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LoganCrews (2861 KP) rated Identity (2003) in Movies
Sep 22, 2020 (Updated Nov 26, 2020)
"𝘈 𝘉𝘢𝘯𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘵 𝘱𝘰𝘵 𝘱𝘪𝘦?! 𝘈 𝘉𝘢𝘯𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘵 𝘱𝘰𝘵 𝘱𝘪𝘦!"
*or*
"𝘓𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦, 𝘥𝘶𝘥𝘦, 𝘐'𝘮 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥-𝘶𝘱, 𝘸𝘦𝘵, 𝘣𝘢𝘥 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘢𝘺."
True "What the fuck is going on? Huh? What..? Who?? ... wait what the fuck is that I- um, did they just? What the hell, but...where? Why? Uh, how?" cinema. This sort of exasperatingly looney, balls-planted-firmly-to-the-wall thriller with like 60 twists is sort of played these days - but I'd imagine that in its day it was quite revelatory. This was honestly a hoot and a holler but sadly its greatness is sunk by James Mangold - for the most part - being a hack who has no clue how to dramatize, have any definable mark as a director, or make inherently compelling things at all very compelling unless the studio has a firm grip on the project. His films mostly look like flat TV movies and play like no one behind the camera has much of a clue on what they're doing beyond maybe an introductory film guide on the back of a cereal box. This one isn't all that different either, but material with *this* low of a regard for any sense of subtlety or earthly realism and with a gleeful eagerness to throw all of its cards violently onto the table any chance it gets has a pass from me - especially when it's acted by a banging troupe of crackerjack character actors and reliable leads like this one. Really, really fun and sincerely manic - Agatha Christie meets a line of coke at a gas station bathroom. Plus the uninterrupted, heaping downpour is a helluva gimmick and it works where Mangold doesn't.
*or*
"𝘓𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦, 𝘥𝘶𝘥𝘦, 𝘐'𝘮 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥-𝘶𝘱, 𝘸𝘦𝘵, 𝘣𝘢𝘥 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘢𝘺."
True "What the fuck is going on? Huh? What..? Who?? ... wait what the fuck is that I- um, did they just? What the hell, but...where? Why? Uh, how?" cinema. This sort of exasperatingly looney, balls-planted-firmly-to-the-wall thriller with like 60 twists is sort of played these days - but I'd imagine that in its day it was quite revelatory. This was honestly a hoot and a holler but sadly its greatness is sunk by James Mangold - for the most part - being a hack who has no clue how to dramatize, have any definable mark as a director, or make inherently compelling things at all very compelling unless the studio has a firm grip on the project. His films mostly look like flat TV movies and play like no one behind the camera has much of a clue on what they're doing beyond maybe an introductory film guide on the back of a cereal box. This one isn't all that different either, but material with *this* low of a regard for any sense of subtlety or earthly realism and with a gleeful eagerness to throw all of its cards violently onto the table any chance it gets has a pass from me - especially when it's acted by a banging troupe of crackerjack character actors and reliable leads like this one. Really, really fun and sincerely manic - Agatha Christie meets a line of coke at a gas station bathroom. Plus the uninterrupted, heaping downpour is a helluva gimmick and it works where Mangold doesn't.
Maddie (37 KP) rated Oxenfree in Video Games
Nov 16, 2017
Actions have consequences (2 more)
Great characters
Art was beautiful
Short to play, but incredibly fun
Oxenfree was a beautifully styled coming-of-age story that pulled the player into the relationships between characters as much as into the drama of the ghost story. At times intense and a little scary (I'm a baby about stuff like that though), but also sweet and compelling. I really wanted everyone to be okay, although I fudged a bunch and not everyone made it out alive.
The actions have consequences aspect is great. The choices felt like realistic situations for the teenagers and each bad/good decision was believable.
Plan on playing this again in the near future to try and better improve my favorite character's chances!
The actions have consequences aspect is great. The choices felt like realistic situations for the teenagers and each bad/good decision was believable.
Plan on playing this again in the near future to try and better improve my favorite character's chances!
Andy K (10823 KP) rated Predator (1987) in Movies
Apr 28, 2018
If a ever go deaf, it will be because of Predator!
