jackctierney Reviews

Live Free or Die Hard (2007)

Action-packed Thriller that is a Must-see

[7/10 · 16 May 2022]

I have felt a pattern of consistency throughout the Die Hard franchise so far, unlike a number of franchises throughout the decades, and I feel that Live Free or Die Hard is an exceptional additional to the collection. It is an action-packed thriller with once again, a genius plot which takes John and Matt on a literally explosive journey to the end of themselves. Though they may not have the best chemistry together, Justin and Bruce worked well in accomplishing a risky task in an entertaining and enjoyable manner. I was pretty blown away by many of the stunts performed in this film, especially those combined with the hand-to-hand combat scenes. The acting and filming was solid, and the humor was such a gem which took me back to the reason by the original movie was so amazing. Admittedly, the intense violence and language did push the PG-13 rating quite a bit, but not quite worthy of an R-rating in my opinion. Overall, a satisfying action thriller which is a must-see for all Die Hard fans.

Die Hard with a Vengeance (1995)

Full of Hard-core Action and Adventure

[7/10 · 10 May 2022]

This film is jam-packed full of raw thrills and unmissable action. Samuel Jackson and Bruce Willis were a strange, yet entertaining duo in this sequel. It was fantastic to see Hans's manipulative brother Simon take part in this movie with all of his genius, sneaky, and mastermind tactics against Zeus and John, playing games with the two throughout the duration of the story. I am fully satisfied with this film's capacity of action and adventure, you won't be tempted to fall asleep during this thriller. I loved the scene in which Zeus is in the subway station ready to answer a phone call from Gruber while an officer threatens to arrest him. It is identical to the robbery scene in The Incredibles in which has almost the exact same setup! It's hilarious to watch. This is a worthy follow-up to the first two movies in the franchise and contains all the thrills everyone wants to see in any Die Hard movie. Love it!

La La Land (2016)

Heart-warming Romance with Emotion spilling everywhere

[8/10 · 7 May 2022]

This is, hands down, the greatest romance I've ever seen. I'm not huge on the genre of romance, nor am I a fan of musicals, but La La Land sold it to me. It just tears your heart out! It's charming, lovely, smart, and heart-warming. Emma Stone shined like a diamond in this film, combining the best of her acting, gorgeous looks, and charming character. I could not have picked a better couple for this film than Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling. Their performance together took my heart to far-away galaxies a hundred times over, and still left me hungry for more! The sheer power of a Steinway and Sons Piano and the soothing, nostalgic sounds it makes, takes this film's power of emotion to a whole other level. The filming was excellent combined with the dancing, music, and setting of each scene. All of it combined made for a mind-blowing romance which deserves all the praise it has received from the hungry critics. Two thumbs way up.

Rambo (2008)

Violent, Action-packed Film of Extraction

[7/10 · 5 May 2022]

"Where's the Boatman?!" I'll tell you where he is: In the forests of Burma kicking butt and being a raw savage as he always is! This film is excitingly adventurous and violent, but does it offer more of a challenge for tough-as-nails John Rambo? I don't know... But what I do know is that the extraction squad in this film was relentless and stealthy. Talk about a tough job. Saving a few missionaries within an army of Burmese soldiers who are witlessly dangerous and scary isn't an easy assignment. Nevertheless, the warriors and heroes in this film fought like heck to make it out alive and made this film an action-packed, 90 minute banger. Two thumbs up.

The Exorcist (1973)

A Spiritually Dark and Gritty piece of Horror Magic

[8/10 · 30 April 2022]

I've seen some scary movies that have intense blood/guts/gore content, but those types of scare tactics never really did it for me. However, The Exorcist had me shaking in my boots. I was in a motionless trance throughout the entire 122 minutes of this terrifying work of horror magic. I was actually afraid of watching this in the dark. The way in which the demon(s) take an ever intensifying hold on Regan's body and being as time went on was gritty and traumatizing, and adds a spiritually dark aspect to this movie's theme. The acting was incredible and I love how the study of the two priests shows the struggles and situations of the two men beyond their task of just performing an exorcism toward the end of the film. And the poor mother! I felt like I was onboard the emotional rollercoaster she was riding the whole time. The demonic special effects displayed were haunting and impressive, especially for the early 1970s. This is one of the best horror movies I've ever seen, you just cannot miss it. It is terrifying in a unique fashion that today's horror movies are missing.

