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David McK (3162 KP) rated Shanghai Noon (2000) in Movies
Jul 23, 2023
Easy-going martial arts Jackie Chan/Owen Wilson (and Lucy Liu) film, with Chan portraying the party of a Chinese Forbidden City Imperial Guard soldier who travels to the Wild West of America to rescue the kidnapped Princess Pei Pei (Lucy Liu), and falls in with outlaw Roy O'Bannon (Wilson) along the way.
As a Jackie Chan film, you pretty much know what to expect: lots of martial arts slapstick in his own inimitable style (and pidgin English, which is still a lot better than my non-existent Chinese!) and a few 'that's a terrible name for a cowboy' puns along the way!
As a Jackie Chan film, you pretty much know what to expect: lots of martial arts slapstick in his own inimitable style (and pidgin English, which is still a lot better than my non-existent Chinese!) and a few 'that's a terrible name for a cowboy' puns along the way!
Dork_knight74 (881 KP) rated Rise: Blood Hunter (2007) in Movies
Nov 13, 2018
Just ok
Watched this older movie on Crackle. I'm a Lucky Liu fan so was hoping for a treat. Overall this movie was mediocre, though. Story was ok but could've played out so much better. Several familiar faces, but they couldn't really save this one. The ending was quite anti-climatic. If you REALLY like vampire movies you MIGHT enjoy this one(though I think you'll find a lot of liberties taken). Otherwise, this one is really NOT worth a watch. (Some partial nudity so not for the kids)
Dean (6921 KP) rated Payback (1999) in Movies
Dec 5, 2017
Good revenge thriller
An often overlooked film with an all star cast, about a tale of revenge. Mel has to deal with con artists, bent cops, organised crime bosses and Lucy Liu as a domanatrix to get revenge on those who double crossed him. Quite violent at times but a cracking film. You'll like it if you enjoyed A history of violence or Running scared.
David McK (3162 KP) rated Elementary - Season 5 in TV
Dec 3, 2023
Shinwell Jackson and the gang SPK.
That's the main through-line (for want of a better word) of this season of CBS's modern interpretation of Sherlock Holmes, still set in the States instead of in England, and with Johnny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu still in the joint lead roles of Sherlock and Watson.
Basically, it's become the televisual equivalent of comfort food by this point.
That's the main through-line (for want of a better word) of this season of CBS's modern interpretation of Sherlock Holmes, still set in the States instead of in England, and with Johnny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu still in the joint lead roles of Sherlock and Watson.
Basically, it's become the televisual equivalent of comfort food by this point.
MelanieTheresa (997 KP) rated Why Women Kill in TV
Nov 26, 2019
This show was so much fun! 100% escapism entertainment, and absolutely reveling in it.
Throughout the season, you learn the various reasons why these particular women kill (all living in the same house in different time periods) - Ginnifer Goodwin in the 60s, Lucy Liu in the 80s, and Kirby Howell-Baptiste in the present - but the twists guarantee you'll never know exactly WHO they're going to kill. The entire cast is amazing, but Lucy Liu completely stole the show as far as I'm concerned. She perfectly embodies 80s excess (the hair! the clothes!), and she has some truly great lines. My favorite: when a hike across the Alps is suggested, Simone's line is "Good lord, are we going on vacation or fleeing from the Nazis?" 😄
The last episode was so well done; the way they shot it - so that all 3 timelines begin to blend together at the climax - was genius. The setup for season 2 was perfectly in keeping with the tone of the show, and I for one can't wait to see what they do with it.
Throughout the season, you learn the various reasons why these particular women kill (all living in the same house in different time periods) - Ginnifer Goodwin in the 60s, Lucy Liu in the 80s, and Kirby Howell-Baptiste in the present - but the twists guarantee you'll never know exactly WHO they're going to kill. The entire cast is amazing, but Lucy Liu completely stole the show as far as I'm concerned. She perfectly embodies 80s excess (the hair! the clothes!), and she has some truly great lines. My favorite: when a hike across the Alps is suggested, Simone's line is "Good lord, are we going on vacation or fleeing from the Nazis?" 😄
The last episode was so well done; the way they shot it - so that all 3 timelines begin to blend together at the climax - was genius. The setup for season 2 was perfectly in keeping with the tone of the show, and I for one can't wait to see what they do with it.
David McK (3162 KP) rated Elementary - Season 1 in TV
Sep 4, 2022
A modern-day transplantation of Sherlock to the States, released roughly aroudn the same time as the-also-contemporary-set-BBCs-Sherlock and also starring Lucy Liu as Doctor Joan Watson (instead of Jim Watson) alongside Johnny Lee Millers Sherlock, I was one of those who couldn't quite see the point of this when it first came out.
Well, that, and because it wasn't easily viewable in the UK, until I recently came across it on Amazon Prime.
Having new seen season 1, I do have to say that - while enjoyable enough in its own right, and while lifting some aspects of the Sherlock tales (Moriarity and Irene Adler being the big 2) - I still feel that there is little in common with source.
