derrickneal-98015 Reviews

Superman (1978)

Superman Origins

[7/10 · 1 October 2019]

Before the deluge of superhero cinema there was Richard Donner's Superman- the first big budget superhero movie. Taking Superman as a whole, there's no doubt that it's a flawed movie, but it's one of the most wonderfully entertaining flawed movies made during the 1970s. It's exactly what comic book fans hoped it would be, and it never apologizes about its origins. There are numerous sly nods to many aspects of Superman lore - a young Clark Kent outracing a train, Clark stopping a speeding bullet, the race to find a place to change into the Superman costume when a telephone booth has been replaced by a kiosk, and the reference to "truth, justice, and the American way." Christopher Reeve is good as superman/Clark Kent and Margot Kidder gives a good portrayal as Louis Lane. Also, on hand are Marlon Brando and Gene Hackman to lend some heft to the star cast although both ham the scenery. Richard Donner's Superman has been superseded by many better superhero films, but it was the first of its kind and as such shall always remain special.

Jingle All the Way (1996)

Average family movie starring Arnie

[5/10 · 26 February 2019]

I loved this movie as a kid but now upon looking back I think it's a tad overrated. Nothing wrong with the film per-se and I am sure it's a good family film that one can enjoy as a great Christmas get together. But there just isn't a lot of great jokes or endearing moments to recommend sitting for the entirety. Jingle All the Way has its moments, all of which are lowbrow- Howard's madcap dash after a runaway super ball is worth a chuckle or two, as is his encounter with an unfriendly reindeer. And certain aspects of the climax are legitimately hilarious. Overall, however, the film is filled with too many stale spots. The few attempts at satirizing the toy market are unfocused and not particularly daring. Sinbad, portraying a postal worker who is teetering on the edge, brings some life and energy to the production, but not enough to keep it from feeling much longer than it actually is. Arnold is...well, Arnold.

Jack the Bear (1993)

wasted opportunity

[5/10 · 26 October 2018]

With many films that stray off-course, it can be difficult to identify exactly where things go wrong. Not so with Jack the Bear. It takes little insight and virtually no digging to excavate the turning point, which occurs halfway through.The first part of the movie is like a thoughtful version of TV's The Wonder Years. While the distant shadow of tragedy still hangs over Jack the Bear, it's a background element. We see Jack take care of his little brother, experience his first day in a new school, develop a crush on a girl and invite her to his house for dinner, and stay up late at night to watch a horror-movie show that his father stars in. The film moves along at a leisurely pace, letting us float in nostalgia as we remember what it's like to be a child.However, about the time that Gary Sinese's Norman starts playing a major role, the film shifts from light drama to leaden melodrama, with doses of action and silliness thrown in for good measure. The second half of Jack the Bear is a jerky, uneven ride that never comes close to fulfilling the promise of what preceded it.

The Star Chamber (1983)

Michael Douglas as the idealistic lawyer owns in this movie

[6/10 · 19 September 2018]

Peter Hyams is a somewhat middling director though whose profile has always been consistent and Michael Douglas, despite being a young producer was also coming into his own as an actor. He is guided here, in an almost father figure role by Hal Holbrook. I should see this film again but I remember liking it.

Flight (I) (2012)

Zemeckis tackles a sensitive subject in this air disaster flick

[7/10 · 17 August 2018]

Flight is a great example of everything coming together- screenplay, characters, acting and special effects. This movie is about addiction and the main character who happens to be a pilot and a raging alcoholic. So bad is the situation that his wife has left him and his sons do not have an iota of respect for him. Also, he drinks on the plane- a plane he is piloting! The crash sequence is quite jarring and anyone knowing the work of Robert Zemeckis would know he is a master in creating realistic looking CGI sequences. This is a great scene but what follows is equally fascinating. The pilot is brought to the court in charge of manslaughter(he manages to save most but not everybody on board). Washington is great as the central character. Go watch flight to see a nuanced character study of a flawed individual.

Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001)

Kevin Smith's de-facto movie

[7/10 · 12 July 2018]

Jay and Silent Bob strike back is the story of best friends Jay and Silent Bob and anyone wishing to start with Kevin Smith's filmography should start with this film. It introduces the central character of the Universe and has cameos by almost everyone from other films. Plus a lot more, especially if you love Star Wars. The jokes are funny and the script flows very well. Cameos abound and some like Will Ferrell's ranger had me in stitches. Go see this film now.

Blow Out (1981)

Young John Travolta is amazing in this great early 80s film

[7/10 · 28 June 2018]

Vintage Brian De Palma film with all the Hitchcockian traits. Blowout is a very engaging film starring a young John Travolta who plays a sound recordist who accidently records a murder and is suddenly embroiled in a bigger conspiracy. Blow Out has bits of the conversation and Blow up and whole lot of early 80s atmosphere. When the legendary critic Pauline Kael says "This is the best American conspiracy movie" you should take note. Oh, this also involves a whole lot of movie making and even Travolta considers this one of his best films. A bleak ending only adds to its legacy. A great Brain de Palma movie.

The Polar Express (2004)

the stunning animation that blows you away.

[8/10 · 9 June 2018]

A great great film- something both kids and adults will enjoy and relish alike. Tom Hanks is supreme, but it is the stunning animation that blows you away.

I Love You, Beth Cooper (2009)

Boring and redundant

[3/10 · 7 June 2018]

Its an average, middling comedy by Chris Columbus. An afternoon with nothing to do should be utilized with this film, nothing more. (Boring and redundant)

Mr. Peabody & Sherman (2014)

Great animation movie for a family outing

[8/10 · 30 May 2018]

This is a sweet film and harkens back to the old school style of animation. It succeeds for this very reason- this is a fun film by Dreamworks which can be enjoyed by the entire family. The voice actors do a fine job and the fact that no one is a known face or voice only helps assist the movie. (Great animation movie for a family outing)

Inception (2010)

Inception is a smart and tautly made film about dreams and stealing from dreams

[8/10 · 25 May 2018]

Inception is a brave film because it expects the audience to follow the narrative and pay attention. If you lose interest midway, or for that matter even take a detour to the loo the film is bound to leave you confused. Christopher Nolan is considered one of the finest directors working today and the reason is because of films like Inception which is a smart and tautly made film about dreams and stealing from dreams. Starring Leonardo Di Caprio with a host of talent this movie will surely make you ponder, regardless of whether you liked it or not. (A mind-bending experience)