MennoMan Reviews

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)

A long awaited film fails on soundtrack

[6/10 · 9 July 2023]

A good story, with all the beloved characters. Really didn't want to do any detail review but IMBD requires a bunch of filler.

The fact is movie is watchable and entertaining. It delivers a good storyline, along with several villas and plenty of action.

Though it did have some of theoriginal humor, I felt it failed a bit in this area.

It also goes into the back story of Rocket, a character we all want to know more about.

The biggest FAIL... IS THE SOUNDTRACK. The previous two Guardians movies gave us Fantastic Soundtracks with Classic HITS. Hits everyone knew and loved. Hits we knew as soon as the music started. Songs that crossed not just music types and style but iines that crossed generational like.

This one gives us songs thst were only partially know, were not real hits and did not cross the music boundaries of all. These songs were tied in with a background soundtrack that did not seem to match the scenes well snd did not transition well with songs of the Guardians theme.

Though I enjoyed the movie, it failed BIG TIME to the It's At Expectations!

I feel a bit let down after watching it!

It certainly failed in soundtrack... dont think anyone will be interested in this soundtrack release.

The Warrant (2020)

Not horrible but not very good either

[4/10 · 29 May 2023]

Like any good western it starts fairly well building up the main character as a bad ass, well known, Sergeant Major from the Civil War turned Marshall.

The story is carried along with the idea that the Marshal is trying to deliver a prisoner to a sheriff. In this oersuit him and his deputy companion encounters one event after another. Each time ge[ing away till the next.

Upon reaching the final town where the Sheriff is suppose to be he is reunited with his father and sister. His father introduced earlier in the film 8s a judge and his rifle toting sister is the banker with a vault of gold and a bad man trying to kill them all.

The worse aspect is that NONE CAN HIT A TARGET. Absolutely miss at point blank range with rifles.

It's watchable and some of the acting is good. Some good scenery also.

Colonials (2023)

A REAL LET DOWN

[1/10 · 18 May 2023]

Sounded pretty good . But started with some of the worst 'Disney Tern' style Acting. By 15 minutes the 1990 style FX 3xtended to the 10th degree had me skipping to see if anything gor better.. actually saw some wood frames with really bad vector cgi ... That was it, I simply had to stop. 8m not sure who wrote the script, but whoever it was would be fired from kiddy TV.

Graphics seemed to be vector 9vervaly placed every we here with no reguard to matching brightness or contrast. Explosions turned into squares and triangles pieces.. laughable.

Good luck.. acting not FX get any better from my skip through stopping about every 5 min... It got deleted from my PLEX.

Condor's Nest (2023)

Low Budget film that "could of", but feel short.

[5/10 · 5 February 2023]

It suceeded in not being a B movie. Probably closer to a 'C'. A revenge film about killing Nazis.

Cast was fair. The casted leading characters were far from what one expected as heros. Saying that, one wanders how this film got so many known names to make appearances? Jacob Keohane, Corinne Britti, Arnold Visloo, Michael Ironside, Jorge Garcia, Jackson Rathbone, Bruce Davison, and James Urbaniak. Most, like Michael Iron, are simply quick appearances of older known actors, in Nazi uniforms.

Even with much if the cast underutilized, acting was good.

In this day and age of every video buff making great cgi to fool people on Facebook, this cgi lack having much (if any).

Normally, being a fan of real explosions and crashes, I'd say it would it would make this film better. It does not. Every situation where FX is needed is avoided by a "cut away/cut back". Plane crash... cut away, cut back to a plane prop in a field of undamage grass. Or a car explosion cut back to a car in fire with doors open and no damage other than a fire. Of course this can work in movie magic, but fails here due to the horrible props. As for the props, poor is an understatement. It's written that the crashed B-17 prop took a year to build in NC. Sad they didn't take a week to make the field look like a crash site.

(Note: the footage and crew used in the short B17 flight sequences was the same one thst crashed in a mid-air collision in 2022.)

The filming locations were good. Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni to Argentina's Buenos Aires, we're background in scenes, but no attempt to take advantage of location by adding location scenery footage was made. For as little that was used, it could have been done frernscreen of allot less and monies could have been used for better action fx.

