This movie was so incredibly MID. The animation was phenomenal, but they absolutely fumbled the bag on this screenplay, plot, and dialogue. Atrocious. Chat GPT could have done a better job. Sometimes I think they keep the dialogue so basic in order to appeal to a foreign speaking market. Because this was the most heavy-handed, on the nose writing I have seen in a children's movie. Character development was essentially nonexistent, and they tried to cram too many characters into an incredibly short timeframe. Plus they could've done so much more with the plot. I imagine the plot as going from different biome to biome, from jungle, to desert, to ice, to water etc. As in the Mario games. Instead, we only got this brief excursion to Donkey Kong's land which felt like a side mission. The movie ended so abruptly too. I thought that they were just getting started on the mission when all of a sudden they were in the final battle with Bowser. Putting some references in will make a lot of people like the movie, but that is the low watermark in my opinion. There was so much more that they could have done with this movie. How could they spend 100 million on it and this is all they come up with?
Reviews
13 Reviews
Pride & Prejudice
(2005)
Phenomenal Production, But Certain Characters Fall Short
15 August 2023
I decided to read the book first before watching this movie. The book was an incredibly entertaining read, and as with most books, leaves you with impressions on how you think the characters should act and look and behave. I came into watching the movie with these characterizations in my head, and for the most part, the movie lived up to my expectations. Elizabeth Bennet was just as I pictured in the book, along with her sisters and the rest of the Bennett family. Perfect casting in my opinion, perfect acting, the females in this film embodied the spirits of the characters in the book.
My qualms come with the males cast in this film. Starting with Mr. Bingley, I thought they made him look much weaker and much dumber/ more awkward then he appears in the book. In the movie, he's sort of stumbles over his words, seems sort of shifty, not too confident, whereas in the book I pictured him as being confident, yet ambivalent, somebody whose mind is easily changed. I think they could've done a better job of showing this versus making him seem like in awkward/bumbling good hearted young man.
Next, I had a different picture of Mr. Collins. In the book, I pictured him as a larger, more foreboding figure, but somebody who is incredibly officious and overly polite, as an example, somebody who apologizes frequently out of a sense of propriety as he behaved in the book. The cast in the movie made him seem too serious, too prickly, almost making him out to be the bad guy, where in the book I think it was not such a characterization -he is a victim of the culture and behaviors that are common place for males of this time.
Finally, mr. Darcy. I thought Matthew McFadden was the perfect embodiment of his appearance, however I thought he could've done a much better job of playing his character. I pictured Mr. Darcy as much more charming, much more confident, more conviction, more articulate... really somebody who was proud, who is proud with a sense of conviction, yet also a sense of charm. McFadden's performance in the movie comes off as sort of a character who is reserved, detached, broody,... almost a little awkward and shy, which like Mr. Bingley, I think is an ill conceived portrayal.
TLDR, phenomenal production and cinematography, casting and acting performances I would have done differently.
My qualms come with the males cast in this film. Starting with Mr. Bingley, I thought they made him look much weaker and much dumber/ more awkward then he appears in the book. In the movie, he's sort of stumbles over his words, seems sort of shifty, not too confident, whereas in the book I pictured him as being confident, yet ambivalent, somebody whose mind is easily changed. I think they could've done a better job of showing this versus making him seem like in awkward/bumbling good hearted young man.
Next, I had a different picture of Mr. Collins. In the book, I pictured him as a larger, more foreboding figure, but somebody who is incredibly officious and overly polite, as an example, somebody who apologizes frequently out of a sense of propriety as he behaved in the book. The cast in the movie made him seem too serious, too prickly, almost making him out to be the bad guy, where in the book I think it was not such a characterization -he is a victim of the culture and behaviors that are common place for males of this time.
Finally, mr. Darcy. I thought Matthew McFadden was the perfect embodiment of his appearance, however I thought he could've done a much better job of playing his character. I pictured Mr. Darcy as much more charming, much more confident, more conviction, more articulate... really somebody who was proud, who is proud with a sense of conviction, yet also a sense of charm. McFadden's performance in the movie comes off as sort of a character who is reserved, detached, broody,... almost a little awkward and shy, which like Mr. Bingley, I think is an ill conceived portrayal.
