brien1951 Reviews

Gifted (2017)

I rarely watch this type of movie - but this was worth watching more then once

[10/10 · 11 February 2018]

I'm going to make this a simple review - acting was outstanding for almost everyone. What I'd really like to know is how did Hollywood figure out how to take an very talented adult actress and make her look like a seven year old? Mckenna Graces performance is well beyond her years. I expect we'll see many great performances from her in the years to come. Chris Evans has come a long way from Johnny Storm and I look forward to seeing him in more dramatic roles. Octavia Spencer was great in Hidden Figures but in this different type of role, I think she did just as good of job with the amount of screen time she had. And on a final note, let's give Fred a big round of applause in a "supporting role:

I, Robot (2004)

Poor judgment and lack of vision

[1/10 · 19 July 2004]

I watched this 'adaptation' of Isaac Asimov book and found it to be the worst case of 'artist freedom' that ever existed – more like 'Artist Decapitation'. This movie destroys 50 years of Asimov work and is a disgrace to the film industry. 20th century thinks it can only make a buck by special effects – if that what it wants do use some cheap piece of writing. I, Robot (the book) may not be action pack but it has the possibility of a great movie (some day – by someone who as true vision of artist freedom and expression). I, Robot could have been made exploring the characters and settings of the book. People went to see the Truman Show, Bicentennial Man, Saving Private Ryan, Notting Hill as well as movies like The Lord of the Rings, Stars Wars. I, Robot is similar in some ways to all the movies mention above (Although some in very small ways) – My point is if a real writer and director had handled this movie it could have combined great special effects with great stories, characters and actors. It would have been a challenge but to me it would have shown great creativity and skill – Not some 5cent rip off of a man with great vision who inspired thousands of people – including some who created real robots and went into the field of science because of his dreams and ideas of the future. If this is how Hollywood treats a great idea I truly feel sorry for future moviegoers.