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Sarah (7800 KP) rated Polar (2019) in Movies
Feb 23, 2019
Could’ve been so much better
Right from the start, this film is an absolute mess. It’s so garish and in your face, and not in a good way. It’s never good when the opening scene makes you turn your nose up in dislike, and sadly the rest of the film never manages to get past this.
The main problem is the villains. Yes this is based on a comic book, but is that an excuse for having such vile looking and plain bad villains. They are all horrendously bad characters and beyond irritating, although the worst is by far the boss villain played by Matt Lucas. I do like Matt Lucas, but I’ve come to realise he’s only good when he’s playing silly sketch characters. Which is what he’s doing here, but it’s out of place and far too cheesy. He doesn’t make for a menacing villain and although he’s laughable, it’s not in the way intended.
Mads Mikkelsen is the only real reason that this film is watchable. Every time he’s on screen the film becomes as enjoyable as it can be. It’s a shame really as there is potential buried in this - the plot as a whole isn’t bad, and I like a lot of the fight scenes that Duncan is in and the gory bits too. It’s just a pity they made it so damn garish and cheesy. If they’d have tried to make it a little darker, maybe a little like Sin City or something, it could actually have been quite good and have lived up to all of Mads Mikkelsens scenes.
Unless you’re desperate, I wouldn’t recommend watching this. And if you’re a Mads Mikkelsen fan, you’d be better off choosing one of his better offerings than this!
The main problem is the villains. Yes this is based on a comic book, but is that an excuse for having such vile looking and plain bad villains. They are all horrendously bad characters and beyond irritating, although the worst is by far the boss villain played by Matt Lucas. I do like Matt Lucas, but I’ve come to realise he’s only good when he’s playing silly sketch characters. Which is what he’s doing here, but it’s out of place and far too cheesy. He doesn’t make for a menacing villain and although he’s laughable, it’s not in the way intended.
Mads Mikkelsen is the only real reason that this film is watchable. Every time he’s on screen the film becomes as enjoyable as it can be. It’s a shame really as there is potential buried in this - the plot as a whole isn’t bad, and I like a lot of the fight scenes that Duncan is in and the gory bits too. It’s just a pity they made it so damn garish and cheesy. If they’d have tried to make it a little darker, maybe a little like Sin City or something, it could actually have been quite good and have lived up to all of Mads Mikkelsens scenes.
Unless you’re desperate, I wouldn’t recommend watching this. And if you’re a Mads Mikkelsen fan, you’d be better off choosing one of his better offerings than this!
Lee (2222 KP) rated X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019) in Movies
Jun 7, 2019
Awful dialogue (1 more)
Pointless villain
Disappointing
Dark Phoenix marks the end of an era for the X-Men franchise, being the last of their movies to go into production before the recent acquisition of Fox by Disney. It's a series of movies which unfortunately has had more misfires than hits. But for me, the hits have been right up there with the biggest of the MCU movies in terms of storytelling and entertainment. It's therefore a real shame that Dark Phoenix turns out to be yet another misfire.
Dark Phoenix start off well though. It's 1992, and the X-Men are currently riding high on popularity, with Charles Xavier even having his own hotline to the president. A trip up into space to save some astronauts in peril is impressive, with the X-Men working effectively as a team under pressure. In fact, these team moments are the best thing about the movie - all working together, with every character getting a chance to utilise their specific set of skills.
The worst thing about Dark Phoenix is the script - awkward, cheesy or just plain boring. Moments that are supposed to be emotional, intense or poignant just come across as dull and frustrating, making the heavy handed soundtrack all the more noticeable. Many of the cast do their best with what they've been given, but it rarely works. Add to that a completely pointless villain (Jessica Chastain) without any clearly defined motivation that you can get behind, and the negative elements far outweigh the positive for me. Who knows what form the X-Men may eventually take within the MCU, but hopefully they'll be utilised to their full potential once more.
Dark Phoenix start off well though. It's 1992, and the X-Men are currently riding high on popularity, with Charles Xavier even having his own hotline to the president. A trip up into space to save some astronauts in peril is impressive, with the X-Men working effectively as a team under pressure. In fact, these team moments are the best thing about the movie - all working together, with every character getting a chance to utilise their specific set of skills.
