ccman2 Reviews

Plane (2023)

This movie is flying under the radar

[8/10 · 29 January 2023]

Pun intended. Jokes aside, I didn't see any advertising on this movie until I had a free night to myself and wanted to go see a flick. Gerard Butler plus action survival movie equals perfect combination.

It's realistic, very intense graphics, and always keep you on the edge of your seat. The characters are dynamic, the plot twists and turns, and you find yourself rooting for good people. The cold open from the beginning locks you in for a ride.

All of the actors play convincing roles and while some of the tropes are classical to a point they are a wee bit recycled, they stand the test of time to this day. Two thumbs up, excellent movie, it won't be a waste of your time and money.

Lightyear (2022)

Good movie, not great for kids

[5/10 · 7 July 2022]

For being a kids movie, or at the age maximum, targeted for teens/young adults that grew up with the toy story films, this spin off misses the mark big time.

Some of the action is good, there is some comical writing that brings some levity, and the characters are great.

The bad, oh the bad: 1. There is some scientific concepts of time no kid before high school will understand. Time dilation, etc, etc. Those who have seen it know what I'm discussing.

2. The antagonist really lacks a lot of background and doesn't really make sense.

3. There are some philosophical ideas about life and time that are very difficult and uncomfortable to process.

Much of the time, it's a pretty depressing movie and the resolve is not there you expect from a supposedly fun, animated movie.

The Black Phone (2021)

Good story that doesn't stack up.

[6/10 · 7 July 2022]

The film itself is shot pretty well cinematically and the story is good and works. The 70s/80s theme with the concern at those particular times for kidnappers and the somewhat harsh/laxed mix of parenting that shaped Gen X really engrosses you in the film's culture.

As far as being advertised as a horror film, it just doesn't stack up to what I expected. A couple of very brief scares that don't even touch the shock factor or intensity of other notable horrors as well as some lacking character development made for a somewhat sleepy, slow burning film with a cheesy ending.

I should have known by how much it was marketed that the film wasn't going to add up to what was expected. As typical, another film with a guerilla marketing campaign that failed expectations.

Antlers (2021)

Dark, morbid, and depressing

[7/10 · 4 July 2022]

The story makes its setting on a disenfranchised, small town in the pacific northwest. All of the main characters are stoic yet flawed and the depth of their personalities is incredible. You also see their trauma play out on screen and it feels incredibly real.

The story itself is very good, not a masterpiece, but enough to not make you bored. The cinematography really keeps you on your seat in anticipation for a truly terrifying monster.

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

Contrary Opinion- Not Impressed

[4/10 · 24 May 2022]

The movie's production value itself is quite incredible and I found myself frequently enjoying the action scenes and the character growth.

I however, dislike the basis of which the plot forms. It centers around a nihilistic approach on life that nothing matters and our dent in the universe is basically zero. The life of the characters is seen as meaningless and that nothing matters. It also puts too much of an emphasis on choices when our reality is that our freedom isn't as much as we think.

The movie itself was very difficult to follow. Lots of jumps and cuts. The mechanisms of action are hard to understand. Events happen in the plot simply without explanation as to why. The producers couldn't seem to determine if this movie was a drama, a comedy, or a sci-fi.

The Blue Lagoon (1980)

Don't Forget The Animal In You

[6/10 · 5 April 2022]

For a movie from 1980 now watching it in 2022, it obviously lacks in special effects and raw detail of the scene and setting.

Despite this, I love the story and for lack of detail as to not spoil the plot and to keep the review PG, I see this film as a reminder of what we are as human which is animals. I ponder many of us get lost in modern society and its riches of money, clothes, and technology that we sometimes forget what we really are.

Despite how amazing life is and how we live in some of the most peaceful times of the human race, I'm sure many of us feel the call to live like animals again just like our past ancestors.

Don't forget the animal in you and I highly suggest watching this film. For what it lacks in production quality, the story is an articulate masterpiece.

The Wrestler (2008)

Well Produced Movie and Incredibly Relatable

[8/10 · 21 April 2020]

The Wrestler is an absolutely amazing movie. Not only is it amazingly accurate of the wrestling culture and community, it's incredibly relatable. People generally have passions, hobbies, and interests because of what it serves to them. Not only do they like the subject or field that they can enjoy, they serve as a distraction to the real world and the hostility reality can present to us. The Wrestler embodies this with a washed up man who's past his prime and has made hard mistakes in his life. If you're looking to watch a movie that strikes painfully close and is a reminder to all of us of what's important in life, you'll love this flick!

Homefront (I) (2013)

Pleasing Surprise For A Movie

[7/10 · 21 March 2020]

In today's current times of Hollywood, it seems the old school action and crime movies have become too predictable. Some character with some sort of history has a problem with a crook, it gets a little too heated and the kettle boils over in a fight to the death. The good guy wins, the bad guy loses, and everyone goes home happy.

