This action packed, violent sequel to the first Extraction movie provides a lot of hard hitting, gritty stunts that really keeps the viewer awake. It can almost be comparable to John Wick in terms of violence. Hargrave and the stunt team have somehow managed to go above and beyond with the beginning 21-minute prison one-take fight scene, which was quite honestly really impressive and appreciated considering the more popular trend most movies go for of just green screening everything. Hemsworth is equally as able, delivering 100% in all of the scenes that he is in with no room for rest. Perfect pacing of action and slower scenes, with the movie clocking in at just under 2 hours, not too much but at the same time not underwhelming. Cinematography is balanced, with no shaky cam in sight, restoring the much needed trend of clean action cinematography. It is absolutely worth watching just for the innovative action scenes alone, and does not disappoint.
Reviews
19 Reviews
Glass Onion
(2022)
Style over substance
28 January 2023
Rian Johnson's new whodunit features many more famous actors and much more comedy than the previous movie. With the addition of more famous actors(or really all famous actors), one can expect that the movie would fall short, which it did. I can tell the script and the comedy is geared more towards the Gen Z demographic. There was only a couple of scenes that were actually suspenseful and I wanted to know what was going to happen, but after those, it was pretty easy to predict what was going to happen. The rich guy with a private island cliche that stole the idea that built a billion dollar company still applies here, and unchanged from its original form. There were also many plot holes and inconsistencies within the movie. But, I did like the cinematography of the movie. Hasn't changed and feels more improved and more stylized than the first movie. Overall, this is a definitely different style of movie from the first one.
Kimi
(2022)
A short but interesting movie
17 April 2022
Steven Soderbergh returns with this short 1h 30m sci-fi thriller about a tech worker that discovers a crime from one of the streams. I was very intrigued by the story, it was simple but so much could happen. There is nothing special or unique about this plot, other than the agoraphobia, which adds some level of depth to the character. The technology aspect of this movie is really what added to the realism. Instead of adding graphics on computer screens in post-production, it seems as though it actually happened in the shot. Most movies tend to not try at all at making the props feel real. The camera movements were perfectly capturing the agoraphobic sense of what Zoë Kravitz's character was feeling. It's great that this is exactly what Soderbergh wants as he is the directory of photography. Other than that, dialogue was alright. Score was pretty bad, in my opinion it was taking away from the suspense and replacing it with a comedic and sort of happy feeling. At least the movie didn't drag on for too long.
The King's Man
(2021)
Not a very Kingsman feel
19 February 2022
It was OK. A bit less of the clever quips and gadgets though. Creative transitions, cutscenes, riveting soundtrack and fast cinematography is common with the first two movies, and is same with this one. I was a bit skeptical at first since we are not familiar with the main characters, but I actually liked them. However, this movie is not all good. Comparing to the first two films, I think this one would be the worst. This movie has no importance in the overall Kingsman story, as we are not familiar with the Oxford family at all. A historical aspect has been added in, but I found it boring. Not the same as the other Kingsman movies.
A Quiet Place Part II
(2020)
Sequel to its 2018 predecessor delivers
24 November 2021
The 2020 sequel directed again by John Krasinski that takes us back to where it all started. Runs just an hour and a half.
Part 1 of this series had some very good jumpscares that were unexpected. Unfortunately, the jumpscares in this movie were very expected. I'd have hoped that Krasinski would carry what they had from the previous film to here. A main factor that ruined this is dialogue. When there is no dialogue for a sustained amount of time, you can probably expect a jumpscare. The prequel had almost no dialogue which helped add to the unexpectedness of the jumpscares.
This sequel also had no effect on the first part. With or without this, nothing would've changed. We only get the character intro of Emmett, and even that was only helpful for the finding of Regan Abbott.
Overall, this sequel had more inconsistencies, and less horror. It is still entertaining, but storyline could use a lot of work.
Part 1 of this series had some very good jumpscares that were unexpected. Unfortunately, the jumpscares in this movie were very expected. I'd have hoped that Krasinski would carry what they had from the previous film to here. A main factor that ruined this is dialogue. When there is no dialogue for a sustained amount of time, you can probably expect a jumpscare. The prequel had almost no dialogue which helped add to the unexpectedness of the jumpscares.
This sequel also had no effect on the first part. With or without this, nothing would've changed. We only get the character intro of Emmett, and even that was only helpful for the finding of Regan Abbott.
Overall, this sequel had more inconsistencies, and less horror. It is still entertaining, but storyline could use a lot of work.