The worst thing about Dark Phoenix is the script - awkward, cheesy or just plain boring. Moments that are supposed to be emotional, intense or poignant just come across as dull and frustrating, making the heavy handed soundtrack all the more noticeable. Many of the cast do their best with what they've been given, but it rarely works. Add to that a completely pointless villain (Jessica Chastain) without any clearly defined motivation that you can get behind, and the negative elements far outweigh the positive for me. Who knows what form the X-Men may eventually take within the MCU, but hopefully they'll be utilised to their full potential once more.
Sensitivemuse (246 KP) rated An Anonymous Girl in Books
Dec 20, 2018
Mediocre plot, disappointed in book overall..
In a nutshell, this book has three not so very nice characters in one setting and they’re all trying to outdo each other in the art of being a sly crafty villain.
While the plot is interesting to read at first, because you’d like to find out what Jess got herself into, at the same time, it’s so so and falls flat. The characters themselves are rendered unlikable. Well, I should say two of the three are unlikable, the one that sticks out for me is Dr Shields. Now that’s a pretty good villain to read up on.
I found myself rooting for her throughout the book. She’s cold, she’s calculating and she’s always prepared with a plan B in case things don’t work out. I love it. She was playing the mind games like a pro. I had no like for Thomas (well, self explanatory) and I started disliking Jess more as the plot carried on. Maybe it was because she thought she was the smartest cookie on earth. Or maybe it was because she thought her stuff didn’t stink. Either way I just started not liking her so much and didn’t care too much for her behavior. By this time, I was pretty much just finishing the book just for the sake of finishing and my interest in the plot waned.
Which is unfortunate. I read The Wife Between Us and absolutely loved the book and loved the twists that was provided. The twists here were minimal, the mind games were great but hardly anything suspenseful or to be surprised about. Maybe I got spoiled by The Wife Between Us, but this one didn’t really live up to it.
I’m hoping if they do future releases that they’re better than this one. Sadly this one dissapoints for me.
While the plot is interesting to read at first, because you’d like to find out what Jess got herself into, at the same time, it’s so so and falls flat. The characters themselves are rendered unlikable. Well, I should say two of the three are unlikable, the one that sticks out for me is Dr Shields. Now that’s a pretty good villain to read up on.
I found myself rooting for her throughout the book. She’s cold, she’s calculating and she’s always prepared with a plan B in case things don’t work out. I love it. She was playing the mind games like a pro. I had no like for Thomas (well, self explanatory) and I started disliking Jess more as the plot carried on. Maybe it was because she thought she was the smartest cookie on earth. Or maybe it was because she thought her stuff didn’t stink. Either way I just started not liking her so much and didn’t care too much for her behavior. By this time, I was pretty much just finishing the book just for the sake of finishing and my interest in the plot waned.
Which is unfortunate. I read The Wife Between Us and absolutely loved the book and loved the twists that was provided. The twists here were minimal, the mind games were great but hardly anything suspenseful or to be surprised about. Maybe I got spoiled by The Wife Between Us, but this one didn’t really live up to it.
I’m hoping if they do future releases that they’re better than this one. Sadly this one dissapoints for me.
Gareth von Kallenbach (980 KP) rated Penguins Of Madagascar (2014) in Movies
Aug 6, 2019
Those cute little feathery spy guys are back in an all new action packed adventure. If you are unfamiliar with the Penguins of Madagascar animated series on Nick there is no need to worry. Here is a quick rundown; Skipper is the leader, Kowalski is the brains, Rico is the loose cannon, and Private is the rookie. This film takes off right after Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted when the Penguins are trying to escape from the Afro Circus song that seems to be driving everybody insane but also shows how they became a group and got their start.
This lighthearted film takes a break from all others that seem to always tug at those heartstrings. It is packed full of recognizable actors and a great script. The Penguins themselves are voiced by not so recognizable actors but are the ones who worked on Madagascar like animators directors etc. The real recognizable voices are those from the rival espionage crew the North Wind. Benedict Cumberbatch plays the gray wolf leader of a pack, Ken Jeong from the Hangover films, as a cute little seal, Annet Mahendru as an owl and Peter Stormare as a polar bear with a huge heart. Let’s not forget the big purple octopus villain played by John Malkovich whom has the perfect villain voice.
