goodriddance_92 Reviews

Blue Beetle (2023)

Have all the Superhero Films already been written?

[5/10 · 23 September 2023]

Honestly the 5/10 is possibly a bit generous but Xolo Maridueña gave such a great performance that it certainly lifts the film. Apart from that, what more can be said? It's just another Superhero Film which to me, is heartbreaking to say because 5 years ago, I would be saying the more the merrier! Little did I know that writers would be going on strike because they were worried about AI stealing their jobs (I am aware it's not just that, pay is a massive factor too) but it feels like AI is already writing these films..... It is SO by the numbers. It could easily be just another Iron Man/Spider-Man/Ant-Man/Shazam! Etc. It just happens to be about Blue Beetle who is actually a fun and interesting character but is in a mostly boring movie.

The weirdest decision in this film is that Jaime is extremely against killing but I guess is perfectly fine with his family members doing it....? Jaime isn't aware of this moment at the time but Rudy kills someone and Mili yells "20 points!". It is so incredibly jarring consindering like 10 minutes ago Jaime was adamant about not killing.

Anyway you already know everything that is going to happen in this film within the first 5 minutes, even the credits scenes were predictable.

Glass Onion (2022)

I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who was disappointed

[5/10 · 23 December 2022]

What happened?!

I am so bitterly confused!

I was looking forward to this film so much after Knives Out instantly becoming one of my all time favourites.

Did I overhype it? Were my expectations too high? Did I watch the same film as the critics?

By all means, I'm not saying this is a bad film but compared to the original, it misses rather hard. What an absolute let down.

I have no complaints about the cast, the score, the cinematography, the direction etc. It's the writing. Did Rian Johnson just forget what sort of film he was writing or something? It certainly showed a lot of promise in the first act, it definitely had me intruiged. The middle act had it's moments of twists and revelations I suppose. But the last act - what happened? What a mess. There was no pay off. It was such an unsatisfying conclusion. Honestly, it felt like they may as well have just said; "It was all a dream". It was so much off the mark which really hurts.

I'm glad to see that I guess a lot of people enjoyed it and maybe the next installment will be better. One can only hope.

Ghosts of War (2020)

Smarter than you think.

[8/10 · 22 October 2022]

I remember when the trailer came out for this and I thought oh, another film sort of like Overlord it seems. 2 years later, I've only just watched it and I regret not watching it sooner.

It started out like a pretty simple brotherly war film with each character really standing out from each other. They all really leave their own mark on the story. When the violence/blood kicks in, I was left feeling like it looked very cheap but I guess it is a B-movie so I forgave that. However, looking back on it now, knowing the ending, you could almost see it as being intentional.... I will leave that open for interpretation.

Then we get to the main draw of the film (I guess), the haunting. Nothing really that hasn't been seen before in the world of paranormal films. With that in mind, I don't see why people were excited by this prospect as it seemed all rather simple and by the numbers.

About 35 minutes in, I rolled my eyes as I couldn't believe what had happened. It felt like I had just missed a whole scene. I'm sure many others thought the same. A little while later I realised this was completely intentional and from that moment on, I fell in love with this film. A non-linear story can always seem confusing at first but once I understood what was going on, I was on the edge of my seat the whole time as there was no way of knowing what could happen next.

I'd say after the hour mark, things took an even weirder turn. Something felt wrong and out of place but in an intriguing way. A few minutes later, you realise why. I was immediately disappointed by the revelation of the ending they were going for. Somehow though, they actually pulled it off. This is the only time where this type of ending has worked for me as it makes sense for the story. It didn't feel lazy or like a cop out like it usually does.

All in all, I was pleasantly surprised. I would definitely watch it again.

Ms. Marvel (2022)

Worst of the MCU?

[3/10 · 17 July 2022]

Not counting Inhumans as I never watched it, this is probably the worst of the MCU. They've completely dropped the ball on this one.

This would've probably worked as a cute teenage drama comedy but like all the superhero stuff just ruined it which is obviously a problem as it's a superhero show. There's just far too much going on to cram into 6 episodes and one of those is even a flashback episode? A new protagonist, her friends, religion, culture, family, school, love interest (probably more stuff) and being a superhero on top of that?! It was just never going to work.

