Change Your Image
![](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjQ4MTY5NzU2M15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwNDc5NTgwMTI@._V1_SY100_SX100_.jpg)
Severebutfair
Reviews
Smokin' Aces (2006)
A disjointed experience
This is a chaotic mess that epitomizes style over substance. From the convoluted plot to the overblown action sequences, the film fails spectacularly on almost every level.
The story revolves around a motley crew of hitmen converging on a Lake Tahoe casino to kill Buddy "Aces" Israel, a sleazy magician-turned-informant. What could have been an intriguing setup quickly devolves into a nonsensical, hyper-violent disaster. The script is laden with incoherent subplots and character motivations that are either underdeveloped or outright absurd. The numerous narrative threads are so poorly woven together that it's nearly impossible to care about any of the characters or their outcomes.
Speaking of characters, "Smokin' Aces" boasts an ensemble cast featuring the likes of Jeremy Piven, Ryan Reynolds, Ray Liotta, and Alicia Keys, yet utterly wastes their talents. Piven's portrayal of Buddy Israel is grating and lacks any real depth, making it hard to root for or against him. Reynolds, known for his comedic timing, is out of his element in a role that demands a more serious tone. The rest of the cast, including Liotta and Keys, are relegated to one-dimensional caricatures, offering little more than empty posturing and hollow dialogue.
The film's pacing is erratic, lurching from frenetic action scenes to sluggish exposition without any sense of rhythm. The action sequences themselves are excessively stylized to the point of being cartoonish. The relentless barrage of bullets, blood, and explosions quickly becomes numbing rather than exhilarating. Carnahan seems more interested in showcasing gratuitous violence and flashy visuals than in crafting a coherent or engaging narrative.
Additionally, the film's attempts at dark humor fall flat, often coming off as tasteless and juvenile. The forced edginess and nihilism feel contrived, as if the filmmakers were trying too hard to emulate the success of better-crafted crime films like "Pulp Fiction" or "Snatch." Instead, "Smokin' Aces" ends up feeling like a pale imitation, lacking the wit, intelligence, and originality that made those films stand out.
The soundtrack, a cacophonous mix of rock and hip-hop, is another misstep. Rather than enhancing the mood or complementing the action, it frequently clashes with the on-screen events, further contributing to the film's disjointed feel. The cinematography, while occasionally stylish, often opts for gimmicky angles and rapid cuts that detract from any potential immersion in the story.
Perhaps the most egregious flaw of "Smokin' Aces" is its utter lack of emotional resonance. Despite the high stakes and constant peril, the film never manages to elicit genuine suspense or empathy. The characters are too thinly drawn and the plot too muddled for any real investment. By the time the credits roll, the overwhelming feeling is one of relief that the ordeal is finally over.
In conclusion, "Smokin' Aces" is a prime example of a film that prioritizes flash over substance, resulting in a hollow, disjointed experience. Despite a promising cast and an intriguing premise, it collapses under the weight of its own pretensions and inept execution. Avoid this film if you value coherent storytelling, meaningful character development, or even just a modicum of cinematic enjoyment.
The Matrix Resurrections (2021)
A Disastrous Sequel That Shouldn't Have Been Made
From the moment "Matrix Resurrections" was announced, fans were filled with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Unfortunately, the final product overwhelmingly justifies the latter sentiment. This movie is a textbook example of how to tarnish a beloved franchise with a sequel that should have never seen the light of day.
Plot and Storytelling: An Incoherent Mess
The plot of "Matrix Resurrections" is an incoherent mess, lacking the innovative spark that made the original trilogy iconic. The narrative feels like a half-baked rehash of the first film, but without any of the originality or intellectual depth. Instead of expanding the Matrix universe in a meaningful way, the film regurgitates old concepts in a manner that feels both lazy and convoluted. It relies heavily on nostalgia, shamelessly recycling scenes and dialogue from the original trilogy without adding any new substance or context. The self-referential humor, meant to be clever, comes off as painfully self-indulgent, breaking any immersion or seriousness the story attempts to build.
Character Development: Non-Existent
The characters in "Matrix Resurrections" are pale shadows of their former selves. Neo, once a compelling and complex hero, is reduced to a brooding, confused shell of a character. Keanu Reeves' performance feels detached, as if he himself is unsure why he is back in this role. Trinity's return, while initially promising, quickly devolves into a gimmick, stripping her of the strong, independent identity she once had. New characters are introduced, but they lack depth and purpose, serving only as superficial plot devices rather than contributing meaningfully to the story. The new Morpheus, a pivotal character in the original trilogy, is disappointingly miscast and his role feels utterly pointless, failing to capture the essence and gravitas of the original.
