AmigaJay Reviews

Star Trek (2009)

It's not bad!

[6/10 · 16 April 2023]

Having never seen a Star Trek movie (or even TV episode for that matter) i went into this 'reboot' with no expectations or ill feelings, as i understand such films can divide fans of said franchise.

My overall impressions were, 'it's not bad', ok, that doesn't sound too good a review, but i came away thinkings that was 'alright', nothing more, nothing less.

The cast and special effects were all decent, and i can appreciate from a non-fan view, this film is set before the events of the very first series. It was pretty simple to grasp who was to become who, i mean i haven't been under a rock the last 40 years! I obviously know some characters even without seeing an episode, so it wasn't a problem following the story in that regard.

The start of the film was really good and had me guessing if that was Kirk at that point at least! But certainly it was a dramatic and emotional start to the film. But after that, following Kirk felt a little short in places, and felt rushed to fulfil the part of the story to get him onboard.

I felt the main part of the storyline was a bit basic and seemed to shoved into the gap around showing how the characters came to be rather than anything else.

Zachary Quinton was superb as Spock, although Simon Pegg came across as too comical as his character (ironically).

The Informers (2008)

Stella cast for nonsensical pile of tosh!

[2/10 · 9 April 2023]

I didn't read up about this movie before hand, i feel if the film can't tell its own story what's the point.

First half hour into the film, it feels like it has no structure or clue to what is actually going on other than it's a drugged-up rock band flying back into LA in the 1980s, with a few drug fuelled parties, and a few gratuitous boob shots....

The next half hour doesn't really expand on the first, it actually felt at times i was on drugs myself and i seemed stoned and missing the plot, but no it was more parties, more locations and conversations with zero actual substance.

I forced myself to watch the final third of the film since i was already invested in to try and make sense of something. What i seemed to gather was it was just various non-related stories, partly about the members of the band, one an affair with a business mogul, and another a child kidnapping, which in truth was the only interesting part of the film.

All in all, this had one of the worst written screenplays i've had the displeasure to waste my time watching, its utterly pointless and you will get no enjoyment from watching it, avoid!

The Private Lives of Pippa Lee (2009)

Sorry Pippa, i could not care less!

[4/10 · 8 April 2023]

A coming of age, melodramatic drama, which doesn't have many redeeming qualities, with no real affection towards the main character, it aims wanderlesly towards an anti-climatic finish.

It may sound pretty harsh on the face of it, but in all truth the movie is pretty dull, the best scenes are with Keanu Reeves in, and they are halve awkward to watch at times.

But other than him, this film is very flat on character and emotion, you don't really care for any of them, which in a melodrama is amazing to not feel that.

No so much private lives - her husband had more private lives than her,

Avoid!

Stay Cool (2009)

We can all dream of what may have been!

[6/10 · 8 April 2023]

A fairly enjoyable film, something some of the older generation can relate to (even more recent generations if the events felt close to home) being at school, and not fitting in, or not getting the girl and reminiscing about what if.

And yes the likely hood of a high school sweetheart, one still having the same phone number she wrote in a book nearly 20 years previous, and two, being single at the perfect moment you decide to ring are pretty high odds believe me!

In general this is better than the review score average would lead you to believe, it's no classic for sure, but has plenty of chuckle worthy moments amongst the various characters, and it's worth a watch or two for sure!

The Last Word (I) (2008)

Refreshing romantic drama

[6/10 · 8 April 2023]

A quite refreshing to see romantic drama film.

Although i'm not sure, maybe its a Hollywood thing where you can plan your suicide for weeks or months in advance but statistically in the rest of the world suicide is mostly a spur of the moment decision, that part was always in the back of my mind whilst watching, so it did derail the story a little for me during the film.

Regardless it was still a decent watch, some good acting, but overall the characters didn't really capture your love or affection to warrant getting too involved in the film

Worth a watch, but the rewatch factor is pretty low.

Sex and Death 101 (2007)

Not as bad as you may think

[5/10 · 8 April 2023]

Going on some of these reviews you may think its the worst film ever made, whilst its far from great, its also far from being bad. And whilst i wouldn't buy the disc version (yes i'm 'old'!) its worth a watch at least once.

Imo its quite enjoyable romp that offers something different to the norm. The story of being unable to change the future, but instead rolling with it for while has been done before but not quite in this way!

Yes the film budget is low which gives the film limited set location and it shows.

But as mentioned i did enjoy it in a strange way, which at the end of the day is what a film is supposed to do regardless of any stigma attached to it, give it a go, it may well surprise you too!

