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Enterprise (2001)
Got Off Track on ST Standards
This branch of Star Trek really had a chance to go where the Original, TNG, Voyager, and DS9 went, but the writers lost track. 1) A female Vulcan who was TOO emotional. Was she chosen to appease the female viewers? Didn't work. Could have had a male Vulcan like all the other shows. Could have had a female weapons officer. Could have had a less "high tech" compared to the Original since this took place BEFORE the Original. Season 3 time travel theme was overkill. That "storyline" has been used over and over on Star Trek and Enterprise just wore it out even more. The writers made the Vulcans and Humans "adversaries" with the attitudes and story line of Vulcans hiding everything from Humans, when the writers could have picked up after Cochran meeting the Vulcans and expand the "friendship" further. Maybe Season 4 could have explored how Starfleet came into being in more detail. Throwing the Borg in an episode was just appeasing to the older Star Trek fans and didn't have to be brought into this series. The Next Generation found it's own trail to blaze. Enterprise should have found it's own as well. All the other Star Treks had just music. The "Michael Bolton" wanna be was not necessary. This show deviated so much from how Star Trek's in the past were done and from what made them great spin offs. Season 3 could have been expanding on the species and characters that Kirk's Enterprise encountered like in "Conscience of the King", the USS Archon in "Return of the Archons", how Zefram Cochrane became a castaway in "Metamorphis", or even the backstory of the exploratory vessel Horizon that was reported missing 100 years earlier from Kirk's time, which would put the Horizon's mission during this series in TOS episode "A Piece of the Action". These three things would have tied both series together nicely.
The Town (2010)
Fantastic heist movie, but the personal dramas draw you in and is a big part of this whole movie
The bank heist and robberies are the main theme, but as this movie unfolds, it becomes deeper and draws you in more as the character's develop more. Ben Affleck scored a home run with this movie. Jeremy Renner earned his Oscar nomination. His performance is nothing short of amazing and intense. The setting in the Boston area and where it was filmed makes it all the more like you are there and you can actually see the places. Bacco Restaurant and Bar. The robbery and the beginning of the chase scene in North End starts there at the New Spin Laundry. Stunt driving - amazing. The Stunt Driver should have been given an award. North End is not easy to drive in, let alone film a high speed chase.
The Man Who Saved Ben-Hur (2016)
Amazing Documentary About an Unknown Who Should Have Been Known
This was a very intriguing piece about the last surviving crew member of the mega movie Ben Hur. As you watch and learn about his past, you begin to really appreciate all he did, especially saving from a fire, photos that documented the making of Ben Hur. The admiration Movie Stars back in those days had for him was great. So sad that the Los Angeles Times didn't feel he was important enough to do a story on him when he passed. I guess they would rather print crime and sensationalized garbage. This man was HISTORY, especially when it came to a Major Motion Picture from 1959. It really is sad he passed away alone. Amazing story and a cool human being.
High Spirits (1988)
Quirky and Funny. Great slap-stick timing and melding of British & American talent
This really is a funny movie on par with "Noises Off", "Mars Attacks", and "Young Frankinstein". Hard to explain without giving anything away, but a British Castle that is supposedly haunted in financial trouble becomes a tourist hotel, and what better "tourists" in a British Castle than American Tourists. The slap-stick timing is great, the dead pan of Peter O'Toole is funny, the antics are great. Meg Tilly is wonderful. This is a nice, fun Halloween themed movie for everyone if you need a break from the spine tingling horror or slasher films that prevail today. Seems stupid in the beginning, but keep watching. It really is enjoyable and laughable.
A Sound of Thunder (2005)
Great twist on Sci-Fi Time Travel
Don't know why people give this a bad review. The "experts" never really liked a movie like this anyway.
No the special effects aren't up to 2023 standards, but when it was made, they still hold up pretty good.. Great suspense, great premise. Take H. G. Wells, The Time Machine, take The Omega Man and put together. It really is a great little movie that I enjoy watching over and over. Nice suspense and horror. Not gross, but engaging. It really does make you think about the "Butterfly Effect" of how one small thing can make a big change. I will give this cool premise and movie a 9. No academy award winner, but a fun movie all the way around.
