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Total Recall (1990)
10/10
Easily one of the best Sci-Fi films ever made.
29 May 2024
This movie is legendary classic.

Paul Verhoeven and his team are a genius making this - right after making another legendary cult classic Robocop.

They just can't make movies like this anymore. 80's didn't hold back when it came to raw violence. The movie originally was even more violent -- even with the cut-back amount, it's still violent.

The pacing, writing, is sooo good. It's an entertaining, intense rollercoaster ride from start to finish. This is the kind of film you want to see in the theater/giant screen.

This movie has a golden amount of memorable one-liners "What have you been feeding this thing? Blondes."

I watched this as a kid (all the traumatizing nightmares I had; late 80's-early 90's parents were more lenient letting kids watch violent movies) and was glued to the film, even though I didn't fully understand it. The scenes are still traumatizing to watch to this day.

Watching it grown up, I realized that both Total Recall and RoboCop had much deeper layers of story. It has nothing to do with nostalgia factor; I've watched other movies where I enjoyed when I was little that didn't age well. There's a reason these films are cult classic.

This came before "The Matrix" (1999) and "Inception" (2010) - both I'm sure were inspired by this movie.

I love how the film confuses the viewer multiple times whether it's a dream or reality. Everyone can interpret it their own way, but there are some interesting little details most people would miss, especially on their first viewing, how the Rekall tech mentions "blue skys on mars".

People today might not be able to appreciate the special effects as much; the X-Ray security scene was truly groundbreaking at the time. I feel many of the makeup and practical effects still hold up today.

The 2012 remake of Total Recall with Colin Farrell is no comparison to this in both visuals, story, casting, acting, etc.
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5/10
Touching concept, but typical boring "adventure" storyline. Kid's movie
28 May 2024
The trailer really gets you with the super cute adorable kitten Garfield. The little one is so cute. I think it would have been nice to see more of that cuteness and how/why he suddenly turned into that cuteness to a "grumpy old sarcastic cat"

I feel this movie is more like a Netflix streaming quality.

I think what saves this movie is the touching concept/moment of father/son abandonment. If they didn't have that, this movie would be a complete disaster failure.

But the whole "adventure" is actually really boring and silly, especially where they "train" and the B-story to save like mission impossible (the movie even makes Tom Cruise reference and Top Gun music too).

Garfield doesn't have his witty lazy grumpiness sarcasm like in the cartoons. It's just more of him energetically shouting mostly...

I'm not a hardcore obsessed huge loyal Garfield fan, and I did have super low expectations with this being a kid's movie to begin with. The dialogue does sometimes throw in elements catered for adults, so it's not entirely a kid's movie -- but the storyline is what makes this really a basic kid's movie "adventure". It's no Toy Story.

It's a shame Jon Arbuckle is hardly in this film. He needed to be more in this film.

The "trade-off" scene towards the end makes zero sense at all.

I still give it a 5/10 having low expectations. The kitten Garfield plush would definitely sell.
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Shōgun (2024–2026)
2/10
Extremely overrated. Overhyped. Terrible pacing. Never hooks you in...
23 May 2024
First of all, I'm Japanese, so I have no immediate bias towards this show just because it has to do with Samurai; I know there are geeks, otakus, out there that just think it's automatically cool/good show because of the theme/visuals.

Don't let the cinematography (yes, of course, it looks great... minus the terrible obvious CG backgrounds) fool you. The story and pacing is HORRIBLE.

I watched this with high hopes; I really tried to get into it, but I just couldn't... I stopped watching after end of Episode 2. It just NEVER hooks you in. (maybe it gets better in the later episodes, but the fact that it takes this long to hook you in just says how overrated this show is)

The show just drags forever with the prisoner and several clans just rambling back and forth. Just get to the point. Where is the real drama and suspense? Who are we supposed to care for?

I recommend watching Martin Scorsese's 2016 film "Silence" instead (it even stars the same actor 'Tadanobu Asano'); that was a movie I actually enjoyed, so it's obviously not the theme/history that I can't handle.
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2/10
Extremely overrated. Dumbest "solution" by the "scientist" - Silly forced "romance" and story/ending
23 May 2024
I watched this because it currently has a 8/10 and the rave reviews.

This generation has some super low standards.

Let me tell you, this movie is EXTREMELY overrated.

First of all, I'm Japanese/American, so there's no instant bias from me to immediately love it like a geek-otaku would just because it's a Godzilla movie made by Japan.

I actually had high hopes, since the director is Takashi Yamazaki who is known in Japan for making high production films; what I consider one of the best Japanese films ever made is by him called "Eien no 0" (The Fighter Pilot) released in 2013. I highly recommend watching that film instead of this sad attempt. (there's actually some similarity considering both involve a pilot during WWII)

The main character is not likable at all - he is a major drama queen diva the entire movie... He begins as a coward and he never really redeems himself; you know a guy like him would never give up his life.

