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Michael_Murry
Letterbox: https://letterboxd.com/Murry07/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Michael_Murry7
I've been an avid movie watcher for years; my friends and family for years, begged and pleaded with me; to just shut up about move ratings! So instead of bugging them, I'm going to share my OPINION with the world. I would do this on Facebook, but Facebook sucks and everyone is more concerned with memes, political controversy, who's sleeping with whom, and stalking each other. At least that's what the Social Network taught me.
I've seen a lot of movies in my days but from here on out, I will only rate them if I'm either watching the movie for the first time or re-watched the movie. Just to give it a fair rating. This means I'll probably have to suffer though some bad movies, but I also get to watch some great movies. Its a win-win for me, and you all get to roast me on my horrible judgement! Got to love the internet.
I rate movies based on the following:
*Overcoming the monster or is the plot resolved?
**Rags to riches, a Come backstory.
***The Quest or the plot, am I invested?
****Voyage & return, or the journey. Do I care about what they're doing?
*****Comedy, did it make me smile or laugh?
******Tragedy, do I feel for the character's when something happens?
*******Rebirth, can the story continue?
********Rewatchability, or would I watch it again?
*********Romance, is there a love story in some shape or form.
(I'm a sucker for a love story)
********** X-Factor, did I like, regardless of any of other stars?
A 10 star movie would be a movie that touches on every one of these stars.
I also do my best to start with the GOOD, talk about the BAD, then circle back and wrap up my review and end on a good note... Unless it really bad, I'm talking Spice World bad. If you haven't heard of that movie then just do your self a favor and skip it or if you really want to expose your self to that pile of rubbish, just listen to it, but don't watch it. The Spice girls are great performers and singers, but definitely not actors. In fairness though, 10 year old me was loving it! Hot chicks dancing, singing, and kicking butt with GIRL POWER!!! But after a re-watch a few years later (I wont mention why, but you can probably guess) I think the people who produced, directed, wrote, designed, and acted in it should repay the viewers, and donate some money to a music charity or something.
Sorry for that tangent. Some of you might ask what are my credentials? The short answer is I have none. I did theater in middle school, high school, with a dash in of theater in college, and signed up for a "talent agency" in my mid 20s, but nothing ever came of it. So what do people do when they fail? They judge, and court is now in session.
[Put's on sunglasses, and The Who - Won't Get Fooled Again plays]
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Reviews
Practical Magic (1998)
Are you a little girl who has dreamed about being a witch? Or are you a woman who in general and just want to be a witch? Then you'll feel right a home, or right at your mud h
The BAD: The plot makes zero sense. It also took almost an hour for anything to happen in the story. Then when something finally did; I just couldn't care less. Honestly the entire movie I was just waiting for them to do magic, but as it turns out magic is picking peddles off of flowers, and poisoning people with salt? But its ok because if you're a witch in this family you eventually going to kill the love of your life just by hearing a beetle...
I honstly couldn't follow half of this crap. I would also like to point out that the cop does not have 2 different colored eyes. The moment they pulled in for his first close up I was checking. Then all of a sudden thanks to CGI or some other crap his eyes reflect green and blue. My ass! His eyes are blue, he's there to arrest the bad guys whos names was so unforgivable I just watched this movie and I couldn't tell ya.
I can ramble on about this movie for hours but I just don't care enough. Some of you might be asking what about the "GOOD" section? It doesn't have any. Sorry, the only good part is the casting, but they all delivered such crap performance you can swap them with anyone else and the movie would of been the same.
Tusk (2014)
Is man truly a monster? Or is a monster a man? In the end we're no better then the walrus
The GOOD: This movie has Johnny Depp, Haley Joel Osment, and Justin Long. Its also written and directed by Kevin Smith. He did a wonderful job of really telling a something new.
