Below you will find pages that utilize the taxonomy term “Movies”
March 23, 2023
Nope
Rating: 2 of 5 Tube men
Avoided any information about this, so I wouldn’t have any secrets spoiled. Won’t give away any here. Thought it was just OK. It had some striking visuals, but motivations, or any real character development, was iffy. Story is either increadibly simplistic, or incredibly confusing, and I’m still not sure which. It had an ending, but if I understood what was going on, it was almost a “oops, we’re out of time/money, gotta wrap it up.
Avoided any information about this, so I wouldn’t have any secrets spoiled. Won’t give away any here. Thought it was just OK. It had some striking visuals, but motivations, or any real character development, was iffy. Story is either increadibly simplistic, or incredibly confusing, and I’m still not sure which. It had an ending, but if I understood what was going on, it was almost a “oops, we’re out of time/money, gotta wrap it up.
March 19, 2023
Barbarian
Rating: 5 of 5 jump scares
Excellent horror/thriller. Starts in a rainstorm, with an overbooked short-term rental. Slowly unravels some details, but only enough to keep you wondering what’s going on. Then, it gets creepy. Um, really creepy. As more is revealed, you realize it’s not a cookie cutter thriller. And, it was suprising (and creepy) all the way to the end.
Excellent horror/thriller. Starts in a rainstorm, with an overbooked short-term rental. Slowly unravels some details, but only enough to keep you wondering what’s going on. Then, it gets creepy. Um, really creepy. As more is revealed, you realize it’s not a cookie cutter thriller. And, it was suprising (and creepy) all the way to the end.
March 19, 2023
Luther: the Fallen Sun
Rating: 3 of 5 Corpses
Lots of action, doesn’t let up much. Not a very intricate plot, but Elba is a solid lead, and Serkis is a bad bad guy. Some very disturbing visuals, and a lot of corpses.
Lots of action, doesn’t let up much. Not a very intricate plot, but Elba is a solid lead, and Serkis is a bad bad guy. Some very disturbing visuals, and a lot of corpses.
March 15, 2023
We Have a Ghost
Rating: 4 of 5 Haunted Houses
As Stefan from SNL says “This movie has everything!”. It’s got a haunted house, a family working out family issues, drama, comedy, action. There are car chases, human chases, police, a secret government agency, a murder myster, Tig Notaro, and a ghost. All in all, an enjoyable flick good enough to overlook its flaws.
As Stefan from SNL says “This movie has everything!”. It’s got a haunted house, a family working out family issues, drama, comedy, action. There are car chases, human chases, police, a secret government agency, a murder myster, Tig Notaro, and a ghost. All in all, an enjoyable flick good enough to overlook its flaws.
March 12, 2023
The 355
Rating: 1 of 5 shaking cameras
A lot of good material here, nearly all wasted by gaping plot holes, character inconsistencies, and silly tech mumbo jumbo. The annoying shaking camera work (I thought we finally got over using that as a thing) gets even shakier during action scenes, which are already cut in rapid angle change, making them virtually unwatchable. I imagine on the big screen, they’d cause motion sickness. But, during the unbearably long breaks between action scenes, where the plot literally stops dead, you’ll start begging for camera jiggle.
A lot of good material here, nearly all wasted by gaping plot holes, character inconsistencies, and silly tech mumbo jumbo. The annoying shaking camera work (I thought we finally got over using that as a thing) gets even shakier during action scenes, which are already cut in rapid angle change, making them virtually unwatchable. I imagine on the big screen, they’d cause motion sickness. But, during the unbearably long breaks between action scenes, where the plot literally stops dead, you’ll start begging for camera jiggle.
March 4, 2023
Marcel The Shell With Shoes On
Rating: 5 of 5 shells
Cute, hilarious, and emotional. It’s about an adorable if odd-looking 1" tall creature in a shell. That’s it. An documentary of his life. A tenant comes in the Air B&B, starts recording him, and puts the videos online. The dialogue is first rate, the special effects are not ILM, but work really well with the storytelling.
Cute, hilarious, and emotional. It’s about an adorable if odd-looking 1" tall creature in a shell. That’s it. An documentary of his life. A tenant comes in the Air B&B, starts recording him, and puts the videos online. The dialogue is first rate, the special effects are not ILM, but work really well with the storytelling.
March 2, 2023
The Consultant
Rating: 4 of 5 golden bones
A dark, very creepy story about a mysterious consultant that shows up to take charge after its CEO is killed. Excellent acting (as expected) from Christoph Waltz as the lead. The series slowly exposes more information, while simultaneously creating more mystery. My only complaint is the tertiary characters have little depth to them, and could be played by cardboard cutouts. Only complaint is, the ending still left so many questions unanswered.
A dark, very creepy story about a mysterious consultant that shows up to take charge after its CEO is killed. Excellent acting (as expected) from Christoph Waltz as the lead. The series slowly exposes more information, while simultaneously creating more mystery. My only complaint is the tertiary characters have little depth to them, and could be played by cardboard cutouts. Only complaint is, the ending still left so many questions unanswered.
February 28, 2023
After Life
Rating: 5 of 5 stars
A wonderful blend of happy, sad, poignient, realistic, funny and tragic. At its core, a journey with a man dealing with the death of his wife. Soon it pulls in the lives of his co-workers, and people he meets. It is excellent at showing each person as an entire character with their assets and flaws, and how each deals with their own personal issues. It’s also a rare complete story, where the last episodes wrap up all the storylines, but not necessarily in a clean or final way, life will go on after the storylines, and the characters will be living through it.
A wonderful blend of happy, sad, poignient, realistic, funny and tragic. At its core, a journey with a man dealing with the death of his wife. Soon it pulls in the lives of his co-workers, and people he meets. It is excellent at showing each person as an entire character with their assets and flaws, and how each deals with their own personal issues. It’s also a rare complete story, where the last episodes wrap up all the storylines, but not necessarily in a clean or final way, life will go on after the storylines, and the characters will be living through it.
