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BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated Ad Astra (2019) in Movies
Sep 27, 2019
A missed opportunity
Like crossing the vast expanse of oceans in a sailing ship, rocketing across the vast expanse of our Galaxy would, naturally, lead one to self-contemplation. In the film AD ASTRA Brad Pitt spends a lot of time contemplating.
Unfortunately, that is pretty much all PItt - and this film - does.
AD ASTRA follows the adventure of Astronaut Roy McBride (Pitt) who's father Clifford McBride (Tommy Lee Jones) is a fabled Astronaut who disappeared while on a deep space mission to Neptune. When a Galaxy-wide energy pulse emanating from Neptune threatens life on Earth, suspicion is that Clifford is still alive in orbit around Neptune and the hope is that Roy can contact him and stop this life threatening force.
Sounds like an interesting premise, doesn't it? And it could have been. And the world that was built for this movie - a world set in the "near future", one where we did not stop going to the moon and space and there are now space stations - and colonies and pirates(!) - on the Moon and Mars, is an interesting concept and I really wanted to explore that world.
Unfortunately, Director and Writer James Gray (THE LOST CITY OF Z) was not interested in exploring this (so why build it?!?) - he was more interested in contemplating the meaning of life's purpose and fate and legacies and do the sins of the father really come back to seek payment by the son? And I do mean contemplate, for that is what Pitt's character does through most of this film - sit and think (which we hear through voice over), while contemplative music plays wistfully.
It's a good recipe to cure insomnia.
While Pitt does a nice enough job in the lead - an actor can only do so much with looking, thoughtfully, out the window. Ruth Negga and Donald Sutherland both try to inject some life in this film, but their parts are, in essence, extended cameos and the likes of "that guy" actors like Donnie Kashawarz, John Finn and John Ortiz pop up for a scene or two along the way as we travel across our Galaxy with Pitt but don't really register Only Tommy Lee Jones manages to liven things up...but his presence is too little too late.
Like a parent, I am not upset at this film, just disappointed at the choices that were made. I thought Pitt and Gray knew better.
Letter Grade: B- (it is well made and pretty to look at)
6 Stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Unfortunately, that is pretty much all PItt - and this film - does.
AD ASTRA follows the adventure of Astronaut Roy McBride (Pitt) who's father Clifford McBride (Tommy Lee Jones) is a fabled Astronaut who disappeared while on a deep space mission to Neptune. When a Galaxy-wide energy pulse emanating from Neptune threatens life on Earth, suspicion is that Clifford is still alive in orbit around Neptune and the hope is that Roy can contact him and stop this life threatening force.
Sounds like an interesting premise, doesn't it? And it could have been. And the world that was built for this movie - a world set in the "near future", one where we did not stop going to the moon and space and there are now space stations - and colonies and pirates(!) - on the Moon and Mars, is an interesting concept and I really wanted to explore that world.
Unfortunately, Director and Writer James Gray (THE LOST CITY OF Z) was not interested in exploring this (so why build it?!?) - he was more interested in contemplating the meaning of life's purpose and fate and legacies and do the sins of the father really come back to seek payment by the son? And I do mean contemplate, for that is what Pitt's character does through most of this film - sit and think (which we hear through voice over), while contemplative music plays wistfully.
It's a good recipe to cure insomnia.
While Pitt does a nice enough job in the lead - an actor can only do so much with looking, thoughtfully, out the window. Ruth Negga and Donald Sutherland both try to inject some life in this film, but their parts are, in essence, extended cameos and the likes of "that guy" actors like Donnie Kashawarz, John Finn and John Ortiz pop up for a scene or two along the way as we travel across our Galaxy with Pitt but don't really register Only Tommy Lee Jones manages to liven things up...but his presence is too little too late.
Like a parent, I am not upset at this film, just disappointed at the choices that were made. I thought Pitt and Gray knew better.
Letter Grade: B- (it is well made and pretty to look at)
6 Stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
Awix (3310 KP) rated Interview with the Vampire (1994) in Movies
Aug 8, 2020
Lavish adaptation of the best-selling novel resembles a cross between an existential bitch-fest and a hair care products commercial. Have you wondered what the ageless and immortal vampire does with all those endless nights? Well, he sits around and broods about it, if he's Brad Pitt, or shamelessly camps it up in search of an Oscar nomination if he's Tom Cruise. The film documents two centuries in the life of the undead: most of it is people sitting around in extravagantly-decorated rooms complaining about either their lives or each other.
