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Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated The Expendables 3 (2014) in Movies
Nov 22, 2019
Mumble Mumble Mumble Part 3
PG-13, PG-13, PG-13!!!!!! Why đ , why couldnt this one be rating R like the other ones, i just dont understand.
The Plot: Mercenary leader Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone), Lee Christmas (Jason Statham) and the rest of the Expendables team reunite when Mr. Church (Bruce Willis) hires them for a seemingly easy job. But things go terribly wrong, compelling the mercenaries to seek revenge for a comrade's murder. With the odds against them, Barney and his team are hell-bent on payback and cut a path of destruction through opposing forces, only to encounter an unexpected threat: six pounds of weapons-grade plutonium.
So which 80's star is in this one? Kellan Lutz, who? Ohh he played Emmett Cullen in the Twight Franchise. Glen Powell, who? Ohh, Im not sure who this is.
Anyways its a good movie, good action, good comedy and over a good time.
The Plot: Mercenary leader Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone), Lee Christmas (Jason Statham) and the rest of the Expendables team reunite when Mr. Church (Bruce Willis) hires them for a seemingly easy job. But things go terribly wrong, compelling the mercenaries to seek revenge for a comrade's murder. With the odds against them, Barney and his team are hell-bent on payback and cut a path of destruction through opposing forces, only to encounter an unexpected threat: six pounds of weapons-grade plutonium.
So which 80's star is in this one? Kellan Lutz, who? Ohh he played Emmett Cullen in the Twight Franchise. Glen Powell, who? Ohh, Im not sure who this is.
Anyways its a good movie, good action, good comedy and over a good time.
Bob Mann (459 KP) rated The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2018) in Movies
Sep 29, 2021
âContented with little, wishing for moreâ.
Hereâs a curious little British film that has some merit, both as an entertainment vehicle and as a history lesson.
Set in a split-timeline between 1941 and 1946, the film tells the story of Juliet Ashton (Lily James, âDarkest Hourâ, âBaby Driverâ), a young British writer who seems all at sea emotion-wise following the war. She is struggling to fit in with her high-society London life, and canât seem to put her heart into either her publishing commitments, much to the frustration of her publisher Sidney (Matthew Goode, âThe Imitation Gameâ, âStokerâ), or her boyfriend Mark (Glen Powell, âHidden Figuresâ), the dashing and well-off American army officer.
Into this mix drops a letter out of the blue from Guernsey from a pig-farmer called Dawsey Adams (Michiel Huisman, âThe Age of Adelineâ, âGame of Thronesâ), which leads her on a trail of discovery into the mysterious back-story of the strangely named book club. The secrets of the tightly-knit St Peter Port community, and what really happened during the Nazi occupation, come progressively to light as Juliet digs deeper.
Much as âTheir Finestâ shone a light on the rather invisible war efforts of the British propaganda film industry, so here we get an interesting and (I believe) relatively untapped view of the historical background of the German occupation of the Channel Islands. How many viewers I wonder, especially those outside of the UK, knew that the Nazis occupied âBritishâ territory* during the war?
(* Well, strictly speaking, the Channel Islands are a âcrown dependencyâ rather than being part of the UK per se).
Story-wise the screenplay splits the drama between:
the love triangle (which I almost took to be a love square at the start of the film⌠and to be honest Iâm still not 100% sure!) between the main protagonists and;
the mystery surrounding Guernseyâs Elizabeth McKenna (Jessica Brown Findlay, âThe Riot Clubâ, Lady Sybil from Downton Abbey).
In the first instance, you would need to be pretty dim I think, particularly if youâve seen the trailer already, not to work out where the story is going to head! (Although, to be fair, I thought that about âTheir Finestâ and was woefully wrong!). I found this all rather paint-by-numbers stuff, but livened up immensely by a scene between James and Powell and a bottle of champagne which is wonderfully and refreshingly pulled off.
The second strand of the story is slightly more intriguing and provides the opportunity to see the wonderful Jessica Brown Findlay in action: it is just disappointing that she actually features so little in the film, and also disappointing that, at a crucial dramatic moment, the action moves âoff-stageâ. I wanted to see more of that story.
In terms of casting, Susie Figgis must have had a TERRIBLE job in casting Juliet: âGemma Arterton not availableâŚ. hmmm⌠who else would fitâŚ. think⌠think⌠think⌠think dammitâŚ.! Ah, yes!!â Lily James might be in danger of becoming typecast as a 40âs-style love interest. But she just fits the bill in terms of looks and mannerisms SO perfectly.
Elsewhere in the cast, Penelope Wilton (âThe Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotelâ, âThe BFGâ) is superb as the deeply damaged Amelia; Tom Courtenay is 300% better than in his last movie outing as the cranky old postmaster; and TVâs Katherine Parkinson impresses greatly as the kooky gin-swilling Isola Pribby. All in all this is a fine ensemble cast. (With James, Goode, Wilton and Brown Findlay there, it must have also felt like a âDownton Abbeyâ reunion party!)
