Nighthawk1 Reviews

Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)

Disappointing Sequel

[4/10 · 27 December 2020]

2.5 hours of overlong mind numbing boredom that leads to an unsatisfying conclusion. Too many plot holes and inconsistencies, bad acting and a convoluted plot. The first one was better. Action scenes in the movie were badly choreographed and not enough. There have been other disappointing superhero movies and this ranks high in the list.

Birds of Prey (2020)

Better than Suicide Squad but still mediocre in comparison

[6/10 · 7 February 2020]

Birds of Prey is being overpraised by many critics. Some of it is fun, while quite a bit is annoying. The movie's script and story aren't particularly special either. Birds of Prey is better than Suicide Squad, but so are a lot of movies. It's an aright time waster, but I didn't care much for the characters. Margot Robbie is a good actress however, I am already tired of her portrayal of Harley Quinn and the action scenes are nothing new. Stay after the credits because that's the funniest thing in the movie.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019)

A decent movie brought down by the lead character

[7/10 · 24 December 2019]

A Beautiful Day In the Neighbourhood wasn't that bad. It has a great supporting performance by Tom Hanks as Mr. Rogers who keeps this movie afloat. However, what brings it down is that it should have focused more on Mr. Rogers than the journalist, who is the lead character in the movie. He is a boring, uninteresting character and I did not care about him at all. I really like the show The Americans and the journalist character is played by Matthew Rhys who is wonderful in that show but his character is just not written that well and is not compelling enough to keep my interest all the way through the movie. The documentary on Mr. Rogers is way better and people can learn more about Mr. Rogers' fascinating life from it.

Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)

An entertaining, although hollow sequel

[6/10 · 14 December 2019]

Jumanji 2: The Next Level was a fun movie, not a great one. Not a significant movie but worth watching to pass the time. I think it's better than the first one, partly due to the addition of the new cast members, especially Awkwafina who shines in this and gives a very funny performance. I like where the franchise is going as setup in near the end of the film.

The Irishman (2019)

Netflix Brings Martin Scorsese's epic vision into existence

[9/10 · 30 November 2019]

The Irishman is a swan song to the gangster film, and method actors of the past. A bygone era of filmmaking by a masterful legendary director. The de-aging technology is hard to adjust to at first but I got used to it.

Netflix allows Martin Scorsese's The Irishman to exist by providing funding for the project other studios could not due to the limitations if their business model. They have to make break even to even start to make a profit, that with marketing costs makes major studios releasing films in theatres risk averse. Netflix is about subscribers and a limited run in theatres for dome of their films to qualify for awards.

Ford v Ferrari (2019)

Ford v Ferarri is an enjoyable old-fashioned crowd pleaser

[8/10 · 22 November 2019]

Ford v Ferrari is terrific. An old-fashioned movie but in a good way. A crowd pleaser. This is exactly the film movie studios don't make anymore. The race car scenes are authentic and exhilarating. The acting by Damon and Bale is spectacular and the friendship that grows between the two characters throughout the movie, going from competitors to friends, is enjoyable to watch. Movies like this are being released in theatres less and less so it's nice to see a drama aimed at adults in a movie theatre.

Frozen II (2019)

Frozen 2 is a letdown, not as good as the original

[5/10 · 21 November 2019]

Frozen 2 is somewhat of a bust. A cash grab to make money for Disney, and the cast. It has a muddled half-baked epic journey environmental plot. Not very involving in the way it is carried out.

What made the original special, such as plot, music, character development, and relationships, are regurgitated without wonderment, and spirit.

Olaf and Sven, as the comic relief are redeeming factors and are entertaining.

The music is alright but pails in comparison to the original. The songs are not all that memorable.

The animation is beautiful, one of the best looking animated films I have seen in a long time.

The movie is made for kids and not adults. Children will probably be satisfied and enjoy it. Some fans of Frozen, will be letdown going in with high expectations hoping this one tops the original that so many people love.

Toy Story 4 is a movie I liked more that was released the same year as Frozen 2. It is more complex and layered in the way the characters are written and developed, and the story makes more sense.

Even though there was a long gap of time between Frozen and Frozen 2 it still felt rushed. I wanted a movie that was more consequential and captivating, and I didn't get it from this sequel.

