gino_monaco Reviews

The Purge (I) (2013)

Another good idea wasted

[4/10 · 8 June 2013]

This movie has a good premise and could have gone in a million different directions to make it really interesting and give it a really good meaningful moral. Instead, the creators or this "thing" decide to make this another typical hide and seek movie complete with all the predictable steps these movies usually go in. Plus, the acting of the main bad guy and the lines this guy was forced to read was absolutely awful and was a complete misfire. It's basically the same crap being recycled over and over again. Tricked again at the theater. I'm questioning why I even bother going at all. the only reason I'm giving this movie a 4 out of 10 is because the audience that I saw the movie with appeared to enjoy it. But judging by the area that I live in, it's not saying much.

Mama (I) (2013)

Damn it! Damn it! Tricked again!

[4/10 · 23 January 2013]

Let's add another crappy pg-13 horror movie to the ever growing unfortunate list of crappy pg-13 horror movies shall we. The only reason I decided to view this flick (in the theatre no less), is because Guillermo Del Toro was a producer on the flick. Fair warning, unless those big names are actually making the movie themselves don't watch it. Here's another horror flick that startles you, not scares you, with jump sequences. Another horror flick that involves some long haired brunette girl that walks or moves like their having a spaz attack. Story sucked, acting sucked, it just flat out sucked. I would love to see a modern day horror film that frightens you with it's story and it's intense believable acting and terrifying premise. It must be really tough because so far there is only a few good horror movies in the past 20 years.

Django Unchained (2012)

Tarantino Unchained

[10/10 · 26 December 2012]

Who's better than Tarantino? Nobody! Quentin has claimed that he will end his film making career after completing ten films. If the next three are as good as this one, he will have one of the greatest film track records ever! This film is the bloodiest, coolest, most entertaining film you are sure to see this year. And I understand that is a bold statement since the Avengers and The Dark Knight Rises came out this year. Still, I will stand behind my statement because I firmly believe it is true. The acting is outstanding, the writing is hilarious and brutal, the cinematography is beyond beautiful, the sets are amazing and the violence is awesome! This is easily the best film of the year and well worth the long wait. Oscars here we come!

Prometheus (I) (2012)

will be known as the forgotten prequel to alien

[6/10 · 9 December 2012]

I don't know if there is an annual award for best movie trailer, but if there is, I'd say this one would win for sure. Unfortunately, it was a major let down not only to me but to everyone else it seems as well. Which is bizarre when you take a look at the people involved in making this movie. How could you go wrong with Ridley Scott going back to his roots and taking on the epitome of arguably the greatest sci-fi horror genre Alien, that he began. How could you go wrong with Oscar winner Charlize Theron, Michael Fassbender(to his credit, he was very good in this movie), Noomie Rapace, Idris Elba, and going back all the way to the beginning to find out who it was that was carrying the alien cargo, back in 1979? Everything fell flat in this movie, except for one scene that made me give this movie a 6 instead of a 4. It was an intense, gruesome, unflinching scene, that was awesome. It's a shame the movie didn't have more intensity like that scene did, and it's even more of a shame that it didn't equal up to the trailer that showed the potential that it had and could have been. What makes me really nervous is that Scott is supposedly going to make a sequel to Blade Runner. Don't blow it Scott, you already blew one classic!

ParaNorman (2012)

This was very good

[8/10 · 9 December 2012]

One of the things i love most about animated films, is that the majority of them have terrific stories behind the extraordinary work it takes to make them. This film is definitely in the majority category of animated films, and not only animated films but stop animation films as well. What i really liked about this movie is that you almost can't regard it as a kid's movie. A lot of the humor and content is definitely aimed at adults, and it makes it that much more fun of a ride. I was surprised to see that the creators of this film also did "Coraline". This film is much more light hearted and less bizarre and intense then "Coraline" by far. This animated film does have a moral at the end of it, like all animated movies do but it's not shoving the moral down your throat the whole time. It allows you to escape from life for a while and have some fun and be an immature, frightened, excited kid again. The animation was fantastic, and the way they made the characters and the setting really added to the atmosphere and the humor and even the heart of the story. I put this just a notch down from "The Nightmare Before Christmas", plus it would be a great movie to watch on Halloween.

