krisnadexter Reviews

Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)

Why The Second Movie Mostly Worse?!

[6/10 · 31 May 2023]

The first Shazam movie is a funny and very enjoyable. I can't wait to see the next one. Until I watched this.

This time our superhero Shazam and his family are up against old Gods when they try to make earth as their second home even if that means to kill every other human. They have staff that could seal Shazam power. With superpower like mind control, material manipulation, space control, and many mythical creatures including dragon, chimeras, minotaurs, etc. Shazam and his family are overpowered.

Yeah, that sound exciting. But not too much in reality. This movie has a lot of problem. One that sticks out is the personality difference between Shazam and Billy Batson. His other brothers and sisters not that much difference. Billy is more quiet and more serious than his superhero persona.

And a lot plot hole. In this movie the magic staff is dangerous in the hand of the villain. But Shazams plan to steal it is too ridiculous. He is proven could outspeed his enemies yet he chose brawl, and then overpowered also outsmarted. When the city is locked by magic barrier the citizen didn't look very concerned about it and continue live as if nothing happens. And some more.

But the surprising thing in this movie is Jack Glazer as Freddie. He shown serious acting chop here. Very versatile. I sure hope to see him in other movie after this.

Overall this movie isn't as good as the first one. Yes this is still enjoyable. But could have been better.

Wifelike (2022)

Good Ingredients Poor Execution

[5/10 · 31 May 2023]

In the future, people could buy robots to be their spouse. A very sexy, good looking, obedient spouse. Jonathan Rhys character buy one of this robot called Meredith (played by Elena Kampouris) to replace his late wife.

He is a detective who work for the company that make the robots. Because there's a terrorist group that against the exploitation of these robots and trying to sabotage their AI. His job is to retrieve all the kidnapped (or freed sex slaves) robots that was ruined by the terrorist group.

To be honest the story is interesting, it has everything to be the next great sci fi movie. The mystery, the twist, and if handled correctly, packed action. But I guess this movie was made with minimum budget.

We have a company that make advance robots. But the office looks like something you see in the 90's, boring and dull. The action is cut short. They could make great scene when he tries to infiltrate the terrorist base and beat the bad guys. But the action is so-so.

Camera movement is stiff, bland cinematography, and CGI that looks like early 2000's tv shows. Some actors are underperformed. I can continue for longer.

Elena Kampouris is the only thing that worthy of your attention. Her acting is good. And the sex scene is an eye candy for sure. Despite bad things the story isn't boring and quite engaging. I like the concept of dreaming robots they make. And the twist is kind of predictable, because of too many clues scattered in the movie.

If only this movie has better budget and director. This movie can be the next big thing actually.

Mindcage (2022)

Copycat Film of a Copycat Killer

[6/10 · 14 April 2023]

I watched the trailer of this movie and surprised to see Martin Lawrence play a serious role. This might be interesting I guess. Buuuut, that's not the case.

This movie has many flaws. From bad acting, bad CGI, bad script, etc. I don't know how the director let the actors/actresses doing what they're doing. Sometimes they under performed, sometimes over doing it.

While the murderer art is good the CGI, especially when they were driving car is unbelievable. It's like watching 60's movies. You can tell that they are not actually driving.

And the story, gosh, it is a Frankenstein script in which they mashed many thriller movies into one. It's full of cliches. You can tell they try to pick good part of other movies but the result is a movie full of cliches.

Looking back, if you are not an avid movie goers, you might enjoy this movie. In the beginning we are presented a good premise. A Copycat Killer who make their victims as a work of art. To be honest, the art is good. And a plot twist in the last act will give you nice surprise.

In conclusion, for me this one is enjoyable bad film.

Samaritan (I) (2022)

Enjoyable But Could Be Better

[6/10 · 17 September 2022]

Decades ago two brothers with superpowers fight in an epic battle. Nemesis who choose dark path and Samaritan who choose to help people. They both perished in a great fire. Nowadays, when the crime rises, a young boy still believe that Samaritan will return and justice will prevail.

Good idea, but not that good in execution. This movie has a lot of flaws. The dialogue a bit stiff. The acting mediocre. The CGI is average at best. And the action is a bit let down.

Some problems. We don't really know what is the main objective of the bad guys. Blowing city, and what next? Toppling the government, or just plain robbery. He has a lot of followers I don't think he has enough money to pays them. There's should be an ideology or something. Don't expect us to believe just because he wield Nemesis mask and hammer other bad guys will automatically follow him.

