eragonbookfan Reviews

Brave (2012)

I'm gonna hate this movie forever!

[3/10 · 22 July 2015]

Wreck-It Ralph smashes "Brave" to pieces! Wreck-It Ralph should've won the Best Animated Picture Oscar!

Seriously, THAT animated film had MUCH better, original, engaging, and entertaining story than this overrated flop. Disappointing and abomination from FRIGGIN' PIXAR! Though I get them credit for giving this princess a pretty cool new look, the story & the characters felt so clichéd and non-entertaining. Other princess story archs (which we already know and seen were pulled into this story. "The princess who doesn't want to be a princess" (Jasmine) "Full of adventure and explorer of new things (Belle) "She has to marry someone she doesn't want to" (Pocahontas) "and the mother turns into a bear" (Brother Bear - that one wasn't a success) And all the fighting and arguments she has with her mother are quite jarring and uninteresting to watch.

It's just messing around with Disney princess story lines we've ALL seen before!

Gosh, the trailers were so misleading and the whole film in particular was a HUGE letdown. It was stupid, in-cohesive, annoying, cringe-worthy, and certainly NOT a family-friendly film (in my opinion.)

Mostly it just sticks with silly humor aimed at kids, and I really don't think adults would enjoy this film as much.

PS: And this is the first PIXAR film that shows bare butts and a friggin' BOOB dive.

DISGUSTING!

Really, Pixar....

King Kong (2005)

Would've been a GREAT film... if it hadn't been blaspheming the Lord's name all the time!

[4/10 · 23 March 2015]

Not a big fan of this series, but I had watched the original. It seemed okay. But I REALLY wanted to like this film, when I heard they were releasing a remake... I was look forward to all the updated technology they could use for this big name! But with all the horrendous continual BLASPHEMY, cursing of God's name in vain, I found to be highly disappointing!

Great graphics & visuals, but the characters are not. Hardly any of them I cared about... except probably Andy Serkis. (Great skill in fact of playing both the giant ape, and a person on the boat! I have never seen that before!)

Hey I liked Adrien Brody in "The Pianist", but he was too boring in this flick; Jack Black was miscast, Naomi Watts was weird, and Kyle Chandler I just wanted to smack! Peter Jackson, if you want the general audience to like you're films, then don't do any stupid to make a big part of them turn away!

Or long story short, just go watch CinemaSins: "Everything Wrong with King Kong".

Just stick with Middle-Earth, or quite while you're ahead!

4/10

Joshua (I) (2002)

Just exactly who was this Joshua???

[8/10 · 22 March 2015]

This movie introduced me to big Hollywood names like Tony Goldwyn, Kurt Fuller, F. Murray Abraham, as well as Giancarlo Giannini! I think someone should EDIT each of their profiles on IMDb, and list especially THIS film on their pages as one of the movies they're basically known for!

I make this review simply because I think this is a little movie with a lot of heart that deserves *A LOT* more love, recognition, and attention!

Upon first viewing, I kept guessing & guessing who Joshua was. And all the colorful characters he comes across, the events that happen, the love, the joy, the message, and the passion He brought was upon amazing! And the ending to the film was great and perfect as well!

Overall, so many critical issues were addressed in the movie that I think a lot could relate to. This is great film for ANY family to own, share, and watch over & over. Whether you're a believer or non-believer. To anyone who is TRULY searching, TRULY wondering, or TRULY curious about knowing Christ, this is a film strongly recommended!

I'm just a little disappointed that the hype has probably died out about it about this film till now, or that it's not exactly translated into enough languages and still sold in video stores around the world, or that a lot of the cast had gone on to star in many classic trashy Hollywood films since then. But I hope & pray that this film will continue to hold special place in each of their hearts, and that they will be blessed, and will come into the full knowledge of the Son of God, and be able to fulfill the purposes for Him in their lives!

There's even an underrated song by Michael W. Smith called "Love Is Moving" where I couldn't find ANYWHERE on the Internet by YouTube or iTunes - so I ended up ordering the CD & uploading the song myself! Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1MhpIW8PrI

And indeed a great Message this film holds: The world has become a frightening place, with so much anger & not enough love. The world needs love. Love will revive and renew. Love is good, and love is moving! You may know by now how many classic examples of Hollywood is to always show movies about the DARK NATURE of man, to show violence, and chaos, and fights, and cursing, and swearing, and all sorts of immoral influences. It's because I like the films just like this! Or even a lot of the movies released by PUREFLIX or Sherwood Pictures (The Encounter, Facing the Giants, Fireproof, Flywheel, etc), or heck, may be even "Here Comes the Boom" by thunder! These flicks that show us that we CAN improve, and we CAN teach ourselves and each other to become better godly people!

*SPOILERS* The ending actually consists of Joshua revealing that He is Jesus, and that the same concept of how it was back then, with Jesus confronting the religious Jewish pharisees, He now confronts the religious catholic priests - the same applies of how He reveals they're only soaked in on religious teachings, and hardly any truth or love. As well as being jealous of the people's love for His teaching & actions of love, instead of people giving more attention to them!

Trivia: The name "Joshua" is actually derived from the Hebrew term "Yeshua", which actually means Jesus!

PS: And this isn't the ONLY film about if Jesus dwelt amongst people today. Watch the movie called "The Encounter" (2010), directed by David A. R. White (God's Not Dead), starring Bruce Marchiano!

The Departed (2006)

Most Horrible & Overrated Film of 2006! Mel Gibson's "Apocalypto" was WAY BETTER!

[1/10 · 21 March 2015]

I want 151 minutes of my life back! Laugh-Out-Loud, Unmitigated Crap. Interesting...but not in the way intended. Somehow watchable, but NOT Good! So ridiculously bad, it's hilarious, but still a waste of time. The moral decline of the western culture. Way too trite and poorly acted. If only I could go back in time to stop this movie from being made! Propaganda in service of oppression and hypocrisy. A little self-awareness might have made this a much better film. What a ridiculous load of crap! Cringingly bad! UGH!

No really, this was the stupidest movie I ever watched. I do not recommend it one bit! And the f-word being uttered like EVERY other sentence, almost to the point where it gets kind of annoying! An excuse to put DiCaprio in it & try to convince us he can act. Don't watch it unless you truly want some hardcore violence & just want to hear DiCaprio scream & yell like a insecure deranged maniac (like just about every other film he's been in).

Get this "Awful Movie with Awful Characters doing Awful Things" movie out of my head! Oh, if they only played it for realism.

Exhibiting the WORST of Hollywood ! I mean, so we ALWAYS have to have films showing the dark side of the human person?? Why not more feel-good movies that would be encouraging or inspiring! If we're always making soings about loving each other, then why do we tolerate garbage like this?? All it will be is just a BAD, I repeat, BAD influence!

Screw this movie... except for DiCaprio getting shot in the head - that part was gold.

1/10

PS: Want a better film from the year 2006??? Then by all means, watch "Apocalypto"! In my opinion, it's much better & suspenseful than "Passion of the Christ", or even MORE Oscar-worthy than this "Departed" trash.

Six: The Mark Unleashed (2004)

Stephen Baldwin, David A. R. White, and Jeffrey Dean Moragn... Wow. Never thought I'd see THOSE 3 on screen together!

[9/10 · 17 March 2015]

I'm given a "9" to this film simply because I think it deserves some love and respect... and that it talks things which are actually true.

I understand that these days it's become such an obligation for people (whether on IMDb or "Rotten Tomatoes") to give low ratings to films that are in any terms spiritual, talking about God, the Bible, Christ, and so on. But also if it contains much cheesiness, low budget, amateur acting, or lousy writing. But try watching "Facing the Giants", "The Encounter", "Flywheel", "Fireproof", "Time Changer", or "Courageous" and you may think otherwise! And none of that even came across to me in this film! I enjoyed it a good deal. All fine performances from each of the actors - a good film worth enough for any decent, honorable family to own and watch. Much for spiritual nourishment & well-awareness & warning.

This flick was a great dose of reality! God warned us it would happen, and it will happen.

Love David A. R. White mostly for his performance in "God's Not Dead" and his powerful film he directed "The Encounter".

