julesrulesny Reviews

Sabotage (2014)

This movie could have been epic... BUT....

[6/10 · 4 August 2014]

It's hard to pin point where this movie went wrong. Director/writer David Ayer, apparently was cut by the studio in his original, nearly 3 hour plot movie.. And, in fact, I have a VERY strong feeling if they left the movie to the 3 hours.. it would have been a whole LOT better. So, I am actually, putting 100% of the blame on the studio for this one.. while watching it, I got the feeling of a Traffic, or Heat, or Training Day type, gritty film. It had ALL those elements - BUT, nothing was left to work itself out. Forced, Forced, Forced!!! If you deny its forced, then please explain one of the biggest glaring plot holes I have seen in a movie in years -- the $10 million dollars!! How on earth did the "FBI" and "DEA" know they even stole or attempted to steal that 10 million? Especially after they blew up the remaining pile! It soured the rest of the movie b/c I was waiting for them to explain that!

Arnold actually did a pretty good job acting, they all did but the lines were forced and cut to short. The homicide detective and "lizzy" I think fell short the most out of all of the actors.. Their delivery of their lines were just off!! But, again, I am not blaming them. That's everything to do with the story and writing. They act with what they are given to them.

I would love to see the original 3 hour movie with the different ending. This ending with Arnold going to Mexico was "studio" created. heck it even feels like the Studio watched the original 3 hour film, decided what the fans want to see, told the Director we want a different, blood bath ending.. So, the Director, and actors are tired of filming the ending over and over and over that they then rush these last few scenes.. b/c that is EXACTLY how it felt.. Rushed and cheesy.. For Peets sake, they spent the last 5minutes of the film, literally, with a camera on Arnold smoking a cigar!!!! and that was it!!??!! like, what the....????

For the feel of the film on what it could have been, I give it a 9/10.. This film was so close to being epic. So very close!! I even think it could have had Oscar potential if it went into a different direction like more drama, less blood and action!! I know some may not agree with me on that, but it had that feel. I know every movie has the potential for an Oscar... but this one, all elements were there.. Except the studio made a total gaff of the original cut! So, I give it a 6/10. Slightly better than average.

The Lone Ranger (2013)

Excellent Film! (Shame on the Critics who tanked this film - and poorly executed release date)

[9/10 · 15 July 2013]

This movie was actually VERY good.. Good story telling, entertaining, had many great qualities. Good stunt scenes and action sequences were fun to watch.. Even some dark dramatic scenes. But for me, the scenery or cinematography nailed it as you can tell they scouted the film locations rather well in my opinion and tried to stay away from CGI.

There were some bad parts of the film, like with any but not warranted to name, nor should it justify a poor performance in the box office..

So, in my opinion this movie tanked because of a poorly timed release. It was up against too many other potential blockbusters. This movie should have been released earlier in the year, perhaps around Memorial Day.. Or later in the year perhaps as a Thanksgiving release!!

A movie to succeed like this also takes a nation that must be in the right mood. Making a movie obviously takes skill, but I also believe that in choosing the perfect Release Date can make or break a movie!!

Independence Day comes to mind - if that movie were released today, I don't think it would do so well. But being it was released in 96, the time of the Xfiles, the resurgence and discussions of Area 51, all played a big role.. So, I'm just using that as an example, that timing can be everything!

So, to me, this was more of a Holiday movie, than a summer Blockbuster.. Either way, poorly executed marketing and release - Combined with Critics destroying a well deserving movie is what did this movie in..

I recommend all to see it. Its fun. Entertaining. Johnny Depp was great and I even liked Armie Hammer and the rest of the cast..

Go see this movie!

Eli Stone (2008–2009)

What is wrong with the Humor of America? What has become of us?

[10/10 · 3 November 2012]

This show was amazing. I felt an attachment to the characters. I looked forward to every episode. every episode was warm hearted, light, not too serious.. Never depressing me to the point of hopelessness and fearing to go to bed b/c some stranger will break into my apartment and rob or worse, kill me.. Basically, that is the majority of television shows here in the U.S. and abroad. at least Eli Stone you can finish watching the show, and have pleasant dreams of wonder and hope! It was a perfect blend of characters with writing. The casting directors nailed it. the writing of the show nailed it.. But, America failed!! People were actually calling this show "exploitive", filled with "mis-information" and too "political". OMG! Holy Cow! Wow! I mean, I can go on and on with 'explitives' but this is just insane..

