pacvik Reviews

Women of Valor (1986 TV Movie)

Fictional empathy.

[7/10 · 10 March 2024]

Saw last 3/4s of movie. Didn't find it all that bad. Acting good & held you. Understand argument at end of movie. Bronze Star was based on their meritorious specialized service, medical. Military doesn't appear specific about awarding the inclusive V to noncombatants but that appears to be the consistency of it. 2 months after MacArthur left PI & Corregidor fell, there were many POWs. My father included. He spent 3 years as a POW. The first 4 months were in a concentration camp. These women are fortunate that they got the recognition they did. What I fail to understand is the concentration camp consisted of Americans & foreigners. Where are all the Filipinos that served alongside them? Only Filipinos shown were guerrilla fighters.

The Boondock Saints (1999)

Bad.

[1/10 · 5 March 2024]

Unbelievably bad. It's as if cut ups Bill & Ted take on the Russian mafia. Attitude is so high school. I suppose the youth of America can relate to the McManus brothers being at that level. Combine that with the violence, whatever reality barriers you can break for shock factor, and you have entertaining garbage. Makes Tarantino's movies believable. Would have turned it off sooner if it weren't for Dafoe showing up. After his assessment of the Russian mob scene aftermath, I concluded my IQ was insulted enough. Asians represented if Hollywood would have their way. Incredibly bad garbage. Far cry from Dafoe's Platoon performance. Too bad no zero rating.

The Aviator (2004)

Above average.

[8/10 · 17 October 2023]

What a credit to Hughes. Casting played their roles well. Above average in many ways. Di Caprio shines here portraying Texan wit & manner. Cate Blanchett did a convincing Hepburn. Action maintained throughout film or was it just that Hughes was just that active in his life presenting such a multitasker. Loved the chemistry portrayed between Hughes and Gardener. It could be so touching. Was his relationships that extreme? Helped the movie stay captivating. Evidently, Hughes has plenty of material for a movie. Was incredible and perplexing life. Some of his mental issues could be easily diagnosed today. The least dislike for me was the ending. Then again, maybe that was a kindly one to an ugly reality.

Drowning Mona (2000)

Good for a few chuckles.

[7/10 · 14 October 2023]

You knew this was going to be an oddball movie with all the Yugos in it. Many people behaving badly in this film. The biggest & funniest actors playing their characters fairly straight to set up film. It's the dysfunctional or quirky characters surrounding them that draw some chuckles. That being said, the funniest character in the sense of oddity turns out to be the harmless funeral director. There were a couple scenes that did get me. It was one scene involving the Murph character and another that had to do with the deputies. Movie held you as you figured the who dunnit and motive. All and all, worth a view.

Harsh Times (2005)

Berserk.

[7/10 · 12 October 2023]

Fail to see point of movie. Is this suppose to be about an individual or a reflection of g-men in general? If individual, what's really scary is that LAPD & Homeland Security have certainly missed on vetting this person. With manning shortage due to politics, I probably could understand LAPD pressure to chance filling a position until proven berserk. The Feds have supposedly vetted. Bale has packed the movie with a bunch of pretty senoritas. There's more here than I can remember from all my visits to L. A. If about g-men, this is an extreme representation of one who has crossed the line. He would represent the 10% of bad apples in any organization.

Better Luck Tomorrow (2002)

An American experience.

[7/10 · 12 October 2023]

Caught up to most of this movie. What held my first interest was the Asian American cast. Definite rarity. Many paths through the American experience. What's reflected is a L. A. experience & paths chosen. Captivating love triangle presented resulting in an irrational battering & ultimate demise of one. Ending leaves viewer hanging. I suppose we are to conclude our own ending of the remaining relationship & gang members. Movie will hold you as you try to figure out story. Good to see Harold actor working outside of Harold & Kumar as Steve here. The genre of the film seems to fit him. Could have given higher rating if it weren't for ending.

Vivandière (2021)

Intriguing.

[7/10 · 20 September 2023]

Found movie engaging despite all the bad reviews. The story held you. Yes, there were some puzzling situations. Josiah got shot more than once and seemed unaffected to the point of no medical attention each time. Her being a Union vivandiere, what was she doing in the Confederate camp attending Healy's sentencing? The movie did a good job of concealing Healy's relation to vivandiere the day before his sentencing. Seemed to weather the explosion just before that where you could swear he got blown to smithereens. Another unbelieveable moment is where vivandiere takes over train single handedly. If anybody was a turncoat, it was vivandiere. Was my understanding that the civil war tore families apart pitting siblings against each other. She ended up in the north with Union counterparts in the end.

13 Assassins (2010)

Incredible odds.