Well, that, and because it wasn't easily viewable in the UK, until I recently came across it on Amazon Prime.
Having new seen season 1, I do have to say that - while enjoyable enough in its own right, and while lifting some aspects of the Sherlock tales (Moriarity and Irene Adler being the big 2) - I still feel that there is little in common with source.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Charlie's Angels (2019) in Movies
Jul 31, 2020
A poor reboot
I had little hopes for this film when it was released at the cinema as the trailer looked awful, and I'm afraid to say the trailer was an accurate representation of the film itself.
The great thing about this film was the cast. This really does have a stellar cast, however the problem is that they're criminally underutilised and let down by an awful screenplay. The only ones who come out of this relatively unscathed are Kristen Stewart (she gets the "fun" role) and Naomi Scott (who still suffers from the cliched new recruit character role). Even the great Patrick Stewart couldn't save this. The action itself is pretty second rate and rather dull, and whilst it fortunately doesn't go OTT on the CGI, the fighting is still a little clunky. And the plot is as ridiculous as you'd expect from a spy film like this, and as predictable.
I also have a bit of an issue with how they're trying to promote gender equality in this. I'm all for girl power, but it's being rammed down your throat here and it's a bit much. Every male character is portrayed to be a complete slime ball and is this really fair? I don't think so. It's a bit old fashioned to have every bloke as a bad guy and I think there are better ways to promote powerful women and equality.
Overall this was an entirely unnecessary reboot of this franchise. Whilst the previous reincarnations with Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz and Lucy Liu weren't great, they were at least better than this.
The great thing about this film was the cast. This really does have a stellar cast, however the problem is that they're criminally underutilised and let down by an awful screenplay. The only ones who come out of this relatively unscathed are Kristen Stewart (she gets the "fun" role) and Naomi Scott (who still suffers from the cliched new recruit character role). Even the great Patrick Stewart couldn't save this. The action itself is pretty second rate and rather dull, and whilst it fortunately doesn't go OTT on the CGI, the fighting is still a little clunky. And the plot is as ridiculous as you'd expect from a spy film like this, and as predictable.
I also have a bit of an issue with how they're trying to promote gender equality in this. I'm all for girl power, but it's being rammed down your throat here and it's a bit much. Every male character is portrayed to be a complete slime ball and is this really fair? I don't think so. It's a bit old fashioned to have every bloke as a bad guy and I think there are better ways to promote powerful women and equality.
Overall this was an entirely unnecessary reboot of this franchise. Whilst the previous reincarnations with Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz and Lucy Liu weren't great, they were at least better than this.
Gareth von Kallenbach (962 KP) rated Kung Fu Panda 3 (2016) in Movies
Aug 6, 2019
The new Dreamworks Animation release Kung Fu Panda 3 has several big name actors voicing the characters. Among them are Jack Black as Po, Angelina Jolie as Tigress, Kate Hudson as Mei Mei, Bryan Cranston as Li, Dustin Hoffman as Shifu, Jackie Chan as Monkey,
Seth Rogan as Mantis and Lucy Liu as Viper.
Po discovers a long-lost relative who travels with him to a secret enclave of Panda relatives. Meanwhile, the trapped super-villain Kai escapes, and begins to defeat all the king-fu masters across the land.
Po must gather his new-found relatives and his long-time friends, and tries to train them to work together to defeat Kai.
What results is a heartwarming tale of friends & family working together to beat the odds, and of discovering that your strengths and abilities can be used in situations that might seem otherwise hopeless. It shows you that no matter what your capabilities are as an individual, working together can achieve great things.
The music throughout the film was engaging, and the graphics and animation were superb. This is one movie that is released in 3-D that is actually worth seeing in 3-D!
I had the 3 kids with me and they all loved it. The youngest, a girl, is 6, and her comment was ‘That movie was AWESOME!’, and her favorite part was ‘all the cool fighting scenes’
The oldest, a 9 year old boy, said ‘it was a GREAT movie!’, and his favorite part was when Po discovered his dad again.
The middle child, 7, a boy says ‘I thought it was so great that I wanted to cry’, and his favorite part was the baby pandas doing their tricks to help defeat Kai.
From an adult perspective I thought it was a great family film, with a message of acceptance and working together despite our differences in order to accomplish a common goal. I loved how Po’s adopted father and natural father worked together and got along and that they all ended up as ‘family’, without sides being chosen. I felt that was a really great message in this day & age.
I would give this movie a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars, and recommend it for any family looking for a fun activity to head out to on the weekend.
Seth Rogan as Mantis and Lucy Liu as Viper.
Po discovers a long-lost relative who travels with him to a secret enclave of Panda relatives. Meanwhile, the trapped super-villain Kai escapes, and begins to defeat all the king-fu masters across the land.
Po must gather his new-found relatives and his long-time friends, and tries to train them to work together to defeat Kai.
What results is a heartwarming tale of friends & family working together to beat the odds, and of discovering that your strengths and abilities can be used in situations that might seem otherwise hopeless. It shows you that no matter what your capabilities are as an individual, working together can achieve great things.