TLDR, phenomenal production and cinematography, casting and acting performances I would have done differently.
Oppenheimer
(I) (2023)
Phenomenal Account Of The Most Important Part Of Human History
23 July 2023
Few inventions throughout the history of mankind have been of more consequence than the creation of the nuclear bomb. Robert Oppenheimer is one of few men who single-handedly changed the course of history. This film did a great justice to his legacy.
Christopher Nolan masterfully throws you into the world of 1940s theoretical physics and the lives of these incredibly brilliant scientists, under the backdrop of the most important contest of all time - the race to build the atom bomb. Oppenheimer leading America, Heisenberg leading Germany. For all of the moral dilemmas explored in the film, the bottom line is that if America didn't succeed, our adversaries very well would have. Dropping Little Boy and Fat Man on Japan may have killed hundreds of thousands, but Oppenheimer's work and campaigning may have saved millions and billions over the course of time.
The historical accuracy was incredible, and it was electrifying to see the portrayal of these great minds of science and the choices they were faced with. From the start of the movie, we see Oppenheimer portrayed as a savant that sees a dimension of the world out of reach to the common man, reminding me of John Nash in A Beautiful Mind.
We see the massive investment that went into the Manhattan project, and how much freedom and power FDR gave in the form of a blank check to these scientists, trusting in their process - Hitler, on the other hand, never had the same conviction or investment on the German side. Cillian Murphy gave an Academy award winning performance as the lead role, and was supported by countless terrific performances by other A-list actors.
I am astounded by the amount of effort Nolan invested into the history and science of this film, while still keeping the pace captivating and thrilling. Really outstanding movie, and a refreshing break from the many action-packed, superhero type of movies that drive the box office today. I hope there will be more blockbuster films like this in the future.
Christopher Nolan masterfully throws you into the world of 1940s theoretical physics and the lives of these incredibly brilliant scientists, under the backdrop of the most important contest of all time - the race to build the atom bomb. Oppenheimer leading America, Heisenberg leading Germany. For all of the moral dilemmas explored in the film, the bottom line is that if America didn't succeed, our adversaries very well would have. Dropping Little Boy and Fat Man on Japan may have killed hundreds of thousands, but Oppenheimer's work and campaigning may have saved millions and billions over the course of time.
The historical accuracy was incredible, and it was electrifying to see the portrayal of these great minds of science and the choices they were faced with. From the start of the movie, we see Oppenheimer portrayed as a savant that sees a dimension of the world out of reach to the common man, reminding me of John Nash in A Beautiful Mind.
We see the massive investment that went into the Manhattan project, and how much freedom and power FDR gave in the form of a blank check to these scientists, trusting in their process - Hitler, on the other hand, never had the same conviction or investment on the German side. Cillian Murphy gave an Academy award winning performance as the lead role, and was supported by countless terrific performances by other A-list actors.
I am astounded by the amount of effort Nolan invested into the history and science of this film, while still keeping the pace captivating and thrilling. Really outstanding movie, and a refreshing break from the many action-packed, superhero type of movies that drive the box office today. I hope there will be more blockbuster films like this in the future.
Zoolander
(2001)
Hilarious Comedy And Take On The Modeling Industry
10 July 2023
Classic comedy film featuring legendary Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson, playing two superbly funny characters in this one and a half hour romp. Ever wonder what it's like to be a model? Ever wonder how the industry works, how models think, with their day-to-day life looks like? Look no further. This movie will give you all of that, and reveal that it's not what you think -these people are indeed not as bright as they look.
So many hilarious lines. Like when Ben Stiller's character said that just thinking about making a school for children who couldn't read well, or "good", was the best thing he's ever done. Or the scene where Ben Stiller's character in the female lead go back to Owen Wilson's characters crib. Won't spoil it, but super funny scene featuring the three main leads together.
Would definitely recommend, overall very funny!