Casino (1995)

A Recipe for Disaster

[7/10 · 28 April 2022]

A True story.... I believe it. I no longer have to question how hard it would be to have the job of a Casino owner; this movie showed me. How fast things spun into disaster with Sam's wife, best friend, and the entire casino! The resulting mayhem is an absolute mess contributed with greed, thirst for power, violence, betrayal, dishonesty, and a lot of lives taken in some gruesome manners. Beyond flawless acting from the iconic duo Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, it truly compliments the professionalism of the way this was filmed. It was overwhelmingly real and worldly, I cannot say I was watching a movie. Such a well made film.

Constantine (2005)

Spiritually Dark Horror that gives a glimpse into the darkness of the spiritual realm

[7/10 · 27 April 2022]

What a mysterious and creepy piece of horror, aided with Keanu Reeve's stunning acting skills as usual. The scare tactics in this film are spiritually dark, giving a taste of heaven, hell, and everything in between. The visual and audible aspects of this movie combined make for a spine-shivering sense of fear; I love it. With all of this said, CG effects are okay, which is well expected from the year of its release. Character development doesn't play a key role here, which has the critics up in a riot. I was impressed overall by Constantine, and I'd recommend you give it a try.

Léon: The Professional (1994)

12-year-old Natalie Portman shines like a star in this talented Drama

[7/10 · 27 April 2022]

This was a very good movie with some incredible acting. It was amazing to see such a young Natalie Portman put on such a brilliant performance! Along with the acting of Jean Reno, Gary Oldman, and plenty of others, this film makes for a unique drama boasting loads of talent. The rather strange relationship between Leon and Matilda was a bit obscure in my opinion, and could have been established further simply because when Leon was letting Matilda down the inside of the wall, essentially saying goodbye forever to one another, I wasn't sad or sorry for their departure. IMDb's 8.5 / 10 is a bit high for what, in my honest opinion, this movie truly deserves. Personally, I would give it a wholesome 7.5 / 10. Nevertheless, this movie is well worth watching, make sure not to miss this one.

The Green Mile (1999)

3 hours of masterful filmmaking at its best

[8/10 · 27 April 2022]

John Coffey may be one of the most lovable characters in the movie industry. He's a tall, built, formidable looking man who is actually a teddy bear on the inside. His innocence throughout the film creates more dread for the viewers as they await his execution, hoping their will be a narrow escape from it. I find it obscure that Coffey might possess the power of God with his mysterious healing powers, nonetheless, it furthers the kindness and love of this friendly giant. Fabulous acting, as I always long to see. It is an emotional roller coaster for both the audience and characters. This is three straight hours of masterful filmmaking at its best.

Django Unchained (2012)

Outstanding masterpiece with flawless acting and a redemptive concept

[8/10 · 23 April 2022]

Tarantino is the kind of director who can take on any genre in the world and make an award winning film out of it. Though a western film, Django isn't a cowboy hero, rather a free slave anti-hero. He's neither good nor bad, but is a steadfast individual who ends up learning a whole lot from the German bounty hunter who freed him. The only thing he wants back is his beloved wife, but ends up facing brutal violence, harsh negotiating, and formidable plantation owners. The fiery revenge in Django's attitude throughout the film gives the feeling that he might explode at any given second, yet he somehow fastens it to a leash. He is an attentive, patient, yet zealous man slowly making his way from the bottom to the top. The use of wide angle filming in this movie captures every bit of vivid landscape imaginable in 19th century Texas, giving the viewers a deeper appreciation for Tarantino's masterful filming in which he habitually displays. Really can't say much more than this. Just watch it now.

