joncj5 Reviews

The Dinner (I) (2017)

I Didn't Know Richard Gere Made Bad Movies

[2/10 · 1 March 2024]

I wanted to turn this mess off every minute, but just knew it would get better and I was wrong. The first half was just confusing; the second half left wanting a solution. Yet another movie with no ending; I absolutely hate those. Did another crime occur, what was the decision and how does it end?

What a waste of talent, costumes and backdrop. Everything you need to make a great film and it was all for naught. I want my 2 hours back. Next time I want to click off a movie, I'm going to learn from this one - and do it!

I can't believe the level of disappointment these fine actors brought to the screen. I sure hope they had no idea their performances would come to no conclusion.

Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)

Visually Stunning - Same Story, 2 Less Stars Than The 1st Film

[8/10 · 8 May 2023]

Being single and going alone, I waited until the last few days before pulling to see this in the theatre and found not a lot after the wait. The first few seconds brought tears to my eyes solely due to the visuals; that happened at the first movie too. After that, I found myself enjoying the view, more than the story. When you wait so long after the first film, it's almost hard to remember what the deal was about. I also think too much was revealed about how these movies are made, and that I spent some time critiquing the technological aspects, which I know nothing about anyway.

I wasn't happy about some of the necessary evils within the story Cameron thought necessary and think that the extreme violence was inconsistent with otherwise "R" rated language that was nearly not used. Only once was the F-bomb dropped, and by a kid at that; one more and the rating would change. My point being, if you can brutally kill on screen, then you shouldn't have to watch your language. 13 year olds are quite used to both and if the violence didn't qualify for a more mature rating, then no language could either. I felt like such language was also necessary, given what was going on, and that we simply speak like that every day.

This film is more about visuals than story, because the initial idea has already been covered in the first one. While the story idea is a good one, it never seems to have a conclusion. It is as though we are just living daily life with the Na'vi forest Omaticayas and their new aqua Metkayina friends. Other than that, it is just a continuation of hate and revenge between the same two main characters. That fight just happens to take place in front of the most stunning backdrop I have ever seen. It was that which took my breath away immediately and kept me captivated; not particularly the story, since I had already seen that in the first film. Unlike some films that feature different antagonists in each iteration, this one doesn't. I'm not sure another would work given the story, but the same one does get on my nerves, especially when he always gets away.

I did not feel cheated at the box office (3-D $8.50 Tuesday deal). I'm glad I saw it, but had I known how anti-climactic it would be, I wouldn't have anticipated it with such excitement. Since the film has set itself up for another sequel, I have already decided not to get excited again and will most likely not see it. I see very few movies in theatres, so I am a little different in my choices, mostly due to the outrageous admission prices and secondly because I do most everything by myself. In this case, the same antagonist is in these two, and guaranteed to be in the next and I am sick of him not being taken out. The character cannot be redeemed, forgiven or allowed to even live after the destruction he has caused and the only reason he is there is because there are no others who want to destroy Pandora's inhabitants. Once he is done, there is no more story, and I simply don't want to handle him anymore. My prediction for the next is he'll be gone in the first few, then someone will take his place and the whole thing starts over again.

I had to see this film just because. I was blown away with the first and expected to be further by the second. I wasn't, but that isn't to say I didn't enjoy it. I would add that I did not move from my seat the entire film for anything, which is a caveat of being single, alone and loving it. I have forgotten what it's like to have someone watch a film for me while I take a short break, so I don't. As it turned out, I did have time to go to the mens' room, get popcorn and a drink (if I were inclined to spend that much) and wouldn't have missed anything important. It did not take 3:15 hours to tell this story, but I didn't have anything else on my schedule, so I didn't mind that part. Cameron need not apologize for the run time, because as I stated, the visuals are stunning and I did not look at my watch until the movie was over. The last film 10, this one, not so much but still outstanding.

Jurassic World Dominion (2022)

I'm Done With Reviews Forever - Great Movie, Go See It!

[9/10 · 6 July 2022]

Stop reading this and go see the movie. No more reviews ever for me. People said it was so bad, said it wasn't about dinosaurs, said it was just a character reunion, too long. Nope, quite the opposite. It was action packed, had a great story, characters were awesome, had great visuals and it was not too long. I don't want to sit there and pick a film completely apart when I want to be there to enjoy myself. I didn't even sit in a DBox seat solely because I didn't want that distraction, although I might go back and experience it. This film started with action and ended with it. It had a good pace and there was no dead space like some movies.