And the action isn't as exciting. Yes it nice to see people somersault after every punch. But make it more believable. If a small push from the hero could throw enemies to the air, his full force punches should do more. But somehow his punches doesn't look that strong. This is the same guy who could flip a car easily! And there are other more to complain. But hey, let's see the good thing in this movie.

Even though most if the acting is average or below. The two main characters in this movie are quite good. The chemistry between Joe the old superhero and Sam the 13 years old boy is carrying the movie. I think this is one of the good movie Stallone ever done in the last 10 years.

And I like the way they set the tone on the movie. Really matches the mood. Plot is a bit slow but it makes us digest the story better. Surprisingly the movie has a twist that makes it way better. This movie isn't great but good enough to entertain.

Maybe with a correct writer, this movie could be better.

The Valet (2022)

Surprisingly Good

[8/10 · 19 August 2022]

I watch the trailer and think this will be a silly movie. But after watching it, I believe this movie is way better than I expected.

It started with stupid and silly premise. Olivia, a superstar, is having affair with Vincent, a wealthy and married man. To hide their relationship she has to pretend dating Antonio, an 47 years old valet. At first I thought this movie will be a shallow one. But I was wrong. This movie left me with warm heartfelt feeling. Such a nice one.

I really like how relatable Antonio is. His character is an ordinary guy. With ordinary people problem. And he's such a decent and kind person. That makes us support him even with his flaws.

While the movie is funny enough, the drama is also written in a good way. Some comedic scene, good sad scene, this movie is balanced. Even though I have a bit problem with some of the editing.

This movie is one of the best comedy movie of 2022.

Extraction (2020)

We Need More Movies Like This

[8/10 · 17 August 2022]

Honestly this movie is one of the best action movie in recent year. It's simple, raw, and packed with great action. We need more action movies like this.

The plot is quite simple. A mercenary soldiers were tasked to save kidnapped son of a drug lord. At first the mission looks like it will run smoothly until they found out they were betrayed. Now surrounded in a city full of enemies, our protagonist and the kid have to survive and find their way out.

I like the camera work here. The way they shoot close to the main character make us feel like we are included in the action. Feels like this happened just besides us. We are not movie goers, we are witnesses.

And the action is top notch. The fighting sequence is brutal. From hand to hand combat, gun fighting, and sniper fight they all well executed. No wonder the body count is so high.

The acting is also good. Even with the full action. The writers put nice background stories to the characters that make us sympathize to them. The actors delivered their best performance here.

I don't really have big complain here. As an action movie, The Extraction is one of the best.

Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

You Have Lost Your Way

[7/10 · 7 August 2022]

The first and the second Thor movies are boring. But Taika Waititi change everything for the third installment. Now everybody love Thor. But after watching this one, I think Thor has lost his way.

This movie amp the comedy up too much. While it's nice to see funny movie, but if it's too silly then it's no good. The third has better balance between comedic and serious scene. This one feels shallow and meaningless. Honestly without Christian Bale as God Butcher, this movie would be a disaster.

But is it that bad? Not really. As usual we see Thor God of Thunder in action. He looks stronger than before. Accompanied by Korg, Valkyrie, and surprise surprise, Jane Foster who now has Thor power and wield Mjolnir. As I said Bale portraying Gorr is the best thing here. He outperform other actors and actresses. The action as good as usual. So is the CGI. Russel Crowe as Zeus is fun. And we also get to see The Guardian of the Galaxy team in action.

They say Thor will return again. But I hope he will not be this silly again.

C.B. Strike (2017– )

Enjoyable For Book Reader

[7/10 · 3 August 2022]

I have read the novels and I like them very much. When I heard there will be TV series adaptation I was excited. After watching it I have to say this series quite good.

I really like the actor playing as Cormoran Strike. He is a bit different than what I imagined in the book, he's better looking. And the actress playing as Robin is just as good. She's not far away from the novel description.

The acting and the cinematography is good enough. My personal favorit moment is in Career of Evil. When I finished the novel my mind started singing Don't Fear The Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult. And to my surprise in the ending of that episode they play the song.

But after second thought, maybe I like this because I already read the story. And the series just confirm the visual that I have in mind while reading. Because if I've never read the novel and watching this, I might not really engaged by the story.

The novel depict detective works in detail. How Cormoran unveil the crime layer by layer. These things didn't portrayed good enough in screen. There are things that's missing. And viewers who haven't read the novel might get confused.