Homefront while on that path, marks its uniqueness in the story. Rather than being swept up into the action, you pay attention to the plot. Jason Statham proves he's more than just a stuntman actor and James Franco shows his dark side.

Cool movie with a rather small fan base. It was well done.

Into the Wild (2007)

Dreadful and Depressing

[4/10 · 10 March 2020]

Just to sum up, this movie is about a man who justifies his poor upbringing as a reason to rebel from society and relationships. In short, it was dreadful and depressing. Most of the movie, you feel confused, sad, and it stays this way all the way until the bitter end where he dies in the wilderness alone and in the cold. My only stars go to production quality which is spectacular and comparable to the movies of today.

The Gentlemen (2019)

Pleasantly Stellar

[9/10 · 31 January 2020]

When I first saw the trailer to this movie, I'll be honest, my first thought was that they're trying to make another James Bond under a different title but it's Mathew McConaughey and his performance was spectacular. Not only was the plot unique, it kept you on the edge of your seat. Its version of storytelling and the acting is purely stellar. Guy Ritchie went above and beyond with this movie. I would rate the movie 8.5/10 but doesn't allow you to rate in decimals. Regardless, go see it. It's worth your money.

Underdog (2007)

Quality movie to the comic. Awesome.

[7/10 · 6 April 2018]

It's exactly what would call for a good movie. Good acting, original plot or a good reboot plot which this was, along with a sort of mixed emotions of humor and seriousness. Who can't love underdog? I'm surprised this movie didn't become a classic. It follows the comics perfectly. It's definitely an "Underdog" for a film.

Good Will Hunting (1997)

Powerful film

[9/10 · 4 April 2018]

This film is just simply powerful. It states the situation of a man many people can relate to but few understand what's happening in his mindset. Any man out there who's gone through those motions of stuffing down emotions and bad feelings know how hard this hits home. Ladies, this movie is just simply a great flick and will give you an idea to how us men think. The plot of this movie is great, acting is fantastic, and it's moving. Matt Damon and Robin Williams killed it.

Tropic Thunder (2008)

Best comedy I've seen.

[9/10 · 3 April 2018]

Good lord, this movie is hilarious and epic. The characters with their own insecurities being thrown into the most random and dumb situations ever is just so funny. The dialogue had me and my dad crying in front of the TV. Anybody who likes comedies or war movies, check this one out!

Tomb Raider (2018)

Everybody's sleeping on this movie.

[8/10 · 3 April 2018]

Like any movie goer/ gamer, I was suspicious to say it in the best about this movie but I went to see it. Wow! Awesome acting and a great story to perhaps one of the greatest video game movie reboots of all time. It always keeps you on the edge of your seat. Can't wait if this becomes a sequel.

Monster Trucks (2016)

I'm not all that impressed.

[6/10 · 4 February 2018]

At first, I thought this movie was going to be hilarious and action packed but it simply didn't come through. The simple idea was good but it just really didn't pan out. The plot couldn't figure out if it was going to be happy go lucky, a fantasy, a coming of age, or an action movie. Also, using sub-par actors didn't help those facts either. While a simple minded kid may enjoy the movie, regular adults probably won't. Maybe I'm thinking too critical about it because of its intended audience which was kids but it wasn't anything special. The idea is good though which is why I didn't rate it any worse. Get back to the drawing board and maybe this could be something that mounts to a good flick.

Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)

Greatest satire in film history

[8/10 · 4 February 2018]

You're crazy if you don't love comedy movies or at least one of them but perhaps the most misunderstood sub section of comedy is satire. Satires are hard to execute, work and flow right, and bring to the big screen. Will Ferrell's acting and Adam McKay's directing just made the greatest satire movie ever. It fits the bill and hits the checklist in every category. It makes you laugh, the dialogue is extremely quotable, the scenes are memorable, and the stereotypes are just oh so perfect. NASCAR, which is arguably the most joked about sport in the world, was the perfect way to root a satire movie and this movie nailed it. Even a NASCAR fan myself, I couldn't stop laughing throughout most of the movie. You gotta watch it if you love funny stories or if you're a race fan.

Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014)

Move over, James Bond, you've got company.

[9/10 · 4 February 2018]

With how stupidly long the 007 series has been running, I finally decided to move on to another series. Here's the thing about spy/secret agent gone humorous/sexy movies. It's an old fashioned idea and an acquired taste. The morals are old school, the plots are old school, the ideas are old school, everything is old school but it doesn't mean those who decided to produce those kinds of movies can't put their own spins on them.

