a_skalicky Reviews

Wrath of Man (2021)

Payback and Testosterone Still Exist in 2021

[7/10 · 3 March 2024]

In the new PC world of 2021 and beyond, testosterone and masculinity still made it to the big screen another time. As everyone was hoping this film delivers on action without the politics.

Jump in for an entertaining ride with the base of money truck heists, but this is really a revenge story. As usual Statham takes no prisoners and goes through everyone to get his man. He doesn't deviate from the classic action star you expect.

Not epic and the money truck storyline leaves something to be desired. But this will provide you with the action and emotion you need for the evening. And maybe a few days after.

Kandahar (2023)

High/low points throughout. Ends up average.

[6/10 · 3 March 2024]

Strong plot and promising action but falls short. Worth viewing if you like this type of film or Butler in general.

Butler's 'Tom Harris' and Fimmel's 'Roman' were strong, they provided high points. Bagheri's 'Parshand' didn't hit the mark.

Action scenes had moments of awesome. But odd timing of starts/stops during sequences made them confusing. Particularly when Roman rolls out of the vehicle during a pursuit scene.

Parshand pursuing main characters endlessly through the desert on a low range motorcycle was odd and not believable enough. Character did not seem ruthless. His scenes subtracted from the overall concept I was expecting and hoping for.

Morbius (2022)

Add Blood..Add Bite...Subtract CGI

[6/10 · 1 April 2022]

I was excited for this title and went on opening night! I love the two-sided Morbius struggling with good vs evil. A mysterious Marvel character. Lehto is the perfect fit. Give it a chance, you will enjoy the story and action. It will leave something to be desired...don't have lofty expectations.

I would love to have seen deeper into the main character, the action simplified, and movie made more graphic. With those tweaks and a resulting R rating you would have a 9/10 cult classic!

Old Henry (2021)

Make it darker and you have an 8.

[6/10 · 19 March 2022]

A gritty new western. Effective story buildup with a pleasing gun-heavy ending. Nelson (the father with a past) was good. Dorff (the villain) was held back, he should have been given additional scenes with no-filter violence. His posse could have used more character development. Don't overlook this one like many have.

The Drop (2014)

Well-Done Old School Crime Drama

[7/10 · 19 February 2022]

A well-done crime drama with an old school feel. Basic slow-paced plot about illegal money deposits at bars. Main players have depth and good acting. It took time to adjust to Hardy's unique character role but worked. Gandolfini fit in nicely in one of his final movies. Schoenaerts hit the mark playing Eric Deeds, his scenes make your skin crawl. The early introduction of Rapace (playing Nadia) and a rescue dog will help please a wider audience. Effective balance of story to crime and violence. If you need gunfire or an explosion every five minutes this isn't a good pick for you.

Southpaw (2015)

Inspiring Physical and Emotional Battle

[8/10 · 14 May 2021]

Witness an athlete soaring at the extreme top of sports, wealth, and family. He then tumbles to an absolute bottom. Only one path can return him toward his previous levels. Reigning in mental demons and of course, re-entering the ring, for one more unimaginable battle.

Quality film from top to bottom. Acting, action, and production.

Boomtown (2017)

Quick View Into ND Oil Boom

[4/10 · 28 March 2021]

This movie gives a fairly accurate example into the lifestyle of the modern ND boom. Follows the story of an out of state worker in need of a job.

For me, going in not expecting much, it was worth viewing. Characters lack much needed additional depth and dialogue was noticeably thin.

Check it out if you want to better understand what the recent Wild West boom of ND looks like for the average person.