The BAD: Thats all I got for "the good" really. The walrus make up is spotty, the way he moves is wierd, the noises he makes dont match what he looks like, obviously the surgery to create this monstrous creature makes no sense at all. But the biggest offense by a mile is that fact that this all happens in Canada! Like Harley from EMT said, "red and white, but never blue."
I'm really not sure what to think about this... I give Kevin Smith mad props for writing and directing a movie this bizarre. Its refreshing to see something truly original, and something that is absolutely a one off film. The creativity in this movie is something we probably wont see again for awhile, not that thats a bad thing. At the end of the day, this is a movie about a "walrus" and the psycho who created it. All the "hidden meaning" behind this story is over shadow by the visuals of the walrus. It will haunt my nightmares just as sson as I find that damn ring tone...
I know this was supposed to be a wierd movie, but I judge all storys by the same rules
Ford v Ferrari (2019)
Determination, money, and stubbornness is all it takes to build a winning race car. But to drive it probably, you need to feel the car and make adjustments and have balls of s
The GOOD: The cast is phenomenal. Matt Damon is perfect as a chicken farmer from Texas. Christian Bale plays a short tempered British person almost to perfectly. Josh Lucas portal of a ford executive with a determination to ruin the GT is just frustrating enough to be convicting. Jon Bernthal finally gets to play a likeable character who has a job to do at first, then just becomes part of the solution.
The writting is also beautiful in more ways than one. You need to pay attention to the little things, as they tend to come back up later on. Its also poetic in nature, from one scene to another. Thing's that are said, and things that happen have a deeper meaning and you have to be ready with a box of tissues. This shouldn't be considered a spoiler: when Henry Ford II is talking to Shelby about going to war should go down as one of the greatest moments in film history. That conversation represents both characters and the true life story of Ford Vs. Ferrari perfictly!
Not to mention the love story between Ken and his wife feels real. No relationship is perfect; she doesn't want him to quit and shes not going to stand back and watch him throw his life away. The other side of that situation, he wants to be a race car driver, but he needs to put food on the table. I can reallynfeel the love between these characters, and I feel for them.
Set design, props, and costumes were so on point for each character, location and clothing that when the movie was over I felt like a time traveler. This film just did such a great job of pulling you into its world. Not to mention the cars!!! I love how Shelby drove a AC Cobra throughout the movie and Ken trashed the Mustang. Again, this movie does a great job of just keeping you drawn to the plot so well.
The BAD: I felt like it ran long in some places. Especially towards the end. This movie could of, and should of ended after the race. You already ended the movie with captions, why not add a few more. On the topic of the captions; they're to fast. Im not a spead reader, leave them on the acreen fornat least 5 seconds.
This is fsr and away my favorite movie of 2019! I was hooked from beginning to end. I would even love to see another racing movie based on Lancia's really history.
What Dreams May Come (1998)
True love finds a way even in death. Watch as: two americans fall in love in Switzerland, go back to the states, have some kids and great careers. Then watch as their entire l
(Writers note) I'm not feeling very well today so this review will be alot shorter.
The GOOD: The over all images of this movie are breathtaking. The idea that hevan is what you make it is nothing new, but the idea of it being paintings. Genius! The canvas can be something new whenever you want it to be. I love the idea you can be anyone you want to be in heaven, even if its someone else. You're not limited to rules of the living world, and that's truly inspiring.
I also love how we all have a common thought of heaven. In the movie its like victorian beach day by a lake. But still its true, we all have a common idea of heaven. You and i probably dont share it; but you share it with someone.
The BAD: The writting boreing and unimaginative. The only really beauty in the writting was deliverd by Robin, but even then it was limited to maybe 50 lines? Hes one of the great3actorsnof our time, use his skill! You casted Cuba who really didn't have much if a role.
I get this movie is from the 90s, but the kids look to similar for me. The costumes they're wearing are not different enough to actually represent them. Its almost as if they wanted the audience to consider them amourfic blobs as the real story was between a husband and wife.
