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Reviews
The Covenant (2023)
An Action-Packed Tale of Heroism
Guy Ritchie's "The Covenant" covers a fictionalized account of sergeant John Kinley, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, and interpreter Ahmed, played by Dar Salim, during the U. S. Military's involvement in Afghanistan. From their first meeting, a strong sense of brotherhood continues to build up between the two men, which will prove to be essential in their survival. Filmmaking wise, I really appreciated some of the cinematography, allowing the audience to read the visual language regarding our two leads on screen in several memorable moments. Speaking of the two leads, John Kinley and Ahmed prove to be a strong duo, as John initially is opposed to Ahmed's approach to his role as an Afghan interpreter, contesting John's judgement and authority. Ahmed, like many of the other Afghan interpreters, seeks an escape from the country for himself and his wife and the film smartly pokes fun at the bureaucratic process regarding refugees in one of the more memorable sequences in the story. For the most part, the film is action packed from start to finish, giving the story urgency and the right pace. It also utilizes its real world setting well and by the end, hits home the reality for people involved in that whole ordeal. "The Covenant" is a personal tale of heroism and brotherhood that manages to touch on a larger subject while also succeeding as an enjoyable action war film. Final verdict: 9/10.
Barbie (2023)
A Glamourous but Poorly Executed Product
In Barbieland, Stereotypical Barbie, played by Margot Robbie, experiences changes both mentally and physically, much to the surprise of the other Barbies. To find the answers she is looking for, Stereotypical Barbie must venture out into the real world, accompanied by her Ken, played by Ryan Gosling. On the plus side, the production design is striking. Barbieland is visually interesting, managing to feel fake, but lived in at the same time. The actors seem to have fun in the roles they are playing, Ryan Gosling's Ken being a stand out, making the best of the material he has. Margot Robbie also fulfills the role at playing a believable Barbie. Unfortunately, the overall execution of the film was disappointing. Most of the humor didn't land for me, though it did have its moments. Then there is the mixed messaging regarding gender roles. The film clearly states what it is trying to say (not subtle at all), but at the same time, undermines it through poor writing and characterization. Likewise, other attempts for the story to get deep end up falling flat by getting in its own way. While Barbie has its moments, it ends up getting held back by poorly executed ideas. Final verdict: 5/10.
Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2015)
Strong Entry in the Franchise
Ethan Hunt is on the trail of an organization made up of rogue agents from around the world and will once again have to rely on friends both old and new to put a stop to its growing empire. Once again, this franchise delivers another hitter with "Rogue Nation" by giving us more tense and exciting action set pieces, twists and turns, and building upon the past films. The relationship between our likeable characters continues to strengthen and the film finds ways to make them useful to the plot. Rebecca Ferguson as Ilsa is also a welcome addition to the cast who manages to hold her own and stand with the rest of the characters. The plot is pretty solid, very well paced, and gets much better towards the end with the third act giving the film a fantastic finish. A few of the downsides I can think of is that the antagonist is not really worth writing home about and the film does repeat some subplots from past films. When all is said and done, this film continues to prove the legitimacy of the "M:I" franchise. Final verdict: 8.5/10.
Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol (2011)
A Highly Enjoyable Entry
After the I. M. F. Is indicated in an attack against Russia, Ethan Hunt and his friends will have to rely on themselves to clear their organization's name and put a stop to potential international war. "Ghost Protocol" was more entertaining than I thought it would be. The plot manages to be large and small scale at the same time, as it focuses on a likeable group of characters that bounce well off of each other and who make their own contributions to the progression of the mission. The pacing was executed very well and makes the film a non-stop thrill ride from beginning to end. This film also continues the tradition of delivering some of the most nerve racking and epic stunts, as I'm sure everyone is aware of the scene where Tom Cruise scales the tallest building in the world. Other than the positives I have mentioned, I guess the film doesn't really elevate the genre or take it in unexpected directions, but it did fulfill an important job; to be entertaining. Final verdict: 8/10.
