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An error has ocurred. Please try againI based it off:
- re-watch ability
- story
- humour
- my personal preferences
Reviews
Hot Shots! (1991)
Hot Shots!
PLOT: A group of air force pilots must go on a top secret mission with the help of the newly brought on Topper Harley (played by Charlie Sheen).
MY THOUGHTS: I love spoof movies. They are very hilarious if done right. The older ones such as the Naked Gun, Airplane, and any of the Mel Brooks films are just delightful to watch. This one is no different. I find this movie very funny and it pulls out all the stops to make you laugh. Being that it is older, many jokes aren't as raunchy as today's standards, but it doesn't have to be. Many jokes in this movie are more dry or just plain ridiculous, but it makes you howl with laughter none the less.
PROS/CONS: This film is hilarious from start to finish. No joke is weak and causes the film to lag in any area of the picture. Very few comedies can keep you laughing completely throughout it and this one definitely does. Very funny no matter how much I watch it.
OVERALL: 9/10
Walking Tall (2004)
Walking Tall
PLOT: A soldier returning home is shocked to find his hometown corrupt due to the new casino that has moved in. It has been not only rigging games and taking money from the townsfolk, but also a secret racket for selling drugs on the streets. When the police refuse to help him, he takes the law into his own hands and soon becomes sheriff with the sole purpose of taking back his town.
MY THOUGHTS: Honestly, The Rock is a very good actor. It is difficult to find not only someone who is big, but also has acting chops as well. This movie is one of my favorites to star Dwayne Johnston. It is a very good story. The story of one man standing up against many for the greater good has been done many times, but this one is told a little different. At first, nothing is wrong, but eventually, the main character realizes the issues with what the town has become and he gets involved himself not caring who will try to stop him or what they may use in order to do so. What is depicted in this movie is really how this world works, it's hard to believe, but it is true. Watching someone stand up to it (though in a movie) makes you want to "walk tall" too. It sends a good message.
PROS/CONS: This movie is pretty good. I mean, it is a WWE studios film, which at the time, they were just starting to really push themselves with what they could do and it shows. This movie is very well thought out and also very well done. The only nitpick I have to say personally, is the fact that Johnny Knoxville is in it. He is not a good actor. He was a bad choice for this movie and you can tell he is the weakest link in this picture. All in all though, the performance is passable.
OVERALL: 9/10
Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Inglorious Basterds
PLOT: A group of Jewish-American soldiers are sent over to Nazi occupied Europe over the watchful eye of Lt. Aldo Raine, calling themselves "The Basterds" with the goal of killing as many Nazis as they possibly can.
MY THOUGHTS: It is a very unique concept of taking a historical period and putting a fictional twist on it. Everything in this movie didn't happen, but, you kind of wish that it did. It makes the end of World War II more amazing than it was in real life. The story is amazing, but so are the actors. The best by far in the picture is Christoph Waltz. The fact that he plays such a sadistic Nazi makes you believe he truly is one. He also acts in German, French, English, and even Italian which makes it even more amazing. Brad Pitt also did a good job in playing the leader and is quite funny in many scenes with his over the top American accent. Michael Fassbender was also extraordinary in the movie and did a fine job in going undercover as a German and also plays the role in various languages as well.
PROS/CONS: There are no real flaws with this movie that I can think of. It doesn't lag much like Death Proof did with its story and it keeps you entertained all throughout. Every character brings something to the story and it was a perfect picture (though there is really no such thing).
OVERALL: 9/10
Koneko monogatari (1986)
Milo & Otis
PLOT: A cat named Milo and a pug named Otis grow up together and become inseparable friends. When Milo gets washed down the river in a box however, Otis must follow it along the riverside in hopes of saving his friend.
MY THOUGHTS: This movie is shot beautifully. The footage consists of animals naturally interacting with one another which make it very enjoyable and even peaceful. The narrator does a good job in this movie narrating the story as well as doing all the voices for the characters.
PROS/CONS: Being that it is just animal footage (and sometimes feels as though it is randomly jumps from something to the next), makes the movie lag a lot. And even to some who may not think so, it may even become boring after a while to movie goers who need a little bit more excitement to stay interested.
