Search
Search results

Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Machete Kills (2013) in Movies
Jul 27, 2020
B-Movie Exloitation Film
Like I said in my Machete review, its so weird and odd to see some of these actors working together, cause you would never think in a million years that some of these people would work together like.. Mel Gibson, Charlie Sheen, Sofia Vergara, Amber Heard, Walton Goggins, Lady Gaga, Cuba Gooding Jr., Antoino Banderas and Vanesssa Hudgens. Like would ever thought that all of these actors would work together in a B-Movie Exploitation film called Machete Kills is just strange and somehow it works. I dont how, but it just works.
The plot: When the president (Carlos Estevez) of the United States has a mission that would be impossible for just any mortal man, the person he needs is Machete (Danny Trejo), a knife-wielding ex-Federale agent. Machete's mission is to take down Voz (Mel Gibson), a madman revolutionary and an eccentric billionaire arms dealer who has come up with a plot to start a nuclear war. Facing death at every turn from assassins, Machete pulls out all of his skills to get the job done.
If you havent see either of the machete movies go watch them.
The plot: When the president (Carlos Estevez) of the United States has a mission that would be impossible for just any mortal man, the person he needs is Machete (Danny Trejo), a knife-wielding ex-Federale agent. Machete's mission is to take down Voz (Mel Gibson), a madman revolutionary and an eccentric billionaire arms dealer who has come up with a plot to start a nuclear war. Facing death at every turn from assassins, Machete pulls out all of his skills to get the job done.
If you havent see either of the machete movies go watch them.

Bostonian916 (449 KP) rated Fonzo (Capone) (2020) in Movies
Aug 5, 2020
I disregarded all the vile comments and reviews on this movie and gave it the opportunity that it deserved given the inclusion of Tom Hardy in the cast. I should have listened to the comments and saved myself the time.
This is one of very few movies I've ever screened that I had a legitimately difficult time finishing. It was awful.
The most memorable parts of the movie all involve disassociated grunting by Capone (Hardy) and his losing control of bodily functions throughout. That's not a great thing to be remembered for, yet here we are.
The movie takes the approach of looking at Capone's life after his late life release from prison. While that premise may contain some potential, the execution here is treacherous. The filmmakers would have done better to actually try to do a genuine fact based account of the last year of the mans life rather than a fabricated corncob of delusion that we were left with.
I'm really sorry for Tom Hardy. I honestly don't feel like the end product is something that he would have signed up for given his past projects.
This is one of very few movies I've ever screened that I had a legitimately difficult time finishing. It was awful.
The most memorable parts of the movie all involve disassociated grunting by Capone (Hardy) and his losing control of bodily functions throughout. That's not a great thing to be remembered for, yet here we are.
The movie takes the approach of looking at Capone's life after his late life release from prison. While that premise may contain some potential, the execution here is treacherous. The filmmakers would have done better to actually try to do a genuine fact based account of the last year of the mans life rather than a fabricated corncob of delusion that we were left with.
I'm really sorry for Tom Hardy. I honestly don't feel like the end product is something that he would have signed up for given his past projects.

David McK (3562 KP) rated Coco (2017) in Movies
May 22, 2020
Dante to dog (1 more)
'Remember Me'
One of the few Pixar movies that I (somehow) managed to miss this when it came out at the cinema, only catching it recently on Disney+.
And, like most of Pixar output's, this is technically and visually stunning, with a sub-plot about the importance of family tied into the main narrative.
(Coco, it turns out pretty early on, is the name of his great-grandmother.)
That narrative concerns 12 year old Miguel, who dreams of becoming a famous musician despite his family's ban on any kind of music whatsoever following a decision made by one of his ancestors to leave his family to go touring (and never came back). Set during the Mexican tradition of The Day of the Dead, Miguel finds himself transported to the land of the dead following circumstances (which I'm not going to go into here), and sets off on a quest to find his ancestors and get their blessing so he can return home.
Dante the dog steals the show.
'Remember Me' deserves to become as well known as 'Let It Go'.
And, like most of Pixar output's, this is technically and visually stunning, with a sub-plot about the importance of family tied into the main narrative.
(Coco, it turns out pretty early on, is the name of his great-grandmother.)
That narrative concerns 12 year old Miguel, who dreams of becoming a famous musician despite his family's ban on any kind of music whatsoever following a decision made by one of his ancestors to leave his family to go touring (and never came back). Set during the Mexican tradition of The Day of the Dead, Miguel finds himself transported to the land of the dead following circumstances (which I'm not going to go into here), and sets off on a quest to find his ancestors and get their blessing so he can return home.
Dante the dog steals the show.
'Remember Me' deserves to become as well known as 'Let It Go'.

Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Fallen (1998) in Movies
Jun 10, 2020
Time Is On My Side
Fallen- is one of those movies from the late 90's that has to do something with the bible, evil spirits and god. You had films like "Ends of Days", "Stigmata", "Spawn", "The Devil's advocate" and more. Fallen is one of them.
The plot: After witnessing the execution of serial killer Edgar Reese (Elias Koteas), whom he arrested, police detective John Hobbes (Denzel Washington), and his partner, Jonesy (John Goodman), are soon investigating another murderer whose mode of operation is eerily similar to Reese's. In the course of the investigation, Hobbes meets theology professor Gretta Milano (Embeth Davidtz), who introduces him to the world of the occult and the possibility that an evil spirit is behind the killings.
I like the concept, is different and unique. Its a cat and mouse chase between a human being and a evil spirit that passing on from person to person. So you don't even know who is possessed.
The supernatural portion is very good. The suspense and thrills are good. Not enough action though. Other than that its a good supernatural film.
The plot: After witnessing the execution of serial killer Edgar Reese (Elias Koteas), whom he arrested, police detective John Hobbes (Denzel Washington), and his partner, Jonesy (John Goodman), are soon investigating another murderer whose mode of operation is eerily similar to Reese's. In the course of the investigation, Hobbes meets theology professor Gretta Milano (Embeth Davidtz), who introduces him to the world of the occult and the possibility that an evil spirit is behind the killings.
I like the concept, is different and unique. Its a cat and mouse chase between a human being and a evil spirit that passing on from person to person. So you don't even know who is possessed.
The supernatural portion is very good. The suspense and thrills are good. Not enough action though. Other than that its a good supernatural film.

Logan Eccles (135 KP) rated Happy Death Day 2U (2019) in Movies
Oct 1, 2020 (Updated Oct 2, 2020)
Saddly Dissapointing
To say I was just disappointed with this sequel would be withholding the truth because this film missed out on what made its predecessor so great in my opinion. Gone is the random quirkiness of the weird plot of Happy Death Day. Happy Death Day 2U decided it wanted to explain the time loop of the first movie. This was unquestionably a bad idea simply due to how not knowing the reason why things were happening made the concept hilarious. The first move is hysterical, its sequel is hysterically stupid.
Trust me I don't like saying all this being a big fan of Happy Death Day, but you watch this movie and tell me its not garbage. If you disagree with me so be it but you might be lying to yourself. There is hardly any horror in this horror film. If your gonna be in the horror genre have more killing more thrills more suspense and less science and multiverse talk. I love SciFi movies but this was not supposed to be that and it honestly ruined the credibility of the first film.
Trust me I don't like saying all this being a big fan of Happy Death Day, but you watch this movie and tell me its not garbage. If you disagree with me so be it but you might be lying to yourself. There is hardly any horror in this horror film. If your gonna be in the horror genre have more killing more thrills more suspense and less science and multiverse talk. I love SciFi movies but this was not supposed to be that and it honestly ruined the credibility of the first film.

Logan Eccles (135 KP) rated Bumblebee (2018) in Movies
Oct 1, 2020 (Updated Oct 2, 2020)
I See You... Bumblebee
Wasn't directing and thought it'd be a drama based Transformers? Well, news flash Bay basically did direct it without directing it he handpicked his replacement who is pretty much his protégé. The film is just like any other Micheal Bay movie FUN, STUPID, and full of EXPLOSIONS! However, I do feel like the writing was stronger in this film at least it was more story-driven than the previous Transformers movies. I thought it was a weird choice to have Halie Sienfield in this but she was great. Her performance was both strong and adorable mixed together which also sums up this movie. And of course, before I finish this review I have to address John Cena's performance or my headline won't make since (You can't see me) ok anyway Cena actually left me wanting to see more of his character. It was an odd choice to have Cena cast as this character in my opinion but he does pull it off. If you want a movie to watch with your kids go buy this, this weekend you will all enjoy it.

Awix (3310 KP) rated Hello Down There (1969) in Movies
May 10, 2020
The only performer to appear in three of the AFI's Hundred Greatest Films of All Time is Janet Leigh, which is quite an achievement, but she also turns up in a load of absolute dross, like this borderline-unwatchable musical comedy adventure about a family spending a month in an underwater house. Tony Randall is there for the older viewers; there are some swinging kids for the younger audience (a young Richard Dreyfuss keeps singing songs about goldfish); low-octane underwater thrills are occasionally attempted.
The list of people involved in this movie might lead one to expect something at least mildly interesting: Jack Arnold made many interesting SF B-movies, one of which (Creature from the Black Lagoon) featured co-director Browning in the title role; the cast list includes Randall, Leigh, Dreyfuss, and Roddy McDowell. And yet it feels almost aggressively anodyne and bland, horribly calculated, and made to TV-standard production values. Even when it was made this probably only appealed to the most undemanding viewers; nowadays it exerts a weird fascination if only as a relic of an unrecognisable sensibility.
The list of people involved in this movie might lead one to expect something at least mildly interesting: Jack Arnold made many interesting SF B-movies, one of which (Creature from the Black Lagoon) featured co-director Browning in the title role; the cast list includes Randall, Leigh, Dreyfuss, and Roddy McDowell. And yet it feels almost aggressively anodyne and bland, horribly calculated, and made to TV-standard production values. Even when it was made this probably only appealed to the most undemanding viewers; nowadays it exerts a weird fascination if only as a relic of an unrecognisable sensibility.

