Dumb and Dumber To Review 3/10
The original Dumb and Dumber was a classic and one of my favorite
comedies of all time. Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels delivered their
comedic performances with such ease and charisma. They probably
should've left it alone because this sequel was very disappointing and
just not good. Unlike the first one, the two actors seem to be trying
too hard for cheap laughs.
While there were some parts that I did chuckle at, the story is similar
to the first one where they go off on a search for a girl. This time
it's Harry's daughter and when you first see her on screen, she's dumb
and like the two main actors, tries too hard.
Plain and simple, ignore this movie and find something else to pass the
time. I didn't expect it to live up to the original but I also didn't
expect it to be this bad. Very unfortunate.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Under the Skin
Under the Skin Review 4/10
With minimal dialogue to explain what this movie is about, I should
have watched the trailer or read up on the plot. Only reason I watched
this movie was because of the good reviews. I didn't read these reviews
which was my downfall.
I was confused for the most part. An alien played by Scarlett
Johansson, lures random guys off the street back to her place. They
then start to follow her and she undresses and then they slowly walk
into a pool of black until they vanish. This does somewhat get
explained later in the movie but at first it didn't make sense to me.
I'm not really sure what the score was trying to do either, it seemed
to me that it was trying to make this some type of thriller or horror
movie but it was just boring and uninteresting. However, if you want to
see Scarlett Johansson naked then you will enjoy this movie. But with
all movies that I dislike, the story isn't important. I wasn't
interested and the ending was pretty lame as well.
With minimal dialogue to explain what this movie is about, I should
have watched the trailer or read up on the plot. Only reason I watched
this movie was because of the good reviews. I didn't read these reviews
which was my downfall.
I was confused for the most part. An alien played by Scarlett
Johansson, lures random guys off the street back to her place. They
then start to follow her and she undresses and then they slowly walk
into a pool of black until they vanish. This does somewhat get
explained later in the movie but at first it didn't make sense to me.
I'm not really sure what the score was trying to do either, it seemed
to me that it was trying to make this some type of thriller or horror
movie but it was just boring and uninteresting. However, if you want to
see Scarlett Johansson naked then you will enjoy this movie. But with
all movies that I dislike, the story isn't important. I wasn't
interested and the ending was pretty lame as well.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
The Interview
The Interview Review 5/10
Will all the controversy surrounding this film and the question of if it will or won't be released helped get this streaming on Netflix. So, with a night to spare I chose to watch it. Quite frankly, I was disappointed. No need to go into details about the plot as the trailer is pretty self explanatory as well as the political view about it.
I personally felt that Franco tried too hard to be funny with some of the lines he delivers. I can only assume some of it was improvised, but I would bet good money on it. I laughed loudly at some jokes and didn't react to many jokes. The film as a whole wasn't very interesting with some violence that really didn't need to be there.
Maybe with all of the controversy leading up to this film I had high expectations and because of that, I didn't enjoy it as much as I would have. If you're bored and like Franco and Rogen as actors than you may enjoy this more than I did. But for me it was a mediocre comedy.
Will all the controversy surrounding this film and the question of if it will or won't be released helped get this streaming on Netflix. So, with a night to spare I chose to watch it. Quite frankly, I was disappointed. No need to go into details about the plot as the trailer is pretty self explanatory as well as the political view about it.
I personally felt that Franco tried too hard to be funny with some of the lines he delivers. I can only assume some of it was improvised, but I would bet good money on it. I laughed loudly at some jokes and didn't react to many jokes. The film as a whole wasn't very interesting with some violence that really didn't need to be there.
Maybe with all of the controversy leading up to this film I had high expectations and because of that, I didn't enjoy it as much as I would have. If you're bored and like Franco and Rogen as actors than you may enjoy this more than I did. But for me it was a mediocre comedy.
Monday, January 19, 2015
American Sniper
American Sniper Review - 9/10
I didn't know the story Chris Kyle before the movie was made. I've
since heard a few things about him and one of the most frequent things
I've read is that the reason he had so many recorded kills was because
he went out of his way to do so. Regardless of whether this is true or
not, it doesn't take away from this movie. This is a top five war movie
in my eyes of all time. It doesn't just concentrate on the war part but
on his family and home life as well. It's that conflict for him that's
so compelling on screen.