Bug (2006)

Impressive

[8/10 · 27 October 2012]

This is a type a film that, if not crafted and acted correctly, can easily become a silly, forgettable film. Fortunately, great direction and great acting made this a very good film. The film does take it's time getting into the swing of things and setting up what's to come but once you start getting into the heat of the situation, you can't take your eyes off of what's happening. One aspect i really love, is the setting of the motel and how the lights are a bright florescent blue at night, just like bug zappers. It's the little things that make this film good and that's exactly what the film is about. When you see the type of people that are in psych wards or even homeless people on the street, it's almost impossible to really see where their coming from when they begin to act out of the ordinary. In this film, we get a good look at where some of these people might be coming from in their own mind . At least that's what i thought while watching this. I really commend the actors, they did a wonderful job and William Friedkin did a great job making this story come to life in a big way, in a little place.

Here Comes the Boom (2012)

Another one of these

[5/10 · 23 October 2012]

I can't count the number of times we've seen this type of movie. It's just another rehashed story about a loser guy who decides to stop being a loser and try and kick someones butt because suddenly he gives a crap. If you want to see the same movie without paying the price of an admission ticket, go watch Joe Somebody with Tim Allen. It's basically the same thing and with some of the same actors to go with it, that play the same characters. Oh well, it's a shame we haven't been able to see Kevin James full potential on the silver screen yet. Maybe he's best suited for a secondary character role, that way he can be given more opportunities to be funny and not have to worry about being a likable character. I don't know, maybe I'm wrong but whatever he's been doing so far has been wrong too. He's played the same character in all his films so far, maybe that's the problem. Who knows. Screw it. Skip this flick.

Argo (2012)

Solid film but not as good as everyone's saying it is

[7/10 · 23 October 2012]

It's a solid film, with good acting, good directing and good camera work, but i didn't leave the theater with that feeling of "wow, what a movie". It didn't leave me thinking about it afterwards, and it didn't really leave me caring. That's not to take away from Ben Affleck. He's a very good director and I'll absolutely go see his next flick but i've got to say that TheTtown was much more enjoyable than Argo. It deserves praise as a decent movie and another solid directorial effort by Affleck. But it should not be nominated for any Oscars. Affleck will keep making his own films and eventually he's going to hit us with a film that is going to make him known as one of the great directors of our time. When will it happen? Only time will tell?

That's My Boy (2012)

Funnest movie of the year

[9/10 · 23 October 2012]

Such a fun film to watch! It's about time too because i've been thoroughly disappointed with the films i've seen so far this year. And also thoroughly disappointed with the crap films that Happy Madison has been cranking out over the past few years. But finally, this movie comes along and takes us for a hell of a ride and such a fun show. I think it's the best film that Adam Sandler and his crew have put together since Grandma's boy. A lot of people harp on the Boston accent that Sandler puts on in this movie but trust me it's not that bad and his character is so funny and careless about anything that you stop noticing it anyway. This movie never stops being funny and outrageous for a second and i sincerely hope that Happy Madison decides to make more movies like this one.

The Twilight Zone (1959–1964)

Magnificent

[10/10 · 13 October 2012]

This show is truly spectacular! The writing is so good that it still stands the test of time today and it will continue to stand the test of time in the future. There are only a few shows that are on the same level of story telling today and that says a lot. Every single episode takes it's time telling the story at a steady pace that is never boring for a second. And every episode has an equally emotionally charged ending as the last one, and at times even more emotionally charged that it hits you like a box of bricks. Whenever i watch an episode, i can't help but to think each episode's sypnosis could be turned into it's on feature film, and i must say i think they should be cause god knows we need some good story's being told in this day and age. Bravo to everyone that has ever worked on this show, and a huge thank you to Rod Serling.