The Rocketeer (1991)
An Underrated Classic
Based on the graphic novel of the same name, a young pilot by the name of Cliff Secord and his friend Peevee find themselves in possession of a secret government invention, a rocket that you strap to your back. It's not long before Cliff puts it to good use and attracts the attention of multiple parties who are after the rocket. "The Rocketeer" is a fun, straightforward movie with an engaging plot and clever writing. Cliff Secord is likeable enough to root for and makes his own mistakes from time to time. Peevee acts as the older friend and mentor, making sure that Cliff knows what he is doing. Jenny acts as your damsel in distress, but proves herself to be tougher than she looks. Neville Sinclair, played by Timothy Dalton, acts as an enjoyable mustache twirling villian. The film has this patriotic feel to it, which is no surprise, considering that the director would later on helm "Captain America: The First Avenger," and that is reflected by its wonderful score, conducted by James Horner. It's a shame that this movie doesn't get much recognition (especially since this was a Disney production) because it is such an enjoyable gem whose goal is unpretentious and for the sake of entertainment. Final verdict: 8/10.
Mission: Impossible III (2006)
Back on Track
With the dip in quality in "Mission: Impossible 2" I was wondering where the series would go next. "Mission: Impossible 3" brings us back to Ethan Hunt, who hasn't been in the field for a while due to his relationship and engagement to Julia. He is eventually called back into the fray and becomes entangled with viscious arms dealer Owen Davian, putting those he loves in danger. I believe this film to be a return to form by striking a perfect balance between direct and non direct action, setting up higher stakes, and presenting a wider range of emotion from Ethan Hunt's character. You have your espionage (which the last film was lacking) and your fair amount of gunplay added into the mix. Another thing I appreciated is further exposition behind the IMF agency and how their gadgetry works, making the world feel more grounded and less silly. A fair portion of the film is very tense as Ethan is confronted with a ticking clock and a threatening presence in the form of Philip Seymour Hoffman's character. The love interest this time around I found to be more believable compared to the last one and by the end proves to be a suitable foil for Ethan. One criticism I do have of the action is the abundance of shaky cam. I prefer to actually see the action on display instead of being bombarded with many cuts and camera shakes. At the end of the day, "Mission: Impossible 3" is another solid and entertaining entry for the franchise. Final verdict: 8/10.
Mission: Impossible II (2000)
Well, it's Entertaining at Least
Ethan Hunt's new mission tasks him with getting ahold of a newly created and deadly virus with the help of a talented thief. Right away you can see how drastically different "Mission Impossible 2" is compared to the first, with its bigger emphasis on action and approach to filmmaking. Director John Woo has a distinct style and it doesn't really work for this franchise. The action choreography can get a bit silly at points as well as the use of slow motion. The plot is more straightforward than its predecessor, which is not a bad thing, but I think the espionage and intrigue of the last one I found more enjoyable. The romance with the love interest I found to be blown out of proportion. Tom Cruise still manages to retain some of his charm as Ethan Hunt and the action, though over the top, is entertaining. Final verdict: 6/10.
Mission: Impossible (1996)
A Solid Spy Film
After a mission goes horribly awry, agent Ethan Hunt gets mistaken for a mole by the C. I. A. And is on the run to get to the bottom of this mystery. This was my first time watching the film, in preparation for "Dead Reckoning Part One," and I had an enjoyable time with this one. Granted, the plot can get a bit confusing and crowded with it going in new directions around every corner, but there is enough intrigue to keep you tethered to it. Tom Cruise is one of the most charismatic actors working today and plays a fun protagonist in Ethan Hunt and has enough spunk to carry the film. I was somewhat surprised with the lack of gunplay in the film, which wasn't an issue. I guess seeing the marketing for the latest films over the years had something to do with that. There is action of a different kind that I found to be executed well, the famous vault heist scene comes to mind, which was an excellent tension filled sequence. "Mission: Impossible" is a film that knows what it is and has fun with it. Final verdict: 8/10.