I am so sorry to the people who thought this show was exploitive and misinformed, giving the viewers a false sense of security that there is or is not a God and you can not be cured or saved by a prophet.

Seriously, I have read reviews where people were complaining about the misinformation in the show.. Such as the first episode on autism. I am sorry folks, it is FICTION! Since when did Fictional Television become your Evening News? It's actually very disturbing that these viewers were so wound up that they felt the views that some lawyer can be a prophet were so outrageous and that Autism can be caused by vaccines, that in effect it was a show filled with misinformation and false hope.. (which, by the way, has not been 100% disproved that vaccines are indeed causing Autism b/c really, we just don't know.. but it seems too coincidental that Autism rates rise the same time we have put more chemicals in our foods, at the same time we use more and more medications).. either way, I shall repeat myself again.. it is a TV show. Ya know, the stuff of fairy tales and imagination!! If people weren't so wound up, had a sense of wonder, hope, dreams, imagination, amazing shows like this would last for years!! Instead b/c America likes violence, likes when people fail and kill each other.. only dramatic, serious, violent shows succeed.

Some comedic shows did very well..tho this show could be more characterized as a quirky, drama with some comedy.. anyways, some other shows that can be characterized in a similar fashion have done well.. but seems to come on at different times, different years where the collective mood of the country rises and falls with each passing week.. the success of these shows, really depends on the mood of the country and what is making headlines..

Yes, many of them were good.. but a show like Eli Stone gives a comedic insight to a drama filled world. gives you a sense of wonder and hope.. Not that the show was intended to be funny, b/c its not.. but it does have a light drama / comedy tone too it.. with the sequences when "Eli" having his visions and dancing or talking to himself.. or clapping while staring at some blank wall.. It is writing like this, that opens up the mind to hope, dreams and a world that doesn't exist.

People, typical viewers are too wound up and have no sense of wonder or imagination.. unfortunately this represents approx. in my opinion, perhaps 70% of the public.. the other 30% like myself, don't take television 'life' so seriously and can watch just about any show without prejudice, realizing that it is not some evening news show filled with "misinformation".. that I'm not going to watch an Episode of Eli Stone, and go to my doctor and ask him how come I'm not having visions to save my autistic child! Absolutely ludicrous! Misinformation? Uggh Sorry, I just found some of those comments so sad.. but it genuinely reflects a part of todays society.. where they will watch Fox News or MSNBC talk shows, very biased, one sided in nature as pure fact.. taking some giant leap into this new world of journalism and believing it. then, turn on a show like Eli Stone and call it some Liberal Media bias.. that its so off kilter, blown out of proportion and incorrect that it should be held to a higher standard that actual news stations like CNN, MSNBC or Fox News! Please America.. in this day in age, now 4 years after the show was canceled.. after we have gone through an awful economic downturn with no end in sight no matter who's the President - Please, I beg you America, PLEASE lighten up for the sake of Man Kind!!

Eli Stone was a great show.. and deserved more seasons! It's always the shows that I love, that get canceled way to early. I seem to be one of the few who fall for the shows that don't last..

The Butterfly Effect (2004)

This is a movie where Fans rule, critics got it wrong

[9/10 · 26 June 2012]

This is just one of those movies, a diamond in the ruff sort to speak.. A cult classic that gains in popularity years after its release in theaters. You can go online and read "critic reviews" and many are downright awful. See, what these critics miss or don't have is "age". I believe they are too old, too stuck in the past, or if not too old, too experienced - they forget what type of movies can really move a fan base. This was one of those movies.

It was a nail-biter indeed. The viewer most definitely grows a fondness for Ashton Kutcher's character(in my opinion) thru all his trials and tribulations going back and forth through time, changing the outcomes each time. This movie somewhat reminds of me of Donnie Darko or The Big Lebowski. Both of these movies didn't do to well in Theatres but upon DVD release and years after, they are talked about as much as movies like Titanic, Terminator, Gone with the Wind, etc.(No, I'm not comparing it to these movies, but only in the sense that its standing the test of time in popularity). These cult classics have created their own niche sort to speak and The Butterfly Effect is no different.

