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Often Off Topic (37 KP) rated Kajillionaire (2020) in Movies
Oct 15, 2020
Kajillionaire Review
This is the kind of movie I've been waiting all year for. I would happily push all of this years and next years blockbusters into 2022 if it meant getting to watch movies like Kajillionaire. Sadly the cinema industry wouldn't survive, so for now I'll watch whatever I can and sit through the Bond trailer in silent rage. Kajillionaire is a heist movie like no other I've ever seen. Imagine Ocean's Eleven was actually a Sundance movie, and that's what you get. Evan Rachel Wood is completely unrecognizable as Old Dolio, with her over-sized tracksuit and gruff voice.
Full Review: https://oftenofftopic.wordpress.com/2020/10/14/kajillionaire-2020/
Full Review: https://oftenofftopic.wordpress.com/2020/10/14/kajillionaire-2020/
The Outfit (1973)
7.3
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Dean (6926 KP) rated Ambulance (2022) in Movies
Mar 30, 2022 (Updated Mar 30, 2022)
Great chase scenes (1 more)
Jake Gyllenhaal
Speedy Action Thriller
Well we have a remake here of an old Danish film. Not aware of that film but this is pretty much much an all out action, loud, big, crazy fun film. Mixing Den of Thieves with Speed kinda vibe. After a Bank heist goes awry 2 robbers highjack an ambulance to make their escape. Then we have the long pursuit. Despite the long run time the action rarely lets up with some great cop chase scenes and enough of a story to make it interesting. Not ground breaking by any means but you'll enjoy the ride.
Phillip McSween (751 KP) rated Widows (2018) in Movies
Jan 31, 2019
Loved it
A film with Viola Davis and Liam Neeson? Yep, count me in! Solid drama about a crew of women planning to finish the heist that their deceased husbands started.
Acting: 10
Viola Davis. Viola Davis. Viola Davis. The power behind her acting is so evident, so purposeful. She plays the role of Veronica, a hard-ass who is also trying to mask her vulnerability. Her words are few, but her impact carries the film. She isn’t alone in her strong performance as Elizabeth Debicki and Cynthia Erivo also held their own. I appreciated the way Debicki showed her character’s growth from the beginning of the film to the end. Once passive and weak, she emerges as one that’s willing to do what she needs to survive.
I didn’t mention Michelle Rodriguez for a reason. I wasn’t impressed with her role this time around. Kind of a lame duck. Sorry, Michelle.
Beginning: 10
Widows gets off to a really hot start as it moves back and forth between the daily life of the main character Veronica and the heist that went wrong. It sets the tone that the film will be conflict-driven and entertaining. Watching the first ten minutes had me really excited to see the rest.
Characters: 9
Cinematography/Visuals: 5
There’s nothing that really stood out for me and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Widows was shot plainly and in forgettable fashion. Fortunately the story and the conflict that moves the story are both extremely strong. At the end of the day, if you tell a good story the right way, you don’t have to go overboard with cinematic flare.
Conflict: 8
Solid action here. The movie benefits by having strong antagonists that actually make you fear for the lives of the main characters. You can’t really predict what is going to happen from one scene to the next. The intensity picks up even more when the characters arrive at the main heist. Very strong scene that will have you on the edge of your seat as you anticipate things going horribly wrong.
Genre: 8
I give credit to stories that are told in unique fashion. There aren’t enough heist films starring women so I’m hoping this is the beginning of what could be a very popular trend. From a dramatic standpoint, Widows absolutely holds its own.
Memorability: 8
Pace: 9
Plot: 10
Again, much credit is given to originality. The story moves quickly and is believable, only really slowing down in one spot. I also appreciate the twists that add some flare to the story without overdoing it. Sometimes twists can cause a hug eyeroll. Not this time.
Resolution: 10
Overall: 87
My expectations were minimal, but I must say that I was thoroughly impressed with how Widows turned out. It’s a fun ride from beginning to end. You won’t be disappointed.
Acting: 10
Viola Davis. Viola Davis. Viola Davis. The power behind her acting is so evident, so purposeful. She plays the role of Veronica, a hard-ass who is also trying to mask her vulnerability. Her words are few, but her impact carries the film. She isn’t alone in her strong performance as Elizabeth Debicki and Cynthia Erivo also held their own. I appreciated the way Debicki showed her character’s growth from the beginning of the film to the end. Once passive and weak, she emerges as one that’s willing to do what she needs to survive.
I didn’t mention Michelle Rodriguez for a reason. I wasn’t impressed with her role this time around. Kind of a lame duck. Sorry, Michelle.
