Reviews: G-H-I-J-K-L
Some time ago I started writing short reviews of films I watched and posted them on Film Afficianado, while also rating them X/10. I have been thinking about a way to organize these alphabetically so I could find them easily if I needed to. I will try dividing the alphabet into 4 Lists. I will probably have to wait until I am at a computer to organize each List. I will probably keep sequels chronological.
5/24/19 - Spent a long time copying and pasting reviews from FilmAF because the website is closing.
5/24/19 - Spent a long time copying and pasting reviews from FilmAF because the website is closing.
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- DirectorBruce D. ClarkStarsEdward AlbertErin MoranRay WalstonA ragtag spaceship crew sent on a rescue mission encounter a formidable enemy, their worst fears projected by their own imaginations.5/10 - It gets 5 only for the atmosphere and sets. All good may mostly be due to James Cameron before he was a director. Weird editing and unexplained scenes. A lot better than a B movie usually is, if the editing was better it would be very decent. 5/24/14
- DirectorJohn Francis DaleyJonathan GoldsteinStarsJason BatemanRachel McAdamsKyle ChandlerA group of friends who meet regularly for game nights find themselves entangled in a real-life mystery when the shady brother of one of them is seemingly kidnapped by dangerous gangsters.8.5/10 - This turned out to be pretty good. Man, I really wish they would have left what would have probably been the biggest laugh of the movie out of the trailer. Dagum Jesse Plemmons was great and he's in EVERYTHING and married to KIRSTEN DUNST. aaaaahhhhhh. 6/17/18
- DirectorRod AmateauStarsAnthony NewleyMackenzie AstinPhil FondacaroDodger must confront the struggles of life as he is visited by the Garbage Pail Kids and intimidated by some older bullies.5/10 - Streamed via YouTube. I was at 4 and then they revealed that the other GPKs got smashed by a trash truck and dropped it to 3...BUT, now a day later and I'll just go with 5. It's absurd, but I kinda want to watch it again? Is something wrong with me? Hey, and even stranger, I learned via a recent telephone interview on YouTube that Dodger and the girl were dating in real life!?! I thought she was 5 years older. 8/25/14
- DirectorDean DevlinStarsGerard ButlerJim SturgessAbbie CornishWhen the network of satellites designed to control the global climate starts to attack Earth, it's a race against the clock for its creator to uncover the real threat before a worldwide Geostorm wipes out everything and everyone.I saw Geostorm in 3D last weekend with my mom. She really likes these types of movies and I was interested in how the 3D would be. I knew what kind of movie it was going in, and it wasn't bad for what it was. She loves superhero movies, too, so we will probably see Thor and Justice League in 3D since this theater has $6 3D matinees. 10/27/17
- DirectorStephen KayStarsSylvester StalloneRachael Leigh CookMiranda RichardsonA Las Vegas mob enforcer travels back to his hometown to investigate his brother's mysterious death.6/10 - DVR'd 1/4/19. 1x viewing. This features some of the era's hyper editing style and music. The editing made it hard to follow who was who during action scenes. Some of the acting is over the top imo, Alan Cumming especially. Some of the scenes are cut so awkwardly that you think the scene is over with slow fades to black, but then it comes back with more of the scene. John C McGinley seems odd in this role since I know hm mostly from Scrubs. 3/24/19
- DirectorJordan PeeleStarsDaniel KaluuyaAllison WilliamsBradley WhitfordA young African-American visits his white girlfriend's parents for the weekend, where his simmering uneasiness about their reception of him eventually reaches a boiling point.8/10 - Maybe more 8.5-ish? Enjoyed the film. Jordan Peele did a great job writing and directing. You can tell Peele probably had fun making this. This and Split are pretty much neck and neck for me. 2/26/17
- DirectorJoel SouzaStarsWill SpencerCade SuttonPhillip WamplerGrowing up in a small town, Charlie, Alex and Nick weren't the most popular kids around after they formed "The Elite Monster Unit". Chasing notorious, mythical legends and ghosts was exciting to them, not "cool" to the other kids around. So they lived their lives on the outside of the "in" crowd. Making matters worse was Charlie's obvious crush on Brandy, one of the most popular kids in school and sister to one of the biggest bullies around. Trying to impress Brandy, Charlie accepts a dare from her brother Nick that says he and his friends must spend Halloween night in a house long rumored to be haunted.What seems to be an easy challenge quickly turns out to be a night of frights as Charlie, Nick and Alex find themselves in the fight of their lives trying to out smart (and outrun) their new nemesis, a ghost dog named Salty, who does whatever he can to make this the worst night of their lives...Surprised at how little info there is on this movie. I just caught it on TV. Maybe a 7/10. It was refreshing to hear no profanity. Kinda felt like a Nickelodeon movie. Still, I had to see it in Full Screen, but I assume it was shot in Widescreen. If I see the DVD cheap I might get it. 3/5/16
- DirectorDavid LoweryStarsCasey AffleckRooney MaraMcColm Cephas Jr.In this singular exploration of legacy, love, loss, and the enormity of existence, a recently deceased, white-sheeted ghost returns to his suburban home to try to reconnect with his bereft wife.8/10 - Redbox rental. 80 cents. Lowery is a director that interests me and this concept and how they promoted it was cool. Even listening to the commentary I'm not completely sure what happened. They completely ignored one of the oddest scenes (hospital portal?). Has some extremely long takes that will probably tick off some viewers. Watched this Friday the 13th. 10/15/17
- DirectorIvan ReitmanStarsBill MurrayDan AykroydSigourney WeaverThree parapsychologists forced out of their university funding set up shop as a unique ghost removal service in New York City, attracting frightened yet skeptical customers.10/10 - The only thing that kinda bothers me is that the rooftop does not even remotely look like a real location. It is a set through and through. I like old school fx more than current CGI for the most part. This time I really listened for the soundtrack and score. Wish the Bernstein score was easily available. Always hoped for a 3rd with the original 4. Hoping the new one will be good, but it just won't be the same I'm afraid, I mean, I ain't afraid of no ghosts!
Observations on this viewing: The long steadicam shot to establish the librarian in the basement. The fact that it cuts from them looking at the very dirty firehouse almost directly to their first use of equipment in the hotel. They skipped cleaning up the firehouse. They skipped the development and testing of all the equipment. Scenes like this have already been shown in the trailers for the 2016 film. All pop songs on the soundtrack are in the film, some faint background music.
Another thing I find weird about the movie - the scene where the street opens up and they simply fall in and get out. There's is little to no tension, but the movie plays it up like they saved the world there. I almost have the feeling something was cut here, but I forget. 7-14-16. - DirectorIvan ReitmanStarsBill MurrayDan AykroydSigourney WeaverThe discovery of a massive river of ectoplasm and a resurgence of spectral activity allows the staff of Ghostbusters to revive the business.9/10 - I don't understand why some people act like this sequel is not that good. Egon/Harold Ramis has a lot of good lines. I like how Bill Murray acts with Dana and the baby. Fx are all good. Not sure what more you could want from a sequel. I wish a third would have been made with this group. This film really deserves a nice release with extras at least up to par with what the original has. Not sure what is on the newer BR releases. 7-14-16.
- DirectorPaul FeigStarsMelissa McCarthyKristen WiigKate McKinnonFollowing a ghost invasion of Manhattan, paranormal enthusiasts Erin Gilbert and Abby Yates, nuclear engineer Jillian Holtzmann, and subway worker Patty Tolan band together to stop the otherworldly threat.7/10 - I saw this twice in the theater in 3D. I didn't hate it as much as most. Now it is on satellite, so I watched it again on TV. There is a lot of bad moments here. I think I am knocking it back down to 7. That said, I wouldn't mind if they made a sequel. Hopefully, they would fix their problems and not have the horrible roll out that this one did. I still find it watchable and I'm not sure why. 2/12/17
7-7.5/10 - I will not go in depth, as I don't want to spoil anything. Not as bad as some want you to believe, but not great either imo. 7/17/16.