A great movie all around. Well acted, and one of the better attributes very tight writing and no loose ends. Surprisingly so too because the type of movie that it is, transforming time and space can be a difficult plot to tackle, but I thought it was well written.. That spells death for too many films, where things just don't make sense or feel forced and open ended. This movie doesn't. It fills in all the gaps and answers all questions leaving the viewer feeling quite satisfied after just watching a wonderful movie. And, 8 years after its release its still a top movie for college students watching in their dorm rooms late at night!

American Reunion (2012)

I nearly gave this movie a 10...

[9/10 · 26 June 2012]

I often wonder why people don't like the same movies that I do - Is it me? Do I have a weird sense of humor? Just a different take on things? Do I just get too nostalgic and think every movie I see is good? Maybe a little of each b/c I do like many movies I see.. even bad ones, knowing they are bad but I still like them..

Having said that - this is not a bad movie at all. In fact, I'm pleasantly surprised at how good it was!! Boy did it bring back so many good memories of that time period. See, I graduated High school and went to college in the late 90's, early 2000s. And these were by far the best days of my life. Tho I often reminisce with my friends about how much fun we had well into the 2000's, but it was this period from 1998-2002 which was surely the best. As after we all graduated college in 2000, most of us(except me) got married, had kids, etc.. and this was right when American Pie 1 and 2 were released during this "fun stage" in my life. Kind of like how "Stifler" is stuck in the past? Well, I guess so am I! Haha.

So, I could be biased as many of the jokes were indeed the same but well done.. (The next sentence does contain spoilers so be forewarned..) Especially the very end when Stifler gets with Finch's Mom! Talking about Karma and everything coming full circle!! I thought it was terrific. Funny movie, even some moving sentiment as well..But the laughs were good and kept me entertained. And, I thought everyone looked great! Even Tara Reid as some have knocked her but she did look hot. As did Mena Suvari and these up and newcomers "Ali Corbin" who played the role of Kara and "Katrina Bowden" who played Mia. Always nice to see familiar and new faces in a movie..

I didn't give it a 10 b/c 10 out of 10 should be held for the best of the best like Shawshank, Braveheart, Goodfella's, etc.. But a 9 for a comedy in the 4th installment is not only well deserved, it goes to show that sequel's can be well worth it and popular! Especially for people my age now getting close to middle age as some may call it..(yuk! phooey! spat! ugh!) LoL!

Missing (2012)

Baffled..

[7/10 · 23 March 2012]

There is no possible way that this show is only getting a 6.4 rating at this time. Something must be wrong. Usually I trust IMDb's rating system. Anything over 7.5 for movies is typically a good movie, above 8.0(Oscar potential) a really good movie.. Anything over 8 for TV shows also typically means its a good TV show and above 8.5 would suggest its really good(Emmy Potential). I was expecting an average of 9.0 for this show.

This show actually reminds me of another show "Traveler"(2007) with Matt Bomer as it had edge of your seat drama and action and was very entertaining .. its about a guy "Will Traveler", an agent who gets mixed up in a conspiracy. the show was on ABC and it was an amazing show but this show actually had good reviews.. unfortunately it didn't last either. But is definitely one of the better shows that got canceled in the past decade..

So, in saying that it could be that Missing just off to a slow start.. And, critics may have derailed the show from the start. I've read some of the harshest critiques by critics regarding this show that I have ever read in my life. I am stunned. I never have been so bewildered over such harsh ratings. I guess critics don't like it not being original - And starts off like the Movie "Taken" except genders are reversed. That doesn't matter one bit.. The acting is good. The story is good. It's exciting and entertaining. And, Ashley Judd kicks butt!! And kicks it well.

I am very familiar with the writings of shows, different story arcs, plots, sub plots, direction, etc.. And have become a rather good judge of character for a TV show knowing fairly soon even sometimes before the show airs if it will be canceled. I'm no pro, or no critic, but I do know the negative remarks on this show are dead wrong. The writing is superb and very tight, leaving nothing unchecked and nothing feeling forced. when writing is this good, shows will last. Many blast the Director but I think he's done a good job too.. so far, I have nothing negative to say about this show. For all the crap that's come out and been canceled already within a few episodes airing, this by far has been the best new show on PrimeTime Television since shows like 24, Lost, Desperate Housewives, Monk and Burn Notice first aired.. (that's how much I like it so far..) It just seems to be that the critics may have won and pushed off so many viewers from the start. One thing is certain, as one critic said .."its so unbelievable and hard to watch a woman killing off all these other men who are supposed to be well trained agents". well, I say "who cares"? Was Lord of the Rings believable? Was the TV show "Heroes" believable? I bring up these fantasy type plots b/c that's what TV and movies are all about.. Stories of the unbelievable that make it entertaining.. I for one like to see a hot chick kick some......