Beginning: 10
Widows gets off to a really hot start as it moves back and forth between the daily life of the main character Veronica and the heist that went wrong. It sets the tone that the film will be conflict-driven and entertaining. Watching the first ten minutes had me really excited to see the rest.
Characters: 9
Cinematography/Visuals: 5
There’s nothing that really stood out for me and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Widows was shot plainly and in forgettable fashion. Fortunately the story and the conflict that moves the story are both extremely strong. At the end of the day, if you tell a good story the right way, you don’t have to go overboard with cinematic flare.
Conflict: 8
Solid action here. The movie benefits by having strong antagonists that actually make you fear for the lives of the main characters. You can’t really predict what is going to happen from one scene to the next. The intensity picks up even more when the characters arrive at the main heist. Very strong scene that will have you on the edge of your seat as you anticipate things going horribly wrong.
Genre: 8
I give credit to stories that are told in unique fashion. There aren’t enough heist films starring women so I’m hoping this is the beginning of what could be a very popular trend. From a dramatic standpoint, Widows absolutely holds its own.
Memorability: 8
Pace: 9
Plot: 10
Again, much credit is given to originality. The story moves quickly and is believable, only really slowing down in one spot. I also appreciate the twists that add some flare to the story without overdoing it. Sometimes twists can cause a hug eyeroll. Not this time.
Resolution: 10
Overall: 87
My expectations were minimal, but I must say that I was thoroughly impressed with how Widows turned out. It’s a fun ride from beginning to end. You won’t be disappointed.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Masterminds (2016) in Movies
Jul 15, 2019
Masterminds features a star studded cast led by Zack Galifianakis as he portrays David Ghantt, an armored car delivery man who is stuck in a boring, monotonous life. When his partner played by Kristen Wiig is fired she begins to hang out with a sordid group of degenerates who hatch a scheme to rob Loomis Fargo so they can live the “good life.”
After convincing and seducing David into pursuing the robbery, all players and bandits find themselves swept up in a storm of confusion and wild escapades. David’s haul of over $17 million becomes the largest heist in American history which has the FBI, Interpol, and a hitman hot on his trail.
Masterminds finds its genius in the continuous jokes and ability to take a basic heist story and turn it into a fun-filled romp similar to Raising Arizona or We’re the Millers. There are moments that may cause audiences to pause and reflect on the events of the film and even question if and how any of them could have happened, but the interplay of the characters takes your mind off of the serious crime committed and you find yourself laughing at some of the most simple things in the film.
Galifianakis, Wiig, Owen Wilson, and Jason Sudeikis, will have you laughing throughout the film and possibly chuckling to yourself later at some of the one-liners and awkward moments delivered. This could quickly become a cult hit.
After convincing and seducing David into pursuing the robbery, all players and bandits find themselves swept up in a storm of confusion and wild escapades. David’s haul of over $17 million becomes the largest heist in American history which has the FBI, Interpol, and a hitman hot on his trail.
Masterminds finds its genius in the continuous jokes and ability to take a basic heist story and turn it into a fun-filled romp similar to Raising Arizona or We’re the Millers. There are moments that may cause audiences to pause and reflect on the events of the film and even question if and how any of them could have happened, but the interplay of the characters takes your mind off of the serious crime committed and you find yourself laughing at some of the most simple things in the film.
Galifianakis, Wiig, Owen Wilson, and Jason Sudeikis, will have you laughing throughout the film and possibly chuckling to yourself later at some of the one-liners and awkward moments delivered. This could quickly become a cult hit.
Bubba Gee (147 KP) rated Baby Driver (2017) in Movies
Jun 27, 2019
Driving, music and heists
Contains spoilers, click to show
I went onto this thinking it was just a film about a heist crew getaway driver, in truth it is much deeper.
Baby, a talented driver (played by Ansel Elgort) is a quirky likeable slightly weird character.
We quickly come to learn he is in debt to a crime boss Doc (played creepily by Kevin Spacey) for a mistake made several years earlier.
He is used as the driver for every one of Doc's planned heists with colourful criminals (played by Jon Bernthal, Jon Hamm, Eiza Gonzalez and Jamie Foxx), this is unusual as Doc changes the whole crew for each heist except for Baby whom is used again and again due to his driving talent.
From here there is lots of action and crime, we also however learn about Baby's difficult upbringing and love of music and how that all ties in with the movie.
There is of course the awkward introduction of a love interest Debora (played by Lily James). In the later scenes there is more crime, action and death with twists of revenge.
All in this is a complex and deeply moving take on a crime film where we find ourselves rooting for the main character and hoping he makes it, if he does or not, you will have to see for yourself.
The soundtrack is also very good.
Baby, a talented driver (played by Ansel Elgort) is a quirky likeable slightly weird character.