8/10 - After I watched this with mom, she commented how the 3D did not feel like it "surrounded you" as it did with IMAX 3D Force Awakens. I had a theory, maybe I read something online, that you need to be close enough for the screen to fill your vision. So I went back Sat morning. It was only showing at 11 am or 10pm. Probably won't last past this Thurs. I sat on the floor seats. 2 kids were on the front row when I got there. I'm beginning to think the screen needs to be floor to ceiling like IMAX. Still, I enjoyed it. To really test this theory I would have to see it in IMAX, but GB only played there 1 week due to Star Trek. The perfect 3D score by CinemaBlend hyped me up for it. I may bump the movie to an 8. It has problems, but I enjoy the Ghostbuster world. Sure, I would rather have the remaining 3 do a GB 3, but this is better than nothing imo. If they have a cool home video release I will probably get it. Just ordered some Ecto Cooler! 7/31/16. - DirectorJason ReitmanStarsCarrie CoonPaul RuddFinn WolfhardWhen a single mom and her two kids arrive in a small town, they begin to discover their connection to the original Ghostbusters and the secret legacy their grandfather left behind.8-7.5/10 - Redbox rental. Feeling kinda mixed on this one. I'm not sure how I would have felt if I was able to see this opening weekend in theater without the ending spoiled. Now I can go back and watch reviews that I avoided to try and avoid spoilers. Like with The Force Awakens, it would have been better to have an entirely new villain instead of the Death Star/Gozer again. A sequence in Walmart was too much. I would've liked some references to GB II. Having the gatekeeper/keymaster pretty much redone was not needed. I'm not even sure why they start busing the first ghost. It's not hurting anyone, though I guess they are only trapping it and not destroying it? I don't know. We'll see what is done in future installments. 2/1/22.
- DirectorLuca BercoviciStarsPeter LiapisLisa PelikanMichael Des BarresA young man and his girlfriend move into an old mansion home, where he becomes possessed by a desire to control ancient demons.5/10 - DVR'd TCM Underground 10/12/19. 1x watch. I remember seeing the VHS cover as a kid. This has some nice score and nice moments, but mostly pretty corny. I think I have seen one where the Ghoulies are at a carnival (apparently 2). When you set up a monster in a toilet, you expect a payoff where someone goes to the bathroom and gets killed, but no such scene for this. You just see a quick cutaway to it. I think they do in 2 though. Jack Nance from Eraserhead is in it. 5/22/20.
- DirectorAlbert BandStarsDamon MartinRoyal DanoPhil FondacaroThe Ghoulies wreak havoc at an amusement park, disposing of those who mistake them for mere fairground attractions.6/10 - Pretty dumb film, but it has humor. 6 is probably generous. Full Screen & supposedly PG-13. Had 4 F-bombs & a MF. I have seen this movie before. Definitely remembered the trailer/toilet scene. DVR'd 5-26-15. Picture was really clear. Older actor was familiar. *spoilers* Kinda shocking to have him die maybe halfway through. Never seen the 1st one. Small actor was in Troll. Opening chase may be the slowest of all time. You seen my little muffy? Who hasn't? Stop motion walking was cool. 11/27/2015
- DirectorJoel EdgertonStarsJason BatemanRebecca HallJoel EdgertonA married couple, Simon and Robyn, run into Gordo, an old classmate. Things take a turn when Gordo begins to drop in unannounced at their house and inundates them with mysterious gifts.8/10 - Redbox freebie. Maybe more 8.5. Thought it was a solid film. One Hour Photo is the first film I thought of. It goes to some uncomfortable places...11/9/2015
- DirectorTate TaylorStarsEmily BluntHaley BennettRebecca FergusonA divorcee becomes entangled in a missing persons investigation that promises to send shockwaves throughout her life.7/10 - On TV in FS. I remember this getting mixed reviews. It kept me interested the entire time and had a cool look and vibe. 2/10/18
- DirectorM. Night ShyamalanStarsJames McAvoyBruce WillisSamuel L. JacksonSecurity guard David Dunn uses his supernatural abilities to track Kevin Wendell Crumb, a disturbed man who has twenty-four personalities.8/10 - Some of the choices keep it from being higher, but I dug most of it. Teens showed up at the end of the last preview and sat beside and in front of me, yapping and checking phones through the movie, so that ruined my concentration on the movie. 1/20/19
- DirectorGraeme CliffordStarsChristian SlaterSteven BauerRichard HerdA young avid skateboarder uncovers a government conspiracy while investigating his adoptive brother's mysterious death.6/10 - DVR'd 7-5-21 FMC. I recently got a DVD copy of the film, but the DVD is Full Screen. This showing was Widescreen. It feels like a little crime film that is mostly a showcase for skateboarding. There are some really nice sequences and I guess the skateboarding is done by Tony Hawk made up to look like Slater. 8/26/22.
- DirectorRoland EmmerichStarsMatthew BroderickJean RenoMaria PitilloFrench nuclear tests irradiate an iguana into a giant monster that heads off to New York City. The American military must chase the monster across the city to stop it before it reproduces.Rifftrax Live on 8/16/14. Lots of fun. 1st time to see the movie since I saw it in the theater. Still a very bad movie.
- DirectorGareth EdwardsStarsAaron Taylor-JohnsonElizabeth OlsenBryan CranstonThe world is beset by the appearance of monstrous creatures, but one of them may be the only one who can save humanity.7/10 - 2nd viewing on Blu-ray. I think this was the first time to view this in almost 10 years. Wow. It just feels more like what I think of as a 7 now. It is frustrating that you don't see G until about an hour in, they they have a great character die and that they keep cutting away right before a fight scene happens. It's interesting that the director now is probably going to make the next Jurassic World movie. I am going to try and rewatch the MonsterVerse because there is a new coming out in about a month. 2/24/24.
8/10 - Saw this at Morris Twin Cinema. $1.50. Enjoyed this more than expected. Thought it was pretty well done for this type of movie. 1st time to go to this theater. It shows first run movies for $1.50. It's about 30 miles away. If it was 15 miles away or less, I would see tons of movies here. Right before the movie started two 12 yr old boys shifted down one seat over in front and talked throughout the whole movie - even during big action sequences! 5/21/14 - DirectorMichael DoughertyStarsKyle ChandlerVera FarmigaMillie Bobby BrownThe crypto-zoological agency Monarch faces off against a battery of god-sized monsters, including the mighty Godzilla, who collides with Mothra, Rodan, and his ultimate nemesis, the three-headed King Ghidorah.7/10 - 2nd watch via Blu-ray. I enjoyed this more on a 2nd viewing. It had more monster stuff than 2014, so I give it that. The characters still did some pretty stupid stuff, moreso than 2014, so that hurts it. 2/25/24.
6/10 - Part of it may be because of people in the theater, but I didn't enjoy this much. I found myself checking the clock. Some of the character motivations seemed so stupid. One character knew how to solve almost every problem even though it had nothing to do with their profession. I might enjoy it more on another viewing without audience distractions. 6/19/19. - DirectorAdam WingardStarsAlexander SkarsgårdMillie Bobby BrownRebecca HallThe epic next chapter in the cinematic Monsterverse pits two of the greatest icons in motion picture history against each other--the fearsome Godzilla and the mighty Kong--with humanity caught in the balance.7.5/10 - 2nd watch via Blu-ray. I own the 4K/Blu-ray. The film looked really great. The monster fighting scenes were great and it felt like there was more of it. It was cool to see Hollow Earth. Too bad it looks like Eiza Gonzalez got killed. She seemed fine, but wanted some of the blue stuff, which made her instantly evil and they got killed really quickly after. I don't really know the point of it. Hopefully, I can see the 5th film in theaters. 3/3/24.