Music, though reported composed by Christof Unterberger, who has many film credits, was poor. I myself believe he just scored canned music for scenarios. Sone drama music, some action music, sone background scores. I don't think it was actually scored to the film. Just added in post production. I doubt seriously if Christof ever saw the film he made the music for. In fact he probably just made this canned music and it was purchased to be added.

All in all, one can make it through to the end if you watch it with the expectation that its more like a 1980's filmed for TV film. It's kind of sad.

I think just a bit more put into FX of the action scenes, adding some scenic cinematography and actually scoring music to scenes instead of just adding background music, could have made this a much better film. Espicially with the line up of talent.

Plane (2023)

A straight 7 action adventure

[7/10 · 3 February 2023]

No complaints on action or story. Though a simple plot the movie moves along and keeps a good pace with the adventure.

Where it falls short is reality. But this is typical for hollywood where all movie hours are considered 'not to bright.

Some nice picking of plot... That being said. The plane is a really old 727. The 727 is probably the oldest plane still flying at 70 years of flight. In fact only 38 are reported worldwide to still be in use.

I can guarantee that there is no 'Board Room' with executives in another country with the airlines that still fly this aged jet. Also, though old, the plane was well designed. In fact, it was fitted with an automatic power unit, APU, and in case of total AV failure (movie plot), there is also a drop out RAT (Ram Air Turbine) which operates on battery side to keep power for badic instruments and flight control. This evidently did not fit into the story plot since story required a 10 minute power drain of batteries. Also found it interesting the rear stairs was not used to evacuate but was shown in use latter.. But this is just nick picking. The movie us a solid 7 STARS and is worth a watch. I enjoyed it.

Wrath of Man (2021)

Good movie if you don't look to close

[7/10 · 25 August 2022]

Nicely produced with a good story. Jason was made for this role and plays the character in his typical fashion.

However the story and movie flues ruin the ending. All are suppose to escape but it's known some may not survive. However in the escape in the tunnels ONLY TWO Quads are their and a Prius is only car. It's ad if they knew all would die but 2 and then who want a crowed Prius.. lol only 1.

The Princess (I) (2022)

Great entertainment even if not great

[10/10 · 3 July 2022]

So, it's not a great movie .. No fantastic cinema photography, not a great script. A but cheesy fight seens..seems... But who cares.. apparently CRITICS.

I myself could xare less what critics rate a film. Look around, they are usually WRONG.

This film rated 73% by viewer.

It's not a great film, but it's great entertainment... and that's what films are basically for.

Great Film when you want a lite Fun.

Black Site (2018)

Absolutely rediculous

[3/10 · 3 May 2022]

So, Husband and child killed along with hi dress others. She request transfer to a Black Site to find out who killed them and is told to throw away the book. So she goes there and plays woke, don't hurt anyone and gets entire personnel killed. She orders others not to use deadly force (untoll all are dead but one), never kills anyone, not even the villan killer (CIA Op).

Then we are to believe she is hoping to extract justice like a bad ass as she walks away to escape.

Poor acting, Idiotic casting of team running a special Ops black site (not very special), a hero that plays woke in here anger and gets everyone killed... and a unreal ending.

Pass... unless you are really borer.

Indemnity (2021)

Action at a cost

[4/10 · 2 May 2022]

The action you do see will be st the cost of boring dialog and a weak plot line. However it is watchable.

It's is interesting in some movies like this... the main character actually becomes a better fighter after he is shot. In fact his injury virtually disappears in the end as he runs, jumps and fights his was to the ending. All without a limp.

FX are fairly good and plot line as it is develops although at a slow pace.

The ending makes little sense all evidence the viewer saw was never preserved... supposedly everything was solved after his final assault in the company that was hurting others and had framed him.

The Hunt for Planet B (2021)

I Should have Know .. CNN Film

[2/10 · 1 April 2022]

What is worse than a poorly made documentary is a Woke one.