We quickly come to learn he is in debt to a crime boss Doc (played creepily by Kevin Spacey) for a mistake made several years earlier.
He is used as the driver for every one of Doc's planned heists with colourful criminals (played by Jon Bernthal, Jon Hamm, Eiza Gonzalez and Jamie Foxx), this is unusual as Doc changes the whole crew for each heist except for Baby whom is used again and again due to his driving talent.
From here there is lots of action and crime, we also however learn about Baby's difficult upbringing and love of music and how that all ties in with the movie.
There is of course the awkward introduction of a love interest Debora (played by Lily James). In the later scenes there is more crime, action and death with twists of revenge.
All in this is a complex and deeply moving take on a crime film where we find ourselves rooting for the main character and hoping he makes it, if he does or not, you will have to see for yourself.
The soundtrack is also very good.
Darren (1599 KP) rated The Captor (2019) in Movies
Jun 21, 2019
Story: The Captor starts when American Kaj Hansson (Hawke) walks into a bank taking hostages in bank clerks Bianca Lind (Rapace) and Klara Mardh (Santos), he wants Gunnar Sorensson (Strong) released from prison along with his outlandish demands that Chief Mattsson (Heyerdahl) must try to put together.
As the hostage situation continue we start to see the truth unravel and see how Bianca starts to respect Kaj even feeling like she is part of the heist herself, can they make it out of the heist as the origin of the term ‘Stockholm Syndrome’ is born here.
Thoughts on The Captor
Characters – Kaj Hansson is the American that has walked into the bank, he doesn’t really have a plan, he knows what he wants though, he wants to be fair to his hostages, never actually wanting to hurt anybody, just to make sure the police see him as a threat. He starts to make friends with the hostages too. Bianca Lind is the bank clerk that has her own family and finds herself being held hostage, she becomes the stronger of the two women, she starts to become attracted to Kaj believing he isn’t a bad guy, this is her story. Gunnar Sorensson is the man that Kaj wants released from prison, he is one of the most famous bank robbers in the country and he sees the mistakes that Kaj is making, while having a deal with the Chief. Chief Mattsson is the man trying to end the situation, he is trying to stay one step ahead of Kaj to get everyone out alive.
Performances – Ethan Hawke is a delight to watch in this film, he plays the over the top which sums up what the character needs to be through this film. Noomi Rapace plays her role well giving us a character which is both interested and scared through the film. Mark Strong is the supporting acting for a generation, he brings his complex character to life with ease once again. Christopher Heyerdahl is strong through the film showing a determined, though calm man through the film.
Story – The story here follows a bank heist which led to the first case of Stockholm Syndrome, where the hostage falls in love with the hostage taker, we see how this hostage situation unfolds with the outlandish demands as the woman starts to fall for him. When it comes to bank heist movies, we have seen plenty, they usually revolve around the criminals and the police trying to stay ahead of each other, with this one we do have that, but we have the added dynamic of seeing how the hostages and takers start to bond when they see that everything can be kept under control, remember this is set in 1973 so the technology isn’t going to be a game changer in how everything is solved. Seeing both sides get to the talking can go through moments of slow story telling, but it isn’t long until Kaj goes a little bit crazy demanding our attention once again. With a subplot involving Gunnar’s position in the situation, we get to see how Kaj really doesn’t know what he is doing making it easier to help the hostages take sympathy with him. It was nice to have just normal police that aren’t looking to solve a personal problem with this case, which is so often the case in these stories.
Comedy/Crime – The comedy in the film comes from everything Kaj seems to do, from his outfit with wig, cowboy hat and American swagger, to how he overreacts to everything that is going on, the crime is loosely based on a real incident, with the names changed, it is a hostage situation, but you never feel like there is a threat.
Settings – Most of the film is set within the walls of the bank, it is a simple and well craft set that shows us just how the people have been thrown together in this situation.
Scene of the Movie – Kaj shares a pear.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – We don’t feel like there is a threat in the film.
Final Thoughts – This is a different way to tell a heist movie, it does show us how hostages can fall in love with their captors and overtime even support them, we get the routine hostage talks and end up right where we need to for the story to flow with ease.
Overall: Nice spin on the heist genre.
https://moviesreview101.com/2019/06/17/the-captor-2019/
As the hostage situation continue we start to see the truth unravel and see how Bianca starts to respect Kaj even feeling like she is part of the heist herself, can they make it out of the heist as the origin of the term ‘Stockholm Syndrome’ is born here.
