Iceman-15 Reviews

Pamela: A Love Story (2023)

Engrossing!

[10/10 · 1 August 2023]

I watched Baywatch, but although she was undoubtedly beautiful, I was never a big fan of Pamela Anderson, nor did I think she was the hottest girl on the show. But after watching Pamela: A Love Story, I've become totally smitten.

Pam appears with no make up. That takes guts. Especially for a woman, but although she's in her 50s, she seems so lovely. In fact, it seems like a metaphor for what the documentary was all about. Naked. Truthful. The real Pam. She recounts the tragic episodes - her miscarriage, and of course the infamous sex tape that was stolen from her home - it's easy looking at this from the outside, but you really discover how it feels to be violated in that way. I once had my car stolen, and I felt violated!

Through it all, the message that comes through is that Pamela Anderson is a survivor. I found myself so emotionally caught up that I was rooting for her Broadway show of Chicago to be a hit. Something I never do. It's difficult for me to sit through many movies these days, but I was totally engrossed in this story from beginning to end. Which is of course, the sign of any good movie!

Terminator: Dark Fate (2019)

Finally saw it!

[4/10 · 7 July 2023]

When this movie came out 4 years ago, I wasn't anxious to see it, due to the negative comments and poor box office. I didn't want to taint my memory of the first two that I loved so much. So, I was at home, not doing much, so I thought, what the heck.

Is Terminator: Dark fate a bad movie? No. It just has no original ideas. At least Terminator 3 had that. Basically, they just regurgitated ideas from the first two. They made the Kyle Reese character a woman, made the John Connor character a woman, while Arnold and Linda Hamilton share duties as the "protector" Terminator. That's it. Incredibly predictable, so easily summed up. A competently made movie, but you knew what would happen at every turn, and even laughable when you discovered that they made the leader of a resistance, a 5'2 little girl! Surprising that James Cameron attached his name to this project! 4 out of 10 stars.

The Mother (2023)

Lopez makes a predictable action movie watchable.

[7/10 · 10 June 2023]

Jennifer Lopez plays an operative that goes by the name of "Mother." She's a loner, doesn't emote, never smiles, and she's a woman of few words, i.e, very different from the Jennifer Lopez we've come to know. Which obviously was very challenging for her.

She has never been known as a great actress, mostly due to her great behind, but she's very good here. She uses her face, and body language to convey what she's feeling, hallmarks of good acting and it's something to see.

So I would suggest seeing "Mother." Even though it's incredibly predictable, woke - but not too woke - and the actress who plays her daughter, Lucy Paez, seems a bit too pale to play her daughter, still, you'll be entertained by decent action sequences and good performances. On a side note, JLo was about 52 years old when she shot this. You'll never see a more beautiful 52 year old (Unless you're Halle Berry). And although her sexuality is downplayed, there is one great shot of her famous behind, which Lopez, as producer, seems to be telling us, "Hey, I'm acting here, but let's not forget what got me here."

A Man Called Otto (2022)

Hanks scores again!

[9/10 · 25 May 2023]

We've watched Tom Hanks grow from a young man to an old man right before our eyes. He's had about as varied a career as any actor, and he's never given a bad performance.

In A Man Called Otto, Hanks is clearly challenged by this character. A lonely, grouchy, suicidal man, who seems to be about as far from Tom Hanks as you can get. There's a scene in the middle of the third act, where he looks at these two kids, then the mother, with those famous Tom Hanks eyes, and he utters the line, "This is livin!" That scene is one of the best in the Hanks canon, and it almost brought a tear from this reviewer.

Therefore I'd say, see the movie. It's a tear jerker. Especially for those who give it up easily, bring the tissues. But if you're a fan of Tom Hanks, this is a must. I give this movie the highest compliment I can give any movie, which is, I'm looking forward to seeing it again.

Never Die Alone (2004)

The black monster strikes again.

[1/10 · 7 April 2022]

Are their any positive black male role models out there? How strange that so many black filmmakers have an affinity for showing black males at their absolute worst. Spike Lee started this trend with the trash of a movie Do The Right Thing, and now the director of photography of that film, Ernest Dickerson is taking his shot at it. The DMX character is a monster, plain and simple. People talk about how to improve the black community, but how can you when you're constantly being assaulted with the barrage of images these movies.provide. 1 star.