7/10 - Redbox freebie. I didn't get a chance to watch the prior films before watching this. All of the scenes with the monsters are great. There isn't much of a story otherwise. Pretty sure it was more enjoyable than King of the Monsters, but I feel I probably like Kong Skull Island the most. I would have to watch Godzilla 2014 again to see how I feel about it now. Had to find out who Eiza Rodriguez was. 6/19/21. - DirectorAdam WingardStarsRebecca HallBrian Tyree HenryDan StevensTwo ancient titans, Godzilla and Kong, clash in an epic battle as humans unravel their intertwined origins and connection to Skull Island's mysteries.5-6/10 - Saw this in the movie theater in 3D. I rewatched the prior MonsterVerse films in March. I enjoyed some of them more than I appeared to in the theater. This film got great 3D reviews from Cinemablend and a lady at work. This made me want to see it in 3D even more, so I went to the same theater she did. I don't know if we were in the same auditorium. This was a smaller room with a smaller screen. The 3D did not feel spectacular or anything. I sat slightly off center to the right and saw 'ghosting' in the left lense. Maybe all of this hurt the 3D? I don't know. I may have to give up on 3D from now on. I was also very sleepy and would nod off time to time, apparently I missed an entire trailer before the movie.
The film itself just seemed like a mess. People complain about there being too many humans. This may have had a ton more monster screen time. It really was a Kong movie, too. Maybe it was the editing. They seemed to want to set up jokes, but there would not be time to react. Never heard any laughter in the audience. Kinda confusing. They set up another world inside of the other world. Don't know if they will keep this up. lol. Maybe I will enjoy this more when seeing it at home like I did with the last few of these. 4/19/24. - DirectorMichael RitchieStarsEddie MurphyJ.L. ReateCharles DanceA private detective specializing in missing children is charged with the task of finding a special child whom dark forces want to eliminate.7/10 - 2nd viewing. This is a pretty fun movie. It's sort of setup like a Bogart crime mystery story, but then you add in supernatural monk stuff and also an Eddie Murphy comedy vehicle. Hard not to think of Ace Ventura 2 with the monk stuff. Then you have the villain from Last Action Hero. The weird henchmen are kinda like Sloth from Goonies, so it's like they were taking from Goonies, Raiders/Temple, Gremlins, etc. 2/13/18
7/10 - 1x viewing. Ramboraph kept mentioning this movie, so I have been looking for a cheap DVD copy. The movie has some really weird editing at times. Charlotte Lewis was gorgeous. Made me realize there were lots of biker gangs in 80's movies. Overall just OK. Not terrible, but not great. 9/20/16. - DirectorDavid FincherStarsBen AffleckRosamund PikeNeil Patrick HarrisWith his wife's disappearance having become the focus of an intense media circus, a man sees the spotlight turned on him when it's suspected that he may not be innocent.8/10 - Redbox freebie. It is an 8 at least. I was thinking 9, but after reading the IMDB boards and some thought, there is quite a bit of absurdity. On the other hand, it goes some places a lot of other movies don't. Does that give it a higher rating because of that? Maybe more 8.5? 2/26/15
- DirectorRob LettermanStarsJack BlackDylan MinnetteOdeya RushA teenager teams up with the daughter of young-adult horror author R.L. Stine after the writer's imaginary demons are set free on the town of Madison, Delaware.8/10 - 1x viewing. This surprised me and was a lot better than I expected. Odeya Rush really stood out as someone to watch for in other projects - this film is already 6 years old. I own the sequel on Blu-ray, but have read that it pretty much is its own thing. All of the cast in this film was pretty good, so it's a shame they did not continue with these characters. 10/26/21.
- DirectorAri SandelStarsWendi McLendon-CoveyMadison IsemanJeremy Ray TaylorTwo young friends find a magic book that brings a ventriloquist's dummy to life.7-7.5/10 - 1x viewing. Watched it after watching Goosebumps 2015 for the 1st time. I remember reading it was a step down, but for me, it wasn't much of a step down. I thought it was pretty solid for a sequel. 10/26/21.
- DirectorJeff KanewStarsAnthony EdwardsLinda FiorentinoJsu GarciaJonathan plays Gotcha with fellow college students, testing ability as assassin or mark, using paintball guns on campus. He flies to Paris on vacation and, with a woman taking his virginity, on to Berlin, where the game/ammo gets real.8/10 - 1x watch via Blu-ray. This was a fun movie. One part I didn't get - in the scene where he is told to meet her at the top of the tower - when the guys take the time to shoot the woman with a sniping gun - why didn't they send one of the people there to be ready in case he started running? That really made no logically sense to me. I guess it could be explained that they had just gotten there and did not have time to do anything. This PG-13 movie also had a topless flash. 12/16/23.
- DirectorPrinceStarsPrinceMorris DayIngrid ChavezThe unofficial sequel to 'Purple Rain' (1984). The Kid is now club owner and rival to Morris (Morris Day), with whom he gets into a fight for the Glam Slam Nightclub.Purple Rain is played all the time. VH1 actually had this movie on. Tons of commercial breaks. No idea if much was edited out. The styles and music of the late 80's/early 90's were mostly painful. 6-21-16.
- DirectorWes AndersonStarsRalph FiennesF. Murray AbrahamMathieu AmalricA writer encounters the owner of an aging high-class hotel, who tells him of his early years serving as a lobby boy in the hotel's glorious years under an exceptional concierge.7/10? - I don't know. I didn't seem to enjoy this. Crafted well like usual by Anderson, but I didn't really care. I feel this with everything post Life Aquatic. Seemed odd for there to be so many F-bombs in a film set in the 30's. Also tired of Anderson killing little animals in his movies. 4/12/14
I think I saw this later and realized it was at least an 8. 5/24/19 - DirectorEugenio MiraStarsElijah WoodJohn CusackKerry BishéA pianist with stage fright endures a performance under the eyes of a mysterious sniper, who will shoot and kill him if a wrong note is played.8.5-9/10 - 1x viewing. Recently read that Corey Feldman felt his best performance was for a movie called The Birthday. Looked into and found it on YouTube. The director later directed this film which I bought from a closing movie rental store in 2018. I found it and watched it tonight. Why is this director and film not more well known? Grand Piano is heavily inspired by Hitchcock. DePalma was inpsired by Hitchcock and also used a split screen - I can't remember if Hitch ever did that. This film is very well made and stylish. The simple plot may be keeping me from giving it a 9 flat out, but maybe I should anyway. 8/8/21.
- DirectorRalph S. SingletonStarsDavid AndrewsKelly WolfStephen MachtIn a very old textile mill with a serious rat infestation, deadly accidents start happening, but the corrupt foreman continues to put his workers in danger, until they discover a horrifying secret deep in the basement.7/10 - 1st x Graveyard Shift. This has some weird voice stuff, maybe post dubbing by Macht. I guess you would need to compare it to a VHS to see if it is the same or something that happened with the 5.1 mix. This is pretty fun. Needed more Dourif exterminator. Would they really not know about an extra floor with massive equipment? End credits song reminds me of Eno/Byrne loops with vocal snippets. Good two-fer with Of Unknown Origin? Might like it more with more views. 4/22/18
- DirectorBaz LuhrmannStarsLeonardo DiCaprioCarey MulliganJoel EdgertonA writer and wall street trader, Nick Carraway, finds himself drawn to the past and lifestyle of his mysterious millionaire neighbor, Jay Gatsby, amid the riotous parties of the Jazz Age.7/10(?) - DISH freebie. With period music and less cartoony backdrops I may have rated it an 8 or higher. Was leaning towards 6, but ambition may have pushed it to 7. 6/29/14
- DirectorDavid LoweryStarsDev PatelAlicia VikanderJoel EdgertonA fantasy retelling of the medieval story of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.8/10 - No pandemic I probably would've seen this in the theater. I got the Blu-ray on Black Friday for $7.99. The film is great to look at and has amazing atmosphere. I'm not sure how I feel about everything and I may grow to like it on subsequent viewings. I don't understand why no one in the film ever asked what the Green Knight was exactly. No human can have their head cut off and live, so there is obviously some kind of magic or sorcery involved. The rating also says "graphic nudity." Are they talking about the giants? Nothing graphic to me about that. 11/28/21.