Red Notice
(2021)
A high budget action comedy film with A-list actors
24 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I was really excited when I saw the official trailer come out on Netflix. The movie was just as good as the trailer.
This movie has well-shot action sequences ranging from different countries around the world. The cinematography used in the beginning action scene/establishing shot was spot on, and I was impressed at how they achieved this. Reynolds and Gadot continue to impress and look more convincing than expected.
Reynolds is comedic and funny as always. Combined comedy chemistry with Dwyane Johnson was surprisingly good to say the least. Casting for Sotto Voce(Chris Diamantopoulos) was a perfect match. Almost a bit too convincing in my opinion. His accent is good, but it sounds like he's trying too hard.
Twists were good, however the ending was not effective enough, and therefore not surprising. The short Porsche sequence was surprising though.
Steve Jablonsky's score had a high-paced, fitting tone that brought the action scenes on a whole new level. Especially the score for the museum chase, one of the best in the whole movie.
The ending sets up a good premise for a possible sequel. For the movie's budget, it meets expectations.
This movie has well-shot action sequences ranging from different countries around the world. The cinematography used in the beginning action scene/establishing shot was spot on, and I was impressed at how they achieved this. Reynolds and Gadot continue to impress and look more convincing than expected.
Reynolds is comedic and funny as always. Combined comedy chemistry with Dwyane Johnson was surprisingly good to say the least. Casting for Sotto Voce(Chris Diamantopoulos) was a perfect match. Almost a bit too convincing in my opinion. His accent is good, but it sounds like he's trying too hard.
Twists were good, however the ending was not effective enough, and therefore not surprising. The short Porsche sequence was surprising though.
Steve Jablonsky's score had a high-paced, fitting tone that brought the action scenes on a whole new level. Especially the score for the museum chase, one of the best in the whole movie.
The ending sets up a good premise for a possible sequel. For the movie's budget, it meets expectations.
Death Race
(2008)
A good concept ruined by terrible cinematography
4 September 2021
Great writing, great action, great comedy. Although most of the plot was predictable and there are some plot holes, Death Race delivers. However, cinematography just took me out of the movie. Just kept zooming in and out constantly during face to face shots, thankfully though, the rest of the movie does not suffer from this. Still a great entertaining piece of film.
Zack Snyder's Justice League
(2021)
Worth the 4 hours
4 September 2021
Definitely better than Whedon's Justice League, this movie gives a gritty, more mature action dynamic than the rest of the superhero movies. Cinematography, music, everything just comes together. A very touching tribute to Snyder's daughter as well.
A high quality action film
30 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Let me just say this, the Russo brothers know how to direct an action movie.
The action shots are kind of shaky, but you can still sense what is happening. Combined with the music and the wonderful stunts, this movie has the best hand-to-hand combat scenes in all of the MCU. Most of my favorite hand-to-hand scenes are from this movie. The elevator, highway, and the Fury car chase, all are wonderful and keep you interested.
The conflict between Captain America knowing that Bucky doesn't know him further adds to the strain of the relationship between them. They also gave the spotlight to Fury, Black Widow, Pierce, and Rumlow and introduced the Falcon character.
Please watch it.
The action shots are kind of shaky, but you can still sense what is happening. Combined with the music and the wonderful stunts, this movie has the best hand-to-hand combat scenes in all of the MCU. Most of my favorite hand-to-hand scenes are from this movie. The elevator, highway, and the Fury car chase, all are wonderful and keep you interested.
The conflict between Captain America knowing that Bucky doesn't know him further adds to the strain of the relationship between them. They also gave the spotlight to Fury, Black Widow, Pierce, and Rumlow and introduced the Falcon character.
Please watch it.
Non-Stop
(2014)
A great movie with an awesome plot twist
19 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The movie starts off with a hook that gets you and you have to keep guessing who it is. The plot is simple, a man threatens an air marshal to get $150m, or every 20 minutes, a passenger dies. No unnecessary backstory needed, you just get the basic information, and dropped into action.
I fully enjoyed it all the way through, and the action was very believable. I can't blame the crew for the shaky camera (as seen in almost every modern action movie), as they had to film inside a small space. I looked at the featurette and saw how they were able to hide some of the rooms to pass it on to the audience as natural. This gave the actors more space to fight it out (this applies to the scene where Stroll's and other characters fight Neeson's character).
Acting was nothing too special, just them doing their thing.
You will probably not get bored watching this film.
