Reviews

Sniper (1993) This is an action thriller starring Tom Berenger and Billy Zane as snipers. Master Gunnery Sergeant Thomas Beckett (Berenger), Force Reconnaissance Marine, an experienced sniper, is paired up with an inexperienced civilian, Richard Miller (Zane), to eliminate a rebel general financed by a Colombian drug lord. It received mixed, but mostly poor reviews. Nonetheless, it was popular enough with audiences to initiate the Sniper film series. It was followed by six direct-to-video sequels: Sniper 2, Sniper 3, Sniper: Reloaded, Sniper: Legacy, Sniper: Ghost Shooter and Sniper: Ultimate Kill. This is one of the last decent 80's style action movies, before the move to 'straight to video'.

Rampage (2018) This is a science fiction monster film loosely based on the video game series of the same name by Midway Games. The film stars Dwayne Johnson, Naomie Harris, Malin Akerman, Jake Lacy, Joe Manganiello, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan. It follows a primatologist who must stop mutated animals from destroying Chicago. As of June 28, 2018, Rampage has grossed $423.9 million, against a production budget of $260 million including promotion costs. It received mixed reviews and audiences gave the film an average grade of A-. This was a solid action movie, but some of the advertising budget should have been used to beef up the CGI. Otherwise, this was as expected for a summer blockbuster, starting the Rock.

The Hunt for Red October (1990)

This is a classic espionage thriller. It stars Sean Connery, Alec Baldwin, Scott Glenn, James Earl Jones, and Sam Neill. The film is based on Tom Clancy's 1984 bestselling novel of the same name. The film grossed $200,512,643 worldwide. It was well received by critics and audiences gave the film an average grade of A. The Hunt for Red October was nominated and won several awards in 1991. The film was also nominated for AFI's 100 Years...100 Thrills. The Jack Ryan character was the first real attempt at an American equivalent to a James Bond. Later the advent of the Jason Bourne movies took on that function. Unlike Bourne or some versions of Bond, Ryan is more of a fish out of water. He is an analyst thrust into the action. The difference from the others is his mind is his weapon in this film. This is a solid psychological thriller, that hold up considerably, despite our knowledge of the subsequent films.

The Hurricane Heist (2018) This is a heist action film. It stars Toby Kebbell, Maggie Grace, Ryan Kwanten, Melissa Bolona and Ralph Ineson. It follows a band of thieves who plan to use a Category 5 hurricane to cover their tracks of a bank robbery. The film received negative reviews and was a box office bomb, making just $12 million against its $35 million budget. Audiences that did watch the film gave it an average grade of B-. The bad reviews and low box office can be explained by an error in distribution. This film reminiscent of the many action films that go straight to video nowadays. Well, straight to streaming or Blu-ray, where expectations are lower. If I ran across this on Netflix, I would have satisfied as it isn't that bad of a movie. If I had to shell out extra money, any issues easily bubble up to the surface. The Plot, CGI, and the acting was marginal at best. While it's watchable, I'd wait till it appears on your favorite streaming service and there's nothing else you desire to see.

Tomb Raider (2018) This is an activity-adventure film based on the 2013 video game of the same name and is a reboot of the Tomb Raider film series. The film stars Alicia Vikander as Lara Croft, who embarks on a perilous journey to her father's last-known destination, hoping to solve the mystery of his disappearance. It also stars Dominic West, Walton Goggins, Daniel Wu, and Kristin Scott Thomas. Tomb Raider has grossed a worldwide total of $273.3 million, but will barely break even. It had mixed or average reviews. Audiences gave the film an average grade of B. This wasn't the greatest effort, a sub par film at best. The original was a touch better. I simply don't see where the budget went. The CGI was average throughout, to downright atrocious in the final action sequence. The pacing was slow in the beginning and the film was too long. It would be surprising if they break even in the end. This just had the feel of something straight to video, with a budget meant for a summer blockbuster.

Death Wish (2018)

This is an American vigilante action film. It is the sixth installment of the Death Wish series and a remake of the 1974 movie of the same name. The movie stars Bruce Willis as Paul Kersey, a Chicago doctor who sets out to get revenge on the men who attacked his family. Vincent D'Onofrio, Elisabeth Shue, Dean Norris, and Kimberly Elise also star. Death Wish has grossed $48.6 million worldwide, against a production budget of $30 million. It received generally unfavorable reviews, but audiences gave the film an average grade of B+. The film's early pacing is sluggish for an action film. It shouldn't take 40+ minutes to set up the plot. The second half of the movie was enjoyable and more of the action displayed in that part of the movie could have done wonders. Whether it's false advertising or an effort to be more than what it was supposed to be, this was a sub par remake. The original was far better and a classic in this sub-genre.