An American Crime (2007)

The most disturbing movie I have ever seen.

[7/10 · 4 April 2022]

I was looking at watchmojo.com's most disturbing films. I instantly thought of this one, but it wasn't even on the list! Maybe it's because Ellen Page has this effortless ability to illicit sympathy, or maybe it's because Catherine Keener, a fine actress, is the most heinous villain I have ever seen. Her character is repulsively, fascinating, Though the production values are very strong, there's a part of me that wishes I never saw this film. It sticks with you, as I'm sure it sticks with Ellen Page and Catherine Keener. So, approach this movie with caution. I wasn't prepared for what I was gonna see, at all! A well done, true story, but a truly horrifying film! 7 out of 10.

Night Night (2021)

Effective low budgeted thriller.

[7/10 · 6 March 2022]

The poster for Night Night has the beautiful star of the film, Brenna D'Amico, clothed in a barely nothing slip, holding a gun. Clearly the marketers wanted to get the viewers attention, and from my male perspective, it worked. She looks like a young Angelina Jolie "type." But that's not what the film is about. Night Night is a thriller, the type we've seen many times, that's tacked on with an ambiguous ending, made watchable by a few, genuinely creepy moments and the gorgeous D'Amico. 7 out of 10.

Lost in Space (2018–2021)

Looks great, but let down by uninspired writing.

[5/10 · 17 December 2021]

And I think the actors were game. At least capable, but the writers gave them very stupid things to do. In one episode, two of the kids do things that were unbelievably stupid, that endangered everyone. In the previous episode, the other kid does something incredibly stupid, as well. In the original LIS, Will might do something not very smart, usually goaded by Dr. Smith, but he never put everyone in grave danger because of it, nor did you ever think Will was stupid. These kids do things, not because they're goaded, but because they're stupid. So you must wonder, how did these kids, who seem to lack simple common sense, get chosen as a part of a family to go into space? And to top it off, the Dr Smith character in the original was kind of a likable unlikable character, whereas this one, played by Parker Posey, just seems to be evil. Not fun.

The Neon Demon (2016)

Weird and sick. Bad combination.

[1/10 · 29 November 2021]

Maybe they were going for something that I just didn't get. And then they have Keanu Reeves, one of the biggest movie stars in the world, showing up as a sleazy hotel manager. Which just adds to the weirdness of the movie. You don't see the character, you just see Keanu. He's a movie star! Even in the context of the character he's miscast. An incredibly good looking guy is a sleazy hotel manager?? Yeah, right.... But Elle Fanning is quite good, and the movie is nice to look at. But the weirdness! In one scene, a cougar shows up in a hotel room in Pasadena, and the filmmakers didn't bother to follow up on that. No resolution, whatsoever! Therefore, the audience has to assume that cougars are just wandering around Pasadena looking for a place to hang out. Weird.

All that weirdness, I'm ok with, but the movie gets sick! So sick that I wish that I never saw the movie. If there was a message in Neon Demon, it's simple: If you're a young, beautiful girl, and want to go to the big city and become a model, do not go alone.

Streets of Fire (1984)

Really liked this movie!

[10/10 · 4 March 2021]

Streets of Fire was Walter Hill's first movie after the immensely popular 48hrs. It stars Michael Pare as a John Wayne'ish type character who has an irresistible combination of toughness and innocence. He's mean, but his eyes are soft. Diane Lane in the prime of her beauty plays the damsel in distress. Willem Dafoe in one of his early menacing roles is quite effective, and Rick Moranis as Lane's boyfriend appropriately handles the weasel qualities of the character. The movie is shot with style to spare, and the dialogue is sharp. But somehow the film bombed at the box office, but over the years it has developed a cult following. Which is a bit of a shame, because it was more than a cult film. Pare had true leading man qualities, and being the star, his career suffered the most. Still, it's a great effort by the talented Hill, and crew. See this movie, you won't be disappointed.

Vampire in Brooklyn (1995)

Watch it John Shaft. I'll put a hole in your afro!

[9/10 · 28 February 2021]

That's just one of the great lines in this Eddie Murphy movie. Eddie has never been better as an actor. The supporting cast is very funny. Kadeem Hardison and John Witherspoon have some great lines. Angela Bassett is strikingly beautiful. Wes Craven directs a deft blend of horror and comedy that works. I've seen this movie many times, and I just don't get the negative reviews. What were they expecting?