So many hilarious lines. Like when Ben Stiller's character said that just thinking about making a school for children who couldn't read well, or "good", was the best thing he's ever done. Or the scene where Ben Stiller's character in the female lead go back to Owen Wilson's characters crib. Won't spoil it, but super funny scene featuring the three main leads together.
Would definitely recommend, overall very funny!
Airport
(1970)
Slow, Light, And Fun
10 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Slow and a little long, but nonetheless easy-going and entertaining with great characters. Burt Lancaster and Dean Martin both had a strong performances, playing charming, hard-working, traditional men who try their best to do the right thing.
Themes that touch on family life, worklife balance, love, professionalism, and ethics. All under the showcase of the aviation industry, unpacking its inner workings and examining externalities of transportation by air. Is it better to risk your job to safely clear a runway and land a plane, or is it better too submit to your bosses wishes and protect your own living? Is it better to take that high-paying job that your wife wants you to take, or do you do what you know and what makes you happy and stick to your roots?
The first hour and a half drag little bit, but the last 45 minutes or so of plane action will hold your attention. Overall, decent movie.
Themes that touch on family life, worklife balance, love, professionalism, and ethics. All under the showcase of the aviation industry, unpacking its inner workings and examining externalities of transportation by air. Is it better to risk your job to safely clear a runway and land a plane, or is it better too submit to your bosses wishes and protect your own living? Is it better to take that high-paying job that your wife wants you to take, or do you do what you know and what makes you happy and stick to your roots?
The first hour and a half drag little bit, but the last 45 minutes or so of plane action will hold your attention. Overall, decent movie.
Good Movie, Not Great, Not The Best Indiana Jones
10 July 2023
Overall, the movie was pretty good. Wasn't as good as the initial Indiana Jones trilogy, but good nonetheless.
Film had a lot of great action sequences, great production, and a pretty good plot. Ending was phenomenal, and perhaps the best part of the film in my book. Phenomenal twist in the final scenes, very gripping. Additionally, classic John Williams scoring also attributed to its enjoyment.
Character development was my main issue with this film. Indiana Jones, once charming and humorous, comes back this time as grouchy and serious. The actress playing the female lead was spectacular, but I didn't think that her character was that likable, and I wish they would've done more to work on the chemistry between her and Indy. The little kid, while charming, barely had any development or personality. And could've been a source for more jokes. Speaking of which, the whole film on whole could've use some more humor and less senseless violence TBH.
A little bit more serious, a little bit less light hearted then previous films in the series, but nonetheless entertaining.
Film had a lot of great action sequences, great production, and a pretty good plot. Ending was phenomenal, and perhaps the best part of the film in my book. Phenomenal twist in the final scenes, very gripping. Additionally, classic John Williams scoring also attributed to its enjoyment.
Character development was my main issue with this film. Indiana Jones, once charming and humorous, comes back this time as grouchy and serious. The actress playing the female lead was spectacular, but I didn't think that her character was that likable, and I wish they would've done more to work on the chemistry between her and Indy. The little kid, while charming, barely had any development or personality. And could've been a source for more jokes. Speaking of which, the whole film on whole could've use some more humor and less senseless violence TBH.
A little bit more serious, a little bit less light hearted then previous films in the series, but nonetheless entertaining.
Sucker Punch
(2011)
Good Vision And Idea, Poor Execution - Terrible Movie
3 July 2023
I've loved some of Zack Snyder's other works like 300 and Watchmen. But this one was utter garbage.
I'll start by saying that the special effects, action sequences, and style of the film is all very well done. But that's where the good qualities end. The screenplay, dialogue, and plot kill kill this movie on the spot. There is absolutely no substance. You are not drawn to any of the characters, all of which are horribly in-your-face clichés.
It's like Zack Snyder was trying to do Scott Pilgrim, but without any of the nuance or charm. Goes to show that you could invest millions in production, but if the story stinks, the movie will fall flat.
Not to mention that the film comes across as misogynistic and creepy. I know this isn't what Snyder was going for, but I think this is how it came across.
I'll start by saying that the special effects, action sequences, and style of the film is all very well done. But that's where the good qualities end. The screenplay, dialogue, and plot kill kill this movie on the spot. There is absolutely no substance. You are not drawn to any of the characters, all of which are horribly in-your-face clichés.
