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David McK (3562 KP) rated Clue (1985) in Movies
Jun 29, 2025
Clue.
Or, as it's known here in the UK, Cluedo.
The murder mystery board-game.
That's the starting point for this movie, which - basically - is a live action version of said game, leaving the audience guessing along trying to discover who committed the murder at a dinner party being hosted at a mansion, where - it tranpsires - all the guests (all going by aliases ie Mrs Peacocke, Miss Scarlette, Professor Plum etc) were being blackmailed.
Apparently released with 3 endings at the time, with each cinema only showing a single ending but now (on TV/home release) with all 3 endings shown one after the other.
Or, as it's known here in the UK, Cluedo.
The murder mystery board-game.
That's the starting point for this movie, which - basically - is a live action version of said game, leaving the audience guessing along trying to discover who committed the murder at a dinner party being hosted at a mansion, where - it tranpsires - all the guests (all going by aliases ie Mrs Peacocke, Miss Scarlette, Professor Plum etc) were being blackmailed.
Apparently released with 3 endings at the time, with each cinema only showing a single ending but now (on TV/home release) with all 3 endings shown one after the other.
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated Dumbo (2019) in Movies
Apr 5, 2019
In a word...bland
There are many words that you can use to describe films by Tim Burton: Gothic, Bizarre, Dark, Interesting, SteamPunk, Unique, Visual.
With the live action DUMBO, you can add another word to describe a Tim Burton film: Bland.
Based on the 1941 animated classic character of Walt Disney, DUMBO tells the tale of an animal, shamed for having a deformity...over-large ears...but when the young elephant discovers that these ears can save the circus he is in - and will help reunite him with his mother - a journey to redemption begins.
Sounds like a pretty good premise for a film, right? Unfortunately, this isn't really the theme of this film. Unlike other Disney "live action" versions of classic animated films (BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, the upcoming ALADDIN and THE LION KING), DUMBO is a live action remake only in the fact that Director Burton uses the baby elephant, separated from his mother, with over large ears who can fly. This film shows no signs of the earlier, beloved, children's film. It eliminates the songs (except as background music) and it tacks on a family drama of a returning army veteran (who's wife died while he was away) and his 2 children and a rival circus trying to steal the famed flying elephant.
Is it a children's movie? Is it a Tim Burton eerie, scary, visual delight? Well...yes...and no...on both parts and that's the problem of this film. Burton straddles a line between the two, never committing to a fun, stylistic children's film (like PADDINGTON 2) or an eerie, bizarre Tim Burton film (many, many to name but the closest I can come is BIG FISH). He restrains himself to the bland middle and it shows.
He has assembled a strong ensemble of actors to populate this world - Colin Farrell, Danny DeVito, Eva Green, Michael Keaton and Alan Arkin are all in this film - and are all bland. While, at times, this film felt every minute of it's 1 hour and 52 minute run time, I was longing for more from each of these characters, fleshing out what was the BEGINNING of interesting characters, but never getting past that. Each one of these characters are bland, bland, bland and you can see each actor trying harder and harder to push some sort of character to the screen, but never succeeding.
The only interesting characters, ironically enough, is that of Dumbo and his mother, Mrs. Jumbo. These are 2 CGI, non-speaking characters but they say more in facial expressions and movements than all of the human characters combined.
And that's the other problem with this film. Much like another Disney Live Action film, TOMORROWLAND, a large part of this film is given to showing the world that is lavishly made by the Director, Production Designer, Art Director and Cinematographer - and it is impressive indeed - but the action and characters inhabiting this world are...well...bland and that makes for a lackluster film.
One thing to note - this film is not scary, nor is it overly sad (things that I heard that this film was), so I'd be interested to hear if you have younger children (ages 7-10, say) and they saw the film - did they enjoy it? I think they just might.
I didn't, I thought this film was bland.
Letter Grade: B- (for the interesting visuals put up on the screen)
6 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
With the live action DUMBO, you can add another word to describe a Tim Burton film: Bland.
Based on the 1941 animated classic character of Walt Disney, DUMBO tells the tale of an animal, shamed for having a deformity...over-large ears...but when the young elephant discovers that these ears can save the circus he is in - and will help reunite him with his mother - a journey to redemption begins.