OVERALL: 6/10
The Wolverine (2013)
The Wolverine
PLOT: After the death of Jean Grey (The Phoenix), Wolverine leaves the X-Men to live in the wilderness with no real idea of what to do next. He lives with no real purpose. Soon though, he is invited to Japan to accept a gift from the man he saved when the atomic bomb landed on Hiroshima back during World War II. When he gets there, mysterious things happen that cause him to lose his mutant healing ability. Logan must now find answers and find out what is wrong before it's too late.
MY THOUGHTS: Walking into this film, I knew it would not hold up to the other X-Men films due to the simple fact that this one takes place in Japan. I also questioned who would be the main adversary to Wolverine in this picture. Would it be Lady Deathstrike? Or Maybe even the Silver Samurai? But no, what we were given was a Silver Samurai like take on it with a twist. I believe the film had very good special effects (aside from the bear), and the atomic bomb flashback was amazing. However, I did think the film lacked in some parts and in a way, it slowed down the movie. Many things puzzled me too like how a robot insect-like thing could take away a genetic power, and how using two hands activated the adamantium sword at the end when clearly the robot was using one.
PROS/CONS: The special effects were amazing. Like always, you believed the claws were actually there and the flashback from WWII was by far the best CG used in the movie. You got a glimpse of what the healing factor did from all that radiation. Some characters in the movie were kind of boring and useless such as the archer guy and Viper, but nonetheless, the movie was decent.
OVERALL: 7/10
Batman Beyond: Return of the Joker (2000)
Batman Beyond: Return of The Joker
*Review May Contain Spoilers*
PLOT: Terry McGinnis, having been successful as the new Batman for some time with the help of his mentor Bruce Wayne, faces off against a new yet old criminal seemingly returning to the futuristic Gotham City to cause havoc.
MY THOUGHTS: This movie was dark. Really really dark. I enjoyed it very much because it was serious. It was an animated kids movie but it had attitude as well. After watching both versions of this film, I recommend the unrated version due to the fact that it has more action and is far more gruesome. I love Batman Beyond as a show. The fact that they made this movie to continue these characters makes me very happy. They pay homage to the previous Batman series from before and bring the Joker back in a very interesting and creative way. If you are a fan of the series, you will also be a fan of this movie.
PROS/CONS: The best part of this movie is the story. It has a very dark and serious tone. It goes back to the previous series and connects it to this movie. They put a lot of effort into how Joker is in fact brought back. The fact that he put his DNA in a microchip embedded into the brain of Tim Drake, the young Robin, was very dark and intriguing. And that years later, he planned on taking control of him. The Joker in a sense, wanted to expand his life by several years. Now that is twisted.
OVERALL: 9/10
Django Unchained (2012)
Django Unchained
*Review Contains Spoilers*
PLOT: A bounty hunter and former dentist Dr. King Shultz frees a slave named Django Freeman to get his help in finding the Brittle Brothers. Soon after killing them though, Shultz and Freeman plan on freeing Django's wife, Broomhilda from the Candyland plantation owner Calvin Candie.
MY THOUGHTS: Quentin Tarantino has done it again. I find the more and more movies he makes, the better and better they become. This movie was truly amazing. Very unique idea which was brought out and shot wonderfully. The action was amazing and the characters were very interesting. It had a perfect mix of action, comedy, romance, and seriousness. Christoph Waltz has yet another amazing performance as Shultz and Leonardo Dicaprio as Candie was also very threatening and well done.
PROS/CONS: The action was amazing and being that it is a Tarantino movie, very blood-soaked. But it did of course fit the picture. Its been a while since there was a very good western and this film hit it right on the head. Christoph Waltz and Leonardo Dicaprio are by far the two best actors in this movie and you can't take your eyes off them when they are in there scenes. The film pulls no punches either by killing both Candie and Shultz at the end. Like an eye for an eye and I found it very exciting. Some people complain about the gore and language, but honestly it doesn't bother me. If you are paying to see a movie like that, that sort of thing shouldn't surprise you.
OVERALL: 10/10 *MUST SEE*
Every Which Way But Loose (1978)
Every Which Way But Loose
*Review May Contain Spoilers*
PLOT: Philo Beddoe, a trucker and brawler, is accompanied by his friend Orville, and his pet orangutan, Clyde to drive across the country in hopes of finding Philoe's love Lynn Halsey-Taylor. Along the way, Philo manages to get an entire biker gang known as the Black Widows and a couple of police officers after him.