Just a bit too artfully amoral and self-indulgent for my tastes; the gay subtext is undeniably present but you can tell Pitt and Cruise are doing their best to stamp it into the carpet (I mentioned this in a review of the novel once and someone said 'This book isn't about gay people! It's about vampires!', which I thought was rather sweet). Looks good and has some decent performances, but makes being a vampire look very boring. On the other hand, very clearly the chief inspiration for What We Do In the Shadows (both movie and TV show), although not nearly as entertaining.
Just a bit too artfully amoral and self-indulgent for my tastes; the gay subtext is undeniably present but you can tell Pitt and Cruise are doing their best to stamp it into the carpet (I mentioned this in a review of the novel once and someone said 'This book isn't about gay people! It's about vampires!', which I thought was rather sweet). Looks good and has some decent performances, but makes being a vampire look very boring. On the other hand, very clearly the chief inspiration for What We Do In the Shadows (both movie and TV show), although not nearly as entertaining.
Andy K (10821 KP) rated 12 Monkeys (1995) in Movies
Aug 1, 2018
A modern classic!
I recently watched the Comedy Central Roast of Bruce Willis which wasn't very good, but did show clips of many Willis films. You forget how many very good films he was in back in the day (not so much now) including 12 Monkeys.
Any time travel film is always going to mess with your brain a little and become more confusing the more you think about it; however, this one still holds up.
Willis plays his again everyman sent back in time to try and discover details about a mysterious disease which ravages the entire world in the future he comes from. Enough twists and turns to keep you guessing and a hilarious supporting role for Brad Pitt.
Any time travel film is always going to mess with your brain a little and become more confusing the more you think about it; however, this one still holds up.
Willis plays his again everyman sent back in time to try and discover details about a mysterious disease which ravages the entire world in the future he comes from. Enough twists and turns to keep you guessing and a hilarious supporting role for Brad Pitt.
Bostonian916 (449 KP) rated Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) in Movies
Jun 29, 2020
Awesome casting all around.
This is a different take on film that I don't think I've ever seen before. Taking a real life series of events and modifying it (very dramatically) to fit the narrative intended by the film makers. If ever there were a candidate for a job well done in that category, this would definitely be it.
Brad Pitt completely steals the spotlight (shared by Margot, of course) from Leo in this instant classic. Because the source material is SO heavily modified the viewer has genuinely no idea what to expect around every turn. Having that feeling while watching a movie unfold that you are familiar with the actual story it is based on was a bit of a surreal experience. But enjoyable nionetheless,
This is a different take on film that I don't think I've ever seen before. Taking a real life series of events and modifying it (very dramatically) to fit the narrative intended by the film makers. If ever there were a candidate for a job well done in that category, this would definitely be it.
Brad Pitt completely steals the spotlight (shared by Margot, of course) from Leo in this instant classic. Because the source material is SO heavily modified the viewer has genuinely no idea what to expect around every turn. Having that feeling while watching a movie unfold that you are familiar with the actual story it is based on was a bit of a surreal experience. But enjoyable nionetheless,
Erika (17788 KP) rated Ad Astra (2019) in Movies
Sep 21, 2019
I have mixed feelings about this film. For one, it is a great move forward towards realistic sci-fi, and I hope more movies are made like this.
The biggest problems for me were, a) the voiceover, it reminded me too much of Interview with a Vampire, and b) Brad Pitt being the lead. I could think of other actors that could have executed the character a little better.
Like others, I felt like the ending was completely anticlimactic. The story was so strong throughout, then I feel like it was spoiled. The film was also a little too long. That being said, the VFX were pretty amazing, and I can only imagine what this film would look like in IMAX.
The biggest problems for me were, a) the voiceover, it reminded me too much of Interview with a Vampire, and b) Brad Pitt being the lead. I could think of other actors that could have executed the character a little better.
Like others, I felt like the ending was completely anticlimactic. The story was so strong throughout, then I feel like it was spoiled. The film was also a little too long. That being said, the VFX were pretty amazing, and I can only imagine what this film would look like in IMAX.
