masschaos Reviews

Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017)

DON'T EXPECT A SKYWALKER CONTINUITY!

[9/10 · 31 March 2018]

SPOILERS! I just watched TLJ and really don't get where all the hate comes from, nor the easily explained plot holes and other details lots of fans nit picked about, like the bombs falling from space, yes that wasn't expressly explained in the movie, but it's totally possible they were magnetized or something, so that was one plothole i've seen discussed. Poe's conversation with Hux over the comms was clearly a stalling technique, even pointed out in the movie. the hyperspace tracker, though explained clearly through canon sources after the OT to be in development, still didn't stop lots of fans from trying to pass it off as lazy writing and impossible to do, apparently in fantasy relms it's possible! The "Mary Poppins" thing clearly showed how the force was connected to Leia. And just recently i read one about Luke's metal hand disappearing when he died, that was weak even then, turns out the scene was so far away you couldn't even tell if it had or hadn't. Those who complained about the writing obviously haven't seen a Star Wars movie before because the writing was very much on par with the writing of the rest of the franchise, full of plotholes and rife with conveniences lol, IT WAS A GOOD MOVIE!

Ghostbusters: Answer the Call (2016)

Well worth the price of admission!

[9/10 · 16 July 2016]

I was a huge fan of the originals and had very low expectations toward another reboot, especially after hearing so much seemingly informed "fan" speculation about it during its "hype period" before it hit theaters. I couldn't imagine a scenario where the original actors could do a believable "pass the torch" type of story and with the passing of my favorite Ghostbuster, Harold Ramis, my hopes were lower still with the news of an all-female cast, pardon my sexism but that was a major point the dissenters were making. Another huge concern of mine was the effects; back in the 80's computer effects were SPECIAL, and they played a big part in the success, knowing the pop and no substance aspect of special effects of the past 20+ years, this worried me a lot about the new Ghostbusters movie. To me the ethereal effects would probably come off as campy.! That said, the movie isn't a continuation of the original's continuity, but a total re-imagining of the franchise. The women had good screen presence like the originals; the effects were actually on par with the originals but had an updated feel; the story flowed well from scene-to-scene; and there were many delightful surprises like the originals. This was truly a great film and introduction of the franchise to a new generation of fans. I hope all can go see this with joyful expectations!

Deadpool (2016)

Ryan Reunolds' best yet!

[9/10 · 15 May 2016]

Ryan Reynolds is certainly a rising star in Hollywood! Deadpool is certainly proof! Reynolds has been one of my favorite comedians since Blade Trinity; his delivery of lines was superb and his on-screen presence was uncanny, hearkening back to my previous action-comedian, Eddie Murphy, so Reynolds was a welcome addition to the current actors in Hollywood. Deadool is a delightful progression to Reynolds' career and a wonderful departure from his lackluster string of weak movies and lame comedies. Action-comedy is a great fit for this actor. Deadpool's high-octane action is a terrific showcase for the delivery of the character's brilliant one-liners and other comedic elements. The nudity fit the tone of the movie and didn't feel gratuitous This has been addressed, but unfortunately this isn't a kid friendly movie, lots of violence, gore, profanity, and nudity, should appeal to most mature audiences who aren't prudish and or delusional. This movie's not for the casual comic fan, but someone who doesn't mind the grittier side of superheroes!

Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015)

The Force is strong with this one!

[9/10 · 2 January 2016]

So I finally saw one of the best movies of recent memory in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. This movie refreshed the franchise by equating itself with the original trilogy. Unlike the prequels, Episodes 1-3,Episode 7 matched form and atmosphere with the movies that made the franchise a household name. For those who have not seen this movie, please go into this movie expecting CGIed brightness and sterility, and be pleasantly surprised at the grittiness and more real feel! My only real problem with this was the "threat" felt too familiar and like it was done the same way; had they done that one aspect differently the movie, in my opinion, would have deserved 10 of 10 stars, everything else was new enough to feel fresh and C-3P0 still had a red arm like he got in the prequels, which felt out-of-place!! My only possible spoilers will be that there was little use of R2-D2

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014)

Underrated!