Charlie's Angels (2019)

Charlie's Angels reboot not a total waste but close to it

[4/10 · 14 November 2019]

I was underwhelmed by Charlie's Angels. Lead actresses were miscast. No way was it believable that Kristen Stewart could beat anyone up in this film, too small, too thin, and the other two actresses couldn't either. Some may find it fun and diverting, but I found it to be superficial, overlong, and more often than not boring. Occasionally there was a funny line said by a cast member, or a scene is mildly engaging, and there is something to enjoy about it momentarily, but a lot of it felt monotonous and tedious.

Nothing new or original, more of a rehash of the 2000 Charlie's Angels reboot with less likable actors.

I was happy to see Patrick Stewart in this film until his role was squandered. It is a shame that his role was written so poorly. Patrick Stewart could have been utilized much better.

The plot was almost non-existent and what was there was just an excuse for the actresses to show off and joke around. I did not find this to be entertaining enough, the way that it was done, but other less demanding viewers would probably be fine with this aspect of the movie. I wasn't expecting it to be a classic of any kind; I just wanted it to be more exciting and interesting. It doesn't seem to have much of a purpose except to try to get more money from consumers from an aging franchise.

I will say that the actresses tried hard and had some decent chemistry together, but they are not given a lot to work with in this film. Action scenes were not very exciting, very generic. Could have had potential with a better script, a more skillful director than Elizabeth Banks, coherent story, and stronger action scenes would have helped improve the movie.

Lady and the Tramp (2019)

Plays it safe but still worth watching for fans of the original, just don't expect much more

[5/10 · 13 November 2019]

A shot by shot remake done with no heart or soul. Mildly diverting but mostly uninteresting for fans of the classic original animated films. Would have preferred a more innovative approach adding some plot elements that are new to the mix. One part made me laugh was Ken Jeong's brief cameo as the doctor after delivering the baby. He says a funny line that I don't think was in the original movie. Probably one of the only times I was not bored. Animation os very impressive. Dogs looked cer lifelike. Hard to tell that they were Computer graphics. Much like Lion King this movie takes the safe approach.

Pain and Glory (2019)

Pain & Glory a fascinating film that was not fully satisfying.

[7/10 · 12 November 2019]

Pain & Glory is a good film but not a great one. Antonio Banderas has one of his best roles and Pedro Almodóvar is as skilled a director as always. But it doesn't seem to connect as much as I would have liked it to, It's a sad, serious film that is layered and has an emotional impact of sorts but the storyline did not captivate me as much as it should have. It's a very personal film for the director but I felt distant from it but others may feel differently. It was worth seeing but I was left wanting to be enthralled more by the film.

The Boys (2019– )

Superheroes like you have never seen them before

[8/10 · 9 November 2019]

I liked The Boys a lot and preferred it to The Umbrella Academy, although I like that show too. Lots of surprises and a subversive storyline, dark humour and fantastic acting by so many but especially Karl Urban. An impressive show, I am looking forward to season 2.

Doctor Sleep (2019)

A worthy sequel to The Shining

[7/10 · 4 November 2019]

Doctor sleep is Chilling and suspenseful. I liked how it alluded to what came before it in The Shining while being. its own thing. Good continuation of the story that doesn't copy the original film. Ewan McGregor is excellent, the director is great. Fans of the Shining will appreciate it.

The King (I) (2019)

Surprised at how good it is

[8/10 · 4 November 2019]

The King was a pleasant surprise. Great acting by Timothée Chalamet. An interesting story about how someone with no direction in life, who never wanted to be king, becomes King. The big battle scene reminded me of Braveheart. Robert Pattinson is memorable too in his small role.

Gemini Man (2019)

Mildly entertaining but mostly average. Expected better.

[6/10 · 13 October 2019]

Gemini Man was alright, nothing special, mildly entertaining. It had a routine, all too familiar plot we have seen before from numerous action films over the years mixed with experimental technology that has not been perfected yet. Will Smith is not the box office star he used to be, average acting, directing, screenplay. Action scenes were passable but not all that innovative or interesting.

Yesterday (III) (2019)

A pleasant surprise. Exceeded my expressions.