The "love" interest has more charisma than him; yet she is just randomly forced into the film and the ending "twist" is just laughably outrageous - it will make you roll your eyes.

All these Godzilla films follow the same boring formula; where there's this single "brilliant" scientist who has a "great idea" to stop Godzilla.... yet the idea solution/presentation they come up with this one has to be the dumbest ever. I seriously lost brain cells listening to that guy with glasses present the dumbest idea ever. And for the crew to also go along with it...

Seriously, their idea was to sink Godzilla (one guy mentions he is a sea monster, so what good is that going to do - he was the only guy with a brain) and then float him back up???! What??? I mean why did they even go through all that hassle when ultimately, they just needed one fighter plane....

I also don't see what is so impressive about the visual effects... How it actually won an Oscar for Visual Effects?! Maybe it's impressive in terms of Japan/non-Hollywood standard; I'm pretty sure it won only because the other nominees weren't that great.

I would say this is better than "Shin Godzilla" (2016), but that's not saying much considering that movie was such a boring snorefest with boardroom meeting.

Don't let the high rating fool you. This movie is overrated. Whether you care about Godzilla or not, don't even bother wasting your time.

I think the biggest problem with these Godzilla movies is also how they don't present the motive of Godzilla... it's just a mindless monster wanting to create total destruction? Boring.
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5/10
Not for everyone. Love it or Hate it Movie. "Donnie Darko" praise. "Memento" meets "Lost in Translation"
21 May 2024
If non-linear, weird, slow paced "emo" movies aren't for you, this is not for you. If you want a movie to have a discussion/analysis on, this movie can be one...

Other similar vibe/movie pacing is like "Her" (2013)" - another movie I didn't care for the high praise that it got - very overrated.

I feel the movie "Everything Everywhere All at Once" (2022) was heavily inspired by this film as well.

This movie is basically "Total Recall" (1990) (just the sci-fi concept) meets "Memento" (2000) (memories) meets "Mulholland Drive" (2001) "Inception/Interstellar" (dream or reality?) meets "Lost in Translation" (2003) ("romance" part)

I watched this when I was younger in my teens and didn't enjoy it. I figured I give this movie another try 20 years later, and well, I still think it's pretty overrated.

I loved Jim Carry in "The Truman Show" (1998) back then and still enjoy that movie today. But this film just isn't for me in terms of flow and entertainment value/likable characters.

Yes, it is somewhat thought-provoking, open to different interpretations about the relationship and their fate ("Is it a circle of life?"), and very confusing at first (typical Charlie Kaufman films) being non-linear. However, underneath it all, it's not a satisfying movie to watch. It's actually a frustrating viewing experience.

Movies like "Lost in Translation" or "Her", the plot itself is actually pretty mundane - people love it because they resonate with the vibe of the movie/character's emotions. But if you're watching a movie for entertainment purposes, which most of us watch a movie for (and I don't mean stupid dumb mindless films like 'Transformers' or 'Fast and the Furious'), it's not satisfying.

I feel this movie fits in the same overrated films like "Donnie Darko" (EMO kids/teens love it) , "Rushmore" (my god that movie is truly awful with one of the most annoying lead characters in cinema, but praised for its music/vibe?); the target audience who seem to be obsessed with this film seems to be lonely people who can't forget about their ex partner/had bad relationships....

This movie is similar "satisfaction" to watching "Lost in Translation" where the story itself is not really interesting, but it's the vibe that seem to resonate with the audience; if you're lonely and just had a breakup/can't forget about your ex. If your focus is plot driven movies, this isn't it.

I understand relationships is not about perfection, which is what Elijah Wood's Patrick character tried to do. But there really is nothing romantic about Jim Carey and Kate Winslet's characters; I mean, I understand they are both odd outcasts and would be categorized as "leftovers"; "Lacuna", the memory company" in the film is about helping people forget/erase memory of whatever they want to forget/loved one, etc. But at the same time, it is run by a bunch of shady staff. A lot of the things in the film are pretty forced throughout to drive the story. ('think about embarrassing moments to escape off the map!'; The Doctor's wife witnessing; Mary finding out the truth (who would even keep someone like that to continue working there? Major plothole); When a movie doesn't have any likable characters, it's hard to enjoy the film)

Yes, this movie is a fantasy, so obviously there's suspension of disbelief - but at the same time, there's limits to the amount of plotholes you can handle...

The movie is impressive though having some all-star casts with Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Elijah Wood, Mark Ruffalo, and Kirsten Dunst... it's just none of them are likable at all.
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7/10
Touching, but depressing dark movie. Not about the cat.
5 June 2023
If you're expecting a uplifting movie night, this is NOT it. This movie actually makes you feel more depressed about how society is and life.

Forrest Gump has some dark moments, but it is more uplifting/comical throughout. The tone of this movie is heavily dark, especially showing various ways to commit suicide.