February 25, 2023
The Banshees of Inisherin
Rating: 5 of 5 pints
Beautifully photographed and acted. Wonderful storytelling of two old friends on a small island, one who decides he doesn’t want to be friends anymore. It’s sad, funny, tragic. Motivations are difficult to discern, but it’s enjoyable just to be allowed to observe these characters and their lives.
Beautifully photographed and acted. Wonderful storytelling of two old friends on a small island, one who decides he doesn’t want to be friends anymore. It’s sad, funny, tragic. Motivations are difficult to discern, but it’s enjoyable just to be allowed to observe these characters and their lives.
February 19, 2023
Do Revenge
Rating: 3 of 5 high school students pushing 30
First thought this was going to be a really silly young adult mean girls flick. It was actually somewhat engaging, had some plot twists, and except for the last 30 minutes, kinda interesting. Then, in the last act, it got pretty confusing as to what motivated who and who was doing revenge on who. Add to that, both stars, who are suppose to be in a fancy preparatory high school are in their late 20’s, having to remind yourself that these huge adult parties are being run and attended by high school kids?
First thought this was going to be a really silly young adult mean girls flick. It was actually somewhat engaging, had some plot twists, and except for the last 30 minutes, kinda interesting. Then, in the last act, it got pretty confusing as to what motivated who and who was doing revenge on who. Add to that, both stars, who are suppose to be in a fancy preparatory high school are in their late 20’s, having to remind yourself that these huge adult parties are being run and attended by high school kids?
February 15, 2023
Ingrid Goes West
Rating: 3 of 5 staged selfies
A disturbing movie about a social media stalker who’s definately got a few issues to work through. Looking for a new friend, Ingrid goes west! Things start out OK, but go downhilll fast. The story looses a star for peetering out near the end, and leaving unexplored a few plot points that were started. Perhaps their are scenes on the editing room floor, but still, a little disappointing, given the detail in the rest of the film.
A disturbing movie about a social media stalker who’s definately got a few issues to work through. Looking for a new friend, Ingrid goes west! Things start out OK, but go downhilll fast. The story looses a star for peetering out near the end, and leaving unexplored a few plot points that were started. Perhaps their are scenes on the editing room floor, but still, a little disappointing, given the detail in the rest of the film.
February 14, 2023
Your Place or Mine
Rating: 2 of 5 Hallmark movies
Nothing much to see here. Take a thin Hallmark Movie plot, make it a bit less interesting, then toss in Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher for the ‘ol name recognition viewing. It’s not terrible, it’s also not memorable. A fine rainy Valentine’s day viewing while second screening.
Nothing much to see here. Take a thin Hallmark Movie plot, make it a bit less interesting, then toss in Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher for the ‘ol name recognition viewing. It’s not terrible, it’s also not memorable. A fine rainy Valentine’s day viewing while second screening.
February 13, 2023
Bullet Train
Rating: 5 of 5 Boomslangs
Pretty simple plot, it seems. Several nefarious characters are on the bullet train in Japan, each with their own mission. Violent hilarity ensues. It’s violent. Very violent, and usually comically violent. Lots of secrets are revealed during the course of the film, as characters backgrounds are fleshed out. Think “The Usual Suspects” meets “Pulp Fiction”. You’ll cringe, you’ll laugh, you’ll cringe that you’re laughing. Then you’ll quickly cringe again. It was a totally enjoyable ride.
Pretty simple plot, it seems. Several nefarious characters are on the bullet train in Japan, each with their own mission. Violent hilarity ensues. It’s violent. Very violent, and usually comically violent. Lots of secrets are revealed during the course of the film, as characters backgrounds are fleshed out. Think “The Usual Suspects” meets “Pulp Fiction”. You’ll cringe, you’ll laugh, you’ll cringe that you’re laughing. Then you’ll quickly cringe again. It was a totally enjoyable ride.
February 10, 2023
Viking wolf
Rating: 3 of 5 bad moons on the rise
A Norwegian Werewolf flick. Not much original, scenes taken right out of an American Werewolf in London, with a lower budget. Silver is still the creature’s kryptonite, but it’s traditional, so I’ll allow it. The acting and characters were all interesting enough to earn it a couple stars. Even got me to jump at one of the jump scares. A fun distraction.
A Norwegian Werewolf flick. Not much original, scenes taken right out of an American Werewolf in London, with a lower budget. Silver is still the creature’s kryptonite, but it’s traditional, so I’ll allow it. The acting and characters were all interesting enough to earn it a couple stars. Even got me to jump at one of the jump scares. A fun distraction.
February 9, 2023
Vengance
Rating: 4 of 5 stars
B.J. Novak wrote,directed and stars in this interesting crime story, where B.J.’s character, Ben, attends a funeral for a woman he hooked up with, then gets drawn into trying to discover what caused her death. The characters were mostly interesting, although some are pretty minor and just glossed over. I especially liked that the characters that had depth also had a lot more to them than you first see. Not exactly a tourist commercial for rural Texas, which was intentional.
B.J. Novak wrote,directed and stars in this interesting crime story, where B.J.’s character, Ben, attends a funeral for a woman he hooked up with, then gets drawn into trying to discover what caused her death. The characters were mostly interesting, although some are pretty minor and just glossed over. I especially liked that the characters that had depth also had a lot more to them than you first see. Not exactly a tourist commercial for rural Texas, which was intentional.
January 31, 2023
Emily the Criminal
Rating: 5 of 5 cloned credit cards
Not exactly a feel good romp. Well acted, plot has you uncomfortable, and wondering what’s going to happen next. Emily does not make the best life choices, but the way the film shows you how the deck is stacked against her, the choices aren’t irrational.
Not exactly a feel good romp. Well acted, plot has you uncomfortable, and wondering what’s going to happen next. Emily does not make the best life choices, but the way the film shows you how the deck is stacked against her, the choices aren’t irrational.
January 29, 2023
Shotgun Wedding
Rating: 3 of 5 wet actors
Let me start by saying, if you think J-Lo is the greatest actress you know of, and you can’t get enough of her, you might like this better than I did. I think she’s fine, and did fine in the movie, but there was simply too much J-Lo for me. Especially given the stellar supporting cast, which had barely anything to do. The 3rd act made up for the lackluster 2nd act though, and I liked the ending.
