What movies have you seen lately? Now with reviews!Movies
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The Butler
I went into this movie not really expecting much, other than being aware of a big cast of quality actors and I was hugely impressed with it when I walked out. It is a very powerful movie – sure it may be ‘based’ on a true story but the underlying themes are not diluted in any way.
The basic story is that of Cecil Gaines, a young boy who grows up on a cotton farm in the deep South during 1920’s and chronicles his experiences of racial discrimination as he grows up. The crux of the plot is that he escapes the hatred of the South by becoming a servant to the white man – a butler, and eventually lands up in the White House where he sees first hand how the cultural change in the US comes about, right from the seat of power. I won't delve any deeper given it is a recent released, but the role of his son is pivotal to the story and weaves an emphatic contrast to his own path through life. The performances of the cast are great too, well, apart from Mariah Carey
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9/10
I went into this movie not really expecting much, other than being aware of a big cast of quality actors and I was hugely impressed with it when I walked out. It is a very powerful movie – sure it may be ‘based’ on a true story but the underlying themes are not diluted in any way.
The basic story is that of Cecil Gaines, a young boy who grows up on a cotton farm in the deep South during 1920’s and chronicles his experiences of racial discrimination as he grows up. The crux of the plot is that he escapes the hatred of the South by becoming a servant to the white man – a butler, and eventually lands up in the White House where he sees first hand how the cultural change in the US comes about, right from the seat of power. I won't delve any deeper given it is a recent released, but the role of his son is pivotal to the story and weaves an emphatic contrast to his own path through life. The performances of the cast are great too, well, apart from Mariah Carey
.9/10
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I felt there were a few horrible, horrible, horrible casting decisions. Worst of all, John Cusack as Richard Nixon with a painfully obvious prosthetic nose. And Alan Rickman playing Reagan by grimacing in a way that made me think he had to take a huge poo, and never quite disguising his British accent.
And Oprah should never, ever be in films. Ever. But when you end up being on a magazine cover every month for more than a decade you probably build up the clout, or reputation, to get whatever you want.
Other than that, I felt it was a good story that was very well told. I felt that the last 10 minutes looked like an Obama campaign ad, but if it is staying factual to how Mr Gaines felt at the time then it belongs there.
And Oprah should never, ever be in films. Ever. But when you end up being on a magazine cover every month for more than a decade you probably build up the clout, or reputation, to get whatever you want.
Other than that, I felt it was a good story that was very well told. I felt that the last 10 minutes looked like an Obama campaign ad, but if it is staying factual to how Mr Gaines felt at the time then it belongs there.
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I would agree with your casting comments - Oprah in particular had some very awkwardly bad acting scenes which probably were not helped by Whittaker opposite her.
I thought the guy who played Lewis was a great choice - and did a great job of masking his UK accent. It took me ages to work out where I had seen him, and then I remembered - Spooks!
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- otakukid965
Just watched Blackboard Jungle, and it was pretty good. It is still pretty relevant to the happenings of today, being about a new teacher being put into a school that has students that don't care to learn.
Joel
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Yeah I agree, it was cool to see some of the imagery on the big screen but it definitely suffered from being taken down to movie length. I can see why they made it shorter with it being marketed at kids, but the Hunger Games movie was almost 30 minutes longer and made gobs of money from the same demographic.
I enjoyed seeing one of my favourite books on the big screen, and seeing battle school in full video like that was pretty cool, but overall I found it hard to enjoy as a movie itself. I feel like if you didn't read the book you wouldn't understand what was happening, and the pacing was weird. He learns to shoot and become the best battle school commander ever in one montage, and when Valentine convinces him to go back to battle school it's a 2 minute conversation.
I'd like to see Ender's game done in a 2 part film or a TV miniseries, the problem with taking it to the big screen is that so much of the book relies on Ender's internal monologue and how he can analyze all the mistakes that the other commanders and adults are making. It's hard to do that in the film and it just feels a bit hand wavy that he gets his own army and they're the best team ever and they don't even get a training montage.
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Thor 2
I thought this movie was okay. I think I like some of the first movie better. It felt like they were reaching a lot in this movie for material.
