Search
Search results
Dean (6921 KP) rated Batman Returns (1992) in Movies
Mar 17, 2018
David McK (3162 KP) rated Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019) in Movies
Jun 10, 2020
Sequel to 2014s Maleficent, that is now freed from the constraints of having to tell the Sleeping Beauty fairytale from the point of view of the wicked Queen.
With the plot here set in motion by a marriage proposal to Aurora, she and Maleficent travel to meet her suitors parents, including Michelle Pfeiffer as Queen Ingrith, who proves to be a 'real' Wicked Queen (that's no spoiler!), and who engineers a war against the fae folk.
In short: slightly better than the first, but still not brilliant.
With the plot here set in motion by a marriage proposal to Aurora, she and Maleficent travel to meet her suitors parents, including Michelle Pfeiffer as Queen Ingrith, who proves to be a 'real' Wicked Queen (that's no spoiler!), and who engineers a war against the fae folk.
In short: slightly better than the first, but still not brilliant.
Fran Donohoe (853 KP) rated Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018) in Movies
Aug 17, 2018
It's rare that a superhero film has no bad points and you actually care about the supporting characters,this film is just that ,Michelle Pfeiffer looks great (so does evangeline lilly) and Michael Pena adds some really funny comic moments to a film that is already a funny film ,all in all a great sequel to a great superhero film only let down by the character of Ghost ,with an all star supporting cast like michael Douglas and Lawrence Fishburn it's a great way to spend 2odd hrs
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Batman Returns (1992) in Movies
Dec 25, 2019
Christmas Within Gotham
Batman Returns- is a very great movie. More batman, more darker, the penguin, catwoman, and so much more. Everyone is good in this movie, from Micheal Keaton to Danny DeVito, Michelle Preiffer and even Christopher Walken was good in it.
The Plot: The monstrous Penguin (Danny DeVito), who lives in the sewers beneath Gotham, joins up with wicked shock-headed businessman Max Shreck (Christopher Walken) to topple the Batman (Michael Keaton) once and for all. But when Shreck's timid assistant, Selina Kyle (Michelle Pfeiffer), finds out, and Shreck tries to kill her, she is transformed into the sexy Catwoman. She teams up with the Penguin and Shreck to destroy Batman, but sparks fly unexpectedly when she confronts the caped crusader.
It is such a great movie to watch.
The Plot: The monstrous Penguin (Danny DeVito), who lives in the sewers beneath Gotham, joins up with wicked shock-headed businessman Max Shreck (Christopher Walken) to topple the Batman (Michael Keaton) once and for all. But when Shreck's timid assistant, Selina Kyle (Michelle Pfeiffer), finds out, and Shreck tries to kill her, she is transformed into the sexy Catwoman. She teams up with the Penguin and Shreck to destroy Batman, but sparks fly unexpectedly when she confronts the caped crusader.
It is such a great movie to watch.
Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated What Lies Beneath (2000) in Movies
May 19, 2020
The Woman That Lies Beneath
What Lies Beneath- is a very underrated psychological horror thriller. Its a very intresting psychological thriller, that will twist your insantity until the very end of the movie. Its only downfall, its somewhat boring and slow, but the acting from both Harrison and Michelle are excellent.
The plot: It had been a year since Dr. Norman Spencer (Harrison Ford) betrayed his beautiful wife Claire (Michelle Pfeiffer). But with Claire oblivious to the truth, Norman's life and marriage seem so perfect that when Claire tells him of hearing mysterious voices and seeing a young woman's image in their home, he dismisses her terror as delusion. Claire moves closer to the truth and it becomes clear that this apparition will not be dismissed, and has come back for Dr. Spencer and his beautiful wife.
Like i said its a very underrated psychological horror thriller, that is excellent.
The plot: It had been a year since Dr. Norman Spencer (Harrison Ford) betrayed his beautiful wife Claire (Michelle Pfeiffer). But with Claire oblivious to the truth, Norman's life and marriage seem so perfect that when Claire tells him of hearing mysterious voices and seeing a young woman's image in their home, he dismisses her terror as delusion. Claire moves closer to the truth and it becomes clear that this apparition will not be dismissed, and has come back for Dr. Spencer and his beautiful wife.