[7/10 · 22 November 2015]

Many say this doesn't stay true to the cartoons... DUH! It's not supposed to stay with the cartoons. The cartoons are light-hearted, family friendly fare made-for-TV treats, but the original Eastman and Laird works are darker and wouldn't appeal to a typical TV watching family, at least in the United States, the original Turtles were more adult oriented and that was the appeal.

Many say the acting sucked... again, what did they expect, the acting was appropriate for a more mature audience while also appealing to a younger audience. And, not being a fan of Megan Fox' acting, she was born to play April O'Neil! Sexy, kind of vapid and pointless, but still kind of a bad-ass character... April only existed because without her the story is just an adrenaline fueled, masculine ego pumping, "sausage" fest. Fox is a great actress to play eye-candy! This movie could've had a lot more of a story, better acting, and less plot holes, but it fits in beautifully with the current Hollywood landscape.; to say it's the worst Turtles movie ever is seriously not giving the movie credit!

Winter's Tale (2014)

Worth the price of a ticket, not sure why there are a lot of negative reviews.

[7/10 · 22 February 2014]

I saw this movie with my friend who is a girl, and at first the movie started out like an unbearably predictable love story full of pop but no substance, but after the appearance of the first "miracle" (possible spoiler, unintended) this movie picked up pace and became more mystical! Some have claimed "this movie make sense." I can see that, but will add love doesn't make sense either, it makes other things make sense; on a deeper note, religion itself doesn't always make logical sense, which is why the concept of faith exists, it also makes sense of other things! Some say "It's weird for the devil to be portrayed as a jaded yet-well- kept hobo," I thought that was odd too, but then I remembered Jesus conquered hell and had the keys to death's gate, so it makes sense the former king of the earth is out of a job and has lived in darkness and isolation for millennia, surrounded by constant salvation, I can see why the devil'd be jaded. In closing, if you watch this with maturity and reverence for depth and abstract concepts then this movie will hit a heart string and be a good choice. If you go into it expecting the typical love fluff, then you'll be sorely disappointed! I don't usually say this, but GO SEE THIS MOVIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Danger. Zombies. Run. (2010)

Appealing to most, not for everyone though!

[9/10 · 6 September 2011]

A tour de force for indie film future-star director Brian Wimer and the rest of the cast from the little big town of Charlottesville Virginia and the surrounding area! An eclectic blend of silliness and comedy in this 2010 popcorn horror flick, the acting is spot-on for the tone of the film, the pace is well aligned and the writing couldn't have gotten any better for the material given. Not for everybody, but well worth it for the originality and the enthusiastic direction! Pros - Originality, hilarity, great pacing, and a terrific stress reliever, very entertaining Cons - rushed in parts and trite at times Overall, a great little film that's worthy of its praise and fully open to criticism. If you want to be entertained and enjoy respites of stress go see this, if you're in a mood for deep, inspirational, reality, this probably won't be your cup of tea!

I Love You, Beth Cooper (2009)

Great for a teen movie!

[5/10 · 15 July 2010]

The summary says it all! This movie doesn't deserve a lot of praise, but for a frivolous teen movie, it's a gem! It captures the whimsical insouciance of the immature high school life! (at least what I remember of it) With its hopeless outcasts, hormonally charged degenerates , and awkward egotists, the movie is a lighthearted romp through a small town that's full of predictable fun and incredulous events as is the staple of teen comedies. Do NOT watch this thinking it will be anything but a silly, borderline-pitiful, genuine teen flick that will appeal to the biggest, open-minded teen genre fans! Entertaining and clean enough for family movie night.

It Only Hurts When I Laugh (2009–2011)

Great show!