Cori June (3033 KP) rated The Neverending Story in Books
Sep 5, 2021
Beautiful chapter starters (2 more)
Good life lessons
Creative
Drags (1 more)
The childlike emperor's name
Contains spoilers, click to show
So, I didn't finish the book the first time I read this book (2016ish) because I couldn't get over the childlike emperor's name. I know that's a stupid thing to get hung up on but as it is a book that influenced a movie and I saw that movie at a young age. I had built up the mystery so much the let down was huge. I also kept comparing the book to the movies(they are better fight me. Ok not the second movie. I'll throw hands on the first.)
Don't do this.
I reread it and am glad because it is a good book for any age. It has good life lesson to learn or relearn and very creative in its creatures and world building. Its title is a little on the nose because by the end of the book I counted down the pages to the end. The first part of the book is the best, in my opinion.
Artax talks which is meh. And his death doesn't hit you as hard. But there are more fleshed out parts. Which I enjoyed.
Don't do this.
I reread it and am glad because it is a good book for any age. It has good life lesson to learn or relearn and very creative in its creatures and world building. Its title is a little on the nose because by the end of the book I counted down the pages to the end. The first part of the book is the best, in my opinion.
Artax talks which is meh. And his death doesn't hit you as hard. But there are more fleshed out parts. Which I enjoyed.

LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child (1989) in Movies
Oct 2, 2021
Sweet lord, this was a chore to sit through. The Elm Street series managed to tread a pretty solid path up until this point. Even the iffy fourth entry has some merit, but The Dream Child just gloriously falls apart. For starters, and I really try not to be cynical, but I do like when movies in general follow a set of rules. The main rule for ANOES is simply, don't fall asleep if you want to stay alive. By Part 5, it's really unclear if this still applies, and no one involved is even pretending to be making a coherent film apparently I don't expect Oscar winning screenplays from cheesy slashers, but the dialogue is especially awful. The entire cast sound like they've been given different scripts, the editing is all over the place, even Freddy (who is now in full blown quip mode) is spaffing one-liners that don't make a lick of sense. Then there's the small matter of the narrative falling off the rails in almost every aspect.
The only saving grace is the abundance of practical gore, which is pretty decent for the most part, but otherwise, fuck this entire film man.
The only saving grace is the abundance of practical gore, which is pretty decent for the most part, but otherwise, fuck this entire film man.

LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Evil Dead II (1987) in Movies
Feb 9, 2022
Let's not beat around the bush here, Evil Dead II is quite simply, one of the best horror movies ever made.
Picking up immediately after the first one concludes, the narrative dives headfirst into another night of chaos for Ash Williams, stuck in a possessed cabin in the middle of nowhere. The breakneck pacing never relents, ensuring that the entire runtime is horrifically entertaining. The serious tone of the first isn't completely replaced, but a dark, slapstick-comedy coat of paint is laid on thick, and it works perfectly with just how absurd proceedings become. This aspect is also bolstered by Bruce Campbell. He manages to be a badass protagonist, but his physical comedy performance is perfectly on point, and his descent into utter madness is well realised. The physical effects work is nothing short of spectacular, and Raimis unique shooting style benefits from a bigger budget.
Evil Dead II is a true, all-time horror great. It's frequently hilarious, flat out ridiculous, has generous lashings of gore, and still manages to deliver some solid scares in spite of its goofiness.
Absolutely. Fucking. Perfect.
Picking up immediately after the first one concludes, the narrative dives headfirst into another night of chaos for Ash Williams, stuck in a possessed cabin in the middle of nowhere. The breakneck pacing never relents, ensuring that the entire runtime is horrifically entertaining. The serious tone of the first isn't completely replaced, but a dark, slapstick-comedy coat of paint is laid on thick, and it works perfectly with just how absurd proceedings become. This aspect is also bolstered by Bruce Campbell. He manages to be a badass protagonist, but his physical comedy performance is perfectly on point, and his descent into utter madness is well realised. The physical effects work is nothing short of spectacular, and Raimis unique shooting style benefits from a bigger budget.
Evil Dead II is a true, all-time horror great. It's frequently hilarious, flat out ridiculous, has generous lashings of gore, and still manages to deliver some solid scares in spite of its goofiness.
Absolutely. Fucking. Perfect.