Stephen Baldwin is bold for standing up for his Christian faith amongst the darkness in Hollywood.

Jeffrey Dean Morgan.... who could forget him as the excellent John Winchester in the "Supernatural" TV series, that's I guess somewhat inspired quite a bit by the biblical sort of elements.

Happy 10 anniversary

PS: In fact, there is actually a very important person I think you should now about who's been imprisoned for his faith, and also for being very effective! The guy's name is Dr. Kent Hovind, an evangelist on Creation, Evolution, and Dinosaurs. Try searching him up sometime, maybe on YouTube - he's really worth it!

9/10

Whiplash (2014)

So...the moral of the story is... be mean & harsh to people if you want them to do better!!?????

[4/10 · 4 March 2015]

I like J.K. Simmons, especially for during his Spider-man years - I think he's all the more deserving of that Oscar for being underrated for so long (still hope Edward Norton gets his pretty soon.)

And I love jazz, and I love all sorts of genres of music; as long as I hear a good talented song, whatever it is, I i like it. Though I draw the line at heavy metal.

I just watched this film just to see what all the hype was about - saw on people's review videos, from film critics, from Best Movies of 2014 lists, etc. But I'm a Christian, and I prefer more the wholesome, family-esc, morally strong, uplifting, and feel-good movies that are just enjoyable to the general audience. and I'm not a fan of violence or profanity, nore do I find them the least bit entertaining.

Overall, I just think this film is quite unrealistic; a teacher bullying his students, especially in music classes, in New York. I just honestly don't think that would happen - I don't think I have any friends who practice any of the drums have a teacher even remotely close to that of Flecther.

(Though it's almost ironic how Simmons - the actor I like - played the antagonist, while Miles Teller - an actor I almost don't like - played the protagonist.

In the end, I give this film a a solid "6" simply for Simmons keeping me on the edge of my seat.

PS: Want to watch a good, wholesome underrated film? Then watch "The Encounter" here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdTMhMGy5rk

Maleficent (2014)

(Isaiah 5:20) "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

[2/10 · 1 March 2015]

Should NOT be called a "Disney" film - the original was fine. Angelina Jolie was better in "Changeling", a much more believable and Oscar-worthy role. Several of the actors did a bad job. The guy playing the king was especially horrible. Elle Fanning was annoying with her wide-rimmed smile. They turned the three fairies everyone loved into completely hideous idiots bordering on child abuse. Almost all the characters were one-dimensional, and uninteresting. And how was it that Aurora didn't cry when her father died? Why didn't anyone see the one of the "magical trees" at the beginning of the film totally resemble the Balrog from "Fellowship of the Ring"!!??? Ugh... I wish this film could be erased from existence.

2/10 - a 2 for the nice effects, but the story is overall badly flawed, and tries with unsuccessful efforts to shatter categories.

Easy A (2010)

THIS film ended Amanda Bynes career! What is UP with Hollywood!???

[2/10 · 20 January 2015]

UGH! My blood was boiling... from beginning to end. Now, I like Emma Stone - she's smart, she's cool, she's likable, she's funny, and I think she's even got the strength to carry a film ALL by herself! And I think "The Help" and "The Amazing Spider-Man" films are the best ones she's in. And I'd be lying if I said I didn't like "Superbad" for igniting her film career. ...But I HATE it when she gets stuck in a stupid, worthless steaming pile of Hollywood trash! Such as this - having to say all these things, having to DO all these things.

WHERE do I begin???????????

This is not worse of than most films, but this goes from stupid to DISGUSTINGLY INSULTING!

To recap a bit, this movie was on my "to watch" list for quite a while; I thought at first it seemed like an interesting film about "better student training" or about a "big test" or "spelling bee contest" coming up (hence the grade "A" reference.)

But NO! NOT AT ALL, ironically.

Talk about disappointing. Literally, 5 minutes in, I already started to hate it! I did not laugh ONCE! I was shaking my head & rolling my eyes with disgust. I couldn't WAIT for this movie to end - I couldn't even THINK straight while it was playing. Because it takes these rather classic Hollywood attempts of FAILED advantages of pure bias, lame-stream political-correctness, and liberal agendas on our brains. The Christian Bible-thumping hypocrites who are "abnormal" and everyone else is "normal", and the misunderstood gays, who're your enemies, who're your friends, eavesdropping, rumor-spreading, deceiving others, blasphemy, underage drinking, cursing, sex, swearing, alcoholism, etc... Trust me, EVERY one of those are misunderstood in real-life.

I guess the "Christians" we're decided to be the antagonists, because I guess the writers couldn't come up with a better villain; besides that, they are not even written well. All one- dimensional, stereotypical, and dumbfounding, it's all cringe-worthy, rather than funny. I guess it's just the thing nowadays who you can make fun of: Christians and southerners

Perhaps what saddens me most about this film is that when Olive goes looking for honest, Christian answers about sex, she can't find any. And so she settles for our culture's dangerously self-righteous take on this immensely important subject: It's my business and nobody else's.

If this movie was supposed to "appeal" to the types of people who think these inaccurate things, I suggest they go see some psychiatrist, or I even recommend one of my teachers, Kent Hovind, as a great guy to check out on his Science seminars! (Seriously go search him up - he's worth it.)

And WHO, in their right mind, would ever want to "lie" about sleeping around with people?????

Hey, I myself am a Christian, and I wish to eventually get a career of acting in Hollywood because I do believe some great example & lights are necessary to be shown in that corrupted system of darkness. I love gay people, but I believe homosexuality is a sin - because it's a violation of design. People are never "born" gay - it's all based on experience. (but that's another long story). Just love the sinner, hate the sin.

And I hate how they turned Amanda Bynes, a funny, talented, lovely Jewish actress, one of my favorite actresses (from "Big Fat Liar & "Robots") into a "stupid, air-headed, mean, annoying, judging, finger-pointing Christian", putting blasphemous, un-Christ-like, unbiblical things in her mouth & personality, which I think seems quite hypocritical of this film being a "hate speech" film, and as well being a mean, annoying, judging, and finger-pointing FILM! I find it really pitiful that Amanda Bynes is "most known" for this film on IMDb - trust me, she's been in better movies.)

And I bet it's THIS film that sort of ENDED her film career, giving her a "bad reputation", and hardly appears in any more films and for getting in trouble with the police & having her mugshots taken.

Fantastic! Well-done, Will Gluck, for ruining a young actress' career.

(Hey, you want a film that portrays real TRUE Christians, being one myself, my strong recommendation is watch "The Encounter", "To Save a Life", or "Facing the Giants".) Those are some films that are SO MUCH much more accurate, meaningful, and truthful in their messages. lot In actuality, in an ideal good-will movie,, we'd be the good guy protagonist, or the stalwart sidekick of the main character. I'm honest. Trust me, in real-life, it's the CHRISTIANS who feel they're getting picked on, or mocked, or being mistreated. Go figure! (The creators of "God's Not Dead" understood that! And THAT's even a film that's misunderstood.)

And bringing Malcolm McDowell into the movie???? WHOA. That's quite risky business of wanting to likely draw attention to his most well-known film "A Clockwork Orange", literally one of the most awful, confusing, and corrupt flicks out there.

Even bringing in Stanley Tucci and Thomas Haden Church into this circus show! Stanley Tucci was better in "The Terminal" and even the 4th "Transformers" film! (Yes, I went there) And Church was even better in "Heaven Is For Real" - that's also another film based on reality that I recommend).

Literally one of the worst films I think ever made, and I'm GLAD I never watched it earlier, or ever saw it in a theater!

But to be fair, Church, Stone, and Tucci are the best parts in this mess.

As Amanda Bynes puts it, "This is so stupid."

My final grade I put on this film is a "D -", just 1 steps way from an "F".

3/10

PS: imo, Emma Stone looks better with blond hair. That's not a joke.

Frozen (I) (2013)

Happy Anniversary & Happy New Year!

[9/10 · 30 December 2014]

I certainly DON'T think this movie is overrated (or perhaps people know something I don't know), but whoever is making those accusations, WHAT exactly are they comparing it to?? For people saying this movie or the song "Let It Go" is overrated, what exactly are they comparing it to?? Almost 99% of the mainstream movies and music out there are immoral unethical garbage in this culture just to make a fast buck without anything meaningful in the plots or lyrics.

