thekingster Reviews

Black Adam (2022)

The hierarchy of power in the DC universe is NOT about to change.

[6/10 · 23 October 2022]

Although #DwayneJohnson assured us that with #BlackAdam "the hierarchy of power in the DC universe is about to change.," the movie does little to fulfill such a promise. The film is typical of what "The Rock" has given us before-just more opportunities for him to flex, this time in too-tight lightning bolt emblazoned tights. Black Adam (originally Teth Adam) was intended to be an ancient city champion to defeat an evil King--morph to 2022 and it turns out that Black Adam is an antihero of epic proportions. The movie does introduce us to a number of new cinematic characters out of "The Justice Society of America." Plenty of fodder to expand the franchise for more origin stories and #HenryCavill reprising his role as Superman to give a nod to a possible altercation between Supes and Black Adam in the ostensible sequel.

I won't ruin the plot but let's say it includes enough blow-up action to make #MichaelBay proud, a horde of "demon-zombie" skeletons, and plenty of scenes to let the Rock look shifty eyed at the camera (maybe we were supposed to smell what Black Adam was cooking?") Since I have been, and always will be a #Batman devotee, I will watch anything produced by the DC Extended Universe (just like I have seen everything in the Marvel Cinematic Universe...).

Low plot quality.

Pilgrim's Progress (2019)

Good story - poor animation.

[4/10 · 19 April 2019]

Overall animation = C-/D+. While the storyline shared the essence of Christian's journey to the Celestial City, the level of animation reminded me of 1st generation video games at best. Too much effort was put upon making the characters with which Christian interacted a weird amalgamation of characters from the Capitol City of "Hunger Games," or bizarre adaptations of characters from "Alice in Wonderland." Good story but with very hokey adaptation and extremely questionable animation strategy.

The Tick (2016–2019)

Worth the View

[8/10 · 1 September 2017]

Anyone who has enjoyed episodes of "The Tick" in years bygone will not be disappointed in this series. While I am only six episodes in - the voice characterization of The Tick and his comedic quotes are enough to carry a sublime story line.

This character adaptation paints The Tick as the consummate hero - albeit strangely cast in this role. It has the feel of a "good" Deadpool. Some of the other character choices seem a bit wonky - but it adds to the mystique of what is to come.

13 Reasons Why (2017–2020)

Interesting Depiction of the Travails of Youth

[8/10 · 24 June 2017]

I don't recall how I got introduced to this series on NetFlix. If I recall correctly, a friend recommended it after my wife and I lamented that we were finished with our current binge, waiting for Games of Thrones to come back, and wanting to watch a new series.

Spoiler: I read the book after watching the series. The book presents a better story...NetFlix tried to work too many modern, controversial topics into the series: lesbian interaction, two "gay" dads, etc. The series is kind of an "over the top" presentation of one girl's determination to end her life after a series of disappointments. Most of these disappointments stem from guys who abused boundaries.

While it has been a few years since I taught high school, I found the drama to be very contrived. I have no doubt that teenagers do experience depressive episodes - but the minutiae bordered on ridiculous for much of the series. Perhaps the ubiquitous nature of technology really does erupt in viral communication all over a high school once an elicit photo has been produced. Somehow I doubt it. I recall teens being very clique oriented and so worried about how each was perceived.

You will get sucked in...I would say it's a solid B- series.

The Rundown (2003)

B+ Flick...mindless entertainment

[6/10 · 16 October 2005]

This movie will appeal to all who like action for the sake of action. "The Rock" does a moderate job of acting in this movie-but his performance would not win him any awards. I love the fight scene in the beginning against the football team. Overrated and improbable: of course...but it really appeals to the thrill seeker in me for some reason.

Sean William Scott plays off The Rock's character very well. I was disappointed with his performances in American Pie/Wedding. I thought he was a foul-mouthed, obviously stereotyped actor. I was pleasantly surprised at his different acting ability in this movie.

This movie is a B+ flick with good fight scenes and low budget story lines. Good for mindless entertainment.

The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978)

Excellent KungFu Movie

[10/10 · 15 October 2005]

I purchased this movie "used" at Amazon.com. I think it is one of the best KungFu movies I have ever seen. The training sequences and fight scenes are believable and in a word: AWESOME. This DVD/movie contains one of the best three-section-staff fighting scenes I have ever seen.

The review posted by "yella fella" hits the proverbial nail right on the head. The historical accuracy would best be determined by those who have studied these eras. The cinematography is excellent - I especially enjoyed the way the Liu is cast as an underdog and then rises to mastery in various segments of this film.

I grew up with KungFu Theater in the 70's. Step aside Carradine...this is the real McCoy...