maestroman Reviews

Ghost Rider (2007)

I'm not disappointed

[8/10 · 17 February 2007]

It was a great day to unwind Friday night and seeing Ghost Rider was just the thing I needed. Nicholas Cage playing Johnny Blaze did a great addition to Ghost Rider's character with his eccentric style. The movie doesn't follow the comics very much, but we don't want the whole movie to take place in hell. Now the fact that Johnny has sold his soul to the devil to be a ghost rider now that's accurate and it gives the movie plenty of motivation. Pretty soon Blackheart and his minions want to get in Johnny's position of power and they want a contract of one thousand souls. Eva Mendes had great perkiness and she was also delightful to see. The movie is loads of fun with great action, and plenty of intentional laughs. You'll have a good time.

Deja Vu (2006)

Gets an award for originality

[8/10 · 8 December 2006]

In Deja Vu, Denzel Washington is an ATF agent how wisely investigates a bombing, killing five hundred people on a ferry. However, there is an oddity in the case. A woman washes up to shore an hour before the boat explodes. How could this be? The suspense in this story is unlike anything I've ever seen or experienced. The action sequences are unique as well. For instance a one of a kind car chase where Denzel chases a car from 4 days earlier. (You'll understand when you see the movie) Speaking of which the plot isn't to difficult to understand. The suspense is good enough to be kind of creepy at times and the action is exhilarating. This movie is certainly worth it.

Empire of the Sun (1987)

Powerful

[9/10 · 15 August 2006]

Empire of the Sun doesn't really fall under the category of action-packed war film. Instead it follows just one boy who is almost forced to grow up during the Japanese takeover of Shanghai in World War II. Jim, played by a very young Christian Bale, lives happily with his aristocratic parents, is a very spoiled boy and has huge interest in aviation. He's separated from his parents during a Japanese take over in an area of Shanghai that was protected by some sort of diplomatic immunity. What allowed the take over to happen was the declaration of the war from Japan to the US. Jim scared and alone has no idea what's to become of him. He meets with a couple of American merchant seaman Basie (John Malkovich) and Frank (Joe Pantoliano). Basie isn't necessarily selfish, but he does what he must do to survive, very cynical. They both end up in a Japanese prison camp and that's where they stay during the war. So after a brief synopsis, what I can say about this film is that it's "powerful" It's a story of survival and growing up for Jim and it has some powerful and genuinely sad moments that all come with war. Again this movie is not an action film it is very dramatic and intense. It may take more than once to watch to fully understand it, but when you do the feeling of this film will be worth it.

Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken (1991)

It's almost like a "Rudy" for women

[10/10 · 7 June 2006]

You know as much as I don't like comparing movies, "Wild Hearts Can't be Broken" is like "Rudy" The only difference is that a movie like this appeals more to women. Frankly I can't fairly say that because "Rudy" was made after this movie, but my subject heading isn't a bad thing. The lovely Gabrielle Anwar plays Sonora Webster the typical girl whose lost her parents and has discipline problems. So yes we've established that she has issues that can be considered as "odds" against her. Nobody really cares that she wants to dive horses, but she sees it then decides she wants to do it. So what does she do, goes through blood, sweat and no tears because her trainer Dr. Carver played by Cliff Robertson doesn't like criers. Anyway this movie is fast paced, but it gets a decent story across about a young girl who overcomes odds, at a time the odds are death threatening and makes her dreams come true. A real heartwarming movie.

Mortal Kombat (1995)

Plenty Entertainment, Plenty Action, Plenty Good

[8/10 · 27 May 2006]

Mortal Kombat is a video game film, but it wisely avoids the many flaws of video game story telling that tend to be told in movies as well. Many aspects of the game are used but the movie tells its own story which I find to be admirable. Robin Shou who played Liu Kang also choreographed the many fight scenes that took place and they portray good martial arts as well. They may not be as fast as say a Jackie Chan film, but the movements you can catch and are fast enough to be exhilarated. Also you can't help but feel the heart that some of the fighters find in themselves. A quote from Christopher Lambert's character Raiden appealed to me the most. "You possess the knowledge all that's lacking is the will." So basically what that's saying is "will" will help a person overcome obstacles that may be crucial no matter what the situation is. Other characters include Johnny Cage played by Linden Ashby who serves the comedy purpose and does serious when he needs to. Also Sonya Blade played by Bridgette Wilson-Sampras who's one of your typical tough women. The chemistry between her and Johnny I found to be opposite and common at the same time which was quite amusing at times. Action flick fans will enjoy this movie.

Rudy (1993)

A movie that will lift the spirits of a dreamer.

[10/10 · 1 May 2006]

"The problem with dreamers is that they usually aren't doers" Is a quote I found to be an unfortunate truth at times. However Rudy has shown that a young man with a troubled life can overcome all odds and fulfill dreams that are worth a lifetime of memories and pride. Even when times were dark for Rudy he refused to give in which I found to be beautiful. Every time I watch this movie I feel I can relate, and if a man or woman works hard they can fulfill any dream no matter how impossible it seems. Every time I watch this film I feel a sudden lift in my spirits and tears of joy run down my face. Whether in times of happiness or darkness, "Rudy" is a movie that will touch your soul.