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Awix (3310 KP) rated Point Break (1991) in Movies

Jan 3, 2021

Point Break (1991)

1991 | Action, Mystery

7.5

(22 Ratings)

Movie Rating

Cult thriller from Kathryn Bigelow: the film that persuaded the world that Keanu Reeves could be an action hero and Patrick Swayze could act. Clean-cut FBI agent Johnny Utah (like that's a real name) goes undercover in the world of surfing to catch a group of elite bank robbers, but finds his resolution tested by his growing attraction to one of them (and his ex-girlfriend).

A solid thriller is elevated to the level of something special by Bigelow's superb direction (banging action and extreme-sports sequences), plus genuine depth of character. Keanu still looks sort of bovine in places, though showing genuine signs of improvement, while Swayze is something of a revelation as an ambiguous spiritual guru/gang leader. Lori Petty is also good, but mostly decorative and underused. All the more impressive when you realise it has basically the same plot as The Fast and the Furious but still feels like a proper movie for grown-ups.

Kudos

Awix (3310 KP) rated Ronin (1998) in Movies

Jan 10, 2021

Ronin (1998)

1998 | Action, Mystery

8.1

(11 Ratings)

Movie Rating

Solid but faintly generic thriller is given a distinct boost by a strong cast and script. Natascha McElhone plays a woman from County Leprechaun who assembles a team of mercenaries to steal a box (which is a McGuffin of the purest kind). On the roster are Robert De Niro, Jean Reno, Sean Bean, and Stellan Skarsgard, not all of whom are wholly reliable. Soon enough engines are revving, bullets flying, crosses being doubled, and meets going bad.

Thematically (as well as chronologically) this is somewhere between Mission: Impossible and the first Bourne film, initially given a wistful, existential quality by the script (co-written by David Mamet under a pseudonym). It gives an extra lift to what was already a very robust and engaging thriller. What really makes it sing are the action scenes and car chases, which are superb. The movie cops out in a few places, particularly the end, but remains extremely engaging and polished: superior stuff.

Kudos

Sarah (7800 KP) rated The Promise in Books

Dec 15, 2020

The Promise

Teresa Driscoll | 2019 | Thriller

7.5

(4 Ratings)

Book Rating

An average thriller

I havent reviewed anything in a few weeks and this is the first book I've read in a while, and to be honest despite being a thriller, it didn't really thrill me.

The problem with this book is the premise and the fact that the whole plot revolves around a huge secret that you are kept guessing about as long as possible. And whilst the secret wasn't quite what I was expecting, it wasn't particularly shocking either. That paired with a group of main characters that I found myself caring very little about didn't make this story any more enjoyable. Also the writing itself was questionable. It seemed to ramble on in sections and I've never seen any other author use "..." as much as Teresa Driscoll does.

Overall whilst this was bearable to read, I didnt find it hugely enjoyable or particularly memorable. I'm not entirely sure psychological thrillers are for me!

Kudos

Sam (228 KP) rated The Sinner - Season 1 in TV

Sep 19, 2019

Character Development (3 more)

Plot Twists

Storyline

Beautiful Scene Setup

A Psychological Mindf*ck

I was worried when I first started watching this show. I've seen so many TV shows labeled 'thriller' that just doesnt hold up to my expectations and I find myself neither afraid or thrilled. For the most part I find myself disappointed.
However, I could not look away for a single moment during this show. The twists and backstorys that unfold are not only thrilling but sends shivers down my spine. The whole show I found myself at the edge of my seat as it takes you deeper and deeper into the mind and past of this single character. I find myself almost adoring the way it would send shivers down my spine and raise goosebumps along my arm. For anyone who enjoys a psychological thriller and are looking for a TV show that can actually hit the mark, I reccomended giving this show a try.

Kudos

Matthew Krueger (10051 KP) rated Clear and Present Danger (1994) in Movies

May 15, 2020

Clear and Present Danger (1994)

1994 | Action, Drama, Mystery

7.6

(12 Ratings)

Movie Rating Watch

The Cover-Up

Clear and Present Danger- is a thriller pacted movie. It has action, suspense and drama. Its downfall its long and somewhat boring and waits a while to get to the action. The action is also decent, not as good as patriot games.

The plot: Agent Jack Ryan (Harrison Ford) becomes acting deputy director of the CIA when Admiral Greer (James Earl Jones) is diagnosed with cancer. When an American businessman, and friend of the president, is murdered on a yacht, Ryan starts discovering links between the man and drug dealers. As CIA agent John Clark (Willem Dafoe) is sent to Colombia to kill drug kingpins in retaliation, Ryan must fight through multiple cover-ups to figure out what happened and who's responsible.

Harrison Ford is excellent as Jack Ryan. He is the best Jack Ryan in my opinon. He nails Jack Ryan perfectly.

Clear and Present Danger- is a decent thriller with the only downfall is it being a little long and boring.