The Queen's Gambit (2020)

A perfect 10+

[10/10 · 27 October 2020]

I don't really watch too many movies. Some I find are difficult to hold my attention. Occasionally good ones come along. When I saw the Netflix advertisements for Queen's Gambit, I thought I might enjoy it. After all, the young actress was rather captivating in The Split.

Boy was I way off!

First off, the production values were unlike anything I've ever seen made for TV. The 60s were vividly brought back to life, with dazzling colors that rivaled any feature film. There were lots of new faces in unconventional roles. Or maybe they were just faces i hadn't seen, but they were all quite good and interesting!

Now let's get to what holds it all together and makes it work.

The young actress' name is Anya Taylor-Joy. Remember that name. She is the new "it" girl. Her features are as striking as Jennifer Lawrence, or Julia Roberts when they first achieved stardom, but she's also got a hypnotic quality that you don't often see.. She is in practically every scene, and is what made this guy who has a hard time sitting thru a two hour movie watch a 7 episode mini series in two days! If that's not the sheer definition of star power, I don't know what is!

However, if there was one thing I found a bit disturbing, was one character frequently called another character a racial slur as a term of endearment. Why include something like that? Still, I would say watch Queen's Gambit for a very well done mini series that centers around chess, has wonderful production values, great acting, and the magnetic Anya Taylor-Joy at the center of it. You won't be disappointed.

The Age of Adaline (2015)

Harrison Ford shines like never before.

[8/10 · 19 October 2020]

From Star Wars to Blade Runner, The Fugitive, all the way up to Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, I thought I'd seen all the acting nuances Harrison had, but in this film, The Age of Adaline, a movie totally different than all those films, Ford flexes new acting muscles, and it turns out to be a real winner.

The Age of Adaline is about a girl, Blake Lively, who can't grow old. Wouldn't we all like to have this problem. But it's burdensome to her character, Adaline. In flashbacks, we find that Adaline had a relationship with Ford's character, and now she's in a relationship with Ford's son. Ford doesn't turn up until about halfway through the film, and that's when the film shifts into a higher, more heartfelt gear. When Lively, (who is also very good) and Ford look at each other, no matter how fleeting it is, you're sensing that she's reading him, and he's reading her. There scenes together are wonderful to behold, and they both put on a clinic as to how to act without using words.

Didn't know Ford had this kind of acting in his repertoire. He also has some very nice scenes with veteran actress, Kathy Bates. i never cry at movies, but i felt the tears being pulled in this film. Which is about as close as I'll ever get to crying. So, if you're a fan of Ford, then this a must see. If you like heartfelt, romantic films, then it's also a good choice.

Into the Forest (2015)

One of the best!

[10/10 · 31 August 2020]

A lot of times when you find slow moving pictures boring, the criticisms are something like, "you didn't get it. Go watch Transformers", or something like that. But usually those slow moving pictures are just that, boring. This one isn't.

The narrative of this film is the love between two sisters. That's it. Simple. Doesn't look like it could've cost more than a couple million to make. But it's performed by two of the most talented young actors in the business, Ellen Page and Evan Racheal Wood, who both seem to specialize in creating audience empathy. Particularly, Page. With her petite frame and little girl face, you just don't want nothing bad to happen to her. There's a scene where she wakes up from a bad dream, and you just want to jump in the screen, hold her, stroke her hair, and tell her "it's alright." Like a daughter. It's this quality, that I believe is a major key to her success in films like Juno and An American Crime. Wood, seems to have this uncanny ability to get into the heads of the characters she plays. She doesn't seem like she could ever act in front of a blue screen, or that any role could be just a "job". She becomes the character, as she did in her breakthrough film, 13. Acting seems to be almost an obsession for her. In this film, her character experiences something fairly horrific, and from what i understand, Wood experienced the same thing in her personal life, which obviously added to the realism of the scene.

The movie opens up with them being two regular sisters with a father. Nothing special. Sometimes they get along, sometimes not. Just like normal siblings. But at the end of the day, they still love each other. But their characters arc is something to behold. Moving and real! A must see!

Battle of the Sexes (2017)

Emma Stone was robbed!

[8/10 · 23 May 2020]

Usually when you see tennis biographies, the problem is that tennis is an extremely tough sport to act like you have professional abilities. The most recent McEnroe/Borg film comes to mind, with Shia Lebouf laughable as John McEnroe.