Let me start by saying, if you think J-Lo is the greatest actress you know of, and you can’t get enough of her, you might like this better than I did. I think she’s fine, and did fine in the movie, but there was simply too much J-Lo for me. Especially given the stellar supporting cast, which had barely anything to do. The 3rd act made up for the lackluster 2nd act though, and I liked the ending.
January 22, 2023
Inheritance
Rating: 5 of 5 key lime pies
Creepy and scary thriller. You probably won’t see all the surprises coming, so no plot review. Good soundtrack, cinematography and acting all around.
Creepy and scary thriller. You probably won’t see all the surprises coming, so no plot review. Good soundtrack, cinematography and acting all around.
January 5, 2023
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
Rating: 4.5 of 5 Mr. Mustards in the conservatory
Didn’t make it through Knives Out, loved the actors, got really bored with the plot and writing. This take was entirely different, and very enjoyable. Nice social commentary worked in with a crime mystery. Liked the characters and acting, lots of subtle humor, great visuals.
Didn’t make it through Knives Out, loved the actors, got really bored with the plot and writing. This take was entirely different, and very enjoyable. Nice social commentary worked in with a crime mystery. Liked the characters and acting, lots of subtle humor, great visuals.
January 3, 2023
Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio
Rating: 5 of 5 talking crickets
Visually stunning, well acted, well paced, well told. An absolute joy to watch, from the opening scene to the credits. You know the basic story, del Toro’s follows the book, and is correspondingly darker, but not so dark children won’t enjoy it.
Visually stunning, well acted, well paced, well told. An absolute joy to watch, from the opening scene to the credits. You know the basic story, del Toro’s follows the book, and is correspondingly darker, but not so dark children won’t enjoy it.
January 1, 2023
White Noise
Rating: 2 of 5 Plot changes
Some truly entertaining and inventive scenes, interspersed with a bogglingly incoherent plot, which is more a series of short stories, some of which work and some of which don’t. As a whole film, it was a confusing mess.
Some truly entertaining and inventive scenes, interspersed with a bogglingly incoherent plot, which is more a series of short stories, some of which work and some of which don’t. As a whole film, it was a confusing mess.
October 1, 2022
Lou
Rating: 4 of 5 Moms
Gritty drama, with a generally decent plot.A little cookie cutter, but not totally predictable. Got a little tired of the blue filtered Pacific Northwest visuals, but otherwise I liked it.
Gritty drama, with a generally decent plot.A little cookie cutter, but not totally predictable. Got a little tired of the blue filtered Pacific Northwest visuals, but otherwise I liked it.
September 30, 2022
Hocus Pocus 2
Rating: 5 of 5 covens
A silly and fun romp, amazing it was 29 years since the original. Faithful to the first film, and safe viewing for kids.
A silly and fun romp, amazing it was 29 years since the original. Faithful to the first film, and safe viewing for kids.
September 25, 2022
Me Time
Rating: 0 of 4 Kevin Harts
Even stupider and more pointless than the trailer makes it look. That is all.
Even stupider and more pointless than the trailer makes it look. That is all.
August 27, 2022
Moonfall
Rating: 2 of 5 falling moons
The moon is falling! No one knows why, but it is. And apparently, with like 3 days notice, we can slap together very old space technology to head up and see what’s going wrong. Or not. Or maybe, or not. We’ll tell you after the commercial break…That’s about it. Aside from the story, since there really isn’t much of one. The special effects were pretty good, giving it its 2 moons.
The moon is falling! No one knows why, but it is. And apparently, with like 3 days notice, we can slap together very old space technology to head up and see what’s going wrong. Or not. Or maybe, or not. We’ll tell you after the commercial break…That’s about it. Aside from the story, since there really isn’t much of one. The special effects were pretty good, giving it its 2 moons.
May 21, 2022
The Lost City
Rating: 3 of 5 Brad Pitts
A pretty fun ride. Preposterous plot, a twist on Romancing the Stone. Good chemistry with the actors. Not many surprises, but it’s more dark comedy than adventure. Harry Potter is evil. Channing Tatum is dumb. Sandra Bullock carries the rest of the film. Also, Brad Pitt is delightful.
A pretty fun ride. Preposterous plot, a twist on Romancing the Stone. Good chemistry with the actors. Not many surprises, but it’s more dark comedy than adventure. Harry Potter is evil. Channing Tatum is dumb. Sandra Bullock carries the rest of the film. Also, Brad Pitt is delightful.
May 8, 2022
Willy's Wonderland
Rating: 5 of 5 Willies
Everything is classic cult B movie. It has a modern day car, so it’s present day, but it also has a full 70’s vibe including soft/grainy film, dial phones (with mismatched handsets), IBM Selectric typewriters, tape-based answering machines. This would just be a normal schlock-fest, except it stars none other than our generations best action movie hero, Nicolas Cage. And the iconic Mr. Cage didn’t have to learn any lines, as he never speaks.
Everything is classic cult B movie. It has a modern day car, so it’s present day, but it also has a full 70’s vibe including soft/grainy film, dial phones (with mismatched handsets), IBM Selectric typewriters, tape-based answering machines. This would just be a normal schlock-fest, except it stars none other than our generations best action movie hero, Nicolas Cage. And the iconic Mr. Cage didn’t have to learn any lines, as he never speaks.
May 6, 2022
Diani & Devine Meet The Apocalypse
Rating: 4 of 5 Quarks
A pretty fun post-apocalyptic romp with comedians. Fun cameos, it has Barry Bostwick, Armin Shimerman, plus the evil Mayor from Buffy the Vampire Slayer in it. A pretty well written and acted comedy, no real spoilers, a couple goes through an apocalypse of unknown origin. Hilarity ensues. Obviously a shoestring budget, you don’t expect to see actors you recognize in movies this low budget. Given the length of the “special thanks” list, they might have financed with individual donations.
