john-kim-howard Reviews

Lamb (2021)

I have a different take on this film

[7/10 · 27 June 2023]

First of all I think I decided to watch this film because I have both a fascination with the remote, rustic, somewhat mesmerizing Icelandic landscape and folklore, and I also enjoy Noomi Rapace. In that regard, I wasn't disappointed. Compared to other reviews and opinions it appears my take on the movie is quite different, perhaps something distinctly American. I perceived the entire movie as a metaphor. The hybrid lamb-human represented the profound and deeply emotional attachment humans place on their beloved pets, whether dog, cat, horse, whatever. They are not our child although the longing for that loving connection is real. Pétur attempts to bring some reality to the relationship but abandons it. The RamMan is the metaphoric God/Nature, rather like Moby Dick. It is impossible to prevent the inevitable loss of a cherished creature. The world we create in order to cope eventually will be taken from us.

Monster (2022–2024)

I was surprisingly impressed

[8/10 · 18 November 2022]

I have to admit that I began watching the series out of a combination of morbid curiosity and the fact that it was highly rated by the composite of Netflix customers. As incomprehensibly sick as Jeffrey Dahmer was, and twisted as the acts he performed were, this series is absolutely not some cheap slasher style shock flick. It follows elements of his life, his family, failures to recognize his depravity, the enormous pain he caused the victim's families and the community. In real life terms he had been a serial killer sicko to me that I dismissed. This series brings home the somewhat terrifying fact that he could be carrying out such perverse, loathsome acts yet walk among us on a day by day basis. The acting is totally superb throughout. I guess what surprised me the most is that through 9 episodes I only thought what a sick, depraved SOB he was, and then in the 10th and final episode, I couldn't help but feel sorry for him. I mean, he gets what he deserved, I guess. But it takes an expertly crafted story to actually humanize the likes of Jeffrey Dahmer.

War of the Worlds (2019– )

Clever Science Fiction storyline

[8/10 · 5 August 2021]

Okay, there may have been an episode or two, or three, over the two seasons of episodes that were a bit boring, but overall, as a fan of science fiction, I was hooked on wanting to know how it would end. And I thought the storyline and ending, in total, was a very intriguing and well put together story. I can't deny some episodes in the middle were a bit soap operaish, but the beginning and end were very good. Sit back and enjoy it like it's a good book. Well acted, lots of subplot stories, and surprises. Acting and cast was top notch also.

Jojo Rabbit (2019)

Something couldn't click for me

[4/10 · 11 August 2020]

Let me preface by saying that Taika Waititi is a genius and I am not. I am very knowledgeable of WW2 and I think that inhibited my ability to find the humor in this movie that many others have raved about. The immense real tragedy of the subject matter made finding slapstick humor essentially impossible for me. One gag depiction after another of Nazi's in full buffoonery just couldn't get it with me even though the message and tragic nature of this era is fully exposed, at least at times. I can honestly say that I didn't laugh once. I barely raised a smile. I wish I could have enjoyed the humor others have expressed, but for me it was the equivalent of making a funny movie about Jeffrey Dahmer. Sorry.

Downton Abbey (2019)

Must see for Downton fans

[9/10 · 21 September 2019]

Somehow they have reassembled the entire cast of the television series. So all the magic this wonderful ensemble brings to life can once again be enjoyed. The two hour movie portrays only a few days in the lives of the Downton Abbey characters so it's a quick 1927 snapshot. Lady Mary is her intriguing self, Carson is hilarious and Maggie Smith is at her best. It was wonderfully made, very clever, thoroughly enjoyable.

Free Solo (2018)

Stomach in knots

[10/10 · 3 September 2019]

This young man is rather a light in the darkness. I truly can't comprehend him, but his focus and unbelievable abilities are awe inspiring. You have to remember that during the filming of this documentary no one on the crew, his friends, his almost wife knew whether or not he would live through the ordeal. Even knowing of his incredible triumph I was unnerved through the whole movie. There cannot be more than a handful of people on earth not only with his physical strength and concentration, but the commitment to go for it is other worldly. I wish him well and rather pray he learns to throttle back as he gets older.

Chernobyl (2019)

A factual Horror story

[10/10 · 19 June 2019]

This program was one of the most haunting productions I think I've ever seen. The reality of the Chernobyl disaster was much worse than I imagined, it rippled through so many lives and is such a sad story that I was riveted throughout the series. From my very limited knowledge of Russian history it always seemed a culture of sacrifice, suffering and heroism. All of these things are represented. Then on top of the horror they are dealing with lower levels of the Soviet government trying desperately for a time to cover up the true extent of the disaster. The acting was extraordinary as they bring the heroes and suffering to life. Highly recommended.