In this film, Emma Stone doesn't just look like she could be a professional tennis player, she also got Billie Jean King's style of play down, perfectly! From her backhand to her service motion, it wasn't just spot on, but it had the refined stroking pattern of a real tennis player. And if that weren't enough, I couldn't imagine anyone doing a better impression of BJK. She sounded exactly like her! Folks, this is truly one of the best performances I've ever seen, and it's a travesty that it didn't get more notice.

Steve Carrell was also above average as Bobby Riggs, but in comparison he was just a bit too flabby to be as convincing as Stone. Still, only in comparison.

The film, overall was cast very well. Even the smallest of parts such as Rosie Casals and Jack Kramer were cast very well. The filmmakers obviously took great care in the creation of their opus.

Therefore, this film is a must see for tennis enthusiasts and people interested in the events surrounding "The Battle of the Sexes" tennis match. But more importantly, go see this film for Emma Stone. She is a revelation in this film!

What Happened to Monday (2017)

Original, engrossing and thoroughly entertaining.

[9/10 · 26 March 2020]

Finally I've seen a film that's not boring, has original ideas, tremendous acting, and keeps me glued to my seat for two hours. How rare that is these days.

The film stars Noomi Repace in one of the best acting performances I've ever seen. Willem Dafoe and Glenn Close have smaller roles, but make no mistake about it, this is the Noomi Repace show. A tour de force performance that you won't soon forget.

I won't go into plot, as that would be criminal. The film though, is at times, quite brutal, shocking and difficult to watch, but see the film. See it for the story and execution, but when you consider the performance of Repace, it becomes a definite not to be missed.

Gemini Man (2019)

Entertining, fast moving thriller.

[8/10 · 6 March 2020]

I heard a lot of bad reviews for this movie, but it had an interesting premise, so I thought I'd check it out. Gemini Man will not win any awards, and it could've been better, but it's why you go to the movies. To be entertained.

Will Smith and the supporting cast do excellent jobs, Ang Lee's direction is assured, and the young Will Smith? Maybe I don't see enough movies, but i thought that was seamlessly amazing! Unlike anything I've eve seen. It was if I was watching present day Will Smith do scenes with "The Fresh Prince." That's who he reminded me of, sans the wisecracking personality.

Gemini Man is a movie that's never boring, has an excellent performance from the lead actor and some truly revolutionary ideas. That's enough for me.

The Hate U Give (2018)

Sensitive subject handled heavy handedly.

[6/10 · 13 August 2019]

Okay, what black man reaches for a brush to brush his hair while a nervous, a hole cop is checking his license? Being black and pulled over by the cops, I don't care if you're Barack Obama, can be a very nerve racking experience. You can brush your hair later.

There's many of those "come on" scenes in this movie. Which is ashame because they had something here. Instead they went for the typical over aggressive cop. On a positive note, the film's star seems to have a bright future. In many of her scenes she was very effective, but unfortunately was betrayed by a cliched script.

Sabotage (2014)

A different Arnold.

[8/10 · 19 December 2016]

I like to think that I'm fairly film savvy. Many times I can tell you exactly what's gonna happen next because I've seen it in countless other films and it can be rather painful to watch. Thus, how pleasant it is to see a plot twist that you never saw coming. This film has two of them.

On the surface, Sabotage looks like the typical Schwarzenegger film: Guns, action, and more guns and more action. But what it really is, is a character study of a tortured man. Arnold will never win an award for his acting and there are a couple moments that are rather cringe worthy but still, he's solid and capable. But, the acting around him is nothing less than first rate. My favorite was Olivia Williams who plays a cop investigating the murders of members of Schwarzenegger's crack DEA team. I'd heard the name, but her face wasn't familiar to me. Turns out she's a British, Shakespearean actor; yet, there was not a trace of any of that in this film!

Strangely, this is one of Arnold's best films. Mainly because he gets to play a character he's never played before and it works. Therefore, I find it hard to believe that Sabotage didn't get much attention - I just recently came upon it over the internet - it's gotta great cast, a talented, accomplished, writer director (David Ayer), and a compelling story line. Because I've seen so many unoriginal films lately, it's not always easy for one to hold my attention. I wouldn't say I was riveted to the screen, but Sabotage did hold my attention without giving me the feeling that I was being falsely manipulated. Which is what you want any film to do.

