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OverdueMovies
Film Critic, Screen Writer.
Calgary, Alberta Canada.
Ratings
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Reviews
Vice (2018)
Bale is perfect again.
I understand why this film was nominated for the academy awards. Not my choice... Christian Bale was yet again the perfect character actor. I truly think he's been one of the best actors of the last 20 years, and the best batman...come at me..;)
I noticed the editing right away which is either good or really, really bad. I personally felt the mood or tone of the story was negatively affected by the editing.
I'm rather shocked that both Amy Adams and Sam Rockwell were nominated for their performances. Their total screen time was maybe twenty minutes combined... So for that alone I'm rather upset about. The acting was not bad, but is that what we have come to? Nominated for an academy because it wasn't bad?
I think my biggest problem with this film and with a lot of films these days is that there are too many scenes where nothing happens, It doesn't push the tone or the character arcs. I felt VICE could've been shortened by three or four scenes and would've saved me the time and exhaustion.
Good story, Great acting. Not my choice for best picture. Christian Bale is great and if anything needs to win please be Bale.
Overall worth the watch if you are an avid movie watcher or American.
Ocean's Eight (2018)
11 Minus 3...
Alright... It took me 3 months to finally watch this garbage. I truly feel bad for the actors involved in this movie. It takes so much from the 2001 Ocean's 11 that I couldn't believe that this was actually made! It literally starts off the exact same way 11 does... Connection the whole time, which is not what anyone needed.
The connection between that and Ocean's 11 should be obvious by the title, yet they want to mention Danny Ocean and how Debbie (Sandra Bullock) is related over 5 Bloody times to him, even shows a picture of him...Anyhow the film gets rolling by getting the crew together which is so unbelievable I wont even give that the time of day...Wait I will... Rhianna is the hacker "9 ball" BHAHAHAH Give me a break..
The idea is simple: Get a rag tag team together and steal some Jewels from the MET Gala. To pull this job off is to make a replica of the real thing...mmmm sounds original. Honestly going into the story is pointless because as i look at my notes while writing this, I flip the pages in disgust...Nothing about the story is new or exciting.
The story and characters are so similar it's frustrating. Blanchett is Pitt, Bullock is Clooney, Paulson is Damon etc..
I can't even give this a proper review...
Here are just a few cringe moments from the film...
-Classic: "Sorry I was late, there was traffic..." (IN NEW YORK YOU DON'T SAY!?!)
-Using Tinder.
-The actual use of the 9 ball.
-Banksy reference.
-The tech eyewear device literally takes 5 minutes to scan like a dial tone computer.
-Convinced the Diamond company to use their most expensive item by just speaking french to them...
-Classic: Someone's in the bathroom hearing the main character talk to themselves in the mirror and walks out(without washing hands).
-Painting toe nails while on the mission because apparently that's what girls do...
-They robbed more than you think revile...
-Kardashian's...
ANYWAYS, The only redeeming quality in this film are the Actors. Like I said, I feel bad for everyone involved in this piece of garbage, James Cordon included.
Save yourself the 2 hours...
The Dragon Prince (2018)
Worth the watch.
After watching the first episode I wasn't sure what to think, so i kept going. It just got better and better. I think a lot of animated shows miss out on the important things like being able to connect with its audience; regardless of the story being told. Each character has flaws and strengths; which aren't too over the top. Many shows nowadays don't really send us a message nor do they allow us to really grow with their characters but i find that The Dragon Prince is an exception. This is a show for all ages, and can not wait to show this to my nephew. Much like Avatar the last air bender, this has a perfect balance between what is right and wrong, good vs evil. I'm excited to see where the story goes.
My only concern is that of the animation style. I definitely didn't like it at first but then it grew on me. I will say though, there are times where I noticed the movements to be a little choppy or just not a smooth as I would hope. That being said it's the first season, i'm sure it just get better with time.
Something I could get behind..
American Made (2017)
Tom adds another fitting role to his Filmography.
American Made a 2017 crime drama staring Tom cruise as a pilot (Barry Seal) that is working for the CIA and the Medellin Cartel during the 70s and 80s. This story is "based" on true events. The director Doug Liman which is best known for the Bourne Identity, Edge of Tomorrow and Swingers(maybe not the last one).
