TheDestroia Reviews

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024)

A visual treat!

[7/10 · 14 May 2024]

Visuals 10/10 Story 8/10 Storytelling 7/10 Action 7/10 Humour 5/10

Overall 7/10

Beautifully crafted scenes that immerse the viewer in the wonderful world of Hollow Earth and its multiple denizens. Their facial expressions are impressive!

The storytelling seems to take precedence over the action with people talking alot about what is going on and who is doing what. But there is alot to tell or else it would be confusing in basically an alien landscape.

The action is decent. But feels a little subdued. Were the producers keeping to a time limit, perhaps? I think if they had put extra effort into the fighting, it may have gone three hours. I think they found the right balance.

The silly humour lost me a little. It almost felt Michael Bay-ish. Hopefully they do not intend on going this way. I like more dark humour and action in this kind of film. Especially in the earlier movies. They were alot darker. This one seemed a bit too bright and cheery.

Otherwise a good outing. Too bad I left it so long until the final screenings to see.

Dune: Part Two (2024)

Less action, more storytelling and dialogue.

[7/10 · 20 March 2024]

Special Effects 10/10 Storytelling 8/10 Acting 8/10 Action 5/10

Overall 7/10

I am giving a lower score simply because it is more story and dialogue than action. Whereas Dune: Part One was more balanced between story, dialogue and action. Further to this, I have seen the original 1984 Dune and it follows a very similar story driven path which should not change regardless of my feelings here.

I must say though that the highlights for me were the special effects and character interactions.

The action kind of took a backseat as the story needed to be told so as to understand exactly what each characters agenda was. This kind of dulled the fight scenes for me.

The Harkonnen characters also seemed quite weak and pathetic compared to their confident bravado in Part One. However, the fremen with Paul Atreides made up for this in each successful battle.

The brilliant acting needed to outshine the action or else it would have been incredibly boring. Therefore, the dialogue scenes were a job well done.

I look forward to continuing where both Part Two and 1984's Dune ended. Rubbing my hands together with anticipation!

The Beekeeper (2024)

Beekeepers have stings too...

[7/10 · 23 January 2024]

Fight Scenes 10/10 Acting 5/10 Actors 3/10 Attempt At Humour 1/10

Overall 7/10

Running Time: Two hours

The Beekeeper has noticeably enjoyable action throughout with mostly weak acting from no-name actors. The attempt at humour was very apparent.

Now back to the action! The only really interesting parts of the movie as the story is not really worth repeating. Although it has only a few good points.

One thing I really liked is the fact it reminded me of a good old 80's action movie where the main protagonist and the fight he brings was top priority. We need more action heroes... I miss them.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom (2023)

Beautiful Visuals

[7/10 · 7 January 2024]

Disclaimer: I am going to be completely biased towards negative feedback as I watched the entire movie without eating or drinking because neither my ordered food nor my drink ever came to my seat. Although I did get a refund, I may actually look at ordering from inside the cinema if it ever happens again.

Thirst 10/10 Hunger 5/10 Storytelling 7/10 Characters 8/10 Visuals 10/10 Overall 7/10

After seeing the trailer, I was excited for the story and scenery. I was not disappointed. The story was easy to follow. But nothing to crow about.

The characters kept it all together with some humourous interactions and someone mentioned to me that Amber Heard's character was cut out. This statement is untrue.

Beautifully rendered environments were abundant and although clearly computer generated. Did not take away from the experience.

Only the fact that the movie was called Aquaman and I was dying of thirst from not getting the water I ordered. This was my only ill experience.

I will make sure this never happens again.

Napoleon (2023)

Blood, gore, dark and gritty.

[7/10 · 28 November 2023]

Storytelling 7/10 Blood and gore: High Visuals 10/10 Acting 9/10

Overall 7/10

Director Ridley Scott definitely put his mark on this film. Blood and gore throughout a dark and gritty retelling of one of the greatest military commanders in history.

As much as I enjoyed most of the storytelling. There were parts which slowed down the momentum to a point leaving me feeling restless. But they were few and the far between.

If you decide to see this on the big screen you will not be disappointed with all the cinema audio and beautiful vistas which could be CGI'd? It looked that good.

The acting from good actors is what makes this movie interesting between action scenes with memorable characters. Definitely some period dialogue and exchanges which a younger audience may be confused about. Nevertheless, this is the 18th century. Humour included to offset confusion.

The Creator (2023)

Better left for the small screen.

