elrond5000 Reviews

The Mandalorian: Chapter 16: The Rescue (2020) Season 2, Episode 8

It's about the relational bonds

[9/10 · 19 December 2020]

The original trilogy was able to make you really feel for the characters and you believed in the friendship among Luke, Han, Leia and the others. I never felt strongly about the characters in the prequels or sequels. The relationships were hollow in that way, although the climatic scene between Anakin and Obi-Wan in Revenge of the Sith takes on much greater meaning and depth because of The Clone Wars series.

Why this episode of The Mandalorian works so well is because of the deep bond which has developed between Din Djarin and Grogu. A TV series allows for such character development as apposed to a 2-hour film.

It also works because of our collective bond to Luke Skywalker. The x-wing flying in made me gasp in hope that it was him. And my hope was confirmed when we see that the light saber is indeed green! Did you notice how the security monitor video is in black and white so you can initially can't tell? It's a great build up of suspense, kudos to the writer and director.

Disney, please make sure to keep people like Jon Favreau at the helm of future Star Wars projects. He gets it.

P.S. My only complaint is Luke's facial CGI, as has been mentioned by many others. I've see great Deep Fakes on YouTube of Grand Moff Tarkin and Princess Leia for Rogue One. Certainly it can be done better.

Crazy Rich Asians (2018)

A classic romantic comedy

[8/10 · 27 August 2018]

If you're in the mood for a romantic comedy that packs a pretty good emotional punch, then you should see this. From the title and from many of the scenes, you might think that it is a very superficial, comical movie, and surely it has its moments when you feel like you might be watching another Hangover (which I also liked, BTW). But ultimately, this film does celebrate sacrificial love and should resonate with anyone who has been torn by duty to family. And regardless of the ethnicity of the cast, the story will appeal to those who just appreciate the universal themes of anxiety, loyalty and, of course, love. I was very pleasantly surprised by it.

Alien: Covenant (2017)

Bland

[5/10 · 30 May 2017]

I usually end up liking movies if I go in with low expectations. This one did not deliver. I thought Prometheus was somewhat engaging and I love the first two Alien movies, but this one is on par with Alien 3 and Resurrection, that is: not memorable. The characters were too feverishly developed and behaved in idiotic fashions. The plot was a rehash of the previous movies. Michael Fassbender's acting and his character were the redeeming qualities of this film. If you're an Alien franchise or Ridley Scott fan, it might be worth watching on video but I don't think it's worth it to pay full ticket price.

The Shack (I) (2017)

Great movie for those struggling with their faith

[10/10 · 11 March 2017]

The main character Mack has suffered a horrible tragedy and a "great sadness" haunts him. He is severely depressed and cannot let go of his anger towards the perpetrator of a heinous crime and of his anger towards God for allowing it to happen. Most believers should be able to identify with Mack in all his struggles during this crisis of faith.

I have believed in Jesus all my life, that he was an extraordinary man who sacrificed his life for sinners. But I never really understood that true faith is based on a relationship with him and the rest of the Holy Trinity until I read The Shack. The movie does an excellent job of conveying the heart of the message in the book, that we are to trust God even though he does allow evil to happen. God is love and love can only exist in relationship, and thus, God is triune. Each of us were meant to be loved, but get stuck somewhere like Mack.

The acting is superb, especially Sam Worthington's and, of course, Octavia Spencer's performances. The editing is great, no dragging, and I really appreciated the solid direction.

This movie really isn't for people who don't know Jesus to some degree. It really is for those who are having a difficult time fully trusting him. I think most of the professional critics are not believers and, thus, find it uninteresting and not relevant to their lives. Also, I would agree with those who think that The Shack does not give a complete picture of God in that there is a scary, awe-inspiring side to Him, and one does not get to see that part in the movie nor the book. But for someone who is stuck and wondering about God's love and trustworthiness, this movie is a gem. I just saw it again and liked it even more the second time.

Haunt (2013)

Very good haunted house movie

[8/10 · 26 February 2014]

I love good horror flicks, but I find that they are few and far between. Most of them are over the top with gore and silly situations. This movie, much like The Conjuring, creates a chilling atmosphere and that dread at the pit of your stomach. The opening scene where a father is desperately trying to connect with his dead children, for example, is done extremely well. The production value, especially the cinematography, is top notch. The young lead actors go a fine job and draw you in. Jackie Weaver continues to impress and anchors the film with a menacing presence. There is a point where the story drags a bit, but all in all, I highly recommend it. You should not watch it alone.