I was excited to get an actual look at the Webb Telescooe and get a real behind the screen look. This was not that Documentary.... What you get is a Pushed emotional look at primarily women that either have dime role in the Telescope or in the use of it. This would not be wrong if in fact it was primarily women who were involved, it is not. Also this is mot about the physical Telescope it's about the women using the Telescope to push the narrative.

Not only is the Telescope itself not really the topic, you actually learn little you could not learn in a 5 minute Youtube video about the scope.

Also filmed entirely before launch itself.

Moonfall (2022)

Leave Physics at the door, enjoy the ride.

[6/10 · 29 March 2022]

If you actually look at all the physical impossibility and just pretend... it's actually a fairly good action ride. Of course you also have the same stereotype plot of many of the past near earth destroy films. But this is watchable and fun. Espically if you put your foil hat on and leave your intelligence at the door... 6 STARS for fun on this one.

The Commando (2022)

Way to Much Wasted time in Film

[4/10 · 7 January 2022]

Way over two thirds of the movie is a back story that could have been told in 10min.

Very poorly written and produced.

With exception of a Fake DEA raid at beginning where DEA Snipes and cuts throats and shoot up gangsters with never empty magazines. And s cheese 1 min fight scene... Story line get revenge action doesn't even start until 30min before ending and the actual get revenge by "The Comando" doesn't start till 13min before ending.

Movie should have been called "Is Mickie Rourke still Standing" most of his scenes looks like he is about to fall over.

It's watchable if you can make it through the first hour.

The Beatles: Get Back (2021)

Loved This Film but 1 puzzling question remains... YOKO?

[9/10 · 28 November 2021]

Unlike most Documentary films that speak from a perspective... this raw film let's you see the interactions and process in the genius of the Beatles. I was mesmerized from start to finished.

This is definitely a film for not only Beatle fans but for all who wants to see the work and talent of this iconic group.

Wish we had some films like this from the early days.

But the question (s) remains... YOKO? Why the hell did anyone incourage her to open her mouth to sing? My cat literally 'Bolted' from the room and scratched at the floor to get out even though dogs chase her outside!

This perplexes me... 1st Does YOKO actually believe her scratches sound good or are some form of deranged art?

2nd Were the other Beatles just trying to be nice for John's sake?

3rd Why in God's creation was anyone given such a horrible voice? Was it to scare away wildlife?

Fortunately there's not allot of these instances, but their ste a few... and actually detracted 1 Star from the rating... Peter Jackson could have cut these or at least muted her screeching! (LOL) OVERALL A GREAT FILM!

Apex (2021)

MISSED Opertinity For Brucey

[4/10 · 16 November 2021]

I really 2ant to see Willis make comeback with a good film... espicially after the line of flops and B films he has made in past years.

This was a missed opertunity!

The story line offered a gateway into making Bruce's character into another True Die Hard Bad Ass.

Instead the writers had Monrie (Willis) wondering around like a 1960s flower child in the woods until the last 10 minutes. Then they offered no strategy or cunning plows, just having 'Munroe' shutting everyone he encountered.

And what was that big berry High build up to nothing?

The last screen was the worse trying to pass off that he out drew his weapon in time to not just stop his bullet but to have the bullet explode his round. Of course with the hole house in flames he magically appears unharmed... Kick the Writter and Director out of film making and fo the world a favor!

Better Luck next time Bruce's, why not get some creative control?

The Amish and the Reformation (2017)

Many Reviewers ignorant of Anabaptist and Amish

[3/10 · 23 October 2021]

This Title appears to distort the true history of the Reformation to include the Anabaptist (Mennonite and Amish) when in fact they the Luthern Reformers actually also Martyred them for believe on non-service for war when the protecting kings demanded Reformers defend them from Rome and the Catholic Chirch.

Anabaptists (Re-Baptize) are considered to have begun with the Radical Reformation in the 16th century, but historians classify along with most anabaptis people and groups consider these Anabaptist as their forerunners because of a similar approach to the interpretation and application of the Bible. Most start the Anabatist with John Hus a hundred years before the Reformation.

