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Leonardo DiCaprio: Anatomy of an Actor
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The Anatomy of an Actor series takes ten roles by a single actor, each studied in a dedicated...
Blazing Minds (92 KP) rated Puppet Master: The Littlest Reich (2018) in Movies
Nov 1, 2021 (Updated Nov 3, 2021)
All hell breaks loose when a strange force animates the puppets up for auction at a convention, setting them on a bloody killing spree that’s motivated by an evil as old as time in Puppet Master: The Littlest Reich. which was recently shown at the Fractured Visions Film Festival.
I remember many years ago, in those days of VHS back in the 80s/90s seeing the first Puppet Master movie, it was one of the movies that I loved, not for just the slightly gory bits, but also for the way that the puppets were created and animated on the screen, via stop-frame animation and practical effects as well.
I remember many years ago, in those days of VHS back in the 80s/90s seeing the first Puppet Master movie, it was one of the movies that I loved, not for just the slightly gory bits, but also for the way that the puppets were created and animated on the screen, via stop-frame animation and practical effects as well.
Bob Mann (459 KP) rated The Circle (2017) in Movies
Sep 29, 2021
Social Media involvement in political manipulation? Don’t be ridiculous!
Set in the near future “The Circle” tells a horror story of the social media age involving an omnipotent American corporate, pitched somewhere between being Facebook-like and Google-like (note, lawyers, I just said “like”!) Emma Watson (“Beauty and the Beast“) plays young intern Mae who, partly through the aid of family friend Annie (Karen Gillan, “Guardians of the Galaxy“, “Doctor Who”) but mostly through her own aptitude, lands a foothold job in customer services for the company. With the lush corporate campus fast becoming home, Mae is quickly singled out as having “executive potential” by the charismatic CEO Bailey (Tom Hanks, “Bridge of Spies“) and his more taciturn sidekick Stenton (US comedian Patton Oswalt).
Progressively brainwashed into believing the company’s intrusive snooping (a favourite motto is “Secrets are Lies”) is all for ‘the greater good’, Mae champions the cause until a tragedy rocks her world and her company beliefs to the core.
Whenever I watch a film I tend to form my own opinion first before checking out what the ‘general public’ on IMDB think. In this case, I must confess to being a bit surprised at our divergence of views: a lot of people clearly hated this movie whereas I confess that I found it very entertaining. Certainly with the alleged role of Russia in influencing elections around the world via social media, the film is most certainly topical! Many reviewers seemed quite upset that Watson’s character is such a ‘doormat’, in that her views are so easily manipulated by the corporate machine. But not every woman – as indeed every man – can or should be a Joan of Arc style role model in every film: why should they be?
I actually found her indoctrination into “the Circle way” as quite convincing, especially a creepy scene where two corporate lackies (Cho Smith and Amir Talai) say that they’re not checking up on Mae’s social life, but…. Watson enjoys extending her post-Potter repertoire well, but the talented John Boyega (“Star Wars: The Force Awakens“) is completely wasted in his role as Ty; the Wozniak-like genious behind The Circle’s technology. The script gives him very little to do other than stand around and look grumpy.
A wasted John Boyega with Emma Watson.
The film is sad in being the last movie appearance of the great Bill Paxton (“Apollo 13”) who plays Mae’s sick father and who died of complications following heart surgery two months before the film’s release (the film is dedicated “For Bill”). Tragically, Mae’s mother in the film, actress Glenn Headly (“Dirty Rotten Scoundrels”) also died suddenly at the age of 62, also due to heart problems, a couple of months after the film’s release. It’s surprising the film doesn’t have a “curse of The Circle” tag on it.
The film was directed by James Ponsoldt, who also wrote the screenplay with novel-writer Dave Eggers (“Away We Go”). I particularly liked the on-screen use of captioning (posts) which was reminiscent to me of last year’s “Nerve“, a B-movie film I rated highly that also had a string social media theme.
While the ending of the film is a bit twee – a movie definition of “being hoisted by your own petard” – it’s overall a thought provoking piece sufficiently close to the truth as to where society is going to raise the hairs on your neck.
Progressively brainwashed into believing the company’s intrusive snooping (a favourite motto is “Secrets are Lies”) is all for ‘the greater good’, Mae champions the cause until a tragedy rocks her world and her company beliefs to the core.
Whenever I watch a film I tend to form my own opinion first before checking out what the ‘general public’ on IMDB think. In this case, I must confess to being a bit surprised at our divergence of views: a lot of people clearly hated this movie whereas I confess that I found it very entertaining. Certainly with the alleged role of Russia in influencing elections around the world via social media, the film is most certainly topical! Many reviewers seemed quite upset that Watson’s character is such a ‘doormat’, in that her views are so easily manipulated by the corporate machine. But not every woman – as indeed every man – can or should be a Joan of Arc style role model in every film: why should they be?