Enter the Void (2009)

Once in a lifetime movie theatre experience

[10/10 · 9 August 2012]

As much as I like going to the theatre, i must admit that i don't feel like any of the movies that appear at the theatre are mandatory to be seen on the big screen. I've seen this film twice, once in the theatre and once at home. The effect was so downplayed when I watched it at home that it was evident that this movie must be seen in the theatre. I saw this at a midnight showing in Hollywood, and i'll never forget it.

Some movies are more real than life, and this is definitely one of those. There were moments when i was watching this movie and i forgot it was a movie. It was by far the most explicit thing i've ever seen, regarding the violence, sex, drugs, atmosphere. A buddy of mine described it as sitting on train tracks and watching this nightmarish train speeding toward you and there's nothing you can do about it. That's also one of the perks of seeing this movie in the theatre because there's no pause button. Your in it and there's nothing you can do about it. It's by far, anything like you've ever seen before. Dark, beautiful, nauseating, frightening, intriguing, brilliant ,sad, unforgettable. It wasn't until hours after the credits rolled that i realized how technically brilliant this movie was executed. The camera work and editing was flawless, it's amazing that this wasn't considered for an Oscar nomination.

Definitely a must see, if only once. And if you ever have a chance to see it in the theatre's, you absolutely must grasp the opportunity because out of the thousands of movies i've seen, i've never seen anything like this before.

Ted (2012)

Commercials took all the good stuff

[19 July 2012]

I am a huge fan of Seth McFarlane, and his brilliant shows Family guy and American Dad! I couldn't be more excited for this film to come out. Every time the commercial came on, i glued my eyes to the TV. Unfortunately, that may have hyped it up too much for me. It was a funny film, with good jokes, and a simple story line. But i think my head got the best of me, making me think it was going to be one of the funniest movies i'd ever seen. The commercials stole all the really good jokes, as it always seems to do. However, i do hope Seth McFarlane decides to make another film. He's a true comic talent, who isn't afraid to take some risks. Think about it, Mark Wahlberg staring in a comedy about a man who's best friends with a drugged out, foul mouthed teddy bear. Easily could've been a disaster, but it wasn't. It was enjoyable, and I wouldn't mind seeing it again.

Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)

Star Trek in the 19th century

[8/10 · 12 July 2012]

While watching this excellent film, i couldn't help but compare this with Star trek. Star trek always involves providing solutions in impossible situations, with a tight nit group that has the fullest respect for their captain. But that respect and trust was gained through three years that the original series of Star trek was on. These men that starred in this gritty, realistic version of deep sea war fare, managed to capture that sense of trust and loyalty in two and a half hours. You can tell how much labor of work that was done to make this film happen. And what i loved most of all, is that if any CGI was used, i couldn't tell. The director Peter Weir is a true talent, and captures every aspect of this beautifully filmed movie flawlessly. Russel Crowe is completely believable as the ship's captain, and made me feel like if i was ever out on the big sea, in search of a battle with a ship that is exceptionally capable of certain death, i'd want to serve under him. The supporting cast, was fantastic as the ship mates. They definitely made sure to keep the authenticity of the situation expressed on their faces. Overall, a very good film that certainly deserved every Oscar nomination it got.

Excalibur (1981)

Hands down greatest version of King Arthur

[10/10 · 11 July 2012]

This truly is hands down the greatest version of King Arthur and the Knights of the round table i have ever seen. I loved everything about this film, the costumes, the cinematography, the story arch, the settings, the lighting, the colors, the mood, the violence, the sex, and most of all the music is the most epic of all time. I dare anyone to name me a film that has better music for an epic film.

I've watched this film since i was a little kid, and it holds a special place in my heart. The more i watch this film over the years, the more i wish i felt more movies were like it. This film is never boring, even when there's no violence or sex taking place. Why? Because the film maker allows the story to develop and make us care what is going on with our characters. A key ingredient that has been missing from modern day films. That's why TV is so much bigger than movies now a days. But enough about that, more about the film.

After viewing this film, you will feel like you have just taken a full throttle journey through the land of Camelot. Which makes the climax all the more fulfilling. The magic involved is cool and not geeky, the violence is gruesome, as is many of the characters, the sex is sexy, and story is one of the greatest of all time and told in the best way imaginable. This film should be regarded as a classic.

