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LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Furious 7 (2015) in Movies
Jun 12, 2021
With each passing film in this franchise, I find myself asking more and more "how did it get to this point?" We're certainly a long way from this franchise's humble (?) beginnings. There were multiple points during Furious 7 where I was audibly laughing at how ridiculous some of the action scenes are. Do you like films about street racing? Well fuck you, this film is about sky diving cars out of cargo planes, and then through multiple sky scrapers. Do you like films that accurately portray the mechanics of how vehicles work? Well fuck off, here's Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson flexing his muscles to crack open an arm cast he has on before shooting down a helicopter with a massive gatling gun he wrenched off a military drone. Do you like happy-go-lucky underdog characters that work their way to the top by showing off their drifting skills? Well shut the fuck up, here's Vin Diesel and Jason Statham smacking the shit out of eachother with metal sticks on top of a collapsing building. This series has gone completely off the rails, and I love it.
On a serious note, this film deals with the death of Paul Walker, and pays tribute to him in a very well done and tasteful manner. Massive props for that. Did I she's a tear during a Fast & Furious movie? Yes, yes I did.
On a serious note, this film deals with the death of Paul Walker, and pays tribute to him in a very well done and tasteful manner. Massive props for that. Did I she's a tear during a Fast & Furious movie? Yes, yes I did.
Bubba Gee (147 KP) rated Fighting with My Family (2019) in Movies
Jun 24, 2019
Feel good film
Contains spoilers, click to show
Good film, telling the story of a family's obsession with wrestling.
The Brother Zak and sister Saraya compete in small venues managed by their father and mother who were also professional wrestlers many years earlier.
It is zaks dream to reach the pinnacle of professional wrestling the wwe.
It somehow feels as a youngster that Saraya is pressured onto wrestling and has no real interest.
Herself and Zak try out for wwe in London and Saraya is chosen to go to the second round of auditions in Florida USA.
This does not sit well with Zak as this is his dream.
Cue family drama, this However is well done and not forced, it feels very real of what happens inside many families.
Paige of course reaches the top and takes on the Diva Champion AJ Lee for the title on smack down the night after Wrestlemania xxx.
The true story of the youngest WWE Diva champion at 21 is thoughtfully and well played out by all in the cast.
Major Credit to the writer and producer Stephen Merchant and also to Dwayne Johnson as producer as I'm sure having him on board lent a lot of authenticity to this movie.
Some fun cameos too from Big Show and Seamus.
A1 guys
The Brother Zak and sister Saraya compete in small venues managed by their father and mother who were also professional wrestlers many years earlier.
It is zaks dream to reach the pinnacle of professional wrestling the wwe.
It somehow feels as a youngster that Saraya is pressured onto wrestling and has no real interest.
Herself and Zak try out for wwe in London and Saraya is chosen to go to the second round of auditions in Florida USA.
This does not sit well with Zak as this is his dream.
Cue family drama, this However is well done and not forced, it feels very real of what happens inside many families.
Paige of course reaches the top and takes on the Diva Champion AJ Lee for the title on smack down the night after Wrestlemania xxx.
The true story of the youngest WWE Diva champion at 21 is thoughtfully and well played out by all in the cast.
Major Credit to the writer and producer Stephen Merchant and also to Dwayne Johnson as producer as I'm sure having him on board lent a lot of authenticity to this movie.
Some fun cameos too from Big Show and Seamus.
A1 guys
LoganCrews (2861 KP) rated Moana (2016) in Movies
Nov 3, 2020
"You're Welcome" >>> "How Far I'll Go", I said what I said 🤷♂️
Another overly-familiar, word-for-word rehash of *all* the exact same clichés from the Disney Machine with no real profundity or nuance to back up the convention. I mean even the title character the movie is named after has about as much depth as a piece of blank construction paper. That being said however, this is - what I can only describe as - terminally cute. In spite of all its heavily trod Disney-fying and formulaic cheese it's just so damn irresistible: eye-watering in how visually breathtaking it is with a handful of lively bops from Lin-Manuel Miranda who - politics aside - rarely ever misses a beat in the musical department. Treads water (no pun intended) for the first part with all the parroting of like 10 other movies from the company practically verbatim until the charming Maui shows up, who still represents the same sorts of tropes but complete with a clever design gimmick via the moving tattoos and gargantuan, blocky proportions; plus come on he's voiced by Dwayne Johnson - you can't *not* love him. The last half hour is more or less a wondrous technical showcase for peddling this beautiful, paradise-like animation and let me tell you it's a sight to see. Very funny too. Should hate it but don't, well done. 𝘡𝘰𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘢 smokes it, though.