A Scanner Darkly (2006)

You will need to watch and judge yourself!

[6/10 · 8 April 2023]

Did i think this movie is great? Nope, do i think its watchable? Sure.

I can't put my finger on either of those answers, its one of those films that you personally need to watch rather than watch on review scores alone.

The rotoscoping animation effect is definitely unique and helps with the hypnotic style and drug storyline on which the story is based.

Robery Downey Jr and Keanu Reeves definitely make this movie more watchable with their great characters.

Despite not being a classic, i would rewatch it again at a later date due to its uniqueness, and i have no doubt i would have missed some small details here and there.

The Ten (2007)

Shockingly bad!

[2/10 · 12 March 2023]

The fact this movie was only released in cinemas in only a handful of countries worldwide sets your mindset for the sort of quality you are about to undertake.

Quality? This was so bad, it was mentally painful watching past the first 20 mins. The comedy was awful throughout, i was hoping each part may be better than the last, but sadly despite a couple of scenes improving, they were so far off the quality i was hoping i should be given some kind of accolade for actually watching the whole movie.

The whole idea of connecting the ten commandments into ten awful comedy sketches was about as good idea as the execution.

The only partially funny part for being so wrong it was funny was the puppet sketch, so for that i give this a couple of stars, but 10 mins does not make a comedy movie, avoid!

The Darwin Awards (2006)

Forgettable

[5/10 · 10 March 2023]

If i could describe this film genre in one word, i couldn't easily, it's more a blend of comedy, crime, and drama rolled into one, i'm not even sure the writers knew what it was aimed at after viewing!

I can understand why this movie went straight to DVD in many countries as it feels more like a TV movie, with its low budget and limited special effects. I rather think it was hard to find a market to aim it at tbh.

Saying all that, i don't hate it though, it has some mildly funny moments, but as a comedy film first and foremost (sue me if i'm wrong!) it's too light on big comedy moments and not serious enough to be taken as anything else, and just trundles along as a very average, average thing.

Mr. Deeds (2002)

Not as funny as some would make out!

[5/10 · 4 March 2023]

I wanted to like this film more than i did as it has a great cast and a good budget to make it all work, sadly the script had too many jokes written by a simpleton.

That's not to say it's 100% all bad, the movie has a few chuckle worthy moments, but nothing of the laugh out loud or eye watering kind. Too many jokes are visual cheese or simply fall flat, and the overacting makes it all feel more like a Leslie Nielsen film, the saving grace being Mr Deeds is likeable enough to watch the movie to the end!

Maybe worth a watch once, and decide for yourself, but like me, you will unlikely go back to it again.

S1m0ne (2002)

Potential missed by wide mark

[3/10 · 4 March 2023]

What can be said about this awful attempt at a 'what if' movie!? The believability factor is key in a movie that tries to make you believe it is possible in the first place.

This falls flat on a number of factors, one being Al Pacino's character already stated in the film he can't use a computer, yet when he is given procession of one he all of a sudden becomes lord and master of them!

That, as well as the usual way movies/TV producers simplify real computer usage by means of a few simple clicks and a microphone to give endless controls to this code he was given, even the most computer-illiterate people would find this hard to believe.

The fact nobody would find out during Simone's career is highly unbelievable even more as the movie goes on, the fact one man could set everything up i.e the holographic scene and no one would not question or see her not being there from every angle or distance is ludicrous!

The only good point is the twist at the end but its way too little too late to save this car crash of a movie!

Autumn in New York (2000)

Pleasantly surprised

[7/10 · 4 March 2023]

I take each film on its own merits, and yes, it has clichés and corny moments, but what romantic film doesn't?

This film isn't overly mushy, in fact it's quite the opposite, with the relationship being what it is, flaws and all known by both sides. It doesn't hide from this fact, or make excuses on the male perspective, it is what it is, as they say.

As for the story. Can a leopard change his spots? Sure people can change for the better, its not too far fetched to think the story was possible.

The ending without giving too much away, was very sad of course and didn't have the Hollywood ending some may have wished for, but true to life it was the better and more realistic for it.

I enjoyed the film, wasn't bored, shed a tear, not a-lot more to say, maybe not a classic but well worth a watch.

Lost Souls (2000)

Missing some vital ingredients

[5/10 · 18 February 2023]

It's easy to get swayed going into a film from an imdb score, but going in with a 'i like what i like' viewpoint i pressed play on Lost Souls.

Upon pressing stop, i don't like to think on average the public were right as it doesn't always match my viewpoint, but in this case the movie is very average.