If you're also expecting a movie that involves the cat, you will be disappointed. The cat is not really part of the story.

Otto is supposed to be this stereotypical conservative grumpy old man, who's into traditional things, but when it comes to transgenders, he is immediately accepting? There's also the Mexican and African American neighbors that he is pretty accepting well; even though he is so closed minded about owning American cars. It's very selective cookie cutter and not fully dimensional realistic character. It seems rather forced to make him not look completely like the "bad guy", but he has a lovable "big heart" when it comes to controversial areas.

There's some extremely cheesy scenes that take you out, like the "social media journalist" showing up exactly at the right time.

Also, it doesn't make any sense for him to teach the neighbor manual transmission, when she will most likely be driving automatic anyway; also a grumpy man like him to have the patience to even do that....

In the end, it was worth watching if you have nothing else to do and feel lonely. If you're already in a dark place, I don't think it's a good movie to be watching. It's a depressing movie. If you "enjoyed" this movie, I would also recommend similar films like "Gran Turino" (2008 movie with Clint Eastwood) and "Hachi: A Dog's Tale" (2009 movie with Richard Gere).
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5/10
Stereotypical. Generic. Predictable. Nothing new. Bro... Yeah, bro... Hey bro...
14 April 2023
In somewhat similar category, a better visual and storyline would be "Life of Pi". This is like a super dumbed down version that takes place in the ocean.

It doesn't even make any sense that the human "enemies" just completely abandon the forest (shouldn't they destroy that completely and migrate there?) that they were always after in the first film - yet, they conveniently focus on the water world just for one man and his family? Okay...

It should be a game to drink "water" every time a character says "bro" in this movie.

The movie is really forgettable. I watched it a few days ago and I can't remember much memorable scenes.

The main characters in the first one takes a major backseat; in fact, Sam Worthington's Jake character is really annoying, unnecessary side character, along with his wife, also nagging and screaming and crying all the time on screen - like stereotypical crazy parents - while it's more about two brothers trying to deal with what else... bullying and trying to fit in.... Everything is generic, stereotypical and predictable.

This took over a decade to make? Maybe this movie is only meant to be seen in 3D IMAX and it's not worth your time in other ways; kind of like the movie "Gravity" was an absolute bore on a home screen, but is an amazing experience in 3D.

The special effects in Terminator 2 is still impressive than this movie. Comes on James Cameron, enough with this Avatar BS and let's have more of your True Lies/Terminator/Abyss/Titanic quality.

At over 3 hours long, this movie could have easily been half the amount shorter and still tell the same generic story.
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Beef (2023– )
8/10
White Lotus meets Parasite
14 April 2023
I binged watched this whole show in one sitting, so I guess that is a plus. Each episode is just 30 minutes with 10 episodes, so it's very watchable. Of course Netflix shows ends and leaves you wanting to see the next episode every time...

This had the same vibe as the HBO show White Lotus - it's a dark comedy; it starts out realistic, but then after each episode, it tries to out-do themselves and go even more over-the-top exaggeration; sometimes, it takes you out of it.

It's nice to see an entirely Asian-American show, which Asians can relate to, for the most part, and it's relatable to real-life scenarios like yelp, instagram, korean churches, etc.

It seems to also loosely be based on Ali Wong's actual life since her ex-husband was also a rich Japanese guy.

There's always that rich versus poor element.

I feel like a lot of writers start taking drugs during the writing process - and they get too high towards the end.

The crows talking reminded me of the two rocks from "Everything Everywhere All at Once"

You can tell the writer of this show is around in his early 40's. There's a lot of 90's-00 soundtrack in this.

Ali Wong's character is clearly the worst, most toxic person in this entire movie, which caused everything to begin with a domino effect.

Burger King must have been a major sponsor for this show?

Overall, it was worth my time watching, I laughed, but it really gets outrageous towards the end.
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7/10
Non-stop action. Jack Black as Bowser steals the show. Peaches~ Peaches~
13 April 2023
This movie is NON-stop action.

However, if you're expecting a deep storyline, it won't be as good as "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" or "Del Toro's Pinocchio"

It's the typical "Seven Samurai" let's-train-and-fight storyline. It is fun for what it is. I'm okay with just watching it once.

I don't think it's good as "Wreck-it Ralph". But there is no denying the animation is excellent.

They casted Bowser perfectly with Jack Black. They really hit gold with him. In fact, the peaches song by him has now become legendary status. It makes me laugh every time I hear that song.

He was the most interesting character out of the entire movie. I liked him more than Mario.

With Super Mario World at Universal Studios and this movie being made, Nintendo is really glowing right now. I hope Nintendo makes more animation for their games like Star Fox. (enough Marvel)

There are two short bonus scenes if you stay during the ending credits. They will definitely make a sequel, saving one of the character for the next one.
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Tár (2022)
1/10
A pretentious torture. WASTE OF TIME.
3 February 2023
The director has to be trolling us. If you actually VALUE your time, do NOT watch this rambling snorefest.

