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And Every Word Is True
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Truman Capote’s bestselling book “In Cold Blood” has captivated worldwide audiences for over...
True Crime
Devil's Knot: The True Story of the West Memphis Three
10.0
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Book
Based on a true story, this edition of Devil's Knot will tie-in to a major motion picture starring...
Lee (2222 KP) rated Only The Brave (2017) in Movies
Nov 14, 2017
A true story that deserved to be told
Only the Brave is based on the true story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots - the first ever municipal fire crew to be certified as Hotshots, which is the name given to the brave firefighters that tackle wildfires on the ground. It's another true story I wasn't aware of, and as with many of the others that have had movies made of them recently, it is just as deserving to be told. My appreciation of the movie, in particular how it all ended, was certainly improved based on the fact that I had no prior knowledge of the story.
Although, we do get to see a number of wildfires throughout the movie and get to fully appreciate the scale and danger that they present to both firefighters and residents in the path of destruction, Only the Brave never descends into an over-the-top disaster blockbuster. Instead, the movies main focus is often on the team of firefighter themselves, their family lives, and how they juggle all of that along with such an intensely demanding work life. At times though, this side of the movie doesn't work so well as we constantly meander through some of the less interesting parts of the lives of the crew, and I felt the whole movie could have benefited by shaving about 30 minutes from its run time. There's a great, all-star cast to help things along though - Josh Brolin is supervisor Eric Marsh, Miles Teller one of his rookies, and that's just the start of it. Jeff Bridges, Jennifer Connelly, and Andie MacDowell all feature in strong supporting roles.
Despite its slow start and extended run time, I definitely found Only the Brave an enjoyable and emotional story.
Although, we do get to see a number of wildfires throughout the movie and get to fully appreciate the scale and danger that they present to both firefighters and residents in the path of destruction, Only the Brave never descends into an over-the-top disaster blockbuster. Instead, the movies main focus is often on the team of firefighter themselves, their family lives, and how they juggle all of that along with such an intensely demanding work life. At times though, this side of the movie doesn't work so well as we constantly meander through some of the less interesting parts of the lives of the crew, and I felt the whole movie could have benefited by shaving about 30 minutes from its run time. There's a great, all-star cast to help things along though - Josh Brolin is supervisor Eric Marsh, Miles Teller one of his rookies, and that's just the start of it. Jeff Bridges, Jennifer Connelly, and Andie MacDowell all feature in strong supporting roles.
Despite its slow start and extended run time, I definitely found Only the Brave an enjoyable and emotional story.
Bostonian916 (449 KP) rated The 5th Quarter (2010) in Movies
Aug 17, 2020
Based on an inspirational true story about the death of a young man and the repercussions on his family.
While the story is true and quite good, there are events in the movie that I feel were added for cinematic effect, which in and of itself isn't terrible, but in the broad scheme of the movie they were absolutely not needed.
The story is good enough when told that it didn't need some of the filler that was added and unfortunately some of the filler was never actually tied into the actual story, which I found disappointing. Also, while I understand that it was done in an effort to appeal to a larger audience, some of the language in the film was more vulgar than what I though was appropriate for a film that touted itself with religion as the underlying grace.
If you've read many of my reviews, you know that I don't necessarily have a problem with vulgarity in general, but when a movie makes a claim as one thing and then presents itself as another, that's a bit of a crux for me personally.
Beyond that, Aidan Quinn and Andie MacDowell were both brilliant in their respective roles.
While the story is true and quite good, there are events in the movie that I feel were added for cinematic effect, which in and of itself isn't terrible, but in the broad scheme of the movie they were absolutely not needed.
The story is good enough when told that it didn't need some of the filler that was added and unfortunately some of the filler was never actually tied into the actual story, which I found disappointing. Also, while I understand that it was done in an effort to appeal to a larger audience, some of the language in the film was more vulgar than what I though was appropriate for a film that touted itself with religion as the underlying grace.
If you've read many of my reviews, you know that I don't necessarily have a problem with vulgarity in general, but when a movie makes a claim as one thing and then presents itself as another, that's a bit of a crux for me personally.