A pretty fun post-apocalyptic romp with comedians. Fun cameos, it has Barry Bostwick, Armin Shimerman, plus the evil Mayor from Buffy the Vampire Slayer in it. A pretty well written and acted comedy, no real spoilers, a couple goes through an apocalypse of unknown origin. Hilarity ensues. Obviously a shoestring budget, you don’t expect to see actors you recognize in movies this low budget. Given the length of the “special thanks” list, they might have financed with individual donations.
May 3, 2022
Infinite
Rating: 3 out of 5 Wahlburgers
Could easily have been called “Chase”. There are many chase scenes. More than a modern Bond film. It revolves around immortal beings who can die, but are reborn through sort of reincarnation? They’re not really clear on the science there. One guy seems to be the Jack Torrence of the group, same body the whole time. They don’t explain it. The immortals remember and retain all their lifetimes of skills as they grow up.
Could easily have been called “Chase”. There are many chase scenes. More than a modern Bond film. It revolves around immortal beings who can die, but are reborn through sort of reincarnation? They’re not really clear on the science there. One guy seems to be the Jack Torrence of the group, same body the whole time. They don’t explain it. The immortals remember and retain all their lifetimes of skills as they grow up.
April 25, 2022
Blood Red Sky
Rating: 4 of 5 Vampires on a Plane
A German film, but interestingly almost 1/2 the cast speaks English. A pretty simple plot, there’s a plane, there are some kind of terrorists who take over the plane, and then there’s a Vampire. That’s it, that’s the plot. A really good and mostly different twist on a vampire adventure. The 1/2 half is setup, second half has a lot of action. It’s both creepy and scary. Wasn’t sure going in, since it seemed to start slow, but really worked as a whole.
A German film, but interestingly almost 1/2 the cast speaks English. A pretty simple plot, there’s a plane, there are some kind of terrorists who take over the plane, and then there’s a Vampire. That’s it, that’s the plot. A really good and mostly different twist on a vampire adventure. The 1/2 half is setup, second half has a lot of action. It’s both creepy and scary. Wasn’t sure going in, since it seemed to start slow, but really worked as a whole.
April 16, 2022
The Night House
Rating: 3 of 5 Brandys
At its heart, a cookie cutter psychological haunted house tale. A woman is living alone in a house her recently dead husband built. As she deals with his death, and starting to pack his things away, she starts discovering mysterious things. Oh, and she hears some voices, and sees some visions. But, could it just be her heavy drinking? Grief? Insanity? Yeah, all elements we’ve seen a lot in other films like this.
At its heart, a cookie cutter psychological haunted house tale. A woman is living alone in a house her recently dead husband built. As she deals with his death, and starting to pack his things away, she starts discovering mysterious things. Oh, and she hears some voices, and sees some visions. But, could it just be her heavy drinking? Grief? Insanity? Yeah, all elements we’ve seen a lot in other films like this.
April 16, 2022
All the Old Knives
Rating: Incomplete
Are you totally amped up from work/drugs/anxiety? Do you need a nap? Give this flick a try. As the preview suggested, a bit like “My Dinner with Andre´“. Except rather than fascinating stories told by a charismatic storyteller, it’s two attractive ex-lovers and ex-CIA, one of whom might have been a mole that helped bad things to happen. So you get some very quiet chat, a flashback of more quiet and boring things, more almost inaudible chat, then back to introductions of characters you can’t possibly remember (unless you’re taking notes).
Are you totally amped up from work/drugs/anxiety? Do you need a nap? Give this flick a try. As the preview suggested, a bit like “My Dinner with Andre´“. Except rather than fascinating stories told by a charismatic storyteller, it’s two attractive ex-lovers and ex-CIA, one of whom might have been a mole that helped bad things to happen. So you get some very quiet chat, a flashback of more quiet and boring things, more almost inaudible chat, then back to introductions of characters you can’t possibly remember (unless you’re taking notes).
April 10, 2022
Color Out Of Space
Rating: 3-1/2 of 5 colors
It’s an adaptation of a H. P. Lovecraft story about a prismatic meteor that falls to earth, effecting every living thing around it in bizarre and horrific ways. Nicholas Cage movies are always a gamble. He has been in some really terrible movies, and he doesn’t seem to pick really good movies. Expectations were low, but this was a wonderfully stylish, visually captivating, horrific film. The use of color as a character was brilliantly portrayed, the story moved at a great pace, and the whole feeling was ominous.
It’s an adaptation of a H. P. Lovecraft story about a prismatic meteor that falls to earth, effecting every living thing around it in bizarre and horrific ways. Nicholas Cage movies are always a gamble. He has been in some really terrible movies, and he doesn’t seem to pick really good movies. Expectations were low, but this was a wonderfully stylish, visually captivating, horrific film. The use of color as a character was brilliantly portrayed, the story moved at a great pace, and the whole feeling was ominous.
April 8, 2022
Agnes
Rating: 1 of 5 bad habits
Quite disappointing. Watched it because we were fans of Molly C. Quinn from Castle. Even the posters are misleading, although sometimes it’s fine to be surprised at the actual movie, this time, not so much. I’ll keep this spoiler-free. A creepy convent, quirky nuns, priests investigating a possession (because only men in the church can do this, as we well know), and the senior priest has a quasi-mysterious past. The church “executive staff” are mean spirited, with a sense of evil about them.
Quite disappointing. Watched it because we were fans of Molly C. Quinn from Castle. Even the posters are misleading, although sometimes it’s fine to be surprised at the actual movie, this time, not so much. I’ll keep this spoiler-free. A creepy convent, quirky nuns, priests investigating a possession (because only men in the church can do this, as we well know), and the senior priest has a quasi-mysterious past. The church “executive staff” are mean spirited, with a sense of evil about them.
April 2, 2022
The Bubble
Rating: 2 of 5 nose swabs
The movie with the cute pre-launch campaign, and the delightful Karen Gillan. Nothing deep here, just a fun romp about a very bad movie being made during the pandemic. Lots of cameos (mostly uncredited) of some big or moderately big names, and it’s better than Cliff Beasts 6 would have turned out. I laughed, especially early on, but it just didn’t gel into a overall fun film. And like an SNL skit, went on a bit longer than it should.
