phil_doucet Reviews

Hocus Pocus 2 (2022)

Fun Halloweeen Movie

[7/10 · 29 October 2022]

So many negative reviews comparing this one to the original. First and fore most I've never enjoyed the original but I enjoyed this one. It was not Academy Award winning but the Sanderson sisters were great some 20+ years later and if you're looking for something simple (Not R Rated) to watch with the fam for Halloween, this is the movie.

I wanted to go watch this in theatres thinking it would enhance the experience but watched it at home instead and thought it was actually great. The look back in time and the transition to modern day made this great. Are we sure this is not the same town as Gilmore Girls? Either way. Really fun movie. Guess we have to make this part of the yearly tradition now (more so than the original). That is all.

A Boy Called Christmas (2021)

Where it all started!

[6/10 · 28 November 2021]

It was a fun movie to watch with the kids that was pretty different from anything else we've seen at this time of the year. It's almost where Christmas as we know it started. Cool concept but nothing crazy for me and not sure it fits the bill if a movie I will be watching as a tradition on a yearly basis.

Perfect for a one time watch.

Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021)

Low expectations, well exceeded!

[8/10 · 17 July 2021]

Go into this with low expectations and the intention of having a good time and you will enjoy it. Inside jokes were great and only recognizable to an NBA/Lebron fan and although the story is not exactly original per say the animations were fantastic.

I have a feeling the bad reviews are coming from bitter Lebron haters. I'm not a Lebron fan on the court but off the court he's great. The new Toon Squad jerseys/unis are outstanding and I was entertained from start to the finish. I won't spoil it here but the movie even had a moment where I got chills. All I'm going to say about that.

This is not the place to show your hate for Lebron or debate the Lebron/MJ GOAT status. Just enjoy the movie for what it is. Having said all of that what's missing is a soundtrack like the original or even a hit song but long gone are those days of movies producing chart topping songs let alone soundtracks.

Wrath of Man (2021)

Really good action!

[7/10 · 29 May 2021]

Movie starts off a bit slow and can be quite confusing if you're not paying close attention but the story is a good one and the way it's told is pretty cool. Jason Statham is just a bad bad man and this is one of his better recent movies. Not a huge fan of the final showdown/scenes but again it was very well done and the action was great.

Nobody (I) (2021)

Thriller that's for sure!

[7/10 · 2 May 2021]

Oh wow did not expect that kind of action (gore violence) at all when I started this movie but wow was it entertaining and a bit over the top. The story is kind of a reach and is all over the place which is why I didn't give this a better rating but if you're looking for start to finish action this is your movie.

Some unexpected twists along the way and "Saul" was actually fantastic in this. So many bad movie out there right now and despite the story lacking a little a bit this was still one of the better recent movies I've seen.

The Mauritanian (2021)

Good story, still missing something

[6/10 · 11 April 2021]

I knew part of the story (True story) coming into this but still feared the movie would be boring. I'm not going to lie there were some lengthy parts where I asked myself I even started this thing. Seems to be something missing in the middle too and some parts are not very believable but I will say this. This movie is likely to be a complete opinion changer when it comes to Guantanamo Bay and what really goes on there. It was an eye opener for me and the acting was great but story telling as missing something in the middle part. Good but not great as many say it is.

Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)

Blah!

[5/10 · 4 April 2021]

Disappointing to say the least with all the hype around this movie. No different than any other big action blockbuster like Transformers of that type of movie. Everything was predictable and it was boring and difficult to understand/follow on many occasions.

Some cool graphics at times but that's about it and I would not bother with another Kong or Godzilla movie.

Bridgerton (2020– )

Better than expected!

[8/10 · 16 January 2021]

I hesitated after the first two episodes because it was kind of boring and I had read some mediocre reviews but in the end this series was pleasantly enjoyable.

Here is my analogy for those wondering if they should watch. It's The Crown mixed with Fifty Shades of Grey and narrated like Desperate Housewives. Super intense love scenes and despite not looking like a compatible match the main couple ended up working.

Hopefully there is a second season in the works they've got the following for it.

Father Soldier Son (2020)

Bring tissues

[8/10 · 5 September 2020]

I didn't know what to expect before watching this and as hard as I tried to hold back tears it was impossible. There are "shocking" moments in this documentary, one that I absolutely did not expect at all having seen trailers and read the description.