Overview: I wasn't ready for a heavy hitting movie like this today. But I'm glad I watched it as it makes me think the future. Time runs out and it happens when you least expect it.
Knives Out (2019)
A beloved father celebrates his 82nd birthday with his family. But he has other matters to take care of which leads to treachery, confusion and a murder.
For a more detailed review please keep reading.
The GOOD: The cast is phenomenal! The list of "A-list" and "up and coming" actor's, and actresses are truly something special, but the way they interact with each other just makes this movie feel even more special. Usually when a group of actors with this much talent comes together they struggle for the spot light. I just feel like everyone had an good sense of who their character is.
The story was also very unpredictable, and it kept me guessing from beginning to end. It started out with me pointing finger's, then I thought I knew who the killer was. Finally the end came, and lets just say I was over thinking the whole time. The writing for Benoit Blanc is genius and the way Daniel portrayed this character is genius. All of his little mannerisms, and subtle gestures are just perfect for this character.
The set design deserves some praise. The chair with all the knives is incredible, but so is the rest of the house! It feels like an Agatha Christie novel from start to finish, and at the same time I don't think it's trying to hard.
The BAD: The costume design feels lazy. I feel like none of the characters are showing how wealthy they are. The only person who looks kinda outlandish and matches her character is Jame Lee Curtis. Also who in their right mind would buy an old BMW, then use that as their everyday car?
Do the detectives not carry handcuffs or a gun? No spoilers, but even when they get introduced, you don't see a badge, or any credentials. The writing for the detectives are almost none existent. They serve no purpose to the story, which is a shame because they're played by two very good actors.
Overview: This was in my opinion one of the best none super hero related movies of the year! Which is funny because it has at least two superhero's in it. I look forward to more projects from Rian Johnson.
Home Again (2017)
Watch as a woman takes three good looking guys and things start to unravel in her personal, professional, and love life.
The Good: I really enjoyed the story and characters of this movie. It was definitely a pleasant surprise. Lets face it, the only reason I think anyone watched this movie was to see Reese be her cute and adorable self, and she is that, and more in this movie. The main "love interest" was also so damn charming! I mean that guy puts most "love interest" to shame.
I would have to say my favorite thing would have to be the ending. Its not your typical Hollywood romance or your happy ending. The characters felt real, and so did the ending.
The BAD: what the hell was their movie about! You just spent two hours talking about it, and we never learned the plot!
I really feel like this was a movie (Home Again) that should've been a TV show. Some the scenes just feel like it should of been expanded more. Not to mention the plot make no sense whats so ever. I get that starving actors, writers and... "guy number 3" need a place to stay and they just so happened upon the most self absorbed middle age blonde in LA, but legally I think shes going to have some problems. :)
This movie was never going to be a big box office hit, or cult classic. It was always going to be just another movie for a few people to get a pay check. Not to mention they can put on their resumes that they worked on, or are in, a Reese Witherspoon movie.
The Birdcage (1996)
Who knew politics could be so funny? This movie had me laughing from start to finish!
If you're interested in a more in depth review, please keep reading.
The GOOD: The casting in this movie is so perfect it still baffles me. Yes, Robin Williams is great in everything. Gene Hackman, is great is everything. But you put these two in a movie together and they do an incredible job of sharing the spot light. Each character has a memorable line, and an amazing interaction with the two flag ship actors. But Hank Azaria steals the show hands down. He is so funny in this movie, that I would watch a solo movie based on his character. I would really like to see a cooking show with Agador at some point. looking at you Netflix.
You can't talk about how funny everyone is in this movie without mentioning the set designs. The sets, give so many opportunities to the actors to just explore their characters. Every shot of the club is fantastic! I feel like I'm watching a drag show every time it comes on the screen. Not to mention the apartments transformation from gay couples home, to boring drab pad is sensational.
