stole86 Reviews

Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024)

Not great but still good

[7/10 · 21 April 2024]

While it wasn't the best in the franchise (I guess no one really beats Tai Lung's charm) and being quite uneven, it was far from bad.

So what if it feels a little cheap at times and like a side story (absence of the furious five) and with a bit more childish humor than usual, it still does have its great moments.

It was short, dynamic, full of cool action and some heart warming moments. Maybe predictable but nonetheless amusing. Come to think of it, good portion of the scenes were full of detail, kudos to the animators.

Final verdict - without much expectation, see it for the good energy it delivers.

Oh and they should definitely either stop with this one OR bring back the Five and someone with the likes of Tai Lung (instead of just using his spirit form over and over). I'd stop with this one and call it a winning streak.

P. S. - and an important one! Awkwafina's voice is the WORST choise for Zhen, crudely miscast....maybe for a side character yes but total dismatch with the small and tender fox.

The Witch: Part 2 - The Other One (2022)

The Witch Review - Part I and Part II

[6/10 · 16 April 2024]

South Korean action sci-fi thrillers are getting good. While I have pretty much the same remarks about both parts - longer than usual dramatic sequences, too spaced apart action parts, no explanation of super powers, rest assured it's not a time wasted.

Part I introduced us to a new world with an "uncovering/discovering" story. Part II takes us way way deeper down the rabbit hole showing vastly greater part of the story.

Serious cons - bit confusing fractions of the same organisation, almost no explanation for different power levels, head figures, motives...Too long talkative sequences.

Worthy pros - the action and gore, when present, is awesome and satisfying. Locations - total hit.

Part III is definitely needed so conclude the story, hopefully with even more action (similar to the one in Part II) and explanation of powers and the name itself - Witch!

Code 8: Part II (2024)

Ready for part III

[8/10 · 26 March 2024]

Code 8 is one of the few examples where the sequel is as good as the original. I had almost forgotten about the first part and was surprised when I noticed the second available, maybe not take too long for other sequels yeah?

While the original seemed like made on a limited budget, albeit quite believably, it did a great world building and an engagind story. Part two extends the universe for a teeny tiny bit with another meaningful storyline.

I can safely say ewe are ready for part III except this time make it sooner while the memory is still fresh. Oh and a bigger budget with more action would do it justice.

Blue Beetle (2023)

Quite uneven

[5/10 · 8 January 2024]

As an honest review should include both the pros and cons of a movie, I must say that this is one of the most uneven movies of 2023.

The storyline is cliched, acting extremely poor (even for a star as Susan Sarandon), backstory for every possible character, even the scarab, minimal to non-existent. You don't care much about the protagonists (nor antagonists) and are rarely left with a light smile on your face. Also, Xono Mariduena is severely miscast, neither can he act, nor does he convey simpathy or seriousness for the character.

The action and CGI however, mind blowing! Not to get your hopes too high but Blue Beetle and Shazam-Fury of the Gods have some of the better CGI's out there from the recent years. Too bad DC cleaned the slate and made these movies obsolete before they even came out.

Overall, worth watching it at home, if nothing better is on playlist. If you don't expect much you might even have an okay time.

The House (III) (2022)

Never thought that a stop motion animation could be spooky

[5/10 · 2 March 2023]

While the attention to detail and execution are excellent, the stories are somewhat questionable.

The first is spooky and fantasy like.

Second is chaotic and has the feeling of personal hell.

Last story while bleak and dystopic, had a hippie ending feel.

Most importantly, apart from being located in supposedly the same house, stories are neither connected nor have a meaningful explanation to them.

Worth having a look though as I never could have believed that a stop motion film could be dark, on times downright scary. Just don't expect much. Possibly watch in company so you can brainstorm explanations later.

Glorious (2022)

Just near perfect

[9/10 · 15 September 2022]

Damn near perfect movie and a must see for fans of Lovecraft. The setting, the pace, the acting....everything surprisingly good.

While it may not be flawless (dialog could do with just a tiny bit improvement and certain visual elements better realisation), it cought me off guard.

Pleasantly surprised and if you like space and intellectual horror (not all jump scares and ghosts) with a few dashes of humor do give it a try.

Also the twist at the end left me speechless.

If you're reading this review it means you're curious enough about the story and I encourage you to go for it, it's short and worth your time.

Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021)

Made for game fans (mostly if not only)

[4/10 · 15 September 2022]

Atmosphere was good, pacing, acting and effects okay, storyline somewhat.

The problem is that this movie is clearly made to please fans of the game with little to no explanation of the characters and events. It's as if you are watching live recreation of scenes from the game. It's great to pay homage to the original material but you need more screen time to clarify it for the general audience.