Rat Race (2001)
A Silly, Insane, and Underrated Comedy
If you've ever seen the film "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" then you have an idea of what "Rat Race" is about. If not, then the basic plot surrounds a group of individuals in Las Vegas who are baited into competing with each other in a race for 2 million dollars, which is all set up by casino/hotel owner Donald Sinclair played by John Cleese. From that point, all sorts of extreme mishaps ensue in their relentless pursuit of fortune. A problem that is usually faced with these big ensemble movies is knowing what to do with all of these high profile actors and I think the script (for the most part) plays to each of their strengths well. My favorite subplot of this movie, by far, is Jon Lovitz and his family, who are in the funniest scene in the movie (my personal opinion). The finale of this movie was unexpected (actually, to be fair, most of the stuff that happens in this movie is unexpected) and acts as a nice bow to the main theme of the story. Some caveats to this film is that some bits get repetitive and while it may not be as clever as it's spiritual ancestor, "Rat Race" proves to be an undoubtedly enjoyable and hilarious time. Final verdict: 8/10.
Past Lives (2023)
A Bittersweet Romantic Drama
"Past Lives" centers around two childhood friends from South Korea, Na Young played by Greta Lee and Hae Sung played by Teo Yoo. Due to uncontrollable circumstances, the two part ways at an early age, with Na's family immigrating to Canada and Hae staying in South Korea. Years pass and Na's career takes her to New York. Na and Hae eventually reconnect and take in all of the changes that have happened to each of them. The most important thing in any romantic story is chemistry between your two leads and Na and Hae exhibit that in every scene they are in, no matter the context. Then there is Na's American husband played by John Magaro, whose character could have easily been reduced to a background one or simply a device to stir up drama, but it didn't go in that direction and I appreciated that. The script also doesn't treat his character as ignorant or stupid. He's simply just an outsider of the situation trying to understand his wife and her relationship with Hae and by the end proves himself to be a decent man. The visual storytelling was something that stuck out to me, as the camera intentionally frames things in a way that communicates the state each of our characters are in. The only real crime of this film is that it doesn't elevate the genre in any big way, but what we do get is a well told, well acted, touching, bittersweet, romantic drama that will get you teary eyed by the end. One of the best films of the year so far. Final verdict: 9/10.
Extraction 2 (2023)
A Step up From the First
Extraction 2 picks up right where the first left off, as Tyler Rake recovers from his last extraction job. It is not long before he is approached with a new assignment which, to his surprise, has personal ties to him. The mission? Rescue a family and keep them out of the hands of a faction with a history of violence. Extraction 2 does what a good sequel should do, build upon the groundwork of its predecessor and improve its weaker aspects. The story, once again, is more in service to the action, but there is a bit more meat to it this time which I appreciated. It also brings resolution to bread crumbs left in the last film. Of course, the one thing everyone is most excited for, the action, does not disappoint. There is an over twenty minute one shot action sequence and while it's obvious that edits are hidden, it is still breathtaking and satisfying to watch. Chris Hemsworth still proves himself to be a presence in this role and it fits him well. Another thing I appreciated is seeing the side characters from the last film get more time to shine, like Nik and her brother Yaz. A few detriments to this film would be the sound design, dialogue to be specific. In some scenes it is hard to make out what the characters are saying, especially during the action. There is also the finale, which I felt to be a bit underwhelming, at least compared to the last film. Overall, a better film than the first and a definite recommendation from me. Final verdict: 8/10.
Extraction (2020)
A Solid Action Flick
Tyler Rake is a mercenary and a retired military soldier who served in Afghanistan. His services are required by an agency run by a brother and sister. The assignment? Rescue a boy and escort him out of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Oppositional forces and unexpected obstacles threaten to derail the mission in order to fulfill their own angle. This performance from Chris Hemsworth was a nice departure from the goofy antics of the latest Thor films. He plays a more stern and objective driven character that is given just enough tenderness to make him more of a human character than a walking robot who causes destruction. Speaking of which, this is marketed as an action film and it is most certainly that. It's executed with the right energy and pace to get your adrenaline up and the filmmakers take it in interesting directions. While the action is great, the story is pretty thin. It's the case where the narrative is more in service to the action scenes, rather than the characters, ideas, or world. Nonetheless, I recommend this one if you want an unpretentious, competently shot, thrill ride for two hours. Final verdict: 7.5/10.