I actually found her indoctrination into “the Circle way” as quite convincing, especially a creepy scene where two corporate lackies (Cho Smith and Amir Talai) say that they’re not checking up on Mae’s social life, but…. Watson enjoys extending her post-Potter repertoire well, but the talented John Boyega (“Star Wars: The Force Awakens“) is completely wasted in his role as Ty; the Wozniak-like genious behind The Circle’s technology. The script gives him very little to do other than stand around and look grumpy.
A wasted John Boyega with Emma Watson.
The film is sad in being the last movie appearance of the great Bill Paxton (“Apollo 13”) who plays Mae’s sick father and who died of complications following heart surgery two months before the film’s release (the film is dedicated “For Bill”). Tragically, Mae’s mother in the film, actress Glenn Headly (“Dirty Rotten Scoundrels”) also died suddenly at the age of 62, also due to heart problems, a couple of months after the film’s release. It’s surprising the film doesn’t have a “curse of The Circle” tag on it.
The film was directed by James Ponsoldt, who also wrote the screenplay with novel-writer Dave Eggers (“Away We Go”). I particularly liked the on-screen use of captioning (posts) which was reminiscent to me of last year’s “Nerve“, a B-movie film I rated highly that also had a string social media theme.
While the ending of the film is a bit twee – a movie definition of “being hoisted by your own petard” – it’s overall a thought provoking piece sufficiently close to the truth as to where society is going to raise the hairs on your neck.
Neon's Nerd Nexus (360 KP) rated Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019) in Movies
May 29, 2019
Oh my God...
#godzillakingofthemonsters is overlong, overstuffed, bland & lacks the one thing that at bare minimum I expected from a movie about big #monsters #fighting, EXCITEMENT. Now I quite liked the first #godzilla movie & yes it was to focused on the human element but visually it was really sticking & I found its slow build up to the reveal of Godzilla intense & exciting so that when he's finally introduced fully his presence became that more intimidating & thrilling. Sadly although in this sequel the monsters are given way more screen time at around 2hours the human element is still far to overpowering. That would be fine but its all so #boring & only serves as exposition to move the plot along. Dialog is sloppy/bellow basic & repetitive, acting is average at best & no one is likeable. Story wise its incredibly weak/bare bones which makes me wonder why it takes so long to play out considering we are only all here really to see monsters #fight. Cgi is really dodgy in places & I'm not sure if this is a throwback to past films but it feels odd & disjointed because at times its also impressive like it suddenly found its budget again. For an hour & a half I found this movie terrible with nothing setting it apart from stuff like #sanandreas or #geostorm. There are big set pieces upping the pace but like those movies they are a hollow mess of washed out cgi/badly framed fights that just weren't exciting at all. Why a 3? something changes in the last half hour & things do get a little cool for a bit, the score becomes epic, cgi looks great, theres some nice visual touches, #animation has weight & #action invokes some thrill but by then its all a just a bit to late. Theres also some #beautiful artsy establishing shots at times too throughout the movie & the subtle metaphors about the effects of #nuclear #weapons/war & looking after our #planet are well implemented too but thats about it. Im still #excited for #GodzillavsKong but just hoping this is a case of middle film itis but for now there are way better monster movies out there as i cant recomend seeing this one at all to be honest which is such a shame. #shingodzilla #godzillamovie #kong #japan #anime #gojira #kaiju
Kim Pook (101 KP) rated Thriller (2018) in Movies
Jan 18, 2021
A group of children decide to play a prank on a boy called chauncey from school. He is tricked into entering an empty house where they chase him around wearing masks to scare him, he retaliates by pushing one of the kids and sends her over the balcony to her death, but rather than confessing that it was a prank gone wrong the children all tell the police that chauncey killed her and he is sent to prison.
4 years later Chauncey is released from prison and the friends have gone their desperate ways. We see how they are coping now, some are still struggling whilst others are living a normal life, that is until they find out that Chauncey is back. It turns out they have every right to be worried as he is understandably very angry and wants revenge.
In theory the movie sounds good and in some parts it is good, but unfortunately not enough to keep me gripped. In many parts the acting wasn't great, you could see it was a low budget movie and the music they used in scenes just didn't work with what was happening, its almost as if a random piece of music was picked and they thought "that will do". I also found I didn't feel any kind of connection to the characters, they didn't have much of a storyline and I didn't care really care if they lived or died. Sadly I won't be watching this movie again.
4 years later Chauncey is released from prison and the friends have gone their desperate ways. We see how they are coping now, some are still struggling whilst others are living a normal life, that is until they find out that Chauncey is back. It turns out they have every right to be worried as he is understandably very angry and wants revenge.