MY THOUGHTS: This is a Clint Eastwood movie with a different tone and concept of the rest. Its kinda random and sticks out from the others he has done. However, I love this picture. Its so entertaining and funny. The fact that this character ticks off an entire biker gang and police officers and comes out on top at the end is hilarious. Te film pokes fun at the cops and the typical "tough" bikers that people think of and I enjoy it. Beddoe's no care and tough as nails attitude make it funny. He's your average guy.
PROS/CONS: I love the fighting and the humour. Its an entertaining picture. But, to some, the country music may become annoying and the love may slow it down. But, the hilarious bikers, Clyde, and the friendship between Orville and Philo make it stay afloat.
OVERALL: 8/10
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
The Dark Knight Rises
*Review Contains Spoilers*
PLOT: Taking place eight years after the previous film left off, this film has a secluded Bruce Wayne return from his hiatus as Batman to face a new threat to Gotham City, a powerful masked menace named Bane.
MY THOUGHTS: I really enjoyed this movie. I knew coming into this picture, that it would not be able to top the previous installment, The Dark Knight, and I was right. However, this movie was still a very good watch, action packed, and a good ending to the Christopher Nolan Batman trilogy. I enjoyed the fact that Bane was an actual threat in this picture. The only live-action Bane we had been given was that of the Jeep Swenson one in Batman and Robin from 1997. This Bane however, was a huge improvement. And rather than be bossed around by someone else, he is the one making the rules. I found all the character contribute something to the story, even Catwoman played by Anne Hathaway, when I had thought that would not have been the case. I liked that they put Talia al Ghul in at the end and also revealed that John Blake played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt is in fact Robin...or at least would be.
PROS/CONS: Honestly, Bane looked fit, and in that sense, threatening, but not as much as he should have been. When I think of Bane, I think of a ominous towering, muscular man. But, by having that, you may sacrifice acting skill. I find that the story was lacking in some sense. There were plot holes. If the League of Shadows wanted Gotham to be better and "fixed", why change what the Dent Act had done? It solved all the problems. Bane and Talia's whole idea was in reality, a complete waste of time. Also, because this film's plot goes back to the ideas of the first film, Batman Begins, which basically makes the second film, in some ways, useless in regards to the story arc. Nitpicking as well, I did not like that the built up Bane was eventually defeated by a cheap shot delivered by Catwoman from the Batpod.
OVERALL: 9/10
Batman & Robin (1997)
Batman and Robin
PLOT: Batman and Robin must save Gotham from the cold clutches of Mr. Freeze who has partnered with Poison Ivy and the monstrous Bane. As they fight off they're enemies, Batman and Robin must learn to work together...
MY THOUGHTS: What hasn't been said about this movie and how bad it is? I feel I need to stress though that this movie is a comedy and a different take on the character. Sure if can be goofy and over the top, but the action is still good and it is still a very entertaining film. I actually enjoyed this "different" approach on the characters and the way it was portrayed.
PROS/CONS: Arnold Schwarzenegger was a very good choice to play Mr. Freeze. His lines weren't the best in my opinion, but I did still find the character to be a threat to Batman. With that said however, there are times where your patience with this character draws really thin. Uma Thurman was a fairly good choice for Poison Ivy, though I thought the character was rather boring and that she was not needed in the picture. Then I get to Bane, or lack there of. In this movie, other than his strength and threatening appearance, he was by far the most useless. All he did was say his own name and make various idiotic sounds. What it comes down to is that this movie had way too many characters in it and it becomes unbalanced and a complete mess. With all that said though, it is still very entertaining with the laughs and is a good "superhero stopping the bad guy from taking over the world" story.
RATING: 8/10
Jack Frost (1998)
Jack Frost
PLOT: Charlie Frost feels as though his father Jack doesn't give him enough attention due to the fact that he keeps forgetting to be there when he needs to the most. When Jack dies in a car accident, he is brought back to life as a snowman after his son plays a "magic" harmonica he had given Charlie. Jack then gets a second chance to be the father he should have been...
MY THOUGHTS: This movie is a very heartwarming film to watch with family and especially during the holiday season (which is when it takes place). Its very entertaining and an all around good flick. If you nitpick however, you find the film to have various plot holes and to have a very strange premise. With that said however, it is still a very good watch.