Beyond that, Aidan Quinn and Andie MacDowell were both brilliant in their respective roles.
Veronica Pena (690 KP) rated Spotlight (2015) in Movies
Apr 8, 2020
I genuinely think this is one of the best movies I've ever seen. I'm a real sucker for 'based on a true story' films, especially when the content is so riveting and this film really hit the mark. This cast is phenomenal, each character had a purpose, had meaning, had heart. The plot is obviously so intriguing and it keeps you pulled in. You find yourself rooting for Spotlight throughout the film and you can feel how much each of these characters love the story, are passionate about the story, through the screen. And Mark Ruffalo? He was the stand out to me, no doubt. He has this screen presence that is unlike most actors I've seen. I love this film.
Chloe (778 KP) rated Escape from Pretoria (2020) in Movies
Mar 6, 2021
Emotional (2 more)
Stressful
Good story
Lack of heritage (1 more)
Occassionally slow
Clever emotion heightening
This was a good film, based on a true story, good length as there were occasional slow parts. I really found myself rooting for the characters even though the camaraderie was subtle, it built enough of a picture to feel that.
The main character is exceptionally clever and when the plan is first revealed I thought it was impossible but somehow it was done well.
I love the main suspicious guard and how close he comes to finding out the truth.
My biggest erk is that they didn't bother using native actors, the accents are OK but when in a stressful situation/shouting they are dropped.
The main character is exceptionally clever and when the plan is first revealed I thought it was impossible but somehow it was done well.
I love the main suspicious guard and how close he comes to finding out the truth.
My biggest erk is that they didn't bother using native actors, the accents are OK but when in a stressful situation/shouting they are dropped.
Silkwood (1983)
7.7
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Movie Watch
This drama is based on the true story of Karen Silkwood (Meryl Streep), who works at a nuclear...
Jessica Erdas (463 KP) rated Brain on Fire (2016) in Movies
Jun 26, 2018
Based on a true story
Based on the life and book by the same name by Susannah Cahalan, this movie follows the events of a 21 year old girl who suddenly begins experiencing strange flu-like symptoms. She goes to a doctor who tells her that all of her tests came back clear and there's nothing wrong with her. As she continues to work through the strange symptoms, they become increasingly severe. She begins to have seizures, psychotic episodes of paranoia, and is diagnosed with one mental illness after another. None of which explain why Susannah was previously a perfectly healthy 21 year old girl or what brought on the strange symptoms. Her family pushes to find answers where the team of doctors believe she belongs in a psychiatric facility. The movie is a little slow paced but I believe it was necessary to really encompass the severity and impact of the situation that Susannah and her family experienced. Definitely worth a watch.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Lone Survivor (2014) in Movies
Jan 26, 2021 (Updated Feb 2, 2021)
Mark Walhbeg (1 more)
Ben Foster
Never Out of the Fight
Lone Survivor- is a intense action thriller thats based on a true story. Its slow at first, but around halfway in, it gets good.
The plot:In 2005 Afghanistan, Navy SEALs Marcus Luttrell (Mark Wahlberg), Michael Murphy (Taylor Kitsch), Danny Dietz (Emile Hirsch) and Matthew "Axe" Axelson (Ben Foster) deploy on a mission of surveillance and to take out Taliban leader Ahmad Shah. Though spotted by goatherds, Luttrell and his team decide not to kill them. But one of the Afghans alerts a group of Taliban fighters to the invaders, and a terrible battle ensues, in which the SEALs find themselves hopelessly outnumbered and outgunned.
Its a must see film.
The plot:In 2005 Afghanistan, Navy SEALs Marcus Luttrell (Mark Wahlberg), Michael Murphy (Taylor Kitsch), Danny Dietz (Emile Hirsch) and Matthew "Axe" Axelson (Ben Foster) deploy on a mission of surveillance and to take out Taliban leader Ahmad Shah. Though spotted by goatherds, Luttrell and his team decide not to kill them. But one of the Afghans alerts a group of Taliban fighters to the invaders, and a terrible battle ensues, in which the SEALs find themselves hopelessly outnumbered and outgunned.
Its a must see film.