cyer32 Reviews

The Bricklayer (2023)

The book was great...

[5/10 · 10 January 2024]

I read Noah Boyd's The Bricklayer in 2009(?) and I thought it was really good. As I read it, it played out in my mind like a fully realized motion picture and I was excited to see if it would make the transition to the screen. Who would play Vail?

I was also excited to have found a new (to me) author who wrote good present day spy novels with a protagonist you could really root for.

I was very sad to hear of Boyd's death and to know Bricklayer wouldn't be laying any more bricks. So, when I stumble across this movie and instantly recognized the title I was quite excited.

All I can say is it lacks the heart and soul of the book, and feels so thin, I was severely disappointed. What a waste of a great story. Every cliche and inconsistency in the "How To Make An Average Spy Movie" handbook.

So disappointing.

Cyrus (I) (2010)

Not what I expected, in the best possible way.

[10/10 · 20 June 2023]

I did not expect this, considering the actors and marketing I remember from this film. I love everyone from the cast and couldn't remember if I'd watched it before, so I gave it a shot.

It's a simple premise, which I won't even go into here, but you'll get the idea by reading other reviews. What stands out to me is that not much happens, but it's perfectly riveting. There is not a single wrong turn in the entire film. It's a fairly short runtime and everything that needs to be conveyed is executed beautifully.

Most of us can relate to at least one of the characters, which I feel is important for a film like this. There's no spectacle, it's just human beings trying to find their way into happiness. I didn't expect to cry a little while watching this, but I did. It's beautiful.

The previous 2 sentences were all I really wanted to say, but, stupid minimum character limit.

Enjoy.

The Mist (2007)

Just wait.

[6/10 · 4 September 2022]

The whole movie I was struggling to understand how this horrible POS had such a high rating. So many 10s!! The concept is decent. Marcia Gay Harden is very good. Thomas Jane is decent. Andre Braugher and Toby Jones were great. Overall the most disappointing things were the creature design and CGI. The last 20 minutes it starts getting interesting. But the last 5-10 minutes are on par with the best twists of all time. I understand how the tension builds and the commentary on how utterly horrible humans can treat each other when our survival instinct don't extend past our own selfishness. People are the worst.

I have never been a fan of Stephen King's adaptations. This falls into that category, but the end is truly horrifying. It's too bad it takes 2 hours to get there.

Why do I feel like the character counter is broken? This seems like way more than I usually write in reviews, but maybe that's because I just sat through 2 hours of this movie.

Ms. Marvel (2022)

What is everybody hating on?

[8/10 · 30 July 2022]

I, for one, enjoyed this. Yes, it's pretty "Disney-fied", but it's made to appeal to a specific demographic. That demo being kids/teens and true blue comic fans. I thought it was all done really well. I learned a bout about a different culture and I see the necessity of this being in the world. As a white guy, I cannot speak for how Pakistani or Muslim people feel about this character/series, but I feel that it filled a void and offered a positive representation for the people, especially kids of that, and similar cultures. It was especially heartwarming to see how happy and perfectly cast Iman Vellani is to be in this role.

When reading the reviews, I imagined salty white men writing all the negative ones. Try it. It's effortless. Good job Marvel and Disney, for bringing this into the MCU.

Barry: ronny/lily (2019) Season 2, Episode 5

Flawless Hilarity

[10/10 · 14 June 2022]

I would give the episode an 11/10 if that was possible. I watch a lot of stuff, and after a couple of years of not watching this show, this was the 1 episode I remembered and could still make me laugh hysterically. Rewatching now to refresh and watch the new season and it holds up. Absolutely brilliant. Bill, Stephen, Jesse and. Daniel are all outstanding in it. Love this show.

The Adam Project (2022)

Wholesome, heartwarming, and fun

[8/10 · 26 March 2022]

I laughed quite a lot, I cried a little, and mostly I was really impressed with the kid. Walker Scobell has a bright future ahead of him, and was PERFECTLY cast as a 12 year-old Ryan Reynolds.

It has its flaws, but was genuinely enjoyable if you don't try to poke holes in the science and put a microscope on the cgi.

The 355 (2022)

Fantastic cast is no guarantee

[6/10 · 28 January 2022]

My notes: I was actually really looking forward to this movie.