Noah (2014)

Don't miss because of the evangelicals

[8/10 · 30 March 2014]

First of all, anyone who gives this movie a 1 has got some real issues. I almost changed movies when I saw the plethora of bad user reviews, but slowly began to read between the lines. The negative reviews have nothing to do with the movie, as in, bad acting, bad directing, bad special effects, no plot line. They all have to do with the story of Noah being told in a mythological sense rather than some bible thumping, and then God said Old Testament kind of way. Granted, the story comes from the Old Testament, but if you're not totally hung up on an absolute literal biblical presentation then the movie is absolutely fabulous. Russell Crowe is fantastic as Noah and gives a phenomenal performance. In fact, the acting by all the characters was a thing of beauty. Not enjoying the movie as a great job of story telling, which is what the director's job is, is losing the whole great story of Noah. I always loved the story of Noah, not because of the, "people have been sinning again, time for God to wipe everybody out theme". The metaphor I loved was that God entrusts a good man, Noah, with the stewardship of protecting life on this planet. God doesn't leave it up to Noah which animals to save, God's already made the world perfect in that regard, Noah is tasked to save a pair of everything. Period. And he does it, albeit with a huge load of, yes, science fiction like magic, straight from, guess who? The movie does have some slow periods, but it generally moves along very well. For the most part I thought it was very moving. Quite honestly I had a moment or two of the inspirational tears well up. The special effects are fantastic. My wife and teenage son all thoroughly enjoyed the movie. If you like fantastic stories with action, passion, struggle and enormous challenge, almost science fiction like or very Mythological in many ways, then I'm pretty sure you'll like this movie. It's Epic, an epic story and an epic movie. However, with all due respect, if you're seriously hung up on Christian dogma, you'd be better to stay home and read your bible.

War Horse (2011)

Consummately boring

[4/10 · 15 April 2012]

Being a history buff I thought this movie may interest me. The history lesson doesn't happen. Instead we drag along endlessly in a, guess what, children's story. Complete with the horse being made emotionally anthropomorphic complete with heroic actions for his horse friend. I gave it a 4 rather then a 1 or 2 simply because it has the well done Spielberg landscape shots. The story line had me positively bored to tears. Perhaps because I'm not a horse lover I couldn't connect. Basically the entire movie is the horse, Joey, moving from English people, to German people, to French people, back to German people, and eventually back to English people. Everyone quickly recognizes what a truly special horse Joey is. In a nutshell, every action scene in the movie you will have seen in an advertisement.

Battle Los Angeles (2011)

Being judged a bit harshly

[8/10 · 27 June 2011]

It never ceases to amaze me that all those "movie experts" out there want to judge an action/pop corn movie along side the great movies of our age. First, I admit I saw this film at home on my BluRay (with surround sound). So some of the detractors I've read were mitigated by the smaller screen. For instance, I was not the least bit bothered by the camera technique, sort of the hand-held cam type of action at times. That usually only happened when the Marines were on the run or there was an attempt to convey the mass confusion effect. No big deal, few and far between in my opinion. The battle scenes and sound effects in surround sound were comparable to Black Hawk Down. Very loud, very realistic, very intense. I liked it a lot. Cheezy lines, ridiculous story...sure. It's about Aliens invading L.A., what do you expect! The bottom line is, if you enjoy heroic, action movies, no matter the "ridiculous" factor, then this was actually a damn good movie. Predictable?...Give me a break. Of course it was predictable. I enjoyed Battle L.A. It was fun.

Pandorum (2009)

Pretty Good SciFi Yarn

[7/10 · 12 October 2009]

I was a little disappointed because I was told beforehand that it was based on the Video Game called "Dead Space". Although there are parallels to Dead Space, the movie isn't based on it and wasn't as intense as the game can become. But I liked it. It was clever and moved along well. A lot more gory then scary, but most movie fare is these days. I don't like the cinematic technique of depicting chaotic violence by fast motioned jumbled hand held camera shots, which this movie uses. I prefer a well choreographed fight scene any day. On the other hand, this movie does have good special effects, and the plot does twist enough to have a clever ending.

Land of the Lost (2009)

What did you expect??

[6/10 · 6 June 2009]

I could tell from the trailers that if you were not a committed Will Ferrell fan, or stoned out of your mind, that this movie would probably be trashed by the experts. You either find his absurd comedy funny or find it a senseless insult to your intelligence. For me, there were a couple times when I really laughed out loud (and I was sober as a judge), most of the time I simply had a smile on my face as I watched the master make a complete fool of himself - which is what Will Ferrell does. I read some of these in-depth critiques in utter amazement. I mean, really, what were you expecting to see? It is a very light hearted spoof of one of the most ridiculous TV series in history. Generally, I thought it was funny, we've been repeating some of the funnier, albeit, totally ridiculous scenes all day. I do strongly caution parents with children. When Will Ferrell says PG-13 he isn't kidding. Sexual innuendo and drug references are going to be quite uncomfortable for the prudish crowd.