The over tone of this film feels very similar to the Bourne films with its faster paced scenes and is rather enjoyable to watch. The film is the type you watch when you're sick at home and can't find something to watch. I'm a Tom Cruise fan and regardless if you like him or not, he has great energy and genuinely adds another fitting role to his Filmography. I never enjoy spoiling the film for people so i won't talk about the plot, i will say that it's surprising on where the story ends. I wanted more. There were some fantastic aerial shots throughout the film. I enjoyed that being set in the 80s you felt that is was shot then too. Now and then it would cut to Barry recording himself though a old video recorder which added greatly to the overall feel of the film. For the most part i enjoyed this movie, it could have been cut down by 20 mins. Certain parts seemed a bit unnecessary but other than that i was pleasantly pleased by it and would recommend to anyone that wants to see something new.
Shot Caller (2017)
Fantastic but what's with the S**T title...
I was genuinely shocked by this film. I was expecting an average at best prison gang drama thing, but was left with a great character piece. A believable cast, story and general tone is what really makes this film worth the watch. This film showcases the hardships of 'Money' and his forced path into violence.
Nikolaj Coster-Waldau is probably one of the most underrated actors at the moment. His Game of Thrones Character kind of overshadows his true ability.(And don't get me wrong I love The King Slayer!) He's someone I'll be looking out for in 2018. I would personally nominate Coster-Waldau for best actor, not that it was the best acting this year but at least be recognized. Jon Bernthal was yet again fantastic, no matter the size of role he always brings his A game.
The overall tone and pace of the film kept me from hitting the pause button. Very enjoyable and worth the watch. This is underrated and not talked about enough.
Violet Evergarden (2018)
Stunning Visuals.
I found myself more attracted to the art it self than maybe ever before... Violet Evergarden is a new Netflix series. The First episode was recently released and I was blow away, blow away visually. My eyes felt glued to such fantastic animation. I was almost lost in the visuals. I had to re watch the episode, due to the fact i just wasn't paying attention to the story as much as I normally would.
I have yet to read the Manga. For me, It could have easily been a silent piece and still would've been just as good. I'm sure once more episodes are released i will have a better feeling about the story and tone. I do feel that if you have previously read this Manga than of course you will be more invested and attached to this.
Overall the art work was amazing and looking forward to seeing where the story goes. Worth checking out for the anime lover in everyone.
The Toys That Made Us (2017)
TOYS HAVE THE POWER!
The Toys That Made Us.... If you grew up in the 80s and 90s this documentary series is for you. The four episodes to this season are: StarWars, He-Man, Barbie and G.I. Joe. Each episode showcases the ups and downs, the history and the people behind each creation.
A theme I realized from each episode was the uncertainty of creating a popular toy. The risk these people took was something to easily admire.
Personally I found the StarWars and He-man episodes the better of the four. I consider myself a pretty hard core StarWars fan and I was still surprised on some of the information given in that episode. The He-Man episode felt genuine and I connected easily with these people. The show and toys are really a product of the creators.
While watching the GI and Barbie episodes, Although well done episodes I just didn't feel as connected to the history, toys or people as much. That being said, I think there's an episode for everyone that grew up playing with some kind or action figure/doll.
This is something worth checking out, easily watchable and generally fun. I will also mention the Editing in this series was fantastic, the jump cuts, the inserts of film clips and overall tone didn't go unnoticed.
The next four episodes slated are to be: Lego, Hello Kitty, StarTrek and Transformers.
The Florida Project (2017)
The Beauty of Colour and Nostalgia.
Before I sat down and started to watch this film, i wasn't quite sure what to expect. I figured it would be some Art project that fell short in what is was trying to accomplish. BUT with that being said, this was NOT the case. From the first frame to the final sequence I fell in love with this film.
If you have ever been lucky enough to visit that part of the world (Disney World) you will have a sense of nostalgia rush over you. From the moment you see the vibrant colours, the crazy knockoff trinket stores, the freshly paved parking lots you are transported to a more simple time. A time of leisure, pleasure and innocents. With the good always comes the bad and this film doesn't stray away from that.
It is a simple story with believable acting and conflict. I can't remember the last time i was blown away by a child's performance. Brooklynn Prince was outstanding, furthermore the entire cast was on point and couldn't ask for a better outcome.
I hope this film reaches the audience it deserves. A underrated piece of art that is a must watch for 2017.