The movie with the cute pre-launch campaign, and the delightful Karen Gillan. Nothing deep here, just a fun romp about a very bad movie being made during the pandemic. Lots of cameos (mostly uncredited) of some big or moderately big names, and it’s better than Cliff Beasts 6 would have turned out. I laughed, especially early on, but it just didn’t gel into a overall fun film. And like an SNL skit, went on a bit longer than it should.
March 27, 2022
The Deep House
Rating: 4 of 5 submersed haunted mansions
Two “Youtubers” (so you already want evil to befall them) visit abandoned buildings hoping to get enough views to make money. After some cursory setup, they’re taken to a lake with an intact house at its bottom.Scary shit ensues. Cool concept, going through the house underwater, so floating things can float (how is that metal candelabra floating???). Nothing is moldy or decayed, why? Scary shit, that’s why.Did I mention it’s scary?
Two “Youtubers” (so you already want evil to befall them) visit abandoned buildings hoping to get enough views to make money. After some cursory setup, they’re taken to a lake with an intact house at its bottom.Scary shit ensues. Cool concept, going through the house underwater, so floating things can float (how is that metal candelabra floating???). Nothing is moldy or decayed, why? Scary shit, that’s why.Did I mention it’s scary?
March 20, 2022
Alien Invasion (2005)
Rating: 4 of 5 CGI Alien bugs
A made for TV movie, staring Bruce Campbell and Renee O’Connor. Exactly what I expected, a total cheesefest, about on par with an episode of Xena. Defeated humans with no will to fight, human collaborators that corral and punish the slave humans, nasty aliens with big guns. A by-the-book plot, really bad special effects, even worse acting. Some seriously horrible wigs and fake beards. Clothes that look mostly like fuzzy polyester rugs.
A made for TV movie, staring Bruce Campbell and Renee O’Connor. Exactly what I expected, a total cheesefest, about on par with an episode of Xena. Defeated humans with no will to fight, human collaborators that corral and punish the slave humans, nasty aliens with big guns. A by-the-book plot, really bad special effects, even worse acting. Some seriously horrible wigs and fake beards. Clothes that look mostly like fuzzy polyester rugs.
March 19, 2022
West Side Story
Rating: 4 of 5 unnecessary remakes
It’s West Side Story. Same as the 1961 movie. Maybe a bit more explicitly violent. Slightly updated, but it takes place in the 50’s, so not much to update. Really not sure why it needed remaking. It’s good, just like the 1961 version was.
March 16, 2022
The Adam Project
Rating: 4 of 5 evil tech stereotypes
Ryan Reynolds movies all have a common thread. Reynolds is going to be a wise-ass, mostly playing the same character. But, he’s so good at it, usually you don’t mind. OK, this one has time travel, a wise-ass younger version of Adam, a dead parent, an evil corporate exec. All in all, this could have been a huge train-wreck. But, it wasn’t. It was funny and entertaining.
March 9, 2022
CODA
Rating: 5 of 5 boxes of Kleenex
Absolutely wonderful performances by the entire cast, a realistic and poignant storyline, a great soundtrack. I laughed, I cried, I loved the entire film. This is what good storytelling is all about.
Absolutely wonderful performances by the entire cast, a realistic and poignant storyline, a great soundtrack. I laughed, I cried, I loved the entire film. This is what good storytelling is all about.
March 1, 2022
The King's Man
Rating: 2 of 5 sword canes
Well, it’s a prequel. It’s got some great action, interrupted by like an hour and a half of over-complex plots, layered over a terribly simple plot. Oh, and a bunch of silly action. So much dialog, of which I remember none. The big secret reveal? Meh. Ralph Fiennes is great, as always, but he can’t save this one. I expected so much better.
February 27, 2022
The Tragedy of Macbeth
Rating: 5 of 5 shadowy archways
It’s Macbeth, so no surprises there. Spectacular use of light and shadow and really sparse sets. Looked like a great 50’s film noir. Good performances. Denzel and McDormand play the happy couple with all their amazing talents.
It’s Macbeth, so no surprises there. Spectacular use of light and shadow and really sparse sets. Looked like a great 50’s film noir. Good performances. Denzel and McDormand play the happy couple with all their amazing talents.
February 26, 2022
Free Guy
Rating: 4 of 5 experience points
Fun premise, an NPC is suddenly able to evolve and act on their own in a video game. A thin plot ensues with a bad guy (gleefully overacted by Taika Waititi). Not for Ryan Reynolds haters, since he mostly just plays the same character over and over. Lots of laughs and entertaining situations, fun special effects. Ending wasn’t the best, but had its moments. Kinda want to watch it again soon, just to look for more cool things in the background.
February 12, 2022
Nightmare Alley
Rating: 3 of 5 creepy carnies
Nightmare Alley was visually stunning, had great actors doing their thing, and an interesting, straightforward plot. Nothing complicated, more style than substance, but enough style for days. Kept me interested, and just marveling at the sets and photography and lighting.
January 23, 2022
The Starving Games
Rating: 3 of 5 dystopias
Lazing around on Sunday. Saw “The Starving Games” on Amazon Prime, a lampoon of The Hunger Games. Surprisingly good for a parody. It’s no Zucker Brothers comedy, parts worked, parts sucked, but we both enjoyed it and laughed throughout.
January 21, 2022
Black Death
Rating: 1-1/2 of 5 Sean Beans
Pretty slow, plodding, gory film about a group of guys with swords, lead by Sean Bean, heading off to find a village that’s rumored to be free of the pestilence, and to kill the witch who’s obviously keeping it that way. Not really recommended. Even for Sean Bean fans.
Pretty slow, plodding, gory film about a group of guys with swords, lead by Sean Bean, heading off to find a village that’s rumored to be free of the pestilence, and to kill the witch who’s obviously keeping it that way. Not really recommended. Even for Sean Bean fans.