The Hunger Games (2012)

good, not great

[7/10 · 11 July 2012]

Having not read the books, I was pleased with The Hunger Games as a movie. However, I do not know why it is the 3rd highest grossing movie for an opening weekend ever. It is likable, but it is no Dark Knight or Star Wars or Titanic. It is a good movie but not a great movie. The acting was solid. The mood and contrast complimented the story's dark tone. The story is very well thought out and it made me want to know more about it. For example, I wanted to know more about the individual significances of the 12 districts. For a two and a half hour movie, they could have used a little more time elaborating on the districts. I was surprised they showed the amount of blood that they did for a PG-13 movie. The only reason it did not garner an R-rating was for the lack of graphic violence. It really enhanced the movie's realism, and that is something you hardly ever see in a PG-13 movie with a serious tone. But what this movie does, that is similar to many movies now a days, is the way the camera captures the action scenes. The picture is very cut up and shaky, and so heavily edited that you can barely see a thing, during the action scenes. They say hand held movies are supposed to be the shaky nauseating ones but I have to disagree when it comes to action scenes that are depicted in this one. However, I was very pleased with the camera work that did not feature action. It was very clear and dark simultaneously, and it really captured the setting. I look forward to the next Hunger Games movie, even though the ending could have had more of a hook for the audience. Mainly, what pleases me most about this movie is if it is supposed to be the next series phenomenon, I prefer this over Twilight any day. 7 out of 10

The Three Stooges (2012)

Justice was soitenly served

[7/10 · 11 July 2012]

Hilarious. As a fellow original three stooges fan, I must say that my slapstick satisfaction was fully met. Even my girlfriend loved it, who didn't even know what the three stooges was until she saw the movie. In this day and age, we are all about nostalgia. Clothes, music, books, movies, even silent movies, etc. I guess you could say there was no better time than now to bring us a three stooges movie. The Three Stooges give us nostalgia that has been asleep for decades. The return of true slapstick comedy, along with some great jokes in between. I cannot quite say this is a kids movie, but I am sure kids will love all the comic violence this movie is stock full of. The kids in my theatre sure did and so did the parents. The men who played the stooges were flawless. Every movement, every facial expression was spot on to the originals. You can tell the actors and the directors, worked very hard to do the original stooges justice. From the bonked noses, to the posters of each act, they did just that. When I heard the Jersey shore cast was going to be in the movie, I almost didn't see it. But the whole bit regarding the Jersey Shore cast ended up being hilarious. I can't wait to buy this when it comes out on DVD.

The Five-Year Engagement (2012)

was expecting more, not expecting a black comedy

[6/10 · 10 July 2012]

Going into this movie, I had high expectations for the tandem of Jason Segal and Nicholas Stoller, who brought us the great Forgetting Sarah Marshall. Unfortunately, this was no Sarah Marshall and will surely be forgotten. The trailers portrayed this movie as a standard rom-com with a Judd Apatow touch, but it was not that at all. This was definitely a black comedy. What this movie did with it's main characters, that i haven't experienced with other black comedies, is that I wanted the main characters to give up on each other and move on because they were miserable with each other and living in hell. It had some funny moments, but it ultimately felt too long and the editing was very choppy. It wasn't a terrible or even a bad movie, but i didn't enjoy it and I would probably never consider seeing it again.

Bronson (2008)

Brave, Bold, Brilliant

[10/10 · 10 July 2012]

I've read several reviews saying this was the modern day version of "A Clockwork Orange", and they couldn't be more right. The direction, the story, the music, the editing, but most of all the performance by Tom Hardy was absolutely staggering.

Few movies leave me thinking about it for days, and after viewing this piece of art, I recommended it to anyone who was willing to see something different and haunting. How the academy left this film in the dust without one single nomination is beyond me. One thing is for sure, the director Nicolas Winding Refn is a force to be reckoned with. As is Tom Hardy who gave one of the most intense performances I have ever seen. 10 out of 10