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dannyloeper
Reviews
Underwater (2020)
Unnecessary hate.
I get that this movie is easy to meme on and it does have some glary problems, but I actually think this movie has quite a good atmosphere, and i felt myself feeling quite anxious throughout the whole film. I find it difficult to make a convincing movie that deals with not being on the surface and right from the start this movie delivered and just never stopped with the action. I also think Kristen Stewart did a phenomenal job with this role and overall I think this movie gets more hate than it really deserves.
The main gripes for this movie come from the pretty one dimensional story followed by the obvious paths of the movie plot. I do think that the overall suspense and presence of the creatures makes it better, but its too easy to predict what would happen next. The ending did have somewhat of a "twist" but I think we all know that the big creature would appear at some point and either get destroyed or take people with it.
Again, this movie does not shine from a plot point, but the overall atmosphere and approach to the design gives it some much needed points.
Ford v Ferrari (2019)
Ford v Ferrari - An Instant Classic.
- This is exactly what i love about movies. Ford v Ferrari reminds me how great a movie can be with outstanding lead acting synergy and seamless story telling. Car related movies especially feel kind of hard to pull off, in where i seem to only account for movies such as the Fast and Furious franchise for reference. This film actually makes you feel like you are the one driving, if that makes sense. Everything about this being a true story also enhances the experience, as well as near flawless execution and CGI. The pacing of the movie also is just perfect and i didn't even realize the movie was 2.5 hours because i feel like i just blew right by it! Will definitely be revisiting this movie soon!!
47 Meters Down: Uncaged (2019)
47 Meters Down: Uncaged - YIKES
- So obviously I did not come into the movie with high expectations, and I didn't think it could hey much worse than the first installment, but wow this movie is a dumpster fire. Ever since Jaws and Deep Blue Sea, I swear we have not gotten one good shark movie. The acting is puke inducing, the plots are so predictable, and my lord FIX THE VFX ON THESE SHARKS!!! Ahhh they are so ugly and bad, it's just gross and unacceptable! There is nothing more to really "review". It is a cheesy shark film with the most predictable plot and ever worse acting followed up with terrible effects. If you want a movie designed as a thriller but truly a comedy, this is for you!!!
Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014)
Kingsman: The Secret Service - Guilty Pleasure
- This is just everything I look for in an action/adventure movie. While I did enjoy The Golden Circle, the first installment of Kingsman just hits different.
- The whole idea of a secret agency that deals with crime and affairs is so much fun, and the way it's handled in a sense feels more real than I would of though. Taren Edgerton is such an amazing actor and he plays this role almost perfectly. Is this movie filled with Cliches throughout? Yes! But for some reason the comedy mixed with the elaborate fight choreography makes for an exciting action thriller. The whole concept of Taren slowly become more accustomed to his new spy life is a joy to watch unfold and the comedic bits of relief really bring this movie to another level.
- If you are at all interested in spy action movies, this is for you, and make sure you watch the second movie as well!
Zodiac (2007)
Zodiac - Invested from the start
- I've been trying to go back and watch more films made in the 2000's, as I have missed a lot of good ones and just need to take a break from modern cinema. I think it's safe to say that my favorite genre is thriller/mystery films, as I feel like I am more a part of the movie than any other genre. I was beyond invested into Zodiac, from it being a true story, to the eeriness and suspense throughout its course. Being that this is a true story, I tend to rate it in a different way, as what we are seeing is based on true facts. I tend to pay more attention to the overall acting and chemistry between the cast
- The cast is stacked for this film, and they all deliver compelling performances. I never dove to much into the story of the Zodiac killer, but I've heard that the movie does a great job of presenting facts and actual details of the crimes committed. I have also heard that there is a whole other world of knowledge on the crimes, and I intend to investigate and learn even more as the movie was beyond interesting for me! I felt so invested in this movie from the very start and feel that everyone should watch it.
- This film focuses on the Zodiac killer, a serial killer that would kill his victims and proceed to taunt the media by sending notes to the press containing his confession, as well as cryptic clues to let them know he is truly the one who committed the killings. Jake Gyllenhaal plays Robert Graysmith, a comic artist with a serious obsession with puzzles. He takes it upon himself to try and "unmask" who the killer really is, and the whole movie documents his strategies and determination to solve this. 2 of the other main stars include RDJ playing Paul Avery, a writer for the post, and Mark Ruffalo (one of my favorite actors of all time) playing Dave Toschi, the main investigator on the case.
