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Reviews
Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)
A Generous 7 Rating
I have grown up with both Godzilla and King Kong, hence the rating, and neither one of them should be mixed in with silliness. I liked the element of the "sign language" with the little girl. It brings a bit more understanding to a mostly savage Kong. And Godzilla has always been mean, nasty and devastating so well done. Too much silliness in some characters was really unnecessary In my opinion and seemed forced and caused you to lose of bit of drama and edginess from the fierce battle scenes. The conspiracy nut angle fell flat as well. Why add characters that are not really necessary? In the future don't overdo the silliness to a Godzilla or a Kong movie. Most true fans won't roll that way. Bringing Madison and her Dad back made the story line more believable. SIDE NOTE: In the course of the movie... you see battleships and high rises obliterated and no one seems to flinch at the obviously mega HIGH body count!
The Man in the High Castle: Fire from the Gods (2019)
What more can I say....
We needed at least 3 more episodes to clean up the loose ends. Where do I start with episode season 4 episode 10? The American Reichsfuhrer (ARF) keeps super highly classified documents and films locked up in a wooden desk...yes they made safes long ago. Smith/ARF fequently traveled by an un-secure rail route when they knew terrorists were around. Smiths wife was smothered by security yet the resistance walked up to her at will to have 5 mins chats. So Smith dies and his #2 takes his cross off and calls back the bombers milliseconds before they dropped bombs on California - thats called a classic Hollywood ending. BTW just because Smith/ARF, kills himself does that mean the the 2/3 of America known as the Greater Nazi Reich ceased to exist? There are a lot more questions...don't get me wrong, I loved the series, just the end was rushed and disappointing.
The Coming War on China (2016)
Confusing... goes off subject and veers in various directions...
Started up on subject, then you'll find yourself in the middle of a different documentary altogether. Don't get me wrong, there is some real interesting info put out but it does lose focus on China and that is what I tuned in to see. A documentary of the US vs China....
The Plot Against the President (2020)
We will never know the total story...
You have to be slightly politically twisted to follow who did what when. What drove the chain of events to get us where we are today. In a nutshell Trump was not supposed to win under any circumstances. In hindsight the Democrats had 4 or even 8 years to groom a better successor and instead they bet all their money on a very flawed horse. Hence the 2016 miracle or disaster...depending on which side you are on. Trump winning exposed so much of the way America thinks and works. Normal people like us feel as though what happens in the upper echelons of Govt doesn't really affect us. We need to think again. We have given up so much control to our Govt and have allowed the Intelligence Agencies to tighten its noose on our freedoms. Trump will either go in 2020 or 2024. If its 2020 those Intel Agencies can and will claim victory. After that things will return to normal and all will be quiet and happy. Its simple really...all we have to do is work and obey. Oh yes, by the way, it can always get worse...
Monsters (2010)
All the Hollywood Bells & Whistles...no and thats a good thing.
A movie starring people I really didn't know, but by the end of it, I got to know them well and I liked them. This movie concentrated on the characters quite a bit. I believe the intent was to put you on the ground with them. The realism of this movie was built by a lot of subtleties...you know...a look, a touch, a smirk, chit-chat, etc. A lot of people out there have been spoiled by heavy duty constant CGI, or flying super heroes and a lot of noise...if thats all you crave then this movie is not for you. Maybe they should not have named the movie "Monsters". Perhaps it should have been called "Two people who don't really know each other at first and then they do while they endure a very challenging ordeal and oh yes there are some pretty cool monsters out there but they are not the main characters"...yeah its a bit long... lets just call it Monsters.
The Imitation Game (2014)
I don't rate 10s often...
I have put watching this movie off for the longest time. I thought, I knew a bit of what occurred and it was so long ago. I did not know the full impact this man had on the war. By the time the enigma "secret" came out, WWII was an afterthought... I don't mean that in a mean or uncaring way...it was just part of history. The impact of the cracking of the enigma... not only saved lives but could have changed the outcome of some very major battles/conflicts. I do not want to inadvertently slip in spoilers so all I will add is that this is one of the best movies I have seen in a very long time. The acting was good but Cumberbatch was amazing. This movie has a few laughs, warm moments, sadness, anxious moments, (in no certain order)... sit back and enjoy a really brilliant movie. You will not regret it.
Se7en (1995)
Take the ride...