Whitehouse Down
In the recent pool of "destroy the white house" this was actually a pretty good movie. A couple hidden subtle jokes that were clearly related to our current president. But all in good fun. Quite a bit of humor which made the movie even more fun. .
My like meter is a little higher for this than "Olympus Has Fallen". I was shocked how similar these 2 movies were and released around the same time.
I thought this movie was okay. I think I like some of the first movie better. It felt like they were reaching a lot in this movie for material.
Whitehouse Down
In the recent pool of "destroy the white house" this was actually a pretty good movie. A couple hidden subtle jokes that were clearly related to our current president. But all in good fun. Quite a bit of humor which made the movie even more fun. .
My like meter is a little higher for this than "Olympus Has Fallen". I was shocked how similar these 2 movies were and released around the same time.
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Thor: The Dark World - (8/10)
Pretty good. It's about on par with the first film in quality, but the story is not as rushed as the first (where Thor literally goes from hot-headed douche to understanding and honorable in 3 days). The timeframe feels more realistic, even though it still happens in the course of a few days. There is no personality-changing life lessons to be learned.
You get to see a lot more of the Nine Realms and there is a great deal more dual storytelling going on until everything comes to a climax on Earth. My biggest issue though is that just Loki, before anyone knew his plan, was enough to activate the Avengers protocol. An alien ship destroying a chunk of a city and creatures that give Thor a tough time results in someone getting the runaround when they try to call SHIELD. I guess with Coulson out of the picture any SHIELD interaction is limited to the ability to schedule Samuel L Jackson or Colbie Smulders. "Where is SHIELD?" "Agents Hill and Fury had filming schedule conflicts." Worst part of this is that we are reminded of the Avengers presence by a cameo. It was a well-timed and comedic cameo, but still a reminder that the last time an Asgardian battle came to Earth that more than a guy with a hammer was necessary.
What this does do for comic fans is set up a few important details for possible future use. The love triangle with Sif and Jane Foster is hinted at, a post-credits scene introduces a new character and concept for the larger Avengers storyline, and puts Thor in a much better position to be integrated into future films.
Interesting side note: not more than a few days before I was wondering whatever happened to Zachary Levi, aka TV's Chuck. He's the new Fandrel (the Erol Flynn like of the Warriors 3)! The old Fandrel was played by Josh Dallas, who is Prince Charming on Once Upon a Time. He couldn't do both filming schedules, so he dropped out of Thor. As with Josh Dallas the amount of make up and cartoonish characterization made it hard for me to identify Zachary Levi as the actor, but kept clicking in my head as familiar.
And guys who want to see it but have a lady who is not wanting to tag along; there is a gratuitous topless Chris Hemsworth scene. And by gratuitous, I mean it is literally 30 seconds of him walking across a room topless, with nothing said or done, then cut to the next scene.
Olympus has Fallen - (6/10)
Disgraced Secret Service agent redeems himself when enemies takeover the White House and hold the president hostage.
Loved the beginning. We build a strong character and learn his relationship with the First Family. But when the action hits it literally becomes Die Hard. He suddenly becomes foul-mouthed, taunts the bad guys on the radio, and insults his superiors over the radio. There is even the chopper coming in to drop the assault team, that the hero warns them against, that then turns into death and destruction. There is even the a-hole guy who knows who the hero is and gives up details on his family so the bad guy can threaten him.
Fun action, but you've seen it before.
Pretty good. It's about on par with the first film in quality, but the story is not as rushed as the first (where Thor literally goes from hot-headed douche to understanding and honorable in 3 days). The timeframe feels more realistic, even though it still happens in the course of a few days. There is no personality-changing life lessons to be learned.
You get to see a lot more of the Nine Realms and there is a great deal more dual storytelling going on until everything comes to a climax on Earth. My biggest issue though is that just Loki, before anyone knew his plan, was enough to activate the Avengers protocol. An alien ship destroying a chunk of a city and creatures that give Thor a tough time results in someone getting the runaround when they try to call SHIELD. I guess with Coulson out of the picture any SHIELD interaction is limited to the ability to schedule Samuel L Jackson or Colbie Smulders. "Where is SHIELD?" "Agents Hill and Fury had filming schedule conflicts." Worst part of this is that we are reminded of the Avengers presence by a cameo. It was a well-timed and comedic cameo, but still a reminder that the last time an Asgardian battle came to Earth that more than a guy with a hammer was necessary.