Sounds like a pretty good premise for a film, right? Unfortunately, this isn't really the theme of this film. Unlike other Disney "live action" versions of classic animated films (BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, the upcoming ALADDIN and THE LION KING), DUMBO is a live action remake only in the fact that Director Burton uses the baby elephant, separated from his mother, with over large ears who can fly. This film shows no signs of the earlier, beloved, children's film. It eliminates the songs (except as background music) and it tacks on a family drama of a returning army veteran (who's wife died while he was away) and his 2 children and a rival circus trying to steal the famed flying elephant.
Is it a children's movie? Is it a Tim Burton eerie, scary, visual delight? Well...yes...and no...on both parts and that's the problem of this film. Burton straddles a line between the two, never committing to a fun, stylistic children's film (like PADDINGTON 2) or an eerie, bizarre Tim Burton film (many, many to name but the closest I can come is BIG FISH). He restrains himself to the bland middle and it shows.
He has assembled a strong ensemble of actors to populate this world - Colin Farrell, Danny DeVito, Eva Green, Michael Keaton and Alan Arkin are all in this film - and are all bland. While, at times, this film felt every minute of it's 1 hour and 52 minute run time, I was longing for more from each of these characters, fleshing out what was the BEGINNING of interesting characters, but never getting past that. Each one of these characters are bland, bland, bland and you can see each actor trying harder and harder to push some sort of character to the screen, but never succeeding.
The only interesting characters, ironically enough, is that of Dumbo and his mother, Mrs. Jumbo. These are 2 CGI, non-speaking characters but they say more in facial expressions and movements than all of the human characters combined.
And that's the other problem with this film. Much like another Disney Live Action film, TOMORROWLAND, a large part of this film is given to showing the world that is lavishly made by the Director, Production Designer, Art Director and Cinematographer - and it is impressive indeed - but the action and characters inhabiting this world are...well...bland and that makes for a lackluster film.
One thing to note - this film is not scary, nor is it overly sad (things that I heard that this film was), so I'd be interested to hear if you have younger children (ages 7-10, say) and they saw the film - did they enjoy it? I think they just might.
I didn't, I thought this film was bland.
Letter Grade: B- (for the interesting visuals put up on the screen)
6 stars (out of 10) and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
LoganCrews (2861 KP) rated G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013) in Movies
Jul 4, 2021
You know what I love so much about these? The fact that they have no concern for any ounce of seriousness or plausibility - so they can continually chain together one rip-roaringly stupid action scene not confined to any logical sense of reason one right after the other, so just when you think they've finally topped their jubilant buffoonery - boom - suddenly a guy starts shooting ninja stars out of the air with machine guns. Anything is possible. They capture that sense of 'unhinged toxic machismo breaks the laws of physics' allure which was later captured by the ππ’π΄π΅ & ππΆπ³πͺπ°πΆπ΄ sequels, with a similarly (undoubtedly moreso imo) loaded cast. In fact I'm not even sure what the plot is but whatever tf is going on here is shockingly a pretty concise riff on mid-Obama-era tensions. Throws like 3 or 4 different genres at the wall and then douses them with Axe body spray, Tabasco sauce, and Four Lokos; even if the action can get just a little too overcut for my liking it's every ounce the riot that seems. At any rate, Chu >> Sommers - so naturally this is pretty visually appetizing to boot. Not sure what you all expected out of these, it's an astutely sound translation of the source material to live action - at least in spirit. Literally ecstatic that they're bringing this severely underappreciated nutso franchise back.
Movie Metropolis (309 KP) rated Aladdin (2019) in Movies
Jun 10, 2019
Don't let us down Guy Ritchie
Along with Beauty & The Beast and The Lion King, Aladdin is one of Disneyβs most-loved animated films. With Disneyβs penchant for remaking their classic cartoons over the last few years, it was always going to be the case that Aladdin was going to be on the cards.
Director Bill Condonβs Beauty & The Beast was an enchanting ride that just fell short of living up to its predecessor and The Jungle Book director Jon Favreau has been tasked with bringing The Lion King back to life in live-action. Weβll find out how he gets on in July.
