sree-howlett Reviews

Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017)

A film with no story...

[1/10 · 4 May 2020]

Can there be a star wars film with no story? Can there be a film with no story? This is it. It's the last jedi. The effort to make the film look beautiful is visible. But it looks like no effort was made in creating a good story. A sequel that didn't even bother to continue after it's previous film (FA).

L.A. Noire (2011 Video Game)

My L.A. Noire experience (No spoilers)

[10/10 · 17 January 2014]

I remember watching the first teaser / trailer of L.A. Noire and was astounded by the richness and quality. I love the 1940s and after watching the Michael Mann film Public Enemies (2009), my hype for L.A. Noire went out of this world with L.A. Noire's trailer (2010) which came out exactly after a year or some months later. And when the game had been released, it didn't get it right away cause I was in university. However I did buy it for my brother. The Xbox 360 version that had 3 discs. Again after another couple of years later, I finally played the game in 2013. I took my time and played it slowly. Finished it finally during the 2nd week of January 2014. Man oh man, what an insane ride. What a game! I loved every minute of it, every QUIT & Continue (the retries) to get all them questions right during interrogations. Ha! It is a beautiful game with a brilliant cast and grand environments. If you love California and 1940s then here is a game that will rock your socks off from team bondi and rockstar games. Why the interrogations aren't boring? Cause the expressions given out by the characters in question are just unbelievably real. Even though expressions are common, the fact remains that each human being is an individual and it applies to our facial features too, that's what makes the expressions different. The game play itself is generous, without sticking to just one type and still manages to maintain a sense of consistency. Certain levels require certain types of game play ranging from puzzles to action sequences. And I have to talk about the crime scene investigations which is just beyond my appreciation. Some are bold, some easy but brilliant all together. The most important thing that keeps us going in the game is the story. Greatly crafted and put together really well. Finally, the music. You don't like the 1940s without loving the music from the era. Both the original score and the selection of classic tracks just wants me to say, "these cats got great taste mac." Thank you to every good soul that worked on this game, it is a beautiful game, a masterpiece. Hope I haven't missed anything out, even if I have I'll make it up with the following line: L.A. Noire is one of the best games ever made, I've ever played and you will ever play.

Now that I've finally hooked my PS3 to TV with a hdmi cable, I wish I had played it on my PS3. But the Xbox 360 wasn't bad either.

When Calls the Heart (2014– )

preview! no spoiler

[10/10 · 17 January 2014]

One of the shows I'm looking forward to, this year. The costumes look grand, the sets look fantastic and a promising cast. Together they seem to create this feel of authenticity of greater times, classic times. It's unbelievable how I was convinced by just the working stills and screen shots of the show available here at IMDb. I love history and it is only natural for me to like "When Calls The Heart" as it is based on another time. To be honest, it was an accident that I found this show because I was looking for Johannah Newmarch's work/filmography and bumped onto this show at the hallmark channel website I think. And I'm oh so glad that I did. Not only Johannah Newmarch, the cast includes a lot of lovely actresses as well. Cannot wait to watch!

The Crazies (2010)

Great cast and great film-making = Brilliant movie!

[10/10 · 23 July 2010]

Fan of the original George Romero classic. Expected nothing and got a lot out of it. This movie was very good. I agree with all the critics who have said the movie is underrated. This is quite possibly one of the best remakes (for the present generation of movie goers) ever. Fans of zombie movies, horror and thriller will enjoy this one, as the new THE CRAZIES is sure to make you jump after bringing you to the edge of the seat. Usually, remakes follow the same storyline. Sometimes, scene by scene or even shot by shot (what's the point of copying it like that) but the crazies is one of a kind. Great cast and great film-making = Brilliant movie!

Predators (2010)

Almost wet my pants

[10/10 · 23 July 2010]

Just came back from PREDATORS. I'm out of breath and literally wet my brand new jockey almost 3 times during the whole movie. At times, I had to slide down a little, as it was scary. Amazing cast, brilliant make up and creature effects. Tremendous music and visual effects. MARVELLOUS MOVIE! I don't want to spoil anything, Nimrod Antal is one of the best film-makers ever with his awesome team of directors, photographers and editors. Robert Rodriguez, the godfather of this project is actually ...GOD! I'll say one more thing, Adrien Brody proved us all wrong! Throw any role at him and he will bring down the house, such a dedicated actor. Another great movie in a long time. MUST SEE!

The Rebound (2009)

Decent Dramedy

[8/10 · 23 July 2010]

Justin Bartha finally bags a lead role and what's better than teaming up with the ever green Catherine Zeta Jones Douglas. A decent drama comedy and romance with unexpected dialogs - reflection of reality is a bit scary. You don't get a lot of movies like this one these days. Every time you see something close to reality, you get grossed out or end up calling it "weird" and the romantic parts from this movie is nicely done as well. With a wide range of cast including ART GARFUNKEL have all done a great job. Highly recommended! I'm very happy for talented Justin Bartha as I've been waiting to see him in movies that offer him good roles and more screen time.