One Piece (2023)
One of the Most Creative & Original Shows EVER. A++++
This is what Hollywood is suppose to be about. This show stands on talent - Talent from the writers in transferring from the original Anime to live actors & actresses. The direction is outstanding. A show that is FUN to watch with special effects done at the right time, not just thrown in because it can be. A show that Shanghai's you and keeps you. Adventure, Action, Drama, Comedy, and Mystery all rolled into one. No need for sex, cursing, or trying too hard to be funny, it's just PURE TALENT all the way around. A++++ in my opinion. I hope Netflix keeps this going until they find the One Piece.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2022)
Big Departure from Original Setting by Gene Roddenberry
For a series that is suppose to be set BEFORE the Original Series, it seems the writers and creators deviated quite a bit from the standard Gene Roddenberry established. 1) The Captain's quarters are twice/three times as large as Kirk's was, and has it's own kitchen, fireplace, and living room area. 2) This Enterprise seems more advanced than Kirk's Enterprise which is out of context for a show that is "suppose" to be prior to Kirk's Enterprise. 3) The female helm seems to be mouthy for someone of her rank and position. 4) Nurse Chapel is 180 degrees different than the nurse who was established by the great Majel Barrett. She was suborninate to Dr. McCoy, not "directing" the Doctor what to do or taking charge of a paitent without consulting Dr. McCoy. Also, Nurse Chappel was NOT on the original Enterprise when Captain Pike commanded it, neither was Uhura. 5) For a "Cadet", Uhura seems to be at "Command Level" briefings, Offers advice on serious missions when she is JUST A CADET. Also, Uhura did not do major work that Engineering did, she did Comm. PERIOD. So in my opinion, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is entertaining if you can overlook Paramount green lighting deviation from Gene Roddenberry's original creation. Updates the status of women you say? Well then set the series AFTER the original series, but Paramount seems to want to make EVERY new Star Trek series - Picard included - Alpha Female Dominate and push the "men" to secondary roles or hits of incompetence and ONLY Women can fight and make smart decisions. Well be politically correct. Paramount has totally trashed and disrespected a legendary series.
Lost in Space (2018)
Biased Towards Alpha Females
I would have given this a higher rating because it is a good adventure series, but the female writes geared it towards the Alpha Female, so I consider this a biased program. The females seem to be the only ones who have the ideas of how to save everyone, the female writers make Don a goofy clown when originally he was a serious challenger to Dr. Smith. They made the main antagonist a Female, the "leader" is a Female, the "head of the colony is a Female, the head of the military group is a Female. WAY TO BIASED. But this is the century of the Alpha Females. Didn't work with Ghost Busters. What's next, rewrite Ben Hur and make him a her?
1883 (2021)
Amazing - Deep - Amazing
Haven't seen Yellowstone yet. But started with this Mini-Series. I was emotionally blown away. It grabbed me and held me all night binge watching. This needs to be awarded Best Mini-Series at the Emmys for 2023. It also should give Isabel May Best Actress, Sam Elliott Best Actor, Faith Hill Best Supporting Actress, Tim McGraw or LaMonica Garrett as best Supporting Actor. The whole cast should be awarded Best Ensemble. The Writing should win as well as Direction. This Mini-Series was really nothing sort of a 10 - Total Perfection and realism. Very corse language, but that was how real life was back then. Violent? Yes. Gut Wrenching in parts? Yes, but again the trails going out west was not a joy ride, but an extreme challenge - I highly recommend this show and will continue on with 1923 and Yellowstone. To the Television Academy - Take notice for 2023. 1883 should do a sweep if you really do honor "Performances" instead of being "politically correct".
Star Trek Beyond (2016)
Fun Action Movie, BUT.....
Seems Paramount and Justin Lin made this movie just to have credit for the "Star Trek" name. This is in the beginning of the 5-year mission. Uhura and Spock were just co-workers only. Spock had a relationship with T'Pring, so Lin deviated. Sulu being gay. In the original, he was not and even George Takei agreed that this issue was irrelevant. Kirk requesting a transfer to the admirability is out of character for Kirk. Star Trek is NOT Paramount's vision or any of the writers vision. Star Trek is GENE RODDENBERRY'S vision ONLY! Yes, Paramount has the right to do what they want with the storylines, but from a Star Trek fan's perspective, they do not. You want to make a "Star Trek", then stick to Gene Roddenberry's vision, not political correctness, or just to "look cool".