Visuals and Special Effects: A Dull Spectacle
One of the most unforgivable sins of "Matrix Resurrections" is its failure to deliver visually. The original Matrix trilogy set new standards for special effects and action sequences. In stark contrast, the visuals in "Resurrections" are surprisingly subpar. The iconic bullet-dodging and wire-fu fight scenes have been replaced by generic, uninspired action sequences that lack the elegance and intensity of their predecessors. The CGI is inconsistent, at times looking cheap and unfinished. This is particularly disappointing given the advancements in technology since the original films. The drab and uninspired cinematography fails to capture the cyberpunk aesthetic that defined the series, leaving the film visually flat and uninteresting.
Themes and Philosophical Underpinnings: Hollow and Forced
The Matrix series is renowned for its philosophical depth, blending action with thought-provoking questions about reality, free will, and control. "Matrix Resurrections" attempts to continue this tradition but falls woefully short. The themes feel forced and superficial, lacking the profound insights that made the original trilogy resonate with audiences. The film touches on modern issues such as digital addiction and the influence of technology, but these themes are poorly integrated into the story, coming across as preachy and contrived rather than organically woven into the narrative. The meta-commentary on sequels and reboots feels like a desperate attempt to be relevant and self-aware, but instead it just highlights the film's own inadequacies.
Direction and Pacing: A Tedious Experience
Lana Wachowski's direction in "Matrix Resurrections" is a far cry from the visionary work seen in the original trilogy. The pacing is erratic, dragging in some parts and rushing through others, creating a disjointed and unsatisfying viewing experience. Important plot points are glossed over, while unnecessary scenes are dragged out, testing the audience's patience. The film's tone is inconsistent, oscillating between serious and campy, failing to find a coherent narrative voice. This lack of direction leaves the audience confused and disengaged, undermining any potential the film might have had to be a worthy continuation of the series.
Conclusion: A Franchise Better Left Untouched
"Matrix Resurrections" is a prime example of why some stories are better left concluded. It fails on nearly every front: storytelling, character development, visual appeal, thematic depth, and direction. Rather than honoring the legacy of the original trilogy, it diminishes it, making one question the necessity of its existence. For fans of the Matrix, this film is a bitter pill to swallow, serving as a stark reminder that sometimes, it's best to leave well enough alone.
Gli anni folli della velocità (2021)
Cinematic incompetence
"Gli anni folli della velocità" by Gabriele Ogiva is a nauseating concoction of cinematic incompetence and sheer absurdity. Ogiva's direction is a haphazard mess, with scenes that lurch from one incoherent moment to the next, leaving viewers bewildered and frustrated. The film's attempt to capture the essence of speed and excitement falls flat, as the frenetic pacing only serves to exacerbate the lack of substance. Characters are thinly drawn caricatures, devoid of any depth or relatability, making it impossible to care about their supposed plight. The plot, if it can even be called that, is a jumbled mess of clichés and contrivances, devoid of any semblance of originality or coherence. Overall, "Gli anni folli della velocità" is a cinematic trainwreck that should be avoided at all costs, and Gabriele Ogiva's direction only adds insult to injury.
Addio in febbraio (2022)
Waste of time
"Addio in febbraio" and its director, Gabriele Ogiva, present a dismal cinematic experience that fails to engage on any meaningful level. The film is a disjointed mess, lacking coherent storytelling and compelling characters. Ogiva's direction feels amateurish, with awkward pacing and uninspired visuals that do little to elevate the material. The plot is muddled and nonsensical, leaving audiences scratching their heads rather than emotionally invested. Despite attempts at profundity, the film comes across as pretentious and hollow, with themes that are poorly developed and ultimately meaningless. Overall, "Addio in febbraio" is a forgettable and regrettable entry in the world of cinema, and Gabriele Ogiva's direction does little to redeem it.
Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018)
Great action, poor script
This episode attempts to revive a franchise that's already running on fumes, but sadly, it falls flat. While Tom Cruise's dedication to performing his own stunts is commendable, it's not enough to salvage a film that feels like a recycled version of its predecessors. The plot is convoluted and predictable, relying too heavily on overused action sequences that fail to elicit any real excitement. Despite the talented cast, the characters are one-dimensional and lack any real depth, making it difficult for the audience to invest in their journey. Overall, it's a forgettable addition to the series that offers little in terms of originality or entertainment value.
Sahara (2005)
A waste of time
An utter disappointment, a cinematic desert devoid of substance or coherence. With a plot as dry as the titular landscape, this film manages to squander its talented cast in a maze of clichés and mind-numbing action sequences. Matthew McConaughey's charm can't salvage this sinking ship, as the story sinks deeper into absurdity with each passing minute. A a cinematic catastrophe, a misguided attempt at adventure that leaves viewers stranded in a sea of mediocrity. Despite boasting a talented cast, the film fails to deliver anything remotely engaging. The storyline is convoluted, the dialogue cringe-worthy, and the action sequences laughably over-the-top. It's as if the filmmakers took every tired trope from the action-adventure genre and threw them together in a blender without any regard for coherence or originality. Save yourself the agony of enduring this desert of a movie and watch paint dry instead.