The only saving grace is Iman Vellani as Kamala Khan. She plays the character so well. She's so fun and energetic, just how Kamala should be. Let's just hope that when she appears in other properties, they're better than this show.

I feel like this is one of those situations where journalists are too afraid to actually speak their minds about how bad this show is, in case they come across as racist.

The Batman (2022)

Very close to perfect!

[9/10 · 7 March 2022]

I will say straight at the top that I can't quite put my finger on what was missing to make it perfect but there definitely feels like some sort of spark of something.

I'm not really even going to address casting as every Batman film, people seem to get their knickers in a twist when a casting is announced and then they always have to eat their words.

This film is beautiful to look at - so many beautiful sunset shots but also just dark/atmospheric shots.

People need to get over the runtime of films. 3 hours is nothing compared to back in the day when they were 4/5 hours long. I say - the more the merrier.

Stop complaining about Batman as a character and Gotham as a city (also a character in it's own way) being depressing. Where have you been? Maybe do just an inch of research before you watch a Batman film so you don't get surprised by it being depressing. We aren't in the Adam West days anymore.

There's one thing I definitely don't like and that's the ears on the cowl. They look so flimsy and brittle, they're too thin. That's just being really picky though.

This isn't just a good "superhero" film. It's a good film. It felt almost like it was a spin-off of Se7en. There was such an intent of concentrating on the aspect of what makes Batman, the World's Greatest Detective. It's about time we had that, he is ridiculously smart! I've seen people sort of complaining about this a bit? Saying that there's too much talking and not enough action? They're weird, don't listen to them.

The King's Man (2021)

How/why was this a single film?!

[6/10 · 14 February 2022]

This film has FAR too much going on to be condensed into just one film. It could easily be a trilogy. Why did they do this?!

However, it was very fun, it has to be said! Fabulous action as you can expect but the opening half an hour or so is quite slow?

Ralph Fiennes absolutely steals the show which shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone.

I guess it is probably the worst of the franchise but that isn't exactly an insult, the first is excellent and the second was pretty decent, so this had a lot to stack up to.

All in all it was fine but definitely too long. I'm not sure where they will take the franchise from here but I would like to see more.

Black Swan (2010)

The pain that comes with beauty

[9/10 · 14 February 2022]

I'm very much late to the party on this one but it was certainly worth the wait!

It easily exceeded my expectations. Such a pleasant surprise!

It was certainly a bit more scary and sort of violent that I expected but that's far from a negative point! As well as this, it is extremely sexual at times so think before you try and watching this with family, could be a bit awkward!

This film really takes you on a journey of commitment to a hobby that you can be dangerously obsessed with, so much so, you don't understand what is real and what isn't. Taking us on this journey is the wonderful Natalie Portman, an amazing performance! There wasn't a single moment that I could take my eyes off her. One minute she is this sweet, pretty and innocent young woman, the next she turns into a sexy siren that could kill you off after she's has had her way with you!

If you're reading this review and haven't watched it yet, don't wait any longer, just do it!

Dune (2021)

Went into this with no previous knowledge of this film franchise

[7/10 · 26 October 2021]

So yeah, no knowledge of the book or the old film.

I rated this as a 7 as a bit of a placeholder as I don't really know what rating I can give it?

I had no idea what was what going on has to be said so I'm rather confused. The first half hour was just expedition overload, just constantly going from scene to scene throwing information in my face. But then after that I had a lot of fun!

Of course Denis knows how to make a beautiful film and that makes me excited for the next part!

Halloween Kills (2021)

Fun but I wasn't particularly scared.

[7/10 · 26 October 2021]

I was pretty much expecting this to be just some sort of filler middle film in this trilogy and that's what it was. Timothee Chalmamet is amazing, can't wait to see more of him. Feel like Oscar Isaac and Josh Brolin were a little wasted. Jason Momoa is his usual fun self. Rebecca Ferguson kind of steals the show.

People are stupid.

Taxi Driver (1976)

I think I missed the boat on this one?

[6/10 · 3 August 2021]

I've put off watching this for so long. It was on Sky Movies and my dad just stuck it on so I was like, yeah, let's go for it.

I was really engaged because of De Niro's performance and then.....sort of....nothing?

I was really expecting so much more. I was so disappointed.