- DirectorJoe DanteStarsZach GalliganPhoebe CatesHoyt AxtonA young man inadvertently breaks three important rules concerning his new pet and unleashes a horde of malevolently mischievous monsters on a small town.9/10 - Might try and watch all the Joe Dante films I have. Wanted to watch Gremlins last year for its 30th anniversary. Just a crazy, fun film. The kitchen massacre scene is kinda hard to watch even knowing they are made up creatures. Ha. I may have seen Gremlins 2 on cable before ever seeing the complete original film. 1/10/15
- DirectorJoe DanteChuck JonesStarsZach GalliganPhoebe CatesHowie MandelThe Gremlins are back, and this time, they've taken control of a New York City media mogul's high-tech skyscraper.7/10 - I get that it is a spoof on multiple levels. Maybe I am just in the wrong mood to watch this, but this movie was really annoying me. There seemed to be a large sound difference between non-Gremlin talking people scenes and when the Gremlins were on. It was super loud and I had to keep adjusting volume. The high pitched Gremlin laugh really started bugging me, too. Lots of redheads in this movie. Haviland Morris & genetics lab secretary were too over the top for me. 1/11/15
- DirectorJay Dee WaltersStarsGlenn MorshowerGary ValentineKevin P. FarleyBowling, Fishing, working, hating and loving almost every day.7/10 - 1x watch via Tubi. I saw a news story about a movie being shot in East Texas. When I went to their website, I saw they had produced this movie and that it was already streaming free. I decided to watch it and it was a fun TV movie. They shot scenes at Oil Bowl and other East Texas locations. Chris Farley's brother, Kevin, is one of the leads. 12/25/23.
- DirectorJames GunnStarsChris PrattVin DieselBradley CooperA group of intergalactic criminals must pull together to stop a fanatical warrior with plans to purge the universe.8/10 - 2nd viewing. Still fun and enjoyable. Too much really cartoony CGI dominated worlds for my liking. Feels like something was cut when multiple characters say they traveled half way across the galaxy, but it didn't really feel that long. They also try to milk the feels a bit too much and it doesn't always work and doesn't feel earned imo. 5/4/17
8/10 - Redbox freebie. Pretty enjoyable, but probably won't become a favorite of mine. Who knows? Better than most current superhero/comic films, but like with the others, action scenes seemed edited too fast for you to really understand what is going on. CGI was pretty good for the most part. 1/24/15 - DirectorJames GunnStarsChris PrattZoe SaldanaDave BautistaThe Guardians struggle to keep together as a team while dealing with their personal family issues, notably Star-Lord's encounter with his father, the ambitious celestial being Ego.8.5/10 - 3D. I enjoyed this more than I expected and maybe even more than Vol 1. The 3D was well done imo. CGI was pretty much flawless. Nothing really took me out and screamed CGI like so many of these types of movies tend to do. Had a weird hiccup for the showing. Zero trailers and nothing telling you to put on your glasses. The movie started in 2D with the entire screen pink. People got up and told them. The scene froze and after a while the color was corrected and the movie restarted. 5/13/17
- DirectorEthan CoenJoel CoenStarsJosh BrolinGeorge ClooneyAlden EhrenreichA Hollywood fixer in the 1950s works to keep the studio's stars in line.8/10 - Another strong, unique Coen Bros film. Not sure it is one I really want or need to see again though. 1/14/17.
- DirectorJohn CarpenterStarsDonald PleasenceJamie Lee CurtisTony MoranFifteen years after murdering his sister on Halloween night 1963, Michael Myers escapes from a mental hospital and returns to the small town of Haddonfield, Illinois to kill again.9-10/10 - Watched this in preparation for the new sequel. Bought this on 10/27/06 at Best Buy for $4.99. It does seem a little hoaky when MM is stalking all the people in the daylight, even following closely in a car. Once night hits, it goes to another level, especially when Jamie Lee meets MM and the music kicks in. With all sequels thrown out with this new one, there is little known about MM. Avoiding all spoilers, so it should be interesting where they go with this one. 10/14/18
- DirectorRick RosenthalStarsJamie Lee CurtisDonald PleasenceCharles CyphersWhile Dr. Loomis hunts for Michael Myers, a traumatized Laurie is rushed to Haddonfield Memorial Hospital, and The Shape is not far behind her.8/10 - I watched this Friday, because I was going to see Alan Howarth perform Saturday. He played music from several of the films he made with John Carpenter. This may have been the first time I've seen this unedited, as I only saw it on TV before. 10/30/16.
- DirectorTommy Lee WallaceStarsTom AtkinsStacey NelkinDan O'HerlihyKids all over America want Silver Shamrock masks for Halloween. Doctor Daniel Challis seeks to uncover a plot by Silver Shamrock owner Conal Cochran.7/10 - 7 may be pushing it. 1x watch. I have been curious about Halloween 3 for a while. Hamilton Book had the barebones Blu-ray for cheap, so I got it. The opening credits are kinda cool with how the music matches the lines on the screen. The movie is pretty cheesy and very unrealistic though, and this is from someone who enjoys AYAOTD? and things like that. The Blu looks nice. This guy's plan was to murder all these kids just for 1 year? Once this went down, there would be no 2nd chances, it would be over and their cover would be blown. 10/31/20.
- DirectorDwight H. LittleStarsDonald PleasenceEllie CornellDanielle HarrisTen years after his original massacre, the invalid Michael Myers awakens on Halloween Eve and returns to Haddonfield to kill his seven-year-old niece. Can Dr. Loomis stop him?7.5/10 - 1x viewing Blu-ray. I have seen most or part of this on TV before, but didn't remember it all. It's a pretty well done movie, with some really nice shots and framing. It's pretty short and to the point. Nothing spectacular, but very solid and probably better than most of the sequels. Donald Pleasance is great and all the actors do well and have memorable faces/looks. 11/21/20.
- DirectorSteve MinerStarsJamie Lee CurtisJosh HartnettAdam ArkinLaurie Strode, now the dean of a Northern California private school with an assumed name, must battle the Shape one last time, as the life of her own son hangs in the balance.This was on AMC, so it was edited. They showed different films from the franchise out of order. They showed 78 and had some talking bits from Curtis and Carpenter about the new film. None of these were shown during H20, I believe. Hard to judge when it's edited for TV. If I have seen parts of this film, I didn't really remember it. I have seen bits of Resurrection, probably at least the opening. 10/19/18
- DirectorDavid Gordon GreenStarsJamie Lee CurtisJudy GreerAndi MatichakLaurie Strode confronts her long-time foe, Michael Myers, the masked figure who has haunted her since she narrowly escaped his killing spree on Halloween night four decades ago.I saw this again on Sunday. The more I think about it, the worse it gets. Probably be more at like a 7 - yet I may want to watch it again before some of the 8's of this year. 10/23/18
8/10 - off work for 2 days and I had a free AMC ticket from Coke rewards - decided to go on Thurs night at 7pm. I expected a line and a full parking lot. Empty parking lot and I walked right up to the ticket taker. Had a nice seat with no one behind me until 20 mins after start time - a woman brings in 3 pre-teens. / I may see this again at one of the cheap theaters. 10/19/18 - DirectorDavid Gordon GreenStarsJamie Lee CurtisJudy GreerAndi MatichakSurviving victims of Michael Myers form a vigilante mob and vow to end his reign of terror.7/10 - Redbox DVD Freebie. In non-Covid times I probably would have seen this in the theater since it is a sequel to Halloween 2018. This sequel has its problems just like that film, but it is highly watchable. The 1978 scenes have a cool look to them. Characters do really dumb stuff. I recently watched an Andi Matichak interview and I think she's lovely. I'm curious to see how the wrap the trilogy up. Nothing amazing, but fun to watch. 1/16/22.