Iâd also like to say that the Guernsey scenery was gloriously filmed, but as this article suggests, most of it was actually filmed in glorious Devon instead! Given the Guernsey Tourist Board have been going overboard (at least in the Southampton area) on film tie-in advertising, this feels rather like false representation! But Iâm sure its equally lovely!
So in summary, itâs a thoughtful period piece, with some great acting performances and well-directed by Mike Newell (still most famous for âFour Weddings and a Funeralâ). I enjoyed it but I felt it moved at a GLACIAL pace, taking over two hours to unfold, and I thought a few editing nips and tucks on the long lingering looks and leisurely strolls could have given it most impetus. But to be fair, my wife and cinema buddy for this film thought it was PERFECTLY paced, giving the story the space it needed for the drama and Julietâs state of mind to unfold. In fact she gave it â5 Madsâ as her rating⌠top marks! For me though a very creditableâŚ
Set in a split-timeline between 1941 and 1946, the film tells the story of Juliet Ashton (Lily James, âDarkest Hourâ, âBaby Driverâ), a young British writer who seems all at sea emotion-wise following the war. She is struggling to fit in with her high-society London life, and canât seem to put her heart into either her publishing commitments, much to the frustration of her publisher Sidney (Matthew Goode, âThe Imitation Gameâ, âStokerâ), or her boyfriend Mark (Glen Powell, âHidden Figuresâ), the dashing and well-off American army officer.
Into this mix drops a letter out of the blue from Guernsey from a pig-farmer called Dawsey Adams (Michiel Huisman, âThe Age of Adelineâ, âGame of Thronesâ), which leads her on a trail of discovery into the mysterious back-story of the strangely named book club. The secrets of the tightly-knit St Peter Port community, and what really happened during the Nazi occupation, come progressively to light as Juliet digs deeper.
Much as âTheir Finestâ shone a light on the rather invisible war efforts of the British propaganda film industry, so here we get an interesting and (I believe) relatively untapped view of the historical background of the German occupation of the Channel Islands. How many viewers I wonder, especially those outside of the UK, knew that the Nazis occupied âBritishâ territory* during the war?
(* Well, strictly speaking, the Channel Islands are a âcrown dependencyâ rather than being part of the UK per se).
Story-wise the screenplay splits the drama between:
the love triangle (which I almost took to be a love square at the start of the film⌠and to be honest Iâm still not 100% sure!) between the main protagonists and;
the mystery surrounding Guernseyâs Elizabeth McKenna (Jessica Brown Findlay, âThe Riot Clubâ, Lady Sybil from Downton Abbey).
In the first instance, you would need to be pretty dim I think, particularly if youâve seen the trailer already, not to work out where the story is going to head! (Although, to be fair, I thought that about âTheir Finestâ and was woefully wrong!). I found this all rather paint-by-numbers stuff, but livened up immensely by a scene between James and Powell and a bottle of champagne which is wonderfully and refreshingly pulled off.
The second strand of the story is slightly more intriguing and provides the opportunity to see the wonderful Jessica Brown Findlay in action: it is just disappointing that she actually features so little in the film, and also disappointing that, at a crucial dramatic moment, the action moves âoff-stageâ. I wanted to see more of that story.
In terms of casting, Susie Figgis must have had a TERRIBLE job in casting Juliet: âGemma Arterton not availableâŚ. hmmm⌠who else would fitâŚ. think⌠think⌠think⌠think dammitâŚ.! Ah, yes!!â Lily James might be in danger of becoming typecast as a 40âs-style love interest. But she just fits the bill in terms of looks and mannerisms SO perfectly.
Elsewhere in the cast, Penelope Wilton (âThe Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotelâ, âThe BFGâ) is superb as the deeply damaged Amelia; Tom Courtenay is 300% better than in his last movie outing as the cranky old postmaster; and TVâs Katherine Parkinson impresses greatly as the kooky gin-swilling Isola Pribby. All in all this is a fine ensemble cast. (With James, Goode, Wilton and Brown Findlay there, it must have also felt like a âDownton Abbeyâ reunion party!)
Iâd also like to say that the Guernsey scenery was gloriously filmed, but as this article suggests, most of it was actually filmed in glorious Devon instead! Given the Guernsey Tourist Board have been going overboard (at least in the Southampton area) on film tie-in advertising, this feels rather like false representation! But Iâm sure its equally lovely!
