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Reviews
Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk (2016)
I really hated this movie. It's the definition of disrespectful as well as being a poorly paced and poorly written mess.
I really did hate this movie.
It's the definition of disrespectful as well as being a poorly paced and poorly written mess. It portrays military personnel as limited thinking, trapped victims at best and complete tools at worst. There is no subtlety to its anti Iraq War stance. Every single character on screen that's not the Billy Lynn or Vin Diesel's Shroom is an annoying douchebag. That's not an exaggeration. From his fellow troops to ALL the supporting characters, they are ALL aggravating and irritating. This isn't just an awkward sledge hammer anti Iraq War movie but it's an unintentionally anti humanity movie. I wanted to punch nearly every character in the face and that includes Kristen Stewart's sister character, Chris Tucker's agent character and Steve Martin's Jerry Jones character. What a waste of a great cast.
Was there even a budget for this crap? It's no wonder the NFL nor the military itself would give them any support when making this thing. The fake Dallas Cowboys football team that was depicted was laughably bad.
I literally thought of walking out on this thing multiple times as the storytelling jump cut through time and dragged at every turn. Somehow, I managed to stay in my seat until he made his decision whether he would go with his sister or stay with his military brothers. Even before that scene was over I was heading to the exit. I just couldn't take any more of the nonsense. The unintentional disrespect to the military, the three hour instant love story with a cheerleader, the stage crew attacking "heroes" because they wouldn't leave the stage fast enough then assaulting them later, the "everyone in Texas is a sleazeball tycoon" stereotype, etc.
Ang Lee should be ashamed of himself for making a movie this bad.
A Most Wanted Man (2014)
Intense with SUPERB Performances
There are no explosions, car chases or gun play yet the ominous tone and superb performances make this long tedious film interesting and downright riveting. Philip Seymour Hoffman's performance indeed really was one of his best. His character is captivating in every scene. There is always something going on behind his eyes and with his mannerisms that helps the viewer in appreciating his character and his character motivations. His palpable weariness and contemplative nature as a calculating man who is smarter and tougher than his physical appearance would suggest carries the film. The ending plays perfectly because we as viewers think we have a handle on the events we see but are as blindsided as Hoffman's character was. This is a stiff and calculating film that is steady start to finish with no momentum or arcs to speak of yet it all works.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
Lackluster and Frankly A CGI Mess
Another long journey that pretty much delivers exactly what is expected of it. Frankly, I found that to be mostly a bore. The film has some nice action moments but too much of it felt like bad CGI. What could only be called the super powers displayed by the elves as they slaughter orges left and right actually pulled me out of the movie. It really gave off a video game vibe to me. Also, the chapter feel has grown tired because yet again they don't end the film but rather set up the finale. Despite the large budget, this effort felt very lackluster and I really did expect better. This coming from a fan of the trilogy. I really lowered my expectations after the first effort but this continuation is just more of the same but at a limper ratio.
Iron Man Three (2013)
Iron Man 3 is a fun big-screen blockbuster with heart but also brains.
Bringing comic book adaptations to life on screen seems to be a difficult balance for anyone that's not Marvel it would seem. Could they do it again here? The answer to that is a resounding YES! Other studios and some directors think that translating content which is mostly successful on paper through to a live action takes some extra clever handling or major changes. Marvel knows that nothing could be farther from the truth. Trust the material for the most part and the movie will blossom. Sure, Marvel can change and adapt within their own universe when the need arises. The Mandarin in this very film is the perfect example of change done right. Mandarin needed more than a tweak to work on film and what they crafted here was brilliant. Thankfully, director Shane Black and Marvel worked well together because the team up resulted in a film true to Marvel's heritage but also something new and fresh.
Iron Man 3 is a fun big-screen blockbuster with heart but also brains. It's smart and benefits from an amazing screenplay. It wonderfully blends experienced, award winning actors with a balanced mix of story and action. The comedy works so well on many levels. There's the "hit you over the head" type humor and then there's the drier, sarcastic comedy that Robert Downey was born to deliver. Everything meshes here for one of the better film going experiences of the year.