- DirectorDavid Gordon GreenStarsJamie Lee CurtisAndi MatichakJames Jude CourtneyThe saga of Michael Myers and Laurie Strode comes to a spine-chilling climax in the final installment of this trilogy.7/10 - Redbox DVD freebie. I planned to watch this in the theater, but it left quick. I rented it the first night available (12-27-22). I ended up watching it a 2nd time the next day before taking it back before 9pm. Again, it definitely has problems, yet I enjoyed watching it. Very strange choices, but it made it more interesting to watch. I wish a beautiful woman would just immdiately fall for me like that - doesn't seem realistic, yet it does happen. If you start thinking about how it compares to the previous 2, things really don't make sense. In one film Michael is a real perso. The next he is super human. Now he can transfer his power? You just have to turn off your brain to enjoy it. 12/31/22.
- DirectorTodd PhillipsStarsBradley CooperZach GalifianakisEd HelmsWhen one of their own is kidnapped by an angry gangster, the Wolf Pack must track down Mr. Chow, who has escaped from prison and is on the run.7/10 - Free HBO weekend. I still haven't seen the original film. This one got a really negative reaction. Maybe since I have not seen the first, and since if was free, I am being more lenient on it. 6/28/14
- DirectorChristopher LandonStarsJessica RotheIsrael BroussardRuby ModineA college student must relive the day of her murder over and over again, in a loop that will end only when she discovers her killer's identity.8.5/10 - Watched this again, because I may see the sequel tomorrow. Still really enjoyed it. This, Split and Get Out all came out in 2017. Looking back at my 2017 list, it's hard to see where I would put this. I really liked a lot of movies that year. 2/16/19
8/10 - I finally saw this. Unfortunately, the trailer for the sequel ruins this movie, but I still enjoyed it despite knowing who the killer was and how they end up. Really disappointed that the 50 Cent song is not in the movie. The slipcover for this is really nice. 12/15/18. - DirectorChristopher LandonStarsJessica RotheIsrael BroussardPhi VuTree Gelbman discovers that dying over and over was surprisingly easier than the dangers that lie ahead.8/10 - I feel this is a very strong sequel. Unfortunately, a non-spoiler review revealed something I'm pretty sure is not in any trailer, so that ruined a bit. Also had some people who talked any time there was silence(and more), so that robbed some of the movie's effectiveness. I'm really leaning towards 8.5, but I need to see it sans distraction. I can't quite get them to 9's, because they borrow so much, but then again, they pull it off so well and I really enjoy them. 2/17/19
- DirectorDennis DuganStarsAdam SandlerChristopher McDonaldJulie BowenAfter his grandmothers house is repossessed by the IRS, bad tempered hockey player takes his talents to golf to earn the big bucks and get his grandmothers house back.8.5/10 - I've seen this may times, but I've never really tried to review it. It's a fun movie, but I guess I give it an 8.5 because a 9/10 seems overkill for a Sandler comedy. I quoted many of these lines/scenes around the time it came out. Recently, there was a movie called Old released and I knew I had a quote in my head from something. I figured out it's the scene early in the movie where Sandler says they can't take his grandma's house because she's too old. The running hand gag with Carl Weathers Chubbs is great, and Ben Stiller's crazy nursing home worker is also very memorable. I always remembered Julie Bowen for this movie, so when she got popular due to Modern Family, this is what I thought. Her haircut is pretty rough in this movie. The Happy Place dream sequences always cracked me up, and I had forgotten about Chubbs singing We've Only Just Begun. It's a fun comedy. I've seen it so much that I kinda watched it on cruise control and I was very tired. 7/24/21.
- DirectorBrian HensonStarsMelissa McCarthyElizabeth BanksMaya RudolphWhen the puppet cast of a '90s children's TV show begin to get murdered one by one, a disgraced LAPD detective-turned-private eye puppet takes on the case.6/10 - Redbox freebie. The way they made it is really cool, but I wish they would have gone more universal instead going the raunchy route. I had no idea that some puppet shots were completely CGI until I saw the extras. The extras only have short bits of scenes, but showing how they made a complete scene would have been great to see. 8/28/19.
- DirectorJohn WooStarsJean-Claude Van DammeLance HenriksenYancy ButlerA woman hires a drifter as her guide through New Orleans in search of her missing father. In the process, they discover a deadly game of cat and mouse behind his disappearance.I watched Ramboraph's fan cut for a little bit and then watched his YouTube commentary - watched the scenes w/o commentary, then watched with. Weird way to watch a movie. I've never seen this movie, and really don't think I've seen much John Woo. The workprint scenes look very rough. I need to see a normal cut with consistent quality. 8/22/18
- DirectorDanny LeinerStarsJohn ChoKal PennEthan EmbryA Korean-American office worker and his Indian-American stoner friend embark on a quest to satisfy their desire for White Castle burgers.7/10 - 1x watch via DVD. I got 2 of these films at Dollar Tree and finally got a 3 pack DVD at another thrift store. I decided to watch it today, as I wanted to see a comedy. It was a fun movie. It didn't blow my mind or anything, but I will definitely watch the sequels. It seemed to have a bit too many coicidences - people they knew keep showing up just about anywhere they went. 4/15/23.
- DirectorDavid YatesStarsDaniel RadcliffeEmma WatsonRupert GrintHarry, Ron, and Hermione search for Voldemort's remaining Horcruxes in their effort to destroy the Dark Lord as the final battle rages on at Hogwarts.Watched Part 1 & 2 on TV out of order/on different days. Enjoyed it. May not have seen them since the theater? Would need to watch them all without commercials relatively close together to really rate them. 11/22/16
- DirectorMario BavaStarsStephen ForsythDagmar LassanderLaura BettiA cleaver-wielding bridal designer murders various young brides-to-be in an attempt to unlock a repressed childhood trauma.5-6/10- Some nice camera work, scenery, but the voice dub makes it feel really disconnected. Cool opening credit sequence. DVR from TCM Underground. 5/6/14
- DirectorQuentin TarantinoStarsSamuel L. JacksonKurt RussellJennifer Jason LeighIn the dead of a Wyoming winter, a bounty hunter and his prisoner find shelter in a cabin currently inhabited by a collection of nefarious characters.8/10 - Another well crafted film by Tarantino. I just didn't enjoy this as much as some of his prior work. 4-9-16.
Addendum to Hateful Eight - This is the first Tarantino film I did not see in the theater since pre-Kill Bill Vol 1. I may have liked it more if I saw it on the big screen. It didn't stay in theaters as long since it did not get the Oscar boost of some of his prior films. 4-11-16. - DirectorBob RafelsonStarsPeter TorkDavy JonesMicky DolenzThe Monkees frolic their way through a series of musical set pieces and vignettes containing surreal humor and anti-establishment social commentary.5/10 - This was hard to get through. Co-written by Jack Nicholson. Think of the weird Beatles movies, but worse. Other than some of the songs and some of the images, there is really nothing here. How this got made with a considerable budget is beyond me. They go to some exotic locations, not cheap at all. Knew the Porpoise Song from Vanilla Sky. Just random in a bad way imo. 11/22/16
- DirectorGerald PottertonJohn BrunoJohn HalasStarsRichard RomanusJohn CandyJoe FlahertyA glowing green orb that embodies ultimate evil terrorizes a young girl with an anthology of bizarre and fantastic stories.7/10 - TCM Underground 10-18-15. Reminded me of Liquid Television on MTV. Would be better with a good sound system to pump the music. All women being big chested and usually nude was over the top. Lots of cool animation and imagination. 5-19-16.