- The main chunk of this film focuses on Graysmith being determined to unravel the different killings that happen, and connect the pieces, much like a puzzle. Toschi loses hope of ever finding out who the killer really is, as do many others, but Toschi comes around to a final proposal of the killer near the end of the film, but to this day, the killer was never 100% identified. I feel like I can't do to much more analysis until I read more about the case, but from a movie standpoint, I was never not watching and recommend to any film junkie!!
Shot Caller (2017)
Shot Caller - Superb acting and storyline!
- This for me feels like a hidden gem, as i remember once seeing trailers and teasers for it but never actually saw it. I feel like i have never experienced a movie that both demonstrates anger and violence paired with the sentiment displayed in Money's story.
- One of this movies greatest accomplishments to me is the pacing and timeline, as the constant back and fourth of the past and present is done is a way that you never lose track of the main story, while still learning about how Money adapted to the gang that he joined. Seeing him transition from a regular business man with a family to a gang member, doing things he never imagined having to do really emphasizes the struggles of trying to survive in a prison such as this. We even see early on what happens if you don't get affiliated with the right people, seeing a new prisoner silenced and stabbed on his first night in.
- Seeing Money forced between the 2 realities of his life outside of prison is really taxing, especially the scene of his son trying to help him escape this gang life, but him knowing that there is no true way out, but to become the leader.
- The end of this movie is done so well. In a way i thought we were gonna get a cliche ending of some sorts, but seeing Money adapt to this life and manipulate his way into getting to the leader just to kill him is amazing.
- The last note i wanted to speak on is how the fights and deaths were played out. One thing i always fear going into a more violent movie is that the fights feel so out of hand and wacky, but the way Ric Roman Waugh handled the deaths, especially shotguns are almost beautiful. Money never wanted to kill him, but in this world, everyone knows that if you distrust your group you will pay. I guess in Money's case, you can lie and throw them under the bus, but then just respond with taking a razor to Beasts neck.
- Please go see this movie, its so incredible!
1917 (2019)
1917 - An intense and riveting movie
1917 really blew me away, and i came into it with high expectations due to the numerous nominations and awards. The fact that the whole movie is manipulated in a way to seem as a seamless continuous shot really helps with the delivery. The connection between lance corporal Blake and Schofield seems so natural, and we are truly following these 2 for a good chunk of the beginning until we lose Blake to a downed German solider. The raw emotions of this film in my opinion outclass a lot of other war movies, as this is built on a true relationship that is tested and broken. There was also an eerie feeling to this film, and i was quite tense throughout it not really knowing what to expect next. The pacing is quite slow overall and this is not a movie you go and see if you expect a lot of action. It to me was more of an adrenaline rush and a patience game, as we are following only 2 soldiers that are trying to get past a multitude of defenses. Lone Survivor is a movie i felt like i could relate this to, but again 1917 is a lot slower and has more 1 on 1 battles that show the real emotions of war.
This movie is truly a treat and will be a top of my favorites for 2020, as i was late to the party on seeing this in theaters.
A real masterpiece.
Venom (2018)
Venom - A fast paced anti-hero film
- Very late to the party with this review, but I'm going through as many movies as I can! Venom is a character I always enjoyed as the overall personality is very interesting and unique. I like the idea that venom needs a host to survive, and the way it interacts with Brock is pretty fun!! I think the pacing of this film is a bit fast and stuff is just kindof thrown at you. My overall favorite parts of the movie is the interactions between venom and Brock, seeing how he slowly starts to trust him more and more.
- This movie loses some points for me, and much of it has to do with character development. Like I stated before, new characters felt so rushed when they were introduced and then before we knew it they were dead or just never shown again. The action sequences very done quite well and I was totally in it, but the dialogue and character interactions felt so forced and awkward. When Brock shows up to his ex's house to find her with this new doctor boyfriend, it just felt like a very forced scene, and was quite diluted.
- Overall, this movie does a good job of showing how venom functions inside of Brock and how there direct relationship evolves.
Countdown (2019)
Countdown - Predictable and comedic (not in a good way)
- This will be a shorter review for sure. Saw this with a friend as it was Halloween season and thought why not. I did not go into this movie with high expectations, but it managed to be even worse then I thought. Little to no character development, a very predictable storyline, lots of cliches, random additional characters, and an overall boring plot. There was also various attempts of comedic relief, that just left me asking... why?