January 18, 2022
Matrix Resurrections
Rating: 1 of 5 Matrices
Well, that was a movie. Not sure how to rate it, or why it was made (other than the usual making bank). Lots of action, barely comprehensible plot, so, it’s much like the second and third installments, but not as good. All the characters you know and love are there, except they’re now played by younger, prettier actors. Except Neo and Trinity, who the younger actors remember as legends, but think are too old to be of any use.
January 7, 2022
Power of the Dog
Rating: 1 of 5 Cumberbatches
An unpopular opinion, I know. Many people loved this movie. Every character was unlikeable, I didn’t like them. Or the depressing story. That is all.
January 5, 2022
East Side Sushi
Rating: 5 of 5 California rolls
It’s a local (to me) story about a Hispanic single mom in East Oakland who wants to be a sushi chef. Super low-budget, self-financed by the writer/director. Loved the story and characters. Yeah, it’s a predictable story, but as a very frequent sushi bar patron, and Bay Area native, it felt like a warm pair of socks.
It’s a local (to me) story about a Hispanic single mom in East Oakland who wants to be a sushi chef. Super low-budget, self-financed by the writer/director. Loved the story and characters. Yeah, it’s a predictable story, but as a very frequent sushi bar patron, and Bay Area native, it felt like a warm pair of socks.
January 1, 2022
The Lost Daughter
Rating: 1 of 5 Depressing flashbacks
Well acted, good cinematography. Many people loved this film. I found it endlessly depressing, not a story I needed to see. If we weren’t watching it with friends who really wanted to see it (and they liked it), I wouldn’t have made it to the end.
October 24, 2021
Angel (1983)
Rating: 4 out of 5 walk of fame stars
What appears at first glance to be an 80’s exploitation flick is actually a pretty good horror/serial killer film with interesting characters. What sets it apart is actual drama and character development, and some really good acting. Dick Shawn (brilliantly) plays a cross dressing prostitute, Rory Calhoun plays a Hollywood Boulevard hawker posing as Kit Carson, and John Diehl (Cruiser from Stripes) plays the serial killer. Ostensibly about a teenager (Donna Wilkes) who is a high school honor student by day, and a Hollywood Boulevard hooker by night.
What appears at first glance to be an 80’s exploitation flick is actually a pretty good horror/serial killer film with interesting characters. What sets it apart is actual drama and character development, and some really good acting. Dick Shawn (brilliantly) plays a cross dressing prostitute, Rory Calhoun plays a Hollywood Boulevard hawker posing as Kit Carson, and John Diehl (Cruiser from Stripes) plays the serial killer. Ostensibly about a teenager (Donna Wilkes) who is a high school honor student by day, and a Hollywood Boulevard hooker by night.
October 22, 2021
Dune (2021)
Rating: 3 out of 5 Sandworms
Watched “Dune” last night. Have to preface this by saying I couldn’t slog my way through the book when I tried 30+ years ago. Bore-ing. Watched other adaptations, didn’t grok them either. So, I expected great visuals, but a confusing storyline. Well, it didn’t disappoint. But, since I didn’t expect to follow the story, it made a little more sense than expected, although I really need to read a cliff note version of who the factions are, and why their fighting.
Watched “Dune” last night. Have to preface this by saying I couldn’t slog my way through the book when I tried 30+ years ago. Bore-ing. Watched other adaptations, didn’t grok them either. So, I expected great visuals, but a confusing storyline. Well, it didn’t disappoint. But, since I didn’t expect to follow the story, it made a little more sense than expected, although I really need to read a cliff note version of who the factions are, and why their fighting.
September 11, 2021
Malignant
Rating: 3 out of 4 mysteriously abandoned hospitals
Directed by James Wan (Saw, the Conjuring movies, Aquaman). Loved the set design and photography, some good scares. Plot was thin, broadcast the whole plot pretty early, but the inevitable horror plot twist was fun (surprised me, Syd saw it coming a mile away). And, per my horror movie annoyances, some people turned on the lights when wandering to find the source of the strange noises, some didn’t.
August 21, 2021
Reminiscence
Rating: 2 of 4 isolation tanks
Very pretty. Not sure how much was CGI, but it looked great. It’s a “paced” flick, so don’t expect things to speed up or get more exciting. Plot was OK, felt derivative of other “we can read your memories” plots. No surprises, and I found it a bit boring, all in all. Still, worth a watch.
July 26, 2021
Jolt
Rating: 4 out of 4 electric shocks
I loved the writing and fairly unique plot. Acting with a great balance of campy/serious/humor. A few parts didn’t mesh, but this is an action flick.
July 17, 2021
Let Him Go
Rating: 3 of 5 Frozen song titles
Kevin Costner and Diane Lane (who we’ve met in person!). For a while, thought it might be a Rob Zombie movie. Excellent acting from everyone, disturbing plot that gets a little nuts. One of those movies I can’t say I enjoyed, although I appreciated the effort and talent it took to make it.
July 14, 2021
Evil Dead (remake)
Rating: 1/2 of 5 necronomicons
This is the remake with Rami/Tapert/Campbell not involved in writing/directing/acting, just producing. You know the plot, I had no idea why they made this. Still don’t. Not as scary as either the original or first remake. No humor, which even for the less-funny/more scary Rami version was a keystone.No reason to watch it, really. Only gets a 1/2 because it was slightly interesting to see Jane Levy in another roll after liking her a lot in “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist”.
July 4, 2021
The Tomorrow War
Rating: 4 of 5 unstoppable alien hordes
WAY better than I expected. Good concept, good acting, good action. Somewhat original ideas (but a reminder that Alien was the progenitor of all decent alien movies). Exploding aliens, totally mismatched weaponry, impossible odds. What’s not to like?
June 13, 2021
In The Heights
Rating: 3 out of 4 bodegas
Fun music, great ensemble dances, liked the sets a lot. Camera work was a bit frantic at times, and on the big screen, sometimes hard to watch. Plot was simple, nothing that’ll require a deep attention span.