Then another critic when on to complain about it not being original and said .."the creators of Missing should have taken another look at CSI, Law & Order and 24"... Ummmmmm didn't he just say that it lacks originality? Then went onto say it should have been like those other shows? I do think this show is in part original - its all character and no technology at play. Just good old fashion fighting, action and drama and just a few main characters to keep it tight.

I highly recommend it and rarely have such great things to say about a show. One thing to point out.. I also am aware of reviews bad or good setting expectations for a show. For instance, I'll tell my friends a movie is very good that when they see it, I set the expectations so high they didn't like it. Same can be said for when you hear a show isn't good, then it turns out to be the opposite. However, sometimes when critics say such harsh things right off the bat, the show rarely gets a fair chance. I for one am so tired of these lame shows coming out on television..(thank god for USA and AMC for having the best shows on television..) I look forward with high anticipation about the outcome of this show..

Godzilla (I) (1998)

no justice..

[9/10 · 18 March 2012]

14 years now after this movie originally came out - First of all, wow time flies I can't believe its been that long.. Anyways, the critics ruined this movie for so many people. After watching it again for the first time in years now in 2012 I fell in love with this movie all over again as I loved it when it first came out.. This movie is a tried and true blockbuster film. It really does have everything - I mean, what else can you expect for an over sized lizard taking on Manhattan? I actually enjoyed it so much I watched it again this weekend.. I just had nothing else to do, and started watching it and couldn't stop for the second time. Yea there were many clichés, comical story arcs and some story arcs not needed.. But, all in all the writing was tight, didn't leave anything feeling forced and a very enjoyable movie to watch. I almost wish this movie was coming out this summer and gives me something to look forward to, in going to the theater on a hot summer day.. Again, I still can't believe its been 14 years as I still can remember the advertising for this movie, the Mc'd cups, and "special meals", the posters, etc. Anyways, since its been so long and I now have become a huge fan of this movie, I just wanted to give it some proper justice! A great movie.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)

No chemistry? no explanation of story line? just special effects!

[6/10 · 3 July 2011]

I rarely give a movie such a low rating. In fact, I can't even remember the last time I did. Now I actually like Michael Bay films, like Armageddon and Transformers 1 and 2. While every one bashed the 2nd one I liked it. but this 3rd installment - I don't know what happened. Transformers was in a perfect position to make a series of movies that was continuous and had a great story line.

All this one was, was a revamp of the other 2 - found ancient technology that the AutoBots and Decepticons used on Cyber-tron that could destroy earth. I mean, can the writers at least use a little imagination? Now, I didn't mind Rosey Huntington/Hartley or whatever her name is in the movie, but her playing Shia Lebouf's girlfriend was awful! there was ZERO chemistry b/w the two. it was forced and made you feel uncomfortable and awkward when the two were together.

Dark Moon plot would have been better as the first movie b/c Aliens/transformers being discovered on the moon in 1969. they just threw this topic out there and tried hyping it up, but it just didn't work.. gees with all the effort that went into the unbelievable last 60minutes of the movie with constant action, they could of spent some time on story development. the story itself was easy to understand, but there was no development, no explanation to anything.. In one scene we see BumbleBee coming to the rescue of Shia Lebouf, and 3 scenes later he's being held hostage saying goodbye to Shia's character b/c he's ready to be executed. Like, when did he get captured? that was never shown?!

some scenes were totally just added in, and out of place - for instance Optimus Prime being held captive and tangled up in wires by the Decepticons. Like BumbleBee, they made no mention of this, did not show how he was captured, nor did they show how he escaped - except they tried making it a part of the storyline when one character made a 1 second remark saying "where's Optimus??". and that was it.. it just didn't flow. and, it didn't work. this introduction of new characters didn't work either. The actors actually acted like they didn't want to be there.. (except shia, tho his antics are the same in every movie - but he's a good actor). the others seemed to want to just get the scenes over with .. No, I don't know what they are thinking but it just seemed that way...

It wasn't an awful movie.. but boy o boy to invest all this money into graphics and special effects and completely lay back on the story line was an upsetting and huge mistake. Transformers had so much potential as a continuous 3 part series of movies.. but they chopped it up, repeating the same storyline each movie.. Just so upsetting for being such a Huge fan of the Transformers!

