edhuang-toronto Reviews

Sound of Freedom: Special Message (2023 Video)

Powerful Movie

[10/10 · 27 December 2023]

Don't think I've ever gotten physically angry at watching a movie before but the subject matter here is very impactful and will stir your emotions. The movie itself is well acted, has good pacing, and shot throughout. The lighting and cinematography is clear and adds to the imagery. Locations look amazing as well. All of the actors did a great job, but the child actors were especially great.

This is important story for everyone to watch. I can't believe that there were people against the airing of this movie. Makes you want to learn more about what is happening in the world and hope there are many more people like the main character helpgin them..

The Santa Clauses (2022–2023)

What has gone missing from current entertainment

[8/10 · 25 December 2022]

It's corny and campy and silly, but more importantly, it has heart and a decent message. Current shows seem to have forgotten these today. Tim Allen is likeable as always, but could have gone a bit further. The rest of the cast is ok, except Betty, who did a great job in the role of administrator and head elf. They could have fleshed out both worlds a bit more but with limited episodes, you can't do too much.

Worth a Christmas watch with the family and try to remember what it's all about. I haven't seen all of the movies this is based off but i wasn't lost in the storyline in any event. Just enjoy it.

Star Trek: Picard (2020–2023)

What a waste!

[2/10 · 26 February 2020]

NOT Star Trek. It's a random cliche show that is trying to cash in on the Star Trek name and Patrick Stewart. Everyone is unlikable and as per the new Hollywood trend, they must destroy legacy characters like Picard as much as they can. Is there a scene where Picard isn't getting put down by a strong woman? It's very hammy.

Also, the Federation is supposed to represent Rodenberry's ideal society, created from past conflicts and technology. No war, no poverty, diversity, working together for the greater good.

This show? Makes it into a 21st century "evil empire" and ignores all of the things Start Trek was supposed to represent. Now everyone is worried about money?

Production and sets look good, although stolen from better shows. Camerawork and lighting are good. Without the Start Trek name on this, it would be a turkey.

Justice League (2017)

Better than the paid reviews say

[8/10 · 16 November 2017]

Bottom line, it's a pretty solid and fun movie.

No, it doesn't have Hulk penis jokes and 10 year old level comedy. DC takes more pure themes about superheroes and actually shows them being heroes, not just quip-machines.

One thing that stands out is Snyder's shots are still amazing to see. There are probably 5-10 cinematic shots in the first 10 minutes alone that show artistry over other comparable hero franchises. Story was pared down due to the need to introduce new characters, but everyone seemed to get enough time to establish themselves in proper form.

Acting was solid all around. They didn't pollute the characters will fake angst or conflict as it felt fairly natural in the context of the story.

Definitely a strong hero movie overall.

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2016)

Hands down the WORST editing in the history of filmmaking

[2/10 · 29 January 2017]

You are probably not going to see this film for riveting story-lines and in depth character studies. The RE series has about action and fun sequences. Leaving aside all the ridiculous plot points and lazy screen writing, the editing of this movie is going to become legendary for it's awfulness.

I've never seen a full budgeted movie get hacked up so poorly that the expensive action scenes are pretty much butchered to the max. This movie needs to be studied in film school for how NOT to edit a movie. Every single action is shot with countless shakes, moves, and camera switches. A simple action of, say, putting away your knife, takes 3- 4 camera edits. I was counting them by 15 minutes in per shot. It was insane. A fight sequence will be nothing but a countless series of quick edits form close up, medium and far away shots mashed together so it's impossible to follow what's going on. Shaky cam is one thing, but this is shaky cam plus strobe effect editing. Every single punch or shot requires 4-6 edits and quick cuts. It will give you a headache to figure out what's happening in any fight or sequence. Even mundane actions like people standing on top of a building looking down takes 5-6 edits and quick cuts?

Bring the puke bag.

I guess they tried to film some neat locations and the costumes are pretty and sets, but you wont even notice with the multiple edits jarring your eyes.

Ghostbusters: Answer the Call (2016)

Pretty much as expected. Flat and not really funny

[2/10 · 25 July 2016]

Well, I had planned on skipping this movie altogether but I got dragged to a 3D screening by someone and ended up giving this a chance anyway.

It's not good. The jokes were old and stale and flat. Chemistry was marginal between the main characters and the only black Ghostbuster was portrayed as a stereotype. The men are all stupid or evil, as others have said. In the original, the receptionist was smart and sassy and sarcastic. This remake, he was DUMB and DUMBER. The whole movie was insulting to men and sexist.

The gadgets didn't make sense and their effect varied across the plot line. The ghosts were a little dated in terms of CGI effects and were not scary at all.

Unlike the original, where the comedy was organic to the plot line and situation, this story tried to set up obvious punchlines throughout.

But no, it wasn't absolute garbage, just a bland attempt to remake a studio-franchise.

The cameos by the old cast only frustrated me more as they reminded me of what could have been a much better movie integrating the old cast with the new.

Watch it on Netflix for free when it comes out.

The 100 (2014–2020)

Decent show that gets overwhelmed by teenage-drama subplots

[7/10 · 9 February 2016]

Watching this show, you have to understand that it's basically a YA or youth-oriented premise.

The sets are very good, and there are some strong set pieces and basic plot lines. The drama and characters can, at times, shine in the stark reality that the characters must learn to live.

However, what drags this show down from being an excellent sci-fi series for the ages, is the over-use of overly dramatic stand-offs. Characters will suddenly act a certain way or make decisions for no other purpose other than to create drama, or tension with another character later on. Almost all action sequences will be inter-cut by characters "pausing" to address these emotional drama issues that were obviously created just an episode before to set up such a confrontation. There isn't a single decision made that isn't also used to put characters against each other for future plot use. If this obvious soap-opera technique was not used as much, this show would be much much better.

Basically, don't get too attached to any character because they will make decisions that contradict earlier traits or their established character just so the writers can create more dramatic conflict later. It's like every event in the story must be mixed with over the top betrayal and emotional conflict.