- Should you watch it? Sure, if you want to just laugh at it or put it on In the background, but if you are looking for a good thriller, this isn't it. If you are into cheesy horrors, this is right up your alley, otherwise I would steer clear of this one.
Joker (2019)
Joker - The hype delivered!!
- Without a doubt the best movie of 2019, and I'm not done seeing movies ( that's how confident I am ). No movie has ever gone this deep into a characters development then Arthur. From start to finish I was hooked, and unlike other movies that fall short when it comes to endings, Joker thrives!
- A believe getting a Joker origin film was heavily needed, and a break from the disappointing DC movies that we have gotten prior. Arthur is a struggling middle aged man, still living with his mom, and pursuing a comedic career. Arthur has a condition where he laughs uncontrollably and can't seem to stop, to the point of being in pain. Not only that, but he always seems to laugh at the worst possible times. Arthur deals with day in and day out, being fired from his job, getting picked on and beat up by higher class Gotham residents, getting made fun of by his idol talk show host, and the breaking point, finding how he was adopted and abused by the one person he thought he could trust the most.
- This movie shows the decrease in mental health for our main character, to the point where he eventually snaps. After murdering 3 high class boys, Arthur sees the city recognizing him and idolizing the image of the killer as being a hero, a true hero. He slowly starts to embrace the image of the joker, a masked killer who stands up for the lower parts of the city. After Arthur finds out the truth about his "mom", he takes her life, seeing it as a justified kill to relieve the pain from his previous life. He starts an up roar in Gotham, gaining followers and supporters. Near the end of the movie, he takes the life of his old idol that made fun of him on live tv, and then chaos takes place all around the city, resulting in Bruce Wayne's parents being murdered in the up roar.
- The ending of this movie created a lot of fan theory's, as we end with Arthur in an asylum with a psychologist, that he then "kills". I have my own theory as many others do. This movie delivered on so many levels and will remain to be my favorite of the year, and one of my favorite of all time.
Arrival (2016)
Arrival - So GOOD!!!
- This movie is so good, it's hard to even summarize this review. Unlike other alien movies, this one takes a unique approach in which the life forms that have entered the universe are not here to take over or destroy, but to inform the main characters of there future, piecing together clues that we as viewers saw as just screen time. One thing I always harp on is how much I love movies that have some sort of twist or skewed perspective on the plot, much like shutter island (my favorite movie of all time). This is definitely the case here with Arrival.
- Seeing the characters interact with the octopus like creatures is very, well unsettling at first, as we don't get to really see them for a good portion of the movie. This movie focuses way more on the interaction and adaptation of both the aliens as well as the main characters, and how they develop a
The Hateful Eight (2015)
The Hateful Eight - Definitely a Tarantino Film!
- This movie to me feels like a game of clue, with a more thought out story, and way more gore (classic Tarantino). I am a little indifferent about this one, on one hand I love the story and the plot, but I also just feel like it's so randomly placed, just pieced together as well do. I understand why the bounty hunters killed Minnie in a sense, but it almost feels avoidable, especially since Mr. Warren is know for being a very intelligent bounty hunter, as he defuses the situation at hand. We also are introduced to Jody, but he gets barley any screen time in this VERY long flick. I actually enjoyed Tatum's character, but it is short lived and underwhelming for sure. This all being said, it is still a great Tarantino film and I gave it just under an 8 for the reasons listed above!
The Machinist (2004)
The Machinist - An original and interesting plot
- I've never seen a more dedicated transformation for a role than what Bale did for this part. Trevor is a sleep deprived industrial worker who is struggling to deal with something of his past as well as his present. Trevor is haunted by Ivan, a recurring figure that to all others does not exist. Not only does Trevor have a lack of sleep, he in fact has not slept in over a year, rendering him exhausted and vulnerable to his own mind playing tricks on him. Trevor slowly starts losing trust in everyone who has given him hope. Then, he eventually cracks, to the point of no return.
- This genre of movie is one I tend to gravitate to, as i like a film that allows me to interpret the plot from beginning to end. Bale's performance is so deserving of an individual award. This movie has a slow build up, but I never looked away as I knew some big twist was always coming my way. This is a treat of a movie and I suggest it to anyone!
Last Knights (2015)
Last Knights - Worth a watch!