So the conclusion is, as a detective series this is quite good. As a novel adaptation this series is enjoyable.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)

Such A Horror Movie

[8/10 · 1 August 2022]

Doctor Strange MoM is very different than the previous one. This one has horror vibe. It such a scary ande gore fest movie. The pacing, action, and cinematography intended to shock the audience.

The way they make Wanda return as the villain is a genius move. Now she's so powerful. Elizabeth Olsen deliver some serious acting here. If you've seen angry wild animal when their kid in danger, that's what Scarlet Witch feels like, furious. She release motherly wrath upon her enemies.

But, I also have some complain about this movie. With Multiverse as the title I was wishing to see Doctor Strange action in various world. While we get a lot of universe, they were just a glimpse. The actual world where Strange is in action is only a little. And to my surprise some CGI is a bit off. The first movie is better visually.

I really want to give this movie 9 stars rating. But, I still have complain other than the above. So I settle with 8, well, 8 and half maybe.

The Princess (I) (2022)

This Should Be A Videogame

[7/10 · 29 July 2022]

Ever since the beginning of the movie I can't help but think this is much like a video game. A princess chained, in a tower full of enemies, on a mission to rescue the kingdom.

At first she takes on two soldier. Upgrade her weapon and then her armour. Butchering dozens of enemies while gradually climbing down the tower. Some sneaky mission. Different kind of enemies on every level. A small cutscene to explain the background. Until she reach the final boss in the end.

How can this is not a video game?!

That is basically the plot of this movie. Straight forward action from start to finish. Some simple scene to explain the viewer about why she's captured in the beginning? Who's the enemy and their purposes? How can she's so good at fighting? With this simple plot I can understand why some people rank this movie so low.

To me this movie is entertaining enough. Full action. I don't really disturbed by the lack of cinematography, illogical scenes, or a bit bad acting. If you like action movie, sword fighting, and badass female lead. This movie is for you.

Metal Lords (2022)

Reminds Me Of My Teenage Years

[7/10 · 26 June 2022]

Back when I was a teenager I formed a band with my friends. This movie brings me back to the days of us mastering our instruments, studio practicing, and struggling to get a gig.

This is not a great movie, some things feel off. Like the character Hunter is so unlikeable. Kevin only needs like two weeks to master the drum, very unlikely. The bully plot is basically unresolved. Playing a gig without proper practice. And many more.

But there are good things here. First of all, their playing is believable. The way the characters play drum, guitar, and cello is perfect. The acting is good enough. Funny dialogues. And the last act, from escaping the institution till the concert is seriously good. The soundtrack is awesome, great choice of music. And my favorite is the way they make a band with only drum, guitar, and cello is genius.

If you like music, some light teenage stories, this is a movie for you.

Death on the Nile (2022)

Not The Poirot I Know

[6/10 · 16 June 2022]

I don't really like the first "Murder On The Orient Express" so I watch this with little expectations. And as expected, this movie is a let down.

The acting is average. CGI is mediocre. And the story is weak. When the murder happens I can already tell who's the killer, and how the murderer did it.

I don't understand why they add the war scene. Just to tell audience why Poirot grow magnificent moustache? That totally unnecessary.

I've read a lot of Poirot novel, this is a different way to depict him. And in a bad way.

Last Night in Soho (2021)

Not Really Scary?

[7/10 · 5 May 2022]

I've been a fan of Thomasin McKenzie since I've seen her in Jojo Rabbit. And Anya Taylor Joy performance in The Queens Gambit already captivated my heart. Knowing they both filming together and directed by Edgar Wright, the man behind many of my favorite movies (Scott Pilgrim, Hot Fuzz, Baby Driver) This movie is on my top list to watch.

This time Edgar Wright tackles different genres. Psychological horror film. But this movie still has his fingerprints all over. The rhythm of every scene is Wright-esqued.

But as a horror movie this isn't really scary. Maybe because it is colorful. Unlike others that choose dark and dull color palette. And the ghosts sighting also aren't really frightening.

Worry not, the cinematography is still top notch. The music is great. And the acting is superb. The story is really interesting. Too bad they leave too much clues that makes the end twist isn't really surprising.

I have high hopes about this movie, but the end product is kinda disappointing. Not because it is bad, but it isn't as good as expected. This is still a good movie to watch.