Salt (2010)

A total let down (In negative comments..)

[9/10 · 28 July 2010]

I first reviewed this movie last week and was taken by all the negative comments - Jerky Camera angles, bad edited fight scenes, that the movie was too confusing and unrealistic.. I'm more confused over these comments than I am the movie. the movie was NOT confusing, nor did it have these jerky camera angles. If it did, I definitely did not notice them.. However, the fight scenes were edited too much to make it look like there was an actual fight, but it didn't bother me one bit. these jerky camera angles? Well, I can't answer that b/c I didn't even notice it but apparently others did.. the movie had a lot of twists and turns but was not confusing and kept you guessing the whole time.. now finally, these people who say the movie is unrealistic??! that is the most mind numbing comment of them all - b/c what movie is realistic?? If this movie was realistic, how boring do you think it would be? Movies are made like this so you could use your imagination and enjoy a good movie experience. Obviously everyone compares this movie to the Bourne franchise which is probably just as unrealistic! but this movie, without a doubt kicked major butt and I was so blown away by Angelina Jolie's performance as an action character! there is in my opinion no other female who could've pulled this off. I was wondering how this movie would be before i saw it about having a female as the lead role and blew all my expectations out of the water, especially as myself being a man. We are used to always seeing men play these roles - well this changed everything! she was amazing in this role and i look forward to her making another one! I also probably like it a lot b/c Leiv Schrieber is perhaps my favorite actor or at least one of them.. I admit i am very easy to please in a movie but no movie since Dark Knight kept me talking about it for so long after seeing it. Usually i'll see a movie, talk about it that night or occasionally here and there.. I saw Salt last week and I've thought about this movie everyday since and keep checking IMDb ratings hoping it will improve. A current 6.8 is not bad but this movie deserves way higher! it had everything you want in an action movie - A good plot, excellent writing, excellent acting and great action scenes! this movie delivered and then some! Usually twists and turns are annoying and hard to follow but this movie made it enjoyable b/c you just didn't know what to expect. Kudos to Angelina for probably changing the face of film and opening the door to more female leads in action film. Tom Cruise was originally selected for this role but after seeing her do it, this movie was made for her!! I can't say enough good things about it.. But as I was saying, what surprises me most are these negative reviews! I mean, am I that blind to all these people saying such things as it being so confusing, jerky camera angles, etc?? I just didn't have the same experience and I'm very glad I didn't..

Meet Joe Black (1998)

do not trust the critics on this movie...

[9/10 · 11 March 2008]

Trust the average viewer comments on this movie and not the movie critics or a nomination for "worse movie" by the Razzie Awards. This movie had every human emotional feeling such as it being fun, funny, dramatic, sad, happy with a great ending that movies are made to have. I know sometimes when you hear someone repeatedly say how great a movie is and go and see it, sometimes you have such high expectations that you end up not liking that particular film. Well, I hope that this would not happen by me saying how great this movie is. But it is definitively one of my favorites. enjoy! I have said enough about this movie, so.. well, I am only writing this last line b/c you need a minimum of ten lines of text to meet the minimum requirements of a comment.

Syriana (2005)

To complex to summarize, movie made no sense and didn't tie in together.

[2/10 · 21 June 2006]

I could careless what some of these positive reviews have said about Syriana. This was one of, if not the most complex movie I have ever seen and one of, if not the worse. None of the scenes tie in together, nor do they make any sense. The idea of this movie could have been fantastic and a blockbuster. That idea was flushed down the toilet and ruined the whole movie. Only some of the characters tied in together and only some of the major incidents in the movie were explained. As one user commented "the movie was like a truck driving into a wall and that was the ending". Hit that right on the nose. When this movie ends, both the people who enjoyed this movie and the people who thought it was awful say "what in the world just happened here?" Funny thing is, the movie did keep me on the edge of my bed because I wanted to know what happened next, by the time I realized it was over, I was so glad that I didn't have to spend the money in a movie theatre to watch it. So I was able to just lay down and then it HIT ME..........I SPENT $20 frickn dollars for the DVD and should of spent the $10 in a movie theatre. If you want to see this movie, get someone else to rent it or buy it. Save your money. All in all there was an amazing group of characters and they actually did a great job. What surprised me is that, there were all these well known Oscar winning actors and none of them told Steven Gaghan that his writing and directing skills could use some work.