In theory the movie sounds good and in some parts it is good, but unfortunately not enough to keep me gripped. In many parts the acting wasn't great, you could see it was a low budget movie and the music they used in scenes just didn't work with what was happening, its almost as if a random piece of music was picked and they thought "that will do". I also found I didn't feel any kind of connection to the characters, they didn't have much of a storyline and I didn't care really care if they lived or died. Sadly I won't be watching this movie again.
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Zombieland (2009) in Movies
Nov 12, 2019
Great Cast Makes For the Perfect Movie
Four strangers have to learn to survive together during a zombie apocalypse. Talk about a movie that checks all the boxes, Zombieland does just that! It’s got a little something for everyone.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 10
The first ten minutes is a perfect setup for what you can expect throughout the movie. This isn’t your typical zombie-survival romp and I thought writer Rhett Reese did an amazing job of establishing that early. You meet and fall in love with the main character as he tries to survive a simple trip to the bathroom. You also learn how his “rules” have kept him alive so long.
Characters: 10
His name is Columbus, played by Jesse Eisenberg. He’s such an unlikely hero that you can’t help but root for the poor guy as he moves from one scene to the next. Many of the scenes would have played out much differently if it weren’t for his quirky personality.
The other three mains, Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), Wichita (Emma Stone), and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin) add their own flare to the film as well. Tallahassee is a badass to the point where it gets extremely comical. His character motivation of searching for a Twinkie (literally!) is priceless. The ladies share a fun backstory that make them an intriguing pair. You throw all four together and you have a perfect combination.
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
Conflict: 10
Entertainment Value: 10
This apocalyptic adventure is a blast across the board from beginning to end. Even the backstories are exciting to watch. The characters help drive the story as you can somehow manage to get on board with each of their motivations for survival. The action is a blast and the slower moments are underrated gems.
Memorability: 10
Pace: 10
Plot: 10
Zombie movies have been done over…and over…and over…It’s a rare treat when they get it right and try to think outside of the box. I love that the film manages to take a familiar theme and make it fresh. Not only is the movie original, but it harbors some of the most memorable scenes in film.
Resolution: 10
Always nice when a movie doesn’t overstay it’s welcome. Zombieland ties up its story in tidy fashion, ending with a heartfelt bang. It immediately makes you want to watch it again.
Overall: 100
I have the utmost respect for the sheer creativity in Zombieland. Sometimes movies try too hard while others don’t try hard enough. This movie never feels forced and always feels in control of its own destiny. Even the small scenes are impactful, like the night scene where they are taking turns driving and getting to know each other in the car. Zombieland is a cinematic treat.
Acting: 10
Beginning: 10
The first ten minutes is a perfect setup for what you can expect throughout the movie. This isn’t your typical zombie-survival romp and I thought writer Rhett Reese did an amazing job of establishing that early. You meet and fall in love with the main character as he tries to survive a simple trip to the bathroom. You also learn how his “rules” have kept him alive so long.
Characters: 10
His name is Columbus, played by Jesse Eisenberg. He’s such an unlikely hero that you can’t help but root for the poor guy as he moves from one scene to the next. Many of the scenes would have played out much differently if it weren’t for his quirky personality.
The other three mains, Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), Wichita (Emma Stone), and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin) add their own flare to the film as well. Tallahassee is a badass to the point where it gets extremely comical. His character motivation of searching for a Twinkie (literally!) is priceless. The ladies share a fun backstory that make them an intriguing pair. You throw all four together and you have a perfect combination.
Cinematography/Visuals: 10
Conflict: 10
Entertainment Value: 10
This apocalyptic adventure is a blast across the board from beginning to end. Even the backstories are exciting to watch. The characters help drive the story as you can somehow manage to get on board with each of their motivations for survival. The action is a blast and the slower moments are underrated gems.
Memorability: 10
Pace: 10
Plot: 10
Zombie movies have been done over…and over…and over…It’s a rare treat when they get it right and try to think outside of the box. I love that the film manages to take a familiar theme and make it fresh. Not only is the movie original, but it harbors some of the most memorable scenes in film.
Resolution: 10
Always nice when a movie doesn’t overstay it’s welcome. Zombieland ties up its story in tidy fashion, ending with a heartfelt bang. It immediately makes you want to watch it again.
Overall: 100
I have the utmost respect for the sheer creativity in Zombieland. Sometimes movies try too hard while others don’t try hard enough. This movie never feels forced and always feels in control of its own destiny. Even the small scenes are impactful, like the night scene where they are taking turns driving and getting to know each other in the car. Zombieland is a cinematic treat.