I'm glad I watched it but I won't be watching it again.

Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021)

An excuse for WB to advertise

[2/10 · 23 July 2021]

WB's name was all over this in the most terrible way possible. It's the definition of cringe.

Terrible acting by pretty much everyone involved apart from Michael B. Jordan's cameo lol.

The only good parts were some Loony Tune jokes here and there.

They basically stole the plot of Hook too.

What an absolute disaster.

Batman: Death in the Family (2020 Video)

Why?

[2/10 · 12 July 2021]

This is the most pointless thing ever. Use your resources elsewhere. So weird.

The New Mutants (2020)

Such potential....

[6/10 · 4 July 2021]

When this was first revealed, I loved the concept of it! Unfortunately the Disney takeover of Fox just left this film in Limbo and ruined it (pun sort of intended).

It felt like half the film was missing. I hope this doesn't spell the end of these characters and they're brought into the MCU one way or another, with their acting counterparts.

I wouldn't say it was a waste of time as it's a short film but possibly the worst X-Men film, yes, even worse than Origins Wolverine.....

Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)

Unfortunately the worst in the franchise.

[6/10 · 2 April 2021]

Still a lot of fun but it was just far too silly, I dunno, it was weird. It seemed to try too hard?

Maybe we all set our expectations too high and overhyped it.

Probably the one I'm least likely to rewatch.

Harmony (I) (2018)

Surprisingly decent

[6/10 · 31 January 2021]

Just watched this, my Dad put it on as he saw it on the Sky box which had 4 and a half stars? Lol. I couldn't find it on here at first as in the UK it's known as Otherworld? Saw the average of 5.5 and was like oh no.... Before I started watching, I looked at the film on Wikipedia and got the information about Jessica and her family and was deeply saddened so thought I would give the film a chance out of respect. I'm glad I gave it a chance, it was quite a decent watch. An interesting look at the power of depression, fear and the opposite - love. The performances are pretty much what you would expect, pretty average, as well as the script. The cinematography was good though, it kept me invested. I guess if you have nothing else to watch and not afraid to feel a bit shit, throw this on?

WandaVision (2021)

Bad call for Disney to release this weekly

[7/10 · 15 January 2021]

It seems like the whole of this show should've been put out at once because something will definitely finally happen in later episodes. The first 2 were just complete nothingness.

I'm definitely intrigued by what's to come but at this stage I cannot recommend it to anyone. The cracks in the "reality" were finally starting to show at the end of the second episode so let's hope it picks up from there.

On high point was definitely Vision being "gum drunk", Paul Bettany nailed that, was pretty hilarious.

Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)

Am I missing something?

[7/10 · 27 December 2020]

I'm so confused. What's with all the bad reviews? Yes, it's certainly not a perfect film but I had a lot of fun watching it. After seeing the reviews, I gave myself low expectations and expected to be disappointed but I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I will say the most unbelievable thing about this film was when Kristen Wigg's character; Barbara, wished to be "sexy".....yeah.....because she definitely isn't. Stupid. I thought Hollywood was done with this stupid stereotype of people not being attractive just because they wear glasses? Like what the hell?!

Bloodshot (2020)

Surprised by the average score

[7/10 · 11 October 2020]

Yes it isn't the best action film by any stretch of the imagination but it honestly caught me by surprise. It was a lot smarter than I thought it would be. Well worth the watch!

Enola Holmes (2020)

Millie is great. Solid film.

[7/10 · 7 October 2020]

Millie has a very bright future ahead of her. The film on the other hand, although I gave it a 7, it felt like something was missing. It was definitely too long. The 4th wall breaking felt really off, a strange choice. There were some rather farfetched moments, she definitely should've died at one point.... The main plot point felt like a bit of a cop out in the end unfortunately. All in all despite those flaws, it was very fun, a nice chill out film to put on.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017)

Fool disguised as a genius.

[5/10 · 21 September 2020]

Yeah, you read that right. They somehow flipped Jack. He is supposed to be a genius disguised as a fool. In this film he's simply a fool. I'm not sure if it's bad writing or directing or unfortunately for Johnny Depp, bad acting. Maybe it's a bit of all 3? He just isn't the same character as he should be and since he is the driving force of this franchise, it isn't going to make a good film if your protagonist is broken.