A lot has been said/written in these reviews about this movie. There is not much more that I can add. I have seen this movie about 3 times (spaced out) and each time I get that feeling...where is this leading me? I understand about the 7 deadly sins but is it that cut and dry? The movie is not complex and actually walks you through so it feels predictable but in a strange and very rare way it is not. My advice is to relax, put the kids to bed and watch as this movie takes you on a little journey. In the end, if you have sat through this with minimal disruption, you will be left shaking your head in total disbelief... I'll watch it again in about 3 years. Not really a spoiler but there is something interesting in the opening credits... also to get the full effect don't watch any of the trailers!
The Call (2013)
Do yourself a favor and take the ride...
Go into this with no expectations. Just watch and go where this movie takes you. I found the acting in this movie to be at a high level. If you look closely you can see the facial mannerisms with fear and frustrations. You may even ask yourself, what would I have done. The story line is not complex and some of it is indeed predictable. There is excellent insight as to what occurs when someone dials 911. There was a lot more good than bad with this movie but one of the main negatives was the obvious no no's, that occur in movies like this. Its Hollywood getting in the way of a good flowing story. You will notice those moments when someone with otherwise good sense does something brainless but to be fair to this movie those moments are rare. Sit back and roll with it
Wolf Creek (2005)
Horror Classic
If you are looking for the typical Hollywood screamer then go elsewhere. This one just keeps your heart pounding and makes you feel very uneasy. I watched this with my wife and 18 yr old son. About 1/3 of the way in, I was watching it by myself...it actually made them feel THAT uncomfortable. What some people don't realize is the inspiration for this movie, Ivan Milat, is sitting in Goulburn Prison in Australia. He is commonly called the "backpacker killer". One reason it was played down was its direct affect on tourism. One detail was the fact that Police theorized he deliberately paralyzed some of his victims to immobilize them but to keep them conscious. Police are also sure that he killed more but cannot prove it. This movie probably scared Australians more because if you live out in the country... everybody knows a "bloke" like Mick Taylor.
Shock and Awe (2017)
Bit of a Yawner
The title is the most exciting thing about this movie. Its quite unfortunate because I like Woody... he does well but its not enough.
Wolf Creek (2005)
Horror Classic
If you are looking for the typical Hollywood screamer then go elsewhere. This one just keeps your heart pounding and makes you feel very uneasy. I watched this with my wife and 18 yr old son. About 1/3 of the way in, I was watching it by myself...it actually made them feel THAT uncomfortable. What some people don't realize is the inspiration for this movie, Ivan Milat, is sitting in Goulburn Prison in Australia. He is commonly called the "backpacker killer". One reason it was played down was its direct affect on tourism. One detail was the fact that Police theorized he deliberately paralyzed some of his victims to immobilize them but to keep them conscious. Police are also sure that he killed more but cannot prove it. This movie probably scared Australians more because if you live out in the country... everybody knows a "bloke" like Mick Taylor.
The Spectacular Now (2013)
Do yourself a big favor and treat yourself to this...
This is just one of those movies you didn't hear about a lot. I do not recall any big flash campaign stating this is a must see movie of the year blah blah blah. The concept of this movie is simple. From a guys perspective, it takes you back to a time when your mind just could not figure out how to incorporate day to day family issues with your suave lifestyle. Whether you are a buy or a gal, if you ever had a crush on someone you could not have, fell in love, argued with a teacher, worried about homework/tests, made a jerk of yourself, sneaked a beer, etc when you were going to school you should watch this flick. It is definitely NOT what I thought it was going to be. I expected a cutsie guy chases girl movie with comical mayhem ensuing... well it is funny, bit it is also serious and sad and deep and very real.
Margin Call (2011)
Intense Reality
I seen this movie a few years ago and absolutely loved it. I have seen it 2 more times and it has the same affect on me that it had the first time I saw it. It has a Boa Constrictor approach to it. Its gets a grip on you and slowly squeezes you to submission. If you have been around the corporate world you will see a lot of self indulgent, insensitive, bull headed bosses and analysts that are as cold blooded as they come. This is not Hollywood...it looks real, it feels real so don't expect any big screen special affects. It will be up to you to determine who the good guys and bad guys are... it won't be hard. Quinto, Baker and Bettany are absolutely brilliant and Spacey is right behind them. The movie is both brilliant and disturbing. Remember this is not a Hollywood special affect bonanza. Its just pure acting and raw emotion.