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BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021) in Movies
Oct 7, 2021
Suffers from Sequel-itis
If you ever heard of the term “Sequel-itis” and wondered what a good example of film suffering from this malady would be, look no further than VENOM: LET THERE BE CARNAGE.
The sequel to the surprisingly well made - and well acted - 2018 VENOM that introduced audiences to the (sometimes) villain, (sometimes) anti-hero, VENOM and the human/symbiot that he has bonded to (it makes sense in the first film) - this sequel looks and feels like a quick “money-grab” that is keeping this character “warm” for bigger things (I hope) down the road.
Directed by famed motion capture expert, Andy Serkis, VENOM: LET THERE BE CARNAGE feels like a movie that was directed by a Special FX veteran for this film is long on special effects and short on what makes a film work - plot and character.
And that’s too bad for the 2018 VENOM film was a surprise in that while it had it’s CGI moments (and plenty of them), it also had interesting plot and characters and took full advantage of two of the better actors working today - Tom Hardy and Michelle Williams.
The sequel looked promising enough as both Hardy and Williams were back and Woody Harrelson was cast as the main villain (with Naomi Harris along as the villain’s sidekick) so some of the ingredients were there for a quality sequel.
Unfortunately, this sequel leaned heavily into the CGI-ness of the first film and made the CGI Alien Venom the focal point of the story, relegating the humans to the back. No actor was pushed further to the back than Williams who was stuck with a weak “damsel in distress” arc while Harrelson and Harris take turns over-acting the other making their pair of villains some of the weakest in recent comic-book movies memory.
And then there is the performance of Hardy as Eddie Brock. He is sleepwalking his way through this film, looking like he has very little interest in what is going on and just wants to grab his paycheck and get home.
Some of these sins could be forgiven if the CGI elements - and the battles between Venom and Carnage - are interesting. Unfortunately, they just are not - they are “fine”, but nothing interesting or original, so this film is destined to get washed off the shore (and memory) as quickly as a sandcastle is washed away on a beach.
If you are going to check out this flick, make sure you stay for the “end credits” scene (which is only, thankfully, about 2 minutes into the credits), it is the best part of this film.
Letter Grade: C+
5 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
The sequel to the surprisingly well made - and well acted - 2018 VENOM that introduced audiences to the (sometimes) villain, (sometimes) anti-hero, VENOM and the human/symbiot that he has bonded to (it makes sense in the first film) - this sequel looks and feels like a quick “money-grab” that is keeping this character “warm” for bigger things (I hope) down the road.
Directed by famed motion capture expert, Andy Serkis, VENOM: LET THERE BE CARNAGE feels like a movie that was directed by a Special FX veteran for this film is long on special effects and short on what makes a film work - plot and character.
And that’s too bad for the 2018 VENOM film was a surprise in that while it had it’s CGI moments (and plenty of them), it also had interesting plot and characters and took full advantage of two of the better actors working today - Tom Hardy and Michelle Williams.
The sequel looked promising enough as both Hardy and Williams were back and Woody Harrelson was cast as the main villain (with Naomi Harris along as the villain’s sidekick) so some of the ingredients were there for a quality sequel.
Unfortunately, this sequel leaned heavily into the CGI-ness of the first film and made the CGI Alien Venom the focal point of the story, relegating the humans to the back. No actor was pushed further to the back than Williams who was stuck with a weak “damsel in distress” arc while Harrelson and Harris take turns over-acting the other making their pair of villains some of the weakest in recent comic-book movies memory.
And then there is the performance of Hardy as Eddie Brock. He is sleepwalking his way through this film, looking like he has very little interest in what is going on and just wants to grab his paycheck and get home.
Some of these sins could be forgiven if the CGI elements - and the battles between Venom and Carnage - are interesting. Unfortunately, they just are not - they are “fine”, but nothing interesting or original, so this film is destined to get washed off the shore (and memory) as quickly as a sandcastle is washed away on a beach.
If you are going to check out this flick, make sure you stay for the “end credits” scene (which is only, thankfully, about 2 minutes into the credits), it is the best part of this film.
Letter Grade: C+
5 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
John Garrett (27 KP) rated War for the Planet of the Apes (2017) in Movies
Jul 11, 2017
Story (3 more)
Mo-cap
Cgi
Woody Harrleson
Cesar's trillogy concludes in fitting style
Contains spoilers, click to show
The final instalment of mat Reeves planet of the apes prequel trilogy comes to a close in style with what I must say is a spectacular performance from Andy Serkis.
