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Reviews
Hell or High Water (2016)
Better as a Rerun
This was rerun on a movie channel today, and I re-watched the second half of it. I can recall missing seeing it at the theater like I had planned; we did watch it on our big TV screen at home once it came to a movie channel. I can also remember not liking it as much as I had thought I would, which surprised me because I love Jeff Bridges and Chris Pine. However, Ben Foster plays such an evil person in every movie that he is typecast to the point I have come to despise him as an actor. I don't know any remedy for that.
I am thinking this is one of those movies that you like it better when you watch it later on. Perhaps the fact that they have you fall in love with a different characters and even the horrible Ben Foster, only to have to mourn over them later. This is specifically so with the Native American Texas Ranger. I forgot to note his name but he has been in so many movies.
Overall, this movie probably pulled such high scores because it is such an explicit and realistic illustration of economic strife of people who work the land versus those who try and enforce the law.
Fargo (1996)
Tragic Comedy Amongst Demure Characters
This is one of those movies that emotes nostalgia from the viewer....even years later. I score very few movies a perfect 10, but this one is even kiel to Three Billboards over Missouri, also with Frances McDormand rocking her role.
The fascination of the personalities, voice and diction of the residence of the northernmost portions of Minnesota, and North Dakota provides a fabulous foundation for this iconic movie.
This movie is broken down into various scenes that might give you a moment of disconnect when they start, but they flow perfectly once you realize what is going on.
Put very likable people in tragic and murderous situations and you have an almost Shakespearean tragic comedy....and that is hard to emulate.
The Equalizer 3 (2023)
Take a Dark and Spiritual Tour of Italy
As a super fan of Equalizer parts one and two, I knew they had set the bar really high for this one. It's very hard for sequels to live up to the first one. Nevertheless, they did a very good job with this one by using a variety of venues to change it up a bit. First of all, the entire set and scene is in Italy.
It is not daylight eye candy like in the current Greek wedding movie, but most of it takes place in a darker mode and for a good reason. There is one point when Denzel Washington is talking to a young misguided gang thug that the look upon his face is indescribable. Be forewarned that the movie is quite violent with lots of blood and gore and occasional rough language, but if you love a good David and Goliath movie, you will love this one. That is something else they've done very well: interweave the main character's sense of his obvious dedication to and faith in God with his mandate to spend much of his life slaughtering evil people.
Weekend at Bernie's (1989)
Critics are clueless. Feel free to laugh your A off bc you will.
Only reason anyone would score this movie less than being very good is that they have no sense of humor whatsoever. Certainly, it's not very believable but then again, what entertaining movie is not full of hyperbole?
The constipated critics giving it such low scores need to go and lighten up.
Regardless of a slightly cliché plot where the two underdogs succeed because the omnipotent character has behaved badly and therefore offed himself is very well done in this comedy.
Critics score blasé horrific movies like "Manchester by the Sea" in the 90s, but I sure don't see references to that movie decades later like there have been to this one. Rant over.
Asteroid City (2023)
Way too bizarre and with political undertones
The only other movie that I have ever given a score this low was "Manchester by the Sea" and ironically, the movie critics just gobbled it up at a 93.
I can pretty well gauge if I will like a movie or not if movie critics give it an average score. I often agree with the general public, but I sure as heck don't on this one. Let me see if I can come up with a list of adjectives to describe this so-called Theatrical "hit:"
Bizarre
Macabre
Politically driven
Monotonous
Sleep-inducing (I truly dozed momentarily and I almost never do that in a movie)
Confusing
Colorful
Creative (trying to be objective here)
Well-acted (truly did enjoy Scarlett Johansson)
Quirky
Incomprehensible
Funny at times
So if you want to see a movie about a writer who writes several colorful characters into his skit set in the desert, includes 21st-century-mandated heterosexual and homosexual intrigue, and experiencing extra terrestrial phenomena, you might like it.
There is definitely political agenda subliminally included along with the chanting of "you can't wake up if you don't go to sleep," but I'll have to have that explained to me.
All I can say is it made me have flashbacks to Manchester by the Sea.
No Hard Feelings (2023)
Do Yourself a Favor and Watch This
I just love it when I find a comedy that I know will probably become one of those that I watch six times over a period of a few years! This is one such movie! The writing is superb with many of the quick comebacks, and both main characters really rock their roles.
This movie does a divine job of mixing absurd comedy with heartfelt moments and absolute melancholy. I even voiced my query early in the movie when I said to my SO, "Wow, I wonder how they are going to wrap this one up...?"
I do not want to have to label this review as containing spoiler alerts so I will just say I highly recommend this very R-rated movie for every adult audience that needs a laugh! (In fact, one of my favorite things about it was the entire audience guffawed aloud several times.)
Miss Meadows (2014)
Stumbled Upon a Perfect Sunday Afternoon Film
I'll first say I am not necessarily a fan of Katie Holmes and somehow the main male character didn't seem profound enough, but that is absolutely all I see from this movie that wasn't
Divine.