Another overly-familiar, word-for-word rehash of *all* the exact same clichés from the Disney Machine with no real profundity or nuance to back up the convention. I mean even the title character the movie is named after has about as much depth as a piece of blank construction paper. That being said however, this is - what I can only describe as - terminally cute. In spite of all its heavily trod Disney-fying and formulaic cheese it's just so damn irresistible: eye-watering in how visually breathtaking it is with a handful of lively bops from Lin-Manuel Miranda who - politics aside - rarely ever misses a beat in the musical department. Treads water (no pun intended) for the first part with all the parroting of like 10 other movies from the company practically verbatim until the charming Maui shows up, who still represents the same sorts of tropes but complete with a clever design gimmick via the moving tattoos and gargantuan, blocky proportions; plus come on he's voiced by Dwayne Johnson - you can't *not* love him. The last half hour is more or less a wondrous technical showcase for peddling this beautiful, paradise-like animation and let me tell you it's a sight to see. Very funny too. Should hate it but don't, well done. 𝘡𝘰𝘰𝘵𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘢 smokes it, though.
Jesters_folly (230 KP) rated Fast & Furious 6 (2013) in Movies
Jun 18, 2021
Contains spoilers, click to show
A gang are using fast, souped up cars to steal military equipment and Hobbs needs help in catching them, the only people he can think of to help are Dom and his family.
So Fast and Furious 6 is car gang vs car gang and is basically the franchises version of the 'Power rangers'/'Star trek' or any other show where the hero's meet their evil doubles and, hay it's even acknowledged in the film .
With Fast and Furious 6 we are getting back to familiar patterns, Dwayne Johnson is now settling into his roll as Hobbs and the whole gang form the previous films are back, including one of the dead ones.
(Some of) The cars are getting more unusual, the weapons are getting more fun and more cars are destroyed per chase, along with more fight scenes this makes Fast and Furious 6 a lot of fun.
The franchise is getting bigger but seems to still trying to remain rooted in reality, even the return of the dead character is explained in an almost rational way.
Most of the film is still set before 'Tokyo Drift' however there is a mid credit scene that brings the franchise in line with the end of the third film and I'm guessing that that is where 7 will pick up.
So if you want car chases, over the top fights and storyline and a reason to turn your brain off for two hours you could do worse than Fast and Furious 6.
So Fast and Furious 6 is car gang vs car gang and is basically the franchises version of the 'Power rangers'/'Star trek' or any other show where the hero's meet their evil doubles and, hay it's even acknowledged in the film .
With Fast and Furious 6 we are getting back to familiar patterns, Dwayne Johnson is now settling into his roll as Hobbs and the whole gang form the previous films are back, including one of the dead ones.
(Some of) The cars are getting more unusual, the weapons are getting more fun and more cars are destroyed per chase, along with more fight scenes this makes Fast and Furious 6 a lot of fun.
The franchise is getting bigger but seems to still trying to remain rooted in reality, even the return of the dead character is explained in an almost rational way.
Most of the film is still set before 'Tokyo Drift' however there is a mid credit scene that brings the franchise in line with the end of the third film and I'm guessing that that is where 7 will pick up.
So if you want car chases, over the top fights and storyline and a reason to turn your brain off for two hours you could do worse than Fast and Furious 6.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Fast & Furious 9 (2021) in Movies
Jul 9, 2021 (Updated Jul 9, 2021)
'We'll be fine as long as we obey the laws of physics,' says Chris Bridges' character at one point in F&F 9. Well, obviously they should all end up dead, then; but perhaps this is an example of a knowing self-awareness which doesn't quite sit well in this most earnest of empty-headed popcorn movie franchises.
Anyway: Dom and Letty are raising their child off the grid in some rustic idyll or other, when their friends appear asking for help with a problem; not having seen Avengers: Endgame and how things turned out for all involved on that occasion, they agree to pitch in for another exercise in hunt-the-coupons plotting, with overblown stunt sequences linked by a (at this point) mind-bogglingly byzantine backstory.