Also the monsters' scenes vere very brief, as if they didn't have the resources for more cgi.

Overall, watch it if you are a fan of the game or like action/horror/sci fi, but don't expect too much.

P. S. I plan on rewatching the original franchise with Mila Jovovich, for someone who has never played the game, those movies successfully got me hooked on.

The King's Man (2021)

Excellent in a different way

[8/10 · 13 March 2022]

Following the first two Kingsman I was expecting goofy action fun, so I almost turned it off after the first 20mins.

Luckily I'm a persistent person and stayed a bit longer and was rewarded for doing so.

The King's Man may be an origin story of the organisation but it has a very different tone, in accordance with its year of setting. It has cheerful moments but overall it is a more serious film in its core.

Also, the action does pick up the pace in the second half.

Surprisingly even for myself, I ended up rating it a bit higher than the first two.

Without much expectations, give it a chance.

Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021)

Ackward

[7/10 · 19 January 2022]

Let me start by saying that by no means Spiderman NWH is a bad movie. It is however a pretty weird one.

Potential spoilers ahead (character/actors' wise)

While the idea of getting together most of the villains and all of the spidermen from the past 20 years sounds exciting, it is a bit unnerving. Here we have a movie with a pretty teen vibe to it (which I guess it's okay since our hero is just past teens) but to comprehend the movie one needs to have watched all the previous ones (the first one dating from 2002). So it kind of aims two targets and misses them both - the teen and young adolescents will probably not have heard of the previous movies (pre-MCU Spiderman), the mid 30's and above will not enjoy the over-teen vibe on screen.

Also, some of the actors have aged visibly (again, normal and expected) but they are completely misfit for a spiderman role. Guess the make up team should've tried more to approximate their look.

Surprisingly, not all acting was top notch, and some scenes dragged a little (it is a long movie, cuts could have been made).

Overall, brave attempt of Marvel to scratch the multiverse albeit a weird one. Nonetheless, deserving of a watch.

P.s. Excited what the mid-credits scene brings.

Blazing Saddles (1974)

Amusing

[6/10 · 1 January 2022]

Surprisingly witty writing and lines that still stand the test of time (2021) (wondering how they fared back then?), no censorship at all and some funky acting.

One could tell even the actors had a great time and laugh on stage.

Storyline is simple, more like comedic gags stitched in continuity.

---(minor) Spoiler ---

It worked fine (probably an 8/10) until the moment they broke the fourth wall, but then again it just might be me that dislikes it.

Give it a try when on a friends' night together, works best in groups.

Malignant (I) (2021)

Amusing

[5/10 · 8 November 2021]

Despite the few tense scenes, it is not particularly scary. It has a Cronenberg touch in it and it doesn't take itself too seriously. Overall interesting story that will keep you interested but not a deep movie in any way.

Possible spoiler (!!!)

Note to writers - next time research more on the difference between tumor and twin, as the terms are not interchangeable.

Till Death (I) (2021)

Passable

[6/10 · 4 July 2021]

Apart from Megan's unrecognisable plastic looks (far from the sweet girl in Transformers) and poor acting, this is an entertaining movie. Keeps you watching till the end. Little slow to start but after it doesn't stop. Plus it's not dragging, short and sweet. Not great but not bad either.

Spiral (2021)

Quite uneven

[6/10 · 13 June 2021]

Much as I am a great fan of the Saw franchise, I'm not (positively) biased.

First off - Chris Rock is not the type to be taken seriously since you kind of wait for him to crack a joke at any given time.

Second - Samuel L. Jackson has an uneven acting, not to spoil more here.

And while the pacing is generally okay, the end seems quite rushed.

Punishments are good though.

Overall, an acceptable continuation of the Saw storyline but could've been better.

Wrath of Man (2021)

As expected

[7/10 · 27 May 2021]

Like most (but not all) of Guy Ritchie's movies this is a rather simple story told in the right way. Nothing spectacular here, but an invoving watch nonetheless.

POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD !!! (casting wise only)

Josh Hartnett's role was superfluous.

Jason Statham, as much as I like the guy, simply didn't fit the role - you expect a mindless action story when you see him yet his character was completely different this time.

Some minor things not fully explained, but since they're not essential to the story it could be forgiven.

Scott Eastwood is getting better and better every time, way to go.

Overall, recommended watch.

The Wizard of Gore (2007)

Mesmerizing

[8/10 · 8 May 2021]

A very weird movie indeed, dreamlike, enchanted. Trippy visuals. Haven't seen the original but there is story in here, and some gore but maybe not too much of it (is there ever enough?).

If nothing else intrigues you, watch it for Montag the Magnificent (Crispin Glover) alone. It is one of the best performances of a disturbed and deviated, borderline sociopathic character ever. The perfect Joker if you ask me. (hasn't anyone thought of that?)