The script is chalk full of great humor for both kids and adults and is very entertaining. The writers used a lot of clever word play and great gags to entertain the audience throughout the entire film. Visually though the film can be viewed in 3D but as in most films it is not necessary to enjoy the 90 minutes of sheer silliness. This is a great film to take the kiddies to and also the adults like myself who are big fans of the flightless feathered quartet.
4 out of 5 herring
This lighthearted film takes a break from all others that seem to always tug at those heartstrings. It is packed full of recognizable actors and a great script. The Penguins themselves are voiced by not so recognizable actors but are the ones who worked on Madagascar like animators directors etc. The real recognizable voices are those from the rival espionage crew the North Wind. Benedict Cumberbatch plays the gray wolf leader of a pack, Ken Jeong from the Hangover films, as a cute little seal, Annet Mahendru as an owl and Peter Stormare as a polar bear with a huge heart. Let’s not forget the big purple octopus villain played by John Malkovich whom has the perfect villain voice.
The script is chalk full of great humor for both kids and adults and is very entertaining. The writers used a lot of clever word play and great gags to entertain the audience throughout the entire film. Visually though the film can be viewed in 3D but as in most films it is not necessary to enjoy the 90 minutes of sheer silliness. This is a great film to take the kiddies to and also the adults like myself who are big fans of the flightless feathered quartet.
4 out of 5 herring
Lou Grande (148 KP) rated Suikoden II in Video Games
May 12, 2018
108 Characters (4 more)
Expanded World
Multiple Endings
Sidequests
Great Music
Favorite Game - Hands Down
Like the first game, Suikoden II centers on a young man who is pulled into a war between nations. Once again, you must collect the 108 Stars of Destiny, and your success determines how the story ends. Several characters from Suikoden I appear here, as the story is only set a few years after. I love everything about this game, down to the sprites. Although it follows the same basic formula as the first, it improves on it in almost every way. The music is better, the battle system is better, and the plot is much more far-reaching and ambitious--and heartbreaking, depending on how you play your cards. Luca Blight is a terrifyingly human villain. It's a pity this game was so rare in its day.
Andy K (10823 KP) rated Hulk (2003) in Movies
Feb 22, 2019
Gamma dogs?
OK I recently rewatched this Ang Lee directed almost forgotten 1st Hulk and although it has some truly stupid elements, it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. The villain was weak, but the look and feel of the film was right on.
I liked the way director Lee made you feel like you were watching a comic book with different boxes and frames the way a comic would have. The Hulk escape and tank/helicopter battle sequence is still very good. I have watched those scenes multiple times for home theatre demos and it never disappoints.
It's too bad Eric Bana did not continue as Hulk as I think he is underrated as an actor although Mark Ruffalo is good in the current version as well.
I liked the way director Lee made you feel like you were watching a comic book with different boxes and frames the way a comic would have. The Hulk escape and tank/helicopter battle sequence is still very good. I have watched those scenes multiple times for home theatre demos and it never disappoints.
It's too bad Eric Bana did not continue as Hulk as I think he is underrated as an actor although Mark Ruffalo is good in the current version as well.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Iron Man 3 (2013) in Movies
Mar 22, 2019 (Updated Sep 28, 2020)
Somewhat atypical Marvel movie solves the problem of how to keep things fresh and interesting by recruiting Shane Black as director, who brings his usual blend of hardboiled thriller and screwball comedy to the genre. When a series of terror attacks by the mysterious Mandarin strikes close to home, Tony Stark vows to take him on - but not all is as it seems...
Hardly an essential movie in terms of the mighty Marvel meta-plot, but still a hugely clever, fun, well-constructed movie. Unfairly gets a raw deal from some comic fans for its radical interpretation of a classic Iron Man villain, but the sparklingly witty script and great performances from the principal cast more than make up for it. Black handles the big-scale action sequences as adroitly as the comic scenes. One of the more underrated movies in the MCU.
Hardly an essential movie in terms of the mighty Marvel meta-plot, but still a hugely clever, fun, well-constructed movie. Unfairly gets a raw deal from some comic fans for its radical interpretation of a classic Iron Man villain, but the sparklingly witty script and great performances from the principal cast more than make up for it. Black handles the big-scale action sequences as adroitly as the comic scenes. One of the more underrated movies in the MCU.