- I randomly stumbled upon this film on Netflix and decided to give it a go, based solely off of the trailer and the actors that were in the movie. I believe this movie doesn't get any sort of attention that is may deserve, as the plot while sort of cliche also has some originality to it.
- This movie follows Raiden and his group of knights that are belonged to a one Lord Bartok, played by Morgan Freeman. After lord Bartok is accused of trying to kill a high member of the table, he is to be executed by his very own protector, Raiden. This movie then follows the group of knights as they plan to infiltrate the castle and kill the man responsible for the death of there lord.
- One thing that really hurt the score of this film for me was the sound design, which is something I never really complain about. There were some really cool shots and fights in this movie that were all toned down with very poor sound design. Overall made it seem less real and convincing. The movies execution and story make it a film worth watching.
Polar (2019)
Polar - A John Wick knockoff
- I have some mixed feelings about this film. I've been meaning to watch it and got around to it. In a sense, this movie follows an assassin who is being targeted by his own organization as he is closing in on retirement. This movie almost feels like a combination of 2 styles, one serious old school style of mads, and a comic book graphic style of the other assassins trying to kill him. Overall I was not a huge fan, there were some cool ideas, but just felt like a knockoff John Wick, with none of the flair. The action felt very slow and staged and had no flow to it at all. Not the best Netflix original that's for sure.
WALL·E (2008)
WALL-E - Pixar does it again!!
- Pixar you dirty geniuses! This is by far there most creative and outgoing story in the universe, showing the future and what consequences can do. This movie has the signature Pixar charm, but also shows a more realistic view of what us as humans can do to the planet if we aren't careful. The characters are so lovable and have such original designs behind them. This movie can teach so much, and the brilliant idea behind WALL-E and he is designed. Please watch this if you haven't and enjoy it!
Braveheart (1995)
Braveheart - FREEDOM!
- It's been a while since I've seen this classic, but I definitely remember it and it is one of the most iconic movies in today's day. I originally saw this movie back in high school, in my history class and was blown away by how upfront and emotional this film is. It's not one that I have revisited, but is a genuine and revenge filled tale. Also, this movie holds an award for on of the most iconic scenes of all time! FREEDOM!
Minority Report (2002)
Minority Report - Everybody Runs
- I've been going through Netflix and Amazon looking to watch old movies that I have never seen. I was told that this movie was a good one, so I came in with pretty high expectations, which is always risky when it comes to reviewing movies!
- This film follows John, a lead officer as part of the Precrime program, a program dedicated to stopping murders and killings before they happen. John can see visual images of the crime happening, gaining clues as to where they reside. John is silenced and confused when he sees an image of himself committing a murder, and his name pops up as the perpetrator. John, now on the run, must find out who he is to kill, and how he can prevent it from happening.
- This movie is an absolute joy ride, and may be one of the best sci-fi films out there, and it was made in 2002!!! Of course the visuals are not as perfect as they could be now, but the originality of the story really delivers on so many levels, and this is Tom Cruise at his best. This movie like all others has flaws, not too many, but they are still there. The biggest issue I had was what in the world happened to Sean?! We are never shown or told about an actual kidnapper and are just left to interpret. Seeing that Seans disappearance had such a large impact and John and his wife, it would be nice to know what really happened. All in all this is a classic, and would definitely re watch!
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse - Simply Brilliant
- This Spider-Man movie is unlike all others, exploring a world we're there are more than one individual that has been giving these powers from radioactive spiders. We follow Miles, a young kid who has in fact been bitten and slowly learns that he is just like his idol, Peter Parker. Miles has to deal with a couple of conflicts this movie. Hiding his powers from his Spider-Man hating cop dad, learning this new found abilities, saving his dimension and others from KingPin, and dealing with an loving uncle that is also working for the bad guy. A lot of these can be considered cliches, but this movie stands out from the rest, especially from and animation standpoint.
- This animation does something that most others don't, and that's balancing aspects that make a movie good. This movie is so funny, and has a such unique sense of humor. There is a scene where miles throws a bagel at a bad scientist, and when it hits him a text comes up. This text just says "bagel" above his head, and it made me laugh so hard! The comic book feel of hand drawn animation is so perfect, and the most brilliant thing is in the frames themselves. While Miles is learning to hone his powers, he is quite bad when it comes to web slinging and using his abilities. This being taken into consideration, he is a lot slower than Peter. The animators didn't only show him falling behind, but actually animated him at 12fps instead of the normal 24. This not only gives a sort of slow feeling to Miles, but as the movie progresses he gets faster and faster, eventually getting to 24 frames.
