playbobbie13 Reviews

Sicario (2015)

This movie shook me in a very real way.

[8/10 · 17 January 2016]

I went into this movie after watching only 1 trailer. I was prompted to see it by all the reviews people gave it. I noticed that the reviews are very polarized. People were either moved by it or repulsed. I had to see why. From the very first scene, I was drawn in. Having a peripheral involvement in law enforcement myself, I had more than a passing interest in this movie. I was not disappointed!!! Unlike many, I see the necessity of unconventional methods to stem the flow of drugs and to halt the violence created by it. This movie very graphically portrayed the nightmare that is Juarez, Mexico and its effect on the US. The acting of Del Toro, Brolin, Blunt and Kaluuya brought it all home in a very real way but I honestly think the first star of this movie was the cinematography. These images brought home by the type of photography used was pulse pounding and seemed as real as life itself. I was riveted to this movie from scene one not wanting to miss a moment. The soundtrack, subdued and VERY dark, fit the movie perfectly. I've rarely seen a movie this good! I highly recommend it!!!!!

Bronson (2008)

Bronson is powerful!

[8/10 · 14 September 2015]

Bronson is a brilliant tour de force for Tom Hardy! A brilliant performance as he portrays Micky Peterson?Charlie Bronson. This movie turned me into an instant Hardy fan. His narration throughout the movie was spot on. It was tongue in cheek from beginning to end. Like you were in a pub talking to him over a pint, or 10. The scenes were, yes, graphic, but that was necessary for the story telling. Peterson was not a nice guy. It's a very real look into the mind of a violent criminal with a humour one would not expect. Hardy put it all out for the audience to absorb. His dedication to the part was obvious. The writing was exceptional. True street criminal chat filled, yes, with foul language that both fit the narrative and added real colour to the film. I truly enjoyed this flick. It kept me riveted!

Stalingrad (2013)

A human story during a most desperate time of history.

[8/10 · 26 May 2015]

This movie takes place during the siege of Stalingrad during World War 2 but just saying that takes away from the very human story that is portrayed. The Russian soldiers and "mama", a young Russian woman that is trapped with them as they defend their small corner of hell. During all this chaos, these characters try desperately to hold on to their humanity and, in doing so, create some powerful introspective scenes. I found myself really being pulled into their characters and their relationships in between the battle scenes. I even found myself engrossed in the relationship that began between the German Captain and Russian partisan. This is so much more than a war movie. I dare say it isn't a war movie at all, but a tragedy that takes place amidst the backdrop of a city at war. I've rarely been moved by a movie like I was here. Another great triumph for Russian cinema. Another very human movie from Russia that takes place during war that touched me like this was "9th Company". As with that one, this movie is well worth the time invested in it.

The Ghost and the Darkness (1996)

I loved this true story of adventure!

[8/10 · 24 March 2015]

This movie, based on the novel by Col. Patterson, caught my adoration for many reasons! The biggest was the choice of setting with was filmed in such a way as I felt I felt like I was truly there, or rather longed to be! The true story of Col. Patterson's adventure in Kenya and his battle with the Lions engrossed me completely! While it's true that certain liberties were taken with the story, like the introduction of Remington (in Patterson's true account, there was no Remington), it was done in such a way that I really didn't care. Douglas did a marvelous job as the character of Reminton, as did Kilmer as Col. Patterson and John Kani as Samuel who for me, stole the show!!! I love period adventure with stunning settings like Lawrence of Arabia (also a true story), and now, The Ghost and the Darkness! Well worth devoting every minute to!

The Calling (I) (2014)

This movie surprised me in a very good way!

[6/10 · 19 March 2015]

I took a chance with this unknown. It's the cast that drew me to it! As I watched I was thoroughly engrossed! I'll admit, the idea of this movie taking place in Canada was a bonus too. Yes, I'm Canadian. But the location notwithstanding, this movie was a brilliant crime movie. Very well acted, brilliantly scripted and the cinematography suited the film so well. This movie may cause a debate surrounding the Bible and it's place in the modern world and that is a good thing. Through discussion comes understanding...and change! I'm not sure if that is WHY this movie was made as opposed to just making a great thriller but either way, I loved it!

The Grandmaster (2013)

Art and poetry.

[8/10 · 23 February 2015]

Rarely have I seen a movie with such a marriage of art and poetry. It seemed like studying a paining at depth while hearing a poet/teacher tell a story of his life. Ip's story and his connection to Gong Er was operatic. I was engrossed to the end by the performances. The direction and cinematography was the best I've seen in a long while. The long, slow scenes were perfect for the story as it was told mixed with a soundtrack that was appropriate throughout. I truly enjoyed this movie and I will add this to my private collection as a movie I will want to return to again and again. Even the fight scenes were more dance or ballet than simple fighting but with technique and flow rarely seen. I highly recommend this film.

Fury (2014)

Hard...but worthy.