[7/10 · 5 March 2010]

Imagine a non prudish version of AGV, this show is funny and irreverent, it is reality hilarity, so catch this when it comes out again, you won't be disappointed! That said, my only fault with the show is the guy they go to narrate it, although talented, I don't think he fits in well with this type of show! His talking lasts too long and detracts from the video at some points, plus his voice isn't smooth enough to actually sound sarcastic, at least to me, plus we never get to see him, so we shouldn't have to hear him so much!. No offense if you read this! No major cursing, nor is there much different from any other reality show as far as explicitness goes, nice family comedy if your kids are up that late! Good job truTV

Fool's Gold (I) (2008)

A fluff masterpiece!

[8/10 · 16 January 2010]

Matthew Mconaughey does a mature hippie like no one! Kate Hudson is the base to his acid making a balanced solution of comedy and fun. I rarely come across a movie like this that makes me laugh out loud and feel truly entertained. Well-timed "random" explosions help keep male viewers involved --we love blowing stuff up-- yet not forgetting the ladies out there with a permeating-but not-overpowering love story. Fol's Gold is wholesome, family fun that would win an award for best fluff movie! It never takes itself seriously nor gives the viewers reason to do so either, which only adds to enjoyment, so grab some popcorn and prepare to be entertained for a while.

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009)

not as inclusive as the first ***parents warning!!!!!

[6/10 · 12 July 2009]

This movie gets a 6 from me for gratuity, poor story, and robot lips! In the first one, the general action had somewhat of a purpose throughout, and was more of a family-oriented movie reminiscent of the cartoon a toy franchise, but this offering delivered a weaker story where the action was more nonsensical and purposeless at times; the Megan Fox was just as hot as in the first, but was more "sexed up" in this one. In the first, the character was created to make a testosterone-prevalent "guy flick" more inclusive and watchable by girlfriends dragged to the movie. However I'm not sure why she was in this one. The parents, who were supposed to be the "very irritating" comic relief in the first, were an unnecessary, unwelcome addition to the movie.

Mudflap and Skidmark or whatever his name is, the two bots who transform into a neurotic ice cream truck were flamboyant and racially stereotypical -- much like that Jar-Jar joke --, but weren't a big part of the story, so weren't as intolerable as most.

The Sound was impressive as was the CGI and FX, but the addition of curse words was silly and extreme at times! It excludes a lot of its fanbase, kids who were enchanted by the first movie ie. my "nephew" probably won't go see this. If seen, see in theaters as to get the sound effects and the bombast of the movie! It is worth seeing once!

Cheeky (2000)

Refreshing, lighthearted, adult entertainment!

[7/10 · 4 August 2008]

The movie started out with much explicit sex in a park and keeps getting graphic as the movie progresses, very refreshing compared to most of the "unrealistic" silly porn flicks out there. Cheeky doesn't try to be what it isn't in that it doesn't try to go into a mystery or thriller when all it is is a skin flick. The nudity in this isn't offensive (except to prudes) and although very graphic at time (T n A n P) it's never inappropriate or gratuitous; a refreshing erotic masterpiece for Tinto Brass!

In short, this is not a family flick, but it isn't offensive or vulgar in its soft-core glory; a true gem of erotica.. too bad it's in Italian, I hate reading my movies!

Dragon Wars: D-War (2007)

The best of Sci-Fi channel premiers!!!!!!!!!!!

[6/10 · 3 August 2008]

Just saw this last night on Sci-Fi channel, and compared to the other Sci-Fi premiers me and my dad sit through, this certainly excelled! The acting was a pretty bad and the story and plot were quite weak as I fully expected, and all the other elements of a great movie, ie. plot, back story, believability, character development , character chemistry... were pretty much weak, but there was genuine heart and effort in this movie, great potential too, and if this was picked up by a better director and actual writers then this would easily start a cult trilogy with a lot of fans.

