McScared Reviews

The Locksmith (I) (2023)

Too Simple To Pick (apart)

[3/10 · 26 January 2024]

If you have very very low expectations, love these actors, and don't require a story to be believable or even make sense, you might enjoy this film.

I tried my best to turn off my brain and just enjoy the formulaic ride, but I couldn't suspend disbelief to that degree. Without giving away anything, let's just say that there are more holes in this script than Swiss cheese on a golf course.

Although it is a great movie to play "what's the next line?" with. I did enjoy predicting the dialogue as I watch this film on NetFlix for the first and only time.

I do love the actors and feel a little bad for giving it such a bad rating. But they should have know better after reading the script. Or do they now sign actors just based on the treatment and who else is staring.

The only mystery is why great actors would agree to perform this screenplay. There's a lot we will never know in this regard - and in many others.

How I long for a good story.

Family Switch (2023)

It hit all the right holiday notes

[10/10 · 17 December 2023]

I laughed. I cried. Just the kind of movie you want to enjoy with your family over the holiday.

Subtly pays homage to all of this genre's predecessors, while adding a new dimension through its intelligent story and wit. The acting was fabulous all around. Great editing. And very funny outtakes at the end - so keep watching those credits.

Jennifer Garner has such depth as an actor. She is powerful in her action roles and heartwarming in the family comedies she has starred in. She was a big reason I gravitated to this film in a very crowded offering of Christmas movies this year.

Ed Helms delivers a hilariously solid performance, and the kids were played by exceptionally strong actors. I'll likely watch this film again and again because it delivers exactly what you want a holiday film should - laughs, tears, and a thoughtful relatable story.

Life or Something Like It (2002)

I can't get no satisfaction - 20 years later

[7/10 · 19 June 2023]

I surprisingly discovered this film on Netflix in 2023 - when Jolie, and an introspective analysis on the meaning of life, still fail to deliver.

While the acting and writing are both fine, the simplistic ending was a little too formulaic for my taste. I wish the writers were a little more daring with the "happy" ending that brings together all the characters into one big happy reconciled family - even the shallow ex and superficial sister. Just a bit too much stomach. Define: Nauseously delicious.

Also the constant close ups of Jolie's "pitted" face and 50s bouffant hair style left me wondering more about hair and makeup than where this story was headed. I feel bad for people that plopped down $10 (back then) to see this drivel. But for a free distraction on Netflix, it doesn't disappoint as badly.

It sure makes you realize how little they cared about diversity back then. This movie is about as vanilla as they get.

Angelina and the entire cast did a fine job acting out this overly simplistic analysis of the human condition. I'd rather have an actual angle fall from the sky and wipe out humanity - or at least New York. But I guess in 2002 it was too soon for that kind of ending.

So for those who can see this show on Netflix in 2023 and beyond, order up your $20 Big Mac Meal on Skip and strap in for 1.5 hours of Jolie's growing lip size and thinning eyebrows as she navigates the perils of choosing between a career or a meaningful pudge life. Because apparently those two things are mutually exclusive.

Blood (IV) (2022)

Bloody Ridiculous

[6/10 · 11 April 2023]

Look, I love Michelle Monaghan because she is a very talented actor. All the acting was good. It's the plot that's the problem.

We, the audience, are asked to believe that a nurse would resort to kidnapping, torture, and murder BEFORE demonstrating to her colleagues that her child suffers from a novel atypical ailment that they could study and treat?? I'm sorry, but that is a bridge too far.

I understand that you have to suspend disbelief in most horrors, but surely you could have given us a more compelling reason on why medical treatment/investigation wasn't a viable alternative so that I didn't contently have to ask "Really??" throughout the entire story. Please, just give us something more than one Zoom consultation. Even Linda Blair underwent multiple medical investigations.

As for blaming the tree...WTF?

And why wasn't Michelle Monaghan's character also infected by her son sucking on her?!

Just too many giant holes in the plot to make this a worthwhile film.

So, why a 6 you ask? Because the acting, cinematography, sound was all very good. Who knows how much of the script was left on the cutting room floor. I can't believe that Ms Monaghan would agree to a script with such gapping flaws in the story so I'll just blame the producers and director for what was ultimately presented to us. The actors must have been left shaking their heads at some of the editing decisions.

Maybe next time a little less time on setting and backstory, and a few more scenes to convince us that this "medical professional" had no other choice.

Michelle, you looked beautiful as always and did a great job.

London Fields (2018)

Someone doesn't want you to see this film

[10/10 · 25 October 2022]

That's the only conclusion to draw from all the one star reviews.

I'd like to think that the reason is an obvious one, but I'm sure it is more complicated than that.

Amber Heard is stunning and her acting is very good. All the performances were good and I really enjoyed the story. It's sad that many people will miss this very entertaining film due to petty reasons.