[8/10 · 27 January 2015]

This movie, unlike many other war movies, is hard. I say that because it isn't fair, it's hard to watch at times because of it's graphic and moral challenges but above it all, it is one of the best movies I have ever seen. It is a very emotional roller-coaster as you follow these men aboard Fury as they fight their way through Germany. It would be simple to simply make another "rah rah" war movie of us vs. them but this movie reaches deep inside the war to bring fourth the very human aspects and make you deal with it as the viewer. This movie WILL polarize people as they react differently to what they see and I believe that is the point. It further pushes home the old adage of "War is hell". I have always wanted to see a more human portrayal of war and I found it in Fury. This goes far further than Saving Private Ryan in that respect. I applaud the guts it took to make this movie.

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

A journey that spans the human existence

[10/10 · 23 January 2015]

This movie is a journey that spans the human existence. From the earliest days of pre-man to a glimpse into a future of something greater, this movie is breathtaking and awe-inspiring at every turn. The creation of the HAL-9000 was genius! The dynamic between the crew and HAL works! But, go to the beginning of the movie, and you see a truly inspired look at what we could have been! Add the dark visitor and the dawn of man begins in a most fascinating way!!! The long looks as each scene rolls along with the ominous, symphonic soundtrack would usually be a very uncomfortable slow part of a movie but not here! Here the long looks work beautifully!!!! Here, bigger IS better!!!! I don't hand out "10"'s but this movie deserves at and so much more!!!!!! Sit down with lots of popcorn for this one and "open the pod bay doors, HAL"!!!

The Raid: Redemption (2011)

Action and suspense on a different level!

[7/10 · 23 January 2015]

This movie took me by surprise!!! I am a novice to Asian cinema other than the Ong Bak series of movies and older martial arts movies but, after seeing this movie, I find myself becoming immersed more into movies from Indonesia and other Asian countries! Simply put, the characters were written, and portrayed so well that it instantly made me connect with them and the movie!!! The plot was inspired and indeed, copied in such movies as the remake of Dredd but not nearly as well done as it is in this movie!!! Rama's character is so heroic as the policeman trying to do the right thing and serve justice!!! The villain is equally as impossible to ignore! To a Westerner like myself,the Indonesian language can sound so damned sinister if spoken by a true artist! I was impressed with every minute of this movie and the creative fight scenes were intense!!!!!! Next level stuff portrayed on the screen with a brilliant, pulse-pounding plot!!!! I loved it!!!!

The Raid 2 (2014)

So surprising!

[7/10 · 23 January 2015]

I have to admit, I loved The Raid: Redemption so I was eager to see the next in the series of movies but I was not prepared for just how much more I would love this movie!!! The story starts right after the end of Redemption and immediately you are in the thick of the plot! If you were late watching this movie by even 5 minutes you missed the whole point!!! Every minute of this movie was filled with storyline, no gaps. No slow, boring parts! The writer had a story to tell that kept us engrossed and entertained!! The characters were brilliantly portrayed and even left you feeling for the villains!!! You can see Rama's conflict and turmoil as he tries to revenge his brothers' death at the very beginning and bring justice to the guilty for the sake of the city and his family! I loved it!!!!!!!! I'm finding more and more that the theatre to watch is coming out of Indonesia and other Asian countries!!! There, the stories and characters have far more substance!

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

Phenomenal and Breathtaking

[10/10 · 22 January 2015]

My favourite movie of all time!!! I have nothing I can say that would be remotely negative! This epic is as visually stunning as it's writing is engaging! Lawrence is so brilliantly portrayed by Peter O'Toole that you truly believe O'Toole is Lawrence!!!! Anthony Quinn and Omar Sharif bring you the ferocity and beauty of the desert in their powerful performances. Even the score allows you to feel it, to be part of the picture!!! I have loved this picture since I fist saw it as a kid! Some might say that the movie is long! The trick is to not mind that it's long...and you don't! You are instantly swept up in this picture like you were caught in the desert wind!!! Bravo! bravo! Bravo!!!

Hamburger Hill (1987)

A strong movie portrayed by a strong cast

[8/10 · 22 January 2015]

In watching this movie for the first time years ago I was struck by the authenticity these actors brought to the movie! I found out years later that the actors were put through some rigorous training by the movies technical adviser to be prepared for the filming of this picture. It shows in their portrayal. The choice of filming in the Philippines was smart too! They sold it as really being in Vietnam! The technical language they used, the raw emotion they portrayed all came together to make you fee like you were seeing the real thing. The one thing above all others I truly respected was the camaraderie portrayed by these actors! Something special happened in this movie that is worth watching!

Das Boot (1981)

Magnificiant

[10/10 · 17 January 2015]

This movie moved me and kept me riveted to the end. I watched with English subtitles which, to me, gave me the best viewing! I was not sure how I would feel watching a movie about a WW2 Axis U-Boat crew but I'll admit, I really liked these characters!!! It was presented so authentically! I felt claustrophobic watching it as I felt I was in the sub! The dull, dragging, moments most crews must have experienced was telegraphed realistically as were the moments of sheer terror. Overall, it appears that a great deal of research was done to deliver a true look into the lives, and deaths, of a U-Boat crew in the Atlantic war. I rarely give a 10 rating to any movie but this one richly deserves it!!!