After Dumboβs less than stellar performance with both critics and audiences in March, dark clouds were circling around the House of Mouseβs live-action arm. Hoping to inject a shot of hope to this ambitious release schedule was Guy Ritchieβs remake of Aladdin. Things didnβt look good from the marketing with poor CGI and seemingly wooden acting, so what does the finished film end up like?
Young Aladdin (Mena Massoud) embarks on a magical adventure after finding a lamp that releases a wisecracking genie (Will Smith). In his efforts to impress the wonderful Princess Jasmine (Naomi Scott), Aladdin embarks on a battle between good and evil against the wicked Jafar (Marwan Kenzari).
To look at, this live-action remake is absolutely packed full of colour and excitement, helped in part by Guy Ritchieβs frenetic filming style. Like Tim Burton before him, I was concerned about Ritchieβs appointment as director of this universally adored film, but unlike Burton, Ritchie gets it absolutely spot on. There are some absolutely stunning shot choices dotted throughout and the action is filmed with typical aplomb by a film-maker who has proven himself to be adept in this area.
The music, with original songs and updates of old classics is superb. Will Smithβs take on Friend Like Me is lip-smackingly good and will have you wanting to dance around the aisles, while A Whole New World really takes flight in this new, CGI-enhanced environment. Brand-new song, Speechless, written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and sang by Naomi Scott is Let It Go levels of awesome with Scott singing it exquisitely.
Will Smithβs take on Friend Like Me is lip-smackingly good
The special effects are on the whole very good and not as jarring as those in Dumbo. Itβs unfortunate then that there are instances in which the green-screen is all too obvious and the CGI all too artificial. This is a shame, as the rest of the picture is extraordinarily well-filmed and feels, for want of a better word, incredibly opulent, dripping in gold hues. Again, Disney tests the limits of CGI and these limits are becoming more and more obvious as film-makers pursue more extravagant sequences.
Elsewhere, the cast is both a highlight and a hindrance. Mena Massoud plays the titular character with a cocky charm that makes this Aladdin very likeable indeed, while Naomi Scott is so much better than the trailers made her look. The film however belongs to Will Smith. Heβs a brave man taking on a role that has become synonymous with Robin Williams but he brings depth, charisma and some of that old-fashioned Will Smith charm to the role β itβs the best weβve seen him in years, even if he is doused in blue CGI for the majority of the filmβs runtime.
Unfortunately, this modern reimagining hasnβt got everything right. Marwan Kenzari is severely miscast as Jafar. Bringing absolutely no menace to the role whatsoever, he proves to be a disappointing antagonist and the filmβs only major black mark. The clunky CGI can be forgiven but this unfortunate characterisation canβt. Jafar is one of Disneyβs best villains and for him to fall flat here is unacceptable.
Nevertheless, poor marketing aside, Aladdin is an absolute blast from start to finish. Well-paced, nicely acted (for the most part) and packed full of stunning music, this live-action remake has proven that Dumbo may have just been a disappointing sidestep in Disneyβs ambitious live-action schedule.
Thatβs two out of the three. Donβt let us down Jon Favreau!
https://moviemetropolis.net/2019/05/22/aladdin-review-dont-let-us-down-guy-ritchie/
Director Bill Condonβs Beauty & The Beast was an enchanting ride that just fell short of living up to its predecessor and The Jungle Book director Jon Favreau has been tasked with bringing The Lion King back to life in live-action. Weβll find out how he gets on in July.
After Dumboβs less than stellar performance with both critics and audiences in March, dark clouds were circling around the House of Mouseβs live-action arm. Hoping to inject a shot of hope to this ambitious release schedule was Guy Ritchieβs remake of Aladdin. Things didnβt look good from the marketing with poor CGI and seemingly wooden acting, so what does the finished film end up like?
Young Aladdin (Mena Massoud) embarks on a magical adventure after finding a lamp that releases a wisecracking genie (Will Smith). In his efforts to impress the wonderful Princess Jasmine (Naomi Scott), Aladdin embarks on a battle between good and evil against the wicked Jafar (Marwan Kenzari).