[8/10 · 30 June 2019]

I saw this delightful, clever and funny film. I thought it was magnificent. Wonderful cast, great screenplay and a soundtrack filled with fantastic Beatles music. An extremely charming movie, I was captivated all the way throughout the film. Another great Danny Boyle film. It was pleasure to watch.

Frequently Asked Questions About Time Travel (2009)

There have been better time travel movies

[7 November 2010]

The movie has a neat concept the isn't very well execuated. The filmmakers shouls have made The movie has a neat concept the isn't very well execuated. The filmmakers shouls have made a funnier time travel movie. The jokes more often than not fall flat. The movie kept me wanting to find out how the story was going to wrap up. Unfornutately, it didn't come togeather as well as I hoped. The ending wasn't satisfying enough and should have borough more closure. Even though this isn't what I would call a good movie, it is barely passable.funnier time travel movie. The jokes more often than not fall flat. Even though this isn't what I would call a good movie, it is barely passable. Anna Farris makes an appearance. She does not have a lot of screen time. Showing up out of nowhere sporatically throughout the movie.

Kisses (2008)

A grim and pessimistic movie about two child runaways

[8/10 · 5 November 2010]

An excellent movie even. Even with a short 75 minute running the movie is crafted and developed impressively. Not a feel good movie in the slightest. It is the story of two Irish runaway children that come from abusive homes. It is unabashedly forthright in its hopeless outlook on life in general. The subject matter of the movie is undeniably grim and pessimistic, but this is a great example of superb minimalist film making. Nothing is overdone or excessive. Everything on screen seems to be needed and no time or scene is wasted for any reason. This movie will satisfy fans of art house and foreign film. Some people will be put off by it due to its subject matter but others who appreciate this kind of movie will definitely want to go see it.

The Losers (I) (2010)

The equivalent to cinematic junk food

[6/10 · 29 July 2010]

The Losers as a movie and a graphic novel adaptation lies somewhere between mediocre and half-decent; closer to the former than the latter. There are lots of explosions, plenty of action and a fast pace throughout. The action is on the level of pg-13 which diminishes it. It's also quite silly, inane and dopey.

Even though the dialog is pretty bad at times, admittedly I found some of the one liners funny. The pacing is very kinetic and energetic which is sometimes to its benefit but also to its detriment. The plot is befuddling not because of complexity (or lack of) but because of its utter ridiculousness and the speed at which the movie progresses. The movie rarely lets up which often leads to confusion. I forgot about following the plot after awhile and decided to just go with the movie and try to get something out of it.

There are far better action movies and graphic novel adaption that have been produced. Those movies are worth seeing before this one. The movie isn't boring. It's just empty and barren. There is no trace of substance whatsoever. Watching The Losers is the equivalent of eating too much junk food and getting a sugar rush. Agreeable, while a person consumes it but instantly forgettable right after possibly leading to a bad feeling of some sort afterward such as a headache.

Armored (2009)

There are better heist movies worth seeing than this

[5/10 · 26 July 2010]

A bunch of imbecile transport security men decide to rob their own company by stealing money from the armored vehicle that they are supposed to look after.

The characters come off as being dimwitted and incompetent. While watching the movie its obvious that this isn't how they were supposed to be written and portrayed. Each of the characters frequently make the most moronic and boneheaded decisions when carrying out the plan. This must be one of the worst plotted heists ever. Everything that could go wrong does. The absence of logic is astounding.

Despite glaring problems with the script the well put together ensemble cast salvage this movie to some degree. The action is alright but could be a lot better. The movie takes place mostly in one location most likely to save money. The production is obviously modestly budget and it shows. Definitely, not one of the best movies of its kind.

Brooklyn's Finest (2009)

Even though the movie is derivative and unoriginal I still liked it

[7/10 · 22 July 2010]

Been there done that. This cop drama is a derivative mixture of movies of the same type from the past. Even though this is the case I thought it was done fairly well. I know I should dislike this movie because of this, but I don't. Its competently directed and acted. Although The story ventures into familiar territory I still seemed to care about it for some reason. Not a bad movie for it genre, the movies biggest problem is that its unoriginal. That doesn't mean its not good. It indicates that the genre has been overly done throughout the years. The movie was directed by Antoine Fuqua who also was behind another cop drama which was better called training day starring Denzel Washington and Ethan Hawke who also stars in this movie.