This film is especially SO FAMOUS in Japan where I was born and raised and in fact still live, and I'm really looking forward to how children of this generation are going to turn into GREAT people in the near future, because of the impact of this magical flick. (Though I'm a little confused as to why "Wreck-It Ralph" isn't as popular since SO many people from Japan love to play video games). ;) This film can teach children (especially girls) and also adults to let go of the past, to become self-reliant, and real love. This is something worthwhile children can learn from and help to create a potentially better future.

BUT... if there is a downside to it, I maybe got a little confused to the hype of this film; I saw it, and wondered a bit if I saw the same movie everyone else did, 'cause the story looked really SIMPLE; someone leaves, others go off to get them, and they all come back. The end. It MAY seem that way, but they do make up for it with all the great songs, the amazing soundtrack, colorful & memorable characters, funny humorous and feel-good moments, breathtaking landscapes, lovely & realistic animation, the unexpected plot twists, and the overall valuable important messages it teaches.

Look at what young people have to grow up with these days: constant violence and sexual immorality on TV and music and Internet, government corruption, global environment disasters and wars, etc. At least children have something good to learn how to act in such a stressful future they will one day have to take control of.

As for the haters commenting (usually on YouTube but probably here in comments later on as more ppl read this), they are unthinkable bi-products of our mostly violent media culture.

Believe it or not, I'm a GUY who likes this film, even if the two main characters are female. I LOVE the music too - I could listen to it over & over. (But hey, if "Frozen" is a film that girls can relate to, then "Big Hero 6" is a film definitely boys can relate to.)

And what else? Positive emotions are contagious. In other words, when people are happy it spreads to other people much faster and farther than negative emotions which have a weaker effect on others; LOVE really is the biggest power there is (besides the love of God.) So as advice to children, take the advice of this famous movie and its famous song! Let go of the past, avoid evil people who only want to drag others down, focus on being with friendly people and live your life to the fullest. You deserve it. If you have a bad day, increase your positive energy even more.

AND also... an immoral unhappy society usually degenerates into a paranoid police state. A society that promotes real love, forgiveness, respect, and friendliness have better chances of keeping a freer society. And the positive values mentioned above are what everyone is being taught through the message of the entire movie, especially at the end.

Plus, the singer, Idina Menzel, who voiced Elsa & sung "Let It Go", and the the guy who voiced Olaf are Jewish! I've a got a real soft spot for Jewish people, and I think it's all the more reason to like this film. And I'm glad Disney won the Oscar it SHOULD have for "Wreck-It Ralph", rather than the disappointing "Brave" bomb.

I do also think this flick is rather "Christ-like" in it's message; whether it be "Some people are worth melting for", or Anna "sacrifices" herself to save her sister.

PS: Oh, and if you're wondering why I say "children", and not "kids", kids are offspring of goats - and Satanism has the head of a goat. But that's another long story

9/10

Tall Tale (1995)

The most underrated Disney film ever!

[9/10 · 12 December 2014]

This has been my favourite "Western" film since I was a youngster, and it will continue to be.

Where... do... I... begin...???? This is my favourite Disney film of all-time!

I'm a mixed foreigner from Japan, and I feel like one of the PRIVILEGED people who got to see this movie! It's an educational film for those studying American Tall Tales.

This is a Disney Drama Classic!! It has many big Hollywood names in it! Nick Stahl, Patrick Swayze, Oliver Platt, Scott Glenn, Stephen Lang, etc... why isn't this film more popular!??? They ALL play such memorable & much better roles than in the overrated & nonsensical movies they're mostly known for. I was really hoping for Doug Walker to review this film during his last "Disneycember" (yeah I know)

Great family movie, with a great story, and good morales, too! I actually learned a lot from this film. Great father-son story-arc in this, it could really likely make son's bonds with their father's stronger! ;)

And in my book, it seems quite Biblical too, with the facts that 3 legendary characters, Pecos Bill, Paul Bunyan, & John Henry are sent to help this boy, Daniel Hackett; they're somewhat like 3 GUARDIAN ANGELS (since the Number "3" appears quite a lot in the Bible). Also, Randy Edelman's score for the film is *especially* underrated! He deserves an Oscar nomination for SOMETHING!

A *MUST SEE*!!!

9/10

PS: Quite ironic too that the director also directed the movie that's universally considered bad, "The Avengers" (1998)

Wreck-It Ralph (2012)

"Wreck-It Ralph" smashes "Brave" to pieces!!

[9/10 · 6 December 2014]

Brave sucks BEAR NOSES! Take home that Oscar, Wreck-It Ralph!

I just re-watched this film with some friends (who had never seen it before) and I was reminded of how much I loved it! My friends found it pleasantly surprising too! They loved how it was a universe of video game characters that came & gathered together,much like "Toy Story". Even with many fictional games being created for the film was quite a talented thing to do! I never thought of it that way before! The villain was interesting, the plot was smart, the jokes were just TOO funny, and all the characters were just all-round likable without being too over-the-top. And that Owl City song at the end certainly was the icing on the cake!

How the flying FRIDGE does an unlikable & unoriginal film (Brave) beat a funnier, smarter, enjoyable, touching, & better original film???

"Brave" was so silly, so rushed, so uncomfortable & cringe-worthy & stressful - I can't even remember anything likable about it. Though to be fair, I will say Merida from Brave might LOOK like a creative & interesting princess, but the story was just a MESS! Plus, it's quite hysterical that if the rules apply, if Merida shot all the arrows and won against the others (even in slo-mo. I know, wut??), wouldn't that mean should would have to marry herself?? lol (Hey, "The Little Mermaid 2" explored the daughter-mother concept better than "Brave".)

I call it completely COWARD-like of the Academy to perform this action of giving the Oscar to the WRONG movie! Did they even SEE the same movie I did!?? Put ME on the Academy - I'm sure I could do things a whole lot better.

(And no, I'm not one of those who think that "Leonardo DiCaprio deserves an Oscar" - c'mon, I have a whole page dedicated to talking about male celebrities who're SO MUCH hotter & talented than him. He doesn't deserve to get a majority of the praise for playing the same shouting, foul- mouthed, insecure, degenerate in so many darn movies! And seriously, his talent really is just limited to shouting)

Anyways, I'm SO excited this movie exists, it's a great nostalgia trip to anyone who grew up playing video games, and that 'Wreck-It Ralph 2' is in the works! "Brave 2" better not steal the Oscar this time! lol

Glad "Frozen" won the Oscar Disney SHOULD have for Wreck-It Ralph.

9/10

PS: Not also do I like this film for introducing me to the talented Sarah Silverman, but the actress herself is Jewish! And I've got quite soft spot for Jewish people - and I never did find her character, Vanellope von Schweetz, at all annoying (like my sisters did). She was just TOO cute, funny, and likable!

Toy Story 2 (1999)

The best one of the series!

[10/10 · 4 December 2014]

...and I dare say most underrated as well! Well, this a review I'm FINALLY gonna be typing out for a film that really deserves it.

And I think it deserves a rating HIGHER than "7.9" - like seriously?? I read that earlier it had a "8.1"!

Now I watched the first Toy Story a ZILLION times before this sequel was released - and rightfully so. I mean I was no more than 5, and the playroom with the television set & VHS player was just my jam! (NOt to mention those fun CD games I used play on Windows computers) But, I'm even quite a big movie buff today; but most of the time, I now usually make YouTube videos discussing the issues of Science, Creation, Evolution, and Dinosaurs.

Anyways, this film was the very first movie I saw in the THEATER! I was just 7 years old! And at that point in my life, not only did life feel so innocent & easy, but I liked movies not so much for their story, but more for their visuals - and Toy Story 2 had that in DROGUES! (As well as "Phantom Menace", though that's a flick generally everyone almost hates.)