Thoughts on The Captor
Characters – Kaj Hansson is the American that has walked into the bank, he doesn’t really have a plan, he knows what he wants though, he wants to be fair to his hostages, never actually wanting to hurt anybody, just to make sure the police see him as a threat. He starts to make friends with the hostages too. Bianca Lind is the bank clerk that has her own family and finds herself being held hostage, she becomes the stronger of the two women, she starts to become attracted to Kaj believing he isn’t a bad guy, this is her story. Gunnar Sorensson is the man that Kaj wants released from prison, he is one of the most famous bank robbers in the country and he sees the mistakes that Kaj is making, while having a deal with the Chief. Chief Mattsson is the man trying to end the situation, he is trying to stay one step ahead of Kaj to get everyone out alive.
Performances – Ethan Hawke is a delight to watch in this film, he plays the over the top which sums up what the character needs to be through this film. Noomi Rapace plays her role well giving us a character which is both interested and scared through the film. Mark Strong is the supporting acting for a generation, he brings his complex character to life with ease once again. Christopher Heyerdahl is strong through the film showing a determined, though calm man through the film.
Story – The story here follows a bank heist which led to the first case of Stockholm Syndrome, where the hostage falls in love with the hostage taker, we see how this hostage situation unfolds with the outlandish demands as the woman starts to fall for him. When it comes to bank heist movies, we have seen plenty, they usually revolve around the criminals and the police trying to stay ahead of each other, with this one we do have that, but we have the added dynamic of seeing how the hostages and takers start to bond when they see that everything can be kept under control, remember this is set in 1973 so the technology isn’t going to be a game changer in how everything is solved. Seeing both sides get to the talking can go through moments of slow story telling, but it isn’t long until Kaj goes a little bit crazy demanding our attention once again. With a subplot involving Gunnar’s position in the situation, we get to see how Kaj really doesn’t know what he is doing making it easier to help the hostages take sympathy with him. It was nice to have just normal police that aren’t looking to solve a personal problem with this case, which is so often the case in these stories.
Comedy/Crime – The comedy in the film comes from everything Kaj seems to do, from his outfit with wig, cowboy hat and American swagger, to how he overreacts to everything that is going on, the crime is loosely based on a real incident, with the names changed, it is a hostage situation, but you never feel like there is a threat.
Settings – Most of the film is set within the walls of the bank, it is a simple and well craft set that shows us just how the people have been thrown together in this situation.
Scene of the Movie – Kaj shares a pear.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – We don’t feel like there is a threat in the film.
Final Thoughts – This is a different way to tell a heist movie, it does show us how hostages can fall in love with their captors and overtime even support them, we get the routine hostage talks and end up right where we need to for the story to flow with ease.
Overall: Nice spin on the heist genre.
https://moviesreview101.com/2019/06/17/the-captor-2019/
Mark Halpern (153 KP) rated Reservoir Dogs (1992) in Movies
Jan 4, 2018
Diamond heist goes bust
With one of the best assembled casts this story is amazing. The story of a group of guys who get different color code names and don't know each other are put together because of the set of skills to rob a diamond exchange. Through out the movie we learn of the individual stories of who they are and why they are picked. It would be impossible to ever remake this film because you can't get blood from a stone. The cast was just that great. I don't want to give away too too much because if you haven't seen it one slip ruins the movie
Anne-Marie (3 KP) rated Despicable Me 3 (2017) in Movies
Jul 16, 2017
As good as the others in the series!
Contains spoilers, click to show
Gru gets fired from AVL and Lucy jacks it in to support her hubby, all because an ex Child TV star gets away from them. When at his lowest Gru discovers he has a twin brother, Dru. Dru is soft and giggly and a disappointment to their villain father; Dru wants to make it up to his memory by talking Gru into a heist, taking the world biggest diamond! Hilarity, family, love and a real unicorn make this movie a great continuation from the other two. Pity Bob isn't in it but Mel leads the other minions to mutiny and jail!
After reading The Martian and loving it, I was super excited to read this book. I got through Artemis really quickly, but I think it’s because I kept hoping for something interesting to happen.
The whole concept of a settlement on the moon is cool, and I enjoyed exploring that. The main character, Jazz, is not a very likable or relatable character. Her jokes weren’t funny and the way she interacted with other characters was boring. The other characters weren’t very memorable or well-developed. The heist scenario seemed promising, but really fell flat.
Honestly the book wasn’t terrible, but if you're expecting an awesome, scientific, space-life read like The Martian you’ll be disappointed.
The whole concept of a settlement on the moon is cool, and I enjoyed exploring that. The main character, Jazz, is not a very likable or relatable character. Her jokes weren’t funny and the way she interacted with other characters was boring. The other characters weren’t very memorable or well-developed. The heist scenario seemed promising, but really fell flat.
Honestly the book wasn’t terrible, but if you're expecting an awesome, scientific, space-life read like The Martian you’ll be disappointed.