tommy_tt Reviews

Pee-wee's Big Holiday (2016)

Pee Wee's Goodbye

[7 April 2024]

Even though this may have been released a couple years before he learned of his unfortunate failing health, it's safe to say that Paul knew this would be Pee Wee's last film. The opening scene, completely removed from the story arc of the rest of the film, felt like a genuine, heartfelt goodbye from Pee Wee to his fans. And having not seen this movie until after his recent passing, that scene hit especially hard; Pee Wee Herman was one of the staples of my childhood.

By outward appearances, you'd have no idea Paul had aged 30 years. His lack of the large vocal range he once had is about the only indicator that any time had passed at all. The vibe of the film, however, still captures that same old quirky tone that Pee Wee always had. Is it as good as his first two films? That's not a comparison I'm going to make, it's unfair, the first two hold a special nostalgic place in my heart.

That said, is it worth watching for fans of the character? Absolutely. You never have any idea what to expect, being constantly tossed from one crazy situation to the next, all while still maintaining coherency. While there aren't any new, highly quotable lines like his Big Adventure, there's still some unexpected hilarity. I certainly never thought a balloon, of all things, could make me laugh out loud. It also manages to hit some very sentimental tones that has first two films never did, bringing beautiful closure to the book of Pee Wee Herman.

Thanks for one final parting gift Pee Wee. And thanks for the gift of you. In this often dark and dreary world, you brought out the child in all of us. This planet is sorely lacking in people that genuinely just want to make everyone smile, but you never stopped trying. May you rest in eternal peace.

+1 (2013)

The story is its only saving grace

[8 October 2023]

This movie should've been an easy slam dunk for me. It has all the right ingredients. However, it's somehow a walking cliché which serves as an ironic and off-putting contrast to its unique plot. In addition to that, it suffers from a serious lack of character development lead by an actor whose narrow emotional range spans from smug to sociopath, Rhys Wakefield.

The director clearly wants me to root for Wakefield's scummy P. O. S. Character. Yet every time he opens his mouth I become more and more convinced that he deserves none of the rewards reaped from this film's unique plot. Couple that with an entire cast that becomes more and more 1-dimensional as the movie progresses, and you're left with a recipe for an unfulfilling experience that delivers no payoff in the end beyond having seen something a little different.

This easily could've been a 9 outta 10 experience for me. But unfortunately the writer/director's skillset both starts and ends at thinking up interesting plots.

Prospect (2018)

Criminally underrated

[31 January 2023]

I found this movie to be a true diamond in the rough, though I had zero knowledge of it prior to seeing it so I wasn't expecting anything one way or the other. I'd definitely recommend everyone experiencing this film the same way, because I can see how it might create unreasonable or inaccurate expectations.

It's a slow burner. Which plays very, very well into the suspenseful undertones. You wont see much in the way of flashy FX or over-the-top action typical in your average Hollywood films. You will, however, be greeted with a well-paced movie that doesn't trip over itself or try to barrage you with a deluge of lore. And you'll also be greeted with solid acting coupled with an intriguing setting. It's also very easy on the eyes, I absolutely loved the color filtering they applied. It's not overpowering but is just 'off-center' enough to stoke that otherworldly feel.

I've seen an absurd number of films. The great ones in my mind are the ones that have stood out, the ones I still remember, the ones I'd be more than happy to watch again. This is one of those films.

Silent Hill: Revelation (2012)

When you find your director in the budget aisle

[2 January 2023]

M. J. Bassett has never written or directed anything noteworthy, and it's clear why. She has no grasp for character development, tension building, or even basic story flow. She forces characters into the plot, no matter how out of place they are, because she has no idea how to progress the story otherwise.

Her understanding of the Silent Hill universe is quite obviously limited to the first movie and nothing else; even then I'm convinced she was either drunk or stoned when she watched it. This story goes so far off the rails that it stops taking itself seriously within the first act.

An otherwise strong cast could've cracked a homerun with this sequel had they not been stuck with a director who is utterly awful at her job. Instead we get a firsthand look at what it must've felt like working under her, a confused fever dream misrepresented as entertainment.

Reno 911!: The Hunt for QAnon (2021 TV Movie)

Absolute fail

[30 November 2022]

Completely lacks all of the charm that makes the TV series a masterpiece. A chunk of the main cast, especially Garcia, are treated like extras, subverting the group dynamic. The relationships the characters have with each other individually is a core ingredient of Reno 911, yet for some bizarre reason they chose to abandon that entirely.

They managed to pull off the first movie reasonably well, but this one has no redeeming qualities whatsoever. Reno 911 has always had a knack for tickling my funny bone, but I didn't even crack a smile, let alone laugh, at anything that happened in this movie. I'll give it 2 stars because they tried, but that's the only "positive" thing that can be said about this flick.