Furthermore, most often times, I seem to meet people (especially in Japan here) who either know more about the first Toy Story, or the most recent 3rd one. I feel as if a lot people aren't referencing this movie ENOUGH! And though it is somewhat generally well-known, I still feel as if doesn't get enough attention it deserves! I mean, you've got a much better story (compared to the 1st or 3rd one, IMO), lots of new characters (Zurg being my favorite), an AMAZING intro with Buzz (which quite literally BLEW me away when I was just 7 years old in that theater), there being comic references to Japan (the country where I was born & now live in - which kinda asks the question, why isn't this film more famous here if Japan got referenced a lot, like in "Cars 2"?), amazing plot twists, a climax that takes place in an airport (Oh, and I just *love* airports & airplanes - they're my favorite form of travel, though I haven't used them very often), jokes that work with both children and adults, great pop-cultural references (like "Star Wars - Empire Strikes Back colorful characters, stunning animation, great character study, pretty memorable songs, soundtrack, scenes, and quotes, HILARIOUS blooper end credits that just keep making me laugh over & over etc.

And a good thing the movie was nominated for an Oscar (AT ALL!) for the song "When Somebody Loved Me" - and rightfully so. That's a song that my sisters kept singing out of the blew almost every year I was growing up - just to mention for laughs.

But I believe it's THIS movie that should've won PIXAR an Oscar for Best Animated Film much earlier - not Toy Story 3, really; I think that's one that should've gone to "How To Train Your Dragon". I'm serious.

And I almost felt something was LACKING from the 3rd Toy Story; I don't know if it was the look of the animation, or whether the "traveling" feel was absent, or if the jokes were too lame, or that I didn't cry at the end, or if the possible fact the movie seemed purely fueled by nostalgia purposes - I'm just still confused as to why it's made it on the Top 250 on IMDb.

Shouldn't it be THIS movie instead!?

Or who knows! Maybe the 3rd one DOES deserve to be up there, and I just don't know something that others do.

And it's definitely one of the movies that Tom Hanks should be known for on his IMDb profile, rather instead of say "The DaVinci Code" or "The Green Mile" (those are just two films I can't stand, 'cause I either find them too overrated, too controversial, or just too weird) - Hanks' voice is just so well-acted in this movie (or fair enough, in the other two Toy Story's), I just imagine all the gestures & hand motions he must've done behind that microphone. lol Hey, he's an actor - he be as colorful, or over-the-top as he wants.

Toy Story 2... It's just too good! In my opinion, it's WAY better than either 1 or 3. Not only do I think this is this one of the greatest sequels ever, it's also my favorite PIXAR movie, one of my favorite Disney movies, definitely one my favorite movies ever, and surely one of greatest movies of all time!!

(FUNNY TRIVIA: It was this movie from where I learned the basic directions of LEFT & RIGHT - and my memory keeps coming back to it! hahaha)

Someone PLEASE get this back onto the Top 250 on IMDb! I BEG you!

10/10

PS: But now, I wonder what they're gonna do with Toy Story 4?? I hope it'll be a great story, and a smart one, if they're really serious about returning to this franchise again...

peace out, IMDb users! ;)

Fury (2014)

Surprisingly... I really liked it!!

[8/10 · 30 November 2014]

I usually don't like films were pervasive swearing & violence - I find it neither fun nor entertaining.

Even far better than David Ayer's previous flicks like "Training Day" or "End of the Watch", which were so horrible & awfully made that that I didn't give two HOOTS about any of the characters, or what would happen to any of them! No this. No, I actually cared about a bunch of the characters - hoping they would make it through.

But, hey, it's because it's a World War II film - and we all pretty much know how Jews were persecuted & massacred horrendously during that period, so I'll REALLY give it that. And quite a bunch of these actors are Jewish, so I could feel the tense emotion they were going through when making this.

What interested me enough about this flick is Shia Labeouf's recent conviction with accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord & Savior - and I sincerely see why.

I surely felt that actor Logan was a far better character in this than his "Ham" character in the disappointing biblically inaccurate flop "Noah", near the start of this year - where playing a son that wants to defy & defeat his father who turns into a psychopath.

But, from be inning to end, I have to admit I was engaged! Fighting the Nazis was quite satisfying, the character development was helpful, the horrors of war a really-well depicted, quite on an educational level, and I notice there are negative reviews regarding the "house" scene with the two women - I found that scene really tense! Wondering what was going to happen next, the intention to slow the film down, because there's GOTTA be a break sometime in any big action film! And loved how Logan had a temporary love interest, Emma, who I found was really cute with Logan.

But I also certainly liked when the issue of G-d and the Bible was brought in. When Norman first shows up, he's grilled by another tank crewman about his salvation. We find out that this guy, nicknamed Bible, is a Christian. We see him praying over a wounded soldier and quoting Scripture several times before battle. That said, his faith doesn't keep Bible from being every bit as foulmouthed, boozy, and death-dealing as the rest of his crew. In fact, he rationalizes that relishing the slaughter of the enemy is a positive thing since it's "God's work." He intones, "I am the instrument, not the hand."

Norman, we find out, is a Presbyterian. His faith informs his initial hesitation with regard to following in his crewmates' crude and deadly directions. But he tosses those convictions aside fairly quickly in the bloody heat of battle. There's even a scene concerning the fact that "Jesus loves Hitler"; yes, G-d loves every person. But He hates there sin!

For his part, Sgt. Collier generally scoffs at the idea of God's hand being involved in their lives, even though he later demonstrates some knowledge of the Bible by quoting from the book of Isaiah. I do agree with the line of "The love of the Father not being on those who've got the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, being of the world, but no the Father."

This movie wants to make sure we know that, smell that and chew on that phrase. In fact, Fury rubs our cinematic faces in two hours of grimy, dirty, intensely ferocious, charred-flesh misery to make sure the point comes through is crystal clear fashion.

Some will see that unflinching glimpse at perpetual bloodshed and gray-smoking destruction as something of an antiwar declaration. They'll see a cautionary tale of men hollowed out and broken by the unspeakable horrors they've witnessed.

Others will see this pic as a one-dimensional splatter-fest dressed up in khaki Army fatigues, with limbs innumerable being severed by large-caliber machine gun fire and mortar rounds in a story of brutal, hard-fisted soldiers battling a Nazi evil even more wicked than themselves.

Everyone will be right. The film's creators crafted it that way on purpose. But no matter which interpretive path you take, what seems inarguable is how profanely foul, excruciatingly graphic, unwaveringly nihilistic and downright ugly it all remains.

8/10

And PS: PluggedInOnline.com is one of my many inspiration to be watching & reviewing movies - it's also a great website to view the many different elements within whatever flick you're interested to see.

Angels in the Outfield (1994)

HAPPY 20th Anniversary!!

[9/10 · 26 November 2014]

Much, much more than just a baseball movie... One of the great films from the great 1994 year of movies, this takes a rather big step towards addressing the possibilities of the meaning of life, faith, belief, heart, friendship, family, love, fun, & entertaining unbearably goofy comedy! And I'm glad to this day it has!

I'm a guy from Japan, born the 90s, and this is one of my top favorite Disney movies! Always has been & will continue to be!! This is just one of those MANY sports film that were plain *awesome* from the 90s! (Though I personally wouldn't count "Mighty Ducks" - I never was really a fan of hockey - I sort of think it's an overrated sport.) I'm actually going by the lines of "Cool Runnings", "The Big Green", "Rookie of the Year", etc. I even hear this movie actually had the BIGGEST film premiere in 1994, with the movie grossing more than DOUBLE than what they started with in their budget!! Isn't that saying something? ;)

I'm sure in many ways that not only people who play baseball, or believe in God can relate to this film; I even believe children who are ORPHANS can relate to it, too - I'm sure they want films they can relate to as well! And there may also be people who just KNOW there must be a bigger & deeper meaning to life than just getting glory, making money, & dying.

Before I forget to mention, man oh man, is Randy Edelman's music so uplifting! I think the man deserves an Oscar nomination for at least SOMETHING! (I mean, this is the same guy who did the "Beethoven" movies, a "Tall Tale", "The Big Green" & "Dragonheart"!) I thin almost 50% of this film owes it's thanks to his GENIUS score! The guy is surely underrated - he deserves more attention from Hollywood than he's getting.