It's absolutely hilarious how movie critics just cannot handle a plot that has a female protagonist who is a bad ass!
I won't say much about the plot or I will have to list it under spoiler alert and I would rather not. I can say this: females can be bad ass vigilantes, quirky personalities can find perfect mates, and some movies can have perfect endings. Moreover, it's very hard to predict the next curve this movie will take as it moves along.
The Machine (2023)
Critics have no idea of what people enjoy!
Sometimes I wonder what these critics are smoking or if they saw a different movie than I did. Although this movie is filled with a lot of violence and some profanity, the whole concept is creative, far-fetched, and downright hilarious. I will say that it does follow the contemporary spoiled teenage brat norm when it comes to the main character's
daughter. The teacher and parent in me wanted to jump right into the screen and slap the snot out of her.
As much as I love comedy, I actually was not very familiar with this comedian, which surprises me. The female lead in this movie was impressive, and I hope to see more of her in other movies. I think she is Russian or from the Middle East.
I could quite honestly sit through this movie again.
About My Father (2023)
Worth the Time
The first 30 minutes left a void instead of the anticipated flashbacks and expectations that would provide the giddy pleasure of a ridiculous comedy like Meet the Parents. I squirmed a little because it just wasn't reaching that level. Then I realized that this movie is a more of a tame comedy with the cliche 21st-century undertone of promoting the acceptance of all cultures and races along with a more docile and believable plot.
After those 30 minutes, I settled in for a quasi-urbane and enjoyable experience. Possibly one of the best moments is the highlighting of the "Italian male resting b!+<h face" because DeNiro ROCKS IT! (I can hardly stand DeNiro anymore because of my own political affiliation but I try and leave that out of the picture and just enjoy his acting.)
I recommend this movie for sure.
Survive the Night (2020)
Needs a Different Director Maybe?
I almost always get really frustrated with super low ratings on these movies that are now streamed on a lot of stations. However, this one did initially garner my attention, and I was curious how Bruce Willis has been doing the last few years. This has a pretty decent cast in it, but the writing - and even the directing - is a bit kitschy and slapstick at times. Here's an example: Hours into the in-home kidnapping of the family, when it's critical and obvious that the teenage daughter needs to be quiet, she looks at her mom and says, "I'm scared, Mom..." Duh.
Put this one in with Bruce Willis Die Hard sequels that are so unrealistic about air transport jets.
Nefarious (2023)
Holy and Malevolent
This will be one of the most difficult movies you will ever watch. It has a bit of a slow start after an initial intriguing hook. After the first :20, you'll be riveted and wondering how it will end.
After watching this film, if you don't rethink everything you know about your Christian beliefs and spirituality - or any agnostic attitudes should you have them - then you weren't paying attention.
Regardless, Sean Patrick Flannery should receive nominations for every acting award there is, but it's not likely he will because the script is not what the dark side likes to see. That's ironic, however, because it sure puts them in the "spotlight."
John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)
Elevated Score Puzzles Me
I really don't understand how this movie garnered such a high score. I felt like I was in a Star Wars sequel with people either running or being shot at for almost 3 hours. Cinematography was fabulous and it did take you to other countries in a realistic and enjoyable way, however, so if you could sit back and enjoy that, it was worth it.
I believe Keanu Reeves' immortality outperformed Mel Gibson in the Lethal Weapon series after being shot about 84 times, thrown down flights of stairs multiple times and off buildings - and no - the Kevlar suit wasn't convincing to me.
Whereas blind people can do amazing things, Reeves' love-hate relationship with a former friend was not convincing.
In college, I learned that fiction still works if it is at least somewhat believable in its own setting. This one missed the mark.
The Whale (2022)
A Huge Eye Opener to Life
If Frasier isn't nominated for an award for this film, it will be an oversight of gargantuan nature, pun intended. The film can be a little slow at times; it's obvious that this is intentional to set the earned monotonous backdrop/scenery of his life. This is perhaps the only mediocre point of the entire film. . I'm becoming a little numb (at least I've gone from annoyed as hell to numb) to Hollywood's requirement of demographic inclusivity of the LGBQT doctrine; however, it works well within the plot as it is written. The youngster playing the role of his daughter is such a natural emulation of a young Emily Blunt that I am wondered if she is truly related to her. Performances by every character in this movie tops the chart. Unfortunately, I'm going to have to hit the spoiler alert button because the ending was done so well, even though I still needed tissues.
Love the Coopers (2015)
Critics Don't Know What They're Taking About
You know, I get so sick of critics and their micro-seeking of dramatic huge underlying messages that are totally devoid of cliché.
Sometimes we need cliché and obscene humor to help us deal with real life and this movie offers plenty of same. In fact, it just about brought me to tears at least twice. One part that was unrealistic is the total acceptance of the teenagers' totally licking each other's faces and smooching in public.