N. B. Watched it in 2021 and apart from a single cell phone, this movie is totally timeless (style and all).

Definitely watch it when you want something different.

The Call (2020)

Excellent if not ruined by ending

[6/10 · 3 May 2021]

Great and tense dual time thriller/horor (not the scary type), ruined by an illogical twist that comes after the credits start rolling. If you turn it off after the end credits start, you're in for a near perfect watch.

WARNING - SPOILER !!!

Why did the older Young-sook disappear mid killing older Seo-yeon in 2019 if she didn't die after the fall, as suggested in the midcredit's scene where she calls her younger self to warn and results in Seo-yeon's mother disappearing in 2019.

Boss Level (2020)

We need more of this!

[9/10 · 19 April 2021]

Action packed, well acted, nice paced, sprinkled with not-in-your-face humor movie. It's all adrenaline and fun. Story is somewhat original, just enough to work and not be a ripoff.

If you want entertaining night - watch it!

P. S. This deserves a sequel (of any kind).

Nobody (I) (2021)

Very entertaining indeed

[9/10 · 16 April 2021]

A lighthearted yet heavy ass whoopin'. Yes, that about sums it up. :)

Ordinary story executed in a nice way, spiced with just the right amount of splatter. Amusing but not a comedy by any means, always a good thing in my book.

Well worth a watch on a friday/saturday evening.

And yes, it deserves sequel.

Space Sweepers (2021)

Wow, did not expect that!

[8/10 · 13 April 2021]

Now this is how you do a space adventure - great character development, good pacing and stellar effects (yes, Marvel grade).

I'm somewhat sceptical when it comes to foreign sci fi (albeit I live in europe, Hollywood is the standard) but this korean movie amazed me.

Was it not for some mediocre-to-poor acting, overexplanation of events (no need to spell everything out) and few plot holes, this would've been a solid 10 stars, a count I rarely award.

Overall - must watch for all sci fi fans and let's hope this crew gets the chance (finances) to do another blockbuster or maybe even a sequel to this one.

Chaos Walking (2021)

Great start

[6/10 · 9 April 2021]

...but definitely needs AT LEAST another part to explain some things.

Yes you will understand the story but the whole world needs more details and explanations.

This is basically a colonised world, tense, action filled adventure.

Acting was mixed, great from some, average from others. Climax is a bit weird to say the least, maybe even unsatisfactory, but overall the movie is high production and well worth seeing (probably more so at home than the cinema).

If only they would make a sequel to tie and wrap some things up.

Super (I) (2010)

Not a superhero movie

[7/10 · 7 April 2021]

...at all.

As many before have said, this is a dark and disturbing drama about social isolation. The acting is superb though, straight up for acting classes material.

Has some funny moments throughout yet would never call it comedy.

Maybe it's my personal opinion but I found it a bit depressing at the end.

Definitely worth a watch, just don't expect superheroes yet mere heroes.

The Call (II) (2013)

Did not expect this

[10/10 · 1 April 2021]

Without raising your hopes too much I will only say that this is a must see. As someone here said - loses no time to start and never stops till the end, which is not exactly how you'd expect. ;)

Also, here is one of THE best portrayals of a psychopath on screen, from facial expressions and body language to behaviour.

Well worth a friday night's watch.

Monster Hunter (2020)

Solid fun

[9/10 · 21 March 2021]

I have never played or even seen the game so I know nothing about similarities monsters or story wise. With that aside, this movie rocks!

Excellent CGI, standard story, full of action. Definitely worth your time (even movie ticket in an epidemic free period) and hopefully they greenlight a sequel (things need more explaining).

I really don't understand the low score of 5.5 at the moment. I mean what do you expect when watching a huge monsters' movie, it's not oscar material but pure blockbuster fun!

Again, give it a go, it will be a fun evening.

You're Next (2011)

Mixed bag

[5/10 · 21 February 2021]

Acting was bad, few jump scares during the beginning, most of the gore happen off camera and we're just shown the result. Story twist is kind of good though, and some of the killings are original. Too bad director didn't decide to do an R rated movie, that would be a lot better. Not bad, not great either. An okay watch.

Promising Young Woman (2020)

All over the place

[3/10 · 14 February 2021]

As with many movies lately, this one traverses (too) many genres and loses its focus. Starting as a black comedy turned drama then evolves into revenge story sprinkled with romance ending with dark twist only to close in stereotypical fashion. While the idea is okay, it should've chosen either the realistic(dark) approach or a more comic(gory fun) one. Acting is good, points for the grim part, minus(es) for being all over the place. Not a bad movie but definitely not what the rating suggests.