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Wintersmith (3 KP) rated Hellboy (2019) in Movies
Jun 11, 2019
After seeing Hellboy my advice unfortunately is don't.
Granted, David Harbour is probably the best substitute for Ron Pearlman- he did a really great job and acrually, i can't fault the acting from any of the cast members yet somehow it ended up like a bad B movie. The shots, the editing, the story...amateur, annoying and rather crap.
They tried too hard to be funny to the point where it was boring, annoying and in places stank of desperation.
In what I can only assume was an attempt to create some affinity for the title character, there was 20mins of a truly pointless tangent that had no conclusion or explanation which had no correlation / baring / connection to the main storyline and don't even get me started on their take of the father / son relationship.
No attempt at any sort of deep relationship which leaves what are supposed to poignant / emotive scenes severely lack lustre.
Unfortunately I was highly disapointed as they actually had a really good cast with a high calibre of acting which leads me to believe that it wasn't the calibre of actors that ruined it, it was the story, the editing and the poor script.
All I can say is well done to the entire cast for managing to maintain their high level of craft in what was a very disappointing film.
Granted, David Harbour is probably the best substitute for Ron Pearlman- he did a really great job and acrually, i can't fault the acting from any of the cast members yet somehow it ended up like a bad B movie. The shots, the editing, the story...amateur, annoying and rather crap.
They tried too hard to be funny to the point where it was boring, annoying and in places stank of desperation.
In what I can only assume was an attempt to create some affinity for the title character, there was 20mins of a truly pointless tangent that had no conclusion or explanation which had no correlation / baring / connection to the main storyline and don't even get me started on their take of the father / son relationship.
No attempt at any sort of deep relationship which leaves what are supposed to poignant / emotive scenes severely lack lustre.
Unfortunately I was highly disapointed as they actually had a really good cast with a high calibre of acting which leads me to believe that it wasn't the calibre of actors that ruined it, it was the story, the editing and the poor script.
All I can say is well done to the entire cast for managing to maintain their high level of craft in what was a very disappointing film.
Dana (24 KP) rated Illuminae: The Illuminae Files: Book 1 in Books
Mar 23, 2018
This book has an interesting way it was written in the way that it is more like documents compiled together rather than being all prose. I enjoyed seeing this different style of writing, plus it made for a very quick read.
Even though we were never truly in Kady or Ezra's complete point of view, we still get their feelings in the way the characters are inhabited. They jump off the page at the readers.
The plot moved at a great pace, neither too fast or too slow. I read this book very quickly (we're talking a couple of hours here) but I felt very immersed in the story.
The way each character was introduced was very interesting as well. A lot of it was similar to an investigation log or script from an interrogation room. Even though we don't get much in the way of physical description, we still get the big picture of the characters.
The AI (AIDAN) was quite interesting itself. Even thought it was not a human, there were so many intricate parts to it that I thought it was at some point.
I don't normally enjoy or read space operas or science fiction novels much, but this book made me want to read more.
There is an awesome set up for the rest of the books, as well.
Even though we were never truly in Kady or Ezra's complete point of view, we still get their feelings in the way the characters are inhabited. They jump off the page at the readers.
The plot moved at a great pace, neither too fast or too slow. I read this book very quickly (we're talking a couple of hours here) but I felt very immersed in the story.
The way each character was introduced was very interesting as well. A lot of it was similar to an investigation log or script from an interrogation room. Even though we don't get much in the way of physical description, we still get the big picture of the characters.
The AI (AIDAN) was quite interesting itself. Even thought it was not a human, there were so many intricate parts to it that I thought it was at some point.
I don't normally enjoy or read space operas or science fiction novels much, but this book made me want to read more.
There is an awesome set up for the rest of the books, as well.
Scott Tostik (389 KP) rated The Guest (2014) in Movies
Mar 10, 2018
Solid script (2 more)
Some sweet sweet murder
The best twist fuck ending in a long time
What in the mind fucking hell went on here
Simon Barrett and Adam Wingard are a pair of my favorite writer director teams in the history of mumblecore movies... theu have an I don' give a shit attitude that oozes through each kill in every movie they make. From the demented serial killings in A Horrible Way to Die to the revenge filled destruction of mercenaries and spiteful children in You're Next. And this movie is no different....
I wouldn't exactly call it a horror film by label, but the killing is so over the top bloody and disturbing that I suppose it is horrific.
Dan Stevens portrayal of Army boy David is spot on... emotionless and cold to the view. He renders each murder with a purpose... even those final few near the end. Even though they were brutal and harsh. They explained how sick and twisted he truly is.
