tmanbball Reviews

World War Z (2013)

tense and exciting!

[9/10 · 23 June 2013]

I won't give this film a ten mainly because i saw it in 3d which costs more; this film did not need to be in 3d, didn't mind the 3d, it just would've been just as good without it. Brad Pitt's character is believable and appealing. The film is fast-paced and fun from beginning to end, there's tension and excitement throughout. I personally love zombie flicks, even the direct to video lot. Movies where the viewer can't even begin to imagine the horror lend an excitement that's only available in modern zombie horror, in my humble opinion. World War Z also has it's share of predictable moments, but without giving anything away, you will still enjoy the film. I am not really saying much with this review only to say that if you like zombie, you will truly dig World War Z!

Flight (I) (2012)

Denzel!!!

[10/10 · 25 October 2012]

Denzel Washington shows us yet again that he is one of the premier actors of the past 25 years. His convincing portrayal of an alcoholic is downright painful to watch, and I mean this in a very good way, it is such a believable performance. He is the pilot of a plane that crashes, yet his skill as an aviator saves almost all of the passengers. The aircraft is clearly in need of an overhaul, but it's his drug and alcohol addiction that comes prominently into question. With a great supporting cast, including John Goodman, whose character lights up the screen in the few scenes he's in (and someone he's worked with before, 'Fallen' in 1998, and with the Rolling Stones' music figuring in both films!) and Don Cheadle, a much more straitlaced character than Mouse, from 'Devil in a Blue Dress' ('95) where he played opposite Denzel. Kelly Reilly is also wonderful as an addict who befriends Whip (Denzel). Great characters in a well told tale.

Red Hook Summer (2012)

Spike Lee!!!!

[8/10 · 25 August 2012]

I give this film an 8 out of 10 only because of it's obviously miniscule budget, a few more takes on some of the scenes and we would have yet another great 'Spike Lee Joint'. Gotta let you know, Spike Lee is my favorite director, has been since the death of Stanley Kubrick, and, although neither here or there, they both made/make superior films whose appreciation oftentimes came way too late! The film begins a bit preachy in its dialog, contemporary religious and social and political pontifications, and I am OK with that, it's what Spike has always done. The slice of life tale of a young boy spending a summer with an extremely religious grandfather he's just met, and the unexpected denouement is very good storytelling and very worthy of Spike Lee. I really wanna spoil the story, but, please, see it for yourself.

The Skinny (I) (2012)

Even better than his past work...

[10/10 · 17 April 2012]

This film shows Patrik-Ian Polk at his best, or what I perceive to be his best. His work has gotten progressively better with each film I've seen. All show gay men pretty much being themselves in their everyday lives, but the characters have warmth and heart and, of course, drama. From 'Punks' to 'Noah's Arc' (the series and the film, 'Jumping the Broom') I honestly enjoy his work. But, 'The Skinny' is better. 'Noah' regular touched on issues that affect the glbt community, this film seems to take subject of AIDS, promiscuity and the party scene a lot more seriously and to good effect. Well acted with an attractive cast, during Pride weekend in Harlem. Highly recommended.

The Ropes (2011– )

great online TV!

[8/10 · 9 March 2012]

Just happened upon this on 'Crackle.com' and I really am glad I did. Fast paced, slick action and well-acted for a series made of short web episodes! good believable casting, Brian Hooks and Ryan Ahern are the standouts in my opinion, along with a cameo by none other than Tyrese Gibson. All of the characters seem to belong in the world of over-the-top, anything goes nightlife. I really hope there's a season two! I give it eight out of ten only because it's incredibly dark, as in little light, lots of shadow and late night imagery. Definitely worth seeing. I've seen other more obscure work from Vin Diesel, like 'Multi-Facial' and 'Strays' and in each case he shows real skills.

The Darkest Hour (2011)

enjoyable sci-fi!

[7/10 · 9 January 2012]

This was a bit of fun to watch, nothing special, like an above average sci-fi channel flick, but fun to watch nonetheless. Hasn't been a box office hit or getting much in the way of good reviews, but if basic alien invasion is your cup of tea, you will probably enjoy it too. I liked the aliens, not your usual lot, and the Moscow sets. The cast gave decent performances as well. I would have liked to see more of the invaders and would have liked a few more battle scenes, and could have enjoyed it just as well without the 3D effects. All things considered, I will add it to my collection when it's available on disc. Catch this during a matinée if you must, but you'll probably like it a whole lot more on a theater's big screen than waiting for HBO.

House of Payne (2006– )

House of Payne is fun and funny!

[8/10 · 8 June 2011]

I'm amazed at the number of negative posts for this sit-com. Granted, it may not be to every viewer's taste, but it's not the mess folks wanna make it out to be! Maybe a little jealousy on the part of Tyler Perry's huge success, maybe some Black folks don't want to see Blacks on the tube that aren't 'Cosbyesque', maybe some white viewers just like dissin' Black TV (most Black cast shows are given fairly low 'stars' on this website, no matter the quality of the material). I, for one, enjoy the show, buy the dvds, and get a laugh even on repeated viewings. I must not be alone, for no matter what kind of deal Tyler Perry made with the network, it wouldn't still be on the air after more than 150 episodes! Now, his 'Meet the Browns' is another story, I can't get past the 'Mr. Brown' character enough to watch the show regularly, but gotta say I dig the other cast members.

Poetic Justice (1993)

good flick!

[8/10 · 29 January 2011]

the only reason i don't rate this film higher is because i always thought it was a tad long. john singleton, i love your work! like spike lee ( with a lot of his films) and ice cube (with 'friday' and 'barbershop') you've caught a time and place that's only clear to those that have lived it, or at least have knowledge of its existence. all of you capture black young'uns (east and west coasts) as they were lived during the times depicted in the films. wonderful stuff! great acting, solid story, everything is more heartfelt than not, it's why i go to the movies! i hope u and spike and ice cube and tyler perry (silly as he can b!) and the whole slew of other black filmmakers continue for many years to come. i love your work, your honesty and your sincerity. this is good movie-making, maya angelou's poetry is a plus and a bonus!!!

Attack of the Giant Leeches (1959)

love this horror b!!!

[7/10 · 1 August 2009]

I've loved this flick since childhood. It has everything I loved about Friday and Saturday night scary movie series, like "Doctor Shock" and "Chiller Theater", each program always showed horror flicks known as much for their unbelievable monsters and story lines as their poor production values. I love this nonetheless! Incompetent lawmen; victims no one believes; drunken mindless locals!!! all good stuff! Incredibly poor acting from the lead, but all of the other characters are just about right. Even the cheesy title creatures don't take away from the sheer pleasure of enjoying a genuine '50's B horror movie. Had to have originally been part of double and triple features, only runs for about an hour. You won't even feel that you've wasted your time! Available for next to nothing in many old horror compilations.