This movie is cram-packed, full of heavy hitter actors, cliché plots, and 21st century-mandated, diverse demographics.
It's a very feel good Christmas movie. See it if you haven't.
Missing (2023)
Surprisingly Creative Plot
If you are going to see this movie, do not let anyone tell you anything about it ahead of time. In fact, I am going to make this review very vague m, so I don't have to mark it as spoiler alert. This may be difficult for some people to watch because it involves a tremendous amount of the use of technology; in fact, I was glad my partner was not with me, because he does not care for movies that are very technocentric.
The cast was well chosen, complete with the 21st-century required demographics that have become so tiresome.
I do suggest this movie as an excellent thriller that will keep you guessing from the beginning almost to the end.
A Man Called Otto (2022)
Eager to See It Again!
The critics who gave this flick a low score must be a whole basket of fun at a party. Either that or they have had a cardiacectomy and empathy for others is not a valued emotion.
I'm truly not a fan of Tom Hanks as a person, but I have to admit he's one heck of an actor. This film also features his youngest son, Truman. This was a very smart move in the casting for the flow and authenticity of the movie, as he looks enough like his father for the audience to easily buy into his role as young Tom Hanks.
A modern-day Shakespeare might call the plot line an astute tragic comedy that rotates around two central themes easily summed up in two quotes from the movie, "Your heart is too big," and "You're really bad at dying."
The actor who portrays his pushy Latino neighbor deserves a supporting actor award.
The Peanut Butter Falcon (2019)
Testosterone and Heart
This movie touched my heart almost as much as my fave "Simon Birch." I feel like it was very well cast as well. We don't see Shia LeBouef in many films unless they are testosterone-driven male flicks, yet this offers that AND really has heart. As much as I am not a fan of Don Johnson or Melanie Griffith, I really do enjoy watching Dakota Johnson. Zack Gotsagen does a fabulous job as an actor who is a Down's Syndrome individual.
Explore the abilities of people who are discouraged - as if they're not capable of doing great things - when they are. This movie is a great argument against existing stereotypes.
Worth the watch!
Smile (2022)
Slow but stays with you
This is one of those extremely slow, moving movies that could've effectively been at least 15 minutes, shorter and done as well. However, I will credit it with being one of those that stays with you and lingers long after you have seen it.
The lead actor was amazing but there were times I felt like she was overdoing it. The movie is the 21st-century demographically, correct, biracial relationship - which I have no problem with whether it matters or not - I'm just sick of it being a requirement.
I did feel like the ending was well done and therefore I'm going to indicate spoiler alert on my review.
Ishtar (1987)
Worth Watching on the Small Screen
Comedies have a very difficult time earning the credit deserved from most published critics and reviewers. My opinion is most critics are narcissistic snobs looking for The True Meaning of Life in every movie.
I watched Ishtar in the theater decades ago; I remember liking it more than I had expected to... perhaps the setting was so foreign to me (no pun intended).
Fast forward to my early "golden years" when I stumbled onto this movie today after it had started on a free streaming station and I realized what an adorable work of art it actually is. Furthermore, I love Dustin Hoffman; I can take or leave Warren Beatty.
If you're looking for a very different and often slapstick comedy (think horse-trader-purchase of a blind camel with an abscessed tooth), here's a great one!
Brooklyn (2015)
Lovely
I thought I'd written a review for this years ago! This is one of the most heartwarming yet bittersweet dramas I've ever seen. I've watched it three times.
Bullet Train (2022)
Bloody Funny Dramady
I never expected the level of comedy that was in this movie. Furthermore, Brad Pitt's declaration of his bad luck really struck a cord with me because I swear I've a black cloud that follows me.
Vengeance (2022)
See it!
See it for a political roller coaster ride, but don't let anyone tell you anything about it ahead of time. This pic is well worth the time; it requires diligent attention to the dialogue.
Nine Perfect Strangers (2021)
Fabulously bizarre
Absolutely and fabulously bizarre. A personal fave Nicole Kidman performance and excellent memorable performances by just about everyone else in it. I can't offer much more than that without having to say spoiler alert and I don't want to! See it yourself and at best let yourself binge watch it!
Where the Heart Is (2000)
Critics need new glasses
WTHeck with the picky critics?!?! This is one of my all-time movie faves!
The entire plot is mildly gimmicky but it's just sublime.
Natalie Portman was a gem and her love interest character was a dorky cutie.
The Black Phone (2021)
A baby boomers' must-see
I highly recommend this movie for every baby boomer. There are many generational nuances because the setting is, after all, 1978. It also goes back to a time when parents did discipline their children, although it was overdone (much like mine was).
Moreover, there is a much deeper message in that brain can win over brawn, and that critical thinking is can save you.
Although all ages over 18 will enjoy the film, it's a great one for those who are over 50.