I give credit to this movie for INTRODUCING me not only to the sport of baseball, but also the California Angels, big Hollywood names as Danny Glover (with always the loyal & friendly character to support the main characters throughout whatever story there may be), Joseph-Gordon Levitt (LOVE how he's always kept that same innocent boyish face, lol), Christopher Lloyd, Adrien Brody, Matthew Mcconaughey (BOTH Oscar winners today!), and Tony Danza. I mean I didn't know it was them at the time - but now of course I do, with such modern-day access to information on the Net these days. I guess they were just really good at playing their characters!

(But if I had to say if there was downside to this movie, I would have to say that people don't "become angels" when they die, as the film suggests - in fact, angels are just meant to be ministering spirits for us ~ Hebrews 1:14. Either Heaven or Hell or our destination after we die.) And I might wanna add, the way the ANGELS are depicted themselves in this film is indeed impressive! The effects surely do hold to this day! I mean, they are just GORGEOUS to look at! When I was a very young, I really thought that's how they looked. But hey actually, they're actually more amazing than THAT! Yes, I am sure serious. But that's another long story...

Again, I'm fan of and I still love Joseph Gordon-Levitt; he is RENOWNED for being in this film in my memory! But I''ll be honest when I say I hate or seriously DISLIKE a lot of the recent films he's been in (ie. Looper, Inception, Don Jon, etc.) As if he almost WANTS to ruin our childhoods of him. I can't believe he would go to great lengths and such deep measures by including himself in this great, wholesome, family movie that encourages good behavior, loving relationships, stronger faith in Heaven, God, angels, etc., but then gets into OTHER films that are not only just all-round atrocious, awful, disgusting, filthy, and encourage BAD behavior, but even misuse & take the Lord's name in vain! Unfortunately, that happens all the time, and I'm sick of it! Rarely are there ever films these days, except for "Facing the Giants" that really praise and upholds the name of Lord. But I guess as always, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom". (Prov. 1:7) Ugh, with "Don Jon"........... &@!$#% that movie!!!

But on the bright side, I even find that quote that Maggie says near the third part of the film about a "football player kneels to thank God after a great game", I immediately knew it seemed to foreshadowing Tim Tebow, a great sports player of today!

And I find it just RUDE & BIGOTED for thee Nostalgia Critic to come across this movie, and think it "silly & simplistic" that boy ask God for a family & helps a baseball game win, "when there's starving children in Africa" or "war in the Middle-East". CUT IT SOME SLACK, Critic! God could clearly say the same thing about US (we) people! Have you forgotten that God is all places at all times??? God CAN send His angels for supernatural interventions; God tries even WORKING THROUGH people to feed starving people or bring peace to the Middle-East - it's just that most of us are too far caught up in our everyday lives or self-indulgence we just don't notice it, nor is it reported by the mainstream media.

But DITTO to that last quote by AL the Angel - "We're always watching!" DITTO, to that, man! Ditto and amen!

With this film whether like "Beauty & the Beast" and "The Lion King", as I get older & older, it only gets better & better!

I'll say "CHECK IT OUT" to those who still haven't! :DDD

(And I wrote this review since I'm convinced NO ONE ELSE would - so I'm glad I did.)

9/10

The Jungle Book (1994)

Happy 20TH Anniversary!!

[8/10 · 25 November 2014]

...and I might even add it rightly deserves it's current Rotten Tomatoes' score of "92%", yet mysteriously only has a "6.0" out of 10 on IMDb. WHY!??

And since there're also soon gonna be TWO remakes of "The Jungle Book" within two years of each other (2015 & 2016), I thought it'd be appropriate to write this review. (Looking forward to what you've got, Serkis & Favreau!)

I certainly agree with the general crowd that this flick is quite an underrated masterpiece! (I mean, hey it came out in 1994, where nearly *every* film of that year was considered great movie - so that's why I guess movies like this and "Iron Will" faded away a bit from the public eye.) In my opinion, this is my favorite version of the story! Even though I do like the original Disney cartoon; and I now know there're some controversies here & there involving the "PG" rating with this (whether it'd be involving to the violence, the action, the language, or simply scenes that're too scary for young viewers.) I admit, I've often been so critical of films, that are not only bad, but have an inappropriate "PG" rating (i.e. "Howard the Duck", "Airplane!", "Spaceballs", etc.) One of the scenes that scared me the most was where Sergeant Harley drowned in the black quicksand while chasing Mowgli. (But I also might add, it's one of those scenes that I found myself obsessed with pausing, rewinding, and re-watching so many times... for some reason.) Towards the end of the movie, each one of the bad guys die, in unique sort of ways - somewhat almost like the way the antagonists did in the recent film by Mel Gibson, "Apocalypto". (THAT'S even a film worth checking out - I was mind blown!)

But exclusively addressing those who may say "what does this film have to do with the Jungle Book?", when the animals don't talk, and other things. I KNOW - but it's called an "adaptation"; things have to be changed; I mean, it's the "Jungle Book" but with more ACTION! Kinda like Indiana Jones. It stills somewhat keeps with the source material. I mean, it wasn't like the movie "Eragon" or the recent "Noah" film that disappointed SO many fans & critic.

But moving back, I certainly have to say I'm quite a fan of the talented Hawaiian actor, Jason Scott Lee, since this was the first film I saw him in. I think he was a great pick to play the grown-up part of Mowgli, even though not Indian. Nice bod, though not Indian. lol I may even say he's one of those actors who're A LOT hotter & talented than Leonardo DiCaprio (an actor I really can't STAND!) And I'm a GUY... from the 90s. Here's my list on that issue: http://www.imdb.com/list/ls058930557/

And several scenes that include Mowgli RUNNING through the jungle was just EPIC, and still are to this; everything coming together with the slow-motion, his hair flowing in the wind, the soundtrack, and the tense emotion Mowgli has turning from sadness to revenge is just all-round BADA$$!

Anyways, I think this is still a very good film. It introduced me to such things as the "Blue Danube" theme (much better used in this flick, in a rather charming creative way, than in "2001: A Space Odyssey", a film I just don't get); I was even introduced to big Hollywood names as John Cleese (just intellectual, likable, and really funny - a much greater performance, besides "Fawlty Towers" that I've seen him in; unlike the dumb & overrated "Monty Python" series), Sam Neil (I'm not much of a Jurassic Park fan, but I am of him! With his "nostalgic" appeal to so many general viewers, & his great talent with versatility & accents), Lena Headey, who was just very beautiful & all-round likable in this story (I mean, I feel as almost my childhood of her was RUINED by that atrocious & disgusting "Game of Thrones" series! I didn't know it was her until I viewed her profile on IMDb!), Cary Elwes, though I already knew him from "The Princess Bride" (great film); but even then, I didn't know it was him! Just really goes to show how talented he is at being versatile! (Amongst actors like Johnny Depp & Gary Oldman). Overall, this is GREAT ensemble cast, with every one of them giving quite an underrated performance each! Better performances than what most of them are generally known for being in.

Not only is this a dramatic film, but it has quite a few (memorable) humorous moments as well. hehehe. Like the montage of how Mowgli has to "adjust back into the human world", whether it being bathed by John Cleese ("Alright, then") or being measured, reading the alphabet, or pushing a mirror than John Cleese is looking at. "Ah, look... Ahhh!" hahahahaha! LOL Too funny!

I find this movie interesting for even portraying the culture of India in a rather decent & informative way, without delving too much into the occult (i.e. biased promoting Hinduism, Buddhism, or idol worship, etc.) Many of the shots of the sets and landscape are PRETTY WELL done! And do I even need to bring up the shots of the Treasure Room in Monkey City? ...Man, it's breathtakingly, beautiful! Can give almost ANYONE goosebumps!

I bet the Nostalgia Critic has YET to review this film! Right along with "Tall Tale" and "Rocketman" - I want him to review & give publicity to these movies SO BAD!

8/10

Never Cry Wolf (1983)

Should NOT be called a "Disney" movie!!

[2/10 · 23 November 2014]

(Some ppl who've watched this movie likely feel the same way I did.) How does this have a score of "7.6"!? Why is this interesting!?? HOW is this Disney-related!?? Whatever does it have to do with Disney??