Deadpool 2 (2018)

This is a superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character Deadpool, distributed by 20th Century Fox. It is the eleventh installment in the X-Men film series, and a sequel to the 2016 film Deadpool. The film is directed by David Leitch from a script by Rhett Reese, Paul Wernick, and Ryan Reynolds, with Reynolds starring in the title role alongside Josh Brolin, Morena Baccarin, Julian Dennison, Zazie Beetz, T.J. Miller, Brianna Hildebrand, and Jack Kesy. In the film, Deadpool forms the team X-Force to protect a young mutant from Cable. It received generally favorable reviews. It is expected to perform well in theatres. I found it a little dark in the beginning and s bit slower paced at first. Even so, when the action picks up, the film clearly announces itself a Deadpool movie. Excessive violence, check. Crude Humor, check. Exceeds expectations, check.

The Post (2017) This is a historical, political thriller film directed and produced by Steven Spielberg. It stars Meryl Streep as Katharine Graham, the first female publisher of a major American newspaper, and Tom Hanks as Ben Bradlee, the executive editor of The Washington Post. It also stars Sarah Paulson, Bob Odenkirk, Tracy Letts, Bradley Whitford, David Cross, Bruce Greenwood, Carrie Coon, and Matthew Rhys in supporting roles. Set in the early 1970s, The Post depicts the true story of attempts by journalists at The Washington Post to publish the Pentagon Papers, classified documents regarding the 30-year involvement of the United States government in the Vietnam War. The film grossed $174.5 million on a budget of $50 million. Critical reviews have given it universal acclaim. Audiences gave the film an average grade of A. This is a solid drama that may have just overwhelmed itself with talent. It would have likely faired better award season, if the script and direction could have been tightened up.

The 15:17 to Paris (2018)

This is an American biographical drama film directed by Clint Eastwood and based on the autobiography. The film stars Stone, Sadler, and Skarlatos as themselves and follows the trio as they stop the 2015 Thalys train attack. Judy Greer and Jenna Fischer also star. The 15:17 to Paris has grossed $56.8 million, against a production budget of $30 million. It received below average reviews. Audiences polled gave the film an average grade of B-. The use of the characters' background was a wise way to expand the story enough to make a complete film. However, using the actual individuals instead of trained actors was questionable. They were clearly heroes and should be acknowledged as such, but the lack of acting ability took away from other parts of the film. This could have been a much better film.

Red Sparrow (2018)

This is an American spy thriller film based on the 2013 novel of the same name. The film stars Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Edgerton, Matthias Schoenaerts, Charlotte Rampling, Mary-Louise Parker, and Jeremy Irons. It recounts the story of a Russian intelligence officer who is sent to make contact with a CIA agent in the hope of discovering the identity of a mole. Red Sparrow has grossed a worldwide sum of $148 million, against a budget of $69 million. It got below average reviews with a strong performance of its lead being unable to outweigh thin characters and a weak script. Audiences gave the film an average grade of "B". This is a sub par spy thriller, good enough to watch to the end, only I won't anticipate any repeat viewings.

Avengers: Infinity (2018)

This is an American superhero film based on the Marvel Comics superhero team the Avengers. It is the nineteenth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). It features an ensemble cast including Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Don Cheadle, Tom Holland, Chadwick Boseman, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Danai Gurira, Letitia Wright, Dave Bautista, Zoe Saldana, Josh Brolin, and Chris Pratt. The story is simple. The Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy attempt to stop Thanos from amassing the all-powerful Infinity Stones. As of May 10, 2018, Avengers: Infinity War has grossed a worldwide total of $1.275 billion. It has received generally favorable reviews. Audiences gave the film an average grade of "A". This film has so much going on, it could have been longer or split into two films without degrading the quality. There are some plot issues I question, but I won't go into details and spoil the film. This is definitely is one of the better films of the series. The last three have seen a solid quality boost.

12 Strong (2018) This is an American war film based on Doug Stanton's non-fiction book Horse Soldiers, which tells the story of CIA paramilitary officers and U.S. Special Forces, sent to Afghanistan immediately after the September 11 attacks. The film stars Chris Hemsworth, Michael Shannon, Michael Peña, Navid Negahban, Trevante Rhodes, Geoff Stults, Thad Luckinbill, William Fichtner, and Rob Riggle. Once there, the soldiers develop an uneasy partnership with the Northern Alliance to take down the Taliban. It grossed a worldwide total of $63 million, against a production budget of $35 million. The film received mixed reviews". Audiences gave the film an average grade of "A". This is a sold war film that provides an understanding of a long classified mission post 9/11.