It's like Zack Snyder was trying to do Scott Pilgrim, but without any of the nuance or charm. Goes to show that you could invest millions in production, but if the story stinks, the movie will fall flat.
Not to mention that the film comes across as misogynistic and creepy. I know this isn't what Snyder was going for, but I think this is how it came across.
Vertical Limit
(2000)
Classic Climbing Movie With Many Suspenseful Moments
2 July 2023
I first heard about this movie when I watched an interview with professional climber Alex Honnold on YouTube. He reviewed this movie along with other climbing movies. Interview is with Wired if you want to check it out.
Thought this was a decent flick. Entertaining and suspenseful, but may be a little cheesy at times. Loved the landscape setting and costumes, really well done. Base camp in Pakistan at the foot of K2, chilly and exposed to the elements.
What detracted from the film for me was one too many unrealistic elements. Alex Honnold said during his interview that if your gear is strong enough to hold through the initial impact, then it will be strong enough to hold regardless.... I.e., climbing disasters are usually all or nothing, so cutting the rope wouldn't really make a difference if the gear held through the initial impact. It wouldn't keep moving afterwards.
Also, sound mixing an this movie was pretty bad. Some minutes of super soft dialogue contrasted with incredibly loud music during action sequences. Needed some better compression no doubt.
Overall pretty entertaining watch. I definitely won't be climbing K2 anytime soon.
Thought this was a decent flick. Entertaining and suspenseful, but may be a little cheesy at times. Loved the landscape setting and costumes, really well done. Base camp in Pakistan at the foot of K2, chilly and exposed to the elements.
What detracted from the film for me was one too many unrealistic elements. Alex Honnold said during his interview that if your gear is strong enough to hold through the initial impact, then it will be strong enough to hold regardless.... I.e., climbing disasters are usually all or nothing, so cutting the rope wouldn't really make a difference if the gear held through the initial impact. It wouldn't keep moving afterwards.
Also, sound mixing an this movie was pretty bad. Some minutes of super soft dialogue contrasted with incredibly loud music during action sequences. Needed some better compression no doubt.
Overall pretty entertaining watch. I definitely won't be climbing K2 anytime soon.
Inside Man
(2006)
Superb Bank Heist Movie, Suspenseful, Compelling, And Great Ending
1 July 2023
There are hundreds of bank heist movies, but Spike Lee found a way to make this one gripping and innovative.
Fantastic narrative, screenplay, and absolutely brilliant ending. I won't spoil anything here, but this is one of those movies that builds up to the grand reveal in the last minutes of the film. Captivating and keeps you guessing the whole time -who is the inside man? How did they pull it off? Why?
Denzel Washington as a detective with complexity and depth, constantly flirting the line between corruption and doing the right thing. Jodie Foster with a terrific performance as a cunning, articulate get-things-done diplomat type. Talking between the lines. The characters constantly reading each other and figuring out true intentions.
Innovative editing by Spike Lee, splicing interviews with suspects while the main bank heist narrative is unfolding. And phenomenal ending, up until the last seconds of the movie. Leaves you walking away satisfied and excited.
Overall great movie, would recommend.
Fantastic narrative, screenplay, and absolutely brilliant ending. I won't spoil anything here, but this is one of those movies that builds up to the grand reveal in the last minutes of the film. Captivating and keeps you guessing the whole time -who is the inside man? How did they pull it off? Why?
Denzel Washington as a detective with complexity and depth, constantly flirting the line between corruption and doing the right thing. Jodie Foster with a terrific performance as a cunning, articulate get-things-done diplomat type. Talking between the lines. The characters constantly reading each other and figuring out true intentions.
Innovative editing by Spike Lee, splicing interviews with suspects while the main bank heist narrative is unfolding. And phenomenal ending, up until the last seconds of the movie. Leaves you walking away satisfied and excited.
Overall great movie, would recommend.
Funny, Guttural, And Over The Top
30 June 2023
Hilarious romp about frat life in the 60s. These guys went absolutely nuts before it was cool. Over the top, absurd, and inappropriate. Makes you wish you were at Delta in 1962.