Like i said its a very underrated psychological horror thriller, that is excellent.
Blazing Minds (89 KP) rated Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018) in Movies
Nov 1, 2021 (Updated Nov 3, 2021)
Ant-Man and the Wasp bring us two years after Ant-Man helped the Avengers and before Infinity War, Scott (Paul Rudd) is now under house arrest and is struggling to start a new business with Luis (Michael Peña) and juggle life as a superhero and loving father.
Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) and Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) have a new mission for Scott after he has visions of Hank’s wife, the original Wasp (Michelle Pfeiffer). But on this mission, there is more to just trying to save Hank’s wife, a “Ghost” (Hannah John-Kamen) is also trying to get the technology that Ant-Man and the Wasp are also after, plus the FBI and Sonny Burch (Walton Goggins).
Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) and Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) have a new mission for Scott after he has visions of Hank’s wife, the original Wasp (Michelle Pfeiffer). But on this mission, there is more to just trying to save Hank’s wife, a “Ghost” (Hannah John-Kamen) is also trying to get the technology that Ant-Man and the Wasp are also after, plus the FBI and Sonny Burch (Walton Goggins).
Sarah (7798 KP) rated Murder on the Orient Express (2017) in Movies
Nov 8, 2017
Dull and boring
I've never read the book or seen any previous adaptations, or indeed any other Poirot stories or any Agatha Christie novels at all. And all I can say is that I hope this film isn't a reflection on the rest of her work.
The film starts well, with a fun introduction to Poirot and Kenneth Branagh is probably the best thing about the film in general. He does a fantastic job as Poirot for the most part, very believable as a Belgian.
However before the murder even takes place, the film starts to dip and gets a little dull. The murder itself is presented in such an uninteresting way and the cinematography at times is a little bizarre. Some of the camera shots don't work and some seem ridiculously cheesy how they're staged. The questioning of the suspects does little to bring any tension or intrigue, and the star studded cast isn't given much to work with although some try their best to ham it up (Michelle Pfeiffer).
And then the finale/resolution itself is just completely bonkers. It might have been unexpected, but not in a good way. It was just very silly and not at all what I was hoping for from this film. Such a disappointment.
The film starts well, with a fun introduction to Poirot and Kenneth Branagh is probably the best thing about the film in general. He does a fantastic job as Poirot for the most part, very believable as a Belgian.
However before the murder even takes place, the film starts to dip and gets a little dull. The murder itself is presented in such an uninteresting way and the cinematography at times is a little bizarre. Some of the camera shots don't work and some seem ridiculously cheesy how they're staged. The questioning of the suspects does little to bring any tension or intrigue, and the star studded cast isn't given much to work with although some try their best to ham it up (Michelle Pfeiffer).
And then the finale/resolution itself is just completely bonkers. It might have been unexpected, but not in a good way. It was just very silly and not at all what I was hoping for from this film. Such a disappointment.
David McK (3162 KP) rated The Dark Knight Rises (2012) in Movies
Jun 30, 2019
The final part of Christopher Nolan's Christian Bale starring Batman trilogy (after both Batman Begins and The Dark Knight) that takes a large part of its inspiration from the 1990s Knightfall series of graphic novels in introducing the character of Bane: the man who (quote unquote) 'Breaks the Bat'.
As portrayed by Tom Hardy, this version of the character is nothing at all like you might remember from the Batman and Robin abomination: there's no mention of venom (the drug) in this movie, nor is it overstuffed with villains like that earlier movie/portrayal of the character was.
Instead, we have Bane as the primary antagonist throughout, although - in the tradition of Batman Begins - he is later revealed to be but a pawn, with deliberate call-backs to that first movie. While Jonathan Crane/Scarecrow does make a return (in what largely amounts as a camoe) alongside Ra's Al-Ghul (again, largely as a cameo in flashbacks), there's no Joker this time round - probably as a result of the real-world death of Heath Ledger (although I might have preferred even a throw-away line saying why the character wasn't in this!)