PROS/CONS: There is a lot of comedy in this film and it does make you laugh. Michael Keaton is good as always and his voice provided for the snowman and how he plays it is very entertaining. The film does has various story problems and the idea of it is very strange, but doesn't hold it back whatsoever.
RATING: 8/10
3000 Miles to Graceland (2001)
3000 Miles to Graceland
PLOT: A small group of Elvis impersonators rob a Las Vegas casino and soon after, theft and betrayal among them ensue.
MY THOUGHTS: This film is a very good action flick in terms of guns and gunfire. Its a good double-cross story and it makes you root for both the good guy and the bad guy. It also tells a very unique story using Elvis impersonators as the focus.
PROS/CONS: Kevin Costner plays a very good bad guy in this film. Whenever he is in a scene, you can't take your eyes off him because he is so unpredictable and twisted. This film is one of those movies where you ask yourself "why did they do that?" in some cases. During the opening credits, they have very poorly computer generated scorpions fighting each other (which could easily be passable due to the story), however, they have red eyes and giant spike-toothed smiles that don't seem to fit with what is going on. Some of the music choices for this film too were kind of odd seeing that it revolves around Las Vegas and Elvis impersonators. The movie also has various parts where it lags and slows the film down. With all that said though, it doesn't really hinder the movie in any way, just force you to ask yourself "why?" and make you do a double take.
RATING: 7/10
Hot Fuzz (2007)
Hot Fuzz
PLOT: Police officer Nicholas Angel is transferred to a small English village where he and fellow officer Danny Butterman must piece together the the mysterious deaths of several villagers.
MY THOUGHTS: After watching the hilarity of Shaun of the Dead, you know that you are in for more laughs from the hands of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost together once again. I also found it very humorous seeing Simon Pegg in a more serious role right after Shaun of the Dead for the fact that it is a complete opposite in character. This movie really does make you laugh and there are many kinds of jokes in this movie to satisfy any sense of humour.
PROS/CONS: Though the movie is very funny, I found it to be rather slow in the first half and in some cases lacking. However, once the second half starts up with the over the top death scenes and especially the final shootout that takes place in the town, you'll be happily entertained.
RATING: 8/10
Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010)
Batman: Under The Red Hood
*Review Contains Spoilers*
PLOT: A new masked vigilante appears in Gotham known simply and the "Red Hood". Batman must find out who he is and what his motives are as he pieces everything together and finds out all the answers...
MY THOUGHTS: What a bold and creative new story utilizing the Batman character and franchise. After watching it, I was in awe. One of the greatest animated superhero films of all time without a doubt. The plot has many twists and turns as you keep guessing the identity of this masked man only to realize the answer was right under your nose the whole time. The fact that Robin is the Red Hood makes you truly realize the affect of being in Bruce's shadow has had on the boy wonder. It also allows you to understand Batman's "rule" better as well. You get an even better understanding of the character.
PROS/CONS: If you are a fan of the Batman character, you are in for a real treat and will remain entertained the whole way through. If you're new to the character however, it may seem to lag a bit in some parts and you may not be completely involved in the story for the entire viewing.
RATING: 8/10 *Must see for any Batman fan*
Wreck-It Ralph (2012)
Wreck It Ralph
PLOT: An arcade video game character known as Wreck-It Ralph becomes disappointed with his life and that he is always known as a "bad guy". He decides to leave his game and jump between other titles in order to win a medal and return to his game a hero.
MY THOUGHTS: What drew me into this film the most was the fact that its story is one of the most creative and original ideas I have ever seen in a movie like this. It was done really well and made it feel like there is really a living, breathing world behind all those arcade screens.
PROS/CONS: The movie was very well done. Its very colourful and the fact that it takes place in various different video game worlds keeps its fresh and interesting as you watch. The only nitpick I may have is that it spent too much of its run time in "Candy Rush" (a candy land style racing game). In my opinion, too much time and it made me want him to jump to even more games.
RATING: 8/10
The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
Does He Deserve The Name "Amazing"?