I found a used Blu Ray at a local shop for $1.99 so I decided to upgrade my existing DVD and boy was it worth it. The picture and sound quality was amazing (deafening).
Almost everything about the film holds up given this is my 20+ viewing. Has to be in the top 5 action films of all time right along side Die Hard and Terminator 2: Judgement Day.
The remote setting, characters, musical score, tension, slow burn reveal and screenplay all lend to the pristine action and compelling storytelling here.
A have to admit a few optical effects and the Predator suit do look a bit dated now, but that does not impact my review.
Such a classic!
Almost everything about the film holds up given this is my 20+ viewing. Has to be in the top 5 action films of all time right along side Die Hard and Terminator 2: Judgement Day.
The remote setting, characters, musical score, tension, slow burn reveal and screenplay all lend to the pristine action and compelling storytelling here.
A have to admit a few optical effects and the Predator suit do look a bit dated now, but that does not impact my review.
Such a classic!
Andy K (10823 KP) rated The Wizard of Lies (2017) in Movies
Mar 8, 2018
Captivating...
Bernie Madoff. What can you say? His Ponzi scheme was so complex, far-reaching and of epic proportions, it ruined many people's lives. Tore their life savings from them based on the betrayal of trust.
"Rain Man' director, Barry Levinson, successfully captures the intrigue, suspense, and also the interesting family dynamics in this compelling true story.
If the family dynamics are to be believed as his wife and sons did not know about any of the lies and fraudulent trading, they were either incredibly naive, incredibly stupid or just living the good life..
De Niro gives one of his most memorable recent performances and almost makes you sympathize with him. The actual reporter who wrote the book plays herself well in the film also.
Was Madoff a sociopath?
"Rain Man' director, Barry Levinson, successfully captures the intrigue, suspense, and also the interesting family dynamics in this compelling true story.
If the family dynamics are to be believed as his wife and sons did not know about any of the lies and fraudulent trading, they were either incredibly naive, incredibly stupid or just living the good life..
De Niro gives one of his most memorable recent performances and almost makes you sympathize with him. The actual reporter who wrote the book plays herself well in the film also.
Was Madoff a sociopath?
RPGMP3 (211 KP) rated Monster Manual (Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition) in Tabletop Games
Mar 19, 2018
A menagerie of deadly monsters for the world’s greatest roleplaying game
The Monster Manual presents a horde of classic Dungeons & Dragons creatures, including dragons, giants, mind flayers, and beholders–a monstrous feast for Dungeon Masters ready to challenge their players and populate their adventures.
The monsters contained herein are culled from the D&D game’s illustrious history, with easy-to-use game statistics and thrilling stories to feed your imagination.
The leader in providing contemporary fantasy entertainment, Dungeons & Dragons is the wellspring for the entire modern game industry, digital as well as analog. This newest edition draws from every prior edition to create a universally compelling play experience, and exemplifies the true spirit of a game that holds captive the hearts and minds of millions of players worldwide.
The Monster Manual presents a horde of classic Dungeons & Dragons creatures, including dragons, giants, mind flayers, and beholders–a monstrous feast for Dungeon Masters ready to challenge their players and populate their adventures.
The monsters contained herein are culled from the D&D game’s illustrious history, with easy-to-use game statistics and thrilling stories to feed your imagination.
The leader in providing contemporary fantasy entertainment, Dungeons & Dragons is the wellspring for the entire modern game industry, digital as well as analog. This newest edition draws from every prior edition to create a universally compelling play experience, and exemplifies the true spirit of a game that holds captive the hearts and minds of millions of players worldwide.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated The Passion of the Christ (2004) in Movies
Apr 1, 2018
Still holds up years later
While I would not consider myself to be a religious person, I did enjoy Mel Gibson's film quite a bit. I was able to follow along with the story despite not knowing the events through many recent churchgoing experiences.
I have no problem with subtitled films either. Just like an English-speaking movie, the story just has to be interesting or compelling and this film is both.