We also have Anne Hathaway's take on Catwoman/Selina Kyle, here portrayed more as a cat burglar than the Michelle Pfeiffer version from Batman Returns, and the 'passing on' of the mantle of Gotham's protector to another very-familiar character (who doesn't use his given name until the very end).
As portrayed by Tom Hardy, this version of the character is nothing at all like you might remember from the Batman and Robin abomination: there's no mention of venom (the drug) in this movie, nor is it overstuffed with villains like that earlier movie/portrayal of the character was.
Instead, we have Bane as the primary antagonist throughout, although - in the tradition of Batman Begins - he is later revealed to be but a pawn, with deliberate call-backs to that first movie. While Jonathan Crane/Scarecrow does make a return (in what largely amounts as a camoe) alongside Ra's Al-Ghul (again, largely as a cameo in flashbacks), there's no Joker this time round - probably as a result of the real-world death of Heath Ledger (although I might have preferred even a throw-away line saying why the character wasn't in this!)
We also have Anne Hathaway's take on Catwoman/Selina Kyle, here portrayed more as a cat burglar than the Michelle Pfeiffer version from Batman Returns, and the 'passing on' of the mantle of Gotham's protector to another very-familiar character (who doesn't use his given name until the very end).
Gareth von Kallenbach (962 KP) rated Murder on the Orient Express (2017) in Movies
Jul 11, 2019
Murder on the Orient Express is a mystery drama directed by, and starring, Kenneth Branagh and is based on the 1934 Agatha Christie novel of the same name. The film brings in a spectacular cast alongside Branagh, including Penelope Cruz, Willem Dafoe, Judi Dench, Johnny Depp, Josh Gad, Michelle Pfeiffer and Daisy Ridley. Also part of the main cast, while not well known, but equally as talented, are Tom Bateman, Derek Jacobi, Leslie Odom Jr. and Lucy Boynton.
For those unfamiliar with the novel, or the 1974 and 2001 adaptations, Murder tells the story of, well… a murder. On a train. It’s really a lot more than that. Branagh portrays Hercule Poirot, a famed Belgian detective who is looking forward to some time off. But during his travels, a most unfortunate thing happens. Two things actually. Someone is murdered aboard the train he is traveling on, the Orient Express (naturally). And the murderer would’ve gotten away free and clear had storm not caused an avalanche, which thanks to a derailed engine, caused the train to become stuck and the body to be discovered. Poirot’s friend, Bouc (Bateman), runs the train and requested that Poirot solve the mystery before the police arrive in fear of someone innocent being accused, and to save himself from a heyday with his father. Can Poirot find out who is the killer between the star-studded cast?
I’ve read the novel. Seen both adaptations. This film blows those earlier adaptations out of the water. There is no contest here. Now clearly, nothing can beat the book. But Murder is about as great a film you can get in the murky land of Hollywood these days. As mentioned, Branagh directed and starred in the film, which he shot on 65 mm. The last time he did this was with Hamlet in 1996. It looked good then, and it looks even better now. With eye-popping visuals throughout the entirety of the film, and a masterful soundtrack that seamlessly blended with the tones and themes of each scene, the film is a modern masterpiece.
It wasn’t without its faults. (Most) every film has them. And there are a lot of people who are upset with Branagh’s portrayal of Poirot, particularly the representation of his eccentric facial hair. I am not one of those people. I believe it, along with other amazing moments, lent a bit of humor to the movie to break up what should otherwise be, and is, a serious whodunit mystery. Also, I felt they changed a few things in the adaptation that didn’t necessarily need to be changed.
I found it hard to sit and write about the film though. Given the nature of a great mystery, I can’t tell you too much about it without risk of giving out crucial details to the plot and outcome. So I will leave you with this, boys, girls, and everything in between and beyond… with a great and talented cast (bravo to Michelle Pfeiffer in particular) who nailed home their characters, to great visuals, and a great score, this movie is definitely one you want to catch.