I fully enjoyed it all the way through, and the action was very believable. I can't blame the crew for the shaky camera (as seen in almost every modern action movie), as they had to film inside a small space. I looked at the featurette and saw how they were able to hide some of the rooms to pass it on to the audience as natural. This gave the actors more space to fight it out (this applies to the scene where Stroll's and other characters fight Neeson's character).
Acting was nothing too special, just them doing their thing.
You will probably not get bored watching this film.
Chappie
(2015)
An underrated masterpiece from director Neill Blomkamp
16 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
All parts of this movie hit the highest note. The CGI, action, storyline, voice acting, everything was amazing.
The acting: Although there is only one main character that had to voice act, it was amazing. Sharlto Copley captured all of the hardships, and all of the progression. One of my favorite scenes that demonstrates this is the scene where Ninja drops Chappie off to "toughen" him up. I genuinely felt sad for Chappie when this happened. Loved Hugh Jackman's character especially.
The action: Nothing too special, but pretty great. Also lots of unexpected violence, like bodies being sliced in half and thrown at a wall.
I won't say too much, but please watch it.
The acting: Although there is only one main character that had to voice act, it was amazing. Sharlto Copley captured all of the hardships, and all of the progression. One of my favorite scenes that demonstrates this is the scene where Ninja drops Chappie off to "toughen" him up. I genuinely felt sad for Chappie when this happened. Loved Hugh Jackman's character especially.
The action: Nothing too special, but pretty great. Also lots of unexpected violence, like bodies being sliced in half and thrown at a wall.
I won't say too much, but please watch it.
The Hitman's Bodyguard
(2017)
Thoroughly entertaining, major underuse of Gary Oldman
19 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This is definitely not the best action movie, this movie is chock-full of clichés that are predictable, and it has a very weak plot. But one thing is for certain.
This movie is entertaining! It wasn't a total waste of time, and I loved the connection between Reynolds and Jackson. All of the action sequences and comedy bits were awesome. Having Reynolds and Jackson as the main roles for this helped even more, it's almost like they were meant for this movie. The fight scenes, nothing too special, just trained people doing what they were trained to do.
There were some things that were a bit weird. For example, some shots were a bit fuzzy, and this happens throughout the movie. It is quite noticeable, but I am sure that is on purpose. There were also things that somehow happened just when the plot needed it, like how one of the men that Dukhovich hired as a mole overheard that there is activity in the safehouse where Kincaid was.
But, overall a great watch and you will not be disappointed.
This movie is entertaining! It wasn't a total waste of time, and I loved the connection between Reynolds and Jackson. All of the action sequences and comedy bits were awesome. Having Reynolds and Jackson as the main roles for this helped even more, it's almost like they were meant for this movie. The fight scenes, nothing too special, just trained people doing what they were trained to do.
There were some things that were a bit weird. For example, some shots were a bit fuzzy, and this happens throughout the movie. It is quite noticeable, but I am sure that is on purpose. There were also things that somehow happened just when the plot needed it, like how one of the men that Dukhovich hired as a mole overheard that there is activity in the safehouse where Kincaid was.
But, overall a great watch and you will not be disappointed.
Baby Driver
(2017)
A Must Watch!
17 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This movie is honestly unique. Edgar Wright's style of timing every single action to the beat in a song is satisfying to watch. There are so many hidden things that you may not catch, and you really have to pay attention. Let's talk about the first scene.
The first scene is one of the best starters to a movie I have ever seen. It takes you on a rollercoaster and keeps you watching till the end. But, well, it still keeps going after that. The first scene comprises of a crew that robbed the Bank of Atlanta, and thanks to their getaway driver, they got away. But how? You may think through just not drawing the attention from the cops and just hiding in dark alleyways, but that's hard to do with a loud, bright red Subaru. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Baby uses the traffic to his advantage. He outruns them by letting them chase him till either a car hits them, or a camper that blocks off where he just went. I also love the use of practical effects, it makes it seem more real. Especially the scene with the drift and the two reversing vehicles, I am amazed that they actually did this.
I won't go too in depth on all of the main action scenes in this movie, but I'll just say this, please. Watch. This. Movie. You won't regret it.
The first scene is one of the best starters to a movie I have ever seen. It takes you on a rollercoaster and keeps you watching till the end. But, well, it still keeps going after that. The first scene comprises of a crew that robbed the Bank of Atlanta, and thanks to their getaway driver, they got away. But how? You may think through just not drawing the attention from the cops and just hiding in dark alleyways, but that's hard to do with a loud, bright red Subaru. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Baby uses the traffic to his advantage. He outruns them by letting them chase him till either a car hits them, or a camper that blocks off where he just went. I also love the use of practical effects, it makes it seem more real. Especially the scene with the drift and the two reversing vehicles, I am amazed that they actually did this.