Den of Thieves (2018)

This is a heist film written, starring Gerard Butler, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, Pablo Schreiber, O'Shea Jackson Jr., Evan Jones, Dawn Olivieri, Mo McRae, and Max Holloway. An elite group of County Sheriff Deputies look to stop a gang of thieves planning to rob the Federal Reserve in Los Angeles. It received mixed reviews and grossed $79 million worldwide. The critical consensus feels it never comes close to living up to its obvious inspirations. However, audiences polled gave the film an average grade of B+. Despite the minimal box office returns, the film was profitable and a sequel is currently in development. This is a decent heist film that critics panned because they chose not to judge it for what it was meant to be.

Black Panther (2018)

This is a superhero film based on the Marvel Comics character of the same name. T'Challa (Black Panther), returns home as king of Wakanda but finds his sovereignty challenged by a new adversary, in a conflict with global consequences. It is the eighteenth film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). It stars Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, and Andy Serkis. Critics considered it one of the best movies set in the MCU and noted its cultural significance. It received praise for its screenplay, direction, performances, action, costume design, production merits, and soundtrack. Notwithstanding, the CGI effects received some criticism. It grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide, earning it the highest-grossing film of 2018, as well as the third-highest-grossing film ever in the United States. Audiences gave the film an A+, the second superhero film to receive that grade after Marvel's own The Avengers. I found it a solid stand alone film, but it delivers a limited connection to the MCU other than the death T'Challa's father, albeit the plot engine for the film. Definitely one of the better movies of the series, but not sure if it's my personal favorite.

Proud Mary (2018)

This is an action thriller film that follows successful hit-woman working for an organized crime family in Boston. However, her life is completely shifted when she meets a young boy whose path she crosses when a professional hit goes wrong and she leaves the boy orphaned. It stars Taraji P. Henson, Billy Brown, Danny Glover, Neal McDonough, Xander Berkeley, Margaret Avery, and Jahi Di'Allo Winston. The film received negative reviews from critics and only grossed $21 million, but those who did watch the film generally enjoyed it. This film was misjudged by Hollywood critics like most films are today. Gone are the days a film can be what it is without it being criticized for its genre's tropes. This need for films to be everything but what they are is destroying film making. Filmakers are trying to hard to please everyone, but the actual people who watch the films. This is an action film and nothing more. A pretty good action film as well. Let it be that simple.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)

This is a classic American epic space opera. It is the second installment of the Star Wars sequel trilogy. The ensemble cast includes Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, Laura Dern and Benicio del Toro. The plot follows Rey as she receives Jedi training from Luke Skywalker, in hopes of turning the tide for the Resistance in the fight against Kylo Ren and the First Order. It has grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide. It received positive reviews from critics. They praised its ensemble cast, visual effects, musical score and action sequences. The film received four nominations at the 90th Academy Awards. The third film of this trilogy, provisionally titled Star Wars: Episode IX, is scheduled for release on December 2019. Many have considered this to be the best film in the series since Empire. Your enjoyment of this film and any of the series comes down to how you were first exposed to the Star Wars universe. I am partial to the original trilogy, but I grew up in the era they came out. I also enjoyed Rouge One more than the first film of this trilogy. As for the Last Jedi, I found it passable. It sticks to the primary story arc, the acting is decent, and the special effects are high quality as expected. However, the film itself was nothing spectacular.

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)

This is a drama film written, directed, and produced by Martin McDonagh. It is about a mother who rents three billboards to call attention to her daughter's unsolved murder.It stars Frances McDormand, with Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, Abbie Cornish, John Hawkes, Clarke Peters, and Peter Dinklage appear in supporting roles. It grossed $142 million worldwide, and received praise for its screenplay, direction, and the performances. It received seven nominations for the Academy Awards and won two, for best actress and best supporting actor. It also won three SAG Awards. The acting was excellent and it had a generally decent plot. The ending could have been better, but overall it was a decent film.