His first kill isn't how he envisioned it and maybe that changes him
and takes him on this ride of emotions through his four tours. While at
home, he's very on edge and his wife can tell he's changed. All he
wants to do is go back, fight and protect our country. Not thinking of
the consequences he's leaving behind at home with his family.
The action scenes are tense and fascinating to watch. Especially the
last gun fight that ensues after he does something not many people in
this world can do. I was hooked from beginning to end and it was an
unfortunate and tragic ending. If you don't know what happened to him,
I suggest you read up on it. A solid 9/10.
I didn't know the story Chris Kyle before the movie was made. I've
since heard a few things about him and one of the most frequent things
I've read is that the reason he had so many recorded kills was because
he went out of his way to do so. Regardless of whether this is true or
not, it doesn't take away from this movie. This is a top five war movie
in my eyes of all time. It doesn't just concentrate on the war part but
on his family and home life as well. It's that conflict for him that's
so compelling on screen.
His first kill isn't how he envisioned it and maybe that changes him
and takes him on this ride of emotions through his four tours. While at
home, he's very on edge and his wife can tell he's changed. All he
wants to do is go back, fight and protect our country. Not thinking of
the consequences he's leaving behind at home with his family.
The action scenes are tense and fascinating to watch. Especially the
last gun fight that ensues after he does something not many people in
this world can do. I was hooked from beginning to end and it was an
unfortunate and tragic ending. If you don't know what happened to him,
I suggest you read up on it. A solid 9/10.
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Lets Be Cops
Let's Be Cops Review - 5/10
Two men who are now in there 30's and living in Los Angeles seem to be
stuck in a rut. They aren't happy with the way their lives are going
until one night while dressed as cops, they realize that people on the
street actually believe they are the real deal.
It's very fun at first and the dialogue is quite funny and seemed to be
improvised. Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr. have good chemistry and
good comedic timing. Some of the jokes are over the top and the story
isn't original. While pretending to be cops they get involved with some
bad people who actually think they are cops. This of course leads to
dangerous situations that they should've easily been killed by. But
it's a cop movie so they constantly get away.
It's an action/comedy movie that's not terrible but nothing great. I
laughed a decent amount of the time and wasn't bored. If you're bored
or just looking for a good time, I suggest this movie.
Two men who are now in there 30's and living in Los Angeles seem to be
stuck in a rut. They aren't happy with the way their lives are going
until one night while dressed as cops, they realize that people on the
street actually believe they are the real deal.
It's very fun at first and the dialogue is quite funny and seemed to be
improvised. Jake Johnson and Damon Wayans Jr. have good chemistry and
good comedic timing. Some of the jokes are over the top and the story
isn't original. While pretending to be cops they get involved with some
bad people who actually think they are cops. This of course leads to
dangerous situations that they should've easily been killed by. But
it's a cop movie so they constantly get away.
It's an action/comedy movie that's not terrible but nothing great. I
laughed a decent amount of the time and wasn't bored. If you're bored
or just looking for a good time, I suggest this movie.
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Top Five and Foxcatcher
Top Five Review - 9/10
From beginning to end I was entertained. A famous movie star played by Chris Rock, made a "serious" movie and is doing all kinds of press for it. He was most known for a comedic trilogy called "Hammy" but wanted to move on from it. During the course of the movie he is being interviewed by Rosario Dawson who plays a journalist. The banter between the 2 is funny, yet kind of serious.
There are a lot of cameos by famous people and all do a good job. My favorite was DMX who really comes out of nowhere but had me laughing the entire scene. You learn more and more about Chris Rock's character as he's being interviewed. About his past and how he was an alcoholic. His fiancée, played by Gabrielle Union, is a famous reality TV star which I believe might be a take on the Kardashians.
Towards the end the underlying story kind of shows its face. There's a lot of swearing and the use of derogatory terms and a very crude sex scene, but I was laughing throughout most of the film. A pleasant surprise with no expectations.