Recommended. Hard to watch at times and just shows you how tough the path of life can be for some.

The New Mutants (2020)

Expected more!

[5/10 · 5 September 2020]

The only reason I went to see this outside of my daughter begging me to take her was the great cast and potential for this cast. Not a fan of the entire movie playing out in the same setting and the story is not only confusing but it's a bit unrealistic. Nothing is explained well and it feels like they rushed through the movie just to say it was done and to release it.

Disappointing given the talent on the cast and the references to x-men and how this was kind of a mini x-men type of group. Nobody in the theatre enjoyed it all that much. Consensus was the same on the way out. Not bad but not good.

Tango (2018)

Amazing

[9/10 · 26 July 2020]

Whether you speak Arabic or not this is a fantastic series that you won't be able to stop watching once it starts. The acting is as good as it will get in a Lebanese/Syrian soap opera and these days that's good thing because NETFLIX is really starting to recognize the Lebanon/Syria industry and everyone wins for this. The main characters were fantastic and the best acting job goes to "Lina". She was legit amazing. Again keep in mind I don't speak Arabic but I do understand some and the subtitles were more than good enough for me to follow and enjoy. Suspense right until the finale episode and a great love story.

Tiger King (2020–2021)

Good but not great!

[6/10 · 21 April 2020]

Honestly there was so much hype around this documentary and I was expecting so much but it was quite boring. The only thing that saved a few of the episodes were the bomb drops at the end that left you in complete shock and needing to see the next episode.

Can't believe I spent that much time watching the story about some of the scummiest people in North America. I mean this is the epitome right? Good but not great. Only watched it because of all the hype it was generating globally.

The Invisible Man (I) (2020)

Rough start but it's the finish that matters!

[7/10 · 16 April 2020]

First and foremost I had no idea this was a Horror movie of sorts. The opening scene(s) is fantastic and the suspense is pretty intense but once I realized what was going on in this story (title explanatory I guess) I was a bit turned off and couldn't believe I was going to watch another 1.5 hours of this storyline.

Things ended up taking a drastic turn about halfway through and I'm all here for it. A bunch of crazy twists late. Some questionable suspense scenes but kept me on the edge. Really like the end concept not the original.

Final scene is badass.

Risen (2016)

Better than other options

[7/10 · 11 April 2020]

I am not a huge fan of religious movies but Easter is such a beautiful time of the year and since we can't go to Church this weekend I needed my fix. Found this one with decent review. Joseph Fiennes was the reason this movie was good. I was able to follow the entire story and be entertained.

One change I would have made is the actor playing Yeshua/Jesus. He has such a limited role in this thing but he looks like somewhat of dork. Yeshua is supposed to be such a powerful figure and he's got a ton of worshippers and followers.

Nonetheless good movie, I enjoyed it.

Contagion (2011)

Covid-19 preview?

[7/10 · 4 April 2020]

I watched this movie with a person who did not know that it came out in 2011 and that person was convinced that the movie was made and released AFTER the current Covid-19 outbreak.

Not word of a lie the similarities top to bottom are insane and it's almost like they were telling us about the virus 10 years ago.

The final scene is extremely creepy and leaves you cringing at this movie. Was entertained quite a bit.

Big Time Adolescence (2019)

Nice and short, good or bad thing?

[6/10 · 22 March 2020]

This is a really short movie and maybe that's a good thing. Pete Davidson makes me feel like he is not only in character but like he is his true self in this movie. Arrogant, annoying, a druggie and not very likeable. I guess that's a testament to his acting?

If you are a parent to a teenager I just don't see how you let your 16 year old spend that much time with a 23 year old and not do something about it earlier. I mean what could a young teen be doing with a young adult every single night of the week and weekend.

Would have given this a better mark if there was a decent ending but unfortunately there was not. Kept me intrigued entire movie but letdown at the end.

Knives Out (2019)

Clue part 2 it is not!

[6/10 · 22 March 2020]

Despite a reference to the "Clue Board" by one of the officers in this movie, it really is nothing like the original movie despite the theme being somewhat the same. Yes there are suspects, a murder, police officers, random events and a lot to think about. The story is a pretty decent one but I feel the last part of the movie just took too many turns.