Halo (2022– )

How to enjoy this series in 3 easy steps

[12 May 2022]

Step 1: Watch the first 18 minutes of the first episode and report back here.

Step 2: Done? Perfect! Now STOP.

Step 3: Pretend it was a short film. Pretend nothing beyond those 18 minutes was ever made.

Addendum: If you ignored steps 2 & 3, then you must be a masochist. Because it genuinely, genuinely only goes downhill through unforgiving terrain from this point onwards.

Demonic (I) (2021)

Bizarre but creative addition to the genre

[15 March 2022]

I've seen more possession films than I can easily count, it's one of my favorite sub-genres, and this one certainly wins the award for being the most unique. It offers a modern take on the theme, while avoiding the common pitfall of many possession films: being too derivative.

I imagine all the review bombing is the work of the philistinian masses, who are so used to rechewing the same old regurgitated drivel that anything novel or different pulls them too far out of their comfort zone. But for those of us with the stomach to dive headfirst into the unknown, Blomkamp delivers yet again.

I'm rating it just slightly higher than I otherwise might since I'm taking into account the context around it's creation; a low-budget film shot during the heart of the pandemic. Even still, it's a welcome addition to Blomkamp's library of strange, contorted stories.

Motherland: Fort Salem (2020–2022)

Fantastic premise...

[23 October 2021]

I absolutely loved the premise of this show. Unfortunately, it's more of a teen drama than anything else. It has a good pace to it, but there's more drama than action, especially in the first season. And certainly not the flavor of intense action I expected from a show with a military setting.

The special effects, when present, are well done. Though they seem to be a tad sparse (maybe to save on budget?) On one hand I appreciate this, it's better than the over-the-top VFX that's all too common these days. On the other hand, the actors in some scenes come off as downright silly when performing magic.

The story is cool, while the character development is pretty blah. All in all, it's worth checking out if it's something that strikes your fancy. Just be sure to regulate your expectations and you wont be quite as let down as I was.

Couldn't decide if I should rate it a 5 or a 6, but I'll leave it at 6 and see if they manage to hit their stride in the 3rd season.

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017)

Would've been great if not for...

[20 October 2021]

The romance subplot, which of course was expected considering the source material, was downright cringe inducing. There are two reasons for this. Poorly written dialogue and a poor choice for the male lead. Dane DeHaan (who I'm actually a big fan of) just doesn't have the charisma to properly deliver the lines he was given. He lacks the range to overcome that air of shaky awkwardness about him.

The visuals, however, were both beautiful and creative. Couple that with some interesting plot devices and you have a movie worth watching at least once.

Chaos Walking (2021)

What's with the reviews?

[16 October 2021]

Apparently folks prefer the same old unoriginal rehashing of the same cliched concepts over and over and over and over. Or mindless action flicks with over the top special effects and predictable plotlines.

The fact that movies like Transformers has a higher rating than this film should tell you everything you need to know about people these days.

Rick and Morty: The Vat of Acid Episode (2020) Season 4, Episode 8

Holy %$&#

[18 May 2020]

Morty reminds us just how naive he is, Rick reminds us just how callous he is, and this entire episode reminds me of what made me fall in love with this show.

Easily my favorite episode yet this season.

Rick and Morty: Edge of Tomorty: Rick Die Rickpeat (2019) Season 4, Episode 1

Starting off Season 4 on a great note

[11 November 2019]

Fantastic episode. We got some great throwbacks, along with a very creative arc that doesn't simply rehash old plot devices. Roiland and Harmon still got it. I think it's going to be a good season folks.

Joker (I) (2019)

Perhaps the most human villain I've ever seen

[5 October 2019]

If watching this film was a game of chess, you'd be playing against an opponent who won the game before it even started. No matter how you defend your king, your opponent outmaneuvers you and penetrates your emotional defenses every step of the way. Other directors should take notes because this is character study drama at its finest.

While some will say it moved too slowly, I personally feel it was paced perfectly given the content; a slow-bleeding, 'death by a thousand cuts' delivery, which gradually ramps up over the course of the entire film. The juxtaposition of humor and despair had my emotions on a tilt-a-whirl throughout, and was accompanied by a soundtrack that complemented the themes very well.

I highly recommend watching this one at least once, but steel yourself because it packs quite a punch.

The Divide (2011)

This film will make you uncomfortable, and it should

[9 September 2019]

The creators of this story, along with the actors that portray its characters, give us a brutally visceral perspective on what humanity is truly worth when all but survival has been stripped away. The harder the concept of humanity tries to crawl back to the surface to offer some sense of hope, some sense of comfort, the faster it gets dragged back down into the depths. It is a sobering experience. And if that weren't enough, the composer of this soundtrack somehow distilled all that raw emotion down into musical score that compliments the tone perfectly. The Road is the only other film of this genre that has affected me on a similar level to how this one has.