The sizeable gap left by Dwayne Johnson is filled by cameos and return appearances by virtually everyone who's ever appeared in an F&F ensemble (no idea what young Eastwood did to get left out); virtually everyone comes back, even a couple of the dead ones. Of course, this just makes the film's gymnastics in dealing with the absence of Paul Walker all the more obvious (and a bit uncomfortable by this point).
Decent stunts and action, but all a bit slick and ridiculous even by F&F standards, and showing real signs of sliding into lazy self-parody; this series was effortlessly breezy entertainment for a long time, but it's definitely starting to look like it's running out of steam.
Anyway: Dom and Letty are raising their child off the grid in some rustic idyll or other, when their friends appear asking for help with a problem; not having seen Avengers: Endgame and how things turned out for all involved on that occasion, they agree to pitch in for another exercise in hunt-the-coupons plotting, with overblown stunt sequences linked by a (at this point) mind-bogglingly byzantine backstory.
The sizeable gap left by Dwayne Johnson is filled by cameos and return appearances by virtually everyone who's ever appeared in an F&F ensemble (no idea what young Eastwood did to get left out); virtually everyone comes back, even a couple of the dead ones. Of course, this just makes the film's gymnastics in dealing with the absence of Paul Walker all the more obvious (and a bit uncomfortable by this point).
Decent stunts and action, but all a bit slick and ridiculous even by F&F standards, and showing real signs of sliding into lazy self-parody; this series was effortlessly breezy entertainment for a long time, but it's definitely starting to look like it's running out of steam.
Lenard (726 KP) rated Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019) in Movies
Aug 26, 2019
La e faatafa ma e soso ese
I was completely ready to dismiss this film as a mindnumbing display of testosterone starring a trio of follicly-challenged Adonises. Mostly it turned out to be true. Idris Elba starred as Brixton, a half-machine mercenary charged with the retrieval of a dangerous virus. Dwayne Johnson plays Lucas Hobbs, a single dad special agent who uses his brawn to solve all of the world's problems. Jason Statham plays Deckard Shaw, a possibly quadruple agent he has changed sides so many times in his three movies. Deckard Shaw worked with Brixton undercover and almost killed him, then attempted to kill the car thieves from Fast and Furious until he joined the gang to solve the problems of the universe. Maybe Dom, Lucas, Deckard, Lettie, Owen, Mr Nobody, and the rest can hijack a space shuttle and battle intergalactic terrorists in the next chapter. But I digress... Deckard's sister Hattie working for MI-6 prevented Brixton from stealing the virus and is on the run from everyone. So, Hobbs and Shaw are recruited to find Hattie and save the planet before the virus is released. While the Tango and Cash routine is entertaining, witty reparte is not the series' strong suit and soon helicopters are chasing trucks, trucks are chasing motorcycles, motorcycles are chasing McLarens, and sports cars are chasing helicopters. The big lesson learned is that in order to save the world, the two greatest superspies who are not good at stealtiness have to work together and sacrifice their egos.
Gareth von Kallenbach (968 KP) rated Moana (2016) in Movies
Jul 12, 2019
Moana (pronounced MoWAHnah) is a spirited and determined young daughter of an overprotective father who happens to be the chief of Motunui Island.
On this idyllic, mystical Polynesian island, Moana (voiced by Hawaiian actress Auli’i Cravalho),grew up listening to her grandmother’s stories about the legendary demigod Maui and how he stole the Heart of Te Fiti, condemning his people to an uncertain fate.
Ever since she was an adorable toddler, the ocean has called to her. Her name means “ocean” after all. However her father forbids her from even considering the notion of sailing beyond the reef that protects Motunui.
But when Moana’s island starts showing signs of disease that threatens her people’s livelihood, she is convinced she can save her island by returning the Heart of Te Fiti. Against her father’s wishes she sets sail in search of Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson)in hopes of saving her people.
Pixar and Disney have long mastered the art of emotionally compromising their audience with characters and storylines that pluck at your heartstrings. Yet I was still surprised at how much Moana moved me. With her touching relationship with her grandmother, her deep respect of her culture, and her dauntless temperment, Moana quickly became my favorite Disney heroine.
From the gorgeous animation, the pitch perfect voice acting and the beautiful music, I really believe Disney has made something special with Moana that will deeply resonate with islanders and those who love the islander culture.