What this does do for comic fans is set up a few important details for possible future use. The love triangle with Sif and Jane Foster is hinted at, a post-credits scene introduces a new character and concept for the larger Avengers storyline, and puts Thor in a much better position to be integrated into future films.
Interesting side note: not more than a few days before I was wondering whatever happened to Zachary Levi, aka TV's Chuck. He's the new Fandrel (the Erol Flynn like of the Warriors 3)! The old Fandrel was played by Josh Dallas, who is Prince Charming on Once Upon a Time. He couldn't do both filming schedules, so he dropped out of Thor. As with Josh Dallas the amount of make up and cartoonish characterization made it hard for me to identify Zachary Levi as the actor, but kept clicking in my head as familiar.
And guys who want to see it but have a lady who is not wanting to tag along; there is a gratuitous topless Chris Hemsworth scene. And by gratuitous, I mean it is literally 30 seconds of him walking across a room topless, with nothing said or done, then cut to the next scene.
Olympus has Fallen - (6/10)
Disgraced Secret Service agent redeems himself when enemies takeover the White House and hold the president hostage.
Loved the beginning. We build a strong character and learn his relationship with the First Family. But when the action hits it literally becomes Die Hard. He suddenly becomes foul-mouthed, taunts the bad guys on the radio, and insults his superiors over the radio. There is even the chopper coming in to drop the assault team, that the hero warns them against, that then turns into death and destruction. There is even the a-hole guy who knows who the hero is and gives up details on his family so the bad guy can threaten him.
Fun action, but you've seen it before.
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Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood 8.5/10
Just watch it
Just watch it
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Looper (Rian Johnson, 2012) -- In 2074, when the mob wants to get rid of someone, the target is sent 30 years into the past, where a hired gun awaits. Someone like Joe, who one day learns the mob wants to 'close the loop' by transporting back Joe's future self. A very clever and original movie that doesn't dwell too much on idealizations of the future and just focuses on telling a good story and telling it well. Given Bruce Willis' movie record lately, I was kind of skeptical about watching this one, but after watching this movie, I think it's safe to say Rian Johnson has given the sci-fi genre iin Hollywood a much needed boost.
I felt the plot was a bit complex and had to restart it half way through, though I blame that on lack of concentration during the first 15 minutes, where everything is sort of explained. Other than that, the story is well constructed and the plot points are given their deserved attention, with a tight script and a good dose of dry humor. Thankfully the movie doesn't become a Bruce Willis movie, but there's a nice balance between both actors, and Gordon-Levitt shows he can carry himself along with the best of them. My only qualm is that Willis is an actor who I've seen on the screen for almost 30 years, yet his character 30 years in the past looks nothing like the actor did 30 years ago. 8.5/10
I Am Number Four (D.J. Caruso, 2011) -- Aliens and their Guardians are hiding on Earth from intergalactic bounty hunters. They can only be killed in numerical order, and Number Four is next on the list. This is his story. Twilight for boys. I've never really seen the Twilight movies, but that's what I saw on the (realistic) reviews and it's what it seemed. The movie could've been a bit better if they'd worked a bit harder on the editing part and tried to make a better story, covering the amazing plot holes that just detract from the enjoyment. The movie is just cliché after cliché after cliché. Good special effects and the eye candy towards the end weren't enough to save it. I saw this movie expecting a flick to turn my brain off with, but the absurdity of it just left me full of humiliated confusion. 3.5/10
Shutter Island (Martin Scorsese, 2010) -- Drama set in 1954, U.S. Marshal Teddy Daniels is investigating the disappearance of a murderess who escaped from a hospital for the criminally insane and is presumed to be hiding nearby. I'm an absolute sucker for these intriguing movies that have a built preconception and just unravel from the start, having you think it's a mystery type, only to become an even greater mystery as it goes on. It probably isn't the movie for the average filmgoer, especially because it doesn't have an easy to follow plot, but also because it makes people talk about it, especially regarding the end. It's a great psychological challenge and really held my attention all the way through. I have to say I'm not a great DiCaprio fan, but in almost every movie he's been in, he amazes me, to the point that the acting in the movie is up to par with the directing. 10/10