OK, to clarify, I viewed this film while helping some friends (a father and his sons) who were showing a public movie night - first shown was "Ratatouille", hands down a really good film & good choice! And then they showed THIS - now I had never seen this movie before in my life, but I was interested since it was "Disney"-related, and Disney *has* made some pretty decent Disney dramas (i.e. Tall Tale, Iron Will, Mary Poppins, The Big Green, etc). But BOY, I wish it had stayed that way...

In fact, that "Walt Disney" logo shouldn't exist above the title! I DEMAND that somebody sue the people who made this worthless pile of NOTHING, and demand that the that logo be REMOVED from the poster!

My "friends" thought this movie was nostalgic - and boy, do I feel sorry for them. Not only that they grew up with this, but also for their TASTE of film, I honestly think it's impaired!

Understand: the word "nostalgic" doesn't mean "better". It just means you're more attached to it.

I thought this film was beyond horrible, weird, stupid, uncomfortable and *painful* to sit through, plus, you had to make sure you had something ELSE to do while watching (i.e. texting, check your music, etc). I didn't get it! I was like, "Big deal. A guy goes to Alaska to study wolves. That's great." I've got nothing against the cast & crew - but this movie BORED ME S***LESS! I even looked around the room at the audience; *everyone* was literally BORED & CONFUSED to death! ...I may say this movie is decently shot; but it's shot more like a *documentary*, with narration & all. Was the director too dumb to know the difference between a "movie" and a "documentary"??? Everything was shot with long drawn-out scenes, devoid of anything remotely interesting or engaging, with a soundtrack that sings you to sleep, ...and also involving scenes eating MICE???

Why did they choose THIS for a movie night!?? WHY!?? Why couldn't it have been a BETTER movie, with effort, or need of attention!??

I don't care if it's based on a book! How is this cheap, pretentious flick related to Disney???

... And the scenes where the main dude, for some reason I can't remember, has all his clothes off, RUNNING AROUND NAKED, with herds of ANIMALS... Are you flipping kidding me?? I didn't want to see that! What was the point!?? The entire time, I was like, "Dude, ENOUGH! Put some clothes on already!! What the fudge!!?? How is this Disney entertainment??? What was the intended age group?? Ages DEAD to 1??"

I literally stepped out of the auditorium when that scene happened, because I wanted to WAIT till that ridiculous, cringe-worthy, stupid, and embarrassing scene was OVER!

Again, this is one of those movies from the 80s with a bizarre "PG" rating, when it's clearly got scenes of peril, thematic elements, and nudity! It should've been the first "Disney" movie to be rated "PG-13", not "Pirates of the Caribbean."

Feeling almost betrayed, I couldn't believe that this was a film my friends owned, liked, or at the very least decided to SHOW the rest of the community at this summer vacation spot this year!

Though to be fair, not everyone has "heard" of this movie, judging by the amount of reviews, it's pretty well-unknown, so I'm glad about that (though I'm still disappointed it's gotten more attention than some other good Disney drama films - like, "Tall Tale" & "Iron Will" I can list right off the top of my head).

On a side note, it was interesting that the actor who played the "bad cop" guy from Sylvester Stallone's "First Blood" was in this as the pilot; but after recently viewing that film, I couldn't take his character seriously in this - he still just seemed like a schmuck & mean doofus.

And the scene near the beginning where the pilot flies the main protagonist around in a plane, the engine stalls, and he intends to fix it while in MIDAIR; I thought that was kind of impressive, but that was just IT.

HANDS DOWN, this is an all-round BAD film, truly one of the worst movies I have *ever* seen! It should not be owned by ANYONE (except for those who perhaps LIKE studying wildlife & have a RedBull to keep them awake), deserves to sued for it's putrid film direction & the fact that it's owned by *Disney* (DISNEY - the amazing lovable company with charming imagination & wondrous stories that remain embedded in nearly ALL our childhoods, the company that brought us "Snow White", "Pinocchio", "Peter Pan", "Dumbo", "Beauty & the Beast", "The Lion King", and "Wreck-It Ralph" has been brought down to THIS!)

It deserves it's place in Empire Magazine's "The Worst Films Ever Made", right along with "Howard the Duck", "Twilight", "The Room", "Battlefield Earth" & "Batman and Robin"! Heck, even the movie, "Gigli", a movie that's universally considered "bad", is a film that I LIKE! Yes! I went there! I prefer than much better than this stupid, incoherent MESS of a movie! I think it should switch ratings with GIGLI!

2/10

(Oh, and IMDb's word limit is 974, not 1000)

PS: You want a much better "Disney" film drama about a man, dog-like animals, winter, and an engaging plot??? Go watch "IRON WILL" (1994). It's a true story about a dog-sled race, much like "Balto", and deserves a WHOLE lot more attention, hype, & higher ratings than THIS trash, or any of "the Hunger Games". YES, I'm serious!

Airplane! (1980)

"Rocketman" >>>>>>>>> "Airplane!"

[2/10 · 18 November 2014]

For exceptions of probably the "Staylin' Alive" dance scene, this film was NEVER funny to me - and it should be rated R or even PG-13 instead of PG! Not is their bad language, crude humor, or inappropriate humor - a NAKED WOMAN dances in front of the camera for a brief few seconds!

HOW is this a "PG" rated movie!???

"RocketMan" is a much better comedy, as well as underrated, with a lot talented actor and comedian Harland Williams - "Airplane" is just overrated & dated.

PS: I find it quite hypocritical of the Nostalgia Critic to lose his rag over "Howard the Duck" being rated "PG" with the scene of the female duck lady having "Duck T**s", but he keeps bringing up and reference THIS horrendous flick that clearly shows a naked woman (AND cursing) for a few seconds while it's rated a bogus "PG" as well. Seems like SOMEBODY needs some course-correcting!

PS 2: The 80s was FULL of movies that bizarrely received PG ratings!

Les Misérables (2012)

1998 version >>>>>>>>>>>> 2012 version

[4/10 · 16 November 2014]

I don't CARE which "represents the book" better; what matters is the movies! I have't read the book, and I'm not about to start. But as far as STORY goes, Liam Neeson's version takes the cake! I will say that if you like musicals, you may get a kick out of this flick. But I think this film is overrated, and it did NOT make me "cry".

I really deeply feel the 1998 with both Geoffery Rush and Liam Neeson was atrociously missed by the Academy Awards!

What I felt what the remake's biggest weakness was it was RUSHING over a lot of important plot points of the story, and there was hardly any emotional connection - and just sugar-coated it with all the singing.

I really found it odd that both Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen were brought into this; I almost felt Johnny Depp was soon gonna show up! As far as I know, both these two nearly RUINED the movie for me, if was supposed to be FEELING anything serious.

And Anne Hathaway... oh my word, I couldn't LOOK at her, for almost looking like a female Gollum; again, HOW does she become the "most desirable woman" after having her teeth pulled & her hair cut??? Neither did I like it when she was singing - I thought she was gonna open her mouth and EAT me. She was *barely* in the movie, but Oscar in hand, bizarrely. (And I'm certain she's rather overrated as an actress, though I kind alike her during her "Princess Diaries" years.)

To be fair, this film does have a good score - and have a couple of them on my iPod, but also as well as the soundtrack for the 1998 version.

A lot of the actors, I rather don't really like or care about; and plus, I just can't see Russell Crowe as a bad guy (Javert) - Geoffrey Rush was a WHOLE LOT more convincing as a menacing villain. Eddie Redmayne played a rather dimwitted and less attractive Marius in this version, than the guy back in the 1998 version; he just randomly sees Cosette and and just falls in love; how CLUNKY! And Amanda Seyfried is just another actress I don;t like for her reputation. Just about the whole CAST is unlikable!

Oh and the "boy who gets shot" in the story, it really shocked me in the original when the boy got shot by the troops; I gasped, totally saddened. But the boy in this adaptation... oh my HECK was he annoying - all his singing & mannerisms were just undeniable irritating! Instead I was like "Thank You!" when he was shot.

And and WHY is the camera man horrible at his work!? Too much close-ups of people's faces, wobbly frame, out of focus shots, etc. Somebody should fire him!

Though many years later, I do thank a Les Miserables remake is necessary, but I think they did a mediocre & clunky job, IMO.