He once again portrays Cesar who is looking for a new home for the apes as the last remainig Human army are hunting them down and trying to wipe them out. After a cesars family is slane he takes the fight to the army.
This film doesn't take the easy route and zigs where it should day which makes it a compelling watch throughout.
The true stars in the film have to be the effects and animation crew. The scenery was breathtaking and the work on the apes was spectacular.
In fact all the apes were cgi and the "main ones" were all mo-capped using actors. The actors behind these guys really shone through which is an impressive feat on its own.
Woody Harrleson once plays a great foil for cesar, in the menacing yet relatable commander. Woody brings a real gravitas to a role which some actors could have turned into a cartoon villain.
All in all the final prequel or cesars story was a fitting end to a series of movies that have been compelling and full of excitement.
He once again portrays Cesar who is looking for a new home for the apes as the last remainig Human army are hunting them down and trying to wipe them out. After a cesars family is slane he takes the fight to the army.
This film doesn't take the easy route and zigs where it should day which makes it a compelling watch throughout.
The true stars in the film have to be the effects and animation crew. The scenery was breathtaking and the work on the apes was spectacular.
In fact all the apes were cgi and the "main ones" were all mo-capped using actors. The actors behind these guys really shone through which is an impressive feat on its own.
Woody Harrleson once plays a great foil for cesar, in the menacing yet relatable commander. Woody brings a real gravitas to a role which some actors could have turned into a cartoon villain.
All in all the final prequel or cesars story was a fitting end to a series of movies that have been compelling and full of excitement.
Sheridan (209 KP) rated Predator (1987) in Movies
Feb 5, 2019
CGI Effects (they're so bad they're good) (1 more)
EXPLOSIONS! I swear, 80s action movies really went all out.
The Predator dies (was I the only one rooting for that alien asshole? I mean come on, he's a highly skilled alien hunter, it hardly seems likely he's going to die...) (1 more)
Covering yourself in mud does not kill your heat signature. It does briefly, but only for like two minutes before your body temp heats it up. Dutch would not have been 'invisible' to Preds for that long. This annoyed me so bad lol
A Cult Classic
It's been a looong time since I've watched the Predator/Alien movies over and they never disappoint me. The perfect mix of action, sci fi and horror elements, this is a gritty movie you can really sink your teeth into (and hell - Arnie in the 80s was some serious eye candy). I love how terrible the CGI is (though back in 87 it would've been on point), it really gives you that 'look how far we've come in technology' feel. It's got explosions, cursing, eye candy, an original alien concept (for the 80s), blood, guts, and gore. I mean, when you're looking for an old school action/sci fi that satisfies your need for grunge, go no further, this is the movie. It's still one of my favourites to this day :)
Sam (228 KP) rated Venom (2018) in Movies
Mar 9, 2019
Action (2 more)
Realistic CGI
Amazing Acting
Weak Ending (1 more)
Missing Something
Great Start, Great Action, Weak Finish
I absolutely loved this film up until the last half hour. This film had a strong beginning, strong middle, and a weak ending. The action scenes were absolutely beautiful and watching Brock, the main character, slowly getting taken over by this monster (Venom) was a masterpiece of acting. I loved watching them interact together, however their relationship went from being absolutely terrifying and brilliant to quickly fast formed friends. I would have liked to see this transition better rather than the fast switch that took place. Considering this to be a key part within the formation of the film I can't in good conscious give it more than rate it at a 7/10 as it made the ending weak and clunky. If this transition was more smooth and played out then I would rate it much higher. In my opinion, Venom is a monster bent on taking over the planet, however in this film he went from villianous to superhero in the matter of minutes. If the time had been taken to smooth out these kinks the film would have been perfect. This being said the action scenes were outstanding, the acting beautiful, and the CGI which played heavily given the film was actually very well done.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Black Panther (2018) in Movies
Feb 25, 2018
Different to other Marvel films (1 more)
Strong female characters
CGI (2 more)
Some under developed characters
Weak villain
Good but a little overrated
Considering the general praise for this film, I had been expecting great things and although for a Marvel origins film it's pretty good, I still found it a bit disappointing.
I like T'Challa as a main character and I love some of the strong female characters in this film. His sister especially is fantastic and brings some welcome humour too. This isn't your typical Marvel film, and feels like it has more meaning and depth, although this means the humour side is a little lacking. Its also good not to have this bogged down with other characters from the universe.
