jaymeelinellis Reviews

Interceptor (2022)

A True Matthew Reilly Film

[7/10 · 3 June 2022]

From the first minute you can tell it's a Matthew Reilly film.

Is it his directorial debut? Yes.

But having read every single book he has ever written, he brings the same fast-paced, over the top action to this film and its script.

Something that critics won't understand, having (I'm assuming) not read his novels, is this is how a Matthew Reilly story normally goes (particularly the Scarecrow novels).

1. Badass character/s 2. Usually stuck somewhere 3. Fight their way through a bunch of bad guys, destroying stuff along the way 4. Lots of side characters die 5. Save the day

Now, film critics may not like this. But as a lover of his books (the only novels of this genre I actually enjoy), this movie was 100% bringing his storytelling style to life on screen.

Will everyone like it? Probably not.

But damn if it wasn't a fun time.

Yes, the character exposition isn't great. But... it's a Matthew Reilly story. It's never been about the strength of the characters in his Scarecrow books (Jack West is a different vein but still very focused on action over character exposition).

Yes, they're trapped in a single space. It adds to the craziness of how the characters overcome problems.

Yes, the dialogue isn't awesome. Have you READ a Matthew Reilly book? It's not Shakespeare. It's amazing, crazy fun with some badass characters thrown in.

Sometimes people just need to enjoy things for what they are.

Well done on a good first foray onto the screen. And for all who didn't like it - sorry. But this is 100% Matthew Reilly, and I am HERE for it.

Scarecrow next!

Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare (2016 Video Game)

Not sure what all the hate is about...

[10/10 · 6 October 2017]

So I just finished the campaign version of this game - fair warning, I don't play the online versions of any COD games so I have nothing to add to the comments re: online gameplay.

With regard to the campaign: the script, actors, characters and story line are great. Obviously very typical for a sci-fi genre, but overall the writing was great, there were some good jokes thrown in and dialogue wasn't annoying as hell like it is in most games (usually I play with no sound)

I liked the characters, and the ending. It played, to me, like a movie that you got to act out. A lot of other games try for that and mostly it's just boring as hell. I wanted to know what was going to happen, which is rare because I usually skip the cut- scenes.

Honestly I don't really get what the fuss is about. This game was more interesting to me than Assassin's Creed, if you want to complain about repetitive gameplay 😂 it's made as a first person point and shoot, you can't really change it up that much.

I don't know. I enjoyed the game so just adding my two cents. *shrugs* thanks to all of the developers' hard work for a fun couple of days.

Into the Woods (2014)

Beautiful Film Adaption of a Beautiful Stage Play

[10/10 · 26 September 2016]

Casting is amazing. Singing is gorgeous. Story even better.

Okay, first of all, this movie is based on a stage play by Stephen Sondheim. Yes, it has been adapted for the screen by Disney, but that doesn't make it a children's movie. Also, it's a musical, because the stage play was also a musical. If you don't enjoy musicals, don't bother with this movie. It's like going to see Les Miserables and complaining about all of the singing. Seriously.

The storyline is based loosely on a number of characters from popular fairy tales - Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk. Plot below.

A baker and his wife have been cursed by a witch, as a result of the Baker's father robbing the Witch's garden (original Rapunzel story). To break the curse, they are tasked with finding four items. The search for these items causes them to cross paths with other fairytale characters. They gather the items and part 1 ends with all of the characters appearing to receive their "happy endings" as per the usual story. Part 2 takes a darker turn as the path through the woods (and the character's "expected" behaviours and stories) is destroyed, and the characters have to live with the consequences of their actions.

All in all an interesting story that makes you think about what could have happened after the princess married the prince, and teaches a valuable lesson: "Careful the tale you tell, that is the spell. Children will listen."

Rock of Ages (2012)

One of the best film adaptions of a musical I have seen in a long time.

[10/10 · 26 September 2016]

If you haven't heard, this is a musical based on a stage play. If you don't know that going in, and don't enjoy musicals, then you probably won't enjoy this movie. Hence all of the poor reviews below.

This movie is excellent. The casting is hilarious and well done - Catherine Zeta Jones portrays a "god-loving Christian" while simultaneously busting out Michael Jackson dance moves with a serious, snobby air.

Julianne Hough absolutely shines as the young country girl heading for the big city to live out her dream of becoming a singer, showing off her singing and dancing prowess.

Diego Boneta has come out of the woodwork after somewhat smaller roles (Pretty Little Liars, Mean Girls) and played the part with equal parts serious talent and corny acting (which is required as it is A MUSICAL based on a STAGE PRODUCTION. Sigh.)

And my god does Tom Cruise play his part of drunken, crazy rocker to perfection. Not only does he show off his great voice, we also get to see what he'd look like with ridiculous tattoos planted all over his torso ;)

Apart from the great casting and classic throwback rock songs, you get a silly but fun storyline (which changes from production to production - I've seen a version of the story where Sherrie does sleep with Stacee and the antagonists are a building company trying to turn the Strip into a mall) some great dancing, singing and costumes, and Alec Baldwin. Who doesn't love Alec Baldwin?

I really don't get the negative reviews for this movie. If you don't like musicals, don't watch it. It's not necessary to bring down the rating of a fantastic live action production of a great musical just because you don't like the genre of film.

10/10, have watched about 20 times since it came out.