[7/10 · 29 September 2023]

Acting 5/10 Special effects 9/10 Story 5/10 Ending 6/10

Overall 5/10

I was not going to watch this on the big screen because I felt that it would be B-grade and better suited to the small screen.

I was not far off the mark.

There were a few moments where I thought it was taking off. But felt like the main part of the story where they search for a certain individual slowed things down and did not progress the story very well.

Plus being that Artificial Intelligence in the real world is taking off. This really just feels like a gigantic advertisement for it being the next positive step and not such a bad thing as everyone says.

As far as how it is all put together. I have watched similar movies about robots and AI that were done much better. The acting was okay, but with superb special effects. So it only just kept me interested.

The only part I really enjoyed was the ending. Otherwise everything else was pretty meh.

Blue Beetle (2023)

Some good action!

[7/10 · 20 September 2023]

Early Dialogue: 3/10 Characters: 8/10 Special Effects: 9/10 Action: 8/10

Overall: 7/10

To say I knew nothing about this movie is an understatement. I told everyone I knew that I was seeing a Marvel movie... But DC it is!

It starts off very weak. The characters seem like they are warming up to each other with forgettable dialogue. But then as the personalities of each character reveal themselves, they inject some much needed life into the film and then the fun begins!

The protagonist and his entertaining family is where all the value of this film sits. I was very entertained from the time he gains his powers, shows them off and gets into a few fights. The special effects were on point, too. I hardly noticed them.

The latino humour fell flat in places. However, the theme of family hit home for me and was very well done about halfway through when my heartstrings were well and truly pulled.

I highly recommend this film for a fun time out for late teens upward. It just had some very pointless dialogue in places and although it might be better on the small screen because you could avoid these scenes, you might just miss out on the beauty of the action scenes which were quite memorable!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023)

Inclusive Toidles

[6/10 · 13 September 2023]

Story: 5/10 Animation: 8/10 Humour: 7/10 Action 6/10 Musical score: 9/10 Themes: 3/10

Overall: 6/10

It started off well with an interesting story, but being the purist that I am. I did not like the changes to the origin story that I know from the 1990 movie and TV show. After which I kind of lost some interest and just dialled into other aspects of the movie.

The animation was good and the humour kept me interested until I got used to that too. The target audience are teenagers, so it is a little immature for an older audience. However, it has watchability. Just not for the big screen. Seeing it on the small screen will be just fine. Unless you go with kids, then they will love it!

My favourite parts were some of the voice acting and the musical score by the grandest margin! I started listening to the album on Spotify on my way home and have added as a favourite now. It is not for everyone, but has beats I enjoy.

The only part I felt was out of place was the sheer ridiculousness of how the theme of inclusion was portrayed and how the "Toidles" have unrealistic expectations of fitting in with the human world. The screenwiters made it work - but it was very silly how they ran it.

I just think they should stick to the Canon when it comes to original concepts. Otherwise it is just different story in a Ninja Turtle guise.

Plus Michaelangelo just does not seem the same without his surfer personality - cowabunga dude!!!

Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)

Truly entertaining and immersive!

[10/10 · 18 July 2023]

Visuals 9/10 Characters 10/10 Storytelling 10/10 Fun 10/10 Musical score 10/10

Overall 10/10

I had so much fun watching this! With the beautifully crafted scenes around the globe, special effects executed to near perfection, intriguing characters telling an interesting story, entertaining action sequences and the upbeat soundtrack!

What made this for me was that the camerawork involved in portraying each characters actions and dialogue was outstanding in all scenes, even the minor ones. Truly immersive between the fun and the intense moments! Which were kind one and the same at times.

Highly recommended!

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)

A fun adventure!

[7/10 · 12 July 2023]

Adventure 9/10 Fun 10/10 Special Effects 5/10 Story 8/10 Characters 9/10

Overall 7/10

Let us address the elephant in the room. The special effects used for a young Indiana Jones is quite noticeable. However, it is only for a short period of the entire movie and it is done much better than in The Flash (2023).

I still sense elements of the original Indiana Jones movies after watching all the prequels a couple of years ago. The characters, their personalities, how they interact and their endings are all reminiscent of the previous installments.

The fun and adventure I get from this movie is one I rarely feel from any movie nowadays! It was a pleasure to watch and although alot of reviews state otherwise. I would suggest watching the previous movies as an adult like I did and it might put this film into perspective. Whereas childhood memories might skew ones judgement.

