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madden-brad
Reviews
Only Murders in the Building (2021)
Incredibly fun
To be totally honest, the writers of this show of such thoughtful attention to detail, they know their characters, voices so well, that everything in it works. Even when I am feeling like some plot point or character, quirk might not come together, the writers figure out a way to have, it work organically. Steve Martin and Martin short, after all these years, still have it. Martin short seems right at home in this role and provides the most laughs for me personally. Selena Gomez is also killing it throughout the show. She represents generation Z quite well, but also has , a wink and nod to some of the funnier aspects. I really enjoy the interplay between her and the "olds" as she calls them. Well worth your time!
Jury Duty (2023)
Protect Ronald.
The show was really entertaining. The editing was great. The actors were fully immersed. But most of all, Ronald seems like a wonderful person with a genuine heart. He spent the entire show trying to do right by the jurors. He didn't know these people at all, and yet he protected them from their own flaws and never sold anybody out. He did the same thing with the character on trial. It was evident that Ronald has a sincere persona. Moving forward, hopefully Ronald can continue to live a life full of kindness and hope. I have seen the show clipped and used on social media, so I assume that it will get a pretty decent viewing audience and hopefully everybody can walk away having enjoyed their viewing experience.
Copshop (2021)
Alexis Louder is a star
This was an extremely fun movie, with quirky characters, and well designed action scenes. Overall, the gritty aesthetic and brutal violence was balanced with dark humor. Some of the twists can definitely be seen from a mile away, but in a genre film like this, it doesn't really matter as long as it's entertaining.
What truly elevates this movie and makes it a joy to watch is Alexis Louder, who goes toe to toe with Butler and Grillo as she steals scenes. The last time an actor caught my eye like this was Chadwick Boseman in Draft Day, and he turned out to be a massive star (RIP). I'm certainly hoping to see Louder and more films soon!
Prey (2022)
Quiet yet thrilling.
I quite enjoyed this film. Cinematography was beautiful. Would have loved it on the big screen! I also loved how quiet and cerebral it was despite it being an action flick. Honestly, the logic in this film was really well done. Every time I was thinking "wouldn't the predator just...-oh okay they subtly revealing the answer to that." The protagonist picks up clues along the way and proves resourceful. Great stuff!
The Night Before (2015)
I like it more every time I watch
I watch this yearly. By myself. I drink a high alcohol beer. Generally, I tear up at a few parts. Nothing about these characters mirrors my own life, but letting going of youth and moving on to family and more (societally at least) mature endeavors is very relatable. The film is probably not for everyone-but if you're an xennial or millennial who now has children? I think they're is a lot to love. For me, it's a 10. For everyone else, probably a 6.3.
Encanto (2021)
The kids and I loved it
I recommend this film highly! Animation-gorgeous. Songs-catchy and wonderful. Message-kind and caring. It is a departure from the normal character on journey to find an object too which was nice.
Ojing-eo geim (2021)
Watch with subtitles not dub :-)
Good show. Interesting characters. Well produced. Stellar acting.
Jungle Cruise (2021)
Fun for kids. Disney plots recycled though
I like the acting. The swashbuckling. The silliness. I forgive most things for a kids movie. It is getting a bit silly how much recycling Disney is doing. The Rock has to take the heart or arrow head to a place put it in a thing to make a thing happen-is this Moana (which is a better movie) or is this Pirates (which is a better movie). Still, I had fun with my kids, so I don't care too much. :-)
Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021)
Son loves it
Hey, he's four and half but he absolutely loves it. Personally, I think it has a lot of charm as well. Sure the acting by Mr. James isn't incredible but the animation is great and many of the jokes hit. I dunno. We all became real harsh critics during Covid I guess lol.
Luca (2021)
Children are loving it
My kiddos love this. It's sweet and heartwarming and teaches great messages about being yourself even if not everyone will always accept you. Beautiful music too :-)
Cruella (2021)
The Emmas are incredible.
The movie overall is really beautifully done. The cinematography is top notch, and of course, the costumes are awesome! The Emmas really are power houses and steal the show.
Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)
Beautifully shot. Way better story.