So in summary, itâs a thoughtful period piece, with some great acting performances and well-directed by Mike Newell (still most famous for âFour Weddings and a Funeralâ). I enjoyed it but I felt it moved at a GLACIAL pace, taking over two hours to unfold, and I thought a few editing nips and tucks on the long lingering looks and leisurely strolls could have given it most impetus. But to be fair, my wife and cinema buddy for this film thought it was PERFECTLY paced, giving the story the space it needed for the drama and Julietâs state of mind to unfold. In fact she gave it â5 Madsâ as her rating⌠top marks! For me though a very creditableâŚ
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Everybody Wants Some!! (2016) in Movies
Aug 23, 2019
Great Movie About Absolutely Nothing
Everybody Wants Some!! follows the lives of a group of college baseball players at a junior college in their days leading up to preseason training.
Acting: 10
This movie is largely a character piece and it wouldnât work nearly as well without such great acting performances. There are no weak links here as each performance is memorable in its own way. The acting was so efficient, there were a handful of moments where it almost felt like you were watching a documentary as opposed to a fictional movie.
Beginning: 10
Characters: 10
No two players are alike in the movie, each of them bringing something different to the table. As the movie progresses from one act to the next, it is pure entertainment watching them react to different scenarios so differently. My favorite character on the team was Finnegan (Glen Powell). Charismatic and ever-changing, I love how he adapts to new situations and always had a go-with-the-flow attitude. Jay Niles cracked me up as well for his ridiculous intensity that you have to see to understand.
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
You know a movie really gets to you visually when you find yourself saying, âMan, it wouldâve been cool to live during that time period.â Everybody Wants Some!! captures the cool, fun feel of the 70âs on all fronts from one scene to the next. While the film doesnât leave the town where it takes place, youâre entertained with a number of different setpieces that change the dynamic of the movie in their own way.
Conflict: 5
Definitely the weakest part of the movie. Nothing terrible really happens to the characters at the end of the day leaving no room for any kind of worry. It is amazing that the movie still works so well with so little conflict to keep you engaged.
Entertainment Value: 10
Memorability: 10
This movie reminded me of my college days and Iâm probably not alone in this. It makes you remember younger days and having zero responsibility. Itâs also a movie that doesnât leave its replay value. Definitely a movie I could watch repeatedly.
Pace: 10
The movie proceeds in definable acts based around parties and it works in a loose structure kind of way. You never really know where the story is going until you get near the end and you realize itâs going absolutely nowhere. But thatâs ok because the road to nowhere in this case is extremely fun and memorable.
Plot: 5
Resolution: 10
The movie ends just as chill as it started, very fitting for its overall lackadaisical tone. A little bit of perspective ties things on with a nice little bow before the movie bows out gracefully. Beyond satisfying.
Overall: 90
Everybody Wants Some!! is the perfect Exhibit A case of sometimes less is just more. The film is light-hearted, yet youâll be having such a good time youâll probably forget nothing substantial is actually happening. Itâs a wonderful film that will give you something new each time you watch it.
Acting: 10
This movie is largely a character piece and it wouldnât work nearly as well without such great acting performances. There are no weak links here as each performance is memorable in its own way. The acting was so efficient, there were a handful of moments where it almost felt like you were watching a documentary as opposed to a fictional movie.
Beginning: 10
Characters: 10
No two players are alike in the movie, each of them bringing something different to the table. As the movie progresses from one act to the next, it is pure entertainment watching them react to different scenarios so differently. My favorite character on the team was Finnegan (Glen Powell). Charismatic and ever-changing, I love how he adapts to new situations and always had a go-with-the-flow attitude. Jay Niles cracked me up as well for his ridiculous intensity that you have to see to understand.
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
You know a movie really gets to you visually when you find yourself saying, âMan, it wouldâve been cool to live during that time period.â Everybody Wants Some!! captures the cool, fun feel of the 70âs on all fronts from one scene to the next. While the film doesnât leave the town where it takes place, youâre entertained with a number of different setpieces that change the dynamic of the movie in their own way.
Conflict: 5
Definitely the weakest part of the movie. Nothing terrible really happens to the characters at the end of the day leaving no room for any kind of worry. It is amazing that the movie still works so well with so little conflict to keep you engaged.
Entertainment Value: 10
Memorability: 10
This movie reminded me of my college days and Iâm probably not alone in this. It makes you remember younger days and having zero responsibility. Itâs also a movie that doesnât leave its replay value. Definitely a movie I could watch repeatedly.
Pace: 10
The movie proceeds in definable acts based around parties and it works in a loose structure kind of way. You never really know where the story is going until you get near the end and you realize itâs going absolutely nowhere. But thatâs ok because the road to nowhere in this case is extremely fun and memorable.
Plot: 5
Resolution: 10
The movie ends just as chill as it started, very fitting for its overall lackadaisical tone. A little bit of perspective ties things on with a nice little bow before the movie bows out gracefully. Beyond satisfying.
Overall: 90
Everybody Wants Some!! is the perfect Exhibit A case of sometimes less is just more. The film is light-hearted, yet youâll be having such a good time youâll probably forget nothing substantial is actually happening. Itâs a wonderful film that will give you something new each time you watch it.