*Review Contains Spoilers*
PLOT: Peter Parker has been bitten by a radioactive spider which gives him wall crawling abilities, acrobatic skills, and a "spider" sense. With the help of web shooters he invented, he becomes "Spider-Man". As all this is going on a scientist at Oscorp named Curt Conners finds a way to grow back his missing arm.In the process however, he becomes a giant human-like lizard and begins terrorizing New York. Can Spider-Man stop him before he succeeds in his plan to turn the majority of New Yorkers into giant lizards?
MY THOUGHTS: The Spider-Man in this movie, I find, is a little more dimmed down than he was in previous films. I didn't like how he would tear up as much as he did because it to me he seemed like a wimp. Several scenes in this movie didn't need to be there or could have been done better and different. I disliked the scene where he trains himself (his wall crawling) while he is skateboarding and doing ollies all over the place. It just didn't seem right. I did like it however that the film was more "current" with Parker using the internet and his phone because you could connect with it more.
Even though it is a new series of movies, I don't think the origin needed to be in it, or if it was, not make it take as long as it did. Don't get me wrong, It was cool to watch a different take on it, but it was boring because we have seen it many times again and again.
The main villain, The Lizard, was good for the most part and looked pretty cool. However, I would have like to see a more lizard like face with a longer nose as well as see him in a lab coat like in the comics. The Lizard was not done as well as Doctor Octopus or the Green Goblin for that matter. Needless to say, he did wear the lab coat in two scenes, but, it was ripped off him both times in just a few seconds.
PROS / CONS: It is good to see a new look on the character of Spider-Man as well as be given a newer origin story. His suit was alright, not as good as the previous one, but still alright. The Lizard was done well with just a few nitpicks like the nose and the fact that he didn't have his signature lab coat. The main problems though are almost all associated with the Spider-Man. He was whiny, his suit was passable, and his skateboarding was just out of place.
OVERALL: 7/10
The Lion King (1994)
The Lion King
PLOT: A young lion named Simba is the next in line to become king of Pride Rock. However, his father and current king Mufasa gets killed by his uncle Scar who then steals the throne for himself. Simba runs away from his past and leaves Pride Rock only to learn that you must face your past as well as learn from it.
MY THOUGHTS: The Lion King, in my opinion, will forever be Disney's greatest masterpiece. It teaches many powerful, serious, and mature life lessons to both the young and old. It does this through songs as well as dialogue between characters that talk about them in round about ways. An example is when Rafiki hits Simba with his stick and Simba says that even though it was in the past, "it still hurts." Rafiki then tells him that "the past can hurt" and that you have to choose to "either run from it, or...learn from it."
The songs in the movie are also very powerful. They also teach many lessons. The ones that stand out are "Circle of Life", "I Just Can't Wait to be King", "Be Prepared", and "Hakuna Matata."
PROS / CONS: This film is very powerful and emotional. You learn so much from it and it is truly one of the best films ever made. The songs are outstanding and the voice talent is breathtaking. There are no cons in this movie because it truly is one of the best movies ever made-animated or otherwise.
OVERALL: 10/10 *MUST SEE*
Death Proof (2007)
A collision of nachos, babes, Kurt Russell, and headlights!
PLOT: A deranged stuntman stalks young women and uses his "death proof" car to cause fear, damage, and death.
MY THOUGHTS: Death Proof is a very entertaining. Rather than use a machete, clawed fingers, or any other type of murderous weapon, the killer in this film uses his car. The idea for this movie is great. A "death proof" car that was built for stunt men equipped with a rolling cage to protect the driver is really vicious when put in the hands of a killer. Its unique and creative to solely use a car.
While watching this movie, there is only one actor in it that you really want to see. When Kurt Russell appears in any shot, you know that it is going to be funny, interesting, and threatening. He alone steals the show and brings a "bad ass" feel to Stuntman Mike.
The car stunts in this movie are amazing. While watching, you enjoy every second and are in awe of them. Death Proof brought more interest back to car chases in movies, and the final one lasts a good while too.
PROS / CONS: The best parts about Death Proof are the car scenes, death scenes, and Kurt Russell as Stuntman Mike. Now, with that said, the movie also tells its story at a slow pace and puts the viewer in the point of view of Stuntman Mike as you listen to his victim's conversations as he listens in the background. So as you are watching, some of these scenes go on for pretty long stretches.
OVERALL: 9/10