I did enjoy moments, the hospital, church scenes in particular very good, namely down to good acting and the scenes being in touch with the story in general.

But its hard to put my finger on my disappointment, as the acting is very good throughout.

I guess the runtime i feel is too short for this type of movie to build atmosphere and tension, and feels rushed especially towards the end, which, yes the story does lose the plot a little.

A shame, as it had a lot of ingredients to be a good watch, but it misses the mark by a wide margin.

Girl, Interrupted (1999)

Enjoyed it more than i thought i would!

[8/10 · 12 February 2023]

Ok, the premise of a story of someone living into a mental hospital for 18 months doesn't entice most to take a look at a film like this.

I was partial skeptical what direction the film would take once inside i.e lack of care, beatings by staff etc thankfully this was not the case as it concentrates on the main characters illness and didn't take it in another direction other films have covered in the past.

Another thing that keeps it being very watchable, is the general upbeat nature of the film despite the subject matter, had it been depressing all the way through it would have been a slog, but there are some happy, funny, joyful and of course sad moments, but with a great mixture throughout the screenwriter must be commended for the outcome.

Quite how Winona Ryder did not even receive an Oscar nomination is beyond me, yes Angelina did a wonderful job in her role, but Winona in an understated character role clearly went under the radar for acting too well it seems!

Celebrity (1998)

Uninspiring fare.

[5/10 · 11 February 2023]

A movie that is neither bad, nor hits a sweetspot of being memorable or rewatchable imo.

The film has a couple of decent moments, mostly with Branagh though, especially his 'thoughts' montage at the school reunion being one memorable and funny moment.

Whilst the acting is good on the whole, its all a bit disjointed, and comes across more of a documentary of part of Allen's career. The way it has been filmed also takes you away from being emotionally attached or thought provoking enough to bother tbh, i did clock watch a couple of times which is never a good sign, unless you are a big fan and want another take of Allen's mindset, it's not worth a watch tbh.

The fact that several big name actors got thrown into the mix could not save it from being mediocre.

Alien: Resurrection (1997)

So wanted to enjoy it more!

[6/10 · 11 February 2023]

The first two Alien films were immense, the third, whilst not on the same plain of quality had its moments.

AR feels more like a TV film offshoot, from its bad 90s special effects at the beginning, to the bad/mediocre acting on the most part, even good actors like Winona Ryder have been totally miscast here.

Yes, like Alien 3 it does have a couple of good moments, the underwater sequence being one to mention, and the destruction of the alien at the end being quite memorable if for not all the right reasons!

If Alien 3 was stretching the story too far, AR took it and booted it off the edge of a cliff, with no substance to the story, very little atmosphere and gave no tenseness like the first two films.

Worth watching if you are a fan of the series just for completeness sake, but not recommended for anyone else!

The Crucible (1996)

Eye opener on real events

[7/10 · 11 September 2022]

Wonderfully set and cast adaption of the play of the same name. Some films are shocking because of their content, this is more shocking because the nature of the true facts of the story, and how people were murdered in cold blood at the hands of the gullible. So many injustices and hurt due to religion and other crazy beliefs at that time, some still exist of course in various guises across the world.

The film has a good start, but loses its way a little in the middle, but picked it up towards the end. Speaking of which I was half expecting a Hollywood ending, where the main characters either got their comeuppance, but it stayed true to some events and for that made me like the movie even more.

Looking for Richard (1996)

Misses the mark

[4/10 · 4 September 2022]

The 90s were made up of lots of innovative movies genres, here is another, this one is a fake docu-drama that tries to make Richard III easier to understand for the masses.

I did enjoy parts of the movie, it has a great cast list, and the idea itself could have worked had it been a lot lighter with more humour in the fake-documentary sections.

What you end up with is a mish-mash of confusing info on the subject interweaved with overly long reconstructions of some of the scenes, neither satisfying the masses or fans of the subject in general.

In the end i want to watch a movie to escape into another world/universe, if i wanted to watch a true documentary on Richard III i would watch the TV or go to the theatre to fulfill a proper play of it.

Boys (1996)

You may need a blow to head after viewing this

[5/10 · 29 August 2022]

After seeing lots of negative reviews i didn't expect much, and whilst its far from being a classic or even memorable, the film has its moments and its worth a watch at least once.

Yes the storyline is slimmer than slim, but the film at least gets on with it unlike some 2.5 hours films that drag on and on, this is just half of that runtime and speeds things along which honestly is a plus point for the film, had it been over two hours i probably wouldn't even recommend a rewatch.