- DirectorGuillermo del ToroStarsRon PerlmanDoug JonesSelma BlairA demon raised from infancy after being conjured by and rescued from the Nazis, grows up to become a defender against the forces of darkness.8.5/10 - 1x watch via DVD. I was surprised by how much I liked this. It feels like it was influential to the eventual MCU. Bits of it feel like Captain America (war parts) and GOTG 2 (the big space creatures). It was a solid movie all around and it looks like people like the sequel even more. Definitely going to look that up. I got the remake on 4K from Big Lots recently, but haven't watched it. It was not well received. 4/21/24.
- DirectorGregory PlotkinStarsCynthea MercadoStephen ConroyAmy ForsythA masked serial killer turns a horror-themed amusement park into his own personal playground, terrorizing a group of friends while the rest of the patrons believe that it is all part of the show.8/10 - 1x viewing via Blu-ray. This was a pretty solid slasher film. There is a YouTube creator who seemed to immediately put this as one of their favorite films of all time. I'm not sure why they would rate it that highly. I will have to watch some of their videos to see if I agree. The closing scene was interesting, and leaves it open for sequels. 2/9/23.
- DirectorDavid MackenzieStarsChris PineBen FosterJeff BridgesToby is a divorced father who's trying to make a better life. His brother is an ex-con with a short temper and a loose trigger finger. Together, they plan a series of heists against the bank that's about to foreclose on their family ranch.8.5/10 - David Edelstein said this was the best film of the last 2 years and it is set in Texas, so I had to see it. Pretty good turnout for a Sunday matinee. It was only showing in 1 theater, so I feared it may be gone soon. It's a pretty solid film that maybe lacks just a little something to push it to 9. Who knows, I might like it more on a 2nd viewing. 8/28/16
- DirectorSpike JonzeStarsJoaquin PhoenixAmy AdamsScarlett JohanssonIn a near future, a lonely writer develops an unlikely relationship with an operating system designed to meet his every need.9/10 - 1st viewing since 1/2014 in theater. I might change this rating to 10. I watched this, but it was interrupted a lot. DVR'd 1/16/15. I wish Jonze made more films. I would probably recommend it to anyone except that it gets raunchy at times and the cursing video game. I didn't get that even with the 1st viewing. I don't think anyone would make that. Might just be me. Ha. The score was Oscar nominated, but has never been released apparently! No soundtrack either! 2/9/18
- DirectorVittorio CottafaviStarsReg ParkFay SpainEttore ManniStrong yet sleepy Hercules discovers that the Queen of Atlantis is plotting to take over the world with superhuman warriors.MST3K Hercules & the Captive Women - Wasn't there only one captive woman? The Hercules episodes have not been favorites of mine, but this wasn't too bad. Starts off with Gypsy riffing the movie. DVD extra on the poster artist was interesting. 7/3/15
- DirectorAri AsterStarsToni ColletteMilly ShapiroGabriel ByrneA grieving family is haunted by tragic and disturbing occurrences.7/10 - 1st x watch via Blu-ray. I've known about this film for a while. I avoided spoilers, but knew there was something about a head. The director is talented. I also saw Midsommar not too long ago. At the end of the day, I don't know that I like the way he resolves his stories. I don't know if it's a 'trying to be like Kubrick' thing where you don't quite explain things or what. If this cult was setting up the car accident, there was just too many things that had to line perfectly up for that to happen. This is more convoluted than the Saw film series. Did they tongue click thing get taken for Us by Jordan Peele? 12/10/23
- DirectorJack SholderStarsKyle MacLachlanMichael NouriClaudia ChristianA cop and an FBI agent race for answers after law abiding people suddenly become violent criminals.9/10 - 1st x viewing. Never heard of this until TCM Underground aired it. Synopsis sounded cool, so I DVR'd. Wow. Starts off with a bang. I stopped the movie and watched the opening sequence again before watching the rest. Really surprised this is not more well known. 3/19/17.
- DirectorMatthew PatrickStarsGary BuseyMimi RogersMichael McKeanA deranged man hides in the attic of a new house and becomes obsessed with the unsuspecting family that moves in.8/10 - 1x watch via Roku TV free stream. Not too long ago I saw the poster image for the first time. Something made me think of it again and I saw that it was free to stream on Roku. I enjoyed it a lot. If it had a Blu-ray release I would get it. I would love to hear more about the making of this movie. 1/16/24.
- DirectorBob GiraldiStarsJon CryerKeith CooganAnnabeth GishA stockbroker on the run from the mob decides to hide out from them by enrolling as a high-school student.7/10 - I may bump it to 8. Not a perfect movie by any measure, but for some reason it has stuck with me. I am wondering if there were cut scenes when it was shown on cable. Jon Cryer doesn't fit in with the early scenes with a pretty obvious beard. His voice seemed higher than usual also. I wonder if it was sped up to avoid cutting scenes, to come under a time limit? No mention of any of this on IMDB. 7/13/14
- DirectorRussell MulcahyStarsChristopher LambertSean ConneryClancy BrownAn immortal Scottish swordsman must confront the last of his immortal opponents, a murderously brutal barbarian who lusts for the fabled "Prize".7/10 - 1x watch via Blu-ray. This is a fun movie. It can be very corny, but there are also some unique camera moves and beautiful scenery.
- DirectorPatrick HughesStarsRyan ReynoldsSamuel L. JacksonGary OldmanOne of the world's top bodyguards gets a new client, a world class hitman who must testify at the International Criminal Court. They must put their differences aside and work together to make it to the trial alive and on time.8/10 - Used my $5 Atom code. I enjoyed this. Don't let the Rotten Tomatoes score keep you from seeing it if it looks like something you would like. I would rather watch this again than Logan Lucky. 8/20/17
- DirectorPatrick HughesStarsRyan ReynoldsSamuel L. JacksonSalma HayekThe bodyguard, Michael Bryce, continues his friendship with assassin, Darius Kincaid, as they try to save Darius' wife Sonia.8/10 - Bought the Blu-ray on Black Friday. It was another solid film in the vein of the first one. If that's what you want to see, you get it here again. It does sorta almost get to Austin Powers style of over the top, yet the kills are brutal in the style of John Wick, so it's somewhere in between. 12/10/21.
- DirectorDavid LeitchStarsDwayne JohnsonJason StathamIdris ElbaLawman Luke Hobbs and outcast Deckard Shaw form an unlikely alliance when a cyber-genetically enhanced villain threatens the future of humanity.7/10 - Redbox freebie. This was pretty fun, but some of the over the top CGI really took me out of it. On the other hand, there was some really nice action. Several jokes were spoiled in the trailers. 11/24/19.
- DirectorKenny OrtegaStarsBette MidlerSarah Jessica ParkerKathy NajimyA teenage boy named Max and his little sister move to Salem, where he struggles to fit in before awakening a trio of diabolical witches that were executed in the 17th century.8/10 - 1x watch via scratched DVD. This movie is very popular, but this is the first time I've seen it. It's pretty fun. Unfortunately, my DVD is scratched and cut at least 3 minutes out towards the end. The female lead is very cute and I would've had a crush on her if I watched it at the time. I watched this yesterday and should've written this then. I'm already fuzzy. There are some adult themed jokes. I was very surprised at just how much they make a deal about the virgin lighting the candle. There was no need for it and it wasn't funny. 10/16/23.
- DirectorPaul VerhoevenStarsKevin BaconElisabeth ShueJosh BrolinA brilliant scientist's discovery renders him invisible, but transforms him into an omnipotent, dangerous megalomaniac.7/10 - 1x watch. Just saw Karate Kid on TV, which lead me to thinking about Elisabeth Shue and made me want to watch this movie. I was not expecting it to be this hard of an R film, but then again, it is Paul Verhoeven. It started off with a gruesome scene. Very shocked by what happened to a dog later. Bacon seemed to turn really evil a bit too quick, it probably should have had a more gradual build up. There were some neat scenes and effects. I forgot that I have it on Blu-ray also, but that is part of a 6 degree Kevin Bacon collection and there are no extras like the DVD has. May have to listen to the commentaries at some point, one even features Jerry Goldsmith. 5/16/21.
