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Awix (3310 KP) rated Godzilla Vs King Ghidorah (1991) in Movies
Mar 7, 2018
Eighteenth Godzilla movie (fifth Ghidorah movie, if anyone cares) goes back to campy basics following the relative underperformance of Godzilla Vs Biollante. Owes a lot to 60s and 70s Godzilla movies, but also to American SF movies of the 80s - Back to the Future and Terminator have clearly been an influence. Despite all this the film has an undeniably anti-American subtext (in the future, Japan will become the world's biggest superpower, causing jealous Americans to hatch evil plot to stop this) which is actually quite amusing (possibly less so if you're actually from the USA).
Interesting story, some of the special effects are a little variable but the monster battles are undeniably good fun. Given that Godzilla was a bad guy monster in all the films from this period, and Ghidorah is nearly always the bad guy monster, the question of how to resolve the plot without the bad guy monster winning is reasonably elegant. Some surprisingly edgy moments for a Godzilla movie, too - looks, albeit obliquely, at events connected to the Second World War in a way which previous films would never have dreamt of. Definitely from close to the top of the Godzilla stack.
Interesting story, some of the special effects are a little variable but the monster battles are undeniably good fun. Given that Godzilla was a bad guy monster in all the films from this period, and Ghidorah is nearly always the bad guy monster, the question of how to resolve the plot without the bad guy monster winning is reasonably elegant. Some surprisingly edgy moments for a Godzilla movie, too - looks, albeit obliquely, at events connected to the Second World War in a way which previous films would never have dreamt of. Definitely from close to the top of the Godzilla stack.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Battleship (2012) in Movies
Mar 7, 2018 (Updated Mar 7, 2018)
Zombie reflexes in the Hollywood blockbuster machine sputtered into a grisly half-life and pondered the question 'if movies about the Transformers toys make so much money, what other toy/game based rubbish can we railroad audiences into going to see?' And the answer that came back was 'let's do a movie based on Battleship, featuring the pop-star Rihanna'.
Utterly dimwitted action blockbuster and Michael Bay pastiche; the weird thing is that Michael Bay pastiches are marginally better than actual Michael Bay films, mainly because if your starting point is a Michael Bay film the only way is up. This is still insultingly stupid. The actors deserve some kind of credit for getting through the film with straight faces, given it includes a laboriously contrived sequence where the characters are basically playing real-life Battleships against the aliens. Somehow made even worse by the way it fawns over members of the military (subtext being that it's unpatriotic not to like this movie). The special effects are not too bad but considering this is a movie with a $210 million budget that's like saying they remembered to put film in the camera.
Utterly dimwitted action blockbuster and Michael Bay pastiche; the weird thing is that Michael Bay pastiches are marginally better than actual Michael Bay films, mainly because if your starting point is a Michael Bay film the only way is up. This is still insultingly stupid. The actors deserve some kind of credit for getting through the film with straight faces, given it includes a laboriously contrived sequence where the characters are basically playing real-life Battleships against the aliens. Somehow made even worse by the way it fawns over members of the military (subtext being that it's unpatriotic not to like this movie). The special effects are not too bad but considering this is a movie with a $210 million budget that's like saying they remembered to put film in the camera.
Scott Tostik (389 KP) rated The Collector (2009) in Movies
Feb 14, 2018
Awesome effects (2 more)
Good jump scares
Wickedly bad killer
Smart Slasher... you get a gold star
Now, my wonderful Hackers. I bring to you a review of a film that has stuck with me for almost 10 years. Filled with some of the most devious, treacherous and disturbing psychopathic behaviour I have ever bore witness too...
The Collector tells the story of down on his luck burglar Arkin. Played by Josh Stewart perfectly, as he makes you feel empathy for his every action.
Without giving too much away. Arkin breaks into his employers house and finds a house of horrors behind every locked and unlocked door he finds.
There are two reasons he's doing what he's doing..
One is to rescue his daughters mother from some loan sharks... reason two..
The little girl hiding from the Collector in the house.
This movie both disturbed and disgusted me. Two things I look forward to in a good horror movie...
So, all my Horror Hackers, don't miss out on this piece of horror brilliance. It's to be paid tribute to in the highest regard.
The sequel.... Not so much....
The Collector tells the story of down on his luck burglar Arkin. Played by Josh Stewart perfectly, as he makes you feel empathy for his every action.
Without giving too much away. Arkin breaks into his employers house and finds a house of horrors behind every locked and unlocked door he finds.
There are two reasons he's doing what he's doing..
One is to rescue his daughters mother from some loan sharks... reason two..
The little girl hiding from the Collector in the house.
This movie both disturbed and disgusted me. Two things I look forward to in a good horror movie...
So, all my Horror Hackers, don't miss out on this piece of horror brilliance. It's to be paid tribute to in the highest regard.
The sequel.... Not so much....