Foxcatcher Review - 4/10
As a casual movie goer who tries to watch as many as I can, I try to go out of my comfort zone with award season just around the corner. This got nothing but good reviews about how amazing of a movie and how fantastic the acting is. I thought the acting of the big three (Carell, Tatum, and Ruffalo) were truly great. I enjoyed watching them in much different roles than I'm used to.
The problem for me is that while impressive, the characters themselves aren't likable. The only likable character is Ruffalo who isn't the main part of the story for the first hour or so. The first hour is about Carrell and Tatum and what Carell's character Du Pont wants to accomplish. This part is boring and what he wants isn't something that makes you fix your eyes on the screen.
Plain and simple, without the tragic ending this entire movie would be pointless. It's a disturbing portrayal by Carell and like I said before, he delivers a perfect performance, it's just the entire story as a whole is too slow. It also doesn't mention that before the ending that 6 years had passed or the fact that Du pont is a schizophrenic.
People will probably disagree with my opinion, but I found this way too slow and uninteresting. Acting is great, story is slow and in the end tragic.
From beginning to end I was entertained. A famous movie star played by Chris Rock, made a "serious" movie and is doing all kinds of press for it. He was most known for a comedic trilogy called "Hammy" but wanted to move on from it. During the course of the movie he is being interviewed by Rosario Dawson who plays a journalist. The banter between the 2 is funny, yet kind of serious.
There are a lot of cameos by famous people and all do a good job. My favorite was DMX who really comes out of nowhere but had me laughing the entire scene. You learn more and more about Chris Rock's character as he's being interviewed. About his past and how he was an alcoholic. His fiancée, played by Gabrielle Union, is a famous reality TV star which I believe might be a take on the Kardashians.
Towards the end the underlying story kind of shows its face. There's a lot of swearing and the use of derogatory terms and a very crude sex scene, but I was laughing throughout most of the film. A pleasant surprise with no expectations.
Foxcatcher Review - 4/10
As a casual movie goer who tries to watch as many as I can, I try to go out of my comfort zone with award season just around the corner. This got nothing but good reviews about how amazing of a movie and how fantastic the acting is. I thought the acting of the big three (Carell, Tatum, and Ruffalo) were truly great. I enjoyed watching them in much different roles than I'm used to.
The problem for me is that while impressive, the characters themselves aren't likable. The only likable character is Ruffalo who isn't the main part of the story for the first hour or so. The first hour is about Carrell and Tatum and what Carell's character Du Pont wants to accomplish. This part is boring and what he wants isn't something that makes you fix your eyes on the screen.
Plain and simple, without the tragic ending this entire movie would be pointless. It's a disturbing portrayal by Carell and like I said before, he delivers a perfect performance, it's just the entire story as a whole is too slow. It also doesn't mention that before the ending that 6 years had passed or the fact that Du pont is a schizophrenic.
People will probably disagree with my opinion, but I found this way too slow and uninteresting. Acting is great, story is slow and in the end tragic.
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Out of the Furnace
Out of the Furnace Review - 4/10
The trailer and the cast in this film are the reasons I decided to give it a shot despite some negative reviews. When all is said and done, I have to agree with the negative. The acting was great and its what carried this movie. Quite honestly, this is one of the movies where you watch it and go, was it necessary to make? Was this story good enough to put on screen? I don't think it was.
The trailer makes it look like somewhat of an action film. There are fights in the movie but that's not really what its about. The characters aren't that special and even though throughout the movie you start to care a little bit about what happens, it wasn't enough to save the movie from a slow beginning.
I wanted more, especially with the cast involved, but unfortunately that wasn't the case. A disappointing film and a miss for me.
The trailer and the cast in this film are the reasons I decided to give it a shot despite some negative reviews. When all is said and done, I have to agree with the negative. The acting was great and its what carried this movie. Quite honestly, this is one of the movies where you watch it and go, was it necessary to make? Was this story good enough to put on screen? I don't think it was.
The trailer makes it look like somewhat of an action film. There are fights in the movie but that's not really what its about. The characters aren't that special and even though throughout the movie you start to care a little bit about what happens, it wasn't enough to save the movie from a slow beginning.