- DirectorChris ColumbusStarsMacaulay CulkinJoe PesciDaniel SternOne year after Kevin McCallister was left home alone and had to defeat a pair of bumbling burglars, he accidentally finds himself stranded in New York City - and the same criminals are not far behind.8/10 - I loved HA. I think I was disappointed with this since it copied so much from the 1st. The 2 soundtrack was one of the 1st CDs I had. I got a Wanted poster of The Wet Bandits. 6(?) yrs ago, when the groomsmen were waiting for my friend's wedding, for some reason the "credit card" bit came up, and then it made me think of 2 some more. I watched it today w/o watching 1, so I don't know if I like it more or less when they're back to back. Still LOL'd at the traps and you have John Williams! 12/25/18
8/10 - Watched this again via DVD. Forgot that I had already reviewed it and watched it in 2018. Still feel the same. That means it's been even longer since I watched the original. I've seen it so many more times though. Home Alone will be a 9 or 10 if this is an 8. 12/23/23. - DirectorAnthony BurnsStarsKatherine HeiglPatrick WilsonMadison WolfeDon Champagne seems to have it all, but when his wife, Mona, learns of his affair with a pretty new salesgirl, she will stop at nothing to maintain their storybook life.8/10 - I think this was an enjoyable dark, black comedy. For some reason I keep thinking of Ed & His Dead Mother. Both can get zany at times. Surprised at such low ratings. Jim Belushi dancing after Jordana Brewster gives him a high five is too funny. Main thug looks like Shia LaBeof with a fatter face. Heigl does well. Wilson is very funny. The final meeting at the store is very memorable. 10/8/15
- DirectorDuwayne DunhamStarsMichael J. FoxSally FieldDon AmecheA fun-loving American bulldog pup, a hilarious Himalayan cat, and a wise old golden retriever embark on a long trek through the rugged wilderness of the Sierra Nevada mountains in a quest to reach home and their beloved owners.8.5/10 - I may have not seen this since back when we bought it on VHS and in the theater. I really enjoyed it and it made me well up a lot. Because it is a Disney movie designed to do just that, I feel weird giving it a 9, but if I truly went by how I felt I probably would anyway. The voice acting is great. Have never seen the sequel. 4-12-16.
- DirectorJoe JohnstonStarsRick MoranisMatt FrewerMarcia StrassmanThe scientist father of a teenage girl and boy accidentally shrinks his and two other neighborhood teens to the size of insects. Now the teens must fight diminutive dangers as the father searches for them.9/10 - If I ever get a Widescreen release with extras, it may bump to 10. One of the greatest family films of all time. DVR'd it off TV and they didn't show the Roger Rabbit cartoon before, like when I saw it in the theater. Why Disney has not given this a deserved home video release with extras is beyond me. If anyone knows who I can contact about it, let me know. It's well written and very funny. The pre-CGI effects are great, too. I miss Rick Moranis being an actor. 6/1/2015
- DirectorRandal KleiserStarsRick MoranisMarcia StrassmanRobert OliveriThe Szalinski family is back, this time hilarious disaster strikes when an experiment causes their new toddler son to grow many stories tall.8/10 - This is a fun family film. This and the first Honey did well for Disney and they should honor their legacy by releasing Widescreen special editions of the films. By neglecting them, they are only hurting their property. Full Screen on ABC Family. Saw this in the theater and apparently again on Aug 2012. I have no idea why the IMDB score is so low. The effects are mostly really well done. 5 min Making of on YouTube. 7/4/2015
- DirectorEdgar WrightStarsSimon PeggNick FrostMartin FreemanAn overachieving London police sergeant is transferred to a village where the easygoing officers object to his fervor for regulations, all while a string of grisly murders strikes the town.8/10 - 1x viewing. I am just so-so on Edgar Wright's films that I've seen. This film was probably a 7 or so, but the finale in the town made me bump it to an 8. I'm not always the biggest on some of the humor in these films and am not a big fan of the times where he uses a lot of quick cuts with really loud swooshing sound fx. It may be mostly that swooshing sound that annoys me. 5/24/21.
- DirectorJim AbrahamsStarsCharlie SheenCary ElwesValeria GolinoA parody of Top Gun (1986) in which a talented but unstable fighter pilot must overcome the ghosts of his father and save a mission sabotaged by greedy weapons manufacturers.8/10 - 1x watch? I'm pretty sure I've seen Part Deux, but most of this did not seem familiar. It was a fun spoof. 11/27/21.
- DirectorHarry WinerStarsJamie Lee CurtisKevin PollakKyle HowardDesperate to keep their various parents from getting divorced, a group of teenagers kidnaps them and holds them prisoner in a basement to force them to reconcile.Saw part of this on TV. I don't remember this film coming out at all. I wouldn't mind picking up a cheap used widescreen DVD, but it appears to be OOP. It had an interesting concept though. 12/12/15
- DirectorLucio FulciStarsCatriona MacCollPaolo MalcoAnia PieroniA New England home is terrorized by a series of murders, unbeknownst to the guests that a gruesome secret is hiding in the basement.6-7/10 - There are a lot of poorly done things about the film. One huge thing is the annoying dub for the young boy's voice. Characters do really stupid things. On the other hand, the cinematography can be quite well composed at times. The music can be cool at times. The special effects are imaginative. There is some tension and scar stuff. Although, music seems to be poorly edited. The glowing eyes and the final show down were pretty cool. 6-26-16.
- DirectorMark RosmanStarsKate McNeilEileen DavidsonJanis WardAfter a seemingly innocent prank goes horribly wrong, a group of sorority sisters are stalked and murdered one by one in their sorority house while throwing a party to celebrate their graduation.7.5/10? - I DVR'd this and watched it a few days ago, so I am fuzzy. I think I thought it was pretty decent, but then got stronger at the end. I remember thinking the director was definitely influenced by Hitchcock with some of the shots he did. 3/1/19
- DirectorWillard HuyckStarsLea ThompsonJeffrey JonesTim RobbinsA sarcastic humanoid duck is pulled from his homeworld to Earth where he must stop an alien invasion with the help of a nerdy scientist and a struggling female rock singer.7/10 - I have the VHS. Bought it before the DVD was released. It's a fun and weird movie. Would it be better if Robbins dialed back his performance a bit? The cool creature at the end kinda made me want to bump it to an 8. Definitely remember the group of creatures coming down the ray. Had to see it in Full Screen. May pick up the DVD, see it at $5. 4/23/15
- DirectorTony ScottStarsCatherine DeneuveDavid BowieSusan SarandonA love triangle develops between a beautiful yet dangerous vampire (Catherine Deneuve), her cellist companion (David Bowie), and a gerontologist (Susan Sarandon).7/10 - TCM 8/13/13. Cool atmosphere that reminds me of Jacob's Ladder and Blade Runner (the common piano scenes), the latter of which was directed by Tony's brother. Tony Scott's 1st film. Susan Surandon has horrible short hair. May be closer to 8, especially if the ending hadn't been tacked on by the studio to leave the possibility for a sequel that never came. 6/8/4
- DirectorCraig ZobelStarsBetty GilpinHilary SwankIke BarinholtzTwelve strangers wake up in a clearing. They don't know where they are, or how they got there. They don't know they've been chosen - for a very specific purpose - The Hunt.8/10 - 1x watch via Redbox 54 cent DVD. This is one I have wanted to see since it came out, but kept waiting for it to go on sale or find it cheap. I have yet to, so when I saw it as a $1 Redbox rental and I had a 50 cent off promo, I decided to rent it. I thought it was enjoyable. The digital blood looked pretty bad at times. One guy that she shoots as he's running away looked like a paint ball hitting the guy. Betty Gilpin and Hilary Swank did great jobs, as well as, the rest of the cast. Simple premise that's been done, but they did it well. 3/19/23.