Beau Is Afraid (2023)
A Trippy and Disturbing Odyssey
An anxiety ridden man by the name of Beau goes on a journey to see his mother, experiencing many terrors along the way. This is one of those tricky films that is hard to sell to a general audience (one only has to look at the box office results) and one where a studio executive would ask, "Are you sure about this?" The fact that this was released gives me some hope that studios are willing to tell unconventional and risky stories (I mean, in A24's case this is nothing new), but that doesn't mean it will always hit the target and going by all of the reviews, the reception was pretty mixed. I found this movie interesting. Does it mean I find it rewatchable? No, but I'm sure there are many details I've missed that could tempt me into revisiting it. The story in this film explores family trauma, which is nothing new to Ari Aster's filmography. I found myself trying to piece together the glimpses we get of Beau's past as the film went along and, while this may be an unpopular opinion to any of those who've seen it, I found the ending to be a decent payoff to all of the bits of information we were given. Without spoiling it, I pretty much saw how this film was going to end as I got further into the runtime. Every now and then we do get a bit of dark humor that I admittedly chuckled at. While I commend it for being an ambitious movie, it might just be a bit too ambitious for its own good. You could argue that this is a self-indulgent movie for Ari Aster, where we get a good amount of scenes that feel long winded and unnecessarily tedious. A more tight script I believe would have benefitted it. Joaquin Phoenix continues to showcase his acting talent as Beau and we also have an assortment of interesting side characters that add something to the story. I'll finish off this review by saying I won't blame you for hating this movie. It's really one of those hit or miss films and in my case I think it worked for the most part, though it still has a few issues that makes me think twice about watching this again. Final verdict: 8/10.
Suzume no Tojimari (2022)
A Beautiful Adventure
Suzume follows its title character as she ends up meeting a young man named Souta and becomes invested in a mission to close a number of doors located around Japan, which lead to a parallel plane of existence that holds a great threat to Earth. This isn't the kind of movie that I usually see at the theater, but I decided to take the chance after seeing the trailer. This film did not disappoint. It presents a story just as beautiful as its animation. The central plot of the film also acts as a nice road trip through the country of Japan. There were surprisingly some hysterical moments as well with great timing. Then there are some tear jerking moments which translate the heart of the film very well. If I had to think of any detrimental elements, I'd say that a portion of the second half made the pacing of the film take a back seat and didn't feel like it was progressing that much. Other than that, this is a really good film that I recommend and is one of the best films of the year so far. Final verdict: 9/10.
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)
A Fun Fantasy Romp
Dungeons & Dungeons: Honor Among Thieves follows Edgin the bard and Holga the barbarian as they set out to retrieve an ancient relic with the help of old friends and new allies. What a surprise this movie was! It was thoroughly entertaining and touching. The marketing and press didn't do this movie any favors, as it was selling something that was different and not representative of the final product. The humor (for the most part) lands and the dialogue is clever. I'd say that it takes a little bit in the beginning to get the momentum going, but once the group (or party) is assembled, the real fun of the film begins. The chemistry and comradery between the characters is enjoyable and it is nice to see a healthy friendship between Edgin and Holga who act as the core duo of the story. Every member of the group contributes to the overall progression of the quest in some way and it is fun to see them overcome problems and obstacles. As far as villains go, Hugh Grant as Forge is entertaining to watch, but Daisy Head as Sofina is sadly one of the weaker aspects of the film. The film also includes a good dose of heart into the narrative that I appreciated and is something that makes me want to come back and see it again. All in all, a fun fantasy adventure film that is one of the surprises of the year for me. Final verdict: 8/10.
Dungeons & Dragons (2000)
Critic Score 3/10, Entertainment Score 9/10
Dungeons & Dragons. What a film this was. One of those so bad it's good kind of films that you look back on with fondness and disdain. Despite having a budget of 35 to 45 million dollars, the sets, props, costumes, and effects look cheap and dated. This comes from the same studio who would ironically produce the greatest fantasy trilogy of all time and the contrast is baffling. The performances range from dull to over the top bad. There is also an abrupt shift to the climax and from that point, it's like the writers just didn't care anymore and, from an entertainment stand point, it was glorious. In fact, this whole movie is fascinating in its own way. This is a huge guilty pleasure and what would have made it even more so would be some more screen time from Jeremy Irons. His overacting is a thing of beauty. Final verdict: 3/10 (but for a so bad it's good film, 9/10).
