Search
Search results
Jesters_folly (230 KP) rated 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003) in Movies
May 28, 2021
Paul Walker reprises his role as Brian O'Conner as he's recruited to find out how a drug dealer is getting his ill gotten gains out of the country, using the talent of street racing.
I think that 2 Fast 2 Furious is actually slightly better than the first film (the Fast and the Furious), it has many of the same tropes and ideas of the first film, the street racing, cars and crime and it seems to have a better balance between the main elements. In both films Brian is tasked with infiltrating a criminal organisation with the task of finding out information and, from a narrative prospective 2 Fast seems to make a better job of this.
There is slightly less time given over to actual street racing but this is replaced with car chases which seem to use more police cars than 'The Blues Brothers'.
There is some time given over to character development as we find out more about Brian's past with the introduction of his old friend, Roman Pearce which gives us a bit more information as to his actions at the end of the first film.
Brian's relationship with the polices is surprisingly similar to the first film, even though Brian is now a wanted convict he is still aids and trust him. We also have the agent who doesn't trust Brian, this time in the form of customs Agent Markhan which basically gives us the same police set up the first film.
2 Fast 2 Furious does a good job of not being a clone of it's predecessor whilst still keeping the cars, the speed, the races and chases. There are a couple of scenes at the start that are similar to the first film but these are to help re introduce Brian and set the tone of the film. If you liked the first one then you should give the sequel a watch. (But you probably already know that as this is an old film đ )
I think that 2 Fast 2 Furious is actually slightly better than the first film (the Fast and the Furious), it has many of the same tropes and ideas of the first film, the street racing, cars and crime and it seems to have a better balance between the main elements. In both films Brian is tasked with infiltrating a criminal organisation with the task of finding out information and, from a narrative prospective 2 Fast seems to make a better job of this.
There is slightly less time given over to actual street racing but this is replaced with car chases which seem to use more police cars than 'The Blues Brothers'.
There is some time given over to character development as we find out more about Brian's past with the introduction of his old friend, Roman Pearce which gives us a bit more information as to his actions at the end of the first film.
Brian's relationship with the polices is surprisingly similar to the first film, even though Brian is now a wanted convict he is still aids and trust him. We also have the agent who doesn't trust Brian, this time in the form of customs Agent Markhan which basically gives us the same police set up the first film.
2 Fast 2 Furious does a good job of not being a clone of it's predecessor whilst still keeping the cars, the speed, the races and chases. There are a couple of scenes at the start that are similar to the first film but these are to help re introduce Brian and set the tone of the film. If you liked the first one then you should give the sequel a watch. (But you probably already know that as this is an old film đ )
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019) in Movies
Aug 28, 2019 (Updated Oct 25, 2019)
Another fantastic entry into Tarantino's legacy
If there's one thing that springs to mind after watching Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, is that's it's not particularly user friendly, it's not easily consumed.
It's a loooong film (perhaps a little too long), and I feel that even some proper Tarantino fans may struggle to get along with it.
The film feels like a full on love letter to Hollywood during the late 60s, and Tarantino's passion for this period is obvious.
The audience are spoiled with gorgeous shots throughout, set to a backdrop of great music (as per usual).
The cast are fantastic - I've mentioned before on here that I'm an unashamed Brad Pitt fanboy, and nothing here changes that. Leonardo DiCaprio is also great (just as he was in Django Unchained) as the two of them stick by each other as Rick Dalton's (DiCaprio) acting career starts to waver.
Living just up the road from Rick are Roman Polanski and Sharon Tate (played by a hugely charming Margot Robbie).
As the film progresses, I found myself wondering what story was trying to be told, but it does all tie up in a very Tarantino way. It's pretty glorious (no spoilers here).
The plot certainly benefits from the viewer having prior knowledge to the horrific Manson family/Tate murder.
The final 20 minutes is where things ramp up, after a very slow burning 2 hours... and after Tarantino's last 3 movies, which I found more action heavy than some of his early work, it's a different approach, and a reason why I think some people may struggle with it.