Awix (3310 KP) rated Godzilla (1998) in Movies
Mar 24, 2018
Much-reviled and frequently-mocked (especially in subsequent Toho films) American Godzilla is actually not bad as a mega-budget reinvention of the classic American monster B-movie (which the original Japanese Godzilla was inspired by), it's just very disappointing as an actual Godzilla movie. The French irradiate the Pacific, causing humble iguana to grow to ginormous proportions, experience curious gender issues, and then devastate Manhattan.
Some good effects sequences, particularly the two big battles between 'Godzilla' and the US armed forces, and the leads work hard to be likeable, but on the whole the film seems much more interested in American pop culture (there's a pastiche of Jurassic Park, jokes about Elvis, some really unsubtle digs at film critics who didn't like Independence Day) than in the Japanese pop icon it's supposed to be about - the monster is lacking in grandeur and majesty, doesn't have Godzilla's special abilities, and is basically just a big lizard you can kill with conventional weapons. (No wonder the beast is just called 'Zilla' in its subsequent appearances.) Not awful on its own terms, but then it was never going to be judged on those.
Some good effects sequences, particularly the two big battles between 'Godzilla' and the US armed forces, and the leads work hard to be likeable, but on the whole the film seems much more interested in American pop culture (there's a pastiche of Jurassic Park, jokes about Elvis, some really unsubtle digs at film critics who didn't like Independence Day) than in the Japanese pop icon it's supposed to be about - the monster is lacking in grandeur and majesty, doesn't have Godzilla's special abilities, and is basically just a big lizard you can kill with conventional weapons. (No wonder the beast is just called 'Zilla' in its subsequent appearances.) Not awful on its own terms, but then it was never going to be judged on those.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Okja (2017) in Movies
Apr 2, 2018
Didn't quite get its message across
I'm a little disappointed with this film. I was hoping it'd be a strong powerful message against the meat industry, but sadly it fell a little short of the mark.
Okja herself is very well done and the effects are quite good, I just wish they'd concentrated more on the animal rather than Mija. Cast wise, most do okay although Tilda Swinton is her usual barmy self and Jake Gyllenhaal is completely over the top and out of place. The plot itself is slightly interesting but it differs from being very predictable, and it also drags at times. The problem with this film is its trying to get across a serious message about the meat industry, but I feel like it doesn't go far enough. It seems to chicken out of portraying the really disturbing aspects when it really shouldn't. If you want to get people to think twice about this subject, then you really need to push it as far as you can, even if it makes for uncomfortable viewing. Instead, they opt for the Hollywood soft version which is such a shame.
Okja herself is very well done and the effects are quite good, I just wish they'd concentrated more on the animal rather than Mija. Cast wise, most do okay although Tilda Swinton is her usual barmy self and Jake Gyllenhaal is completely over the top and out of place. The plot itself is slightly interesting but it differs from being very predictable, and it also drags at times. The problem with this film is its trying to get across a serious message about the meat industry, but I feel like it doesn't go far enough. It seems to chicken out of portraying the really disturbing aspects when it really shouldn't. If you want to get people to think twice about this subject, then you really need to push it as far as you can, even if it makes for uncomfortable viewing. Instead, they opt for the Hollywood soft version which is such a shame.
Kristin (149 KP) rated Waffles and Pancakes in Books
Dec 7, 2018
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.
This is such a charming story about bullying and its effects, as told through the pictures and words of hamsters. Waffles and Pancakes haven't been acting themselves ever since a certain trip to the vet, where they met a guinea pig named Oscar. He bullies them and makes them feel bad and afraid. Once their owners figure out what's wrong, they talk to the boy who owns Oscar, and he's mean to them for coming to his house. The boys learn he doesn't have many friends, and he's a bully to make up for his hurt feelings at being alone. They all decide to be friends, including Oscar, Waffles, and Pancakes, and the story has a very happy ending.
This would be a great book to share with younger kids and older ones alike. Everybody has been involved in bullying in some way, either as the bully, the one being picked on, or the friend of either. It's time to put a stop to bullying, and I believe this story would be an excellent starting point to have that discussion. Wonderfully written and illustrated!
5 stars
This is such a charming story about bullying and its effects, as told through the pictures and words of hamsters. Waffles and Pancakes haven't been acting themselves ever since a certain trip to the vet, where they met a guinea pig named Oscar. He bullies them and makes them feel bad and afraid. Once their owners figure out what's wrong, they talk to the boy who owns Oscar, and he's mean to them for coming to his house. The boys learn he doesn't have many friends, and he's a bully to make up for his hurt feelings at being alone. They all decide to be friends, including Oscar, Waffles, and Pancakes, and the story has a very happy ending.
This would be a great book to share with younger kids and older ones alike. Everybody has been involved in bullying in some way, either as the bully, the one being picked on, or the friend of either. It's time to put a stop to bullying, and I believe this story would be an excellent starting point to have that discussion. Wonderfully written and illustrated!
5 stars
Calum (17 KP) rated Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny (2006) in Movies
Jul 10, 2018
Catchy music/songs (3 more)
Good range of characters
Fun special effects
That museum scene
Story drags a little bit (2 more)
Somewhat predictable
Range of locations aren't very exciting
Great musical, okay everything else
Back in the summer of 2007 I was at a friends house. I was 10 years old and did not have much previous experience of music but decided to watch this. Looking back, I was probably a little too young for the language and adult themes but I can safely say that this movie single handedly got me into music. Even to this day I could recite every song word for word.