[7/10 · 10 September 2023]

Could have given the film a higher rating if it weren't for the ridiculous odds & bewildering moments of the lead assassin allowing the antagonist free reign to stab him and the baffling reappearance of the 13th assassin. Director is asking viewers to believe much without sense. A better believable plot would have been your typical assassination where a few would take out the target versus unbelievable mass assassination. Ninjas in the night would have been a perfect example while still not sacrificing the sense of duty at the risk of death. One thing that us clearly defined in the movie is the definition of the samurai. It is basically the same expectation of are modern day warriors of to do risking death without questioning why. In any case, hopefully your service will be to a benevolent leader.

A Bridge Too Far (1977)

Well titled.

[8/10 · 4 September 2023]

Film has presence due to the celebrities and acting. Good to see a film where the cost and realities of war are reflected. It wasn't always victory for the Allied forces. Things got so bad in this operation that there was some pride swallowed which amounted to some negotiations with the Germans. Allied forces had issues coordinating amongst the various nations. It became a question of if all had given all. Amazing that Connery's character & his remaining troops were able to slip away from the Germans after being surrounded with no hope of timely backup support. Well titled, presence, & acting reflecting war reality gives this an easy 8 for holding power.

Get Carter (1971)

Gritty, revenge movie.

[8/10 · 3 September 2023]

Rare movie of urban England. Grittiness of cities reminds me of the model for northeastern US cities. Is a revenge movie played well by Michael Caine. Build up of characters are very shallow since there are quite a few. By Snoopystars review, he seems to have been better able to keep track of all of them & is quite an agreeable review. There is plenty of name dropping before the character's appearance on film. Is a 70s film so had to make concessions due to accustomed to more graphic modern films. Although, the violence is more realistic without all the special effects. Liked the morality of the ending. Provokes the universal truth of live by the sword, die by the sword. Giving it an extra star just for the realism.

Ask the Dust (2006)

Needle in a haystack.

[7/10 · 3 September 2023]

The movie evokes Depression era LA but somewhat off on the segregated part. What's the likelihood of a Mexican working in the front of a white bar for that era? First half of movie was bizarre enough for some like myself to want to figure it out. More unlikely situations evolve like the beginning of Arturo & Camilla's relationship. The relationship starts off on bad footing & the only glue I can surmise is Camilla's desperation to marry up. Arturo's sexual naivety comes across as being more English than Italian despite Farrell's ability to pass for an Italian. I doubt people were this sexually naive especially in a post Prohibition era. Sammy adds to more oddity in the beginning. Needs clarity on that relationship. Was he suppose to be Camilla's second fiddle or fallback plan. Last half of the movie makes more sense & reflects the reality of the times.

Underclassman (2005)

For Nick Cannon fans.

[5/10 · 2 September 2023]

Found movie not as bad as the reviews. I would expect Nick Cannon fans to score his movie slightly higher. I found it to be a bit of a stretch on the believable due to him. I would expect him to shoot straight being a cop. What he has in common with Beverly Hills Cop is that he keeps the upper hand. His backup does not, forcing him to go into battle with a handicap where neither gets a scratch. Did like the play between Nick & Rosalyn's characters. Of course in the end, Nick gets in good with the girl. Does have some supporting celebrities which helps. Why does an undercover cop need to stick around for a HS diploma if dismissed from the force?

Mary Shelley (2017)

Gripping drama.

[8/10 · 31 August 2023]

Well worth more than a 6.4 rating. I would think a minimum of a 7 at least. Rated it an 8 since it was able to hold me for a drama. Enjoyed how the authors' lives were a catalyst for the books mentioned. Yes, Elle Fanning did a great job. Her surrounding group of actors did well to convey the symbolism for the books. There seemed to be sufficient build up of supporting characters to have empathy. Found it surprisingly enjoyable and better than expected based on the reviews. Granted this is not for the blockbuster crowd. Appeal would be for a select audience for both genders. Has that much to offer.

Requiem for a Dream (2000)

Insane.

[8/10 · 13 August 2023]

Incredible. Riveting. Shocking. Desperate. Despicable. Disgusting. Sad. Gave it an 8 since it deserved at least that. Could command multiple ratings depending on the defining adjective for the movie. Great performances by the actors for the 4 major characters.1 of 2 best roles I've seen Marlon Wayans in. Great to see him in a drama. What can you say about Jennifer Connelly? Fans will be happy to see her in another controversial role. Recommend movie for those with an appetite for cutting edge close to the bone reality. It's nice to see a when a good film dealing with real life issues turns a profit.

K-19: The Widowmaker (2002)

Solid 8 if not more.