The aforementioned weak story and other things i said were still there and the problems everybody seems to have with it seem to stem from their expectations, when they saw it, they expected to see a masterpiece, when I saw it, I just wanted it not to suck, or they saw it in theaters and paid to see it, boy, that would've sucked badly and I sympathize! I caught this basically for free on satellite, so my expectations were low, I didn't lose much other than an hour or so from my hectic life, and I got to spend that time with my dad, so my experience was totally different from others and I and my dad were quite pleased.

All in all this movie's great if you aren't expecting more than a relaxing hour or so, don't pay money, or sit in a dusty movie theater seat. This movie is what is; a joyful, lighthearted escape from reality with some great action, impressive cgi, and a pretty leading lady... can't act, but she is cute!

Highlander: The Source (2007 TV Movie)

Not a the best Highlander movie

[5/10 · 6 April 2008]

This movie was definitely a disappointment, and had a lackluster soundtrack. The original movies, flawed though they were, came out at the birth of "the cgi era" so their effects weren't special, but they looked like most every other sci-fi film of the time and were at the time "cutting edge."! The Source granted was based on the Highlander story, but fit in more with the late 80's than the early 21st century. The original had a edgy soundtrack, that fit the story well, even the TV show which came out much later incorporated the original music,, why did they try to update the song by making it tame and horrible, it felt like a "crooner version". Music is ageless, if it stuck with the original movie, and stood the test of time for decades, then don't mess with it.

Adrian Paul is the ultimate Highlander, so I rented this because of his character, that wasn't as good an idea as I thought though. Duncan was a jaded warrior as opposed to Duncan in the TV series, where he was the altruistic hero capable and willing of dealing with anything. The guardian was more laughable not to mention out-of-place as "the guardian of The Source" who didn't do a very good job as he was traipsing all over creation to kill the immortals or something. Methos was and is one of the best secondary characters in the story. The Source itself was enough to motivate the immortals. A little rough language at appropriate times, but the violence was more silly gore than shocking, so it's probably not a good flick for young kids, but older kids might like it, but why would they, there's so much better out there! Worth a watch for a popcorn fix, but I'd try to catch it on TV.

Stealth (2005)

Beter than most

[8/10 · 27 July 2007]

I'll break this down to some basic elements I think people are focusing on.

Predictability: Yes, a cutting edge movie like this has to made with a lot of influence from what's been done before; if it's completely made up, it becomes silly, much like some of the original sci-fi movies... so give me a break on that issue plot: um, loose yeah, but the genre itself is kinda silly, not that I dislike sci-fi, so it fits the genre nicely.

Writing: I've heard people say the writing's awful... Oh come on, the writing fit the story perfectly. No one watches sci-fi expecting Academy Calibre writing.

Acting: Much like writing, it fit the story. Not Oscar-worthy, but it's sci-fi.

Did I hit on some of the reasons a lot of people panned this movie? If you're one of the people who watched this sci-fi movie thinking it's going to be Oscar-worthy, please do everyone a favor and sew your eyelids shut and relinquish your "armchair critic's" license, because you're taking movies way too seriously, and you're biasing your opinions. This movies not meant to be epic. It's supposed to be a fun, energetic, escape from reality. It's a masterpiece of SCIENCE FICTION; a marvelous popcorn flick that is not as pretentious or outreaching as many people make it out to be. I don't understand how anyone can say this is a bad movie and still be talking about a sci-fi movie.Science fiction started out as an escape from reality, it's inherently campy and often incredulous; Stealth fits the genre perfectly.

Transmorphers (2007 Video)

Inexorable trash!

[1/10 · 7 July 2007]

I just watched this coma of a movie with my brother; we're both huge fans of entertaining B movies and funny filthy type flicks, but this was an intolerable POS. Surely the director and actors meant to make this utter train wreck as awful as possible, but the Special FX featurette seemed to show the techs worked diligently hard on this retarded romp through tedium. My question is 'Why?' "Where were the fruits of their labor?' I hate to dash anybody's work, but come on; I've taken more entertaining dumps. Mild cussing, ridiculous, not perilous action, and horrible dialog that rarely ever syncs up... DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME ON THIS LOUSY POS unless you want to kill a few of those pesky brain cells you you have!