The Big Sick (2017)

Best Rom Com For Recent Years

[8/10 · 5 May 2022]

I have to admit I watch this hoping for a different thing. All I know about this movie before watching it is Kumail Nanjiani is the star and it's about stand up comedy. I think this is going to be a full comedy movie. I was hoping to get a big laugh. Boy I was wrong.

I got something better instead.

To me this is the best romantic comedy I've ever watched from the last 5 years. And I regret that I'm watching it in 2022. Superb movie.

Okay, how to describe this. First, the acting. The actors and actresses are doing well job. The chemistry is there. The cinematography is decent. And the script is especially wonderful. At the end when they show that it is based on true story makes it even better.

I can't recommend this movie enough. It is a must watch.

Till Death (I) (2021)

Extereme Hide And Seek

[6/10 · 5 May 2022]

Saw the trailer and I thought this was kinda Interesting premise. A woman tied to her husband's dead body while being chased by murderer. Might be a good thriller movie.

But after watching the first 10 minutes I think the movie a bit boring. The set up is not really engaging. Only after she was tied to the dead body things getting serious.

The plot isn't really realistic, because you can find a lot of plotholes. There are moments when you watch the movie you will be thinking "hey, you shouldn't do that, do this instead." A bit stupid nonetheless.

But it is entertaining for sure. Because most of the scene is shot in a lake house. Remote place but not a big house. Where our protagonist playing hide and seek against the villain. It's thrilling indeed.

Still I don't rate this movie too high. It's nice movie to watch even with a lot of flaws.

Dogma (1999)

Came For The Meme Stay For The Plot

[7/10 · 18 April 2022]

One day I saw this funny looking Jesus pict in some meme, and I wonder where did this come from? A bit research and I found this movie. I was surprised to see the casts here. Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Alan Rickman, Chris Rock, Salma Hayek, etc, and there's Alanis Morissette also! I have to watch this.

This movie came out more than 2 decades ago, and after the few fist minutes you can see that the cinematography didn't hold up with time. This movie looks cheap, and if you see until the end you'll agree this is some cheap movie. The production seems like on a limited budget.

But to my surprise, I can't take my eyes off of it. Keep watching it till the end. I don't know why but this movie looks really interesting. The story is engaging albeit a bit stupid. The acting is average. Some bad CGI to depict Angel's wings. But that doesn't worry me much.

Imho this movie is enjoyable and this is not a masterpiece.

Jungle Cruise (2021)

The Mummy But In Jungle

[6/10 · 15 April 2022]

After watching the movie I can't help but think where have I seen this. And then it dawned on me. This has so many similarities with The Mummy.

Our main character is an educated woman who wants to find mythical treasure. Has an annoying brother that complains about leaving civilization. With the help of an adventurer to defeat cursed people from ancient time. And there are more.

I think this movie was aimed to younger audience. Well you know what this movie based on. That's why they write the story to be not too complicated. The CGI is not that great but just good enough. Some goofy scene, and simple jokes.

Emily Blunt did the best acting here, and even that's not a really great performance, just adequate and not over doing it. Dwayne Johnson's acting is as usual as his other movie. The other performers did nothing stellar either.

In conclusion, simple plot, adequate acting, barely passable CGI, etc, this is an average movie. Enjoyable but won't give you long lasting impression.

Don't Look Up (2021)

Great Satire Movie

[8/10 · 15 April 2022]

My first impression after watching this is how terrifyingly this scenario could happen in real life. Not the comet collision to earth (even though that's also a probability) but the stupid and greedy politician that destroy the mankind.

This is somehow already happened in reality. This movie just cranked it in higher level. Politician that only care about their position. Greedy oligarchs that doesn't care about environment and people. Ignored scientist. Divided people by polarization of political party. Even the society that only want good feel in their life. These are happening right in front of our eyes now.

Overall this movie has almost everything right. Good scenario, great ensemble of casts, of course the acting is as good. But still there's some minor things that I think could be better. This one is count as a great satire movie in my book. Nice jabs at the recent f-ed up things that happened in our world.

Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)

Who You Gonna Call

[7/10 · 5 April 2022]

My first impression? Not as good as the original, but definitely way better than the 2016 Ghostbusters. The story, comedy, and action is better indeed.

I found Mckenna Grace performance is really good. Nice to see Paul Rudd here. And the original 4 Ghostbusters returning is the highlight of the movie.

Of course there are some plotholes. Some underperforming actors and actresses. If only they have someone that could pull some witty quick jokes like Bill Murray maybe this movie could be better. But even without that, this movie still entertaining.