- DirectorTaika WaititiStarsSam NeillJulian DennisonRima Te WiataA national manhunt is ordered for a rebellious kid and his foster uncle who go missing in the wild New Zealand bush.8/10 - Redbox freebie. Feels very influenced by Wes Anderson, but doesn't quite reach that. Sorta like Edgar Wright films. The timing seems off some, but some of it may be that is a New Zealand film. Some of the pop culture references seem to be NZ things, but also seems to have too much American pop culture references to things like rap/Tupac. It is a good time though. Hard not to think of Jurassic Park seeing Sam Neill walking across a grassy hill. 7/1/17
- DirectorWilliam FriedkinStarsTommy Lee JonesBenicio Del ToroConnie NielsenAn FBI deep-woods tracker attempts to capture a trained assassin who has made a sport of hunting humans.8/10 - 1x viewing. DVR'd 3-26-19. Ramboraph brings this film up when talking about films that need to come out on Blu-Ray. I had to watch in Full Screen. Still enjoyed it. It was interesting to hear Johnny Cash quote Bob Dylan. 3/28/19
- DirectorJim GillespieStarsJennifer Love HewittSarah Michelle GellarAnne HecheFour young friends bound by a tragic accident are reunited when they find themselves being stalked by a hook-wielding maniac in their small seaside town.8/10 - 1x watch on Blu-ray. I bought the 25th Anniversary 4K. Even though I don't have a 4K player, I should be able to get the new extras when I redeem the digital download. As for the movie, I found it to be pretty enjoyable. It is rated R, but it's a relative tame R horror. it has a little harsher language than a PG-13 would, and a few brutal shots. I could be easily edited to be PG-13. There are quite a few long and complicated shots. Some scenes logically don't make sense and depend very much on luck that people will do what the killer wants them to. Jennifer Love and Sarah Michelle are both very beautiful. Anne Heche plays creepy well. 12/11/22.
Watched the 1st one, but it was again cut for TV. Scenes don't make sense with their edits, so I had to look up the scenes on YouTube. They didn't show that they hit an object in the first accident. The way it is edited, you would think they just swerved until you see a big dent in the car. They cut out the villain's hand getting chopped off, him carrying the sister with the hook and other things. 8/7/18 - DirectorDanny CannonStarsJennifer Love HewittFreddie Prinze Jr.Brandy NorwoodThe murderous fisherman with a hook is back to once again stalk the two surviving teens, Julie and Ray, who had left him for dead, as well as cause even more murder and mayhem, this time at a posh island resort.I saw this edited for TV. It stars the Cleavage Queen of the 90's, J Love Hew. Pretty sure I have seen both films on cable, so probably only edited. If I see them both cheap, I will probably pick them up. Another early Jack Black supporting role along with The Jackal and The Cable Guy. Worst TV edit, they actually shrunk the screen during the final scene - did the thing where they preview another show will the credits are tiny, but this was actually still part of the scene! 7/22/18
- DirectorDustin MarcellinoStarsBlake RayneRay LiottaAshley JuddTwin brothers are unknowingly separated at birth; one of them becomes an iconic rock 'n' roll star, while the other struggles to balance his love for music and pleasing his father.6/10 - Redbox freebie. This movie got a lot of bad reviews which made me want to see it for some reason. A lot of it didn't work, but I didn't hate it. It is supposed to be a Christian movie (or at least seems to want to appeal to that crowd), but it has an odd message. It is also has actors like Seth Green in it, someone I am sure makes fun of Jesus/religion on Robot Chicken. Not sure of his angle for doing this movie. Most of the music/music sequences are pretty laughable. 7/18/15
- DirectorLouis LeterrierStarsEdward NortonLiv TylerTim RothBruce Banner, a scientist on the run from the U.S. Government, must find a cure for the monster he turns into whenever he loses his temper.8-7/10 - 1x viewing. I forgot to make an entry when I watched this a couple of weeks ago. Definitely not as good as Iron Man, but I liked that it was a little grittier than what MCU movies became like later. Hard to say anymore with too much time since the viewing. 7/16/22
- DirectorRoland EmmerichStarsWill SmithBill PullmanJeff GoldblumThe aliens are coming and their goal is to invade and destroy Earth. Fighting superior technology, mankind's best weapon is the will to survive.9/10 - I haven't watched this in forever. Why do almost all disaster movies have a divorcing/separated couple? This was enjoyable. A lot of the special fx held up well. Some not so much, but loads better than a lot of CGI nowadays imo. It was able to convey emotion and avoid too much cliche cheesiness of these types or movies for the most part. 6-22-16.
- DirectorRoland EmmerichStarsLiam HemsworthJeff GoldblumBill PullmanTwo decades after the first Independence Day invasion, Earth is faced with a new extra-Solar threat. But will mankind's new space defenses be enough?7/10 - Finally watched this on DVD. Good to see that most of the extras are also on the DVD instead of barebones like a lot of Blu/DVD packages are. Not great. Nice effects. OK B-movie. Could have been a lot better, sure. Didn't hate it like a lot seemed to. 1/9/17.
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsHarrison FordKate CapshawKe Huy QuanIn 1935, Indiana Jones is tasked by Indian villagers with reclaiming a rock stolen from them by a secret cult beneath the catacombs of an ancient palace.IJ & the Temple of Doom - 9/10: Hard to rate this, as I saw it so many times on TV. Great fun beginning to end. Great shots and setups - like how Spielberg had two people doing the same thing in one shot a couple times. Future Mrs Spielberg is gorgeous in the film. 2/7/15
*since Raiders will be under 'R' I will put this here, too, for convenience*
Raiders of the Lost Ark - 10/10: Like with Die Hard, I bought a cheap used DVD set predating Crystal Skull. Unlike the Star Wars films, we never owned the IJ films, just saw them a lot on TV. Have never watched them back to back. - DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsHarrison FordSean ConneryAlison DoodyIn 1938, after his father goes missing while pursuing the Holy Grail, Indiana Jones finds himself up against the Nazis again to stop them from obtaining its powers.IJ & the Last Crusade - 9/10: Having never watched the 3 films close together, I see that I confused bits of 1 & 3. The second & third films are still above average and great. "He chose...poorly." 2/9/15
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsHarrison FordCate BlanchettShia LaBeoufIndiana Jones becomes entangled in a Soviet plot to uncover the secret behind mysterious artifacts known as the Crystal Skulls.8/10 - I saw this when it came to home video, but had forgotten a lot. Not perfect, but still entertaining. If they chilled on the corny CGI it would have been so much better. Decided to pick this up cheap & used. The monkeys/swinging and prairie dogs were not needed and pretty ridiculous. Like the Indy/motorcycle/car/motorcycle stunt. Motorcycle slide in library. Random ninja guards just give up? 2/8/16
I recently got this on Blu-ray and decided to watch it since Dial of Destiny comes out soon. I may be more at a 7/10 or so. Most reviewers are saying DoD is better than Skull, but I do not think Skull is as bad as some make it out to be. 6/24/23 - DirectorMatt SpicerStarsAubrey PlazaElizabeth OlsenO'Shea Jackson Jr.An unhinged social media stalker moves to LA and ingratiates herself into the life of an Instagram star.8/10 - Redbox freebie. I saw this several days ago and forgot to write about it. Now I've kinda forgotten what all happened. I'm a fan of both Aubrey Plaza and Elizabeth Olsen. This is pretty quirky and gets dark. Ice Cube's son looks a lot like him. 12/16/17