In fact, the Martyrs Mirror, probably found in most Amish and conservative Mennonite homes traces the Anabatist Martyrs from Christ through these early Anabatist. Anabaptist were simply those who after reading scripture deducted baptism was an act of rite of admission and adoption which must be selected by the individual. These individuals would then Re-Baptize themselves which was against the rules of the Catholic Church. This act made them hunted by the church and martyred.

The fact is the Anabaptist as they are still known, are said to derive from the Anabaptist Movement of the Reformation but close examination illustrates anabaptist were simply a division that existed beside the Reformation as Priest finally had access to the written word. And the Anabaptist that was already established meeting in secret simply t gained strength and openess during the Reformation. But because of beliefs never joined the Lutheran movement itself to fight against the Catholic Church.

As for Groups of Anabatist, formed by or After the Reformation, we now identify as three, Mennonite, Hutterites and Amish.

These groups all were simply considered Anabaptist. (Re-Bapt

Hutterites are separate in belief from Mennonites (named after Menno Simmons) over Acts 2 and community sharing and living.

The Amish, that DID NOT EXIST for almost 150 years After the Reformation actually are a Split Off from the Mennonites over Church Discipline (separation of sinners) and are named after the Bishop leading the separation, Jacob Ammann.

The film does have some interesting facts. But how do you give a good rating when facts are presented with revision.

As title stated, someone who gave this a 10 saying great history are a case in point if being mislead.

Dune (2021)

7 for Visuals, but far below expectations

[7/10 · 21 October 2021]

Visually spectacular. This is to be expected given the development of special effect 38 years sine the original movie and higher budget and newer effects of the 2000 made for cable series with William Hurt.

1st this the worst Book Abdaptation of all, but it clearly seems to be made not follow previous abdaptations.

Both the 1984 Movie and the 2000 Series, though still short of book, were both far closer to book than this version .

Sound wise the 1974 had a better soundtrack but of course Eno and Toto played a part in that.

For 2:20, I wish it would not have skipped important character development that both prior version had.

Few character are truly developed such as any of the Harkonnen's or even the primary characters simply shown with no idea of who they are (Gurney nor Yeuh, i.e.) And the Emperor's daughter, key to the books is only mentioned.

I will give credit the the Recue and Escape from ecology research station left our of prior releases was included.

Like the 2000 series, it appears no Weirding Module weapon will be featured. This probably will work fine since the Series excluded this also.

But a story standing on its on... it was ok for me. I just wander how someone who has never read the book would keep up?

Anyways waiting to see part 2. Hoping it all will come together into a great stand one version.

At this time the 2000 series is I think the best version for someone who had never read the books.

Gunsmoke: To the Last Man (1992 TV Movie)

After all these decades... wow

[8/10 · 7 October 2021]

I guess I was Gunsmoked out by the 90s and busy with my family and job.

I completely missed this one.

I was pleasemtly surprised to find it on PLUTO and watched it straight through. It was really good. In fact it held up as well or better than some big screen westerns.

Of course it had a good cast and good location shoots.

And no one can miss the The historic Cameron House at San Rafael Ranch Natural Area is where the 1963 John Wayne movie "McLintock!" was filmed. Folks try their hand at a hat toss during an event Saturday at the site.

Should be listed in locations.

Good movie, well worth a watch and after viewing this, I think I'm going to browse some old Gunsmoke.

The Tomorrow War (2021)

Who the Heck is Reviewing this a 7?

[5/10 · 2 July 2021]

First.. there is nothing great, nothing new nor groundbreaking or special about this. Acting is OK. Special Effects are passable and again OK. Premise breaks down if you look to deep but it's passable (OK).

Hero is an Idiot plane and simple perhaps written this way not to be to complex for the typical TV viewer which this flic was aimed at.

Overall... its an O. K. but in NO WAY A 7... Maybe A 5 star.

Miracle Maker (II) (2015)

Excellent family film

[7/10 · 5 June 2021]

More in line with a Hallmark Film.

There is a good message, good entertainment and great scenery.

All in all an excellent family film.

Presented as a Christmas film, it works but is missing the Christmas fill. Appears to have been shot in the spring instead of fall

Acting was fair. Sometimes a bit scripted.