If you’re a Hamilton fan, you’ll easily recognize Lin-Manuel Miranda’s voice and his lyrical signature in the many memorable songs. So don’t be surprised if you leave the theatre singing “You’re welcome.”
On this idyllic, mystical Polynesian island, Moana (voiced by Hawaiian actress Auli’i Cravalho),grew up listening to her grandmother’s stories about the legendary demigod Maui and how he stole the Heart of Te Fiti, condemning his people to an uncertain fate.
Ever since she was an adorable toddler, the ocean has called to her. Her name means “ocean” after all. However her father forbids her from even considering the notion of sailing beyond the reef that protects Motunui.
But when Moana’s island starts showing signs of disease that threatens her people’s livelihood, she is convinced she can save her island by returning the Heart of Te Fiti. Against her father’s wishes she sets sail in search of Maui (voiced by Dwayne Johnson)in hopes of saving her people.
Pixar and Disney have long mastered the art of emotionally compromising their audience with characters and storylines that pluck at your heartstrings. Yet I was still surprised at how much Moana moved me. With her touching relationship with her grandmother, her deep respect of her culture, and her dauntless temperment, Moana quickly became my favorite Disney heroine.
From the gorgeous animation, the pitch perfect voice acting and the beautiful music, I really believe Disney has made something special with Moana that will deeply resonate with islanders and those who love the islander culture.
If you’re a Hamilton fan, you’ll easily recognize Lin-Manuel Miranda’s voice and his lyrical signature in the many memorable songs. So don’t be surprised if you leave the theatre singing “You’re welcome.”
Gareth von Kallenbach (968 KP) rated Planet 51 (2009) in Movies
Aug 8, 2019
On a planet far from our own, green creatures are experiencing their own version of the 1950’s. Among them is Lem (Justin Long) who has just gotten his first job as an assistant at the local planetarium. When a space ship appears harboring an alien, human astronaut Captain Charles T. Baker (Dwayne Johnson), the fearful locals are not so friendly. It is up to Lem to save the astronaut and help his people learn not to fear the world beyond what they know.
The film is written for both children and adults, like a toned down version of “Shrek†with a more relevant moral feel. Putting the characters in the 1950s adds to the film’s charm, allowing kids access to the blatant characterizations of the time period, such as the bumbling science professor and the hippy protestor who maintains from the start that the alien is friendly.
Other characters of note are Lem’s comic book and movie fanatic best friend, Skiff (Seann William Scott) and the military commander General Grawl (Gary Oldman) who is hell-bent on capturing the alien. Children will also enjoy the two pet creatures from a local alien dog that excretes acid to a rock-obsessed robot sent to pick up local specimens for Baker.
“Planet 51†is wholly entertaining. It provides some mature insight by displaying how we would appear to another culture if we ever did encounter aliens. This switch of perspective is sure to make children think and laugh over the simple cross-cultural mishaps that occur while Lem and Baker are attempting to find common ground.
A delightful, animated romp, “Planet 51†will make you hope for a groovy 1960’s sequel.
The film is written for both children and adults, like a toned down version of “Shrek†with a more relevant moral feel. Putting the characters in the 1950s adds to the film’s charm, allowing kids access to the blatant characterizations of the time period, such as the bumbling science professor and the hippy protestor who maintains from the start that the alien is friendly.
Other characters of note are Lem’s comic book and movie fanatic best friend, Skiff (Seann William Scott) and the military commander General Grawl (Gary Oldman) who is hell-bent on capturing the alien. Children will also enjoy the two pet creatures from a local alien dog that excretes acid to a rock-obsessed robot sent to pick up local specimens for Baker.
“Planet 51†is wholly entertaining. It provides some mature insight by displaying how we would appear to another culture if we ever did encounter aliens. This switch of perspective is sure to make children think and laugh over the simple cross-cultural mishaps that occur while Lem and Baker are attempting to find common ground.
A delightful, animated romp, “Planet 51†will make you hope for a groovy 1960’s sequel.
LeftSideCut (3778 KP) rated Rampage (2018) in Movies
Dec 11, 2019 (Updated Dec 11, 2019)
A stupidly fun pile of nonsense
Rampage is a big old pile of dumb fun, teeming with mostly passable CGI, and featuring The Rock fighting giant monsters.