Downsizing (2017)

This is a science fiction comedy-drama. It stars Matt Damon, Christoph Waltz, Hong Chau, and Kristen Wiig. It recounts the story of a couple who decide to undertake a newly-invented procedure to shrink their bodies so they can start a new life in an experimental community. The movie was a box office bomb. It has received kudos for its cast and premise, but also criticism for its execution. It got minimal award consideration. The plot itself went away from the initial concept. This took heavily from the quality of the film itself.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) This is an adventure comedy film. It is a part of the Jumanji franchise, serving as a sequel to Jumanji (1995). These are based on the 1981 children's book of the same name. The film stars Dwayne Johnson, Jack Black, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas, and Bobby Cannavale. The movie received generally positive reviews from critics and grossed $932 million worldwide. Viewers gave it high marks. The cast was well liked. This isn't going to win any awards, but for an action adventure comedy, it hits its target. The comedy is age appropriate, in that it's subtle and not in your face. Overall, a solid movie.

Pitch Perfect 3 (2017) This is a musical comedy film that is a sequel to Pitch Perfect 2 (2015), and the third and final installment in the series. It stars Anna Kendrick, Anna Camp, Rebel Wilson, Brittany Snow, Hailee Steinfeld, Hana Mae Lee, Ester Dean, Chrissie Fit, Alexis Knapp, John Lithgow, Ruby Rose, Kelley Jakle, Shelley Regner, Elizabeth Banks, and John Michael Higgins. The film follows the Bellas, now graduated from college, reuniting for one final performance together during an overseas USO tour. The group, of awesome nerds, will come together to make some music, and some questionable decisions, one last time. The film received poor reviews but was profitable and we'll accepted by the viewing public. It may merely be one too many. Don't get me wrong, the music was great and it still has its funny moments. However, the plots get thinner and thinner.

Please Stand By (2017) This is a comedy drama film about a young Asperger syndrome, autistic woman who runs away from her caregiver in an attempt to submit her manuscript to a Star Trek writing competition. It stars Dakota Fanning and received mixed reviews, while doing poorly at the box office. Some blame its lack of authenticity was cause for the poor reviews. It is not as much its lack of authenticity, but more likely its lack of risks that lead to the reviews. The film may just be a little too upbeat for the subject matter. Although, not a bad film, it just didn't have any real substance.

Coco (2017) This is an animated fantasy adventure film produced by Pixar. It follows a 12-year-old boy named Miguel Rivera, who is accidentally transported to the land of the dead, where he seeks the help of his deceased musician great-great-grandfather to return him to his family among the living. It became the highest-grossing film of all-time in the country. It has grossed over $714 million worldwide. The film received praise for its animation, vocal performances, musical score, songs, emotional story and respect to Mexican culture. It has earned numerous accolades. This is an enjoyable animated film for younger children. Still, it's a little lacking in hidden adult comedy you expect.

The Florida Project (2017) This is a drama film that follows a six-year-old girl living in a motel with her rebellious mother in Greater Orlando as they try to stay out of trouble and make ends. It stars Willem Dafoe, Brooklynn Prince, and Bria Vinaite. The film was praised for its performances and direction. It was selected as one of the top 10 films of the year. Dafoe earned Best Supporting Actor nominations at the Academy Awards, Golden Globes and BAFTA Awards. The film has picked up numerous other nominations as well. It achieved universal acclaim and performed exceedingly well despite its modest budget. I found the film to run slow, although it did get interesting towards the end. The ending itself was emotional, but more or less contrived. All in all, not a bad film, but I believe the script could have been tightened up.

Daddy's Home 2 (2017) This is an American Christmas comedy film and sequel to Daddy's Home (2015). It stars Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Linda Cardellini, John Cena, John Lithgow and Mel Gibson. It follows our fathers Brad and Dusty, now co-parenting Dusty's kids, who have to deal with their own fathers, visiting for the holidays. It received unfavorable reviews, but did well at the box office as audiences seemed to enjoy it. This is another case of critics overreacting, instead of judging a film on what it actually is. This wasn't supposed to be an Oscar contender. This is a fun family holiday comedy and it hit most its marks. Sure, it can be cheesy at times and use some cheap gags, but in general it does what it wanted. It makes you laugh and feel good.

Only the Brave (2017) This is a biographical action drama film based on the GQ article "No Exit" by Sean Flynn. This is the true story of the Granite Mountain Hotshots who fought the Yarnell Hill Fire in June 2013. It is dedicated in their memory. It has a stellar cast, including Josh Brolin, Miles Teller, Jeff Bridges, Taylor Kitsch, Jennifer Connelly, and Ben Hardy. Despite performing poorly at the box office, it received generally favorable reviews from critics and high praise from audiences. It has received some award consideration for its special effects. Josh Brolin reminds us of his acting chops just prior to his debut in the Marvel Universes. This is the best firefighter film since Backdraft.