These characters are incredibly inaccurate markswomen, when they are supposed to be elite agents.

Lots of uber-cliche action movie tropes.

The big gear-up, the double crosses, the loved ones held hostage and the bad guy demonstrates he means business. And more. Think of a classic action movie cliche and you'll find it here.

That being said, it wasn't a complete waste of time. I enjoy turning my brain off for a while and watching stuff blow up. There was even a decent jump scare in there. Actually startled me.

Hanna (2019–2021)

Hanna

[9/10 · 21 January 2022]

Esme Creed-Miles is absolutely phenomenal in this role. I'm not here to nitpick continuity errors, etc. The entire cast was excellent and pulled off a great adaptation of the source material. But Esme played this character as if it was effortless second nature. Well done to all involved.

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone (2013)

Decent

[6/10 · 30 December 2021]

Pretty formulaic. Carell is pretty funny as the standard star who forgets where they came from and is now insufferable. Wilde plays her part well, but her character could've been more interesting. The best part, by a long shot, is Jim Carrey. Really satirized the whole Criss Angel/David Blaine style perfectly. The movie is entertaining but not that memorable. Kinda hurts to say that, considering the cast.

Hawkeye: So This Is Christmas? (2021) Season 1, Episode 6

Fantastic!

[10/10 · 22 December 2021]

I can't imagine a better ending to this series than this. It's was a helluva passing the torch, and lead in for other events in the MCU. Really really enjoyed it.

And for all the people who left reviews complaining about killing off Kingpin, and how it was bad casting...WHAT?!! First of all, this tells me you didn't watch the Netflix Marvel shows, because D'Onofrio is a perfect Kingpin. And second, did you see Kingpin die? Did a credible coroner pronounce him dead and did we watch his unmistakable body be cremated? Y'all really think they brought him back after Netflix to underutilize one of the greatest comic villains of all time for 1 episode of a miniseries? Come on, now.

Wu-Tang: An American Saga: Protect Ya Neck (2021) Season 2, Episode 6

PROTECT YA NECK

[10/10 · 3 December 2021]

A brilliant and entertaining depiction of RZA's creative process. This was a lot of fun to watch and as someone who bought 36 Chambers the day it was released, and knows every single word, I got goosebumps more than once.

We'll done to all involved. So far this episode sets itself apart as one I'll come back and watch repeatedly.

Pig (I) (2021)

Beautiful

[10/10 · 27 November 2021]

I read some of the 1s and 2s, so those reviews are easy to explain: Those people didn't get it. I'm not here to tell anyone how to feel about a movie, but I found it utterly riveting and simply beautiful. There are some subtle connections to make here, but they're not cryptic. They do go along way towards explaining some scenes and character motivations. This is a beautifully made, acted and directed film. If you're not a sociopath, I believe when it's over, you'll want to sit and soak it in a bit. One of the best things I've seen in a long time.

Crashing (2017–2019)

Great!

[9/10 · 15 November 2021]

Truly truly entertaining and heartwarming. It was so well done and interesting to see a glimpse into the world of standup comedy in NYC. I am a huge fan of standup and as much as you hear stories from comedians about coming up in the scene, I imagine this was a little like being there. Lots and lots of great guest stars, and hilarious situations. In 3 short seasons, Pete does a great job of demonstrating his evolution while showing you some of the hurdles he had to leap to make it. Although I wish it hadn't been cancelled, the season 3 finale is just as fitting an end as any. Well done to all involved.

The Flight Attendant (2020–2022)

Riveting

[9/10 · 1 November 2021]

This show deserves way more notice. It's intense and watches like a brilliantly written spy novel, filled with twist and turns and intrigue. Kaley Cuoco's Cassie feels like a person you know who is surrounded by drama that is exacerbated by her own demons and choices, but so relatable. The supporting cast all pull their own weight and consistently serve to advance the plot in their own ways.

Really, really enjoying this series.

The Premise: Butt Plug (2021) Season 1, Episode 5

My god...

[10/10 · 24 October 2021]

I mean...all I can say is WOW. This was absolutely perfect. Riveting. Brilliant. Perfect.

Don't be distracted by the title. Just watch. Incredible. Bravo, BJ Novak. Cannot wait for Season 2.