Zwartboek (a.k.a. Black Book) (Paul Verhoeven, 2006) -- In the Nazi-occupied Netherlands during World War II, a Jewish singer infiltrates the regional Gestapo headquarters for the Dutch resistance. One of the most characteristic Verhoeven movies, full of amazing acting and a great portrayal of the Resistance fighters of WWII. I'll admit Verhoeven is sometimes quite intense and noisy, especially regarding machine guns, but the story never sags. It's a powerful movie, though the end seems a bit too forced, where the Dutch 'fight to the end to preserve their country, in their own way', yet in reality, and for the rest of the world, what they did didn't seem more than an early run for cover, yet it's always great to see a portrayal of how everyone did their part. 7/10
Män Som Hatar Kvinnor (a.k.a. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) (Niels Arden Oplev, 2009) -- A journalist is aided in his search for a woman who has been missing (or dead) for forty years by a young female hacker. A very well made movie with amazing music and cinematography, with likeable and believable characters that show an awesome and intelligent story that, although takes a long time to tell (152 minutes), captivated me completely. The movie invests well in character development and the camera movement makes you a part of the story. Amazing locations and a great recreation of the great book make this movie a must watch for anyone, as long as they're not kids...seriously, this is an intense flick. 8/10
Madeo (a.k.a. Mother) (Joon-ho Bong, 2009) -- A mother desperately searches for the killer that framed her son for a girl's horrific murder. This original and dramatic thriller has an engaging story with a surprising plot and many twists, made simple but effective by a great director, with the believable story of a single woman who does everything possible and impossible to prove the innocence of her son, who is slightly retarded. The perforance of Hye-ja Kim (the mother) deserves a nomination for the Oscar, showing a dedicated mother that really does everything to prove something that seems impossible to disprove. Don't expect action of the Vengeance series, despite being the Korean thriller type, but this movie actually proves why Korean film making is among the best in Asian movies. 6.5/10
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Puella Magi Madoka Magica: The Movie - Rebellion
Long anticipated sequel to the TV series. I can't rate it yet and I won't. So much happened in the span of those two hours I haven't been able to wrap my head around it all. All I can say for now is that it silenced me when it ended. I don't quite know what sort of emotions I'm being left with.
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This was one of the few movies I have ever watched where I was completely caught off guard by the ending - I would very much agree with your rating on it, once of my favourite movies for sure.Diego440
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Pacific Rim - 7/10
For me this was a great little bit of Over The Top fun. I loved the idea of giant robots being used to protect the earth, even made me wish I was one of those pilots. Felt it could have done with a little something more, but not quite sure what.
Apocalypse Now: Redux - Unrated
Never actually seen it until now, and part of me is wondering what the fuss is about? Three hours long and I was starting to yawn towards the end. I think maybe this will need watching a few more times so I can take everything in.
Seven Psychopaths - 4/10
Borrowed this from a friend and wish I hadn't. I wasn't all that impressed with the story or some of the acting, but I will say that I enjoyed Christopher Walken's character. I expected it to be funnier, and was a little disappointed.
For me this was a great little bit of Over The Top fun. I loved the idea of giant robots being used to protect the earth, even made me wish I was one of those pilots. Felt it could have done with a little something more, but not quite sure what.
Apocalypse Now: Redux - Unrated
Never actually seen it until now, and part of me is wondering what the fuss is about? Three hours long and I was starting to yawn towards the end. I think maybe this will need watching a few more times so I can take everything in.
Seven Psychopaths - 4/10
Borrowed this from a friend and wish I hadn't. I wasn't all that impressed with the story or some of the acting, but I will say that I enjoyed Christopher Walken's character. I expected it to be funnier, and was a little disappointed.
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Except for this one 
. I love the redux version. Yes it is very long and slow at times, but it is a very powerfull film. One of my all-time favorites.
. I love the redux version. Yes it is very long and slow at times, but it is a very powerfull film. One of my all-time favorites.
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