Is it believable that a Florence Nightingale effect happened just because she fell off her horse and got carted into his boarding school room after dragging her, not really, just ends up a bit cringey with the age differences, maybe with younger eyes i would have viewed this as 'aye get in there you lucky b'stard!'

Other than the pretty questionable plot and believability, the ending just seemed 'oh sod it' someone got writers block, so yeah its worth a watch once if just for Winona Ryder, just go into it with i know its kinda crap mindset and your do ok!

How to Make an American Quilt (1995)

Not to be woven in the history of film classics

[5/10 · 27 August 2022]

Going blind into this film, from the title alone i half expected a charming, beautifully set film based on quilt making.

The latter is of course true, as for charming, well, bar the wonderful acting especially Winona Ryder cast in the lead role, and the beautiful scenery, it turns out to be a series of short stories of the quilt makers, most of which are a depressing look at how marriage can go for the worst.

The trouble with short stories is you don't have enough to time to build a rapport with the characters to really care what happened in their past, which just leaves Winona's character which is lost in the muddle of the other stories and never leaves you satisfied at the end.

Little Women (1994)

A now classic movie based on a classic book!

[9/10 · 21 August 2022]

I awaited this patiently to the come out in Cinema's in the UK in the spring of 1995, even on the opening night, my local cinema was only a quarter full, maybe a film set at Christmas may have seemed an odd choice for viewing in March or April?

That being said me now being a now firm Winona fan, i didn't care what time of year it was released, the earlier the better.

I came out throughly enjoying the movie, a real feel good movie for the most part (yes, you probably will shed a tear later on!). I just wish we could have stayed with all the sisters for longer in the first half of the film, i guess like in real life things have to move on and people move away.

The scenery in the film was stunning, makes me yearn for a crisp winter's morning with snow on the ground!

And all the actors played their parts very well and believably, i never felt a certain part could have been acted better throughout. Finally the soundtrack by Thomas Newman is a delight to listen to, with the opening tune a particular favourite.

After viewing twice at the cinema, i bought the novel, and i don't read that many books so its high praise from me!

The Age of Innocence (1993)

Quite a hard watch

[6/10 · 20 August 2022]

One of the few Winona Ryder films i avoided buying back in the day on VHS as i knew as a teenager i would hate it.

Fast forward nearly 30 years and having watched many period dramas in-between times, i can comfortably say i made the right choice all those years ago! The film is quite a hard watch unless accustomed to period dramas, its very static and blinkered to one story with no little branches of fun or stories on the side leaving you wishing for a break from the 2 and half hours of intense drama.

That's not to say i hated it, it was worth a watch and the acting especially from Daniel Day-Lewis and Michelle Pfeiffer was superb. It's just not a film that has a rewatch factor.

Reality Bites (1994)

My Sharona

[7/10 · 20 August 2022]

I originally saw this in the cinema in 1994 for the draw of Winona Ryder, i came out not knowing if i really enjoyed it or not, it was a character and film style Winona hadn't really been in before.

Reviewing it 28 years later, i can safely say i do now enjoy it. It has a very distinctive 90's feel to it, and more akin to a sitcom as you follow the lives of four flatmates, but with less comedy and more romance and drama.

It has some nice moments, from dancing in the store, to the $5 chats and lump in the throat ending wrap up the film nicely.

Night on Earth (1991)

Overrated for being cult!

[4/10 · 16 August 2022]

A strange collection of shorts rolled into one movie with the connection being a Taxi, not the best premise for a film especially as that's the only link between them.

I enjoyed this more when i was in my teens, i can't think why, other than a few amusing moments in New York which was probably down to the amount of swearing in it than the movie, which just falls flat with most of the other characters, leaving the non-existent story exposed.

As much as i love Winona Ryder, she is totally miscast here and her character as a taxi driver is unbelievable as her fake accent.

I'd rather watch a go-pro Taxi video on Youtube then have to rewatch this again!

4/10 - mainly for the cinematography.

Square Dance (1987)

Lacking direction

[6/10 · 16 August 2022]

The only Winona Ryder film to elude me trying to buy a US import in the UK in the early 90s, and after watching for the first time a couple of decades later it was such a shame it has taken me this long to finally achieve this.

Whilst Lucas may have been WR's film debut, this film takes her to another level in her first starring role and opens up the door to the rest of her career.

The film is very slow paced with no real direction or much of a story other than moving from one place and back again, it feels almost depressing knowing she will probably end up their for the rest of her life in her final destination.

But saying that it's still enjoyable for the most part, with some great acting from all the lead characters especially Winona, but the film is lacking that certain something and its not a film i will return to very often.