DerrickLyle2004 Reviews

G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013)

A huge letdown.

[1/10 · 31 October 2014]

Given the success of G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, you would think that Hasbro and Paramount would build upon the formula, and release an exciting, high octane sequel. Unfortunately, this follow-up is horrible!

The production values are inferior to the first film, and the story is full of holes. I like the actors involved in Retaliation, but the entire package is a waste. I can't take it, Retaliation is an embarrassment, and everything about it is a waste of the G.I. JOE brand.

In the future, don't listen to die hard fans. People griped about Cobra Commander's appearance in Rise of Cobra; the lack of HISS tanks; and went on and on about Marlon Wayans portraying Ripcord. In Retaliation, there's no Ripcord; Cobra Commander looks like his classic appearance; and there are HISS tanks....and the film is still bad! The Cobra Troopers and Red Ninjas lack the slickness and intimidation of the Elite Vipers, Neo-Vipers, and Viper Commandos.

As for the Joes, Bruce Willis does not embody the classic Joe Colton; it is essentially Willis playing a permutation of John McClain from Die Hard. Lady Jaye, Flint, and Jinx are lacking compared to Duke, Scarlett, Heavy Duty, and Ripcord. Whereas the Joe organization was super high tech in the Rise of Cobra, it is a barely elite force in Retaliation...one that apparently gets wiped out by Cobra.

Whereas the Rise of Cobra is a fast-paced and fun romp, Retaliation is messy and a poor substitute. Destroying the Eiffel Tower was exciting; but wiping out the entirety of London - as witnessed in Retaliation - borders the absurd. Don't waste time renting or purchasing Retaliation. Wait for it to come on cable or digital systems for free.

Together Brothers (1974)

Between the intersection of blaxploitation and vanguard cinema

[10/10 · 19 October 2008]

Mr. Green and Mr. Dewitt really crafted a masterpiece with this film. Dismiss anything you've heard about Together Brothers, which boxes it in as a period piece. It is actually an urban crime drama cast in urban decay. The plot surrounds a gang of youths, "the Brothers" of the title, who work to solve the murder of an honorable patrolman. Additionally, they must move quickly to protect a young witness - who is doggedly pursued by the cop-killer.

For most of the movie, the killer is lurking in the shadows. But when he is finally revealed, he remains one of the most indelible head cases of movie land. The late Lincoln Kilpatrick really brings it as Billy Most. All the while, the film covers still timely topics as urban decay, police brutality, class warfare, urban decay, and ethnic strife. Together Brothers truly is ahead of its time, and like too many movies made between the mid 1960s and 1980s, digs up the unpleasant underbelly of Americana.

The Manchurian Candidate (2004)

Great update, and the film stands on its own

[10/10 · 8 May 2006]

I won't give anything away, but if you are a fan of the original 1962 motion picture, the 2004 incarnation of The Manchurian Candidate won't disappoint. Because it's a thriller, I'm going to be short and sweet...but the film does succeed in standing on its own. The cast, the characters, the plot and pacing come together to create an updated classic. It's ironic that this incarnation may indeed become a cult classic in its own right. I think this version, Red Dragon, and Batman Begins are three of the best updates/remakes I've seen lately.

Whether you watch this film on cable, or get the DVD, you'll be pleased at what is truly a modern day classic. Like all good thrillers, be patient, and another thing: I know it's tempting, but try to view the film in its own context, and not beside the 1962 motion picture. See it on its own accord, and you may truly appreciate The Manchurian Candidate for what it's worth.

The Batman (2004–2008)

Another great animated Batman

[28 September 2004]

Batman is Batman - let's get that straight. Now for details - The Batman cartoon is a brand new animated incarnation of The Caped Crusader. The biggest difference between this take and Batman: The Animated Series from the 1990s is that this show relishes being a cartoon, and relies on action, while the previous Batman cartoons were heavy on story content, and wanted to be taken more seriously than the average cartoon.

People have a right to make comparisons, but this cartoon is great in its own right. Batman/Bruce Wayne is in his late twenties, and some of his foes are younger too. Wayne Manor looks like its in Gotham City and not on the outskirts. There's no Commissioner Gordon, but there is Chief Rojas. But all of the things that define Batman are present: the costume, the Batmobile, the Batcave, etc. This time around, Batman has his own operating system - The Batwave, that powers his headquarters and vehicles.

Rather than downing this version of Batman because its doesn't appeal to a mature crowd, take the time to see it for yourself. You might enjoy the show.

Targets (1968)

What can you say????????

[10/10 · 2 September 2004]

What can you really say about this movie? Simply stated, it's very effective. It evokes the terrors it set out to. However, the menace of a lone sniper shooting people on the highway is far scarier than the actual event it was based on. Targets is a...great film. I usually don't encourage watching horror films, but this one is worth it. It is truly jerking to imagine how a motion picture from 1968 - given the appropriate subject matter, becomes a timeless tale of societal menace. It's funny, I never heard of this movie, but I happened to catch it on cable sometime over the past 2 years. The director, in making this movie, not only helped his own career, but he literally captured a snapshot of the AMERICA TO COME. Therein lies the fascination of Targets. When you watch it, you don't think retro. Oh sure, drive-ins are gone (for the most part), and styles change. But the spirit of the story is definitely modern/today.