I understand those who find this film controversial or do not enjoy, but, as with all movies, this is just one man's interpretation of events like any movie. The subject matter is what some people object to if their beliefs differ from Gibson's.
If you disliked originally, give it another chance.
I have no problem with subtitled films either. Just like an English-speaking movie, the story just has to be interesting or compelling and this film is both.
I understand those who find this film controversial or do not enjoy, but, as with all movies, this is just one man's interpretation of events like any movie. The subject matter is what some people object to if their beliefs differ from Gibson's.
If you disliked originally, give it another chance.
Jcadden76 (64 KP) rated the PlayStation 4 version of Far Cry 5 in Video Games
Jun 10, 2018
Storyline (5 more)
Atmosphere
NPCs
Villains
Perk System
Guns for Hire System
Repetitive encounters (1 more)
Lack of diverse weapons
Compelling story beautiful, open-world
Much like Far Cry 4 (which I loved) this is an open-world, vaguely linear action adventure game. Lots of terrain to explore, lots of odd encounters with strange NPCs.
The difference, and the real hook for me, is the storyline. Trying to avoid spoilers, go watch the trailer and get sucked in. Based in the US you are a US Marshal fighting a religious cult. Trying to reclaim Hope County from this bizarre and extreme set of believers.
The multiplayer is good and well thought out and different but I will admit that I have spent very little time in the Multiplayer world of Far Cry 5.
The difference, and the real hook for me, is the storyline. Trying to avoid spoilers, go watch the trailer and get sucked in. Based in the US you are a US Marshal fighting a religious cult. Trying to reclaim Hope County from this bizarre and extreme set of believers.
The multiplayer is good and well thought out and different but I will admit that I have spent very little time in the Multiplayer world of Far Cry 5.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated A Night to Remember (1958) in Movies
Jun 30, 2018
Remarkable film!
I never realized how many parts of James Cameron's Titanic in 1997 were actually taken from this film or at least from accounts of what happened on the Titanic. Obviously, the basic story is about the same without the Jack/Rose melodrama.
Compelling doesn't even describe the emotions captured on screen when the crew of the Titanic realizes the imminent peril they are now in and how do they get passengers to safety without enough lifeboats?
The Carpathia agrees to come and help the quickly sinking ship, but they are over 4 hours away. Despite using signal flares and SOS, they cannot seem to get the closest ship to them to come to their aid which may have saves countless more lives.
Really enjoyed this film.
Compelling doesn't even describe the emotions captured on screen when the crew of the Titanic realizes the imminent peril they are now in and how do they get passengers to safety without enough lifeboats?
The Carpathia agrees to come and help the quickly sinking ship, but they are over 4 hours away. Despite using signal flares and SOS, they cannot seem to get the closest ship to them to come to their aid which may have saves countless more lives.
Really enjoyed this film.
Dalicat (20 KP) rated The Tin Roof Blowdown in Books
Sep 1, 2018
A novel one lives rather than reads
Each of the fifteen Dave Robicheaux novels which preceded this one are masterpieces and this is the Grand Finale. The plot and characters move within the devasted landscape of New Orleans following the destruction wrought by Hurricane Katrina. The scenes of environmental destruction are described with heartbreakingly beautiful poetic prose which serves as a counterpoint to a seering indictment of the socio-economic political landscape of the time. The extreme conditions under which the plot develops drive the characters to their limits of good and evil. The plot is as relentless as the driving force of the hurricane. Often difficult to read due to the sheer emotional weight of the work but too compelling to put down.
Barry Newman (204 KP) rated Trance (2013) in Movies
Feb 1, 2020
Danny Boyle is a director who rarely disappoints me even with weaker material his unique visual style makes for entertaining viewing. For me this was one of his better recent efforts and the story here is compelling with twists and turns galore (some plausible and some perhaps not so plausible) as we slowly unravel multiple plot lines connected with hypnosis and a botched art heist. The film is well paced and visually very impressive and kept me suitably hooked. The performances are also strong with James McAvoy and Vincent Cassel being the standouts but if the films plot leaves you scratching your head just a bit too much then there is always an eyebrow raising turn from Rosario Dawson that will certainly leave you with fond memories of the film.