It's just pretentious. And I thought Power of Dog was boring and overrated, but I was at least able to finish that movie... this movie is absolute torture (even if you love music), most annoying and boring dialogue/story/intro.

As if it wasn't ridiculous enough that they have to show the entire ending credits from the start of the film, something dumb like Man on the Moon with Jim Carrey, it just gets worse and worse...

Not only do they immediately test our patience and completely waste our time from the start of the film, they have to torture us more with Cate Blanchett rambling on and on, it gives Aaron Sorkin and Jesse Eisenberg a run for its money.
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9/10
Best Picture of the Year!
27 December 2022
This is an obvious clear winner for Best Animation, but it deserves to win Best Picture.

It's extremely rare nowadays to be able to watch a movie where it has characters you can really feel and care for/love with a good deep story.

It's even more praise-worthy how it used a painstaking stop-motion animation. As ugly as Pinocchio may look initially, he really is super charming (I want a figure of him!), and you really fall in love with him. The actual boy/actor who did the voice for Pinocchio has the perfect voice/charm and singing! It really captures the innocent naiveness of the character - of course with the amazing stop-motion to go with it.

Pinnochio's singing and music is really nice and touching!

The old man, cricket, monkey, so many likable characters!

Disney's live action remake of Pinocchio, which also came out this year, was a major embarrassment garbage cash grab... there is NO heart in that movie... just superficial visual... just so heartless; you'd expect with a great director like Robert Zemeckis (Back to the Future, Forrest Gump) and Tom Hanks, you'd have a winner, but it was extremely boring to watch. Absolute fail from Disney. A real winner masterpiece by Del Toro showing how it really should be done.

This movie had a lot of praise/hype and despite all that, I still cried and loved it.

I also loved Guillermo del Toro's Pan's Labyrinth (it's very similar about fantasy, war, and death), his "Shape of Water" movie I really didn't care for, but Del Toro's Pinocchio has easily become one of my favorite movies.

I love the unique creative take on how it's a coming of age of the old man/supporting characters, thanks to Pinocchio - it's not about changing for someone, but accepting them for who they are.

Hollywood needs to stop with the annoying CG filled super hero movies and go back to its root with real practical admirable effects and good story.

If you're just going to watch one movie this year, this is it.
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9/10
FINALLY a movie worthy of going to the theaters
14 June 2022
This is the only movie I was really excited to make me want to go to the theaters. I hardly ever go to the theaters. Even with all the hype and positive reviews, it did not disappoint. This is the kind of movie you want to see in theaters!

I wanted a premium experience, so I saw it at AMC Dolby Cinema. The seats literally rattled like I was on the jet.

I'm so sick of the same old superhero movies and fake green screen coming out all the time, this was finally something older audiences could really appreciate.

I doubt there will ever be another superstar Hollywood actor on the level of Tom Cruise - who really goes beyond entertaining his fans and so dedicated to his work. It's amazing he can sky dive solo, and really flying jets himself. That is true dedication. I'm also glad he's against green screen and understands story is just as important as the actions.

36 years since the original Top Gun came out and it's definitely a worthy sequel that surpasses the original. The technology advances and actors aging to fit the storyline makes perfect sense.

The original had the most epic perfect legendary soundtrack, that is impossible to top, so I'm glad they reused the original score in the beginning - that brought major chills. I wish they would have used Dangerzone though.

There were some really intense action, I laughed, I cried a lot... everything you'd want in a great fulfilling movie experience.

Is the script Oscar worthy? No. I mean, the original was basically a popcorn flick as well. It's basically Mission Impossible in the air. But it's not just mindless uninspiring action - it's action sequences that you can admire and respect from all the crews hard work (not just lazy green screen) - and the story has substance.

Jennifer Connelly still looks good, but her character "romance" was definitely forced into the script. The intensity of the romance is nowhere near Tom had in the original.

Also I don't remember any memorable additional music in the new one (Even Lady Gaga's song). The soundtrack definitely fails in comparison to the original... again, that department is impossible to top.

Other than that, this sequel is superior.

Time flew by fast and the movie didn't feel 2 hours at all.

Watching the first Top Gun isn't necessary because they give you flashbacks, but I think watching the original will give you greater chills when seeing moments with Val Kilmer, etc.

This is the kind of movie you'll be satisfied paying your hard earned money for - not repetitive green screen same old same old superhero junk films.
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4/10
Bugs Bunny is the MVP - Not Lebron. This is why MJ is GOAT...
22 August 2021
This just shows why MJ is GOAT/better than Lebron. Lebron might have taken acting lessons from Shaq's Kazaam tapes.