The pacing is, weirdly, most akin to Death Proof - an extremely dialogue heavy movie with a crazy final act.
But the huge amount of dialogue we're subjected to is pretty much perfect. It's a real treat if you have the patience.
Once Upon a Time... can proudly stand shoulder to shoulder with the rest of Tarantino's portfolio.
It's a loooong film (perhaps a little too long), and I feel that even some proper Tarantino fans may struggle to get along with it.
The film feels like a full on love letter to Hollywood during the late 60s, and Tarantino's passion for this period is obvious.
The audience are spoiled with gorgeous shots throughout, set to a backdrop of great music (as per usual).
The cast are fantastic - I've mentioned before on here that I'm an unashamed Brad Pitt fanboy, and nothing here changes that. Leonardo DiCaprio is also great (just as he was in Django Unchained) as the two of them stick by each other as Rick Dalton's (DiCaprio) acting career starts to waver.
Living just up the road from Rick are Roman Polanski and Sharon Tate (played by a hugely charming Margot Robbie).
As the film progresses, I found myself wondering what story was trying to be told, but it does all tie up in a very Tarantino way. It's pretty glorious (no spoilers here).
The plot certainly benefits from the viewer having prior knowledge to the horrific Manson family/Tate murder.
The final 20 minutes is where things ramp up, after a very slow burning 2 hours... and after Tarantino's last 3 movies, which I found more action heavy than some of his early work, it's a different approach, and a reason why I think some people may struggle with it.
The pacing is, weirdly, most akin to Death Proof - an extremely dialogue heavy movie with a crazy final act.
But the huge amount of dialogue we're subjected to is pretty much perfect. It's a real treat if you have the patience.
Once Upon a Time... can proudly stand shoulder to shoulder with the rest of Tarantino's portfolio.
GameNet for - UEBS Ultimate Epic Battle Simulator
Reference and Entertainment
App
Here is a sandbox like no other. Create massive battles with absolutely no limits. Want to see...
Cursed Objects: Strange but True Stories of the World's Most Infamous Items
8.0
Rate It
Book
An illustrated compendium that reveals the true stories behind the most infamous, creepy, and...
Geocaching Buddy
Navigation and Utilities
App
The ultimate tool for the serious geocacher when solving multi-caches, powered by Geocaching Live....
MatemĂĄg: SouÄtovĂ© trojĂșhelnĂky
Games and Education
App
MatemĂĄgova cviÄebnice zamÄĆenĂĄ na didaktickĂ© prostĆedĂ souÄtovĂœch trojĂșhelnĂkĆŻ vznikla,...
MatemĂĄg: Hadi
Games and Education
App
MatemĂĄgova cviÄebnice zamÄĆenĂĄ na didaktickĂ© prostĆedĂ hadĆŻ vznikla, aby pomĂĄhala s...
Debbiereadsbook (1487 KP) rated Nothing But the Night (Basic Instincts #2) in Books
Apr 20, 2025
It hit all of the buttons I was expecting and some I wasn't.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarain, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 2 in the Basic Instincts series and I have not read book 1, Now Comes The Dark. I did not feel I missed anything by not doing so, so I would say this can totally be read as a stand alone. Roman and Mallon pop up, but only in passing.
Marc is not happy with the local police about their lack of progress in finding his brother's killer. Because Marc does not believe that Theo's death was an accident. Enter Jason, a local private detective. But just as his investigation gets moving, their chief witness is murdered and both men find themselves in a fight for their lives, with no clue who is behind it all.
I just wanna say: Well played, Mr Collins, so very well played! I did not see the whodunnit coming at me, not at all! I love being kept on my toes, I really do. So, I loved that coming out of nowhere and whooping me upside the head!
As Marc and Jason get to know each other, their relationship builds. I liked that build up and when it spilled over. I can't say I liked the reason it spilled over, and I'm not going to elaborate due to spoilers, but I think when it does spill over, it was exactly at the right time for these two.