Aside from the amazing range of songs, it is quite a simple musical comedy. There are a good few funny moments but also a lot of jokes that just fall flat.. Let's be honest though, if you're a fan of Tenacious D, you aren't here for the comedy but for the music which I have to say again is simply brilliant! As long as you aren't too easily offended by some of the more vulgar scenes, this is a must watch!
Aside from the amazing range of songs, it is quite a simple musical comedy. There are a good few funny moments but also a lot of jokes that just fall flat.. Let's be honest though, if you're a fan of Tenacious D, you aren't here for the comedy but for the music which I have to say again is simply brilliant! As long as you aren't too easily offended by some of the more vulgar scenes, this is a must watch!
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Anon (2018) in Movies
Jul 18, 2018
Plot doesn't live up to the technology
I don't want to be judgemental, but when a film gets released on Sky Movies the same day it apparently comes out at the cinema, it isn't a good sign. Whilst Anon isn't terrible, it isn't particularly good or memorable either.
The technology ideas in this film are fantastic. They're so relevant with today's society and obviously relate to all of the current issues around data and privacy. I think GDPR would have a field day with it all! The problem is that the rest of the film and story is just so dull in comparison with the technological ideas. The effects are okay but a little rough around the edges, but the plot itself isn't much of a thriller. It was trying to be stylish and insightful but instead it was boring and I was just waiting for it to end. Gattaca it isn't. It was good to see Clive Owen back as he isn't in much nowadays, but the rest of the cast were mostly immemorable. Except Amanda Seyfried - what on earth were they thinking with that damn awful wig?!
The technology ideas in this film are fantastic. They're so relevant with today's society and obviously relate to all of the current issues around data and privacy. I think GDPR would have a field day with it all! The problem is that the rest of the film and story is just so dull in comparison with the technological ideas. The effects are okay but a little rough around the edges, but the plot itself isn't much of a thriller. It was trying to be stylish and insightful but instead it was boring and I was just waiting for it to end. Gattaca it isn't. It was good to see Clive Owen back as he isn't in much nowadays, but the rest of the cast were mostly immemorable. Except Amanda Seyfried - what on earth were they thinking with that damn awful wig?!
Lou Grande (148 KP) rated The Endless (2018) in Movies
Jul 20, 2018
I saw Benson and Moorhead’s Resolution (2012) back when it was released, so I was excited when I saw they would be teaming up again for The Endless. Especially when it was marketed as Lovecraftian with a cult theme. Maybe I built it up too much in my mind, because I was really disappointed.
Two brothers have escaped from a UFO Doomsday cult and participate in deproframming while eking out a meager existence. Until they receive a cassette with a message from one of the cult members. They decide to return to “Camp Arcadia” to “get it out of their system.”
The Endless is a slow burn that ultimately fizzles. It involves time travel and something vast and infinite in the woods. Normally I’d be right on board, but this movie was really...boring. I’ve never seen a bunch of white guys that looked so similar, and the setting gets monotonous after a too-long run time of 112 minutes. There are callbacks to Resolution that answer questions for that film, but raise more for the one you’re watching. The effects (when utilized) were meh. I expected cosmic horror and got—well, nothing, really.
Two brothers have escaped from a UFO Doomsday cult and participate in deproframming while eking out a meager existence. Until they receive a cassette with a message from one of the cult members. They decide to return to “Camp Arcadia” to “get it out of their system.”
The Endless is a slow burn that ultimately fizzles. It involves time travel and something vast and infinite in the woods. Normally I’d be right on board, but this movie was really...boring. I’ve never seen a bunch of white guys that looked so similar, and the setting gets monotonous after a too-long run time of 112 minutes. There are callbacks to Resolution that answer questions for that film, but raise more for the one you’re watching. The effects (when utilized) were meh. I expected cosmic horror and got—well, nothing, really.
Sean J (5 KP) rated Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (2018) in Movies
Jul 5, 2018 (Updated Jul 8, 2018)
Enjoyable that sets up what should be an epic final film
The Fallen Kingdom takes place some time after the first Jurassic World film. The volcano on the island of Isla Nubla is becoming active and there are the questionable morals of whether the dinosaurs should be saved or not and so begins the adventure. Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard return along with a cameo from Jeff Goldblum reprising their roles of Owen, Claire and Ian Malcolm respectively. The film follows the same routine as the previous 4 teasing the story in the initial 5-10 minutes, followed by the usual character based introductions that lead into the story. It's a tried and tested method and though familiar still works for these films. Jurassic World: The Fallen Kingdom has a darker tone than the original and builds to its conclusion feeling a little rushed. The pace of Jurassic World kind of felt right however this just seems off. The acting is very good, special effects are great. A solid film that sets up the third Jurassic World film very nicely for something epic, if done right.