The original Space Jam story made a lot more sense, feels like a documentary compared to outrageous things that happen in Space Jam 2. I loved how it actually related to MJ's baseball career/retirement. It actually really made great use of other co-stars like Charles Barkley, Larry Bird, Bill Murray, and who could forget the original Space Jam had the GREATEST, MOST AMAZING soundtrack ever!! (I even bought the CD at the time... if you know what CD's are...)

There isn't even any good music in this new Space Jam 2 movie. Not to mention we all know the controversy with Lola Bunny getting a major downgrade as well. (Thanks Karens and overly sensitive World today)

It's funny how NBA today is just high scoring over 120+ points/lack of defense; where in the 90's, it was normal for a lot of games to be held under 100; even in the original Space Jam, the final game score for the ToonSquads were under 80 points against the Monstars. And then we got Space Jam 2 where it's a ridiculous video game, with video game looking CG loony toons, with outrageous scoring rules going over 1000 points.... okay.

It's true, Warner Bros really just wanted to self-promote and show off their catalog, in a Ready Player One-like scenes that really makes no sense.

I have to admit, the "MJ" cameo during half-time was hilarious though. And the little twist with Bugs Bunny was actually touching, I think it made cry (LOL), but overall you knew it was never going to top the original GOAT.

The original Space Jam really felt like a theatrical blockbuster movie with great story, cameos, and unforgettable soundtrack - and of course the greatest basketball player of all time. Space Jam 2 definitely has a straight to stream quality TV-Movie. Space Jam 3 with Jeremy Lin on YouTube is actually better than this.
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Reminiscence (2021)
5/10
Exposition Galore. Bad pacing, rushed romance, cliche, predictable.
22 August 2021
I thought the most basic thing about screenwriting is that you need to SHOW rather than TELL.

This movie is like the biggest prime example failure of worst expositions ever. It's comical how Hugh Jackman talks through all the "twists" -- that it's not dramatic at all where the director intended to be.

If you're expecting Inception, you will be HIGHLY disappointed. There is no real hook to grab you into the story or mind shocking twists, thrilling action in this movie like Inception or Minority Report had.

In fact, all the action/fight scenes in this movie is the most generic boring scenes that just drag the movie down even more.

The pacing is the worst about this film. The romance is so rushed, mostly lust, it's just not believable at all why Hugh Jackman is so obsessed with the girl. Even in the end, the "twist" with the romance is still silly and unbelievable.

And when you think the plot is about Hugh Jackman trying to find the girl, the story becomes extremely convoluted with boring side story about a mob boss/district attorney case/drug dealer, and bunch of other characters start getting thrown in there that you can really care less about; that's why a lot of people will lose interest immediately.

I mean, in the end you realize why you have to care about these other characters, but as a first time viewing experience, the pacing just drags and you won't be invested in it.

The characters/dialoges/acting are so cheesy, especially Daniel Wu's character throwing in Chinese words with English. A lot of cheesy scenes like sparing the life because "oh you served in the military too? Yeah, respect brother, so I'll let you live, even though my boss told me to kill you." scenes. The girl's action is just irrational and a plothole too just to drive the story to be "dramatic."

If you like Greek Mythology, the concept is similar to the story of Orpheus and Eurydice; the ending can be interpreted similarly to Inception whether it is a happy or sad. While it has an interesting idea, I thought the whole execution, dialogue/editing/acting/action was underwhelming.

Inception is like 30 minutes longer than this movie, yet it feels much faster; watching Inception 3 times in a row will probably feel faster than watching this film one time. This movie definitely feels more like a stream quality/TV-Movie than big budget blockbuster Inception theatrical movie.

A lot of similar movies like Deja Vu, The Final Cut (starring Robin Williams), Minority Report, Artificial Intelligence... etc.
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RoboCop 3 (1993)
1/10
Absolute trash
23 February 2021
Little girl "hacks" ED-209 and turns him into a puppy; Ninjas and flying jetpacks... Who let a 5 year old write the script for this movie?

Who were the executives that OK'd this COMPLETE GARBAGE? And I'm trying to be as sincere as possible... Because they will forever be known as clowns in the filmmaking industry.

This movie has EVERYTHING you could possibly do to ruin the series. EVERYTHING.

They clearly have never seen the original robocop because they turned it into a complete comedy with the biggest cheesefest you could ever produce.

Of course they also sign up a director that made only stupid corny TV shows, which this "movie" looks the same part.

Thank God Peter Weller was smart enough to not be in this garbage.

I don't think there are any movie in a franchise that is as complete 180 difference to the previous ones that turned out to be 300% garbage.
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3/10
Cheesiness to the Max
3 November 2020
Decided to watch this recently because the actress, Takeuchi Yuko, committed suicide. The story's premise is a little eerie.

I know I'm going to get a lot of hate for this review, but someone has to say it...

