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Reviews
Ad Astra (2019)
Poor philosophical piece, not SciFi in any real sense
Seems like they were targeting another 2001 with this movie. Cinematography of the movie is well done, but that's where it ends. It feels like they were trying for realistic Sci-Fi rather than something really 'speculative', but if so, they really should have hired someone who had at least taken one or two physics classes. There is a small handful of things they got correct. Most of it is just laughably wrong.
My theory is that the screenwriter is a Luddite with religious insecurities and family problems. If ever there was a movie for psychoanalytical analysis (of the author) this has got to be it.
Anyway, if you're looking for an interesting sci-fi flick of any type, be it for realism or action, this is not it. There isn't a single worthwhile SciFi concept in the entire movie, and its overall message is just depressing and obnoxious. Very happy I saw this on a plane, and didn't pay for it.
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
Good superhero movie but no LOTR
Let me say I am into all things scifi, and have read many a graphic novel. I have enjoyed all (well, most) of the other Marvel movies. This movie is very good, and even excellent within it's genre. The characters are spot on, the visual effects are extremely well done, and the plot is quite engrossing, particularly for an action film.
HOWEVER, this is not another LOTR or Star Wars. This movie is not a 10/10 unless you're comparing it only to films in its own narrow genre. This isn't an exam, where you get a 10 if you don't get any answers wrong. This is a pretty shallow summer action flick, and a good one, but not genre-defying or earth-shattering. Most people will not remember it when next summer rolls around. I think the studios must have worked out how to game the system.
By all means, go see it. It's a fun film. Took my 9 year old son with me, and he had a great time too. Just don't set your expectations too high.
Life or Something Like It (2002)
Better than I expected
I won't give it 5 stars, but I got more than I expected. I was expecting a very simple, predictable plot, and it was, but it was well executed. I may not remember it well a year from now, but I'll at least remember seeing it.