Transformers (2007)

This is leaps and bounds progression toward the future of CGI!

[9/10 · 7 July 2007]

I've never been a big fan of CG in movies; I feel it totally ruined "the magic," but this movie blends it almost perfectly with live-action that throughout most of the movie, I felt as if the Robots were like any other actors! There were a few times when "the cursed CG monster" reared its ugly bright head, but very minimally; the Transformations were looked great, and the CG characters actually looked like they interacted with the real actors. Peter Cullen reprised his voice acting for Optimus Prime, not a spoiler, and proved he was, is, and always will be, the man behind Prime! Shia LaBeuf, or however you spell it, is at the top of his game as Sam Witwicky too, and Megan Fox is simply electrifying as Mikaela. There was one part I didn't like though, this may be a spoiler for some sad people out there like myself, Prime has lips. In short, minimal cussing, lots of really top notch CGI goodness, no female nudity, grade A performances from the immediate cast, and tolerable cheesiness, make TF a good bet for the summertime theater crowds! GO SEE THIS MOVIE!

Ghost Rider (2007)

The kind of movie we go to the theaters for.

[9/10 · 16 February 2007]

The opening scenes between the young versions of the leads were a little cheesy, but only for the first 3 minutes or so, then the story takes off and doesn't really let up throughout. The trailer to this movie, although cool, didn't do the film any justice.

Well acted, and nicely written, this is the best a comic book movie can get! A genuinely good movie good story and true-to-the-character action that'll thrill, please, and awe.

No rough language which parents'd like, but there is quite a bit of violence and the image of a flaming skull might upset children, but nothing horribly bad for a kid to see

Stargate SG-1: The Pegasus Project (2006) Season 10, Episode 3

The gate is back

[10/10 · 29 July 2006]

I've been extremely skeptical about Ben Browder in the lead of this iconic show of science fiction -- even my long time favorites as Michael Shanks (Daniel Jackson), Amanda Tapping (Colonel Carter), and Teal'c (Christopher Judge), and most of his appearances have been forced, trying to fill Richard Dean Anderson's (General Jack O'Neill, two L's) formidable shoes, which is entirely forgivable. But this episode is in a league of its own and Browder (Colonel Mitchell) manages to integrate himself (at least in my eyes) into the universe of the Stargate.

The Pegasus Project has rejuvenated the series for me and hints at much more to come. I was especially pleased with everybody's performance and the reclamation of Stargate in my eyes as the top of its class in writing, imagination, and concept. My hat's off to everyone responsible for this, thank you!

Doom (2005)

The rating should be higher.

[7/10 · 12 March 2006]

I just watched this movie and was pleasantly surprised by it. Granted, this movie's more of a compliment to the video game of the same name, but it extends the back story of the game and gives a different look at the scenarios. This movie'd probably be more liked by fans of the game than to most other people, but it can be all but assured to be a fun, entertaining flick for just about anybody.

Parents, if it wasn't obvious by the trailer, this is not a kids movie, but I feel it'd be fine to let older kids watch this film. Great effects good writing without a lot of gratuity and nice cast earn this movie at least a 7 for me.

Into the Blue (2005)

A good movie, not to be taken too seriously.

[7/10 · 6 January 2006]

Granted, this movie falls fairly short on most elements of a "masterpiece," ie. plot, dialog, message, however, for the type of movie this is, wonderful pace. It's well worth the price you pay to see it.

Plot: little cliché but quickly paced and full of believable easy action; let's face it, the story's not a new idea, but it's done in a fun, energetic way.