Most of the reviews seemed positive and a rating of 8/10 seemed promising; I was excited to watch it... but if you got better things to do, this is a movie to skip.

First of all, I'm Japanese, so there's no weeaboo bias here for praising things just because it has cool Japan scenery or superficial stuff.

The pacing is absolutely awful. I know Japanese/foreign movies are slow, but this movie really drags with barely any interesting dialogue/scenes and just dull, flat performances. There's no real major conflict/twists. Just straight forward wife comes back from the dead and they relive their memories together. Yawn. Major cheesy galore.

I can't tell if they intentionally made the acting sooo bad like they're all mentally slow or what, but I couldn't really feel for them because they just ALL talk and act like slow robots, including the doctor and kid's teacher. EVERYONE.

And we've all seen the cliche "coming back from the dead" movies so there's really no interesting or shocking twists here.

This movie is just filled with corny cheesy scenes like it was all produced and written by a teenage girl. I can handle movies like The Notebook, but this movie is in a whole new level of the most corniest cheeseballs ever made one after another.

The only good thing about this movie was the ending credits/song used "Orange Range - Hana". I loved that song back then and had no idea this movie used it.

A really good Japanese movie is something like "Shall we Dansu?" or "Eternal Zero"... or watch "Love Letter".
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Clueless (1995)
9/10
A Classic
8 August 2020
Reading the recent reviews, I can't believe dumb kids these days who can't appreciate this classic film... clearly, they have no taste in movies, fashion sense, or any sense at all.

This is a cult classic. I'm a guy and I'm not ashamed to admit I love this movie and one of my favorite movies. Easily one of the best "teen" movies ever made. It is 90's GOLD.

Alicia Silverstone was PERFECT for this movie. You cannot cast anyone better for the part. She is gorgeous, likable, and just plain out gorgeous. Everyone wanted to be like her.... Barbie/Girl Next Door

The story is interesting, pacing is great, music is great, cast (with many stars that later ended up being big as well).

Yes, the ending is a bit creepy but that fits perfectly that she is clueless. Nevertheless, it's a feel good movie.

Don't forget to check out the music video "Iggy Azalea feat. Charlie XCX - Fancy" that pays major homage to this movie; it's sooo well done.
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RoboCop 2 (1990)
7/10
Honestly a great sequel
12 January 2020
Seriously, the first one is pure perfection - how can you expect anyone to make anything better than that?

Peter Weller even came back for this second one because he knew the script was solid... now he made a really smart decision to not end up on that trash Robocrap 3.

This is a solid sequel that is actually more violent than the first one. The villain in this one is just as creepy and the whole scenario is quite creative.

The script is quite interesting and it has many memorable moments.

I'm a huge fan of the first one and this an excellent sequel.

Now avoid the other Robocops that came after this... the 3rd one is especially garbage.
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Rea(l)ove (2018– )
9/10
Binged watched the whole thing. Refreshing new twist to dating show - Very interesting... real "flaws"
27 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Rea(l)ove adds a new twist to a dating show where every participant has a dark secret that makes it difficult for them to date.

The secret is "randomly" exposed throughout the show so everyone's behavior can change drastically before and after they find out their dark secret.

Some of them are actually not that big of a deal and others are a bit hard to accept. What's interesting is how they added similar dark secrets for the male side and female side; seeing who gets attracted to who before they know the secret and after adds another layer of entertainment.

I also watch Terrace House, Ainori, but this was a fresh new twist. The camerawork isn't nice like Terrace House and seems a bit amateurish at times, but it is entertaining.

The contestants may seem like "freaks" to some viewers, but most of them had faced major trauma and you realize how they ended up that way. I think having those flaws and being able to own up to those to the public makes them more human/real; that's what I like about this show. The show has some emotional moments.

The host is Atsushi Tamura who was known for a famous show called "London Hearts", where it also involved exposing cheaters/dating related and was a huge hit back in the day. It seems like he turned into a grumpy old man as he's really brutal and doesn't hold back at all on his opinion to the contestants.

The random cards the host is selecting seems a bit fishy because the last few cards left were the two that both happen to like the same person/adding greater drama.

--- SPOILERS: --- If you want to know what the "dark secrets" are, continue reading, if not, don't read further:

The dark secrets were being porn stars, sleeping with hundreds of people, cross dressing, transgendered, and the rest that were more tame compared to those were being in financial debt ($10,000), trauma from being cheated on, being an action figure collector, sent to prison for money laundering...

The worst one was definitely the dreamless bum guy who moved to Tokyo with no purpose -- who can't get it up unless he sees another couple having an affair... he had nothing going for him. It's funny because nobody wanted him even before he exposed his dark secret... and that just sealed it even more.

The 40 year old office worker who does livestreaming crossdressing was probably the most entertaining dark secret twist. Surprisingly, his secret made him even more popular. The financial debt girl who paid $8000 for a crappy music video was super weird but hilarious. It's funny the weird crossdresser old man was attracted to her... they match.