It moves at speed sometimes, and slows up in others, just enough for you to catch up. It's dark and deadly, and sweet and emotional. Steamy and smexy. It hit all of the buttons I was expecting and some I wasn't.
I absolutely need to read book 3, but I've no clue who that would be or even IF there will be a book 3! And at some point, I'd like to go back and read book 1.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 2 in the Basic Instincts series and I have not read book 1, Now Comes The Dark. I did not feel I missed anything by not doing so, so I would say this can totally be read as a stand alone. Roman and Mallon pop up, but only in passing.
Marc is not happy with the local police about their lack of progress in finding his brother's killer. Because Marc does not believe that Theo's death was an accident. Enter Jason, a local private detective. But just as his investigation gets moving, their chief witness is murdered and both men find themselves in a fight for their lives, with no clue who is behind it all.
I just wanna say: Well played, Mr Collins, so very well played! I did not see the whodunnit coming at me, not at all! I love being kept on my toes, I really do. So, I loved that coming out of nowhere and whooping me upside the head!
As Marc and Jason get to know each other, their relationship builds. I liked that build up and when it spilled over. I can't say I liked the reason it spilled over, and I'm not going to elaborate due to spoilers, but I think when it does spill over, it was exactly at the right time for these two.
It moves at speed sometimes, and slows up in others, just enough for you to catch up. It's dark and deadly, and sweet and emotional. Steamy and smexy. It hit all of the buttons I was expecting and some I wasn't.
I absolutely need to read book 3, but I've no clue who that would be or even IF there will be a book 3! And at some point, I'd like to go back and read book 1.
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Bob Mann (459 KP) rated Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) (2020) in Movies
Feb 15, 2020
A lot of squawking birds
Although not saying much, Margot Robbieâs Harley Quinn was one of the best thing in the lacklustre D.C. outing âSuicide Squadâ of 2016. Now, she returns in her own vehicle. Jared Letoâs Joker is a thing of the past (clearly he wasnât keen on dredging up the past for even a cameo in this one).
Harley had spent years building up a catalog of enemies in Gotham, with no-one daring to lift a finger for fear of âthe big Jâsâ retribution. With that now a thing of the past, the streets are no longer safe for Harley. Whereas most characters have a reason to want to kill Harley, mid-level gangster Roman Sionis (Ewan McGregor) has a list as long as his arm (a blurred list that will probably make freeze-framing of the blu-ray entertaining!). Roman, who has a penchant for having his right-hand man Victor (Chris Messina) de-glove his victimâs faces, has his heart set on obtaining a missing diamond that (McGuffin-alert) is engraved with account details to $billions.
Through a convoluted and messy plot, Harley meets various âbirds of preyâ who are either friend or foe: notably young pickpocket Cassandra (Ella Jay Basco); cop RenĂ©e Montoya (Rosie Perez); the âCrossbow Killerâ (Mary Elizabeth Winstead); and the âBlack Canaryâ (Jurnee Smollett-Bell), who you donât want to let near your best glasses.
As you might expect from your knowledge of Harley Quinnâs character, the movie is bat-shit crazy, with periodic breaking of the 4th wall; much acrobatic kick-boxing; and some random dream sequencesâŠ.. Robbie as Marilyn is particularly entertaining, although at times (the âegg sandwichâ sequence in particular) the gurning made me muse to myself about just what a good film âI, Tonyaâ was.
It all comes across as something of a âDeadpoolâ sequel. Actually, Iâd more describe it as âDeadpool-liteâ since itâs not powered here by the charisma of Ryan Reynolds. However, I did find myself quite enjoying the first reel of the movie.
Unfortunately, it didnât last.
It all just becomes incredibly tiresome. Although Margot Robbie is very good in the role, Harleyâs incessant squawking just gets annoying.
Also in this battle of men vs women, the women always win and are (mostly) completely unscathed. In one particular scene there are 5 or 6 burly men taking on Harley: clearly she whips their sorry asses in improbable fashion. What? Only one at a time guys?