Dialog: Fun and current...no where near mind-numbing or juvenile and ignorant.

message: Was there one? If so, not readily discernible, but doesn't detract from the spirit of this movie

Actors: Paul Walker and Jessica Alba were wonderful as the leads, even had good chemistry--gee, two great looking people have chemistry, who would have thought. Scott Cann played the much loved best friend, although how he would've got that position if it were real is beyond me; Ashley Scott was a further source of hotness, yet Alba was plenty by herself; both her and Caan were great, albeit, mismatched. The other actors were wonderful in their roles.

Language: a bit rough, but overall decent and fit well with the story.

Violence: Not so much for an action movie, kind of tame, but suits the story nicely.

I rented this movie and was extremely pleased with it, I hope this analysis was helpful!

The Punisher (2004)

Good adrenaline pumping action, great story, great acting... A+

[10/10 · 4 October 2005]

This movie had everything a Marvel comic fan could ask for, great leading characters; great story that stays true to the comics; low campiness; and high appeal... finally, a Punisher storyline that does the character justice.

A lot of people like to compare and contrast this 2004 version and the 1989 version, which is kind of pointless since the two versions are complete opposites. They seem to think the 2004 version deludes the character; he doesn't "avenge" as wantonly as he should. All heroes/anti-heroes have some traumatic events that made them who they are.

The 1989 movie was set in the character's "adolesensce" after all the horrible events of his life got to him and made him into the unbridled psycho-avenger we know and love. whereas the 2004 one takes place at the beginning of his madness,; it shows us the character's descention into madness. In effect, throughout the movie is Frank Castle, at the end Frank becomes the Punisher. 10/10

Bulletproof Monk (2003)

Well above Razzie status!

[8/10 · 4 September 2005]

I found this movie to be a lot of fun, a great family flick, and one of the better movies of its kind. Why the IMDb rating's not higher is beyond me; are you people watching movies like every "professional critic" and expect every movie to be a masterpiece?

Look at the movie for what it is, not which category it falls under. The only thing I noticed Razzie-worthy about this flick was the irritating use of CGI.

Other than that, this movie was nicely acted, fun, and clean. It was a nice bit of fantastical action without harsh language and an over-abundance of sexuality. Great family/popcorn flick!

The Dukes of Hazzard (2005)

Good natured, little CGI family flick, much better than most say!

[7/10 · 7 August 2005]

OK, yes this movie would make a good candidate for a Razzie, but it's certainly better than many of the recent heavily CGI laden mistakes. It takes us back to a time before computers hit Hollywood by storm, and it's light hearted "entertainment." The casting of several of the parts was kind of bad, but some were great; sean William Scott was a wonderful Bo Duke and Johnny Knoxville was equally good as Luke Duke. Jessica Simpson was not the best Daisy, but she did capture Daisy's spunkiness and fire. Burt Reynolds as Boss Hogg, I felt was a good change, and he did a good job capturing the character's pompousness. Besides, things have to change some; the TV show ran it's course, and it was canceled after it's run. If they left everything the same, that wouldn't have made a good movie. This one sold out at my local theater all day, and the audience was louder than I've ever heard 'em before! So this movie won't win an Oscar, but it's just a good hearted entertaining flick.

Gold Diggers (2003)

A great escape from reality!

[7/10 · 2 April 2005]

I thought this movie was witty when they weren't gratuitously attempting levity. I laughed my @$$ off sometimes, but yes I can see how this movie would be agonizing for many people, but it was in no way as horrific as many recent lapses in film-making, and a lot of those weren't panned by "critics".

The casting left a lot to be desired, but Will Friedle (I wish I could move my eyebrows independently, very effective) clearly stands out from the rest in this movie, as does Chris Owen.

I know a lot of "critics" panned this one, "Too juvenile/stupid." "a horrific piece of film-vomit." I admit it's not a buzz-worthy masterpiece, but not all movies are aimed at Oscar glory. Most movies are supposed to be entertaining breaks from reality. Some people like em, some people don't; movie critics seem to have forgotten that, and try to force overly-critical opinions down our throats.