Neon's Nerd Nexus (360 KP) rated No Country for Old Men (2007) in Movies
May 13, 2019
Lost in a coin toss
Number 7 of my #top10 #favourite #films is 'No Country For Old Men'. ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Bleak & #depressing #NoCountryForOldMen takes all the #hope you have for the good guys winning and rips it out of your hands again and again. Not only is it #unfair, tense and #gorgeous to look at its constantly making you think deeply while toying with your emotions too. Acting is next level, the dialog is masterfully slick and #javierbardem might just be the #coldest & #scariest #villain ever put on screen making No Country For Old Men a film that really should be in everyone's top 10 list. Deciphering its intricate plot, many metaphors and head spinning #intelligence is something i sadly #feel i will never achieve fully but my god do i enjoy trying.
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#filmbuff #filmcritic #coenbrothers #saturday #weekend #beautiful #violence #joshbrolin #tommyleejones
Bleak & #depressing #NoCountryForOldMen takes all the #hope you have for the good guys winning and rips it out of your hands again and again. Not only is it #unfair, tense and #gorgeous to look at its constantly making you think deeply while toying with your emotions too. Acting is next level, the dialog is masterfully slick and #javierbardem might just be the #coldest & #scariest #villain ever put on screen making No Country For Old Men a film that really should be in everyone's top 10 list. Deciphering its intricate plot, many metaphors and head spinning #intelligence is something i sadly #feel i will never achieve fully but my god do i enjoy trying.
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#filmbuff #filmcritic #coenbrothers #saturday #weekend #beautiful #violence #joshbrolin #tommyleejones
Awix (3310 KP) rated The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) in Movies
Feb 21, 2018 (Updated May 31, 2020)
Urbane Legend X
Landmark Bond film updates the series for the 70s (a few years late, but never mind); establishes the tone for the rest of Roger Moore's tenure. Plot to some extent recycles that of You Only Live Twice, which may explain why they got the same director back. This is the one with the amphibious Lotus and the oil tanker that eats submarines.
Very much Bond as a thing unto itself, i.e. a swaggering, effervescent fantasy. First-class fights and chases, lavish sets and set-pieces, takes itself just seriously enough when it really has to (although Bond himself is almost intolerably smug and patronising for much of the film). Main villain is a bit weak but Richard Kiel virtually steals the movie as henchman Jaws. Maybe not Moore's best Bond, but one of his most characteristic; very entertaining too.
Very much Bond as a thing unto itself, i.e. a swaggering, effervescent fantasy. First-class fights and chases, lavish sets and set-pieces, takes itself just seriously enough when it really has to (although Bond himself is almost intolerably smug and patronising for much of the film). Main villain is a bit weak but Richard Kiel virtually steals the movie as henchman Jaws. Maybe not Moore's best Bond, but one of his most characteristic; very entertaining too.
tonidavis (353 KP) rated Deadpool 2 (2018) in Movies
Jun 18, 2018
Ryan Reynolds (2 more)
Cable
Cameos
Welcome to unicorn mountain
Contains spoilers, click to show
The fast talking Merc is back and for once bigger is better. It is rare to find a sequel that is better thanks first but in my opinion this is one.
I first saw this film at the UK fan screening and was fortune enough to see the cast Ryan introduced the film as a "Family film welcome to unicorn mountain." The promotion for the lead up to this film was quiet family genius.
Deadpool breaks the 3rd wall and just makes you smile. I have had "have you ever noticed that papa can you here me sounds exactly like do you want to build a snowman." In my head for weeks.
Cable is a fantastic charcter mainly because although techniqually the villain he only doing what he think is right to save hundreds.
I first saw this film at the UK fan screening and was fortune enough to see the cast Ryan introduced the film as a "Family film welcome to unicorn mountain." The promotion for the lead up to this film was quiet family genius.
Deadpool breaks the 3rd wall and just makes you smile. I have had "have you ever noticed that papa can you here me sounds exactly like do you want to build a snowman." In my head for weeks.
Cable is a fantastic charcter mainly because although techniqually the villain he only doing what he think is right to save hundreds.
Andy K (10823 KP) Feb 23, 2019