Again, 1998 version was so much better than the 2012 version. The 2012 version was so pushed and in your face like damn it cry already. If you have good acting and good direction you don't need that extra push because it can happen naturally. And more than 50% of the singing in the 2012 version sucked. They chose certain Broadway actors but some weren't and their singing hurt my ears. And if you are going to do a musical don't talk during some of the most beautiful singing parts that was just dumb on their part. The acting was so much more powerful in the 1998 version and they didn't have to sing what was on their mind for you to understand what they were going through. I love the Broadway/concert version too but out of the film adaptations 1998 version is far better than the 2012.

But I talk in full detail about the films compared in this video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NiJT9mQzok

The 1998 version is the best! Watch it and enjoy it!

5/10

PS: And the ending made absolutely NO friggin' sense whatsoever! I thought this "Free France Heaven" where everyone who died is a live was just laugh-out-loud ridiculous!

Les Misérables (1998)

1998 version >>>>>>>>>>>> 2012 version

[8/10 · 16 November 2014]

Forget the book. As far as STORY goes, Liam Neeson's version takes the cake!

1998 version was so much better than the 2012 version. The 2012 version was so pushed and in your face like damn it cry already. If you have good acting and good direction you don't need that extra push because it can happen naturally. And more than 50% of the singing in the 2012 version sucked. They chose certain Broadway actors but some weren't and their singing hurt my ears. And if you are going to do a musical don't talk during some of the most beautiful singing parts that was just dumb on their part. The acting was so much more powerful in the 1998 version and they didn't have to sing what was on their mind for you to understand what they were going through. I love the Broadway/concert version too but out of the film adaptations 1998 version is far better than the 2012.

Oh and the "boy who gets shot" in the story, it really shocked me in the original when the boy got shot by the troops; I gasped, totally saddened. But the boy in the 2012 adaptation... oh my HECK was he annoying - all his singing & mannerisms were just undeniable irritating! Instead I was like "Thank You!" when he was shot.

But I talk in full detail about the films compared in this video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8NiJT9mQzok

The 1998 version is the best! Watch it and enjoy it!

8/10

PS: And the ending made absolutely NO friggin' sense whatsoever! I thought this "Free France Heaven" where everyone who died is a live was just laugh-out-loud ridiculous!

Django Unchained (2012)

Seemed interesting, but Leonardo DiCaprio ruined it for me!!

[2/10 · 13 November 2014]

I like films about ending slavery & equality amongst human beings, black or white, but their are MUCH better flick than this overrated schlock! (ie. Places In the Heart, Lincoln, Ruby Bridges, etc)

He's just about ruined every movie I've seen him in it. In my view, DiCaprio isn't very original - he is at most an amateur & overrated actor. Same tone. Same face. Same expression, NOTHING! - No matter what people or Hollywood say. I can't take him seriously in basically ANY role he's in, not even when he uses a ridiculous accent or wears hilariously bad makeup (even though he looks like a 15 year-old girl).

(And I'm GLAD he's not playing Steve Jobs; I mean, does he have to play *every single person* throughout history???)

In hindsight, DiCaprio's talent really is just limited to screaming & shouting - I'm not joking!

There're some exceptions to the rule of course, but most child actors grow up to be talentless hacks (ie. Macaulay Culkin, Haley Joel Osmit, Edward Furlong, Gary Coleman, Corey Feldman, etc). And I'm certain that also includes DiCaprio.

I'm not surprised he hasn't won an Oscar - if he did, I'd be really disappointed. Actually, *I* would give him an Award for 'Most Overrated Actor' of all time.

(I believe he should've retired after "Titanic".) He doesn't deserve a majority of the praise he gets for playing the same spoilt, whiny, degenerate, antisocial, insecure, repressive, foul-mouthed, sinful, condescending character in so many damn movies... Couldn't he try playing a more unflappable character soon?? (One who doesn't LOSE THEIR S*** at the drop of a hat!?)

Long story short, just watch this YouTube video to understand: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31UUGLbkDLg

But in the end, all of this is just opinion-based.

PS: Though to be fair, Tarintino's got some interesting soundtrack taste, and Christopher Waltz was the best performance in this flick as the best character, hands down, no contest.

The Godfather Part II (1974)

happy 40th anniversary... NOT!

[2/10 · 11 November 2014]

And I write review based off the ENTIRE Godfather series. I may be in the minority, but I simply don't understand the hype all about these movies!!! Perhaps the most overrated trilogy ever. I really do believe so much of this hype & attention should be given to some other much BETTER films, like "Iron Will", which was a true story. Or the "Great Escape", another true story! Maybe it's just evident how much of a FETISH Hollywood has for violence, blood, gore, sexual innuendos, and bad language! That's NO "ART", you can trust me! I'm not much of a fan of Al Pacino, nor any of the work he has done - he just always seems to come off as scary & abusive (with his scary eyes & unpredictable attitudes.)

Couldn't Al Pacino take up a KINDER character role here and there sometime soon???

The film was a mess, and so was it's sequels! Everything is shot in the dark, most scenes are often times really boring, and half the time you can't understand what the characters are saying 'cause they're speaking in *freaking* Italian!! And don't forget the horrendous false cult of Catholicism especially being depicted on-screen; Catholics are DUPED. They worship idols, believe in a false Jesus, and are only all just about idolatry, bigotry, and superstition.

Though to be fair, I did like seeing Robert De Niro here and there, and I liked some of the talk concerning Israel & the Jewish people - because I have quite a soft spot for Jews, because they have literally got a long sad history of persecution, and deserve to be recognised for their incredible genius minds and intelligence.

But in the end, that really doesn't matter in a huge porous abomination nonsensical pile of worthless nothing that is this movie! And the other two. 2/10

PS: Everyone's saying "the Godfather" is the greatest film of all time. Nope, they're wrong! It's Groundhog Day! THAT film probably deserves the #2 spot on the Top 250 on IMDb.

Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

I think EVERY famous actor & actress should have their own "Groundhog Day" film! :D

[9/10 · 9 November 2014]

The truth is, whether or not you like Tom Cruise as an actor, you WILL like this movie!

Yeah, even I referenced that great movie, even though everyone else has already, but it still is worth it! Because I remember the first time watching that Bill Murray and being absolutely BLOWN AWAY! This, this is the "futuristic action sci-fi alien invasion" version of Groundhog Day, if you will! Tom Cruise once again proves he's still got some talent! This flick was also directed by a Jewish guy, much like Harold Ramis - all the more reason to like it again!

This movie gave me one of the most exciting theater experiences I ever had! ;D Also I was interested to learn it was based off a Japanese comic originally titled "All You Need Is Kill", since I actually LIVE in Japan! But don't worry, the Japanese advertisement titled this film appropriately as it's original title, in Japanese Katakana - "オール・ユー・ニード・イズ・キル." whatever.

I also thought interesting the plot actually EXPLAINED why Tom Cruise (his character's name Cage), is repeating the same day over & over, whilst Groundhog Day never did explain, though it was still interesting; albeit the alien blood, the OMEGA artifact, etc. Which actually kinda reminded me of the "Omega 13" from the sci-fi comedy "Galaxy Quest." But I digress, 'cause THAT's even a good reference!

I believe actress Emily Blunt deserves to be known for basically THIS movie, on her IMDb profile! Not that overrated pile of trash "Looper." I thank GOD she was written as a cool character She became a great sidekick & genuine love interest to Cage; and I'm glad she didn't become a typical damsel in distress being over-sexualized with giant distracting jiggling boobs. lol

I give credit to AMC theaters giving the recommendation to go seeing this movie - they're quite a legit movie talk show! Because all in all, this movie had HORRIBLE marketing campaigns; there're can be bad trailers to good movies, and good trailers to bad movies! Something to think about.

If there is any slight down-side to this movie, I might say besides the casual intense violence or language in the film, I felt perhaps Bill Paxton was out of place as the war general. I think probably Bill MURRAY should've been cast instead; it would've been a GREAT homage to "Groundhog Day", the film he's mostly known for, rather than just naming the lead female character "Rita", like the one in Groundhog Day.

But seriously, ANYONE who's a huge fan of sic-fi, action, alien invasions, repeating time, etc., THIS is the movie for you - you WON'T be disappointed!