Real life, now I'm sad there aren't going to be more. This was really cool. It looked great. The acting was incredibly good in this cut, which means Whedon's cut just didn't know how to capture these performers. It was long and I think it would have been a great miniseries. I watched it in three sittings. I'll definitely check it out again though!
WandaVision (2021)
Great actors. Solid story. Faltered a bit.
So many cool emotions to mine with the form of the show but it fell into the "Marvel" fights we have seen before. I won't have spoilers but I think it is worth the watch. The slow burn to start is cool-the middle is great. The twists are a bit of a fake out. The end had some emotion but didn't deal with the complications of Wanda's actions (purposeful or not)
Henry Danger (2014)
Silly. Good slapstick. Piper yells too much.
My kids love this and they definitely hide parent humor in this. I don't know if that's good or bad? lol anyway the title of this review says the rest.
Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019)
Excellent monsters. I'll say that.
Monster design is great. The idea of fighting for dominance is great. The people as part of this narrative, a bit of not great.
I'll just complain for a quick second-Emma was responsible for the death of MILLIONS of people and her daughter assisted. There isn't really any coming back from that. There is no reason that extra layer needed to be added. In fact, it left some drama on the table in my opinion. The daughter and Emma fighting to escape to send out the "stand down" signal would have made me feel a heck of a lot less morally conflicted. I didn't know how to root for these people.
Charming (2018)
Cute. Kids liked it :-)
All in all, it's breezy and fun. Many jokes hit. My kiddos liked it. I will say, the animation isn't great-but that doesn't matter.
Run Hide Fight (2020)
Excellent acting. Very gritty.
I hate to say this (it's against my general ethos to complain about this stuff), but I believe many mainstream critics will dismiss this outright due to a 'conservative' company producing it. This legitimately is nothing like any other conservative, usually saccharine, movies ever made. It's gritty, violent, action packed, and best of all, the acting, especially by the lead, is incredibly good. She's honestly a force. I can foresee many of the excellent talent in this film having great careers. If you can find this film, watch it. It doesn't moralize. It doesn't preach. It does, however, keep you on the edge of your seat.
Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
WW1 good. WW2 not.
First, all the acting was perfectly good. There were at least three great action set pieces. What boggles the mind however is the absolute insanity of the plot holes. I'm cool with all the wish granting but it is made clear that people remember their wishes when they see that the nukes are disappearing. This is absolutely egregious. It literally changes the entire world and must be addressed in the rest of the DC universe. If all of the wishing being reversed also reversed people's memories, I would have way fewer qualms with this movie. Plenty more to say but I picked the biggest issue.
The Angry Birds Movie 2 (2019)
Absurdly funny. Kids loved it.
I took my babies to Angry Birds 2 today and laughed to the point of tears MULTIPLE times. My daughter, who is 5 was laughing constantly as was the the rest of the theater. Even my 2 and half year old sat the whole time and was giggling. TAKE YOUR KIDS!
Malibu Rescue (2019)
Overdoing rating for balance
Cute. It's supposed to be silly. The actors are having fun. My kids enjoy it. Enjoy the light hearted nature of it and you'll be fine with all the bad lighting and corny jokes.
Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween (2018)
Fun. A 6.8. 10 is to override fools
Look, this is a delightful YA film. Yes it is all tropes, but the kids are great, the jokes are harmless fun, and the running time is perfect for kids. And honestly, this film is well shot. If it weren't a kid friendly film with wondrous music it would actually be a creepier horror film. Put it on with the young kids and enjoy.
Shazam! (2019)
Strong. Not safe for youngsters.
Really enjoyed the story. The acting. The humor. The violence was a bit more gruesome than expected. Also, Billy Batson's backstory is so heartbreaking that I'm still shook from it. Like, grab tissues.
Still. Recommend. Worth it.
Fighting with My Family (2019)
Elevated with excellent performances
Fighting with my Family is genuine, heartwarming, and a real crowd pleaser. Above all, the performances are really top rope.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Absurdly Good.
This should have been nominated for best picture. I'm honestly not joking.
Incentive. Artistic. Funny. Emotional. A movie with everything
Travelers (2016)
Excellent
Excellent show. Well worth your time for the plot and the characters who really become well-rounded as the seasons continue.
I took off a point for some of the more outlandish plot points that felt reused, but overall this is right up there with the best time travel show or movies ever made.