I wish we'd seen more of Chris Pratt like in previous films, but he shared screen time with quite the cast. It had plenty of dinosaurs, emotions for them and the characters. I almost didn't go see this $5 Tuesday special because of so many bad reviews. I'm glad I pushed myself to go see it, and by myself at that. I am totally done with reading and writing reviews because I might have missed this jewel due to those misleading opinions. So many reviews aren't reviews anyway; they are just people acting like writers giving you the same synopsis that you already know about. I might not watch this film 8 times like I did for Jurassic Park, but it is worth a few viewings and I would not have been disappointed had I paid full price to see it. I also see no reason to close the door on this franchise. The movie has a definite conclusion, but seems open to me if they wanted to make another film since the characters are there. I gave 9/10 to only a few films; TG Maverick being the most recent with 10/10 going only to The Wizard of Oz due to the fact that it will be watched when it is 100 years old. I doubt Jurassic and Maverick will be able to boast that. This really is my last review, so stop reading them and just go to the theater and have a great time. Enjoy the experience, even if the film is not the best you ever saw. Reviews made me look for trouble where it did not exist and made me think this could be a failure, but it wasn't. I will never again allow reviews to sway my opinion of a film I haven't even seen. A 20 year old rusted barn find junk car is more reliable than any of these reviews. Farewell.

Top Gun: Maverick (2022)

It is still possible to create a true blockbuster film!

[9/10 · 2 July 2022]

I waited 4 days to write this because I couldn't find the right words - still can't. I'm not a Tom Cruise fan, or I wasn't. I now understand his on-set reputation. This was a thrilling and meaningful film. The fist one was good; this one was extraordinary. It did have that annoying "man-up" tension, but that's part of the story. Very impressive non-DCI scenes that were very refreshing. I've stopped watching many films because CGI has ruined them. Cruise is nearly ageless and is in top form in all respects. He's finally made me let go of his Scientology shortcomings and jumping on furnature on talk shows; we've all done some crazy stuff.

This is a must watch movie. I saw it in D-Box and since I was the only one in those seats I was very self-conscious because my seat was moving and no one else's was. It was very distracting (my feelings, not the chair) but I'm glad I had the experience anyway. The only reason I don't give 10 stars is because while this film is outstanding, it probably won't last 100 years like, "The Wizard of Oz" will. It isn't revolutionary like "Avatar", although there is nothing to criticize about it. It really is a perfect movie in every respect for the here and now and on my personal scale, 9/10 is as good as it gets and is a score I gave to one other film, "Star Trek - The wrath of Khan" for the treatment of the death of Spock. And yes, I give "OZ the only 10/10 score because your great great grandchildren will see it, but probably won't see "Maverick".

Home Invasion (2016 Video)

I Would Have Given 8 If There Were Closure

[3/10 · 16 April 2021]

Great actors, great story, very suspenseful and well done. Only thing is that they forgot to give it an ending. It's one of those good films where at the end you ask yourself, "I spent all that time and now this"? The movie is about crooks looking for something, but they never tell you what that something is.

Godzilla vs. Kong (2021)

Best Modern Godzilla Film To Date

[9/10 · 12 April 2021]

I see people complaining about the "plot" of this film. For real? A Godzilla movie and plot don't really belong together. This film however, delivers a decent plot and an exciting battle among beasts. I've always had a weak spot for these monsters and only watch these movies to see them destroy things and laugh at the people who act afraid of them. This film is different in respect that there is a twist that happens and is not expected. When all things happen, that twist gives a very satisfying ending and a surprising one at that. Don't worry about the plot, CGI or anything that detracts you from just sitting back and enjoying the movie. I thought most everything went right with this one and highly recommend it to anyone.

Vivarium (2019)

Should Be Shorter, Should Have An Ending

[3/10 · 12 April 2021]

I love Jesse Eisenberg, one reason for watching this. Alas, his worst film I've seen him in. It starts off pretty good with curiosity and interest, then slowly (and I mean slowly) goes down hill. I went from thinking here's a good mystery unfolding to will you just hurry up already. I had to engage the FF function at one point just to get to the end of this mess. There is no satisfying ending here folks, so no matter how long you hang in there, there won't be one. When the end finally did occur, I was shaking my head like, what? Even if it had been a 30 minute Twilight Zone show as it should have been, it wouldn't have been a good one due to the ending, or lack of one. There simply was no point to the entire movie. I would not recommend this to anyone.

The Empty Man (2020)

Couldn't Get Pass 6 Minutes

[1/10 · 12 April 2021]

My title rather says it for me. After 6 minutes, I clicked it off.

The Vault (2021)

A New Story Based On A Standard Idea

[7/10 · 12 April 2021]

I'd never seen Freddie Highmore previous to this, so I had no preconceptions of his other work. I see a number of low reviews, but unsure of why. I though this was a good film. Have similar films been made before? Well, what topic hasn't been done before? I found it refreshing, interesting and exciting. I didn't care for the computer geek kid, but I overlook characters I dislike and don't let them spoil the rest of the film. Maybe the idea wasn't new, but the story was. I would recommend this movie to most anyone.