If you were confused by the timeline of âLittle Womenâ, this will blow your mind! It makes Greta Gerwigâs masterpiece look as linear as âNews at Tenâ! Itâs really difficult to follow at times as the timeline flashes forwards and backwards and sideways at random!
Also confusing (for me anyway⊠did I have a nap?) was the finale. Thereâs something to do with a ring which made NO SENSE to me at all? Am I alone in that?
Ewan MacGregor has fun with his role as the gay (I assume?) gangster, but it all turns cartoonish at times. But perhaps, thatâs the point? However while the violence in âDeadpoolâ was cartoonishly funny (as in Tom and Jerry) the violence here is decidedly of the vicious and unpleasant variety, with a vindictive edge. It makes you not particularly like any of the movieâs characters.
The movie is written by Christina Hodson, who is slated to write too more upcoming superhero films: âThe Flashâ and âBatgirlâ. The director is Chinese director Cathy Yan in only her second directorial feature.
Summary: Itâs loud and brash and at 109 minutes it overstays its welcome by about 20 minutes. Less would have been more. Itâs somewhat better than âSuicide Squadâ (which I unfathomably seem to have given 2.5 stars to), but itâs still a movie that I will struggle to remember in a monthâs time.
(For the full graphical review, check out One Mann's Movies here - https://bob-the-movie-man.com/2020/02/15/one-manns-movies-film-review-birds-of-prey-and-the-fantabulous-emancipation-of-one-harley-quinn-2020/
Harley had spent years building up a catalog of enemies in Gotham, with no-one daring to lift a finger for fear of âthe big Jâsâ retribution. With that now a thing of the past, the streets are no longer safe for Harley. Whereas most characters have a reason to want to kill Harley, mid-level gangster Roman Sionis (Ewan McGregor) has a list as long as his arm (a blurred list that will probably make freeze-framing of the blu-ray entertaining!). Roman, who has a penchant for having his right-hand man Victor (Chris Messina) de-glove his victimâs faces, has his heart set on obtaining a missing diamond that (McGuffin-alert) is engraved with account details to $billions.
Through a convoluted and messy plot, Harley meets various âbirds of preyâ who are either friend or foe: notably young pickpocket Cassandra (Ella Jay Basco); cop RenĂ©e Montoya (Rosie Perez); the âCrossbow Killerâ (Mary Elizabeth Winstead); and the âBlack Canaryâ (Jurnee Smollett-Bell), who you donât want to let near your best glasses.
As you might expect from your knowledge of Harley Quinnâs character, the movie is bat-shit crazy, with periodic breaking of the 4th wall; much acrobatic kick-boxing; and some random dream sequencesâŠ.. Robbie as Marilyn is particularly entertaining, although at times (the âegg sandwichâ sequence in particular) the gurning made me muse to myself about just what a good film âI, Tonyaâ was.
It all comes across as something of a âDeadpoolâ sequel. Actually, Iâd more describe it as âDeadpool-liteâ since itâs not powered here by the charisma of Ryan Reynolds. However, I did find myself quite enjoying the first reel of the movie.
Unfortunately, it didnât last.
It all just becomes incredibly tiresome. Although Margot Robbie is very good in the role, Harleyâs incessant squawking just gets annoying.
Also in this battle of men vs women, the women always win and are (mostly) completely unscathed. In one particular scene there are 5 or 6 burly men taking on Harley: clearly she whips their sorry asses in improbable fashion. What? Only one at a time guys?
If you were confused by the timeline of âLittle Womenâ, this will blow your mind! It makes Greta Gerwigâs masterpiece look as linear as âNews at Tenâ! Itâs really difficult to follow at times as the timeline flashes forwards and backwards and sideways at random!
Also confusing (for me anyway⊠did I have a nap?) was the finale. Thereâs something to do with a ring which made NO SENSE to me at all? Am I alone in that?
Ewan MacGregor has fun with his role as the gay (I assume?) gangster, but it all turns cartoonish at times. But perhaps, thatâs the point? However while the violence in âDeadpoolâ was cartoonishly funny (as in Tom and Jerry) the violence here is decidedly of the vicious and unpleasant variety, with a vindictive edge. It makes you not particularly like any of the movieâs characters.