The music throughout the film was engaging, and the graphics and animation were superb. This is one movie that is released in 3-D that is actually worth seeing in 3-D!
I had the 3 kids with me and they all loved it. The youngest, a girl, is 6, and her comment was ‘That movie was AWESOME!’, and her favorite part was ‘all the cool fighting scenes’
The oldest, a 9 year old boy, said ‘it was a GREAT movie!’, and his favorite part was when Po discovered his dad again.
The middle child, 7, a boy says ‘I thought it was so great that I wanted to cry’, and his favorite part was the baby pandas doing their tricks to help defeat Kai.
From an adult perspective I thought it was a great family film, with a message of acceptance and working together despite our differences in order to accomplish a common goal. I loved how Po’s adopted father and natural father worked together and got along and that they all ended up as ‘family’, without sides being chosen. I felt that was a really great message in this day & age.
I would give this movie a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars, and recommend it for any family looking for a fun activity to head out to on the weekend.
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated Strange world (2022) in Movies
Jan 7, 2023
Takes Too Long To Find It's Legs
If a film is going to be 1/2 good and 1/2 bad, is it better to have the good part first (which will get you to watch until the end) or last (which will leave you with a good feeling, if you make it that far). With the new Disney Animated Film STRANGE WORLD it is bad first, good second. So, if you stick through the disjointed first part of this film, you’ll be rewarded for your persistence with an interesting and satisfying finale.
A nod to the “Pulp Magazine” Science Fiction works of the 1950’s, STRANGE WORLD follows the adventures of the Clade clan as they try to find out what is beyond the hills of their land with the central conflict of this movie being that the Grandfather - the great explorer Jaeger Clade - wanting to explore. His son, Searcher Clade, wanting to stay put and the Grandson, Ethan Clade, caught between the 2.
It is pretty standard fare that is made all the more confusing by the setup of the premise and the clumsy introduction of the myriad of characters and situations that leads the audience to the exploration adventure that is to come.
Written and Co-Directed by Qui Nguyen (and directed by Don Hall) - both of whom are responsible for the criminally under-rated RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON - Strange World stumbles out of the gate and spends the first 1/2 (maybe even the first 2/3) trying to recover from that stumble.
It finally does get it’s legs under itself and the end is worth the patience one must have to get through the beginning.
The voice cast is steady - but unspectacular. Jake Gyllenhaal (Searcher), Gabrielle Union (Meridian Clade - the Mom and pilot), Jaboukie Young-White (Ethan, the Grandson), Lucy Liu (explorer Callisto Mal) and Dennis Quaid (Jaeger, the Grandfather) all put in “professional” work, but none of them stick out - which is especially disappointing in Quaid’s case, for his character looks like it was written to be the quirky, different, interesting character.
Disney animation has had a mixed bag with “action/adventure” animated films. For every BIG HERO 6, there are TREASURE PLANET attempts that seemed earnest and well-meaning, but just don’t hit the mark.
If you are in the mood for a good Disney/Animated adventure that comes from Hall and Nguyen, skip STRANGE WORLD and, instead, check out RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON.
Letter Grade: C+
5 1/2 stars (out of 10) - and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
A nod to the “Pulp Magazine” Science Fiction works of the 1950’s, STRANGE WORLD follows the adventures of the Clade clan as they try to find out what is beyond the hills of their land with the central conflict of this movie being that the Grandfather - the great explorer Jaeger Clade - wanting to explore. His son, Searcher Clade, wanting to stay put and the Grandson, Ethan Clade, caught between the 2.
It is pretty standard fare that is made all the more confusing by the setup of the premise and the clumsy introduction of the myriad of characters and situations that leads the audience to the exploration adventure that is to come.
Written and Co-Directed by Qui Nguyen (and directed by Don Hall) - both of whom are responsible for the criminally under-rated RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON - Strange World stumbles out of the gate and spends the first 1/2 (maybe even the first 2/3) trying to recover from that stumble.
It finally does get it’s legs under itself and the end is worth the patience one must have to get through the beginning.
The voice cast is steady - but unspectacular. Jake Gyllenhaal (Searcher), Gabrielle Union (Meridian Clade - the Mom and pilot), Jaboukie Young-White (Ethan, the Grandson), Lucy Liu (explorer Callisto Mal) and Dennis Quaid (Jaeger, the Grandfather) all put in “professional” work, but none of them stick out - which is especially disappointing in Quaid’s case, for his character looks like it was written to be the quirky, different, interesting character.
Disney animation has had a mixed bag with “action/adventure” animated films. For every BIG HERO 6, there are TREASURE PLANET attempts that seemed earnest and well-meaning, but just don’t hit the mark.
If you are in the mood for a good Disney/Animated adventure that comes from Hall and Nguyen, skip STRANGE WORLD and, instead, check out RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON.
Letter Grade: C+
5 1/2 stars (out of 10) - and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)