I wanted more, especially with the cast involved, but unfortunately that wasn't the case. A disappointing film and a miss for me.
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
A Walk among the Tombstones
A Walk Among the Tombstones Review - 6/10
Based on a series of books, Neeson plays a retired cop who does
"favors" for people as an undercover detective. I personally haven't
read the books so I had no idea what to expect. In the movie, he is
sought out to help a husband whose wife was brutally murdered.
As he begins to look for clues, he finds old murders of similarity. The
story picks up at this point and we learn more about Neeson's character
and why he retired at such a young age.
To nit pick, there was a lot of phone conversations that
reminded me a little too much of "Taken", as well as more than enough
cliché's for a crime/thriller. I did like the dark tone of the film and
a couple one liners delivered by Neeson. It's not action packed with
only 2 gun shoot outs that last maybe 30 seconds a piece. I enjoyed the
movie for what it was, but without Neeson I probably don't even watch
it.
Based on a series of books, Neeson plays a retired cop who does
"favors" for people as an undercover detective. I personally haven't
read the books so I had no idea what to expect. In the movie, he is
sought out to help a husband whose wife was brutally murdered.
As he begins to look for clues, he finds old murders of similarity. The
story picks up at this point and we learn more about Neeson's character
and why he retired at such a young age.
To nit pick, there was a lot of phone conversations that
reminded me a little too much of "Taken", as well as more than enough
cliché's for a crime/thriller. I did like the dark tone of the film and
a couple one liners delivered by Neeson. It's not action packed with
only 2 gun shoot outs that last maybe 30 seconds a piece. I enjoyed the
movie for what it was, but without Neeson I probably don't even watch
it.
Sunday, January 4, 2015
Snowpiercer
Snowpiercer Review - 7/10
In a world that has frozen over, the last humans on Earth have been living on a train for the last 17 years. The movie picks up with the group in the back of the train. These people seem to be the lowest on the totem pole and aren't living as comfortably as they would like. In one of the first scenes, you get the sense that these people want to change the way they live. A revolt against the guards is being planned and its only a matter of time before their plan goes into effect.
The plot of the movie moves along as the plan goes into effect and the actions that are required by both parties. As our "hero" continues further and further to the beginning of the train, we the audience get to learn more about how this train is separated. For example, one cart has a school and the next a dentist followed by what looks like a high class bar.
It was an interesting take on the "end of the world" so to speak and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I don't think this got a lot of mainstream press but it's now on Netflix for those to enjoy as well. A solid 7/10 for the Sci/Fi thriller.
In a world that has frozen over, the last humans on Earth have been living on a train for the last 17 years. The movie picks up with the group in the back of the train. These people seem to be the lowest on the totem pole and aren't living as comfortably as they would like. In one of the first scenes, you get the sense that these people want to change the way they live. A revolt against the guards is being planned and its only a matter of time before their plan goes into effect.
The plot of the movie moves along as the plan goes into effect and the actions that are required by both parties. As our "hero" continues further and further to the beginning of the train, we the audience get to learn more about how this train is separated. For example, one cart has a school and the next a dentist followed by what looks like a high class bar.
It was an interesting take on the "end of the world" so to speak and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I don't think this got a lot of mainstream press but it's now on Netflix for those to enjoy as well. A solid 7/10 for the Sci/Fi thriller.
Saturday, January 3, 2015
Blended, Unbroken and Into the Woods reviews
Blended Review - 6/10
After hearing a ton of negative reviews and the fact that Adam Sandler's recent movies have been nothing short of terrible, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that I enjoyed this movie. Are there extremely corny, lame, overused jokes? Sure, but the chemistry between Sandler and Berrymore is kind of undeniable.
The opening scene sets the tone with a blind date going terribly badly for the main characters. As fate would have it they end up in Africa together and the story goes. I personally find the little one line jokes of Sandler to be the most entertaining. Berrymore has some ok ones that I chuckled at as well, and the 5 kids all do their part and add intrigue to the story.