I won't go too in depth on all of the main action scenes in this movie, but I'll just say this, please. Watch. This. Movie. You won't regret it.
Taken 3
(2014)
Just the same story as literally any other action movie
17 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
You got the stereotypical rich villain with the Russian sidekicks, you got the main motivation for the protagonist. I could go on and on about the camerawork and the editing style. And I will.
The cuts in the first fight scene, where Bryan escapes from the cops are way too short, you can't even comprehend what is going on. At least the beginning and end of the scene were not so shaky. The constant need of zooming in on what is happening is not needed. I don't even get what you gain for zooming in constantly during action sequences like an early 2000's action movie. It's annoying and useless. Most if not all of the fight scenes in this movie suffer from this.
The stunts were all right, nothing too special. Definitely worse since you can't comprehend what's going on. The punches also looked significantly weaker and looked like it relied mostly on sound effects, which further strays away from a realistic point. With a budget like this movie, I'd expect something much better, considering how the prequels were better, and less jumpy.
The scenes which involved Bryan needing to download phone records, etc. Looked pretty good for a movie that is focused on the fight scenes. Although I think most of the money went to the CGI device that downloads the GPS records, this could've been avoided if he had just gotten a phone with this same program. It looked nice, but it was definitely not needed.
There were also many things that just didn't make sense that were only there because the story needed it. This series of movies is the prime example of how sequels of movies get worse and worse. The first Taken, amazing. The second Taken, not the best. The third Taken, it probably is the end of the series. I hope they don't make any more of these as there isn't anything original anymore. I guess they can take one of Bryan's friends or something, and even then it would probably make for a better movie.
Overall, there was so much missed potential, and this movie failed to deliver. It's sad to see this series ending like this, but if you don't want to be disappointed, then don't watch this.
The cuts in the first fight scene, where Bryan escapes from the cops are way too short, you can't even comprehend what is going on. At least the beginning and end of the scene were not so shaky. The constant need of zooming in on what is happening is not needed. I don't even get what you gain for zooming in constantly during action sequences like an early 2000's action movie. It's annoying and useless. Most if not all of the fight scenes in this movie suffer from this.
The stunts were all right, nothing too special. Definitely worse since you can't comprehend what's going on. The punches also looked significantly weaker and looked like it relied mostly on sound effects, which further strays away from a realistic point. With a budget like this movie, I'd expect something much better, considering how the prequels were better, and less jumpy.
The scenes which involved Bryan needing to download phone records, etc. Looked pretty good for a movie that is focused on the fight scenes. Although I think most of the money went to the CGI device that downloads the GPS records, this could've been avoided if he had just gotten a phone with this same program. It looked nice, but it was definitely not needed.
There were also many things that just didn't make sense that were only there because the story needed it. This series of movies is the prime example of how sequels of movies get worse and worse. The first Taken, amazing. The second Taken, not the best. The third Taken, it probably is the end of the series. I hope they don't make any more of these as there isn't anything original anymore. I guess they can take one of Bryan's friends or something, and even then it would probably make for a better movie.
Overall, there was so much missed potential, and this movie failed to deliver. It's sad to see this series ending like this, but if you don't want to be disappointed, then don't watch this.
The Avengers
(2012)
One of the classics, a must watch
17 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The score, the CGI, the writing, the humor, all of it is just top notch!
Especially the legendary scene where Tony Stark falls out of the building and the suit activates and builds around him, not a scene to forget. The scenes where he lands at the Stark Tower landing pad and the machines automatically took off his suit is also unforgettable. How all of the agents have different plans, and how this will create conflict, but at the end, when they defeat Loki, they are together again. This movie also serves a major purpose as all of these people have met each other for the first time.
If you have watched all of the other Avengers movies, it is pretty funny to see how they have grown with each other. The theme song, composed by Alan Silvestri took this movie to a whole new level. And how this theme song evolved in the later Avengers movies. Even hearing it now gives me chills.
Especially the legendary scene where Tony Stark falls out of the building and the suit activates and builds around him, not a scene to forget. The scenes where he lands at the Stark Tower landing pad and the machines automatically took off his suit is also unforgettable. How all of the agents have different plans, and how this will create conflict, but at the end, when they defeat Loki, they are together again. This movie also serves a major purpose as all of these people have met each other for the first time.