Soundtrack and score for this movie is severely underrated... one of those soundtracks that makes a great movie even better and more compelling.
So many classic lines, so many good quotes. Comedy that's stood the test of time... watching for the first time in 2023 and laughing like heck.
One of those movies that makes you wanna go out and do crazy stuff with your friends. Loved it.
As a sidenote... there is a great bossa nova song that is played during the scene with Eric and the Dean's wife... despite my best efforts, never could find the name of the song itself....
Soundtrack and score for this movie is severely underrated... one of those soundtracks that makes a great movie even better and more compelling.
So many classic lines, so many good quotes. Comedy that's stood the test of time... watching for the first time in 2023 and laughing like heck.
One of those movies that makes you wanna go out and do crazy stuff with your friends. Loved it.
As a sidenote... there is a great bossa nova song that is played during the scene with Eric and the Dean's wife... despite my best efforts, never could find the name of the song itself....
Smokey and the Bandit
(1977)
Decent Comedy Romp With Good Performances From Leading Actors
30 June 2023
Funny, lighthearted romp featuring Burt Reynolds, Sally Fields, and Jackie Gleason. Burt Reynolds as your typical charming, deadpan cowboy. Sally Fields
as a goofy, quirky, chatty Cathy. And Jackie Gleason as your perpetually frustrated, smooth talking, hothead Southern law officer. All had hysterical performances.
The dynamic between Jackie Gleason's character and his son was particularly comical. The incompetent, good for nothing son can't do anything right always irritating his old school, experienced father. The quips and banter between the two was hilarious. So many good scenes
Great car chase/action sequences for a film of this time. And a great soundtrack. Overall quality movie.
The dynamic between Jackie Gleason's character and his son was particularly comical. The incompetent, good for nothing son can't do anything right always irritating his old school, experienced father. The quips and banter between the two was hilarious. So many good scenes
Great car chase/action sequences for a film of this time. And a great soundtrack. Overall quality movie.
47 Ronin
(2013)
Decent Action Movie, Great Special Effects and Production
26 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Overall decent action movie. Love the production value, they did a great job creating a vision of medieval feudal Japan. Costumes and landscapes were really cool. Fulfilled my fantasy of what feudal Japan would be like in medieval times.
Special effects were A+. Reminded me of Lord of the Rings. The way the demons transformed into flowing tapestries was brilliant.
Narrative was good up until the ending -would have like to see the Ronin live, but I guess this is reflective of what actually happened.
Pacing could've been a little bit better. Dragged at points, and the ending after the final battle scene could've been 10 minutes shorter in my opinion.
Entertaining watch, with some cool magical history elements.
Special effects were A+. Reminded me of Lord of the Rings. The way the demons transformed into flowing tapestries was brilliant.
Narrative was good up until the ending -would have like to see the Ronin live, but I guess this is reflective of what actually happened.
Pacing could've been a little bit better. Dragged at points, and the ending after the final battle scene could've been 10 minutes shorter in my opinion.
Entertaining watch, with some cool magical history elements.
American Graffiti
(1973)
Charming, Light Hearted Picture of 60s Culture
25 June 2023
An overall feel good movie. Heartwarming, witty, and fun. Was an enjoyable, entertaining watch that gave me a picture into what 60s culture was like. No doubt a precursor to Dazed And Confused. Great storytelling and acting that touched on some important themes, such as the dilemma to stay at home or move away and explore new horizons.
Featured a nostalgic soundtrack with some great hits from the 50s and 60s. Sound mixing was really well done.
The relationship between John and Carol was interesting. Nowadays, this would seem like a very inappropriate portrayal, but I think given the context, the relationship doesn't necessarily have to appear this way.
Good movie, would watch again.
Featured a nostalgic soundtrack with some great hits from the 50s and 60s. Sound mixing was really well done.
The relationship between John and Carol was interesting. Nowadays, this would seem like a very inappropriate portrayal, but I think given the context, the relationship doesn't necessarily have to appear this way.
Good movie, would watch again.
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