It won't win awards and it won't be liked by a few, but I thought it was a decent rom-com that had enough laughs to keep me interested and recommend it.
Unbroken Review - 7/10
Not having read the book may be better when you watch the movie. I didn't read the book but heard a lot of criticism about how much is cut out of the book especially the ending. For me personally though, I enjoyed most of it. It was well acted, along with enough small humor and disturbing scenes to keep it interesting throughout.
I didn't like that almost half of the film takes place when he gets stranded after the plane crash. 3 guys floating in raft can only be so interesting on film. It was an amazing feat that he survived 45 or so days out at sea and they had to come up with resourceful ways to survive. but 30 minutes of that was a bit much in my opinion.
He then gets "rescued" by the Japanese and goes through all types of torture. These scenes may be hard to watch but it's not graphic just disturbing. Yet this guy pushed through everything and made it to the end of the war alive.
The last scene explains in a few sentences what happens after the movie takes place. This is what most people were upset about. Quite frankly, there is no way this could've been filmed and not have this movie be 4 or 5 hours. I feel that deserves a story of its own. For this particular film, I enjoyed it and got what I expected.
Into the Woods Review - 4/10
I knew it was a musical and I knew it was a broad way play, I didn't know that the play was much darker than this film. Obviously, being released by Disney it's more of a family oriented film. People do die off screen but it caught me off guard with all of the darker stuff. I feel like they tried to mix the 2 together and make it somewhat of a dark yet light type of movie and it didn't succeed.
The songs themselves weren't all that entertaining except one of the last songs in the movie which I really enjoyed and it was performed and filmed brilliantly. There was one point in the movie when I thought it was over, yet there was another 45 minutes. That tells me I was bored for the most part. People will disagree, but it was slow and with only a few funny lines here and there, mixed with it trying to be a family film with dark material, I can't give this higher than a 4. A bit of a disappointment.
After hearing a ton of negative reviews and the fact that Adam Sandler's recent movies have been nothing short of terrible, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that I enjoyed this movie. Are there extremely corny, lame, overused jokes? Sure, but the chemistry between Sandler and Berrymore is kind of undeniable.
The opening scene sets the tone with a blind date going terribly badly for the main characters. As fate would have it they end up in Africa together and the story goes. I personally find the little one line jokes of Sandler to be the most entertaining. Berrymore has some ok ones that I chuckled at as well, and the 5 kids all do their part and add intrigue to the story.
It won't win awards and it won't be liked by a few, but I thought it was a decent rom-com that had enough laughs to keep me interested and recommend it.
Unbroken Review - 7/10
Not having read the book may be better when you watch the movie. I didn't read the book but heard a lot of criticism about how much is cut out of the book especially the ending. For me personally though, I enjoyed most of it. It was well acted, along with enough small humor and disturbing scenes to keep it interesting throughout.
I didn't like that almost half of the film takes place when he gets stranded after the plane crash. 3 guys floating in raft can only be so interesting on film. It was an amazing feat that he survived 45 or so days out at sea and they had to come up with resourceful ways to survive. but 30 minutes of that was a bit much in my opinion.
He then gets "rescued" by the Japanese and goes through all types of torture. These scenes may be hard to watch but it's not graphic just disturbing. Yet this guy pushed through everything and made it to the end of the war alive.
The last scene explains in a few sentences what happens after the movie takes place. This is what most people were upset about. Quite frankly, there is no way this could've been filmed and not have this movie be 4 or 5 hours. I feel that deserves a story of its own. For this particular film, I enjoyed it and got what I expected.
Into the Woods Review - 4/10
I knew it was a musical and I knew it was a broad way play, I didn't know that the play was much darker than this film. Obviously, being released by Disney it's more of a family oriented film. People do die off screen but it caught me off guard with all of the darker stuff. I feel like they tried to mix the 2 together and make it somewhat of a dark yet light type of movie and it didn't succeed.
The songs themselves weren't all that entertaining except one of the last songs in the movie which I really enjoyed and it was performed and filmed brilliantly. There was one point in the movie when I thought it was over, yet there was another 45 minutes. That tells me I was bored for the most part. People will disagree, but it was slow and with only a few funny lines here and there, mixed with it trying to be a family film with dark material, I can't give this higher than a 4. A bit of a disappointment.