Kingsman is the perfect example of that kind of movie. The plot gets your attention, the dialogue is witty, and the dull moments always turn sexy. That's how it's supposed to be. It's about the macho, bad@$$ dude with some confidence in himself with women and courage in the face of danger no matter how realistic the idea is or not. Kingsman just took it to a whole new level and taking the gamble with not very well known actors payed off well. It was, in my book, the best film of 2014.

Maze Runner: The Death Cure (2018)

Give Wes Ball some credit.

[8/10 · 4 February 2018]

I originally wasn't going to see this movie because of how much of a let down Scorch Trials was but a friend of mine wanted to take me to it and I'm glad I went. Overall, it was phenomenal. The soundtrack is good, the action is intense, the sound effects are on point, and there's not a dull moment for the entire time.

I only have two gripes that prevented me from giving it a full 10; number one being that Thomas' and Brenda's relationship I don't believe was portrayed accurately from the original book. Any other movie goer would never notice so that's not a huge deal. Number two is that I'm frustrated Dylan O'Brien, who is 26 years old, played the role of a character who is no older than 19 years old according to the book. While if he was opted for a younger actor, it would've caused uproar, it somewhat frustrated me. What O'Brien did prove is that he can act very well and Kaya Scoldelario has also turned herself around from her past few acting disasters. Overall, Wes Ball showed that he's serious about Hollywood and knows his way around a movie set. So far, this is the best film of the year in my book and I can't wait to see more movies not only from the actors who did so well in this movie but Wes Ball, too, as a director.

Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)

Tom Holland? Really?

[5/10 · 29 January 2018]

I'm sorry but the new Spider Man just ruined it for me. Tom Holland portrayed Spider Man as this geeky, nerdy, and immature basically little kid who doesn't know how to control himself or what to do in a superhero situation. Andrew Garfield was the best Spider Man of which he portrayed him as a controlled teenager nearly young man who's faced some problems and wears his emotions on his sleeve. While Andrew Garfield has become too old to play a teenager and I have respect from Tom Holland, he just wasn't the best pick. I think Josh Wiggins would've been a better pick for Spider Man. I hope Tom Holland can turn it around in the future movies.

Keanu (2016)

Disgusted.

[3/10 · 29 January 2018]

This movie was terrible. I didn't even sit through the first hour of it. The plot is way too far fetched, the dialogue being cheesy is an understatement, and the ideas are just wild in a bad way. The only reason I gave it any stars was that it was kind of funny but that's all the good things I have to say about it.

The Reader (2008)

It's a curveball but it's original.

[10/10 · 29 January 2018]

While this movie seems odd because the plot occurred in 3 different stages, it's really well done. It takes all of the social taboo's of the 1900's along with the cultural affects from World War II and pieces them all together in this awesome film with the character of Michael who had an affair with Hannah, a woman nearly twice his age as a young teenager and while we may forget things like that as a teenager, she's thrown right back in his life some years later as a college law student who he must defend her while she's on trial for her actions partaken with the German Nazi regime efforts. This movie is intense, exciting, and arousing in a very original plot. This movie really gives a perspective of how detrimental the consequences of life decisions can be.

Kart Racer (2003)

It's for a targeted audience.

[7/10 · 29 January 2018]

A lot of people are bashing this movie and I think it's only because most people don't understand it. Outside of racing, it's a movie about redemption, rebellion, finding your 2nd nature, and moving to greater things. The plot may seem sporadic and far fetched but you have to approach it thinking in the mind of what an adrenaline junkie would feel. I'm a racer myself and this movie couldn't ring more true. We all have wanted to beat a rival or find what suits us and Randy Quaid and Will Rothhaar really put these ideas into perspective.

Twister (I) (1996)

Quite realistic and probably Bill Paxton's career highlight.

[8/10 · 29 January 2018]

I've gone storm chasing before and this movie really entails how that mother nature can create an angry sky and just as angry people. The graphics are good, dialogue's good, plot is okay, and is an all and all genuine movie. While it's not a very much of a feel good movie, it's a movie showing just how chaotic weather and your own life can get.

Unstoppable (2010)

Not like the true story but it's legit.

[8/10 · 29 January 2018]

While nobody thinks that a movie only covering a few hours out of a day would not be that great, this was really cool. While this movie was based on true events, it really stretched it out a lot more than the true story was. If you like hardcore action, intense suspense, and close calls, this is the movie you've been waiting for. It was really cool.

Moneyball (2011)

A very true story

[8/10 · 29 January 2018]

If you like business or baseball, you're going to love this one. I am a baseball geek myself and all of this was a true story and not even overstated the least bit. It's the story of how the Oakland A's with the smallest player payroll budget during the 2002 season made it to the post season with the help of a computer and a nerdy guy with a degree in economics. Ever heard of the 20 game win streak? Ever heard of the names such as Jermaine Dye, Scott Hatteberg, David Justice, Eric Byrnes, or Tim Hudson? No? Well you need to watch this movie!