If you have watched all of the other Avengers movies, it is pretty funny to see how they have grown with each other. The theme song, composed by Alan Silvestri took this movie to a whole new level. And how this theme song evolved in the later Avengers movies. Even hearing it now gives me chills.
10 Cloverfield Lane
(2016)
Pretty good movie, lots of suspense
14 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This movie is really good, and the story is simple. A man takes 2 people inside his bunker to protect them from what he claims is a chemical attack. The ending with the alien ship flying over, trying to find humans may throw some people off as this movie doesn't come off as an alien movie. It does also setup a good premise for a sequel. And for some reason Bradley Cooper is in here, wasn't needed/wildly underused.
The Losers
(I) (2010)
Just your average comedy action movie with famous actors
13 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This movie contains all of the action pieces that you would normally find in an action movie. A rich villain who works for the government that has a powerful weapon, his main bodyguard that follows him wherever he goes, people who used to work for the government (either retired, fired, or left out, but in this case left out) that will try and stop him, all the usual.
The action sequences were OK, but the scene at the port was pretty shaky and it was kind of hard to comprehend what was going on. The CGI was also OK. I did like the end scene where Pooch sneakily went to see his wife at the hospital. Thankfully, the movie didn't drag on too long, only at 1h 37m.
This is a good movie to just watch without needing to understand too much backstory.
The action sequences were OK, but the scene at the port was pretty shaky and it was kind of hard to comprehend what was going on. The CGI was also OK. I did like the end scene where Pooch sneakily went to see his wife at the hospital. Thankfully, the movie didn't drag on too long, only at 1h 37m.
This is a good movie to just watch without needing to understand too much backstory.
Aquaman
(2018)
Writing is just awful, so many illogical things due to script, although visually stunning
12 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Watched DC's Aquaman on Blu-ray. I have to say, this movie is amazing in terms of its CGI, and how the inside of Atlantis looked. All of the fight scenes were also pretty good, no shaky camera, though it was a bit jittery. The music score during these action sequences was phenomenal, sounds like your typical hero music with some added twists. Although what this film makes in CGI and action, lacks in writing and common sense.
Many unnecessary scenes like where Mera kisses Aquaman, which somehow doesn't get interrupted by the enemy's shooting them is just terrible. This movie is not special, contains many clichés from other movies. How King Orm talked to Manta by somehow casting a hologram in water is just dumb, and could have been done better. The scene where Manta upgrades his suit is also unneeded, I felt as though he wasn't too serious and motivated to kill Aquaman, told by the inexperience (or of the many things gone wrong that may just be an attempt at humor)
Casting was OK, nothing too special. Isn't worth watching.
Many unnecessary scenes like where Mera kisses Aquaman, which somehow doesn't get interrupted by the enemy's shooting them is just terrible. This movie is not special, contains many clichés from other movies. How King Orm talked to Manta by somehow casting a hologram in water is just dumb, and could have been done better. The scene where Manta upgrades his suit is also unneeded, I felt as though he wasn't too serious and motivated to kill Aquaman, told by the inexperience (or of the many things gone wrong that may just be an attempt at humor)
Casting was OK, nothing too special. Isn't worth watching.
Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
(2013–2020)
The most underrated TV show in the MCU
12 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I got hooked to this show almost immediately and started binging it on Netflix. I then went on to watch the whole series again, and I was lucky enough to catch the last season live on ABC. I felt really excited and sad at the same time watching the show end.
AOS had tolerable CGI, good acting, and cheesy (but good) humor. Also a bunch of plot twists that were honestly surprising. The bond that the characters had with each other is super strong, especially when a character dies (such as Trip). I also like how they wrote Iain's character, how he was imagining himself as another version, one that didn't care for his friends.
There are also some small tie-ins from the MCU movies like Avengers and Avengers: Age of Ultron. Overall a really good show if you are looking for something to watch in the Marvel category.
AOS had tolerable CGI, good acting, and cheesy (but good) humor. Also a bunch of plot twists that were honestly surprising. The bond that the characters had with each other is super strong, especially when a character dies (such as Trip). I also like how they wrote Iain's character, how he was imagining himself as another version, one that didn't care for his friends.
There are also some small tie-ins from the MCU movies like Avengers and Avengers: Age of Ultron. Overall a really good show if you are looking for something to watch in the Marvel category.
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