- Just a glorious movie, treat yourself to it if you have not yet!
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Saving Private Ryan - One of the best war movies
- I would like to think everyone has seen this movie, and for good reason. I do not know a lot about WW2 history, so I don't know how historically accurate this movie holds. That being said, this film is a masterpiece and demonstrates the brutality and sacrifices US soldiers make. No punches are held throughout this movie, starting right from the start as the soldiers charge on the beaches of Normandy. This movie really jerks your around and does not hold back, so be prepared for a journey. This is one of the higher rated movies on IMDB, and most people know why. I have heard that this is a movie that a lot of veterans choose as there favorite, weather that be due to the similarities or the accuracy of the execution of the story. A must watch for sure!
Ready Player One (2018)
Ready Player One - Everything I want in a gaming movie!
- Coming from a very passionate gamer, this movie is one that I can watch over and over and continually find enjoyment in! The concept isn't too original, and some of the character arcs are predictable, which is were I doc points for my score. That being put aside, the design of this movie is very satisfying and fresh. I like the whole idea of being able to escape the real world for a digital and more enjoyable one (also kind of a cliche). The cliches are pretty strong in this movie. Mother who chooses all the wrong boyfriends, living in a lower class society, a love interest that starts as an opposite of the main character, and a villain who wants to take control and run the show. Seems that it is harder and harder to find original concepts for modern movies, so I try to not punish scores too much. I still give this movie a higher score as I really enjoy the overall bridge from the real world and the digital one, as well as my general love for video game movies!
Sutorenjia: Mukô hadan (2007)
Sword of the Stranger - Everything I look for in an animated action movie
- My oh my did this movie blow my socks off!! I have never seen an animated movie taken in this kind of direction before and boy did it pay off. Everything from score, to the character interactions were handled to near perfection, all leading up to one of the best endings to an animated movie I've ever seen. This film may be hard to find as it is from 2007 and was not originally produced in America, but search for this hidden gem, you will not be disappointed!
Ex Machina (2014)
Ex Machina - An eerie and suspenseful journey
- At first, i was very skeptical about this movie. A plot based around an AI/robot displaying emotions and feelings towards human counterparts feels like a very overdone story, but the way director Alex Garland manipulated the viewer with a more concise feeling left me speechless.
- I'll be honest, I knew how this would end, or had a strong idea of how it would end, but the beauty of this film is that 10 mins in i was not even thinking about that, and before I knew it I was shocked by how the timeline progressed. A movie generated around the idea of emotions, and then being the forefront of the story, really creates a different sort of feeling than others do. This film was so so so good and I suggest it to anyone who has not seen. Also, give my boy Oscar Isaac an award for this performance!
Good Will Hunting (1997)
Good Will Hunting - A gem of a movie
- Matt Damon and Robin Williams are the perfect pair, and for a movie that was released in 1997, it really holds up!
- This story hits home for me specifically, which is why I give it such a high score, but is definitely not the only reason I rated it so. One of the best examples in film of well executed character development, not only in the role of Will Hunting (Matt Damon) but also for Sean Maguire (Robin Williams). Will is a unknown genius, working as a janitor at a local university. He suffers with many different problems that are focused on throughout the film, building beautiful connections with other characters. The intensity in some of these scenes are just breathtaking, creating almost a sort of discomfort, but in a good way if that makes sense. This movie centers around emotions and feelings, which is something that I really appreciate and connect to. Highly recommend to watch this if you haven't!
The Dark Knight (2008)
The Dark Knight - Heath Ledger in the driver seat
- Everyone says it, and of course it's true, this is by far the best joker and one of the best solo performances we have been gifted with. Heath Ledger is a mastermind, and all we can say is RIP. His role in this movie will never be forgotten, and he shattered my expectations for this film.
- The individual performances in The Dark Knight may just be the peek of the last decade. The characters of the DC world, or any comic story are some of the hardest roles in the industry, having the most critical audience. Not only are we giving the phenomenal performance from Ledger, but we also get Christian Bales amazing Batman, as well as other side roles. Like the title suggests, this movie is driven by Heath Ledger, and how he transformed into the crazy and psychotic Joker. I would talk more about how amazing this film is, but I would rather just have everyone experience it for themselves. Outstanding.