Friday, January 2, 2015
Top movies of 2014
Howzit, my first blog of 2015 will be my top ten films of 2014. While I wasn't able to see every movie, I enjoyed these 10 movies the most.
10. Oculus - My favorite horror movie of the year. It was original and clever, it wasn't just about the scares, it made you think. Horror movies rarely make the list but I was talking it up the day after to co workers and friends. A rarity in my opinion.
9. Captain America : The Winter Soldier - I wasn't a huge fan of the first, but Marvel keeps getting better and better with each passing film and this was no exception. Had the right amount of action, comedy and story.
8. The Lego Movie - A big family friendly movie makes the list as I was blown away how much I liked it. While it was directed towards the kids, the amount of jokes for adults were by far the best part. A pleasant surprise to say the least.
7. Edge of Tomorrow - The first Tom Cruise movie I enjoyed in a few years and it makes it at 7. It had the right mix of action and comedy, with the perfect amount of repetition every time he wakes up back at the beginning.
6. X-Men : Days of Future Past - Mixing the series was brilliant. They chose to focus on the big stars Hugh Jackman and Jennifer Lawrence and they didn't disappoint. Best X-Men movie yet.
5. 22 Jump Street - Might be one of the best sequels I've ever seen. Hill and Tatum have perfect chemistry with each line more funny than the next. I wouldn't be opposed to another jump street.
4. Gone Girl - Didn't read the book, didn't matter. With Fincher behind the camera this had my attention from beginning to end. Acting was fantastic and I loved the score.
3. Interstellar - It was no Inception, but it was enjoyable nonetheless. Nolan is a mastermind of film and everything he does I love.
2. Guardians of the Galaxy - Didn't know what to expect with this Marvel movie but it is my favorite Marvel movie to this day. Chris Pratt was cast perfectly and the comedy is delivered with such ease.
1. The Raid 2 - Might not be on anyone else's list but this was my favorite of 2014. The fight sequences in this movie are the best I've seen on screen. The story also kept me interested while waiting for the fights. I loved every minute of it and hope to see more of this type of martial arts in film.
10. Oculus - My favorite horror movie of the year. It was original and clever, it wasn't just about the scares, it made you think. Horror movies rarely make the list but I was talking it up the day after to co workers and friends. A rarity in my opinion.
9. Captain America : The Winter Soldier - I wasn't a huge fan of the first, but Marvel keeps getting better and better with each passing film and this was no exception. Had the right amount of action, comedy and story.
8. The Lego Movie - A big family friendly movie makes the list as I was blown away how much I liked it. While it was directed towards the kids, the amount of jokes for adults were by far the best part. A pleasant surprise to say the least.
7. Edge of Tomorrow - The first Tom Cruise movie I enjoyed in a few years and it makes it at 7. It had the right mix of action and comedy, with the perfect amount of repetition every time he wakes up back at the beginning.
6. X-Men : Days of Future Past - Mixing the series was brilliant. They chose to focus on the big stars Hugh Jackman and Jennifer Lawrence and they didn't disappoint. Best X-Men movie yet.
5. 22 Jump Street - Might be one of the best sequels I've ever seen. Hill and Tatum have perfect chemistry with each line more funny than the next. I wouldn't be opposed to another jump street.
4. Gone Girl - Didn't read the book, didn't matter. With Fincher behind the camera this had my attention from beginning to end. Acting was fantastic and I loved the score.
3. Interstellar - It was no Inception, but it was enjoyable nonetheless. Nolan is a mastermind of film and everything he does I love.
2. Guardians of the Galaxy - Didn't know what to expect with this Marvel movie but it is my favorite Marvel movie to this day. Chris Pratt was cast perfectly and the comedy is delivered with such ease.
1. The Raid 2 - Might not be on anyone else's list but this was my favorite of 2014. The fight sequences in this movie are the best I've seen on screen. The story also kept me interested while waiting for the fights. I loved every minute of it and hope to see more of this type of martial arts in film.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)