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Knives Out (2019)

Great Detective Movie

[9/10 · 4 April 2022]

I love detective story. From the classic Poirot or Holmes, to the anime Kindaichi and Conan, even the tv Series like The Mentalist or Monk, etc. There are a lot of them. And this movie is probably count as one of the great.

The actors and actresses are doing really good. It's nice to see Chris Evans not in his Captain America suit. Daniel Craig surprisingly good at pulling that American accent. But the star of the movie albeit many big names is Ana de Armas. Her acting is superb here.

Like I said the acting is well done. The cinematography is as good. And the story, wow, unpredictable. The big reveal in the end is really surprising.

It's been a long time since I've seen good detective movie. Sometimes a good novel can't translated well in movie. This one is an exception. Instant classic.

Sing 2 (2021)

Better Than The First IMHO

[8/10 · 2 April 2022]

I like the first Sing movie. Buster Moon somehow gives me inspiration to never give up no matter how bad your condition is. But after watching this movie trailer, I have some worries.

There are only a few sequel movie than can live up as good as the original. And in most animation movie (not all, but most) the second movie usually worse than the first. And the trailer didn't really help convince me otherwise. The story they try to sell isn't too engaging for me. Still I watch this with my kids, because they love movies with songs.

And what a surprise I had. This movie is a good experience. Buster Moon is in action once more. He's hustling his way up. Now with bigger musical production.

We see the original main cast, minus Mike the mouse. And added with more interesting characters. The songs, jokes, story and overall the quality of the animation is better. And as a fan of U2 listening to Bono is delightful.

This is a good family movie. Your kids will love it, and you'll get entertained too.

Notting Hill (1999)

My Favorit Rom-Com Ever

[9/10 · 20 March 2022]

I prefer action movies than other. But if I have to watch only one movie till the end of my life, I would choose this.

This is like a Cinderella story in male version. Hugh Grant plays as a struggling tourism book store owner. His ordinary life change when the most famous actress in the world (played by Julia Roberts) visited his store. The relation between two people from seemingly different world is the focus here.

The acting here is good. Every actors and actresses do good job. The lines is spectacular, the comedy is adequate enough to bring joy. The supporting casts are also stellar. My favorit is Rhys Ifans as Spike, brilliant job.

I have to say this is my most favorite rom com movie ever.

Kill Command (2016)

Not Special But Still Good

[6/10 · 20 March 2022]

This is the first time I know about Vanessa Kirby. She's doing good in this movie. But to be honest, nothing stellar here.

This movie is adequate. The action is okay, the CGI is surprisingly very good. The acting is not disappointing. But the story is really flat. That's my only problem.

The the way they tell the story is messy. It's like they're trying to look smart but failed in communicating. So the audience is left confused. It's too bad because as an action movie this is quite impressive. If only they have better writer.

Freaky (2020)

Started Good But Not So In The End

[6/10 · 6 March 2022]

A teenager and a serial killer body swap. Now that's an interesting theme. Too bad the execution doesn't live up the premise.

Honestly this movie started with a bang. We got good killing scene, it's so gory and well shot. I thought the rest of the movie will be as thrilling. But it's not.

It's actually a comedy horror movie. With wacky scenario. The body swap is already unbelievable but the other are just ridiculous. The plot are so messy.

I mean you have a serial killer on a loose, but so little police force. They saw him in broad daylight at school yet so little effort to catch him. And the kissing scene is so stupid. No teenage with a right mind would do that.

But still this is a good watch. Albeit Vince Vaughn is over doing it when acting as teenage girl. Kathryn Newton is surprisingly good. I just think she's too beautiful to be somebody that is bullied at school. Other actors and actresses are okay. Good scary scene. As a horror movie this is passable.

Sex/Life (2021–2023)

Just Watch Porn Instead

[5/10 · 22 February 2022]

Sexually frustrated wife decided to cheat on her husband. Hmmm, where have I seen this? Oh yes, in porn movies. And I've seen porn with better plot.

I think the writer just wanted to have as many sex scene as possible in every episode. Because that's the only selling point here. The story is kind of ridiculous.

I don't get why they try to sell this as a way to empower woman. That independent woman deserve to have their desire met, even though that means they have to cheat on their partner. There are no good reason to cheat on your spouse. This series is glorifying wrong thing.

I feel sorry for the actors and actresses here because they did a good job. But the story is not that worthy. If you just want to watch sex better go watch porn. At least they are entertaining.