I thought it was funny how the biggest jerk on the show, who got into a fight with the another guy, has a short temper/seems like an idiot, where he has no right to make fun of other's dark secret -- ended up falling for a transgender. I was thinking, "Like really? you're making fun of everyone and you're technically falling for a dude..."

It was especially funny how insensitive and dumb he sounded to her when he kept asking "Wait, but you're still a girl, right?!"

But then again, it makes sense for him because his dark secret was being molested by a girl when he was young, so he's okay with a transgender. Everything is just crazy. What's also interesting though is that they ended up being the most legit couple.

Overall, the show made me binge watch the whole thing and it was pretty enjoyable for me. I mean, if you've seen London Hearts, it's typical Atsushi production.

I hope they come out with a season 2, but change the whole random card thing.
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2/10
SOOO BORING. Cat videos on youtube is way more entertaining.
17 July 2019
If you love cats, you will be so disappointed with this movie. Even if you don't care about cats, the movie is so boring. The whole cat thing is a bait gimmick.

The story is more about a dude having writer's block, but the cat part supposedly inspiring him to write better is extremely weak and boring to watch.

The way the whole film is shot, especially with the cats is so amateurish student film like you're just seeing random cats being shot as opposed to having some thought to the scene.

When the movie was first announced, I was excited, but thank god I didn't waste money or time to go see this in theaters. EXTREMELY boring. Skip it.

A better Japanese cat movie is "Cats Don't Come When You Call"
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Power Rangers (2017)
2/10
Were they going against Kate Mckinnon?
6 July 2019
I swear I couldn't help but imagine they were fighting Kate Mckinnon the entire time. The whole thing was just corny.

Clearly made for little kids/teenagers.

Nothing innovative/creative or nothing new to see.

Same old cheesy formula, CG-filled, Transformers/Pacific Rim half hour fighting sequences. Yawn.

The original power rangers theme song/intro alone kills this entire movie. A movie with that soundtrack would have made the movie... who doesn't get pumped up from that theme?
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9/10
Relevant to what Michael Jackson went through
12 March 2019
Robin Williams was perfectly casted for this movie. He just shows that lovable side, yet the versatility of the dark creepy lonely side.

The movie is dark and goes deep into the psychological effects of sexual abuse; people may grow up and seem "normal", but one really doesn't move on.

Michael Jackson was sexually abused as a child -- and he definitely repeated the same horrors to the children he invited to his home.

This one easily goes in my favorite movies list.

I just love the whole vibe and music.

The movie really keeps you engaged throughout leaves a lasting impression.
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7/10
I still like MJ's music - art is separate from the artist - but he is definitely a pedophile.
10 March 2019
There is actual evidence proof surveillance video that resurfaced (not shown in the documentary) recently from 1989 where Michael is disguised shopping around for a wedding ring with a little boy that accurately describes James Safechuck's credibility and consistency with his story.

I actually went into this documentary being on MJ's side and giving him the benefit of the doubt (that he had "Peter Pan Syndrome", being a 'kid' himself, and just has this 'innocent love' towards kids with all his charity image). I even had doubts about the victims telling the story from the start... But after watching this - and looking into it more closely - Michael Jackson is definitely guilty and a total manipulator.

Honestly, the documentary is way too long (because it even goes further detail into victim's father suicide) and the drone shots get really annoying and repetitive. However, from the stories, it's clear that MJ groomed not only the child victims, but also the family to gain their trust (flying them over, shopping, sending them to vacations while MJ stayed with the victim child alone) to allow all this to happen; not to mention MJ already gets a special hall pass/trust, especially from the fans, because he was like a super idol-"God" worldwide, as if he's already part of everyone's lives/comforting.

Super MJ fans will try to argue that people are just after MJ's money, but I was surprised that the victims were famous in their own right. The victims weren't just some bum nobodies from the streets that hardly ever met MJ; I was shocked Wade Robson, one of the victims, was even successful growing up working with N'Sync and Britney Spears.

The MJ supporters also try to argue that Wade lied in the testimony/changed his stories; and that Wade was an "adult" (so he's supposed to be able to think on his own) when he defended MJ in the second trial; however, when you really think about it, Wade was still 22 years old then and generally speaking, most "adults" still party/do stupid things at that age and are still easily influenced -- most really don't fully mature until they're 30 years old (or not even at that age). The second victim, James Safechuck, is about 4 years older than Wade and he did in fact refuse to defend Michael during the second trial, which really upset MJ and ended their relationship.