Some of you will love this movie, others just wont. But there's a good chance you're going to come away from this film having felt changed in some way, regardless. Which is something only genuine art is capable of.

If someone asked me what the most underrated film I've ever seen was, I would probably name this one. So if you're on the fence about watching it, just do it. There are certainly worse films (with higher ratings) than this one.

Alien Invasion (2018)

A decent, if cliched, story crippled by poor directing

[16 August 2019]

I get the concept this film was going for but it's just too rough around the edges to be enjoyable. The two main actors actually did a reasonably good job, which is impressive considering what a poor foundation they were given to build on. The music was good in some areas too, however, the sound effects and CGI killed any real sense of immersion.

The writer/director should've pitched this concept to someone more capable of bringing it to life. He doesn't seem to know how to build dramatic tension or create empathy for the characters, both of which are rather necessary for a horror film. If I don't care about the characters and I'm not afraid for them, what's the point? And while there are a few interesting ideas present, they are heavily diluted by bland filler.

I'd only recommend watching this one if you're a massive sci-fi nerd, don't mind B-flicks, and have literally nothing else to do with your time.

Behind the Curve (2018)

Documentary is centered around the cult, not the theory

[25 February 2019]

Came into this hoping to hear rational perspectives on flat-earth theory. What we get instead is an inside view of how cultists think and behave.

They believe they have discovered some grand truth that nobody else can see. Then they prescribe to the idea with such reckless conviction that they either outright reject any evidence that disproves their theory, or they contort it until it fits into their distorted view of reality. They then point at the rest of society and say that the truth will be revealed to us as long as we adopt their view of reality. And anyone who refuses to believe them suddenly becomes the enemy. At one point, they even go so far as to claim "it is a battle between good and evil." This all shares stark similarities with other cults, like Scientology.

This film makes it easy to see why some people fall prey to cults, it's a mechanism by which they can cope with their crushing feelings of insignificance in the world. Suddenly they belong to something "exclusive," something that brings them closer to other human beings (which is a struggle that many people face.) This is especially effective with flat-earthers since, by adopting this view, we all become the center of the universe.

I applaud Netflix for not outright ignoring or censoring pieces centered around pseudoscience. But at the same time I'm disappointed because, as is evident in this film, these folks feed off publicity like vultures and use it as a weapon to trap others into their cultist views. Notice how satisfied their "leader" gets when he realizes the media is actually giving attention to one of their conventions; and the way his eyes light up when he sees that a couple brought their kid to said convention was just downright disturbing.

The only thing I gained by watching this film was a stronger distaste for cults.

Suicide Squad (2016)

Great film, if you enjoy bad storytelling

[8 August 2016]

Story 2/10: I still have no idea what story this movie was trying to tell. Surprising, considering it was written and directed by David Ayer, who brought us such great films as Training Day, Fury, and End of Watch. But Suicide Squad? A swing and a miss. Is it a love story? I don't know. It certainly tries to force that clichéd theme on us. Is it an antihero story? I don't know. All of these "super villains" spontaneously sprout a conscience, abandon all self-interest, and decide to save the world. Believable, I know. The film doesn't have much comedic value either. Only one or two jokes generated actual laughter in the audience, the rest of 'em generated nothing more than awkward silence.

Acting 5/10: Deadshot (Will Smith) and Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie) really nailed their roles. And despite the criticism, Leto wasn't terrible in his portrayal of the Joker. Though he certainly never hits the intensity that Heath Ledger or Jack Nicholson have with that character. But the rest of them? Unmemorable at best, cringe worthy at worst. Most notably Joel Kinnaman, who came off like a fish outta water. I can't really speak for Boomerang (Jai Courtney) since I only understood about every 3rd word he said. Which is more than I can say for Killer Croc (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) since I only understood about every 5th word he said. To put it in perspective, I understood the Pikies in Snatch better than I understood those two.

Sound 5/10: Not a bad soundtrack, but nothing memorable either. The random Eminem (whom I typically like) song felt out of place and broke the immersion for a bit.

Visuals 8/10: The only real strong area of the film. Someone pat that CGI team on the back, they saved this film from being a complete disaster.

All in all, I couldn't wait for this movie to be over. And that's not common for me. I'm not a fanboy of the comics, and like with all movies I watch, I avoided all the previews so I could step into the theater with zero expectations. Yet somehow Ayer still managed to strangle those expectations I didn't have. So if that was the goal of this film, congratulations. I'd be open to a Harley Quinn or Deadshot spin-off, so long as the producers don't let Ayer touch it with a ten-foot pole.

