RobReviews Reviews

The Burial (II) (2023)

Hidden gem of 2023

[8/10 · 2 January 2024]

Going into this movie I didn't have very high expectations but was quickly met with a very enjoyable and charming story. Jamie Foxx delivered one of the best acting performances I've seen in a long time, was genuinely such an enjoyable performance. Tomy Lee Jones was also incredible in this movie.

I don't really have any complaints about this movie, it's just a really well made and put together movie with a very appropriate running time. Being a hair over 2 hours I didn't find myself falling out of interest nor did I feel like they rushed the story. It was very well paced. I don't know anything about the story this movie is based on so I cannot comment on that but if you're looking for a solid movie to watch for 2 hours of your time, give this a go. I don't think you will be disappointed. Definitely a hidden gem of 2023!

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts (2023)

Transformers: Rise of the Beast - Nostalgic Resonance, Yet a Disappointing Step Backward

[5/10 · 14 December 2023]

Transformers: Rise of the Beast ventures into uncharted territory by introducing the Maximals in a live-action setting, a move that held promise but ultimately falls short. The film lacks a coherent explanation of who the Maximals are and their place in the Transformers universe, leaving audiences puzzled about their role and allegiance. The absence of clarity regarding the opposing faction's identity adds to the confusion, failing to establish a clear connection with the broader Transformers lore.

Positioned as a sequel to the enjoyable "Bumblebee," Rise of the Beast disappointingly neglects to build upon its predecessor's narrative or establish meaningful links between the two films. The decision to introduce Noah Diaz and Elena Wallace as the main characters proves regrettable, as their characters come across as grating and fail to evoke any genuine connection or empathy, making their presence on screen more of an annoyance than an asset.

The return of Peter Cullen as Optimus Prime remains a highlight, as his iconic voice continues to define the character. Ron Perlman's portrayal of Optimus Primal surpasses expectations, delivering a commendable performance that fits the character well. Pete Davidson's take on Mirage, reminiscent of "Jazz" from the 2007 Transformers film, offers a decent performance, although some of the humor falls flat. While other Transformers characters make appearances, they fail to leave a lasting impression or bring anything truly exceptional to the table.

The inclusion of "OG" Transformers provides a nostalgic touch, but it's not sufficient to salvage the lackluster narrative. The film suffers from poor pacing and subpar writing, showcasing the inexperience of director Steven Caple Jr. And the writing team in the Transformers franchise. While the visual elements and effects live up to the expected standards of a Transformers film, the overall experience falls short, leaving a sense of disappointment.

Despite having a promising cast and introducing the formidable Unicron, Transformers: Rise of the Beast fails to capitalize on its potential. While marginally better than "The Last Knight" and "Age of Extinction," it regrettably takes a considerable step backward from the engaging narrative established in "Bumblebee." The film, despite its visual prowess, struggles to deliver a compelling story, leaving audiences longing for a more satisfying addition to the Transformers series. Hopefully they can bounce back from this film and come back stronger and with a film more inline with "Bumblebee".

Memory (I) (2022)

A recipe for success that misses the mark completely...

[6/10 · 13 December 2023]

"Memory," helmed by Martin Campbell and featuring Liam Neeson, delves into the intriguing concept of memory manipulation, blending action with psychological intrigue. However, the film falls short of expectations, delivering a rather predictable narrative devoid of standout, shocking moments or a wow-factor. Comparisons to Campbell's previous works, such as "Casino Royale" and "GoldenEye," reveal a noticeable lack of the director's signature brilliance.

The characters in "Memory" are disappointingly uninspiring and lack depth, failing to captivate the audience's interest. Liam Neeson, a stalwart in intense roles, stands out as the film's saving grace, infusing moments with his trademark intensity. Regrettably, he remains the sole compelling character, with the rest of the cast failing to leave a lasting impression.

Despite being engaging, the film's plot treads on overly familiar ground, lacking uniqueness and offering a predictable storyline. Much like its characters, "Memory" fails to distinguish itself, making it likely to fade from memory soon after viewing.

Iron Man (2008)

A Stellar Origin Tale of Genius, Wit, and Superhero Evolution

[9/10 · 7 December 2023]

Iron Man shines thanks to a captivating mix of action, humor, and character development. Robert Downey Jr.'s portrayal of Tony Stark is charismatic, and the film's well-paced storyline introduces the Marvel Cinematic Universe seamlessly. With groundbreaking visual effects and a perfect blend of humor and intense action, the movie humanizes the superhero genre. Jeff Bridges adds depth as the antagonist, and director Jon Favreau's vision, coupled with a strong script and cast, makes "Iron Man" a standout origin story. While the plot may be somewhat predictable at times, the overall execution and entertainment value ensure its place as an fantastic entry in the superhero genre.