Daniel Craig's American accent is also as unbearable as they get and he probably talks the most in the movie.

Intriguing and mysterious at times and even fun but wasn't a big fan of the way it all turned out. Super weird at times. I had a gut feeling I wouldn't be a huge fan after only 5 minutes.

Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)

Not as good as the first!

[6/10 · 21 March 2020]

I absolutely loved the first movie which was a remake of the original but this second movie was almost identical and nothing really new about it.

The Director tried a few things to make it different but it didn't work and the only thing that really changed (without ruining it for everyone) was the "outside of the game" story which is only about 10% of the movie. I did enjoy the addition of Danny DeVito although his role is a very short one.

Fun movie for sure and the action is cool but it's no different than the first one which I actually enjoyed a lot more.

Searching (III) (2018)

Fun stuff

[7/10 · 15 March 2020]

My very first thought when this movie started was that the guy who plays the dad is the "Milf" guy from American Pie so I'm not sure how this is going to go but it turned out to be a really good movie. I'm a huge fan of movies that keep you in suspense and guessing right to the end and this one did the job.

The detail of how to use a computer/iPhone were incredible as a huge part of the story is told via electronics and technology but I think I learned a lot along the way.

Would have rated it higher but it did nothing beyond keep me in suspense and entertained. Did not have that "Gone Girl" (which is referenced in the movie) shock twists to it.

Very good movie.

Spenser Confidential (2020)

Same old story

[5/10 · 14 March 2020]

If you haven't already had enough of Mark Wahlberg in "Boston" setting movies than this is for you. Not going to lie the only reason I watched is because I saw a poster with Wahlberg and Post Malone and figured I would give it a go despite the poor ratings but this was just another cop type movie. Nothing special about it.

Worst part is so many aspects of the cop world were not accurate or believable. Things that just don't happen in the cop world. They could have at least kept it real. The action was fun at times and comedic aspect not too bad but overall felt like I wasted my time a bit.

Uncut Gems (2019)

Adam Sandler SNUBBED!

[8/10 · 14 February 2020]

My goodness. If you have high anxiety I suggest you think twice about watching this movie. From the very beginning you feel uncomfortable with the character Howard (Adam Sandler).

Just a heads up for anyone watching that has had gambling problems or encounters with bookies/mob. This might not be for you and may cause issues if you watch with friends or family. It's a bit rough on that side.

The ending is insane and overall this movie is crazy. Loved the cameo appearances by KG and The Weeknd.

Klaus (2019)

Made for kids and adults

[6/10 · 27 December 2019]

Wasn't too sure what to expect because the graphics looked old school in the previews and the movie had some really dark undertones but turned out to be a good story. A lot of people saying they are ranking this as a must see every Christmas but I'm not sure I would watch it again.

Joker (I) (2019)

Simply incredible!

[10/10 · 27 December 2019]

I won't say much because it might ruin it for others but I can safely say this is one of my favourite movies of all-time and only once before have I given a movie 10 stars and that was "Saving Private Ryan". It will be criminal if Joaquin Phoenix doesn't win Best Actor at the Academy Awards and this movie has to win Best Movie. I've already watched it twice. The plot and the acting are second to none. I just can't get over how good it was. Hopefully a sequel is in the works. There is so much they could do with this character and this story.

The Mule (2018)

Great plot, poor execution

[6/10 · 9 August 2019]

The plot of this movie has such great potential and Clint Eastwood, who plays a regular civilian drug mule role, was amazing in one of his best performances. Having said that, too many things are not believable and poorly executed in this movie. The police work (Bradley Cooper's) team is not credible. His team of cops and agents breaks several law enforcement rules of thumb. Anyone who watches police shows like LIVE PD knows how protocol works and that was not it. If you want to make a story believable at least have the small details right. Even the court part. Not how it works in real life. Otherwise Clint was awesome and the plot was such a good one.

Creed II (2018)

Just not the same!

[6/10 · 9 August 2019]

I was a huge fan of the first Creed movie because it took us into the unknown while still incorporating the original Rocky movies. This one on the other hand is such a predictable story with somewhat of a lame and forced storyline. That movie was only ending in one way and I think everyone knew it. I was expecting a bit more. Michael B is great in his role, he really is, but I wasn't a fan of the story or how predictable it all was.