To look at, this live-action remake is absolutely packed full of colour and excitement, helped in part by Guy Ritchieβs frenetic filming style. Like Tim Burton before him, I was concerned about Ritchieβs appointment as director of this universally adored film, but unlike Burton, Ritchie gets it absolutely spot on. There are some absolutely stunning shot choices dotted throughout and the action is filmed with typical aplomb by a film-maker who has proven himself to be adept in this area.
The music, with original songs and updates of old classics is superb. Will Smithβs take on Friend Like Me is lip-smackingly good and will have you wanting to dance around the aisles, while A Whole New World really takes flight in this new, CGI-enhanced environment. Brand-new song, Speechless, written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and sang by Naomi Scott is Let It Go levels of awesome with Scott singing it exquisitely.
Will Smithβs take on Friend Like Me is lip-smackingly good
The special effects are on the whole very good and not as jarring as those in Dumbo. Itβs unfortunate then that there are instances in which the green-screen is all too obvious and the CGI all too artificial. This is a shame, as the rest of the picture is extraordinarily well-filmed and feels, for want of a better word, incredibly opulent, dripping in gold hues. Again, Disney tests the limits of CGI and these limits are becoming more and more obvious as film-makers pursue more extravagant sequences.
Elsewhere, the cast is both a highlight and a hindrance. Mena Massoud plays the titular character with a cocky charm that makes this Aladdin very likeable indeed, while Naomi Scott is so much better than the trailers made her look. The film however belongs to Will Smith. Heβs a brave man taking on a role that has become synonymous with Robin Williams but he brings depth, charisma and some of that old-fashioned Will Smith charm to the role β itβs the best weβve seen him in years, even if he is doused in blue CGI for the majority of the filmβs runtime.
Unfortunately, this modern reimagining hasnβt got everything right. Marwan Kenzari is severely miscast as Jafar. Bringing absolutely no menace to the role whatsoever, he proves to be a disappointing antagonist and the filmβs only major black mark. The clunky CGI can be forgiven but this unfortunate characterisation canβt. Jafar is one of Disneyβs best villains and for him to fall flat here is unacceptable.
Nevertheless, poor marketing aside, Aladdin is an absolute blast from start to finish. Well-paced, nicely acted (for the most part) and packed full of stunning music, this live-action remake has proven that Dumbo may have just been a disappointing sidestep in Disneyβs ambitious live-action schedule.
Thatβs two out of the three. Donβt let us down Jon Favreau!
https://moviemetropolis.net/2019/05/22/aladdin-review-dont-let-us-down-guy-ritchie/
Fred (860 KP) rated Alita: Battle Angel (2019) in Movies
May 10, 2019
Love it
Based on the manga "Gunnm", Alita: Battle Angel tells the story of a female cyborg. It takes place against a beautiful cyberpunk world called Iron City. It truly is a sight to see. But the true sight is Alita herself. She's beautifully animated & played excellently by Rosa Salazar. Chirstoph Walz was Christoph Walz. Actually, everyone was pretty good. The effects are phenomenal. The story is good as well, although there was no need for the love-story at all. It didn't move the story at all. I do hope there is a sequel made. Seeing this also makes me hopeful for a live-action version of Bubblegum Crisis in the future.
Clare Parrott (294 KP) rated Blind Faith (Sin Brothers, #3) in Books
Feb 13, 2018
Wow...That was fabulous. Sexy Nate finally catches up with Audrey after she left him five years ago. When their eyes meet across a ballroom it starts a rollercoaster ride of murder, weird cults and sexy nights, Nate will do anything to protect Audrey and his brothers as the series continues in the search for Jory and the kill switch codes so they can all live free without the threat of the Comander and Audreys evil mother Dr Maddison.
Its a fantastic read with never a dull moment, its action packed and super hot. Only problem I do have is the next in the series isn't out for 11 months! How will I manage without the Grey/Dean brothers.
Its a fantastic read with never a dull moment, its action packed and super hot. Only problem I do have is the next in the series isn't out for 11 months! How will I manage without the Grey/Dean brothers.