The story was reasonable and well put together. But nothing that someone with good investigation skills could not figure out. Even if you leave your brain at home, the characters tell you everything you need to know in order to follow the storyline and enjoy it.

Overall an enjoyable movie. One fit for the big screen along with some snacks! So sit back, relax and enjoy a fun time!

No Hard Feelings (2023)

Dumb Entertainment

[7/10 · 11 July 2023]

Dumb Entertainment 7/10 Engagement 7/10 Humour 7/10

Overall 7/10

Really just dumb entertainment where you can leave your brain at home and have a fair time.

The story needs no mention because it does not stray from the plot at any time.

The characters are minorly interesting with their unusual backgrounds and personality traits. But nothing to crow about.

I thought maybe this could be another highschool coming of age story. But it really centers around the Jennifer Lawrence character, Maddie. Which is not such a bad thing as she holds the movie together well. If not for her, maybe it could have gone south.

There is one surprising scene. But you will have to watch to experience this for yourself.

Other than that, it is not really woth seeing at the movies unless you and a group of friends have time to kill.

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023)

Underwhelming

[5/10 · 27 June 2023]

Acting 4/10 Story 5/10 Special effects 7/10 Characters 4/10 Excitement 1/10

Overall 5/10

A very underwhelming film. Acting chops were mostly kept to some of the voice acting roles and the new faces were just that.

The story was the only interesting part of this movie and kept things flowing with the slower themes on teamwork and family. Not really the place for that. I just want robots to fight and to fight well!

Special effects were good but not as epic as the first 2007 Transformers movie. That was just a completely different animal.

Characters had moments that were only briefly interesting until they started to care for each other. Which slowed things down.

Excitement is lacking until the end fight scene which is what this movie should really be about - giant robots fighting and really showing us their true mettle!

As far as the original Beast Wars and Transformers TV shows go - this has nothing but the characters from each series. So do not expect much to reminisce about.

Not disappointing but definitely not worth seeing at the movies. Wait for the smaller screen and it might seem more impressive.

The Flash (I) (2023)

Goofy with some impeccable characters.

[6/10 · 21 June 2023]

Warning! Spoilers!

Special Effects 6/10 Characters 9/10 Story 6/10

Overall 6/10

At first, The Flash lives up to its name with the speedy protagonist and his heroically goofy feats. With visually stunning effects used to portray his breaking of the light and time barriers. However, uses of the special effects for the other "Barry" fall very flat in some scenes and could have been improved to make it more believable that they were two different people. Especially when they are having a dramatic scene, it just looks strange that he is getting emotional and you know the face of the other "Barry" is CGI. Just weird.

The other characters on the other hand are impeccable! With the multiverse theme, it is cool to have the original 1989 Michael Keaton Batman return with all the bells and whistles! Including a Supergirl, played by Sasha Calle. Who I must say, played a superb Cryptonian once she donned the red cape in both persona and fighting capabilities. It would have been cool to see how this world could have gone had it not ended the way it did.

Which brings me to General Zod, played by Michael Shannon. Wow. I really liked his portrayal of Zod and just the general storyline. It kind of had a JJ Abrams feel to it which makes me want to revisit the original Superman movies!

With all of my positive feedback aimed at everything bar CGI, The Flash character and main story. It is better suited to the small screen. That way the CGI'd Barry is more believable. However, I am happy I got to relive my Batman experiences and the dark side of DC on the big screen. Just do not stay for the after credit scene. It is just as goofy as parts of this movie.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)

Storytelling Masterpiece!

[10/10 · 8 June 2023]

Visuals 9/10 Storytelling 10/10 Musical Score 10/10 Characters 10/10

Overall 10/10

This sequel had next to no advertising and surprised me with it's arrival in cinemas. It just does not need any as the first installment set this sequel up to follow in some immensely successful footsteps.

My only issue is that during one of the fight scenes, I could not follow what was happening because of the animation. But hey, it was still beautifully done! Everything else inclusive!

The best storytelling by far as you have beautifully animated characters with lifelike emotional facial cues, deep and meaningful dialogue in every aspect of the story from very memorable characters and a near perfect musical score that plays to the beat of the oncreen action/drama.

I also love that the multiverse is more than just the storyline for this movie. It includes the stories from all the Spider-Man iterations from over the years.

The way each character old and new is re/introduced shows how much care went into this beautifully crafted movie. Entertainment from start to finish! Whether it be slow meaningful scenes up to the high paced action. Suitable for everyone of any age!

Fast X (2023)

4DX feels like the vehicular destruction in-movie!

