hooked on the cover page of Horror + Comedy theme, along with the trailer, and the movie soon became of of those "you've watched it" list. Those were the only positive points I could squeeze out from the movie, but if you're cautious and full into details, the next segment of review is the reason why I wouldn't recommend or show the movie to another person. Personally I am sad the movie didn't lived up to my expectation so my thoughts will be huger here:

Negative features- Been there, done that, saw that. Movie is porn without the nudity scenes, the story line. The comedy scenes have little impact, no laughs from me. CGI graphics on bullet shots. Worst, monologues. Seen 5-10 min movie shorts? Well this is a one, extended full course. There's no horror here, so there's only the comedy feature, but the jokes are all child-like nature and very weak, except adults are watching it because it's R-rated. Even with that R-rate, those scenes didn't help. I'd be embarrassed if someone saw me watching it midway without knowing what's the movie about. There's a lot of random plot and scenes, so don't space out.

Has a lot of douche-bag themes, sure one or two's fine, but the full conservative movie is just a middle-finger to viewers who aren't. I just wanted some horror action, and there were none! This is a movie in the middle of shorts, porn, and movie entertainment. Strong emphasis on the word conservatives. This movie is made for them. As for those who don't know what that is or are open minded, the negative points should steer you clear of this movie.

Rating:3-at least they had some production income (*Placed)