The Time Machine (2002)

A Great Time Displacement Film

[7/10 · 12 April 2021]

Sure, the topic has been covered before, but then what topic hasn't? I watched this film twice, although years apart and enjoyed it the second time as well. Of course a review isn't to explain the plot (like some people incessantly do), but to tell of how well liked it is. I thought the story was well written, the acting was good and really not much about it was unlikable to me. I like fantasy films and this one covered all the bases. The creatures were a bit out there, but you have to enjoy a movie like this for what it is. If you can do better, you are welcome to make your own movie. I would easily recommend this to most anyone.

An Englishman in New York (2009)

Brilliant Portrayal by John Hurt

[9/10 · 12 April 2021]

I had only heard of Quentin Crisp, knowing only his name even though I am over 60. This film was a great way to have been formally introduced to him. It wasn't until after seeing the film that I looked for a performance of Crisp's and found that John Hurt did a superb job at imitating him. In the performance I saw, Mr. Crisp spoke slightly faster, but he didn't look as ancient as Hurt did in the film either. In a later documentary, I found that it wasn't a joke that Mr. Crisp didn't dust his apartment and when he said the dirt didn't change after four years, he wasn't joking at all.

I can't tell you anything about Mr. Crisp because I knew so little myself, but I can say the film was moving and engaging. I really enjoyed it and would recommend it.

The VelociPastor (2018)

What A Mess of Monstrocity - Brilliantly Done I Must Say!

[9/10 · 12 April 2021]

This heap of trash shows how brilliant some in the film industry can be. I know you've heard about films that are so bad that they are good, but this one is worse than those and comes out shining. It is a maniacal mess of a movie appearing to be the worst film ever. Upon close inspection however, it is so much more. It was so awful that I couldn't stop watching it. You can't say there was bad acting because these people made the best of absolute garbage. I have never seen such a bad film turn out so good. You just have to watch it to believe it.

The Lake House (2006)

Great Time Displacement Film!

[8/10 · 12 April 2021]

I really like these two actors separately, but being together makes this twice as nice. It does take some concentration to follow closely, but don't over think it. It was engaging and never boring, not too simple and not too complicated either. I enjoyed the anticipation that the characters were feeling. I loved the lake house itself and learning how it got there. This is just an all around feel-good movie about two people who want to connect and after watching it twice, yet years apart, I could watch it again.

The Father (I) (2020)

I Gave Up After 59 Minutes, 45 Seconds

[1/10 · 21 March 2021]

My title says it. I watched his film for an hour until I said, enough. I wasn't going to be one who said I wasted the full 1:37. I had already wasted an hour and I quit. It was going nowhere and I had no anticipation that the other 37 minutes would be any better. I'd say if you go 30 minutes and don't get it, then you probably will not at all.

Forrest Gump (1994)

So Hard To Watch, I Haven't Seen All Of It

[3/10 · 21 March 2021]

Before you say I'm not being fair, I agree with you. I can't count how many times I have tried to watch this film. I had to stop at 5 minutes the first time and graduated to 10 minutes the last time. I am a big fan of Tom Hanks, so he's not the reason. It's just so slow that it just doesn't grasp my interest and I've tried, really I have. I guess I'm just one who simply doesn't get it.

Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994)

A Great Movie and A Brilliant Novel

[9/10 · 21 March 2021]

This is the only film so far that I have watched, and then read the book afterward. Going into this movie without even knowing it was based on a book, I thought it was fantastic. I thought the cast was well chosen, with the exception of Cruise. Not because of Rice's initial opinion that he wasn't right, but I didn't think he was right for the part and I still don't. I admit however, I don't know who else the role should have gone to and I think Cruise did a good job. I don't like that he is featured on the cover packaging either, because in my opinion the story is about Louis, not Lestat.

The costume design was brilliant and the sets were incredible. Having now read the book, I think the screenplay was as good as it could be. There would be no way to include everything in the novel, but I found I could assign the visuals of the actors and sets when afterward reading the book. Having done this, I like the idea of not reading a book first, so as to find out details later and not being disappointed by seeing a film first. I am reading the book again right now, as well as those that follow in the "Vampire Chronicles"; many of which I read after this one. If you read "Interview With The Vampire", you must read the ones that follow and there are 12 of them at this time.

I did not give this a 10 because that is reserved for a film that would be considered spectacular, but this is as close as it comes to that.

Citizen Kane (1941)

I Didn't Understand The Hype Then, And I Still Don't

[3/10 · 21 March 2021]

I waited until my late 50's to see this film. For one, I do not like black & white movies and for another, I didn't particularly care for the synopsis. But, I had to see it because of how people raved about it; I also wanted to know what the heck "Rosebud" was. I can tell you, I didn't get it. I mean, I did get the film, but not why people are so enamored with it. It might be better than the 3 stars I give it, but I was so angry that it wasn't "brilliant" as many say it is. It's just another of those old films and really nothing more. It wasn't the worst film I have seen, but it is among them. By the way, I do like Orson Wells, so he's not the reason.

