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Reviews
The Actor (2024)
Expensive cars, bags of money, vintage guns, & Rock n' roll
This is an independent film that boasts an extensive and diverse cast, an ever-changing landscape, and a soundtrack that will having you tapping your foot, nodding your head, or maybe even singing along. The main word here is "fun." The film doesn't take itself too seriously while at the same time balances many deep and thoughtful considerations. Where is the line drawn between right and wrong? Who draws the line? We all have to "act" a little bit in life to get what we want right? These are the questions that might cross your mind while watching, and this is the moral conflict that exists for Hunter, the lead protagonist in the movie. It's fun to see great actors like Melissa Archer, Donny Boaz, and Sheila Houlahan step into character roles and fill out a supporting cast of familiar and new faces. Major Dodge takes on the role of Joe, the films lead villain. Every time he steps on screen you are just not quite sure if he's going to pour you a glass of scotch, or smash the bottle over your head. Phil Mendoza from "Better Call Saul" enters during the third act, and watch as celebrity UFC fighter Steven "Ocho" Peterson plays the menacing role of "Blender" while also performing all of his own stunts. Two things overall make this film stand out, there's absolutely no green screen or fake CGI effects. First, everything is practically done, and although occasionally unbelievable, you enjoy the fact that you're watching a great indie-film with an actual story containing constant set ups and payoffs. Second, Collective Soul completely rocks the soundtrack, and their energy is pulsing through the entire film, expanding over three decades of new and familiar rock songs.
Lift (2024)
Absolute garbage
Incredible waste of money, no story, no humor, not to mention BORING on every level. Netflix is determined to brand, monopolize, and produce movies themselves. There's only one problem. They're not artists, or storytellers. They have zero vision and rely on AI and algorithms to inform what they produce. This movie is just one of too many examples of what happens when you don't care about the kind of movies you make, you just shove out content (content is a horrible word that we all use now) to lure your subscribers into paying another month because the new Kevin Hart movie "might" be good. Its not. And it never will be.
Blame (2021)
Really incredible indie movie
This film was shot in -50 degree temperatures in the middle of a polar vortex and the cinematography is stunning. The score is original and effective, and the performances by this young cast are authentic - that is, none of them are whom they seem to be. Loved it, and damn the ending! The whole thing lines up in one awesome moment. Worth the watch.
The Grey (2011)
One of my top 10 of all time
This is one of the most underrated movies of the past decade. Joe Carnahan directs a Masterpiece in my humble opinion. Filled with emotion, tension, self reflection, and action, I literally sat paralyzed for about 30 minutes after experiencing the power of this in depth gripping picture that leaves a permanent impact.
Promising Young Woman (2020)
Total tease - major let down
I expected so much more. I watched with a large group of friends who love Mulligan, as do I, and this movie tries to hard to make a point instead of just being entertaining. Sad.
Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
5 years + 200 million dollars = a horrible movie?
This movie should've had audiences cheering! There's just no excuse for how much of a mess this entire movie was. It's Wonder Woman, it's colorful, its the 80's, it cost a fortune - so why is this movie no fun? Unfortunately, it's just bad, uninspired storytelling.
Zombie with a Shotgun (2019)
Zombies can pull triggers too
Very interesting twist on the completely oversaturated zombie film market. However, with unique animation and laugh out loud moments, this one will come off enjoyable!
The Unearthing (2015)
Intriguing and Daring
Writng, directing, and producing a film is one of the most difficult task any one to take on or hope to accomplish. Kudos to the director for going for it with every resource he had at his disposal. This film starts out seemingly cookie cutter normal, but then dips and dives into many different underlying currents between the three main characters. It's enough to keep you engaged to the end.
Moonlight (2016)
Worst film I've seen in a long time
Horrible filmmaking from
beginning to end. Poorly shot, poorly acted, highly inappropriate, full of agenda driven content. Can we just get back to entertainment please??
Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017)
Just pathetic
These movies used to make you excited! Now, this one especially, just leaves you feeling empty and duped. It's become one big commercial, untillegible, boring and full of false "wisdom". Yeah right. Couldn't even finish it.
Dragonball Evolution (2009)
Richard Blake should've had a larger role
Some of the most talented actors are supporting roles in this film. I met Mr. Blake in Japan at the premiere of this film and have followed his career ever since! Also, Justin Chatwin is the most perfectly cast Goku there could be. This story simply could've been better.
Moonlight (2016)
Worst film I've seen in a long time
Horrible filmmaking from
beginning to end. Poorly shot, poorly acted, highly inappropriate, full of agenda driven content. Can we just get back to entertainment please??
The Rocket (2018)
Phenomenal Work
For being what it is, this film is a rare gem of inspiration and magic that is certainly a throw back to a more nostalgic time. It reminded me of larger than life movies like "Hoosiers" and "The Natural" that made you believe that anything was possible, yet the setting was still small, relatable, and relationship focused. Not only does it manage to be entertaining and exciting, the lead actor Brady Tutton, who is just 14 years old, is a remarkable talent. This is one I will be watching again and sharing with my kids. Lots of palpable lessons for young and old alike with a healthy does of orchestral score that will lift you out of your seat.