Die Hard 2 (1990)

Action-packed and explosive (literally) entertainer

[7/10 · 23 April 2022]

Die Hard 2: the perfect family Christmas movie featuring... John McClane the elf! This movie is so adventurous and action-packed, I love all the explosions and shootings, which is what everyone wants. I love how Barnes stuck by McClane's side throughout the film while everyone else doubted him and kicked him out of the equation. They came around eventually, but Barnes reminds me so much of Powell in the prequel. This movie agreeable lacks the raw thrills possessed by the first movie, but nonetheless it is such an enjoyable one and is of course well worth watching.

Nightcrawler (2014)

Gritty Film about a Witty and Successful Sociopath

[7/10 · 20 April 2022]

This is a film about a heartless sociopath who goes to extensively dangerous lengths in his crime and accident filming career to earn big money and to earn the respect of a certain lady and news broadcasting company. This man is emotionally unshakable, relentlessly determined, yet witty and smart, weaving his way through many opposers that are attempting to bring his job down. He will lie, scheme, and dodge his way through the journey of his career in a seemingly deceptive matter in order to be self-sufficient and successful. Jake Gyllenhaal plays an outstanding performance as Lewis, and implants on the mind such an unforgettable face. I am genuinely satisfied with this thriller because of it's gritty concept and talented acting.

Pulp Fiction (1994)

Tarantino at His Best

[9/10 · 19 April 2022]

Movies are just not made like this anymore. The scenes are prolonged with smart acting, genius scripting, and tension-building moments of anger, revenge, violence, and redemption. I couldn't be more windblown by Jackson's performance when he swells up fear inside his victims; he is a convincing, witty, and formidable hitman who, although buts heads with Travolta's character consistently, proves to be a perfect match with him in this ingenious piece of Tarantino magic. I was uncaptured in every scene. My jaw hung open while my brain oozed out of my ears; incredible, just incredible.

Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood (2019)

Thrilling masterpiece once again from Magician Tarantino

[7/10 · 18 April 2022]

This Tarantino magic is truly unique; like nothing else in the film industry. It takes a deep journey into the lives of two men looking for their place of fame in Hollywood; all masterfully complimented with outstanding filming, talented acting, and a mind-blowing production set that deserves in full the awards it has received due to its time period accuracy. Being set in the late 1960s, there is no 21st century vibe throughout the whole film which fully impresses me. A lot goes on during the film and requires full attention and concentration. Multiple viewings is also advised. Quentin Tarantino applies a genius twist to a true story, thus resulting in this thrilling masterpiece.

The Big Lebowski (1998)

Hilarious comedy with brilliant acting from a legendary duo

[8/10 · 12 April 2022]

There's no other man for the job... Jeff Bridges is THE DUDE! The way in which the story establishes the sheer laziness and carefree attitude of "The Dude" is remarkable. No matter what happens to this man, you can't shake him up! Sure, his rug got peed on, thugs are breaking into his house, and his bowling pals and acquaintances are closing down on him, but nevertheless, "the dude abides!". The character development is solid and the acting is professional, and who could possibly ask for a better cast than this? Besides the 281 F-bombs, this film is hilarious and the entire story line can indeed have endless deeper meanings and significances.

Speed (1994)

Jaw-dropping masterpiece of endless, nonstop action

[8/10 · 10 April 2022]

I've seen very few films that have a more exciting and ridiculously suspenseful plot than Speed. The adventure is endless, the filming is impeccable, and the acting is more than impressive, resulting in a jaw-dropping action blockbuster that deserves it's place among Keanu Reeve's best films throughout the many years of his acting career. In all truth and honesty, Speed is considerably underrated among the general audience, nonetheless, I do believe it will only become increasingly popular and appreciated as the years pass by. As CGI and special effect uses become more frequent in the 21st century, Speed will simply bring viewers back to a past of raw and brilliant filmmaking, and an era of masterful movie directing.