My problems were that it felt like it dragged a bit and I was almost getting bored. The CGI is very patchy in places to the point it gets distracting and despite some good characters, I feel a lot of others are very under developed, like Forest Whitaker and Daniel Kaluuya. Martin Freeman's character could have been removed from the film entirely with no impact. Also I felt Erik was a bit of a weak villain and Andy Serkis was much more better placed and would have brought a bit more character.
All in all its a good and different origin story, but not one of my favourites.
I like T'Challa as a main character and I love some of the strong female characters in this film. His sister especially is fantastic and brings some welcome humour too. This isn't your typical Marvel film, and feels like it has more meaning and depth, although this means the humour side is a little lacking. Its also good not to have this bogged down with other characters from the universe.
My problems were that it felt like it dragged a bit and I was almost getting bored. The CGI is very patchy in places to the point it gets distracting and despite some good characters, I feel a lot of others are very under developed, like Forest Whitaker and Daniel Kaluuya. Martin Freeman's character could have been removed from the film entirely with no impact. Also I felt Erik was a bit of a weak villain and Andy Serkis was much more better placed and would have brought a bit more character.
All in all its a good and different origin story, but not one of my favourites.
Kevin Wilson (179 KP) rated MAC and Me (1988) in Movies
Jul 17, 2018
Bad acting (2 more)
Horrible costumes
Terrible CGI
Horrible movie but entertaining with friends
This was a horrible movie but entertaining since I watched it with friends.
Released 6 years after ET, which is comparable. Yet the CGI was worse and the costumes were horrible. I don't understand the plot exactly and the ending was just weird and bad.
The characters were not likeable, the acting was terrible. So much product placement from McDonald's and coca cola. We laughed at the aliens but they were just annoying.
Not sure if this was self aware about how bad it is but that's what it is. Bad. Don't even ask about that ending. I am as confused as anyone.
***Spoiler alert*** chased by government which soon goes away and suddenly the aliens are granted us citizenship with noone questioning anything. Oh and the daddy alien is wearing a suit.....yeah this movie was weird ***end spoiler***
I would still say give it a watch but watch it with friends so you can laugh at it. This is like the lower budget ET except no emotion osr redeeming qualities. The characters reactions to the aliens were too calm and rational and I have no idea of the point of the government chasing them. Didn't build to anything.
The lesson I came away with was that coca cola seems to solve everything.
Released 6 years after ET, which is comparable. Yet the CGI was worse and the costumes were horrible. I don't understand the plot exactly and the ending was just weird and bad.
The characters were not likeable, the acting was terrible. So much product placement from McDonald's and coca cola. We laughed at the aliens but they were just annoying.
Not sure if this was self aware about how bad it is but that's what it is. Bad. Don't even ask about that ending. I am as confused as anyone.
***Spoiler alert*** chased by government which soon goes away and suddenly the aliens are granted us citizenship with noone questioning anything. Oh and the daddy alien is wearing a suit.....yeah this movie was weird ***end spoiler***
I would still say give it a watch but watch it with friends so you can laugh at it. This is like the lower budget ET except no emotion osr redeeming qualities. The characters reactions to the aliens were too calm and rational and I have no idea of the point of the government chasing them. Didn't build to anything.
The lesson I came away with was that coca cola seems to solve everything.
Rickey A. Mossow Jr. (689 KP) rated Aquaman (2018) in Movies
Jun 30, 2019
Jason Momoa makes Aquaman a cool superhero. (2 more)
CGI is beautiful.
Amber Heard is gorgeous here with her red hair.
The story is all over the place. (1 more)
Acting is a bit cheesy in some parts.
Made Aquaman cool, but not without its flaws.
To be honest, I've never viewed Aquaman as a major character in the DC Universe. He was always that weird cousin that everybody just kinda puts up with and halfheartedly oohs and aahs when he tells a dolphin to pull a rope. So, firstly, props to Jason Momoa for bringing the grit and toughness to this superhero. He makes Aquaman cool, if for the first time ever. Also, the movie is beautiful. The fight scenes are well shot and the CGI makes every land a picturesque landscape of color and flash. Also, Amber Heard is absolutely gorgeous in this movie. Her red hair and outfits pop every time she's on the screen. The story, however, is kind of all over the place. How do they stop pollution? Isn't it a bad thing to let someone die? What are these people's motives? The film feels like its a bit too long as well. Did I enjoy the experience of the movie? Yes. Would I watch it again like I would other current superhero films? No. Still, great job making Aquaman a cool and valuable character again in the DC Universe.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated The Babadook (2014) in Movies
Dec 11, 2019
Minimalist Creep
Wow was I surprised by this. My daughters have been after me for a while to watch, but I have to not being a big fan of modern CGI horror like The Conjuring, Insidious, etc. I made the mistake of including this film in that group and I was wrong.