The Adventures of Pluto Nash (2002)

They sure know how to bury a film.

[10 June 2004]

Before this movie even came out it was buried. But I thought a movie directed by a seasoned director like Ron Underwood, and starring Eddie Murphy couldn´t be all that bad, and it wasn´t. Someone put the word out, and it´s a shame. Eddie is in good form, and he has the capable Randy Quaid in a funny comedic role, and the film has some very good action sequences set to a pretty good score. I think Eddie is one of those special actors who if puut in most any film (except Harlem Nights, sorry) the film will be interesting. I think TAOPN was going to be a franchise film, and it´s too bad we didn´t get to see Eddie play this character again. 2.5 stars out of 4.

The Horse Whisperer (1998)

Great movie. Great entertainment.

[26 August 2003]

I must have seen this movie at least five times, and somehow I never tire of seeing it even though it's not really my kind of movie.

I won't go into plot, and things like that, I'll just say it's exquisitely shot, beautifully acted by all with young Scarlett Johannson being a standout. But of course, Robert Redford deserves special mention for this is not only one of his best directed films, but also he gave himself one of his better roles. He's very good here. There's a close-up on him at the end of this film that has to be seen to be believed. Everything his character is feeling at that moment is revealed perfectly on his face. It's one of those moments that happen every once in a while. One of those moments that make you glad there is a thing called film.

The Audrey Hepburn Story (2000 TV Movie)

Jennifer Love Hewitt excellent as Audrey Hepburn

[27 June 2003]

First off, I didn't know much about JLH. I'd never seen her movies, TV shows, wasn't impressed with her in interviews, but her performance as Audrey Hepburn was about as good a job as anyone could do (vocal impression a particular stand out), and I found her to be absolutely exquisite looking. A real beauty. The only time she didn't capture Audrey was when she smiled and squinted her eyes. JLH does that, but Audrey never did that. Also, I thought the actress who played the younger version of Audrey, Emmy Rossum, also has a big future in films. The only weakness in the AHS were some of the peripheral characters. Particularly the guy who played William Holden. He registered a complete zero.

The Matrix Reloaded (2003)

Now this is how you make a sequel!

[31 May 2003]

After watching The Matrix Reloaded, I thought to myself: has there ever been a sequel as good as this? Aliens, maybe... great movie, but... nah. Godfather part 2? Another great movie... but, I don't think so. The Matrix Reloaded is the best sequel ever made!

Okay, we know that we have state of the art special effects in this film. Neo fighting all the Agent Smiths is an instant classic. Not only brilliant in concept, but even more brilliant in execution. We also know that we have an intriguing story. But within all this special effects, and action, I never thought we'd have such a palpable love story--that works! Neo and Trinity have a scene towards the end that almost brought me to freakin tears. And like all great films, it is that extra ingredient that makes it into a classic. Easily 4 out of 4 stars.

Forrest Gump (1994)

This generation's It's a Wonderful Life.

[10/10 · 23 April 2003]

Forrest Gump is quite simply one of the best films ever made. If The Academy would've given the Oscar to Pulp Fiction, like others have suggested, it would've been their worst moment hands down. I love this film and to the people who don't like it they either don't get it, or they're jumping on some kinda bandwagon. Anyway 4 out of 4 stars.

Pulp Fiction (1994)

Flawed.

[22 April 2003]

Yes, I admired the unique narrative of Pulp Fiction, and yes it was entertaining, but come on... you gotta bunch of people waving guns around in a wide open restaurant (including a black man who previously murdered 3 white men earlier in the day) with about 30 hostages for which seems to be about a half hour, and no cops show up?! And to add insult, this black man takes the time not only to recite a line from the Bible, but to also interpret what he feels this line means to him! It's obvious cops aren't in this movie because the criminals act as if they don't exist. I mean they really ACT AS IF COPS DON'T EXIST. And I thought Tarantino's repeated use of the N-word was low class, unfunny, uttered simply for shock value, and painfully obvious being that we knew he was going to have a black wife, didn't we? It's like someone diving into the water, but not wanting to get wet. Having said that, I enjoyed Pulp Fiction. But how could anyone think this flawed film deserved to win Best Picture. 2.5 stars.