Maika Monroe is solid as well. Anna makes you feel pity for all the things sshe is going through. Her personal life is a mess and her family life is no better...
This movie is not what I thought it was going to be. It was better than I expected and I will be watching it again. 9 enthusiastic severed heads out of 10
I wouldn't exactly call it a horror film by label, but the killing is so over the top bloody and disturbing that I suppose it is horrific.
Dan Stevens portrayal of Army boy David is spot on... emotionless and cold to the view. He renders each murder with a purpose... even those final few near the end. Even though they were brutal and harsh. They explained how sick and twisted he truly is.
Maika Monroe is solid as well. Anna makes you feel pity for all the things sshe is going through. Her personal life is a mess and her family life is no better...
This movie is not what I thought it was going to be. It was better than I expected and I will be watching it again. 9 enthusiastic severed heads out of 10
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) in Movies
Aug 25, 2018
Could've been better
I think I must be the only person who could take or leave this film. I'd heard a lot of good things about it, but in all honesty it wasn't what I was expecting.
Firstly, I'm glad they didn't completely remake the original and instead gave this it's whole new spin by being a video game. This actually works, and works quite well. And the main cast do very well, especially Jack Black playing a teenage girl and Karen Gillan when she's trying to flirt. There is some good humour in this too, it's just not always my kind of humour.
My main issue with this film is that a lot of the script and humour seemed aimed at the teenage instagram generation. The odd joke isn't too bad, but this was a bit too much. There's also the plot, which seems a little too basic even for a video game and there is far too much explanation going on. There also isn't much in the way of threat and danger in this film. The bad guy is a bit lame and the whole Jumanji world is nowhere near as threatening as you'd have imagined from watching the original film.
This isn't a terrible film and it's not quite as bad as I'd have expected, but its not one I'd rush out to watch again.
Firstly, I'm glad they didn't completely remake the original and instead gave this it's whole new spin by being a video game. This actually works, and works quite well. And the main cast do very well, especially Jack Black playing a teenage girl and Karen Gillan when she's trying to flirt. There is some good humour in this too, it's just not always my kind of humour.
My main issue with this film is that a lot of the script and humour seemed aimed at the teenage instagram generation. The odd joke isn't too bad, but this was a bit too much. There's also the plot, which seems a little too basic even for a video game and there is far too much explanation going on. There also isn't much in the way of threat and danger in this film. The bad guy is a bit lame and the whole Jumanji world is nowhere near as threatening as you'd have imagined from watching the original film.
This isn't a terrible film and it's not quite as bad as I'd have expected, but its not one I'd rush out to watch again.
Sarah (7800 KP) rated Manhunt: Unabomber in TV
Sep 15, 2018
Good performances make it watchable
I was told i had to watch this by my brother, and more surprisingly my mum, but in all honesty I wasn't too impressed.
The performances in this are great and these are what kept me watching. Paul Bettany is very unnerving as Ted and even Sam Worthington, who I don't particularly rate as an actor, was actually quite good. Visually it looks good and the script, staging and directing are all well done and quite gritty and dark.
The problem with this series is that there's nothing to grip you & no surprises. Whilst I wasn't aware of the true story behind the Unabomber, the series starts off by telling you who he is and then relaying how he was caught across the 8 episodes. Even the trial at the end isn't particularly interesting. I can understand why they wanted to tell the story in a non linear manner, but for me this just didn't work. I didn't want to know who the unabomber was right at the start, as even though the investigation into how he's caught is vaguely interesting, there are no plot twists or turns to keep you hooked. It made for a very dull series and my hopes for a massive twist ending or something shocking were sadly dashed.
The performances in this are great and these are what kept me watching. Paul Bettany is very unnerving as Ted and even Sam Worthington, who I don't particularly rate as an actor, was actually quite good. Visually it looks good and the script, staging and directing are all well done and quite gritty and dark.
The problem with this series is that there's nothing to grip you & no surprises. Whilst I wasn't aware of the true story behind the Unabomber, the series starts off by telling you who he is and then relaying how he was caught across the 8 episodes. Even the trial at the end isn't particularly interesting. I can understand why they wanted to tell the story in a non linear manner, but for me this just didn't work. I didn't want to know who the unabomber was right at the start, as even though the investigation into how he's caught is vaguely interesting, there are no plot twists or turns to keep you hooked. It made for a very dull series and my hopes for a massive twist ending or something shocking were sadly dashed.