Modern audiences have grown short attention spans even having film studios get rid of opening film credits, so it is refreshing these days when a film takes its time and leaves something to our imagination. I have written in several reviews the last few years that just because modern filmmakers can do something, doesn't mean they should. Modern CGI effects leave virtually nothing a movie maker can accomplish with enough imagination are computer work done to it; however, I still maintain the "Jaws" theory of the less you show the audience the more they have to used their own imaginations and therefore the film's "Babadook" becomes even more scary.
I loved the way the creature was shown mostly in shadow and not really given a good glimpse most of the way through. Even when it presents itself, you don't really get a good look at it and a lot of the scare is also through creepy, haunting sound effects.
I guess I will have to listen to my daughters from now on!
Modern audiences have grown short attention spans even having film studios get rid of opening film credits, so it is refreshing these days when a film takes its time and leaves something to our imagination. I have written in several reviews the last few years that just because modern filmmakers can do something, doesn't mean they should. Modern CGI effects leave virtually nothing a movie maker can accomplish with enough imagination are computer work done to it; however, I still maintain the "Jaws" theory of the less you show the audience the more they have to used their own imaginations and therefore the film's "Babadook" becomes even more scary.
I loved the way the creature was shown mostly in shadow and not really given a good glimpse most of the way through. Even when it presents itself, you don't really get a good look at it and a lot of the scare is also through creepy, haunting sound effects.
I guess I will have to listen to my daughters from now on!
Kirk Bage (1775 KP) rated Venom (2018) in Movies
Feb 25, 2021
This is the worst kind of relatively big budget popcorn tease – the kind of film that knows its demographic will flood to it regardless of quality, so let’s not even bother trying to make it good. The first sign of this type is a script that is such gibberish you almost start to wonder if you are having a stroke, and Venom has that in spades! Just when you think you have a handle on it, off it goes on a tangent that has nothing to do with anything other than setting up the next CGI shot. Which is the second sign – CGI good enough to pass, but quite obviously not the cutting edge stuff we have already seen years ago in better films. Cheap and nasty. The third sign is a director that can bung a few thrills in the mix but has no care whatsoever for characterisation, pace, plot or sensible motivation. Well done Ruben Fleischer for being the first director to have two films included in my BMTBs, following Zombieland Double Tap – I really can’t split them. The only fun to be had here is watching Tom Hardy amuse himself with a comic book characature so far over the top it hurts. Michelle Williams and Riz Ahmed are horribly wasted and should be ashamed. Just awful stuff!
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated The Final Destination (2009) in Movies
Sep 18, 2019 (Updated Oct 25, 2019)
A big stinking low
There's not a whole lot of positive things to say about the fourth entry into the Final Destination franchise.
For starters, there's not one character here to root for. Every one is unlikable - you could argue that the writers were trying to make them this unlikable on purpose, so we as an audience can revel in their inevitably over the top death, but that tactic doesn't work, as shown throughout this pile of horse sh*t.
At this point in the franchise, much like the third film, it feels as though the kills are the main draw.
And to be honest, it's all very boring this time around. The writers try to be creative here and there, but the overuse of CGI and 3D gimmicks on show make the death scenes unintentionally goofy and cheap looking, rather than having any of the shock value carried by the first two films.
The lack of practical effects is mind boggling, as once again, stunt co-ordinator David R. Ellis directs, the same man responsible for the fantastic highway scene in FD2. The extra features show that he used practical effects whilst filming but for some unknown reason, the finished film just has CGI spaffed over everything.
You're not missing out on much if you give this one a pass.
For starters, there's not one character here to root for. Every one is unlikable - you could argue that the writers were trying to make them this unlikable on purpose, so we as an audience can revel in their inevitably over the top death, but that tactic doesn't work, as shown throughout this pile of horse sh*t.
At this point in the franchise, much like the third film, it feels as though the kills are the main draw.
And to be honest, it's all very boring this time around. The writers try to be creative here and there, but the overuse of CGI and 3D gimmicks on show make the death scenes unintentionally goofy and cheap looking, rather than having any of the shock value carried by the first two films.
The lack of practical effects is mind boggling, as once again, stunt co-ordinator David R. Ellis directs, the same man responsible for the fantastic highway scene in FD2. The extra features show that he used practical effects whilst filming but for some unknown reason, the finished film just has CGI spaffed over everything.
You're not missing out on much if you give this one a pass.