deathhawk Reviews

High-Rise (2015)

I don't work for you, I work for the building.

[6/10 · 24 November 2016]

When this movie finished I wasn't sure if I enjoyed it, or didn't. I will say you should take the time to watch it. I'd love to get into some detail as to why, the issue is I have no reason for my recommendation. Much like this movie seems to be without reason. I think my favourite part was wondering the whole time just what and why, anything and everything was happening, then cut to a full ashtray. This movie is one I won't forget anytime soon, now again I am not sure if that's for good or bad. I think I will go and pick up the book, not because I loved the movie, because I like to read. Now keep in mind I did watch this film sober, and upon completion believe that is not the way it should be done. So in closing don't expect the expected.

I give it a six out of ten (sober).

Don't Breathe (2016)

Blind Man Is Attacked By Lunatics.

[6/10 · 17 November 2016]

This is a tale of a blind veteran who has his home invaded by some villainous crooks. I felt every moment of the man's plight to defend his home and interests from the evil robbers who invade his private lifestyle in an attempt to rob him of what is rightfully his. Being disabled makes it that much more of a challenge for him, but don't fret he is a veteran and has some tricks up his sleeve. It is a tense film and you never know if he will survive the vicious crime or the harrowing night. Each of the criminals that force their way into his abode are equally fiendish, with nothing more than greed in their hearts, forcing him to jump into action and defend his house and belongings. A tense film.

I give it a six out of ten.

The Monster (2016)

Creature Feature Standard.

[3/10 · 17 November 2016]

Well I just finished this one. It was pretty much your standard Monster fluff. It was predictable and wanted to create an emotional connection to the characters that just didn't sink in for me. On a good note the monster thing itself was pretty decent as far effects go, I mean it felt regurgitated, but what can you do? The setting was cool, and the camera work was in place to set up some suspense. So if you really have a thing for creature features, and your willing to ignore a few of the same ol' same ol' situations, you'll be fine. If you want substance and originality, maybe just re-watch Alien.

I give it a three out of ten, but I don't hate myself for watching it either.

Central Intelligence (2016)

This was fun.

[7/10 · 23 September 2016]

The golden jet & bob stone make a great buddy comedy. Lots of laughs, and it didn't have that lull in the third act that most movies of this sort have. Quiet a few cameos, each of them were well placed and gave me a smile. Lots of easter eggs, and references to the 90's so pretty cool if you can associate with that also, but it's not necessary in order to enjoy the movie. A few dick and fart type jokes, but the core of the film was just well written comedy. I could definitely see there being a sequel, especially with the rock and kevin hart doing so many movies these days. It was also a feel good movie, and not just crow-barred into the movie to falsify depth, it genuinely had a good message, and made me happy. So check it out and have some laughs.

I give it a seven out of ten.

ARQ (2016)

Here we go again.

[6/10 · 23 September 2016]

I'll start by saying yes we've seen many movies like it. Groundhog day, the edge of tomorrow, the list goes on. But I've seen many movies that have a masked killer, or a group of preteens on a mysterious quest, and I'm fine with more of the same as long as it doesn't totally suck. So if you like sci-fi and a decent who-done-it type story, you should come out at least satisfied. I really won't get into detail, it's just worth the one time watch. It doesn't set up a sequel, well not really intentionally, but I would love to see a film about the outside and whats really going on out there, robots? nukes? destruction of civilization? I mean we've seen many movie like that, but hey give me another. Anyhow grab a snack and check this one out on a rainy afternoon.

I give it a 6 out of ten. It may be generous, but I'm a sucker for time loop sci-fi.

The Purge: Election Year (2016)

Purge on Mofo.

[5/10 · 22 September 2016]

This third chapter of the purge was OK, pretty much what you'd expect, streets of rage, murder and mayhem. The pacing was good and it kept my attention as much as a purge movie can. There were some cool deaths, and lots of fodder whom met their fate. The one thing I didn't enjoy was the consistent attempts to make it a reflection of our decaying society. The reason for this being I watch a Purge movie for the things listed above, not to try to be fooled into thinking it's some deep artsy overview of politics in America. The same as when I go to a strip club, I go for beer and nude dancing, not for a social commentary. So maybe and hopefully in part four they drop this, or at least dilute it to just a mention, and use the time they've saved for more crazy Purge murdering; seeing as that's the whole reason to watch this type of movie. If you like this type of film check it out.

I give it a five out of ten.

I.T. (2016)

And that is that.

[4/10 · 21 September 2016]

Well this one is a leaf in the forest, if you've seen one, you've seen them all. Sure there are a few things that set this movie aside from the many others that are pretty much just like it, but not enough to care. It's worth checking out if it's on late night cable and you haven't seen it yet. But I wouldn't go out of my way to watch this. Overall it's not bad, it's filmed decently enough, the acting isn't junk, there is some story here, but it's all cut from the same predictable cloth as with many movies like it. So like I said check it out if nothing else is on and you can't sleep, won't be the worst movie you've ever seen, but won't make it into your top 20 either, well maybe if you like the same old. It gets a 4.5 out of 10.

The Good Neighbor (2016)

Cool thriller.

[7/10 · 17 September 2016]

I was anticipating this film as the trailer had my eye. Now anticipation is always a dangerous thing with films, as anyone who is a an avid film watcher knows. I can say I was not let down. Caan was in full form, nice to see him showing his chops. The rest of the cast put on a good show, but James was by far the scene thief. The movie keeps the mystery alive and always had me wanting more. It is not to over the top, so you can watch it with someone who is a bit more light hearted when it comes to these types of movies, and that doesn't take away from the film either. I really felt it was a nice vacation from the everyday re-tread movie. I give it a 7.5 out of 10. Check it out.

Beasts of No Nation (2015)

War is rough.

[7/10 · 16 September 2016]

I kept putting this film off when I would see it listed on Netflix. I am not sure why, because it was very enjoyable. I won't claim to have very much knowledge in the area of African civil war, but the movie seemed to convey the story in a way that was understandable for me. The relationship between all the characters was full of an unsettling comradery, which for me definitely made the movie. It was well filmed, well directed, and well acted overall. The only negatives, and they aren't even that negative, are that in some parts I had an issue understanding the accent and had to rewind, not that often mind you. The second was I felt it could have been just a little more dark in regards to the culture of the rebels, I have seen some documentaries on the subject, and those people are/were ruthless. They did touch on some of the things, drug use, cannibalism, etc. So it was gritty, but I prefer super gritty, maybe just me though. Therefore it gets a 7/10 check it out.

USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage (2016)

I guess it could have been worse?

[2/10 · 13 September 2016]

I wouldn't say that you shouldn't watch this film, although, I would defiantly say don't pay money to see it, or have high expectations. The effects were not very impressive, nor the props, sets, etc. it had a fake feeling about it. It was produced to the effect of being historical, but it seemed to skip important points, and embellish others. The story itself seemed to try to stuff in cliché sub-plots, a love story, a racial argument to fit the times, an officer vs. the crew, none of which seemed to fit. I couldn't get over the sharks being mostly great whites, when it is widely regarded the sharks were whitetips; I guess not as scary in Hollywood? The shark scenes themselves were reminiscent of a scifi movie, less the comedy, well it was comedic, depending on which light you see it in. I really won't touch on the acting, they made it on set, they acted, that's about it. It wasn't the worst film ever, but it could have used more heart, and less cgi great whites jumping out of the water, or maybe a whole lot more, and they could have called it USS Indianapolis vs. Jaws, in which case I would have scored it a 4 not a 2.