9/10

Uncensored Science: Bill Nye Debates Ken Ham (2014 TV Special)

"...beware of Science falsely so-called" ~ (1 Timothy 6:20)

[9/10 · 8 November 2014]

I can't tell you how EXCITED I was when I first read the news about this debate when it was announced! I'll always remember the time and place I was when I did - I bet everyone will! I definitely would call this "The Clash of the Century" or "The Scopes' Trial 2"; I think a fairly engaging and really entertaining debate - I think MORE legit than the 1925 Scopes' Trial, or even that BOGUS & deceptive movie "Inherit the Wind" which was willingly made by the IRS simply to make creationists look ignorant & dumb. Shame on you, Spencer Tracy, Gene Kelly, & Hollywood! It's seriously one of the worst films ever made, no matter what people or Hollywood say.

Since Bill Nye's controversial video, "Creationism Isn't Appropriate For Children," there's been much replies, much banter, and much cyber-bullying to those who are being questioned for their faith in Christ. I would argue that evolution isn't appropriate for ANYONE! Just look at a lot of the social ills that Darwinian evolution has been the backbone of, whether it be Social, Communism, Nazism, Eugenics, etc. That teaching alone is rather "child abuse" in itself. I was actually expected SOMEONE to bring up the joke that both Ken Ham and Bill Nye look like Abraham Lincoln. lol

Though I'm not sure either side "won" - all the various websites make their own claims of who was rather the winner. I sort of wish Kent Hovind would've debated Nye instead. But in the end, it's pretty good! Do check it out on YouTube.

Pretty much my full review of this debate can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9jfqa2KpuU

The Godfather (1972)

Groundhog Day >>>>>>>>>> The Godfather

[1/10 · 6 November 2014]

Everyone's saying this overrated film is one of "the greatest films of all time" - NOPE! I'm saying it's Groundhog Day!

WHY?? Because that one is a GOOD film - with meaning, creativity, fun, likability, and enjoyment. Unlike this, it makes you WANT to do fun things like it features, when watching it. Watching "the Godfather", I feel, "No, I don't want to do or watch these things".

Most of this film is rather just boring & confusing! Everything is shot in the dark (or with a dark filter); you have to make sure you've got something else to do while viewing this *masterpiece.* It's way too long. And it's certainly NOT "flawless" - I've spotted a WHOLE bunch of flaws with this flick, that they'd have to be put into many notes! Remember, no film is without flaws. A summary of the flaws with this film are confusing story lines, corrupt characters, crime, violence, some filthy language, bad attitudes, even the false cult of Catholicism being featured, rudeness, mind-aching distressing corrupt plot inconsistencies, or scenes that just don't make sense or just annoy the bazzerk out of you!

I couldn't care less if almost all critics everywhere have given it glowing reviews, I don't care if it's generally considered a "masterpiece", and I don't care if it has a 9.2 out of 10 on IMDb. I can't believe I fell for such a deceiving look. I'm sad that they've refused to see how horrible it is. The fact is, films have quite the tendency to be either underrated or overrated these days. Seriously, this should be turned around! All the attention towards the "Godfather" series should be given instead towards "Groundhog Day"; all the awards given to the "Godfather" series should be instead towards "Groundhog Day". It's THAT good! Please check it out!

And plus, Marlon Brando's brought into this flick, and given one of the stupidest accents in film history; sounding so nauseated and drunk, with his chin thrust out so far, it makes me think he's turning into Jim Carrey. This film's also one of the biggest reasons why I don't care about Al Pacino as an actor; how he almost always seems to have a fetish for hardcore violence, swearing, and playing all-round unromantic, unpopular, and unlikable characters.

Undoubtedly it was this flick that started a whole film career of mistakes for Al Pacino - I guess he's kind of cool, just not as much as people make him to be.

Though to be fair, I do give credit to this film for not including one f-bomb at all.

But overall, I think this is certainly one of the worser movies I have seen, and I'm GLAD I didn't watch it growing up.

2/10

PS: I'm a movie buff who tries to like every film I see.

Lost in Translation (2003)

happy 10th anniversary? ......I DON'T THINK SO!

[3/10 · 4 November 2014]

(NOTE: This review is coming from someone who's actually LIVED in Japan their whole life - and my translating is just okay)

Groundhog Day >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Lost In Translation

That's a MUCH better film you ought to be checking out right now, with meaning and entertainment. This film was WAY over-hyped by the Nostalgia Critic (lulz). I don't care if so many critics liked this film; I don't care if Scarlett Johansen is mostly known for this film! It is surely one of the most boring and undeveloped films I've seen!

If you aren't feeling very lonely right now, you very well may by the time you've finished reading this review. For it is the review of a movie that woos, romances and longs after loneliness. A movie that is capable of reaching down inside the most gregarious, convivial person in the world and drawing to the surface a kernel of desperate detachment.

Bob is an over-the-hill, middle-aged movie star who relies on his accumulated fame to keep him in the money through retirement. He's in Tokyo to earn $2 million for shooting a whiskey commercial. Charlotte is a young college graduate, recently married and tagging along with her photographer husband on a business trip. Both wind up at the Park Hyatt Tokyo, with lots of time on their hands and no one to share it with. After 25 years, Bob's marriage is shaky, suffering from his frequent absences. After two years, Charlotte's not sure who it is she married, or why. Both are tired. Bored. Lonely. And emotionally fragile. So when they meet, there's an instant connection. Age and social status (or even marital status, for that matter) seem irrelevant as the two cradle drinks at the hotel bar, share lunches, midnight parties and 4 a.m. heart-to-hearts.

Director Sophia Coppola (Francis Ford's daughter) draws on her own experiences in Tokyo to bring it to life, but effortlessly. Bob and Charlotte's collective pensiveness and dislocation is backlit by the Japanese capital's freneticism. And the contrast is used to good effect. Racing elevated trains, throngs of pedestrians, flashing neon signs, and the din of bad karaoke don't neutralize the angst, they accentuate, and exacerbate it to the point that its nearly tangible.

Bill Murray has always had a melancholy streak. But he typically uses it as a foil for his humor. Here, he wears it on his sleeve, refusing to duck and cover behind mirth and frivolity. And in doing so he delivers the performance of a lifetime. His on-screen companion, Scarlett Johanssen (The Man Who Wasn't There, The Horse Whisperer), easily keeps pace, allowing onlookers a riveting glimpse of the tragedy that occurs when youthful energy and enthusiasm crash into directionlessness and amorality.

If one refuses to give in to the movie's moodiness, it becomes merely a dim documentary of two individuals' plodding trips to Tokyo; They eat, they go for walks, they gaze out over the city from their generic hotel rooms, etc. Indeed, eliminate emotion from the equation and "Lost in Translation" stops working in ANY language. But it's impossible to separate what's happening on-screen with what happens in your heart. And that is what has made this movie a critic's darling. It's also the pit it falls into while the crowds are obliviously cheering. Because of those strong emotions racing back and forth between projected image and human heart, moviegoers will find themselves relishing the connection and bond they see "innocently" forming between Bob and Charlotte. You're compelled to desire their happiness, and the only way they'll ever be happy, you become convinced, is for them to be together. Never mind that that would mean the destruction of two separate families. Sucked in to the moment, it's easy not to care.

This film also includes mumbo-jumbo about our souls picking our path through life before we are born. And it's awful that they had to include disgusting & demonic Shintoist and Buddhist references and shrines into the film; that's ultimately when the film jumped the shark for me. The people invented this false cults and religions are FAR beyond superstitious and need to have their heads examined.

Hollywood gets a lot of things wrong, and wants to make you believe their films are based on reality; well think again! Hollywood has become more HollyWEIRD these days!

And a little bit of useful information of history for you foreigners wishing to visit Japan: People in Osaka are a lot more foregoing, optimistic, extroverted, sociable, kind, lighthearted, & entertaining than people in Tokyo. Because back during the Edo Period, Osaka was mostly filled with merchants, while Tokyo was mostly filled with samurai warriors; so the historical personalities are still somewhat existent in their current state. Just thought I'd throw that out for you people, because I do think Tokyo is one of the most cliché'd cities in the world to visit.

3/10

PS: Sophia's a hack