Mission: Impossible (1996)
Amateurish to Original Concept
Cruise has made a mockery of MI. Original Concept was "teamwork", not one egotistical "leader". Sure things would go wrong, but not EVERYTHING. Phelps was not, nor would ever be a traitor. The original concept is what made Mission Impossible - Mission Impossible. Getting the mission and the briefings. In and Out without anyone knowing who you were. Getting the package and/or making the enemies turn on each other. Action movie? Yes. Mission Impossible? NO WAY! Now I understand why Greg Morris walked out and Peter Graves refused to accept the role as Jim Phelps. A total disrespect to the original concept and what made MI a great show.
Thirteen Lives (2022)
Nothing Short of an Amazing Movie
Don't let the English Subtitles in the beginning turn you away from this movie. When the international team shows up, there is plenty of English. Vito Mortensen and Colin Farrell both brought intense emotion to this true story. Ron Howard hit's another home run with this movie. You know what will happen in the end from the news reports that were reported around the world, but watching how the rescue unfolded and happened is truly an amazing story. Cave Diving is dangerous, but this movie shows how serious it really is and how taxing on the body and mind it can be, especially doing a rescue of 13 young boys and a coach who kept them alive while waiting. Nice tribute in the end to the two Thai Special Forces Divers who died because of this rescue. An amazing movie.
Mysterious Island (1961)
Fun Adventure Movie - Far Different from the Book
The book is my all time favorite read once a year. That being said, this movie uses the characters (abed American Translation - Cyrus Harding instead of the original Cyrus Smith). It was an enjoyable movie and one that I've watched over and over. This movie, along with others of the same genre, gave me my inspiration to travel the world. I do wish Hollywood would make a mini-series of the original book (using the original translation). It is dated, but a few "minor" changes would bring it up to being politically correct. As for this movie? Just a plain fun enjoyable Science Fiction without all the gore you see now a days.
Twist (2021)
Fun Heist Movie with a Twist! No Pun Intended.
Don't know why these "profession critics" didn't like it, but if you like Heist Movies like "The Sting", The Italian Job (2003),or even "Tower Heist", you would really enjoy this little gem. Won't say anymore. Have to watch. The ending was cool. Poetic Justice. All British cast with the heavy accents, but tgat is part of the charm as well.
The Chosen (2017)
Not "Preachy".......Just Amazing
A fantastic drama. This series is not "preachy" as some have been in the past. It also presents it in a realistic form, not sanitized as some similar productions have been. The actors and actresses are from a varied ethnic background, but their performances and how the economic and political suppression back then was as real as it gets. This series pulls you in whether your a believer or not, it's just great drama that should have been nominated for multiple Emmys numerous times, but since it's not mainstream just proves the Emmys are like the Oscars....awards given for "biggest money draws" or "political correctness" instead of TALENT AND CREATIVITY like they are suppose to be. Boo on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Boo on the "overseers" of the Emmys, and other award shows who don't recognize talent and professionalism even when it's right in front of their face, but then again, Hollywood is nothing but amatures with no creative talent anymore. This show deserves an Emmy, Golden Globe, SAG Awards, and even a special Academy Award!
One Special Night (1999)
Great Movie with Two Greats
A good feel movie with two great actors. Gives you a good feeling. Not mushy like all these Lifetime movies, but a good feeling movie done well. Worth a watch for sure.
Death Becomes Her (1992)
Not Perfect, But One of the Best Comedies Ever
The "Professional" critics weren't fond of this, but they didn't like Star Wars when it first came out either. This was a very funny movie. Goldie Hawn is a natural in comedies. Meryn Streep was great even though she is not known for Comedies. The only miscast person was Bruce Willis. I think Robin Williams, would have been a better replacement for Kevin Kline. Very funny movie all around!
Total Recall (2012)
A Rare Really Good Remake
I get very skeptical about idiots in Hollywood who want to remake classic movies. They usually crash and burn so hard, whoever came up with the idea and green lighted the idea should be fired and not allowed to work in Hollywood again!
That being said, this version is JUST AS GOOD as the Schwarzenegger, Sharon Stone, Michael Ironsides version. Intense, on the edge of your seat, even though you know how it will end. Beckinsale is just as psycho as Stone was, Cranston in the Ironside role was just as devious.
This version does not try to replace the original,, just put a nice spin on the story itself. There are a few different twists, and overall a great thriller to enjoy some popcorn to.