For those unfamiliar with the novel, or the 1974 and 2001 adaptations, Murder tells the story of, well… a murder. On a train. It’s really a lot more than that. Branagh portrays Hercule Poirot, a famed Belgian detective who is looking forward to some time off. But during his travels, a most unfortunate thing happens. Two things actually. Someone is murdered aboard the train he is traveling on, the Orient Express (naturally). And the murderer would’ve gotten away free and clear had storm not caused an avalanche, which thanks to a derailed engine, caused the train to become stuck and the body to be discovered. Poirot’s friend, Bouc (Bateman), runs the train and requested that Poirot solve the mystery before the police arrive in fear of someone innocent being accused, and to save himself from a heyday with his father. Can Poirot find out who is the killer between the star-studded cast?
I’ve read the novel. Seen both adaptations. This film blows those earlier adaptations out of the water. There is no contest here. Now clearly, nothing can beat the book. But Murder is about as great a film you can get in the murky land of Hollywood these days. As mentioned, Branagh directed and starred in the film, which he shot on 65 mm. The last time he did this was with Hamlet in 1996. It looked good then, and it looks even better now. With eye-popping visuals throughout the entirety of the film, and a masterful soundtrack that seamlessly blended with the tones and themes of each scene, the film is a modern masterpiece.
It wasn’t without its faults. (Most) every film has them. And there are a lot of people who are upset with Branagh’s portrayal of Poirot, particularly the representation of his eccentric facial hair. I am not one of those people. I believe it, along with other amazing moments, lent a bit of humor to the movie to break up what should otherwise be, and is, a serious whodunit mystery. Also, I felt they changed a few things in the adaptation that didn’t necessarily need to be changed.
I found it hard to sit and write about the film though. Given the nature of a great mystery, I can’t tell you too much about it without risk of giving out crucial details to the plot and outcome. So I will leave you with this, boys, girls, and everything in between and beyond… with a great and talented cast (bravo to Michelle Pfeiffer in particular) who nailed home their characters, to great visuals, and a great score, this movie is definitely one you want to catch.
Leah (3 KP) rated Murder on the Orient Express (2017) in Movies
Dec 31, 2017 (Updated Dec 31, 2017)
Humor (2 more)
Very beautiful
Loveably quirky lead character
More like "Murder on the BORE-ient Express" am I right?
I'm about to be THAT girl and tell you that the book is better. I mean, no contest there. But for those of you who don't give a ? about that, the movie does have some redeeming qualities.
Not a total snooze-fest. More like a yawn-fest. While it is beautifully shot, it had a very monotonous, dragging-on sort of cadence to it. Nothing happened, besides all the things that happened... But just nothing to pique your interest throughout the whole thing.
The lead character's personality and charm is to die for in this adaptation, compared to the book. He's just so wonderful and I love the play-up of his quirks. Some of the other characters shine as well. Daisy Ridley is brilliant. Surprisingly, Willem Dafoe does an awesome job and a very convincing German accent, despite his small part. Michelle Pfeiffer on the other hand, her "ok, THIS is why everyone loves her" moment never happened... until the end. Oh, that ending! So much more dramatic and enticing than what the book delivers. The "whodunit" part of the book was so nonchalant and not the climatic ending I had wanted. So be happy the movie pulled through in that department.
Overall, still entertaining, just don't expect a ton of action or fast-paced dialogue to keep your attention. Maybe skip the late-night showing and go to a matinee after getting some coffee ?
Not a total snooze-fest. More like a yawn-fest. While it is beautifully shot, it had a very monotonous, dragging-on sort of cadence to it. Nothing happened, besides all the things that happened... But just nothing to pique your interest throughout the whole thing.
The lead character's personality and charm is to die for in this adaptation, compared to the book. He's just so wonderful and I love the play-up of his quirks. Some of the other characters shine as well. Daisy Ridley is brilliant. Surprisingly, Willem Dafoe does an awesome job and a very convincing German accent, despite his small part. Michelle Pfeiffer on the other hand, her "ok, THIS is why everyone loves her" moment never happened... until the end. Oh, that ending! So much more dramatic and enticing than what the book delivers. The "whodunit" part of the book was so nonchalant and not the climatic ending I had wanted. So be happy the movie pulled through in that department.
Overall, still entertaining, just don't expect a ton of action or fast-paced dialogue to keep your attention. Maybe skip the late-night showing and go to a matinee after getting some coffee ?