June 13, 2021
The History of Future Folk
Rating: 3 of 4 space helmets
A fun sorta mockumentary about a couple guys who started playing Bluegrass in 2004 in NYC cosplaying aliens visiting earth. The guys are endearing, other actors not bad, and Dee Snyder runs the bar where they play. It’s definitely worth a watch, unless you hate Bluegrass. On Netflix.
A fun sorta mockumentary about a couple guys who started playing Bluegrass in 2004 in NYC cosplaying aliens visiting earth. The guys are endearing, other actors not bad, and Dee Snyder runs the bar where they play. It’s definitely worth a watch, unless you hate Bluegrass. On Netflix.
June 3, 2021
The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It
Rating: 3 out of 4 demonic possessed kids
As good as the best of the Conjuring/Anabelle movies. Aside from the standard not turning on lights, and 20w bulbs in the lights that are on, good scares with strategic, but not too frequent scary imagery.
May 22, 2021
Army of the Dead
Rating: Two of four zombies
Sounded awesome. Zach Snyder? Zombies (again)? Should be awesome. Was just OK. Many slow parts, a bunch of fun scenes, but it just didn’t gel.
Sounded awesome. Zach Snyder? Zombies (again)? Should be awesome. Was just OK. Many slow parts, a bunch of fun scenes, but it just didn’t gel.
May 1, 2021
A Touch of Evil
Rating: 5 of 5 camera cranes
Orson Welles last US film as a director. The first shot, about 4 minutes long, is a masterpiece. 1958, and an amazing non-stop tracking shot with what had to be a crane truck that could retract to follow people walking on the street. I’m sure Tarantino studied it closely.
Orson Welles last US film as a director. The first shot, about 4 minutes long, is a masterpiece. 1958, and an amazing non-stop tracking shot with what had to be a crane truck that could retract to follow people walking on the street. I’m sure Tarantino studied it closely.
March 22, 2021
Godzilla vs. Kong
Rating: skip it
Wasn’t expecting much, even though one writer did Avengers movies and the other the Godzilla/Kong movies. It was atrocious. So, so so bad. Nearly every scene a ripoff of a good monster film, terrible dialog, stupid plot. Expensive effects. Do not recommend.
Wasn’t expecting much, even though one writer did Avengers movies and the other the Godzilla/Kong movies. It was atrocious. So, so so bad. Nearly every scene a ripoff of a good monster film, terrible dialog, stupid plot. Expensive effects. Do not recommend.
March 15, 2021
Parasite
Rating: Amazeballs 5 out of 5 subtitles
Refreshingly original concept and story, good acting and situations. Unexpected plot twists seal the deal.
October 28, 2020
The Skeleton Key (2005)
Rating: 3-1/2 out of 4 Sarsgaards
Great atmospheric thriller/horror. Good acting from world-class actors (including John Hurt), great cinematography of Louisiana, never quite sure who to be watching out for. A couple lazy plot points, but pretty solid story.
October 28, 2020
Darkness Falls
Rating: Zero out of Four wisdom teeth
Ooo, is that Anya from Buffy? Why yes it is! The first 30 minutes were really good. Demon tooth fairy. This concept could work. But it soon lost all semblance of plot, actors came and went, logic was lost, flashlights were lost, hope was lost. And then it got silly. And then it just got totally stupid, and I was wondering when Nicholas Cage was going to show up.
Ooo, is that Anya from Buffy? Why yes it is! The first 30 minutes were really good. Demon tooth fairy. This concept could work. But it soon lost all semblance of plot, actors came and went, logic was lost, flashlights were lost, hope was lost. And then it got silly. And then it just got totally stupid, and I was wondering when Nicholas Cage was going to show up.
October 25, 2020
Hush (2016)
Rating: 3/4 plunging knife wounds
Found this on Netflix. I assumed a “terrorized alone in a house in the woods” flick could bring nothing new to the oversaturated genre. I was wrong. Well written and acted, very few “why are you hiding behind the wall of chainsaws?” moments. A lot of tension, a smart strong protagonist, a brilliant soundtrack (I realize now I’m very picky about soundtracks), some very scary bits, and one scene in particular that is extra special disturbing, plus a satisfying ending.
October 18, 2020
Call of the Wild
Rating: 2 of 5 computer generated canines
Slightly better than my very low expectations. Disney Mousewashes a brilliant Jack London story, but still kills a couple of people in the process. Jack London would have despised it.
Slightly better than my very low expectations. Disney Mousewashes a brilliant Jack London story, but still kills a couple of people in the process. Jack London would have despised it.
October 15, 2020
The Night Eats The World
Rating: 3 / 4 George Romeros
This did not suck at all. It’s a Zombie flick, and totally believable. Really good use of not ominous, but uncomfortable music. Also very good use of music in other forms. A smart main character (be still my heart!), fast and mute Zombies. Note to self: fast zombies are scary, fast silent zombies are really scary. Sly bits of humor, innovative takes on what to do if stuck in an apartment building with nothing to do (relevant for global pandemics as well).
October 15, 2020
The Invisible Man
Rating: 1/2 of 4 sad remakes
I wish this movie was invisible. What is it with these horrible soundtracks totally overreaching a mediocre and boring slog? If the music turns ominous or creepy, relax. When the music turns boring, and especially if it stops, something may happen!Let’s move on to visual mediocrity. Lots of blue filters, in lieu of actual acting. I’m really tired of blue filters. Unless your movie is set in Antarctica or Seattle, add some warm tones.
I wish this movie was invisible. What is it with these horrible soundtracks totally overreaching a mediocre and boring slog? If the music turns ominous or creepy, relax. When the music turns boring, and especially if it stops, something may happen!Let’s move on to visual mediocrity. Lots of blue filters, in lieu of actual acting. I’m really tired of blue filters. Unless your movie is set in Antarctica or Seattle, add some warm tones.
October 7, 2020
Fantasy Island
Rating: 0 Fantasies / who really cares?
I knew this was panned by critics and civilians, and wasn’t expecting much. Wow, still wasn’t expecting this mess. So, the first acts… For the most part, 2nd rate actors from 3rd rate films. And Michael Pena. But, in Pena’s first couple scenes, I even said “if I didn’t know he was a good actor, I’d think he was a terrible actor!” The acting sucks pretty uniformly, so that’s something consistent 😂.