[8/10 · 9 August 2023]

This film will hold you especially if you have at minimum an engineering interest. How the critics came up with a rating less than 7 can only get one scratching their head. Viewers give an 8 average. Let's make distinction here. We're talking about a nuclear reactor not a nuclear weapon. Harrison Ford & Liam Neeson do a good job as well as the rest of the crew of shedding the emotion & credibility to the movie. Especially enjoyable was watching the nuclear electronic technicians at duty. There was some character build up to the lead technician which really gave you a sense of tearjerking empathy for him. Well played overall. Would highly recommend for the technically inclined.

Van Wilder: The Rise of Taj (2006)

Not the worst.

[7/10 · 6 September 2021]

Not having seen the initial Van Wilder, my review is based solely on the movie itself. Found it worth some laughs. What's wrong with poking some fun at some British stereotypes. The eye candy doesn't hurt either. That being said, found it OK as a movie.

Poltergeist III (1988)

Good concept.

[7/10 · 20 October 2020]

Unique concept for horror. A reverse twist for mirrors & evil. O'Rourke is well cast. She helps in creating the vulnerability by the big, bad evil vs wolf in this case. Although this being my first intro to the series, there was no explanation for the evil despite disturbed spirit just wanted to find the way to rest in peace, the light. The horror here was for the sake of horror despite nonsensible like the murder of the hypnotist. Good to see Skerrat & Allen. Helped to carry movie.

I Am a Ghost (2012)

Perspective from the other side.

[7/10 · 20 October 2020]

Good premise for a horror movie. Like the incorporation of hypothetical ideas about the other side. As Christopher Lee once suggested that a haunting may be a recurring ectoplasmic film. I wish there had been more sophistication on the perpetrator versus just having to simply accept a raving psychotic murderer. Another wish would be to have more sophistication wth the violence. Leaving the graphic violence more to the imagination through suggestive footage. The low budget effect comes through most notably on the graphic horror. Paying attention to these areas would aid in rivaling the premise.

Infernal Affairs (2002)

Good story.

[8/10 · 18 October 2020]

A good story is a good story regardless of language. The slight differences are the perspectives that reflect the different values. Enjoyed IA acting & use of sparse but effectve violence. Although, what I did find unrealistic is that a person who spent a career living a lie can suddenly turn a new leaf. It does effectively leave the door open for sequels. The Departed, its American version, except for the gratuitous language, is realistic in the fact that once corrupt that's it. It does earn its R rating for over the top violence besides language. IA is less graphic & uses more flashbacks to clarify the plot. Either way both are good despite differences.

After Porn Ends (2012)

Broken?

[7/10 · 13 October 2020]

The stories are the stories of people. People being people living their lives and making choices. Porn, a variation on the ancient profession, was their vehicle. Even confirmed more by historian, Margold, of the trend toward escort today. Nina shed the most wisdom about actors in the industry. Rightly so, since she of anyone would know. Dr. Malamuth shared some facts of what little air time he had. Ford, the writer, explained them as broken and turbulent souls twisting and turning. I didn't find them to be all broken. Who isn't a turbulent soul twisting and turning in life? Worth a view if you wish to know the person behind the illusion.

Veronica (I) (2017)

Not bad.

[8/10 · 11 October 2020]

Good movie based on fiction. Great about such movies is that there exist a story to be told versus one that must be conjured. Makes things simpler. There is a cohesive & coherent story here. If interested in blood & guts to humor you, go elsewhere. Although if interested in paranormal activity, then give it a view. You won't be disappointed.

The Love Witch (2016)

Viewable.

[7/10 · 10 October 2020]

Has a lot going for it except it builds to nowhere. Plot builds to senseless ending. Viewer left with emptiness. Had potential to go somewhere but didn't. Has the trappings to hold you & things thicken. Then, senseless nothing.

Ash vs Evil Dead (2015–2018)

Gory.

[5/10 · 9 October 2020]

Enjoyed Bruce Campbell & the comedy but couldn't get past the gore. Watched about 2 or 3 episodes & turned it off. What is wrong with today's kids? I suppose it is better to laugh to get through all the gore. Just found that portion way over the top to the disturbing zone. Must have many sick people out there. 5 for take it or leave it.

After Porn Ends 3 (2018)

Sex for sex sake.

[7/10 · 8 October 2020]

Interviewed are some of the biggest names in the business. You get their story which can vary like the rainbow. In the end, it's a well paying variation on an ancient profession.

Splice (2009)

Viewable.

[7/10 · 8 October 2020]

Sci-fi horror movie that wasn't all that bad. Of course, you could poke some holes in the movie. Although, those holes were the basis for the movie. Call them what you may, mad and/or bumbling scientist, they made the movie. Only one not looking their part was Adrien Brody. His demeanor wasn't right. Felt he needed a makeover to look the scientist. Otherwise, viewable movie with good concept for sci-fi.