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated Top Gun: Maverick (2022) in Movies
Jun 1, 2022
The very definition of "Summer Flick"
There is absolutely no denying it - TOP GUN: MAVERICK is the very definition of a âSummer Blockbusterâ movie - the kind of film that will appeal to a wide variety of audiences who want nothing more than to escape into a world of heroes (and villains), good vs. evil, with lots of fast chases and things exploding.
And that is just what you get with the sequel to the 1986 hit - a summer blockbuster, which will do well at the box office - just donât expect tricky plot developments or in-depth character examinations. The plot and the characters are just there to deliver the blockbuster goods.
Bringing back the main character from the first TOP GUN film, Tom Cruise as Captain Pete âMaverickâ Mitchell, TOP GUN: MAVERICK shows Maverick 30 years (or so) after the events of the first film with âjust one moreâ mission to go. Maverick is brought back to train a dozen hot-shot pilots, including one that is the son of his best friend - a friend whoâs death Maverick has been traumatized by during the past 30 years.
Cruise, of course, is perfect in this role. He has the right blend of arrogance and charisma to pull of the fine balance needed between these two traits. Jennifer Connelly is on board as the requisite love interest and she more than holds her own with Cruise in what is an underwritten role as are all of the roles in this film by writer Peter Craig (BAD BOYS FOR LIFE) with Direction by Joseph Kosinski (OBLIVION).
Miles Teller (the son of the man who Maverick is mourning, who blames Maverick for his dadâs death), John Hamm (the a-hole boss that thinks that Maverick is âwriting checks his body canât cashâ), Glen Powell (the arrogant young hot shot) and the rest are all one-note caricatures that leaves the audience not really caring about their fate.
Only Val Kilmer (reprising his role as âIcemanâ from the first movie) comes out of this unscathed for his character is suffering from throat cancer and cannot speak above a whisper (much like Kilmer in real life). It was good to see him on the big screen again.
ButâŚyou donât come to this film for the characters, you come to this picture for the high-flying action sequences, andâŚin the last part of this filmâŚyou get âem in spades! Unfortunately, you get way too LITTLE action in the first part of this film, itâs mostly nostalgic fond remembrances of the first film, so I found myself wriggling in my seat waiting for the action that I knew was to come.
Itâs the perfect summer movie and one that is far more superior being seen on the big screen. It is the type of flick that one doesnât have to pay to close attention to, but when it does grab your attention, it does it wellâŚenough.
If you have the needâŚthe need for speedâŚyou can do much worse than TOP GUN: MAVERICK.
Letter Grade: B
7 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
And that is just what you get with the sequel to the 1986 hit - a summer blockbuster, which will do well at the box office - just donât expect tricky plot developments or in-depth character examinations. The plot and the characters are just there to deliver the blockbuster goods.
Bringing back the main character from the first TOP GUN film, Tom Cruise as Captain Pete âMaverickâ Mitchell, TOP GUN: MAVERICK shows Maverick 30 years (or so) after the events of the first film with âjust one moreâ mission to go. Maverick is brought back to train a dozen hot-shot pilots, including one that is the son of his best friend - a friend whoâs death Maverick has been traumatized by during the past 30 years.
Cruise, of course, is perfect in this role. He has the right blend of arrogance and charisma to pull of the fine balance needed between these two traits. Jennifer Connelly is on board as the requisite love interest and she more than holds her own with Cruise in what is an underwritten role as are all of the roles in this film by writer Peter Craig (BAD BOYS FOR LIFE) with Direction by Joseph Kosinski (OBLIVION).
Miles Teller (the son of the man who Maverick is mourning, who blames Maverick for his dadâs death), John Hamm (the a-hole boss that thinks that Maverick is âwriting checks his body canât cashâ), Glen Powell (the arrogant young hot shot) and the rest are all one-note caricatures that leaves the audience not really caring about their fate.
Only Val Kilmer (reprising his role as âIcemanâ from the first movie) comes out of this unscathed for his character is suffering from throat cancer and cannot speak above a whisper (much like Kilmer in real life). It was good to see him on the big screen again.
ButâŚyou donât come to this film for the characters, you come to this picture for the high-flying action sequences, andâŚin the last part of this filmâŚyou get âem in spades! Unfortunately, you get way too LITTLE action in the first part of this film, itâs mostly nostalgic fond remembrances of the first film, so I found myself wriggling in my seat waiting for the action that I knew was to come.
Itâs the perfect summer movie and one that is far more superior being seen on the big screen. It is the type of flick that one doesnât have to pay to close attention to, but when it does grab your attention, it does it wellâŚenough.
If you have the needâŚthe need for speedâŚyou can do much worse than TOP GUN: MAVERICK.
Letter Grade: B
7 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)