October 4, 2020
The Island
Rating: 3/5 Sean Beans
A more-or-less by the book dystopian future, that borrows from a lot of better stories. A really great cast, pretty good acting, pretty flat writing. Lots and lots of action, mostly gratuitous, but still technically well executed. Ending isn’t going to surprise anyone. Still, didn’t feel like I’d wasted my time. One extra Bean, mostly because the flick has plenty of Scarlett Johansson.
October 4, 2020
Girl in the Spider's Web
Rating: 🐉🐉 / 🐉🐉🐉🐉
Looks like the second in the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series. Haven’t watched the first yet. Decent action flick, nothing surprising, but not boring. Silly tech bits though.
October 2, 2020
It Comes at Night
This will be quick. “It Comes at Night?” No it doesn’t. Some confusing mess about a family, a scary virus, ominous music and scared people, none of whom you ever care about. Then a second family shows up, who you also don’t care about. 99% of it happens in a cabin in the woods. Stupid ending. They kill the dog.
September 25, 2020
The Killing of the Sacred Deer
Rating: 2/4 creepy teens
The plot was very thin, important plot points unexplained, and the music. Oh the music. One of those “creepy” movies that has ominous music when people are drinking ovaltine, yet none of their heads explode.
September 15, 2020
First Reformed
Rating: 5/5 psychotic anti-heros
A fascinating, paced drama, a little reminiscent of Taxi Driver, which I found out after viewing, had the same Writer. Ethan Hawk is really amazing. Wonderful cinematography, intense and well written. No one will remain seated during the last 15 minutes. Yikes.
August 26, 2020
Columbiana
Rating: 3.5 /5 shell casings
With Zoe Saldana from 2011. A mostly predictable action revenge flick, and aside from some not-gratuitous-enough shower scenes, overall, enjoyable.
With Zoe Saldana from 2011. A mostly predictable action revenge flick, and aside from some not-gratuitous-enough shower scenes, overall, enjoyable.
August 24, 2020
The Old Guard
I’d watch Charlize Theron eat potato chips, and love it. But, this was good. Interesting story, good action, lots of Charlize.
August 22, 2020
Dick
Rating: 4 of 5 Dicks
A 1999 comedy about 2 teenagers who end up walking Nixon’s dog. Very cute, fun soundtrack, and so many actors who later made it big. It’s silly, and gets sillier, but with politics, pandemic, and my state burning up, I needed something very light.
A 1999 comedy about 2 teenagers who end up walking Nixon’s dog. Very cute, fun soundtrack, and so many actors who later made it big. It’s silly, and gets sillier, but with politics, pandemic, and my state burning up, I needed something very light.
August 18, 2020
Hereditary
Just watched Hereditary with Toni Collette and Gabriel Byrne. Holy fucking duckballs. Scared the crap out of both of us. Totally unexpected, nothing went as you expected, absolutely terrifying, and wrapped it all up so by the end you actually understood the whole story. But, fuck, save something funny to “wind down” after this. Scariest original flick I’ve seen since Us. Fuckity fuck fuck fuck.
June 30, 2020
The Lodge
Rating: 3/4 Cabins in the woods
Summary: A good atmospheric horror flick. A couple unnecessary audio shockers, and unsympathetic character development bring it down a notch.
June 27, 2020
Doctor Sleep
Rating: 5 of 5 axes
Holy crap. 2-1/2 hours of tension. I’m exhausted. Loved it.
Holy crap. 2-1/2 hours of tension. I’m exhausted. Loved it.
June 20, 2020
Jay and Silent Bob Reboot
Rating: 3/4 blunts
Watched the Jay and Silent Bob Reboot last night. About what I expected. Fun cast, uneven story. Definitely a film for the fans. I give it 3 blunts. One whole blunt because Jason Mewes has gone through a lot of hard times.
June 17, 2020
The Good Liar
Rating: 4 / 4 Nazis hunters
Damn. Best movie I think I’ve seen this year. I knew nothing about it, except the legend (wait for it…) ary actors, which was perfect.
Damn. Best movie I think I’ve seen this year. I knew nothing about it, except the legend (wait for it…) ary actors, which was perfect.
June 16, 2020
Knives Out
Rating: None, didn’t make it though
We tried Knives Out. It just never caught our fancy. After an hour, we gave up. Was good to see so many of our favorite actors though.
May 29, 2020
It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Rating: 3/4 Lady Aberlains
Excellent. Especially because it wasn’t just another Fred Rodgers retelling, we have a great one of those already. It’s more about how Fred’s very nature of caring, facing even really hard issues as part of life, with an open heart and mind, could deeply effect others in a positive way. BTW, the Lady Aberlain rating is because I had a serious crush on her on as a kid.
Excellent. Especially because it wasn’t just another Fred Rodgers retelling, we have a great one of those already. It’s more about how Fred’s very nature of caring, facing even really hard issues as part of life, with an open heart and mind, could deeply effect others in a positive way. BTW, the Lady Aberlain rating is because I had a serious crush on her on as a kid.
May 27, 2005
Star Wars, Episode III
Rating: 3 of 5 lightsabers
OK, I’ll admit it. I’m a total geek and a moderately big sci-fi fan. Used to be a mega-big sci-fi fan late in high school days. My “first” Star Wars movie was Empire Stikes back. I was certainly old enough to see Star Wars when it came out, but couldn’t imagine anyone lining up to see a movie. Sure, it got some good reviews, but “space opera” didn’t do it for me, nor did the folks wearing “May the force be with you” buttons at school.
OK, I’ll admit it. I’m a total geek and a moderately big sci-fi fan. Used to be a mega-big sci-fi fan late in high school days. My “first” Star Wars movie was Empire Stikes back. I was certainly old enough to see Star Wars when it came out, but couldn’t imagine anyone lining up to see a movie. Sure, it got some good reviews, but “space opera” didn’t do it for me, nor did the folks wearing “May the force be with you” buttons at school.