Truth (2013)

I Found It A Cringeworthy Film

[7/10 · 21 March 2021]

It's refreshing to see a film that isn't predictable. I had no idea what would happen in the second half and was quite surprised. I typically don't like flashback type films, but it worked with this one. I thought these guys' relationship could work, despite emotional problems until more was revealed. This isn't something I'd see twice, but it was good the first time around. I admit I wasn't completely satisfied with the ending, but it is possible the writer wanted to leave something for the viewers to decide for themselves. I enjoyed the suspense and not knowing what was going to happen.

Goodfellas (1990)

Good But Not Great

[6/10 · 21 March 2021]

I kept waiting to see why this film gets such high marks, but that didn't happen. Maybe it isn't the genre for me or something. I waited until now to see it because Joe Pesci gets on my nerves, but I wanted to see what all the hype had been about enough to endure him and his voice. The acting was good, but sometimes wooden. The period clothing and surroundings were excellent. I'm glad I finally saw this smoke filled film, but I was glad when it was over.

Buried (2010)

Gripping and Intense Thriller

[9/10 · 1 January 2020]

A film that does not rely on special effects or grand settings. The idea can be realized in any setting, that being fear and anxiety of needing help and not knowing if it's going to get there. If you've ever had a fear of being buried alive, then this movie is for you.

Some people write reviews telling you what the movie is about are those who don't understand that this is covered in the synopsis. A review is not what the movie is in detail, but rather if you liked it or not. You don't need someone telling you what the film is about because you have already read that. I did like this film and watched it twice and probably will again.

Don't bother with reviews. Every opinion is different. When you read a review that tells you what the movie is about, stop reading and let me tell you why. Way back when, I was at Blockbuster renting the movie "Open Water". I asked the guy at the register if he had seen it or if people thought it was a good movie. He said, "Well, it would have been better if they both hadn't drowned at the end". What? Did you just tell me the most important climax of this movie? I left.

Tim's Vermeer (2013)

Brilliant!

[10/10 · 17 July 2016]

I've watched this film many times because it is in itself a masterpiece. I'm a fan of Vermeer and this film attempts to divulge that it would be nearly impossible for any artist to create the works that Vermeer did without some kind of assistance.

One aspect is that Vermeer did not sketch this work beneath the paint; something always found within other works by other renowned artists. As pointed out, microscopic tests suggest that Vermeer painted without having drawn anything on the canvas of this particular work, "Music Lesson".

It is captivating to see how a modern day man can mix pigments to make paint as it was made in the 1600's, no less that he could re-create a masterpiece in modern times as exact as well. The attention to details by erecting a room that was so much like the original is simply amazing.

This is a must see film for anyone who enjoys art and especially those of the great masters. It does question how great they really were, given that a priceless artwork can indeed be reproduced in what can only be called, "brilliant". However given that we can "copy" such works, they are still appreciated as masterpieces no matter how they were created. Does age alone make such works stunning or valuable? Perhaps yes. Were the artists that great? Perhaps no. Either way, this film is an incredible view from the perspective of the only man who has challenged what we thought we knew. It is up to the observer to decide the truths.

House of Cards (2013–2018)

Outstanding! 10/10 = Could Not Be Better

[10/10 · 10 July 2016]

A review isn't about telling you what a film is about, just the viewer's impression of it. There hasn't been a more gripping series since "Dynasty" back in the 1980's. Kevin Spacey is at his best (as usual) and is perfect in his role. Robin Wright is also just impeccable and I hope she is considered as a "Captain" in a Star Trek series or motion picture. These are strong characters that just don't take "no" for an answer.

Netflix is just genius for taking on this enormous project and by streaming the entire season at one time is brilliant. I watched a couple episodes of the British version that came before this and it was totally boring. Netflix has brought excitement, drama, politics and action wrapped up in a box with a bow on top. You do have to watch probably more than one episode to get hooked, but you will.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

What The Heck Was This Film About?

[2/10 · 10 July 2016]

This has got to be the worst movie I've seen in a long time. It was just ridiculous. Superman's costume was top notch and beautiful. Batman's on the other hand was just wrong. There's not a lot of Ben Afleck in the film because most of the costume action scenes are performed by stunt men and there was little to be seen of Bruce Wayne. There is a lot of pyrotechnics, but mostly CGI. The story went basically nowhere and I'd have to see it again to understand what was going on, but I disliked it enough not to watch it again. It was to Batman as Star Trek V was to the Star Trek franchise (a flop). Maybe kids will like it, but as a fan of both Batman and Superman, this film was a total disappointment.