Cutthroat Island (1995)
Fun, Funny and Adventurous Movie
Don't know why everyone is so down on this movie. Not an Academy Award winner, but a fun, funny and adventurous movie to watch. I enjoyed it quite a bit. Sometimes just want to watch a good movie, not one with a bunch of brown-nosing "Hollywood creative artists, amature actors and starlets who can't act period - aka remakes of great classic movies (Ghostbusters, Ten Commandments, Ben Hur, on and on and on). Just a fun movie to watch with popcorn. Good movie.
The Meg (2018)
No Jaws Ripoff, just a good shark movie
Not an Academy Award winner, but a really good tense shark thriller. People call this a "Jaws" ripoff, well then "Jurassic Park" was a ripoff from the Dinosaur movies of the 50's, and "Star Wars" was a ripoff of "Star Trek TOS", and "Titanic" was a ripoff of "It Happened One Night". This was just a really good suspense movie, plain and simple.
Knives Out (2019)
A Genuine "Who Done It" with some Very Cool Twists
Great ensemble cast. Daniel Craig's character could be the new Sherlock Holmes or Hercule Poirot. The whole movie is intriguing and you think "typical rich, greedy family against immigrant hired help, but it really is an amazing and engrossing mystery of what really happened. That is all I can say. Watch and be entertained. Hollywood writing at it's best!
The Man from Earth (2007)
Brilliant Character Study for Student Actors/Actresses
This film really sets a bar for Character Study if you are a student of theater. This movie should be "required watching & studying" on Character Development. Philosophically, it makes you "think". You have to be open minded and look at it as "what if". When you sit back and "think, with an open mind", a lot of what is said makes sense. Looking at the 6 other people and how their views on life, their views on religion, and their views as scholars get twisted, turned and put upside down is fun to watch as well as make YOU think. Brilliant movie. No "crash", "bang", "shoot em up" stuff, but this movie isn't about that. This movie is about each character and YOUR beliefs and thoughts, and how much you're willing to "open your mind".
John Carter (2012)
Fun and Enjoyable Movie. Bad Marketing by Disney
I found John Carter and fun and exciting movie to watch. I do loke Sci-Fi and Fantasy movies. I feel this could have been a major blockbuster had Disney Marketing group done it's job properly. After so many years, it is showing a profit from people redescovering it. Too bad "executives" at Disney didn't believe in the storyline and continue with the series. Remember Star Wars got raked over the coals when it first came out in 1977, but went on to become a Major Franchise. I hope they will reboot the series which was written by Edgar Rice Burroughs AND MARKET IT CORRECTLY this time.
Panther (1995)
"Professional Critics" show their ignorance
I am white. I watched this movie and found it to be intense and amazing. Very, very good - both acting and intensity. It showed what it was like back then and the Black Panther movement from an African-American point of view. The "Professional Critics" like on Rotten Tomato don't get it. They don't understand the African-American culture and the many events that brought about the Panther movement. While I never condoned the violence that the Panthers did, this movie explains many things to people that never really understood who they are and why they did what they did. The white cops back then - across the country - were indeed like that and many of these "Professional Critics" probably never took the time to read their Black History, or try to understand the African-American culture then and now! White privledged "Critics". Please! Before you "professionals" comment on a movie made from documentation, and ACTUAL events, and is well acted by all involved, and extremely well written by Mr. Melvin Van Peebles should have been nominated for an award - but alas, the "white critics" who know nothing, trashed this movie without taking the time to UNDERSTAND the movie. I guess they wanted something that made them comfortable like "Mary Poppins" maybe? What this movie, be open minded, try to understand the who and the why the Panthers were born and try to understand the rage back then. It wasn't pretty, but it was real - so is this fantastic and "in your face" reality movie. Watch, learn, understand and never forget. The same issues are happening today. If you forget history, you are bound to repeat it and we are repeating it TODAY!
The Preacher's Wife (1996)
Beautiful remake from a different point of view. Heartwarming Christmas Story
This is just an uplifting and heartwarming remake of "The Bishop's Wife", with an inner city atmosphere and the telling of a great story from anothe perspective. It doesn't matter what your ethnic or religious background is, this story can apply to anyone, anywhere. I'm Italian, but I watch this and the original EVERY CHRISTMAS. Just love it. And Denzel is fantastic and funny. Befitting role for a man who is an angel himself for his tireless contributions to Veterans and his visits to Veterans Hospitals whenever he can. An angel in the movie, and an angel in real life.