TheDefunctDiva (304 KP) rated Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) in Movies
Mar 8, 2020
Dynamic Duo
Contains spoilers, click to show
My boyfriend watched this movie three times before I had the opportunity. I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. Great setup to an ultimate revenge scene. I loved, loved, loved the costuming. But what was up with everyone's dirty feet??? I can see why Bruce Lee's family objected to the portrayal of the late, great actor. But we have to remember that this entire film is fiction and not fact. It did make me exceptionally sad that some of these events did not transpire in real life. I don't have the time for a three-hour movie, but I would definitely watch this again...
Amy Norman (1042 KP) rated Ad Astra (2019) in Movies
Oct 3, 2020
This was obscenely dull. I would honestly struggle to find anything redeeming, or positive to write about it.
I can appreciate pieces of art being more of a thought provoking or statement piece, but I'm pretty sure being left dumbfounded and speechless (neither of those in a good way) was not the reaction this was aiming for.
I suppose visually it was pleasing to the eye, and some of the action (when it did occur) looked good too but I, unfortunately, saw this at the cinema, so I think that added to the spectacular aspect of those scenes.
I doubt I would have been half as impressed if watching it at home.
I would give it a miss, you aren't really missing out on anything, unless you like to watch Brad Pitt brooding, but doing it in space, as he goes on the galaxies most boring 'road trip'.
I can appreciate pieces of art being more of a thought provoking or statement piece, but I'm pretty sure being left dumbfounded and speechless (neither of those in a good way) was not the reaction this was aiming for.
I suppose visually it was pleasing to the eye, and some of the action (when it did occur) looked good too but I, unfortunately, saw this at the cinema, so I think that added to the spectacular aspect of those scenes.
I doubt I would have been half as impressed if watching it at home.
I would give it a miss, you aren't really missing out on anything, unless you like to watch Brad Pitt brooding, but doing it in space, as he goes on the galaxies most boring 'road trip'.
Blazing Minds (92 KP) rated Hellraiser: Judgment (2017) in Movies
Oct 29, 2021 (Updated Nov 2, 2021)
I remember seeing the first movie in the franchise back in the late 80s and it was the film that tweaked my interest in Clive Barker‘s work, now Hellraiser Judgment is being released here in the UK on Blu-ray from the 1st March.
So let’s get straight into this review, my first response Hellraiser Judgment sounds very familiar then it hit me, the film reminds me of Seven with Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman but with the Pinhead and some Cenobites that have been thrown into the mix almost like a Seven vs Hellraiser movie.
As we’ve come to expect from the Hellraiser franchise there is plenty of those gory, blood-soaked, scenes that can make the stomach turn as well as some other uneasy scenes that make you look away, look out for the “cleansing” scene that’s one that had me heaving!
So let’s get straight into this review, my first response Hellraiser Judgment sounds very familiar then it hit me, the film reminds me of Seven with Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman but with the Pinhead and some Cenobites that have been thrown into the mix almost like a Seven vs Hellraiser movie.
As we’ve come to expect from the Hellraiser franchise there is plenty of those gory, blood-soaked, scenes that can make the stomach turn as well as some other uneasy scenes that make you look away, look out for the “cleansing” scene that’s one that had me heaving!
Charlie Cobra Reviews (1840 KP) rated Ad Astra (2019) in Movies
Jul 7, 2020
A Sci-Fi Film Grounded In Reality
Ad Astra is a 2019 sci-fi/adventure movie directed, produced, and co-written by James Gray. Ethan Gross was the co-writer and other producers on the film were Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, James Gray, Anthony Katagas, Rodrigo Teixeira and Arnon Milchan. The movie was produced by 20th Century Fox, Regency Enterprises, Bona Film Group, New Regency, Plan B Entertainment, RT Features, Keep Your Head Productions, MadRiver Pictures, TSG Entertainment and was distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. The film stars Brad Pitt, Tommy Lee Jones, Ruth Negga, Liv Tyler and Donald Sutherland.
When all life on Earth is threatened by mysterious power surges, U.S. Space Command seeks out astronaut Major Roy McBride for a special mission. He is the son of famed astronaut H. Clifford McBride, who headed the "Lima Project" which purpose was to search the Solar System for intelligent life. Now, after sixteen years of silence and his father believed dead, they inform Roy that the surges have been traced back to the "Lima Project" and he must travel Mars to try and contact his father to save the Earth.