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)

...it has DEPTH and not many video game movies have that...

[10/10 · 27 May 2010]

Quite possibly the best video game movie ever (so my favourite game movie Silent Hill goes down to number 2). Unlike other game movies where there is no seriousness or lack of originality/not sticking to the source material. This movie delivers greatness in all aspects. Mike Newell (Monalisa Smile - watch it if you still haven't) proved yet again that he is capable of directing a movie of any genre. (He is also my 3rd favourite director of the Harry Potter films). Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is a big WIN 'cause it has DEPTH and not many video game movies have that. With an amazing cast (some unexpected awesomeness) and crew, this is a 'must watch, worth every penny' movie. Not only this movie does justice to the amazing video game(s), it will make the fans go crazy and clap with both hands and feet like I did. Jordan Mechner must be happy and proud!

Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs (2009)

Meatier Shower!

[10/10 · 28 February 2010]

With an awesome cast, an ambitious "lot of people" at Sony-animation and two great directors who make sure the ride is real and original. Not only give us a great film experience but do justice to the book as well. I'm surprised The Academy did not nominate this as the 6th movie in the best animated feature category. It was nominated for the Annie's as well. This is not just a funny, family comedy. But, a strange movie on the whole. You don't know if its sarcasm or not, but in the end, even the sarcasm scores a tear drop from you. That's the best way to describe this awesome movie. That's how great it is. Highly recommended. 10 stars

Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Inglorious Basterds Das Film

[10/10 · 28 February 2010]

Nein Nein Nein Nein! Not exactly the remake of the 70's Inglorious Bastards. I was glad as this movie did not end soon. Because I did not want it to end. Great character development, twisted plot and idea, brilliant film-making and applause-worthy performances. Surprisingly challenging role for Brad Pitt and he actually did well. (I was surprised to see Brad Pitt in a Quentin Tarantino movie trailer and again when his name appeared = opening credits). QT score! For pushing Brad Pitt's dialogue delivery and performance to the limits. Mein Fuhrer Adolf Hitler was shown (completely different) not in the many ways we've seen him before in previous movies that had him. QT score! Rest of the Basterds (cast) had an amazing 40's look and feel. QT score! I love war uniforms and fashionable 40's and 50's clothing. QT score! There are some movies that will teach and preach the greatness of FILM and help us understand that 'digital' can never beat FILM. This is one of those movies, with astounding cinematography and lighting. QT score! One of the directeurs who has great sense of music/musical knowledge is Quentin. QT score! I love fiction. And when you mix fiction and history, the outcome is sheer brilliance. I do have my opinions about how mein fuhrer was killed in this film (ahem) but the fiction in this film is one of the greatest stories ever told and told well. QT score!

Tsanksss to the Basterds in the crew, which made this a complete film. You don't have to be a Quentin Tarantino fan to watch this film. If you are, you will probably be thinking and talking about this movie for the rest of yer life (like many of us, his fans do).

Three best Basterds: Mike Myers. When I heard this man was going to be in the film, I was just jumping in excitement. Who wouldn't love the amazing mike myers... And yes, it truly was great to see him.

Eli Roth. The Bear Jew. The directeur of Hostel and Hostel II. He just proved in this movie that he was not just a namesake bad-ass.

Christoph Waltz. Oh where have you been you crazy basterd? His performance is so rich it will lead you to conclude that this man comes from 'plays' and 'theater'. When I tried to find more info about him, I was right. He was indeed from theater and what a performer!

Final words: Inglorious Basterds, is another brilliant treat from Quentin Tarantino along with an amazing crew and cast. Hollywood and English film-makers, we want to see more of Christoph Waltz!

Goal! III (2009)

Why ?

[1/10 · 28 February 2010]

This movie destroyed what the first 2 movies had built. Except for Kuno, none of the original cast was in the movie. They were the important characters behind the story of this footballer. Why the main character Santiago (Kuno) was sidelined and the story followed the lives of two footballers who were introduced to us in this movie. It was the same writer who had written the previous films, wrote this unnecessary garbage of a film. After all that wait to see the storyline set at the world cup, the wait was not worth it. We will never find out if Santiago plays for England or Mexico or USA. We will never know if Santiago will get back to this love interest and their yet to be born child. We will never know if he will make his manager and well wisher proud (from the first two films played by Stephen Dillane as Glen Foy, an important character in the GOAL movie universe.) All Goal fans ARE disappointed ! We demand a proper ending for the series. Those of you planning to watch this movie, please don't. GOAL 1 and 2 are the only movies that follow a proper narrative. This one does not follow the storyline and doesn't even explain why ? (except for some cheap bits like Kuno just saying how he knows to be loved and didn't bother to care for his lover) DANG! How does that explain anything!

Avatar (2009)

Awakened from the most beautiful dream I have ever dreamed...