It's a little bit fun now and again but I'm not even angry, just bitterly disappointed.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)

Fun but hollow.

[6/10 · 21 September 2020]

It would be easy to say it is missing Will and Elizabeth but there's a lot more going on here. There's no stakes, no motive, no....point?

It's just Jack going on a weekend trip that he wasn't even supposed to be a part of.

Like I said it's fun, a cute little adventure but it's just so hollow because there's no point to it. It's just some random spin-off in the franchise. No over-arching plot/narrative from the trilogy. It just exists on its own.

What We Do in the Shadows (2014)

I'm so confused.....

[4/10 · 18 September 2020]

Why does everyone love this? Why do you all find it so hilarious? I don't think I laughed once during this. I like the idea of a vampire mockumentary thing, interesting idea but I feel like the main point was for it to be funny. I just didn't find it that funny. Maybe this was so ridiculously overhyped or it just isn't on my humour wavelength. Honestly so disappointed.

Project Power (2020)

I would give it a 6.5 if I could. Decent movie.

[6/10 · 16 August 2020]

I think we are spoiled these days by amazing action movies so a film like this comes across as extremely mediocre but it's a fun film. Really good CGI surprisingly. Some decent acting, a film with Joseph Gordon Levitt is always an immediate sell for me.

I'd like to see a sequel. Give more depth to this universe as the plot was very simple and by the numbers but yeah, would definitely like to see more of this drug infused version of X-Men.

It's not something I would watch again but I did enjoy it and would recommend it.

Birds of Prey (2020)

An absolute mess, a fun mess, but still a mess

[6/10 · 24 March 2020]

This is practically Suicide Squad all over again. Warner Bros. being scared of the public perception of DC being too dark but that's what the actual fans like and want so they just put out this mess of a film instead. Like I said, it was fun at times but just nowhere near what I wanted. They just wanted to cash in on Harley Quinn being the "saving grace" of Suicide Squad so they made a film based around her but couldn't really think how they would do it so they decided to throw the Birds Of Prey name on it. They should of started with the new name of the film in the first place "Harley Quinn and the Birds Of Prey" as it's her film completely and they're just thrown into the mix and completely wasted. Talking of wasted; Black Mask, he's one of Batman's coolest villains in his rogues gallery and yeah, he only had his mask on for 5 minutes of screen time, if that? I guess they were mostly banking on Ewan McGregor's face? Such a shame that he now won't be used in this "universe" anymore, same goes for Victor Zsasz unfortunately. I'm one of the few who actually liked Jared Leto's Joker and it was upsetting not to see him make a return and we will probably never see him again which sucks. I will say that maybe the last 40 minutes or so kind of save the film a bit, certainly the most fun part. The fight scenes were actually really entertaining which was nice. The fourth wall breaking from Harley is a big no from me, stop that, seriously, yuck. See it if you want but you're not missing much which is horrible for me to say as I am DC over Marvel any day. I am also really gonna miss Batfleck! F

Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood (2019)

I would actually give this a 6.5 if I could

[7/10 · 18 February 2020]

I've near enough watched every Tatantino movie, this is the worst that I have seen of his. Not that it is a bad movie, it's well acted, written and directed. It just wasn't particularly entertaining, I'm confused why it is rated so high. Nothing happens of note in this movie until the last 15 minutes. It's like watching a TV series with 2 filler episodes to get to the episode you actually want to see. I'm just so honestly baffled. I'm glad I only bought it when it was on offer and I'm glad I didn't go to the cinema to see it, would have been a miserable and tiring experience. This isn't a typical Tarantino movie by any stretch of the imagination. Yeah, I just don't realy know what to say. I don't really think I could possibly suggest this movie to anyone, if you wanna see it then go ahead, just don't expect to have a fun time. It almost feels like an Oscar bait movie? I guess it won a couple anyway but not the ones Tarantino was wanting maybe. Speaking of which, I don't really know why Brad Pitt won an Oscar for this? Don't get me wrong, he is a fantastic actor and he always gives a brilliant performance but this is just another typically brilliant performance from him, it doesn't stand out compared to others. I feel like he should have got one for Fight Club going by this. But yeah, I can't fault it for how it looks, nice looking movie so I understand the Production Design Oscar win.