365Flicks (235 KP) rated The Mandalorian in TV
Nov 18, 2019
Direction (3 more)
Epic feeling
Itβs Star Wars dude
Mandalorian
Easily the best Star Wars Live action project since Return of the Jedi
I Am sooooo happy to be reporting back positive on this TV show. Since Disney bought Lucasfilm they have missed more often than hit. But so far the Mandalorian is a smash hit.
It feels grand, epic and it captures the very essence of A New Hope the darkness of Empire Strikes Back and everything we love about our favourite Space Western. The blend of CGI and practical is effortless the music of this show is as much a character as the titular Mandalorian.
I love this show, long may this continue and Disney donβt screw it up!!!
It feels grand, epic and it captures the very essence of A New Hope the darkness of Empire Strikes Back and everything we love about our favourite Space Western. The blend of CGI and practical is effortless the music of this show is as much a character as the titular Mandalorian.
I love this show, long may this continue and Disney donβt screw it up!!!
There's little-to-no doubt that Margot Robbie's take on Harley Quinn was the best thing about 2016's Suicide Squad (and was also the first live-action portrayal of that character).
However, is she strong enough to headline a movie on her own?
Especially one also starring Ewan McGregor (clearly having a ball as) the villainous Black Mask?
I'm undecided.
It probably didn't help (also) that I'm more used to seeing Renee Montaya and Black Canary as portrayed in TVs (various) Arrowverse shows (Arrow, The Flash, legends of Tomorrow, etc) rather than as here, and that the film - while name-dropping both - has no place for either Batman or The Joker.
However, is she strong enough to headline a movie on her own?
Especially one also starring Ewan McGregor (clearly having a ball as) the villainous Black Mask?
I'm undecided.
It probably didn't help (also) that I'm more used to seeing Renee Montaya and Black Canary as portrayed in TVs (various) Arrowverse shows (Arrow, The Flash, legends of Tomorrow, etc) rather than as here, and that the film - while name-dropping both - has no place for either Batman or The Joker.
Lee KM Pallatina (951 KP) rated Sky High (2005) in Movies
May 2, 2020
Disney's school for gifted yougsters
Disney's sky high is a story about a pre-hero teen who is set to attend a school for future hero's & maybe some villains.
a brilliant coming of age story that centres on pride and ambition told in a way only Disney can.
Plenty of fun and live action Disney style sfx make this a great family movie.
Story:Will is the son of The Commander and Jetstream - the world's greatest superheroes, who is struggling with his awkward secret...he hasn't developed any powers, on top of that he is about to begin attending a school for hero's - Sky High.
Making friends and enemies, thing's are about to go bad!
a brilliant coming of age story that centres on pride and ambition told in a way only Disney can.
Plenty of fun and live action Disney style sfx make this a great family movie.
Story:Will is the son of The Commander and Jetstream - the world's greatest superheroes, who is struggling with his awkward secret...he hasn't developed any powers, on top of that he is about to begin attending a school for hero's - Sky High.
Making friends and enemies, thing's are about to go bad!
David McK (3562 KP) rated Dumbo (2019) in Movies
May 7, 2020
Disney's continuing plundering of their back catalogue (see also: Beauty and the beast, Aladdin, The Lion King, Cinderella β¦) continues with this latest attempt to turn their 1940s cartoon original into a live action movie.
It doesn't really work.
Starring, for once, a pretty 'armless (sorry not sorry) Colin Farrell, this crams the story of Dumbo (circus elephant, learns how to fly, lives happily ever after β¦) into roughly the first 30 minutes or so, before going off on its own tangent (for that, at least, it needs lauded), and introducing both Michael Keaton's circus businessman alongside Eva Green's aerial trapeze artist.
Ironically, however, I found the movie never really takes off at all!
It doesn't really work.
Starring, for once, a pretty 'armless (sorry not sorry) Colin Farrell, this crams the story of Dumbo (circus elephant, learns how to fly, lives happily ever after β¦) into roughly the first 30 minutes or so, before going off on its own tangent (for that, at least, it needs lauded), and introducing both Michael Keaton's circus businessman alongside Eva Green's aerial trapeze artist.
Ironically, however, I found the movie never really takes off at all!