Catwoman (2004)

I'm no "plant" and I liked the movie

[8/10 · 21 August 2004]

For Summer films, I enjoyed Catwoman. I'll admit, I was hooked by Halle Berry portraying the character (sorry, I'm only a heterosexual male), and since I'm a big DC fan, I wanted to give the film a go. I enjoyed it, and thought that the film delivered. The story, action, and special effects were good to great. Catwoman, like Daredevil, relishes in the romanticism of the superhero archetype. Both motion pictures are stylish and sexy, and Catwoman did bring plenty to the screen that is admirable. The special effects were far from cheesy, and the acting was good. They managed to make a good superhero film and a "Lifetime" movie simultaneously. I understand that a lot of people don't like the Patience Philips character, since she is not the same Catwoman from the comics - but give it a rest!! This movie was in development for years, and they said as far back as 1999 that it wouldn't be about the usual Catwoman. If you enjoy movies for fun and the sake of it, check out Catwoman. It's nowhere near as terrible as people are saying. And trust me, the same people dissing the film now, will be the first ones in line to purchase the DVD when it's released.

Catwoman (2004)

It's a good film - ignore the critics

[8/10 · 9 August 2004]

Catwoman was better than I expected. TimeWarner took the character's essence and gave her a super-powered incarnation. The funny thing is that while so many fanboys are crying that the film does a dis-service to Catwoman, the comics themselves have explored the what-ifs of a super powered Catwoman.

The movie is fast-paced and easy to get into. The camera angles and special effects paid off. When you see Catwoman in this film, she truly is human cat. The critics were wrong on this one. Please check this film out, it's worth your attention. I'm definitely getting the DVD, and I did pay to see it, and I'm not sorry I did so. It's a shame so many sheltered, introverted fanboys can get together and dis a motion picture - especially one they didn't even see themselves.

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (1978)

Cautionary fairy tale

[7/10 · 17 July 2004]

In many ways, Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band is one of the greatest modern day fairy tales concocted. One can even say it chronicles the never-ending battle between artists and those who love their art, and the greedy capitalists (no, I'm not an enemy of capitalism!) who wish to dominate the art forms.

It's ironic that Billy Preston appears...and The Beatles don't. There are many that speculate Mr. Preston is in fact THE Sgt. Pepper, and the film is more or less a tribute to him and his message...and not about The Beatles. But, that's for another discussion....Anyway, one thing that is undeniable about the movie is that it does capture the spirit of the era, and (maybe sadly) stands as a transition piece from the psychedelic 1960s and 1970s to the "greed is good" decade of the 1980s.

I think one reason why the movie maintains an audience is because beyond the music and format, there are several social statements all over the screen. If you are younger than the film's intended audience, don't dismiss it as a relic of a bygone era...you just might learn something.

Wrong Is Right (1982)

Deserves a thumbs-up 20 years later.

[10/10 · 21 May 2004]

I agree with the positive reviews others have posted. I won't spoil anything for those who have not seen it, but the film is disturbingly accurate to the reality of the past few years (circa 2004). Wrong Is Right is a black comedy and an excellent work of science fiction. The credit goes to Richard Brooks as well as original author Charles McCarry. Based on McCarry's 1979 novel "The Better Angels", Wrong Is Right takes a comedic twist, and touches on topics few could have easily digested during the Reagan Presidency of 1982.

The plot revolves around globetrotting news-hound Patrick Hale (Sean Connery), who uncovers a major international crisis, and must contend with a sinister President, the CIA, and international terrorists. The original intent of director Richard Brooks was to illustrate how technology could bring TV news closer to the truth, and exploit it for ratings. Taking essential cues from the novel, Mr. Brooks leads the viewer into a hazy world in which technology and television manipulate reality for personal gains. The movie accurately predicts the rise of cable and satellite TV. It nails the what-ifs of a media outlet (Fox Broadcasting/Fox News Channel come to mind). And it's an early look at how computers and modern technology affect society. The big clincher is that the movie literally provides a twisted take on the Bush Administration - I kid you not.

Remember, this movie was made during the Cold War. No one worried about America fighting anyone else but the Soviet Union. Cable television, while gaining steam, was nowhere near as engrossing or developed as it is today. And no one in America cared about suicide bombers. Do yourself a favor and rent or purchase the video/DVD. Enjoy the movie for the spectacle it is. And realize what was science fiction years before is now a freakish parody of today.

The acting, the pacing, and the writing are good to great, considering the topic. It gets funnier as the film finishes. Just remember, the cast and crew were on eggshells, as the film itself is groundbreaking. It is a political satire predating its subject matter. And for another generation, it becomes far more familiar and timely than Dr. Strangelove.