Creed III (2023)
A Fun Entry for the Franchise
Michael B. Jordan makes his directorial debut with Creed 3 and I found this to be a solid start. Jordan brings a new energy to the film, especially with the fight scenes. We get fast cuts and anime inspired sequences that come straight out of Dragon Ball Z. Something that may stick out to audiences when coming to see this film is the absence of the Italian stallion. While I do feel a bit bad for Stallone with the drama that happened behind the scenes, it was interesting to see Jordan take the reins by himself and the finished product ended up keeping my interest. Jonathan Majors plays the antagonist this time around, an old friend of Adonis, and he brought a level of depth to his performance that prevented his character from becoming cartoonish. Supporting actors do a decent enough job as well, especially Adonis's daughter. As far as cons go, I will say that the film has trouble trying to escape the formulaic elements of past movies in the franchise, but there is just enough innovation to bring me back to it. While maybe not reaching the emotional highs of past films, it still is solid and enjoyable enough for me to recommend it. Final verdict: 8/10.
Up (2009)
Top-tier Animated Film for Everyone
Up follows Carl Fredrickson, an old man who sets out to fulfill a promise he made to his wife as his world is being taken away from him. Right out of the gate, this film lets you know how special, heartfelt, and deep it is and makes you feel many things throughout. It's tearjerking moments are balanced out with colorful characters that relieve the viewer with clever humor, but even they have genuingly touching moments themselves. What Carl's journey represents is his way of dealing with grief and with grief, obsession is something that can easily slip into it and makes you forget what is truly important in life. Up is an incredible animated adventure film that, like others from Pixar's tenure, prove to be more than just for the children and is my favorite Pixar film (and that is saying a lot). Final verdict: 10/10.
M3GAN (2022)
Won't Hack the Horror Algorithm, but it's an Entertaining Watch
Megan (or M3gan) follows a woman, Gemma, who works for a toy company. She gets handed the responsibility of taking care of Cady, the daughter of her sister, who recently, along with her husband, has died in a car accident. Their relationship is difficult at first, as Gemma was not planning on taking care of a child. Gemma treks forward with a special project for her toy company and decides to test it out with Cady. This special project is M3gan, a doll that can communicate, teach, and take care of children. Things take a turn when the doll exhibits odd behavior and an unhealthy obsession for her is formed by Cady. I think it's safe to say that I describe this movie as entertaining. Sure, it won't revolutionize the horror genre and some of the acting is a bit hokey, but it has a straightforward approach, humility, and a campy nature to it that makes it fun to watch. The film doesn't take itself too seriously and there are some genuinely humorous moments. Overall, a decent horror flick and a recommendation from me. Final verdict: 7/10.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners (2022)
A Bittersweet Story of Dreamers
Night City, a place that sells dreams and fantasies, much to the dismay of its poorest inhabitants. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners does a good job at getting you invested in its universe, as Night City represents unchecked capitalism with shameless ads that are exhibited around nearly every corner and activities that citizens partake in which further detach them from their own reality. We follow David Martinez, a young man who lives on the more poor side of town whose mother works hard for him to have a better life in the city. It's not too long before David becomes involved with a group called edgerunners, who perform special jobs for clients (or fixers). This series was a fun watch. It has all of the classic trademarks of an anime, but also the worldbuilding that sci-fi fans want to see. It has characters you can root for as they try to make a name for themselves and have dreams that you want to see come to fruition, which makes it tough to watch as they end up in seemingly inescapable situations. The action is also gory and slick and the show delivers plenty on that front. I'd say the biggest fault of this show is that it is not given the time to flesh out certain plot points, leading to moments that feel rushed and ones that deserve to have more of an impact. Overall, a pretty good show that should draw in more viewers to the world of Cyperpunk. Final verdict: 8.5/10.
Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (2022)
Guillermo's First Animated Feature
The newest rendition of the tale is brought to us by Guillermo del Toro and Mark Gustafson and is set against the backdrop of WW2 Era Italy under the Fascist control of dictator Mussolini. At first, I wasn't too sure about the decision of putting the story of Pinocchio in a real world historical context, but by the end, I believe I see what Guillermo and crew were trying to go for and see the relation between the title character and the setting. The animation, needless to say, is wonderful and is so fluid at points that you forget you are watching stop-motion animation. Guillermo also utilizes the best aspects of the character to tell a touching (and admittedly sometimes dark) story that both children and adults can appreciate. The plot could've used a little work as I questioned certain directions the story went, but I thoroughly enjoyed the end result. Whether it's as good or better than the classic Disney film is debatable, but I can safely say it is the best adaptation we've gotten since then. Final verdict: 8.5/10.
Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)
A Slight Improvement Over the First
Once again, the strongest element of the second outing is the visual effects. I don't believe I've ever seen CGI look this good, so good in fact that it puts many other modern movie blockbusters to shame. The action scenes do not disappoint and are surprisingly pretty brutal. As far as the story, I found it to be a little refreshing to see more personality in the characters and it was nice to have that family dynamic between Jake, Neytiri, and their children. Colonel Quaritch also has a bit more dimension to his character and will likely continue to be explored in future films. My biggest gripe is that the story feels a bit too thin for a movie this long. Some noticeable plot holes can be a bit jarring. Some problems also carry over from the first film to this, like the heavy handed environmental messages and the lack of nuance which prevents potential interesting ideas from being explored that could add depth to the story. As the credits rolled, I found this film to be an improvement, not a massive one, but an improvement. Final verdict: 7/10.
It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
A Deeply Moving Holiday Classic
Shortly after the end of WW2, the tastes of the American people yearned for something more real like the war, which lead to the underperformance of Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life as it was deemed too sentimental. After years of being played on television, it eventually got the attention it rightfully deserved. George Bailey, played by James Stewart, yearns to leave Bedford Falls, but one unfortunate event after another calls for George to make sacrifice after sacrifice, until it all culminates to one crucial moment on the night of Christmas Eve when he is at his lowest and most vulnerable. James Stewart presents a wide range and a layered character and one we can root for as his dreams go further out from his reach. How the writers brought Christianity into the story was appealing to me and is approached in a way that makes it universally digestible. We have ourselves a great cast of memorable characters that show some growth and then there is the easily detestable Mr. Potter, who seeks to take over the town and is continuously at odds with the Baileys. The tone of the movie itself I found to be perfectly balanced as we get plenty of heartfelt moments, but also some dark and intense ones as well. It's a Wonderful Life proves to be more than a holiday classic, as it excels with its story that everyone can take something away from. Final verdict: 10/10.
A Christmas Carol (2009)
One of the Most Memorable Christmas Films I've watched
Christmas time, 2009, I went to see this at the theaters with my family. After that, I saw it at least three more times that month. This movie has become a yearly tradition for me and my family and is an excellent adaptation of Charles Dickens work. Down to the performances, soundtrack, sound design, and imagery, it's like seeing the story leap off the page. I realize these kinds of films get flak for its uncanny animation, but in the case of A Christmas Carol, the performances were so well done that I sometimes forget that these are actors in mocap suits. I suppose a con with the film is that some scenes happen in the story that don't seem to have a purpose other than to have an action scene or to show off its 3D effects. What I got was a wonderful holiday classic and a memorable theater experience. Final verdict: 9/10.
Devotion (2022)
A hitting historical drama
Based upon historical events, the Korean War calls upon top aviators like Jesse Brown and Tom Hudner to become involved. The writing and the way this story was told reminded me of a war film from the 1940's, most notably, the chemistry and comradery between the pilots, which was enjoyable to watch. To no surprise, the stand outs are Jonathan Majors and Glen Powell as the real life pilots, Jesse and Tom. Their friendship and development made for a hard-hitting third act. I also appreciate the approach to certain themes in the story and history regarding the time period, as it feels sincere and mature. Without a doubt, there will be many people comparing this film to Top Gun: Maverick and I can see why, but this is not that kind of film. It is much more drama focused and takes its time, which could be an issue for some audiences. I also found the cinematography to have a few issues as some scenes make it hard to make out the expressions or the acting of the characters. Devotion was a moving drama that, while maybe a bit overlong, was rewarding by its performances and presentation of its historical background. Final verdict: 8/10.