Man of Steel (2013)

OK, not great

[6/10 · 19 June 2013]

There was too much gratuitous violence in this movie. I enjoyed the sci-fi elements and the main actors, but I was not drawn into the story as I had been for the original Superman movies with Christopher Reeve. I felt so much for Lois Lane and Clark Kent/Superman in Superman II, and I have always felt that their love story anchors the best films, but I was rather disappointed with the effect that this has. Maybe I'm just getting old, as my kids (ages 11-12) certainly enjoyed Man of Steel more, but this movie really left me wanting more. Hopefully the sequels will deliver. All in all, I'm excited that Superman is back, but it is far from the best. I would rank Superman II and even Superman Returns ahead of Man of Steel.

Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)

Love it!

[9/10 · 16 June 2013]

As a long-time Trekker and huge fan of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, I am very pleased to see that the franchise is headed in an exciting direction. This latest movie certainly has a mediocre script, but the direction, acting and editing are just superb. I used to think that the script was the most important part of a movie, but I can see how excellent execution can redeem suspect story lines. I feel like the reboot movies by Abrams are for people with ADD, which the majority of this nation has become when it comes to films. I can watch both this movie and the 2009 film over and over again. Abrams keeps the visuals stunning and the camera in constant motion, except for scenes where it needs to be still for certain emotional responses. Now that he is taking over Star Wars, I hope he continues to helm Star Trek, too, but regardless, the tone has been set. And I for one can't wait for the next movie which will likely involve the Kilingons! Live long and prosper, Star Trek franchise!!! I remember when it was on life support after Shatner's Star Trek V and after the last TNG feature film.

Ted (2012)

Way more funny than I expected!

[9/10 · 30 June 2012]

My wife and I were out for dinner and decided at the last minute to see a movie. I saw that Ted had gotten some good critical reviews and that fans on Fandango said "Must Go." We got the theater right on time but found out it was sold out. I was shocked but intrigued, so we decided to wait an hour for next showing. Turns out that the theater had added an additional showing, again making me more curious about this movie. We sat down and watched the seating completely fill out.

From start to finish, I was pleasantly surprised by the entertainment value of this movie. I was laughing so much at times that my stomach hurt, and so was my wife who rarely finds raunchy humor amusing. But it also has a fairly deep story about friendship. The acting was fantastic and the editing superb; at no time did it drag.

But I don't want to build it up too much. Part of the reason we enjoyed it so much is because we weren't expecting much. Go see it, I agree with the Fandangoians. Warning: Definitely NOT for kids or for those who are easily offended, but it does manage to offend everyone.

Devil (2010)

A Great, Fun Horror Flick!

[9/10 · 17 September 2010]

I like horror movies but good ones are few and far between. And even the better ones usually leave me feeling gross at the end.

Watching a movie like this restores my faith in film-making. It also restores my faith in M. Night Shyamalan (although he didn't direct this), who disappointed me with Lady in the Water. I didn't even see The Last Airbender.

I won't go over the synopsis which is aptly told in other reviews. Just go and see it! Usually when I have high expectations, I get let down. But this one did not. Great story, first of all (I'm excited that this might be the first in series of the Night Chronicles). Also, the fact that the movie is only 80 minutes long ensures that it doesn't drag.

It almost left me with the same awe that I felt at the end The Sixth Sense. If you're a fan of Shyamalan, you'll enjoy it.

Superman Returns (2006)

Utimately a love story.

[9/10 · 8 August 2006]

I've now seen this movie 3 times; yes, I'm a Superman freak having become hooked on the original 1978 film at the age of 11.

If you've seen this new movie once and have gotten past the dazzling special effects, the latest Lex Luthor scheming, and the startling revelation, see it again paying very close attention to the interactions between Superman/Clark Kent and Lois Lane.

You'll realize that this storyline is where all weight is. Kate Bosworth does a fantastic job of conveying a woman who was once sassy and spirited but has become jaded by a broken heart. The rooftop-flying-above-the-city scene is amongst the most beautiful and poignant ones I have ever seen in cinema.

Brandon Routh also handles his reserved, "mild-mannered" characters very well, and makes you believe in the deep hurt that Superman/Clark feels when dismissed by Lois.

Overall, I was very impressed by these young actors and also, of course, with Bryan Singer. I can't wait for the sequels!

The Passion of the Christ (2004)

No middle ground

[10/10 · 27 February 2004]

The film leaves you with a choice in the end. Either this man was a total lunatic for allowing himself to be tortured to death, or he truly was the son of God. Take your pick, but don't deceive yourself; you can't just say he was a nice guy with moral teachings.

Gibson has succeeded in making a movie that will bring about such discussion and in challenging the individual viewer's own beliefs. I also admire this movie on an artistic level as it captures the imagination and draws one's attention despite knowing the story.

Spoiler: There is flashback scene in which Jesus is building a table and he ends up joking around with his mother Mary. I found that part especially touching because it humanized him and made the torture scenes that much more difficult to take.