The Premise: Moment of Silence (2021) Season 1, Episode 2

Wow.

[10/10 · 21 September 2021]

Even thinking you know what's about to happen cannot prepare you for this episode. This is one of the most powerful pieces of television I have ever seen. Bravo to BJ Novak, Jon Bernthal, Boyd Holbrook, and Beau Bridges. Incredibly powerful. Thank you.

The Suicide Squad (2021)

Not even finished yet, and I love it.

[9/10 · 6 August 2021]

Kinda unconventional to leave a review before finishing a movie, but this...THIS...is what I was hoping for. It's DEADPOOL level action/violence and humor. Possibly more violent. Also, the Just A Gigolo scene is fantastic.

Back to it. Enjoy. I certainly am.

Fantastic Four (2015)

An equally pointless review

[4/10 · 24 June 2021]

Im sure nobody needs my 2¢, but I just have a couple things to say.

I gave this another shot (6/24/2021) now that my initial disappointment has finally subsided after watching this in 2015.

1. What a waste of great actors. Glad MBJ made his way back to Marvel in a different role. Toby Kebbel is a phenomenal actor and could've made a good Doom...

2. Dr. Doom's appearance...completely missed the aesthetic by every conceivable measure.

That being said, I kinda liked Ben Grimm's look in this one.

My brain hurts from trying to come up with positive things to say.

If you need F4 fare, stick with the ones with Cap as Johnny Storm. Hopefully the new one will finally be the Fantastic take we all need.

Those Who Wish Me Dead (2021)

Nothing groundbreaking, but still entertaining

[7/10 · 15 May 2021]

Overall, it seemed pretty sparsely developed. Left me wanting to know more of the background on most of the characters. We just skim the surface of most of the characters. I enjoyed Finn Little's performance and was really intrigued by Gillen and Hoult's characters. They were by far the most interesting part of the movie. Bernthal is always good. Medina Senghore was a badass. Taylor Sheridan makes good films, and this wasn't one of his best, but still watchable.

Nobody (I) (2021)

A Lot of Fun

[9/10 · 25 April 2021]

Bob Odenkirk and Christopher Lloyd were great. Movie was A LOT of fun. If you like creative action sequences and gratuitous violence, watch this one. Will definitely watch again.

The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (2021)

One World, a bunch of whiny people.

[9/10 · 25 April 2021]

For all the people whining about it being "too political" and "too slow", "poor villains", "justifying terrorism", etc. This is the first season. We need to have a reason to care about what's happening. It can't just be nonstop fight scenes with no investment in either side of the fight. Politics are important. Motives are important. Backstories are important. For the people who don't care about the reasons the "bad guys" do what they do, well, I'd venture to guess you're not human enough to get it. Not all people we see as villains believe they're bad. Their actions might be harmful, but sometimes they believe they're on the right side. I think it's an important part of being a human. For all the super-humans in this show, there's enough humanity to keep me interested. And some really powerful messages to be had, if you can stop whining and listen.

Bad Trip (2021)

Can't look/Can't look away.

[7/10 · 28 March 2021]

All I can say is that if most of the people filmed were genuinely reacting to the shenanigans, there are some truly decent people out there. It kinda partially restored my faith in humanity. Also, Eric Andre is certifiable, but it works. The Credit scenes were great.

Cherry (I) (2021)

6.3 ??!!

[9/10 · 13 March 2021]

This is a dark, haunting, and beautiful film. Not sure what movie some of these reviewers were watching, but Cherry is incredible. Cannot recommend it enough. The subtle details that you'll miss if you're not paying attention make it all the more interesting. Will definitely watch this again after I have a chance to fully process it. Excellent work Russo Brothers, Tom and Ciara.

The Little Things (2021)

Different.

[9/10 · 30 January 2021]

This is not your typical serial killer/detective mystery. It's a different approach, and one that seems to expect a bit of patience, reasoning and understanding from its viewers. All the actors did fantastic work and the story was really unique. Highly recommended.

The Professor and the Madman (2019)

Brilliant

[9/10 · 25 January 2021]

Everyone delivered their best here, and considering the talent enlisted, that is about as good as it gets. Thoroughly enjoyed this movie and slightly upset with myself for not watching it sooner.