[10/10 · 22 December 2009]

I woke up from the most beautiful dream... A breath-taking kingdom called Pandora with immense life forms that communicate with one another. To understand this marvel, it must be experienced...

When the movie came to an end, I understood that I had been awakened from the most beautiful dream I have ever dreamed. A movie that gave me several hair-raising rasa-experiences (otherwise known as the abused word "goosebumps") although I was wearing three layers of clothing (due to the hoth like weather condition) at the ODEON. The makers of this film have clearly gifted the world a 'masterpiece' (I am not sure if that word does justice anymore) with a title to it, AVATAR. This film is worth more than what one would pay to gain a stub to experience it.

It is not just a film, it is a dream in which we live the impossibilities. A dream that you would not want to wake up from. A dream that I sadly had to wake up from.

Wishing you a pleasant journey

Dragonball Evolution (2009)

I wish there was a 0 out of 10. Kids Matrix ? Come on !

[1/10 · 11 October 2009]

I wish there was a "0 out of 10" option. If you are a fan of the legendary Dragonball you would probably know what I mean. Or if you are a movies-fan then let me put it to you in a more meaningful manner. This is a rape to the legend that is Dragonball. Why did the Japanese allow it to be made into a live action film still keeps me wondering. Even if you have the highest paid CGI studios, you cannot achieve GREATNESS that was DRAGONBALL. This is nothing compared to the original manga (comics) or anime series and anime movies.

In the UK release of the DVD and BLU-RAY, the tagline or fun-line or punch-line says, "THE KIDS MATRIX"

Does anybody really know how hurtful that sounds ? Dragonball (comics and anime) came earlier! I'm a fan of the MATRIX, but where did all that influence come from ? ANIME! PURE Japanese ANIME! That's where film-makers refer from when they wish to create something fantastic. That's why MATRIX was fantastic.

Now this movie DRAGONBALL EVOLUTION is far from pleasing any type of audiences. Except for kids who think this movie and the G.I.Joe Movie are "dope"

Stay away from this movie. Bad movie. Bad Twentieth Fox Century for ruining the legends of Dragonball, Hit-man, etc etc

Double Take (2001)

Double Take = Promising, good fun and underrated

[10/10 · 28 July 2009]

Double Take is nothing but a great movie. I first saw the movie in flight. And guess what, I saw it all 3 to 4 times, before the flight landed in LAX (from Asia). Eddie Griffin and Orlando Jones, such great actors who put up one hell of a performance. They became their respective characters which is why the movie turned out to be great. Every part of the movie is a double take, something's going on and you might/may not miss it or you wouldn't know whom to believe. So you clearly experience what Daryl Chase (Orlando Jones) is going through. Over all, the movie is brilliant, if you are looking for quality action and comedy then this is a must own (DVD) or you can always rent it (but the movie deserves a lot better than a rent). I have the DVD since 2004. And been watching it often, till today.

George Gallo is awesome incarnate. This man is the brainchild behind some of the massive action/comedy/adventure/crime/thriller genre movies. MIDNIGHT RUN and BAD BOYS to mention.

El cantante (2006)

dear god

[2/10 · 10 July 2009]

Now I love Jennifer Lopez. Nothing but respect. Who one their right and brightest mind would cast beloved MARC ANTHONY on the lead role ? Why oh why ? As Hector, he is nothing but a short man who disappoints us from the beginning to the end. "Hector never knew how much people loved him. And that's the thing. It's like he didn't want to know." But Marc Anthony (OH YOU SANG TO ME!) seriously should accept the fact that NOT EVERYBODY loves him or his work. He must also accept that he cannot act even if he was tortured. Best thing would be to tie him up and make him listen to all of his songs over and over. And make him watch his music videos over and over. That would be the best punishment for dear Marc. Rest of the cast is great. Everybody else has done a great job. But, the way this movie was shown, could've been better. Some films may not have the element of keeping the mind of the audience stuck to it or keep yer heart pounding and waiting for something great to happen. When movies without these elements are made, they should be shot well and need proper actors. Not someone like OH-YOU-SANG-TO-ME! The narrative could've been better. if you already know about Hector Lavoe, then this movie will just help you add slightly to what you already know. Surely, the movie has great detail. But Marc Anthony is a major turn off for me. Playing a role like that. Its not that he doesn't look the part, HE DOESN'T LOOK LIKE AN ACTOR in the first place. Now that's what you call a major casting problem. Lets be glad he was not cast in DANCE WITH ME or any of the CHE GUEVARA movies for that matter.

You could watch it for Jennifer Lopez (fine and fine performance as usual) and the rest of the cast. Movie loses major points because of Marc Anthony. But if you are a OH-YOU-SANG-TO-ME fan, then go watch it. Cause there easily wouldn't be any other movies with MARC ANTHONY playing the title role. (But that could change if J.Lo was planning to produce for the little prik)