[8/10 · 24 May 2023]

4DX 10/10 Action 10/10 Acting 5/10 Jason Mamoa 10/10 Dialogue 5/10 Story 10/10

Overall 8/10

Warning! If you choose to see this in 4DX. Be prepared to become apart of the action! You will be ragdolled!

As you can imagine. The action is immense with spectacular special effects and outrageous stunts. Definitely unrealistic. But hey, we are not here for the acting...

Most of the usual cast are okay and some of the newer cast seem out of place with the roles they are in. But Jason Mamoa eclipses them all with his Joker-esque bad guy persona. His character makes you love and hate him at the same time.

The dialogue is generally heroic, Love themed and kind of generic. However, the humour makes up for it and is needed between being thrashed around in a 4DX seat.

The story is nothing new. But is done well and the re-introduction to some former characters later in the story is paramount to what will become the sequel. Which, I might say, should be pretty awesome.

Remember. If you choose 4DX, you will feel it!

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

Storytelling at it's best!

[9/10 · 9 May 2023]

Music: 10/10 Storytelling: 10/10 Characters: 10/10 Special Effects: 9/10 Action: 10/10

Overall 9/10

Music has always been a large part of the Guardians of the Galaxy since day one. So this outing is no different and employs each song with great effect. Evoking emotions both from my own personal experiences with the track and how it relates to what is happening onscreen.

The elements of story, humour and dark moments are so well balanced that while you are preoccupied with the retelling of past events in the history of one of the main characters. You will feel the emotion from the dark moments and then get blindsided by the wacky humour the next. Very well done!

The special effects are so well done that it makes everything onscreen feel alot more authentic. Of course they are not completely perfect. But close enough and it makes the action so much more fun!

The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)

Herrre we go! Yahoo!!!!

[7/10 · 17 April 2023]

Animation 10/10 Voice Acting 9/10 Story 5/10

Overall 7/10

Excellent animation. I would not have minded a live action movie. But given the story and what happened. It made more sense to make it with the videogame franchise in mind.

The voice acting was phenomenal. I did not know who they were until after the movie finished. But it did make more sense why some characters were a certain way.

The story was the same Super Mario formula. Which is not a bad thing. But it added nothing new. Even with the theme songs it made for a cute production.

Speaking of music, there was a pretty cool rock-themed ditty.

John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)

I have an appointment with John Wick...

[8/10 · 17 April 2023]

9/10 Storytelling 8/10 Action 8/10 Overall

Excellent storytelling throughout by outstanding actors. Every scene is deliberately drawn out with thoughtful dialogue to reveal the nature of each character and their intentions with John Wick.

The action scenes are a combination of all of the previous installments with enemies new and old alike. A little variance in the killing is also present with a mixture of guns, melee weapons and environments.

Between all of the killing are the small moments that characters share with each other in dialogue, expressions and even just the musical track in the background. This really builds the character personalities for the small amount of screen time that some of them get making them truly memorable.

Not really necessary to see on the big screen unless you're really into killing sprees.

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)

Ye be prepared for thou Quest?!!

[9/10 · 2 April 2023]

After checking reviewers that compare this positively to their D&D experience I can say:

10/10 D&D Universe 8/10 My experience 7/10 Special effects

9/10 Overall

Intially I was very excited after seeing the first trailer. However, the trailers that followed did not do this movie justice. I lowered my expectations, actually got what I wanted and then some!

The first thing I noticed was that the scene environments and props were quite realistic with some use of eighties styled animatronics and makeup for the humanoids. Thank you not using CGI for everything!

Thr storyline was not straight off the pages of a science fiction fantasy novel. But man, once I realised what universe it was set in, I was immediately thrust into a very familiar plane of existence! Even if it is an adapted story for a Hollywood film. Speaking of Hollywood. Their were alot of celebrity faces that surprised me, too.

I do not want spoil anything in this movie as D&D fans will have their own experiences and will find alot to relate to. Even the uninitiated will enjoy the content and will relate to the themes found therein.

I cannot mention enough about the choreographed fight scenes! What I have read in the books based in this particular world was translated perfectly!

The bountiful level of mirth gave this film a bouncy feel throughout which did not really fit with my general experience of the novels. But there was an equal measure of dark and light themes including some that tugged at the heart strings. Well done!

Did I mention the vistas! Such beautiful scenery!

Plus some cool tunes!

Now go forth! Ye must seeketh thou fortune amongst purveyors of darkness! Make haste! Gods be with you!!

Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)

Warning! Immature themes!

[6/10 · 22 March 2023]

5/10 from an adult perspective 8/10 from a youth perspective 6.5/10 overall

Definitely aimed at the youth of today with immature themes and dialogue. However, it is still silly fun by adult standards with decent soundtrack.

The action and characters carried the movie as the story was quite basic and did not really bring anything new to the superhero genre. I would like to see a bit more depth to what the superheroes have access to within their lair. Because their super powers can only take them so far within this franchise.

Not really worth seeing at the movies unless you do not mind immature themes.

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)

Big Acting Chops!

[8/10 · 6 March 2023]

Story 7/10 Action 7/10 Acting 10/10

Overall 8/10

This movie seems to snowball from strength to strength with a simple story that gradually grows into something bigger than this one event within the Marvel universe (Excuse the pun).

Action which at first feels familiar but surprises with each offensive manouvre given the technology available to each side. Including one on ones, skirmishes and a siege scene.

But the most impressive part by far is the main antagonist. I look forward to what personalities he brings to the sequels that he is apart of. His acting chops are level 100!

Now, please excuse me while I do some research to understand who this character is within the comic universe...

Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)

Visually Perfect!

[8/10 · 8 January 2023]

Special effects: 10/10 Story: 5/10 Acting: 7/10

Overall 8/10

A workmate said that he was asleep for most of this movie. Everyone else I spoke with however, loved it!

It starts with a small recap of the previous movie as it has been a number of years since that installment.

The special effects are why this movie works. If it had been a story about conflict between human nations, it would be quite ordinary and could be likened to similar events in other movies. However, this definitely is not. It is very beautiful, scenic and visually disturbing with the ugly side of conflict.

Aspects to the story are not very original and a little predictable. But are nonetheless done well and carried by the visual effects.

Some of the characters are very memorable with notable acting. But being that alot of the cast are young people, you can expect a few scenes to be a little cringe. Plus the accents are a little strange to listen to. But if that was the intention for alien accents, then well done!

If you are fascinated by alien worlds with conflict, then this movie is for you! Otherwise, wait for the small screen and watch it at your leisure! It is a long movie and almost feels like a TV mini series back to back.

Enjoy!

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022)

RIP Chadwick Boseman

[7/10 · 20 December 2022]

Chadwick Boseman Tribute: 10/10 Dialogue/action balance 5/10 Humour 10/10 Musical Score 10/10 Characters 8/10 CGI 7/10

Overall 7/10

The tribute to Chadwick Boseman and his character was heartfelt and beautiful. Adding this extra element into the story took some work and more dialogue which made the scenes between the action seem longer.

Speaking of action. There was alot and they were good. But not groundbreaking. Plus the CGI was very noticeable in some scenes.

My favourite parts were the diverse and memorable characters with their humorous dialogue. Coupled with the musical score representing the different factions between tribal beats.

Overall, I would say that waiting to watch this on the small screen would not hurt. But still good on the big screen, if you are really keen.

Black Adam (2022)

Action and humour aplenty

[7/10 · 8 November 2022]

Story 5/10

Nothing outrageous. The usual hero and villain story. Easy to follow.

Action 7/10

A few super fights with entertaining use of slow motion capture. The best parts of the movie.

Overall 7/10

The fights are the highlight along with some humourous dialogue and scenes. Dwayne Johnson's portrayal of Black Adam reminds me alot of Arnold Schwarzeneggar's Terminator character with some dry, robotic one-liners:

"You killed the prisoner, didn't you?"

"... He didn't make it."

😎

I needed more characters for my IMDb review so here is a little tip. Watch the post credit scene. There is only one and it is a good setup for the sequel!

Halloween Ends (2022)

Halloween Must End Now

[7/10 · 4 November 2022]

Horror Special Effects 8/10

I am not one for horrors unless it can offer more than just killing and jumpscares. However, it is notable here that some of the horror scenes are very graphic and morbid. After more than half of the movie setting up the story, the bodies start to pile up.

Story 7/10

The most recent Halloween movies have had more story so as to keep to the originals pace. It covers psychotic effects of evil on the community and individuals. The narration from Laurie Strode covers the explanation instead of just showing the killing and surviving part.

Overall 7/10

The original theme music and visual hallmarks of the Halloween frachise are still there along with a small dose of humour to break up the psychobabble. Worth watching on the big screen if you like the most recent Halloween franchise. Otherwise wait.