The movie is written by Christina Hodson, who is slated to write too more upcoming superhero films: âThe Flashâ and âBatgirlâ. The director is Chinese director Cathy Yan in only her second directorial feature.
Summary: Itâs loud and brash and at 109 minutes it overstays its welcome by about 20 minutes. Less would have been more. Itâs somewhat better than âSuicide Squadâ (which I unfathomably seem to have given 2.5 stars to), but itâs still a movie that I will struggle to remember in a monthâs time.
(For the full graphical review, check out One Mann's Movies here - https://bob-the-movie-man.com/2020/02/15/one-manns-movies-film-review-birds-of-prey-and-the-fantabulous-emancipation-of-one-harley-quinn-2020/
Lucy Buglass (45 KP) rated Jojo Rabbit (2019) in Movies
Oct 14, 2019
The premise of Jojo Rabbit is a bold one, and something that could have very easily been executed terribly on-screen.
Whilst you might feel some apprehension about the concept of a 10-year-old boy who has Hitler as an imaginary friend, Taika Waititi has turned it into something brilliant and poignant.
As mentioned above, the film follows Johannes âJojoâ Betzler, who lives in Nazi Germany. Heâs a fanatic and is driven by his desire to serve Adolf Hitler in the German army during World War II, even joining a Hitler Youth Camp which is run by Captain Klenzendorf (Sam Rockwell).
Jojo is unlike any other child protagonist Iâve seen, because itâs easy to have very mixed feelings about who he is as a person. Heâs a child and his everyday behaviour is indicative of someone who lacks maturity, resulting in some laugh out loud moments.
However, a lot of what he says happens to be horrendous insults towards the Jewish community. Heâs fuelled by a love of Hitler (even going as far as to describe him as his âbest friendâ).
Throughout the film, he imagines scenarios in which Hitler is there with him, such as when heâs looking in the mirror and giving himself a pep-talk.
The strength of Jojo Rabbitâs protagonist is a testament to actor Roman Griffin Davis, and I found it hard to believe that this was his first ever film performance. Heâs funny, flawed, and a very well-rounded character brilliantly brought to life.
As for Jojoâs imaginary Hitler, heâs hysterically funny and not at all how youâd imagine the real man to be. Played brilliantly by director Taika Waititi, he is a caricature of a deplorable historical figure, and fuels Jojoâs delusions of how wonderful he is.
Heâs simply someoneâs interpretation of a political leader, created by a child who has been brainwashed into believing Nazi propaganda by adults in his life.
This bubbly oversimplification of a dictator is what youâd expect from a naive child, who isnât fully aware of the atrocities around him.
The fact Taika Waititi plays this version of Hitler feels important, because heâs mocking him in the best possible way. As a Jewish man, it feels very appropriate that he criticises Hitlerâs ideology through his satirical performance. It was brilliant.
Adding jokes to such a horrific situation is difficult, but this is where Jojo Rabbit really excels. The balance between humour and gut-punching reality checks is beautifully done, and there were times when I wasnât sure whether my tears were from laughing or because I was genuinely sad at what Iâd just seen.
Relationships are an important part of the film, particularly the one between Jojo and his mother Rosie (Scarlett Johansson). However, this becomes strained when he finds out that his mother is hiding a young Jewish woman in their home.
Jojoâs meeting with Elsa Korr (Thomasin McKenzie) is central to the story and gives us a real insight into the horrific treatment of Jewish people during this period, and the extreme lengths theyâd go to keep themselves safe.
Despite Elsaâs life constantly being in jeopardy, sheâs very sassy and gives young Jojo a run for his money once the two meet. The way the two characters bounce off each other is exceptional, and again, youâll laugh and cry in equal measure.
I was also impressed by some brief appearances in the film such as Rebel Wilson as Fraulein Rahm, who I found hilarious in this film. I must admit Iâm not always a fan of her work, but here she really delivered.