The Marinated Meeple (1853 KP) rated Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) in Movies
Mar 23, 2018
Harmonica, and the orchestra of sounds (3 more)
The strength of a woman in this time period
a lesson in cinematography
Action has a lot of suspense before it, very thought out.
An epic opera of a western and an amazing feat of cinematography as well.
I adore this movie, it's my favorite western of all time, and the acting is top notch, it's visually stunning, it's a symphony of sounds to the ears. just the scene of the welcoming committee waiting on the train is an amazing piece of cinema. I could go on an on. I love how strong the women are in the film in unexpected ways. I love the traditional good guy as a bad guy. It's just plain amazing. It can be slow by modern standards, but isn't that also part of it's beauty, measured time.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Playing with Fire (2019) in Movies
Nov 7, 2019
The movie Playing With fire starring John Cena and directed by Andy Fickman was a delight to watch.
Filled with clean family-friendly humor, and touching moments, it is a great film for the whole family to watch together.
It tells the story of a no nonsense smoke jumper named Jake Carson, and how he learns that relationships and family provide support and “keep you going” when life gets tough.
The cast was hilarious!
Especially Keegan Michael-Key who kept the audience laughing with his perfect timing.
John Cena shone in his role of Jake Carson.
While they kept the audience laughing, they also brought a lot of heartfelt moments.
One of my favorite moments was when they were planning a surprise birthday party for one of the 3 kids they were watching because they were survivors of a forest fire.
Filled with clean family-friendly humor, and touching moments, it is a great film for the whole family to watch together.
It tells the story of a no nonsense smoke jumper named Jake Carson, and how he learns that relationships and family provide support and “keep you going” when life gets tough.
The cast was hilarious!
Especially Keegan Michael-Key who kept the audience laughing with his perfect timing.
John Cena shone in his role of Jake Carson.
While they kept the audience laughing, they also brought a lot of heartfelt moments.
One of my favorite moments was when they were planning a surprise birthday party for one of the 3 kids they were watching because they were survivors of a forest fire.
David McK (3857 KP) rated Demolition Man (1993) in Movies
Feb 1, 2021
"There's a new Shepherd in town..."
I think I first saw this movie in the cinema when it came out.
In 1993.
So nearly 30 years ago now (writing this in early 2021).
Starring a pre tax evasion Wesley Snipes, Sylvester Stallone and a very young Sandra Bullock, this is a sci fi actioner set in a (supposedly) utopian future where there is no crime, and in which Snipes character of Simon Phoenix escapes from his cryo-freeze prison (in which he was placed in 1996!), leading the hopelessly outmatched police force of the time to reanimated his original captor John Spartan (Stallone) at the suggestion of the 90s-mad Sandra Bullock Lieutenant Huxley, who was also put on ice after being framed by Phoenix for the killing of 30 civilians.
Yes, it's aged.
Yes, it still well worth a watch.
In 1993.
So nearly 30 years ago now (writing this in early 2021).
Starring a pre tax evasion Wesley Snipes, Sylvester Stallone and a very young Sandra Bullock, this is a sci fi actioner set in a (supposedly) utopian future where there is no crime, and in which Snipes character of Simon Phoenix escapes from his cryo-freeze prison (in which he was placed in 1996!), leading the hopelessly outmatched police force of the time to reanimated his original captor John Spartan (Stallone) at the suggestion of the 90s-mad Sandra Bullock Lieutenant Huxley, who was also put on ice after being framed by Phoenix for the killing of 30 civilians.
Yes, it's aged.
Yes, it still well worth a watch.
Ivana A. | Diary of Difference (1171 KP) rated The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) in Movies
Aug 3, 2020
Amazing story about an owner of the hotel and his many adventures, poured through time as the story gets told by many characters through the years.
Very interesting storytelling, something I haven't encountered before, but loved it. If you know any movies that follow the same concept, I would love your suggestions.
We enter the life of a hotel management, a hotel that has a life of its own. We follow the owner and the lobby boy, as they try to solve a mystery regarding a rich and powerful woman, that gets murdered but has an interesting will.
These people embark on an adventure for truth, in times where everything seems to be against them.
I loved the cameos from so many popular actors, and also loved the dry humour. A very beautiful, intriguing and unique movie.
Very interesting storytelling, something I haven't encountered before, but loved it. If you know any movies that follow the same concept, I would love your suggestions.
We enter the life of a hotel management, a hotel that has a life of its own. We follow the owner and the lobby boy, as they try to solve a mystery regarding a rich and powerful woman, that gets murdered but has an interesting will.
These people embark on an adventure for truth, in times where everything seems to be against them.
I loved the cameos from so many popular actors, and also loved the dry humour. A very beautiful, intriguing and unique movie.