The plot is something along the lines of - big shady corporation is practicing illegal genetic tinkering (in space, because Hollywood), they lose control, space ship crashes, experimental lab must infects a few animals, including a Gorilla that is looked after and raised by The Rock (an ex military badass zookeeper helicopter pilot, because Hollywood), the animals become big and aggressive, blah blah blah, BIG MONSTERS FIGHTING EACH OTHER AND DWAYNE JOHNSON AND DESTROYING CHICAGO.
It's absolutely absurd from start to finish, but it knows what kind of film it is.
The Rock is hugely likable as always, Jeffery Dean Morgan is likable as always, everyone else I can kind of give it take.
The script is pretty standard for this kind of film, but does verge into laughable at times, especially when the films 'villains' are on screen. Played by Malin Akerman and Jake Lacy, they go just a bit too overboard with the whole evil CEO schtick, to the point of annoyance.
Also, Naomie Harris is in it for some reason, but doesn't really serve much of a purpose, and therefore, is a waste of her talent.
The CGI is pretty decent for the most part, but make no mistake, Ramage is a CGI orgy, and as such, it does fall apart here and there (that parachuting scene is just haunting).
Rampage is stupid, loud, obnoxious, but it's entertaining enough to be a good time.
The Rock holds it all together, and it could have been a lot worse had it been lead by someone else, and as far as video game movies go, it's not half bad.
The plot is something along the lines of - big shady corporation is practicing illegal genetic tinkering (in space, because Hollywood), they lose control, space ship crashes, experimental lab must infects a few animals, including a Gorilla that is looked after and raised by The Rock (an ex military badass zookeeper helicopter pilot, because Hollywood), the animals become big and aggressive, blah blah blah, BIG MONSTERS FIGHTING EACH OTHER AND DWAYNE JOHNSON AND DESTROYING CHICAGO.
It's absolutely absurd from start to finish, but it knows what kind of film it is.
The Rock is hugely likable as always, Jeffery Dean Morgan is likable as always, everyone else I can kind of give it take.
The script is pretty standard for this kind of film, but does verge into laughable at times, especially when the films 'villains' are on screen. Played by Malin Akerman and Jake Lacy, they go just a bit too overboard with the whole evil CEO schtick, to the point of annoyance.
Also, Naomie Harris is in it for some reason, but doesn't really serve much of a purpose, and therefore, is a waste of her talent.
The CGI is pretty decent for the most part, but make no mistake, Ramage is a CGI orgy, and as such, it does fall apart here and there (that parachuting scene is just haunting).
Rampage is stupid, loud, obnoxious, but it's entertaining enough to be a good time.
The Rock holds it all together, and it could have been a lot worse had it been lead by someone else, and as far as video game movies go, it's not half bad.
Kim Pook (101 KP) rated Jumanji: The Next Level (2019) in Movies
Jan 12, 2020
The movie seems to be set a couple of years after the first, all 4 friends have gone their seperate ways but come together to meet up at their local coffee shop, all except Spencer. Worried about him, fridge, Martha and bethany go to his house where they meet spencers grandad and his ex business partner Milo but spencer is nowhere to be seen. They hear the familiar drums coming from the basement and decide to go investigate, they notice the smashed games console and spencers phone and realise he has gone back into the game. They know They need to go back in and rescue him so they all touch the console and get dragged back into jumanji, but this time there's a difference. Everyone except martha are in different bodies and not only that but grandad and milo are somehow dragged in too.
Once again they have to complete different levels in the game but with 2 old people in tow instead of spencer and bethany with funny consequences. Dwayne johnson and kevin hart had the new characters down to a tea, the way they spoke and everything.
The storyline was along the same lines as the first movie but their play through was different. I liked how Martha was much more confident than last time and took the lead this time around. There was some laughs but not as much as the first film and i found some scenes dragged on longer than they should but overall it was a good movie and by the looks of the mid credits scene there is room for a 3rd to finish it off.
Once again they have to complete different levels in the game but with 2 old people in tow instead of spencer and bethany with funny consequences. Dwayne johnson and kevin hart had the new characters down to a tea, the way they spoke and everything.
The storyline was along the same lines as the first movie but their play through was different. I liked how Martha was much more confident than last time and took the lead this time around. There was some laughs but not as much as the first film and i found some scenes dragged on longer than they should but overall it was a good movie and by the looks of the mid credits scene there is room for a 3rd to finish it off.
Lee KM Pallatina (951 KP) Jun 12, 2021 (Updated Jun 16, 2021)