Goosebumps (2015)

An awkward experience

[3 November 2015]

I was a big fan of the books as a kid. The core story in this film felt true to the Goosebumps name. But there were too many layers of junk thrown on top that soiled the entire experience.

There is an overabundance of forced humor that left an awkward taste in my mouth. I hadn't read any information about the film prior to seeing it, so I was delighted to see Jack Black playing R.L. Stine. But even his (usually enjoyable) humor felt so directionless. It may have been enjoyable if it were intentional, but it clearly wasn't. Instead of hearing laughter after every poorly delivered joke, the movie theater remained dead quiet.

It felt as if the entire main cast had no chemistry whatsoever. Especially Dylan Minnette and Ryan Lee. The film also falls victim to overt, forced romance. It did little to drive the plot forward and at most times felt uncomfortable. Too many movies rely on clichéd romantic subplots, which often spoils the story instead of enhancing it. This film was no different.

The visual effects were nice, but nothing new. The soundtrack wasn't anything special either.

All in all, this new Goosebumps film tries too hard to be something it's not. If you're determined to watch this movie, don't expect the type of fantasy/horror story that has become synonymous with the name R.L. Stine. In fact, don't even expect an R.L. Stine story at all, because Stine played no part in writing this blunder. Instead, expect an awkward story which used enough elements from the books to earn the name "Goosebumps," but not enough to capture its spirit.

Save your money. Buy your kids the books instead. Because unlike the them, absolutely nothing about this film was memorable.

Echelon Conspiracy (2009)

A shotgun blast to the face might be more preferable than this film

[16 March 2015]

Your desire to watch this film will be sapped within the first 10 minutes by the horrendous acting in Echelon Conspiracy. A perfect plot and mind-blowing special effects would do little to save a movie from terrible actors, and unfortunately, this movie doesn't offer those either.

Plot 1/10: The very first scene of this movie only foreshadows the total lack of effort that was put into creating a story with even a grain of substance. It brings nothing new to the table, offering only clichéd plots.

Acting 1/10: More painful than the plot was the acting. There are a a few well known actors in this film, yet they play such small roles that it does nothing to save the dreadful acting of virtually every other character that appears.

Special Effects 2/10: The camera work in this movie is the only reason it's receiving more than 1 star. Granted, there is nothing truly special about it, but it is at least not as bad as every other area of the film.

Costumes/Makeup 2/10: The lack of any proper use of makeup damages this film further. For instance, when someone is punched in the face (hard enough to knock them out cold,) you would expect to see some bleeding or at the very least some swelling. Well not in Echelon Conspiracy you won't.

Sound 1/10: Sound effects and music are used so poorly that it spoils the atmosphere in Echelon Conspiracy, rather than helping to create it.

Overall 2/10: Household chores would have been more fulfilling than this film. Seriously, I regret the laundry I didn't do while suffering through this 1.5 hour long mess.

Kaydara (2011)

A fresh look at the Matrix universe

[4 May 2012]

Despite the claims made in the few other (dry) user reviews, I found Kaydara to be quite a pleasant surprise. It is rather rare to see CGI and fighting choreography of this caliber in a lower-budget film. They even manage to thread in some humor without it coming off as forced. Additionally, the film offers a curiously unique philosophical viewpoint concerning the Matrix universe, which isn't offered in the original trilogy.

With that last point in mind, I found the storyline to be excellent. Easily an 8 out of 10. It's obvious that the creators of this film weren't trying to cash in on the Matrix franchise, rather, they sought to offer a fresh and brand new perspective on the Matrix universe. Although, I would like to have seen more in terms of dialogue, as I feel that the concepts posed in this film are deserving of that additional attention.

As I mentioned previously, the CGI was excellent as well. One really can't ask for much more than is offered here, especially considering the low-budget status of this film. I was very impressed, especially concerning the level of detail found in the ships, the ship's HUDs, and the landscapes. Their portrayal of The One was somewhat clever as well. Instead of casting some unknown Keanu Reeves lookalike, the producers decorated him via CGI and give his skin a metallic, almost mythical, look.

The soundtrack and sound effects found in Kaydara were of pleasant quality as well; they complemented the visuals of the film quite nicely.

The acting certainly wasn't Hollywood caliber, though it was by no means poor either, as it didn't affect the overall feel and flow of the story.

All in all, I feel that Kaydara wasn't produced to cater to the masses, but rather cater to those of us who have that prevailing interest in the Matrix universe and its philosophies. If you come into this film expecting some wacky Hollywood hijinks, you'd be well advised to move on. However if you have a genuine interest in the universe of the Matrix, and its philosophical basis, this movie is a must see.