Storyline of tortued preacher and accident could have been a bit better, when actually seen it seem not to fit well with overall story.

Still this film is a 6.5.

Solid 6.

Wild Mountain Thyme (2020)

OK but bad casting.

[6/10 · 12 February 2021]

Really? With all the fine Irish actors, they choose Christopher Walken??? I'm not even Irish born and I could hear his American accent. Nothing wrong if he was playing an American, but he wasn't. This is ashamed since it is a well made film. I would even say beautiful. All the actors did well and the story was good and well executed.

Dinosaur Island (2014)

Well maybe a 5, but....

[8/10 · 12 February 2021]

Definitly not a 1, 2, or 3. No! This is not a serious Adult style Fsntasy Adventure. It's a kids movie simular to all those lover budget Kids films of Disney TV. It's not Disney but FX are ok. I saw one review that said Dinos were colorful chickens... in saying this he gave away he only watch 1st 15min. So first. it's not a high budget movie but is much better than those 'Copy Cat' Asylum Movies. Yes the canned music gets annoying to adults. So does the whining of the boy character. But again, adults are not the target. My 6yo twins loved it. I tolerated it withbno problem and as I stated, its better than watching ANY Asylum Copy Cat movie (which get 4 and 5 reviews by the same fools giving this a 1). Plus FX are far superior to Asylum Studios. So what if the promise is rediculous (really.. when you really think of any fantasy film with a Reality View... the promise of magic worlds, dragons, Hobbits, or comic superheros is kinda rediculous). To the younger audience, I'm sure this reality makes since. So what if FX are not great, they are better than some I've seen lately in more adult oriented flics. It's not great.. butbist not bad either. A Solid 5 from me... probably a 6 or 7 from the kiddos.

Alien Chronicles: Top UFO Encounters (2020 Video)

Fake voice bad info

[1/10 · 6 February 2021]

1st this video starts off stating oldest UFO photo with the known Amos Clough and Howard Kimball Expidion photos. The image had been taken in the winter of 1870-71 during a meteorological expedition, which he would learn later included a study of frost architecture. The video continues with other stories with no facts or information other than Hype. 2nd. Though a good narration.. it is a C9mputer Voice. Don't bother!

Uncle Tom (2020)

This is a definite watch for all if just for debate.

[10/10 · 1 February 2021]

Without a doubt, a very worthwhile documentary that should open the eyes of anyone who watches it regardless of race. It breaks the myth of racial divide growing and lays down the problems that face not just the black community but the country at whole who believes in freedom and equality for all. This video will be hated by those who stand fiercely their political beliefs are undeniable. It will also be hated by those that ignore that have come to be real problems and choose PC narrative. This should be a must watch if only to generate debate and to research the facts over what is fed to all if use via the media.

Origin: Design, Chance and the First Life on Earth (2016)

Do tge math kinda video, it's good 👍

[9/10 · 31 January 2021]

This is an excellent film for those who want to see the problems with life by natural selection of randomnessand time. It never mention God but puts forth the problems that exist to this current world view. The math is good. The science is correct. The problems exist. This is a video that anyone who is truly seeking truth or understanding of those who do not support this view. The truth may not be creation by a God, but it illustrates in thevthe current models the problems that exist and are ignored because of belief. This is the sequel to "Unlocking the Secrets of Life which years ago illustrated the problems with irreducible complexity, which scholars agree to, but choose to ignore. This video updates the science. These updates to our knowledge give rise to even higher percentages against the world view of life by natural processes and time. Even if you believe that time and randomness creates life, this film will give you food for though and knowledge of understanding those on the opposite side of view, be if Creationis or simply those that want to look our if the box for other explanations.

The Midnight Sky (2020)

An OK movie but reaches to far sentimentality.

[6/10 · 28 January 2021]

This movie though ok is a very slow pace movie with music that seems to remind you how slow it is. If you are not in the mood, it will put you to sleep. In fact, it reminds me of "Mission To Mars" with the exception of the drama ending of Gary Sinise whoosing away to a far galaxy. In fact their is no real Climatic ending at all.