Mark @ Carstairs Considers (2379 KP) rated Death of a Neighborhood Scrooge in Books
Dec 12, 2018
Bah Humbug Murder
Thanks to her neighbor Lance, freelance writer Jaine Austen is spending Christmas at a Bel Air mansion. It's not all luxury, however, when Jaine gets roped into helping her temporary neighbor polish his script. Scotty Parker is a former child actor best known for playing Tiny Tim in a movie version of A Christmas Carol, but now he'd be a shoe in to play Scrooge, complete with penny pinching ways and fights with neighbors. Someone has had enough, and Jaine finds Scotty's body on Christmas morning. With the police focusing on her, Jaine begins her own investigation. But which of the many suspects actually killed Scotty?
Those familiar with the series know exactly what to expect here, and they won't be disappointed. The murder may take place a little later in the book than in some series I read, but we are busy meeting suspects and getting motives, so when Scotty does die, we can jump right in. Jaine once again brings the case to a satisfactory conclusion. We also have a couple of fun sub-plots involving Jaine's on-line dating misadventures and a cruise her parents are taking with their neighbors. There are plenty of laughs, chuckles, and grins. The characters lean toward caricature, but it works for this series. The pages fly by all too quickly as always.
Those familiar with the series know exactly what to expect here, and they won't be disappointed. The murder may take place a little later in the book than in some series I read, but we are busy meeting suspects and getting motives, so when Scotty does die, we can jump right in. Jaine once again brings the case to a satisfactory conclusion. We also have a couple of fun sub-plots involving Jaine's on-line dating misadventures and a cruise her parents are taking with their neighbors. There are plenty of laughs, chuckles, and grins. The characters lean toward caricature, but it works for this series. The pages fly by all too quickly as always.
Really plays with your emotions (2 more)
Creepy
Twists and turns
Stalking through the eyes of the stalker!
Joe is just an ordinary man who works in a book store - or that is was he wants everyone to think.
Joe becomes fixated with women, and uses modern technology to stalk them, strategically placing himself in their way in order to get them to notice him, whilst at the same time getting rid of the opposition (literally). The series has him following Beck, an aspiring writer.
The cast was well picked, with particular credit to Penn Badgley, who plays Joe- who makes a really believable butter wouldn’t melt book guy, frequently turning into psychopathic killer!
The script uses dark humour very well, which add a little light heartedness into an otherwise very dark story. It is also truest scary from a personal perspective, as to how much information Joe is able to use form people’s fb/ twitter (e.t.c.) accounts!
What I particularly enjoyed about this show, was that it is primarily shown through the perspective of Joe, an unusual twist, as on one side we really want to support Joe (being the main character), and we are forced to try to empathise with him, however, deep down, we know that he is a truest dark character.
I do hope that there will be a second series of this.
Joe becomes fixated with women, and uses modern technology to stalk them, strategically placing himself in their way in order to get them to notice him, whilst at the same time getting rid of the opposition (literally). The series has him following Beck, an aspiring writer.
The cast was well picked, with particular credit to Penn Badgley, who plays Joe- who makes a really believable butter wouldn’t melt book guy, frequently turning into psychopathic killer!
The script uses dark humour very well, which add a little light heartedness into an otherwise very dark story. It is also truest scary from a personal perspective, as to how much information Joe is able to use form people’s fb/ twitter (e.t.c.) accounts!
What I particularly enjoyed about this show, was that it is primarily shown through the perspective of Joe, an unusual twist, as on one side we really want to support Joe (being the main character), and we are forced to try to empathise with him, however, deep down, we know that he is a truest dark character.
I do hope that there will be a second series of this.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated The Gate II: Trespassers (1992) in Movies
Nov 2, 2019
Was hoping for better
I was a huge fan of the original The Gate when I was a kid and rewatched recently and still enjoyed. I am not sure I even knew they made a sequel until recently which makes sense now that I have seen it.
Glenn's friend Terry returns with two other annoying teen jerks and a pretty girl to summon another small demon into our dimension from theirs. It is all fun and games at first when they realize they can get their wishes granted like getting a vintage Corvette or lots of cash, but the fun soon fades when their gifts turn into shit. I mean literal shit (kind of weird). Things get scary then when two of the teens start transforming into weird creatures and Terry and girl "friend" have to band together to save humanity.
I don't mind dated movies since I am now dated myself, but this one just didn't work. Filmmakers of the original were surprised when it was a moderate hit, so they slapped this script together just to get something out there and it shows. The characters are one dimensional and not very funny or interesting and the plot doesn't really go anywhere.
The final 20 minutes kind of saves the film a little with some cool creature effects, but by then it is too late.