I have to talk about the direction as well. Working with an A-list cast means you have to let them run with their instincts, and that's exactly what happened. Not to say everything wasn't planned, but I'm sure half of what Robin said was not scripted, or Nathan for that matter.
The BAD: I'm not sure what the cinematographer was thanking for a few of the shots. It looks like the lens is just fuzzy. I understand he's trying to convey the scene that this takes place in Florida, but when is Florida fuzzy? The costume designer already conveyed the message by putting everyone is a Pepsi commercial from the 1980's.
The ending is left open with no idea whether or not the senator approves of his new family. We also don't get much of a reaction from Katherine, who is presumably seeing her son for the first time. She had more of a reaction when she saw Aramand for the first time in 20 years. Val also doesn't have a real reaction to meeting his birth mother for the first time, other then to just point out the huge sacrifice his parents are making by putting on this facade for the senator.
But the worst thing by a mile is the plan its self. You mean to tell me they couldn't just reschedule the meeting of the parents? If they did they could of had more time to either train Albert to be a man, or make the house "straighter". Even the senator could of had more time to deal with his campaign issues. A simple phone call and apology to say, "I'm so sorry we wont be able to make it this weekend to meet you. Things just took a major nose dive this week and I must stay here to clean up the mess."
- Senator Keeley to Armand
Also, if the senator ate candy when he's stressed wouldn't he be 400lbs? Being a public official, in any capacity, is a very stressful job.
Now all that being said, this far and away one of my favorite movies of all time! Nathan Lane, Robbin Williams, Gene Hackman, and Hank Azaria are just phenomenal in these roles. One of the funnest moments in cinema history is when Robin is trying to teach Nathan how to act like a "straight guy". Also, Gene Hackman in a dress left me speechless, not to mention the way they exit the club, as a whole, at the end.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
Join Frodo and the fellowship of the ring as they traverse through middle earth in their quest to destroy the one ring.
The GOOD: The cinematography, set designed, costumes, lighting, and acting are just phenomenal in almost every way. To the way they transitions between scenes; to the way they introduce each character it is just phenomenal. The use of color and light only added to how amazing this movie really is. As they trekked through middle earth, I felt a real sense of warmth, and cold because of each scene attention to details. Not to mention the peril the fellowship faced.
I need to mention the costume and set design, because its just breathtaking. Each character has their own style and colors which helps represent each of their emotions and personality. Even the background orc's have a scene of individuality. They're just an army, all made from the same mud pit, they could all look the same. But instead more time was taken to make sure they didn't. This is just so amazing! Not to mention you really felt like you could walk though each and every set scene for scene. From Bilbos house, to Rivendell, all the way to Orthanc; I just like how you could really step into this world. The attention to detail in Bilbos house alone is enough to make me want to be a hobbit.
The BAD: You're trying to shove a very detailed book into a movie so some things are going to miss the mark in my opinion. I felt as if the introduction of each character was rushed, and as this is my first time meeting them I would like to know more about them from the start. Not to mention the story its self felt as if it progressed very rapidly. It still took 2 1/2 hours, but nothing got resolved. That being said I love the progression the writing took in some areas as well. But a lot of the character development was over looked and I'm not sure why. Why is Bill, the horse, so important to Sam? What is the relationship between Gandalf and Frodo, or Gandalf and Saruman? What makes Elvis more powerful the dwarfs? What is the relationship between Aragorn and Legolas, or Aragorn and Arwen? How can Aragorn speak elvish? These are just some of the questions I had that I would of liked answer to with out having to read the book or wait for a sequel.
Now all that being said, this was a great movie! I am well aware there're more movies to come and also a prequel series to follow this. Not to mention the books.
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019)
Everybody loves Tom Hanks, and everyone loves Mr. Rogers. But you cant make a movie about Mr. Rogers and not make him the main focal point of the story.
Everybody loves Tom Hanks, and everyone loves Mr. Rogers. But you cant make a movie about Mr. Rogers and not make him the main focal point of the story.