Stephen Merchant as Captain Deertz and Archie Yates as young Yorki are also worthy of praise, as every time they were on screen I found them delightful to watch. Much like Roman Griffin Davis, this was Archieâs first film, and he stole the show every time he was in a scene.
Jojo Rabbit is, simply put, political satire at its finest. As a result of this, itâs an emotional rollercoaster and one that I am excited to revisit whenever I get the chance.
Itâs darkly funny with an important overall message of confronting ideologies, and Iâd urge you to seek it out ASAP.
Whilst you might feel some apprehension about the concept of a 10-year-old boy who has Hitler as an imaginary friend, Taika Waititi has turned it into something brilliant and poignant.
As mentioned above, the film follows Johannes âJojoâ Betzler, who lives in Nazi Germany. Heâs a fanatic and is driven by his desire to serve Adolf Hitler in the German army during World War II, even joining a Hitler Youth Camp which is run by Captain Klenzendorf (Sam Rockwell).
Jojo is unlike any other child protagonist Iâve seen, because itâs easy to have very mixed feelings about who he is as a person. Heâs a child and his everyday behaviour is indicative of someone who lacks maturity, resulting in some laugh out loud moments.
However, a lot of what he says happens to be horrendous insults towards the Jewish community. Heâs fuelled by a love of Hitler (even going as far as to describe him as his âbest friendâ).
Throughout the film, he imagines scenarios in which Hitler is there with him, such as when heâs looking in the mirror and giving himself a pep-talk.
The strength of Jojo Rabbitâs protagonist is a testament to actor Roman Griffin Davis, and I found it hard to believe that this was his first ever film performance. Heâs funny, flawed, and a very well-rounded character brilliantly brought to life.
As for Jojoâs imaginary Hitler, heâs hysterically funny and not at all how youâd imagine the real man to be. Played brilliantly by director Taika Waititi, he is a caricature of a deplorable historical figure, and fuels Jojoâs delusions of how wonderful he is.
Heâs simply someoneâs interpretation of a political leader, created by a child who has been brainwashed into believing Nazi propaganda by adults in his life.
This bubbly oversimplification of a dictator is what youâd expect from a naive child, who isnât fully aware of the atrocities around him.
The fact Taika Waititi plays this version of Hitler feels important, because heâs mocking him in the best possible way. As a Jewish man, it feels very appropriate that he criticises Hitlerâs ideology through his satirical performance. It was brilliant.
Adding jokes to such a horrific situation is difficult, but this is where Jojo Rabbit really excels. The balance between humour and gut-punching reality checks is beautifully done, and there were times when I wasnât sure whether my tears were from laughing or because I was genuinely sad at what Iâd just seen.
Relationships are an important part of the film, particularly the one between Jojo and his mother Rosie (Scarlett Johansson). However, this becomes strained when he finds out that his mother is hiding a young Jewish woman in their home.
Jojoâs meeting with Elsa Korr (Thomasin McKenzie) is central to the story and gives us a real insight into the horrific treatment of Jewish people during this period, and the extreme lengths theyâd go to keep themselves safe.
Despite Elsaâs life constantly being in jeopardy, sheâs very sassy and gives young Jojo a run for his money once the two meet. The way the two characters bounce off each other is exceptional, and again, youâll laugh and cry in equal measure.
I was also impressed by some brief appearances in the film such as Rebel Wilson as Fraulein Rahm, who I found hilarious in this film. I must admit Iâm not always a fan of her work, but here she really delivered.
Stephen Merchant as Captain Deertz and Archie Yates as young Yorki are also worthy of praise, as every time they were on screen I found them delightful to watch. Much like Roman Griffin Davis, this was Archieâs first film, and he stole the show every time he was in a scene.
Jojo Rabbit is, simply put, political satire at its finest. As a result of this, itâs an emotional rollercoaster and one that I am excited to revisit whenever I get the chance.
Itâs darkly funny with an important overall message of confronting ideologies, and Iâd urge you to seek it out ASAP.