But you can understand the conflicting emotions when you're groomed and manipulated; you can tell the victims still clearly love MJ despite what he did to them. I believe Macaulay Culkin is in the same steps as the two victims in this documentary (Robson/Safechuck) denying/defending MJ -- but a big difference is the two victims are now married and have a child of their own (realizing they don't want that same abuse to occur to their own child)

I mean, it's not just this 4-hour documentary alone that shows MJ is guilty: there is no denying Michael slept with little boys; in the famous 2003 "Living with Michael Jackson" documentary where the boy, Gavin, brings up about MJ telling him "If you love me, you'll get on the bed" and if you really look closely at MJ's reactions, it's obvious he tries to cover it up by trying to emphasize "No... I slept on the floor" and then goes off on his usual manipulation technique speech by bringing up about God/religion and he sees God/innocence in the kids, so there's nothing wrong with sleeping with them. You can also tell MJ is a true manipulator because he argued that he was proud to be Black, but we all know he tried to make himself look White.

Even back then, Latoya Jackson, Michael's own family member, accused MJ of witnessing inappropriate behavior and how he was not into women. There is no denying MJ repeatedly "selected one child" and they were always boys. This Leaving Neverland documentary is also consistent of what MJ told the victims that his marriage was all for publicity and he believes women are evil. Also not in this documentary, even the personal maid, Adrian McManus, coming forward saying she felt it was odd just seeing bunch of boys there, saw the inappropriate touching and kissing of them, and also had to clean up the underwear left in the jacuzzi, etc with "yellow crusted stains".

If you look back now at Wade talking to reporters when he was a little boy defending MJ, you can really tell by his tone he was trying to oversell MJ's innocence.

I think it's interesting what MJ said to Wade's mother: "I always get what I want" (wanting the boy for himself for an entire year, but the mother refused.). I thought it was also interesting how Wade's mother still felt sad when she found out about MJ's death, while Safechuck's mother celebrated and danced when she heard the news.

I can understand the difficulty for fans of MJ to accept it; I mean, it is their idol, someone they look up to and if bad things are the real truth, their perfect world would end up crumbling down - that is living in denial. For the fans, it's easier to blame it on the victims and to say that it's all about money. I feel it's the same with 9/11; people have a very hard time to think our own President/country would be behind 9/11, living in denial when you have a bias, and it's much much easier to blame it on terrorists/Bin Laden. There can be several accusations like the ones that finally brought down Bill Cosby/Harvey Weinstein, but MJ fans/supporter will still argue "There's no evidence! We need DNA or video footage of the sexual acts..."

I still like R. Kelly's - I Believe I Can Fly (Space Jam); I still like Gary Glitter's Rock and Roll Part 2 (one of the best sports anthem made); I still like MJ's music - but what do they all have in common? They're all pedophiles.
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Vice (I) (2018)
5/10
The spot-on performances saves the movie.
27 February 2019
It's a shame the movie played it safe, with having such an amazing cast, instead of really going further on the real dirty deeds/details of Cheney/Bush and 9/11.

The movie portrayed Cheney/Bush more as an opportunist instead of having prior knowledge; Cheney being part of "Project for New American Century" thinktank, Bush just sitting there in the Kindergarten while the plans go accordingly, and both never wanting to testify separately or under oath.

The story/message really takes a backseat. It's Christian Bale's performance as Dick Cheney that stands out. And Sam Rockwell as Bush is also spot-on it's just too hilarious to watch - it's more entertaining when those two are on the screen together.

I never thought Steve Carell could pull off a Donald Rumsfeld but even he was believable.

The performances are a 10. But as far as information/story goes, it doesn't add anything riveting. The over-the-top satirical storytelling simply takes a backseat to the performances.

Wasted opportunity.

Can't wait for the next Fast and the Furious instead....
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3/10
Definitely overrated. Not really a story - A Concert Movie.
24 February 2019
People overhyped this movie too much. This movie is definitely overrated. Bohemian Rhapsody has a lot of praise too but that one actually lived up to the hype. If you have better things to do, avoid this as it will be a waste of your time and you'll constantly be looking at your watch/time.

The movie is honestly really boring/slow/predictable. It's more of a promotional concert/music video than a storytelling movie; surprisingly, on the other hand, Bohemian Rhapsody doesn't drag it to make it a musical/concert but more of a storytelling - that's what makes that film more entertaining.

The romance between Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga is extremely forced from the beginning and not heartfelt/romantic at all - I'm sorry but this is no Jack/Rose chemistry.

If you actually bought the romance between the two stars, you probably believe in the "romance" between Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence in Passengers. They're both very superficial.

While I did like the music and there is a sad moment, it doesn't merit the praise it is getting because overall the movie really is dragged out about really nothing.

There is some theme about alcoholism and mental stability, but I believe that part is a major afterthought/falls in the background and the movie is spent too much time on the concert/music performances. Overall it's more of a superficial film.

If you had a choice between this movie and Bohemian Rhapsody, definitely see Bohemian - that one is a must-see performance/story wise. I think people are overpraising Gaga's performance too; I mean, we've seen it from Cher and even Mariah wasn't THAT bad in Glitter.
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