Glenn's friend Terry returns with two other annoying teen jerks and a pretty girl to summon another small demon into our dimension from theirs. It is all fun and games at first when they realize they can get their wishes granted like getting a vintage Corvette or lots of cash, but the fun soon fades when their gifts turn into shit. I mean literal shit (kind of weird). Things get scary then when two of the teens start transforming into weird creatures and Terry and girl "friend" have to band together to save humanity.
I don't mind dated movies since I am now dated myself, but this one just didn't work. Filmmakers of the original were surprised when it was a moderate hit, so they slapped this script together just to get something out there and it shows. The characters are one dimensional and not very funny or interesting and the plot doesn't really go anywhere.
The final 20 minutes kind of saves the film a little with some cool creature effects, but by then it is too late.
Leigh J (71 KP) rated Kids (1995) in Movies
Nov 16, 2019
Daddy Never Understood!!
Kids mainly follows 2 friends, Telly and Casper, whilst they hang around New York and meet up with friends. Telly is a guy who thinks he's God's gift to girls, this opinion solidified by the amount of girls he de-virginises on a daily basis. Casper is a fucked up Skate kid with a penchant for drugs and disturbing behaviour. Although this seems to be a regular day in New York for the 2 young guys, they'd better enjoy the day, as their lives are going to be turned upside down forever...
I think Kids is absolutely amazing; it really captures the New York Street vibe and each character has their own fascinating personality, even if they're only on screen for a short period. Even though the storyline might not sound like much (I've tried my best not to spoil any of it!) it's captivating and keeps you hooked until the last second as something is ALWAYS going on. It deals extremely well with controversial topics and thrusts them unfalteringly into the spotlight, but does so in a way that is respectful and tactful yet still shocking. It's a Movie that deserves more recognition than it's ever got. I love it so much that I even got the Script of it! Amazing Movie.
I think Kids is absolutely amazing; it really captures the New York Street vibe and each character has their own fascinating personality, even if they're only on screen for a short period. Even though the storyline might not sound like much (I've tried my best not to spoil any of it!) it's captivating and keeps you hooked until the last second as something is ALWAYS going on. It deals extremely well with controversial topics and thrusts them unfalteringly into the spotlight, but does so in a way that is respectful and tactful yet still shocking. It's a Movie that deserves more recognition than it's ever got. I love it so much that I even got the Script of it! Amazing Movie.
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Little Monsters (2019) in Movies
Nov 27, 2019
The most wholesome zombie film you will ever see
The biggest takeaway from Little Monsters is just how damn heart warming it is. Seriously.
The plot revolves around a group of young school children and their teacher becoming trapped at a petting farm whilst on a school trip, due to a zombie outbreak at an absurdly close military facility.
The conflicting styles of lighthearted family comedy, and typical zombie violence work pretty well, and offer up a solidly entertaining and genuinely funny movie, in a market that runs the risk of becoming increasingly saturated.
Lupita Nyong'o and Alexander England are two fantastic leads with great chemistry. The character growth attributed to both of their characters isbl great and is a huge part of why I enjoyed Little Monsters so much.
Josh Gad also stars and offers up a lot of humour with his character.
The cast is rounded out by a group of stupidly adorable kids, and combined with a witty and tight script, ensured I was smiling for the whole run time.
There's some decent zombie gore littered throughout, with some respectable practical effect, but please know, that Little Monsters is absolutely intended as a comedy, so don't watch it expecting to be scared!
Overall, if you like zombie comedy, then you could do a lot worse. Little Monsters is genuinely funny and extremely wholesome. Give it a go!
The plot revolves around a group of young school children and their teacher becoming trapped at a petting farm whilst on a school trip, due to a zombie outbreak at an absurdly close military facility.
The conflicting styles of lighthearted family comedy, and typical zombie violence work pretty well, and offer up a solidly entertaining and genuinely funny movie, in a market that runs the risk of becoming increasingly saturated.
Lupita Nyong'o and Alexander England are two fantastic leads with great chemistry. The character growth attributed to both of their characters isbl great and is a huge part of why I enjoyed Little Monsters so much.
Josh Gad also stars and offers up a lot of humour with his character.
The cast is rounded out by a group of stupidly adorable kids, and combined with a witty and tight script, ensured I was smiling for the whole run time.
There's some decent zombie gore littered throughout, with some respectable practical effect, but please know, that Little Monsters is absolutely intended as a comedy, so don't watch it expecting to be scared!
Overall, if you like zombie comedy, then you could do a lot worse. Little Monsters is genuinely funny and extremely wholesome. Give it a go!