I was super excited about this movie before watching it in theaters. Even though I saw the trailers, I made sure not to read up on it or watch them too much because I didn't want for anything to spoil it for me. Honestly after watching it, I still have mixed feelings. In a lot of ways I liked the film but almost equally I didn't. There was a lot that I was kind of disappointed in but also a lot that happened different than what I thought was going to happen, especially when it came to the plot. This movie was very realistic for a science fiction space movie when I thought it was going to be more fantastical. I think that was the main reason for me not liking it as much as I thought I would, also the pacing threw me off because this movie was really long. I kept waiting for it to get good and it never really did. There were a couple of good scenes overall but I agree with some critics or reviewers who said that it either needed to be shorter or a lot longer and made into a mini-series. I thought Brad Pitt did an excellent job in his role as Major Roy McBride but I understand people who criticized his performance because his character is very unemotional. I also really liked Ruth Negga's performance and think she did a fantastic job. I was let down that Tommy Lee Jones didn't have as much screen time as I thought he was going to, double for Donald Sutherland as well. Not a lot more I can say without spoiling parts of the movie. I wound up giving this movie a 6/10. I would have given it a point lower but there's a lot that makes this film above normal.
When all life on Earth is threatened by mysterious power surges, U.S. Space Command seeks out astronaut Major Roy McBride for a special mission. He is the son of famed astronaut H. Clifford McBride, who headed the "Lima Project" which purpose was to search the Solar System for intelligent life. Now, after sixteen years of silence and his father believed dead, they inform Roy that the surges have been traced back to the "Lima Project" and he must travel Mars to try and contact his father to save the Earth.
I was super excited about this movie before watching it in theaters. Even though I saw the trailers, I made sure not to read up on it or watch them too much because I didn't want for anything to spoil it for me. Honestly after watching it, I still have mixed feelings. In a lot of ways I liked the film but almost equally I didn't. There was a lot that I was kind of disappointed in but also a lot that happened different than what I thought was going to happen, especially when it came to the plot. This movie was very realistic for a science fiction space movie when I thought it was going to be more fantastical. I think that was the main reason for me not liking it as much as I thought I would, also the pacing threw me off because this movie was really long. I kept waiting for it to get good and it never really did. There were a couple of good scenes overall but I agree with some critics or reviewers who said that it either needed to be shorter or a lot longer and made into a mini-series. I thought Brad Pitt did an excellent job in his role as Major Roy McBride but I understand people who criticized his performance because his character is very unemotional. I also really liked Ruth Negga's performance and think she did a fantastic job. I was let down that Tommy Lee Jones didn't have as much screen time as I thought he was going to, double for Donald Sutherland as well. Not a lot more I can say without spoiling parts of the movie. I wound up giving this movie a 6/10. I would have given it a point lower but there's a lot that makes this film above normal.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Burn After Reading (2008) in Movies
Aug 29, 2020 (Updated Aug 29, 2020)
Quirky fun
You know what to expect when watching a comedy made by the Coen brothers, and Burn After Reading doesn't hold any surprises. It's ridiculous, yet still quite funny and pretty bizarre, all the while being fairly enjoyable.
The best thing about this film is the cast, they're phenomenal and look like they're having so much fun playing various types of idiotic people. Brad Pitt is downright hilarious although John Malkovich steals the show with some brilliant lines. The plot is silly but I think that's the point, and it's fun to watch these bumbling idiots do stupid things and the CIA's response to them. There are a decent amount of laugh out loud moments. For me I also enjoyed watching Linda's attempts at internet dating as sadly thats something I've experienced first hand! It's just an all round entertaining and silly film, and as long as you don't take it too seriously you should find it fairly enjoyable.
The best thing about this film is the cast, they're phenomenal and look like they're having so much fun playing various types of idiotic people. Brad Pitt is downright hilarious although John Malkovich steals the show with some brilliant lines. The plot is silly but I think that's the point, and it's fun to watch these bumbling idiots do stupid things and the CIA's response to them. There are a decent amount of laugh out loud moments. For me I also enjoyed watching Linda's attempts at internet dating as sadly thats something I've experienced first hand! It's just an all round entertaining and silly film, and as long as you don't take it too seriously you should find it fairly enjoyable.