Taking Woodstock (2009)

Underwhelming filmaking by Ang Lee

[6/10 · 16 July 2010]

I expected more from Ang Lee. The movie depicts the spirit and atmosphere of Woodstock and the corresponding time period. The problem is that the movie is too quirky and not dramatic enough. The acting is alright but the script is sub-par. Additionally it feels unpolished and rough around the edges and not dramatic enough. Maybe it was the way the director wanted the movie to come across. The movie didn't fully come together and left me feeling unsatisfied at its conclusion. Ang Lee has direct many great movies in the past; this isn't one of them. Its not his worst though. Hulk is his worst. The movie isn't great it isn't terrible either.

Dressed to Kill (1980)

Very good thriller... Over the top and suspenseful... Vintage DePalma... Fans of the director won't be disappointed.

[7/10 · 23 May 2010]

Brian DePalma's attempt at paying homage to director Alfred Hitchcock and his movie Psycho,among others, comes across more as a blatant rip-off. However, despite this I ended up liking the film. I never felt bored. Actually, some of the reasons why I did enjoy the movie as much as I did were in part because of DePalma and his directing style.

I found the movie to be captivating even though it got increasingly silly as it went along. DePalma's over-stylization and brazen references to Hitchcock kept me wanting to watch more. His self-indulgent tracking shots did become annoying after awhile, but these flourishes are to be expected from him. All the wild plot twists, excessiveness and over-the-top presentation of the whole thing made the movie even more entreating. Sure, it's trashy, lurid and exploitative, but these elements sets this movie apart from other thrillers. It's a good film that's fun to watch. Michael Cane's scenery chewing performance was great to watch. It's too bad Brian DePalma hasn't directed a half-decent film in years.

The Fourth Kind (2009)

Fake footage, silly movie

[5/10 · 20 March 2010]

I can attempt to accept the idea that this movie is supposed to contain so-called "real" and "dramatized" footage contrasted with one another while consciously knowing it's all fake. I'm willing to suspend my disbelief for the intent of being entertained while watching a movie. However, if that movie fails to sustain my interest causing my mind to start wandering off due such factors as boredom and plot incoherence than it's a stretch for me to accept what I am being told to believe.

Similar to Paranormal activity in some respects I had trouble really getting into this one. Paranormal activity was a better movie and had more creepier moments scattered throughout other than repeated jump scares which are widely prevalent in The Fourth Kind. Paranormal Activity did this with a smaller budget as well.

If I was given a legitimate reason to care all that much about this production than it would help me to like it more than I did.

Even though it's not the greatest movie I have ever seen I still found it to be a a serviceable, although weak, sci-fi genre effort that's alright to watch in order to pass the time, but nothing that should be sought out. Nobody should go out of their way to watch this movie. It's silly and fun to laugh at. Since this is the way I chose to look at the movie after a while and stopped taking it too seriously, this helped me get through it rather painlessly.

Law Abiding Citizen (2009)

An enjoyable thriller that's worth watching

[7/10 · 22 February 2010]

Ridiculous, silly, over the top, riddled with plot holes and loaded with impossible scenarios that could never happen in reality. Funny enough, this is actually what made the movie watchable. It's so over the top in every way that it left me wanting to see more. Every step of the way I kept trying to guess what was going to happen next. I ended up liking this movie more than I expected to. Sure it has its problems, but I was never bored by it. I don't really care if it didn't make a whole lot of sense. This movie was entertaining and better than I thought it would be. Though not a "masterpiece of cinema" in any way it was however an enjoyable thriller and a decent way to waste time.

The Invention of Lying (2009)

Rickey Gervaise not as his best or most impressive

[6/10 · 11 February 2010]

A one note movie that wears out its welcome fast. A clever premise ends up yielding constant repetition from one joke stretched way too thin. The movie ends up milking the premise for everything it is worth. I like Rickey Gervaise as a comedian even though his acting skills seems to be bland and insipid at times. Gervaise is kind of like a watered down, debilitated version of his celebrity persona. There are a few funny lines uttered by the characters as well as some laughs sprinkled throughout. The movie starts off funny, but gets annoying as it loses its way. It's generic and underwhelming although not horrible. Underwhelming to say the least.