I'm not picking sides on the personal stuff, because none of us will really know. But as far as this film goes, it's intelligent, stunning, and entertaining. Kudos to all involved. Johnny, grow up and stop thinking that you're doing the world a favour. The Truth does exist. And your behaviour is childish at best.

Gone in the Night (2022)

Ridiculous Story told in a convoluted way

[1/10 · 23 September 2022]

I hated this film. I'm sure you will too.

Why? Because of the writing mainly. I honestly don't understand how Winona Ryder was convinced to be in this garbage film. How do you read a script with so many holes in the plot and not know how bad it will end up. I patiently watched this piece of trash until the end. They didn't even try. So frustrating that people can have this stuff produced.

I think Winona Ryder is a decent actress generally speaking. But her acting can't make up for the poor direction along with terrible writing. I'll try to forgive her for enticing me to waste an hour and a half I'll never get back.

Escape from Mogadishu (2021)

10 for character development

[10/10 · 25 August 2022]

This was an amazing movie on so many levels, but if one thing stands out the most it's the acting and character development.

Whatever you do don't judge this film based on the first 20 minutes because it goes from lighthearted to an incredibly compelling drama that will have you on the edge of your seat. I'm so glad I kept watching to the end. I won't say anymore because I don't want to ruin it for you.

I caught this great film on Kanopy.

Midnight in the Switchgrass (2021)

27 Executive Producers Can't Save this Film

[1/10 · 23 September 2021]

High budget talent can't save the horrible direction of this film. It's clear to me that either nobody cared, or they had 25 "executive producers" in the kitchen come editing time. I can honestly say I've never seen such a poorly edited climax. I was laughing when I should have been on the edge of my seat.

Megan Fox and Emile Hirsch did their best, but it appeared Bruce Willis saw right from the beginning that this was a dud. Next time save some money for Director.

My fav faux pas is near the end when Emile Hirsch's character is going through a completely unnecessary flashback scene and they include a memory flash of something another character saw/did. See if you can catch it. It involves a small crucifix covered in dirt. The editing deserves a razzy award.

Stowaway (I) (2021)

Great technical filmmaking, but...

[8/10 · 22 April 2021]

I really enjoyed watching Stowaway. Great performances and amazing cinematography. Without giving too much away, there are a few spots in the story where you do have to suspend disbelief. But it's definitely worth the journey.

Anna Kendrick is great as usual. The entire cast is exceptional and the incredible set makes the experience entirely believable. If I was rating it solely on a technical basis it would easily get a 10/10.

I'm probably being a bit harsh with the overall 8/10, but I'm sure you'll agree at the end that there are just a few important questions that remain unanswered. But hey, at least you'll have some things to debate your friends over Zoom and coffee.

Overall, great emotion. Great performances. Great film making.

Borat Subsequent Moviefilm (2020)

Yes, there ARE English subtitles on Prime

[9/10 · 23 October 2020]

IMPORTANT before you begin the MovieFilm go to the subtitles and: 1) Turn on 2) switch to English

I realize this sounds obvious, but the default is OFF and the language of Kazakhstan (apparently). I wasted the first 20 minutes missing all the Textual humour because I couldn't understand either the dialogue or text. After a second attempt, I was able to switch the subtitles to English which make the MovieFilm Very Nice.

You really need English subtitles. Really. At first, I just thought the foreign subtitles were part of the joke. NOT!

Knock Knock (I) (2015)

Sequel TB titled "who's there?"

[9/10 · 5 September 2020]

The worst part of this movie is the beginning. The set-up scene (making him out as dad of the year) was very over the top and poorly acted. I almost gave up 6 min. into it, but knew (guessed) what was coming so powered through it.

The rest of the movie was okay. I'm sure Keanu Reeves was disappointed in the end result, but hey, you just don't know until the final product comes out.

I realize that the intent was to create a movie that both tantalized and "horrifying" at the same time but in the end it sort of just fell flat. I did like the final line of the movie however. Leave us hope that this family will overcome.

The only thing that would make this an overall worthwhile experience would be to have a sequel entitled "Who's There?" where he takes his revenge later in life in an intelligent and creative way. Call me Eli. I have some ideas [phone]. David

We Summon the Darkness (2019)

Summon the $$

[2/10 · 16 August 2020]

Ok, I've figured it out. Online streaming services have created a market for this crap, and we keep watching it, and then complain about how bad it is. But let's face it. A group of youngsters can slap this garbage together in a week and edit it themselves. So why wouldn't they?

Suddenly everyone is a producer. You don't really need much to make it all happen. Facebook has ruined journalism and Netflix has destroyed the Horror genre. So don't ask why Johnny and Alexandra would stoop so low.

They do it for a payday, or as a favour, or a credit. They don't do it to create anything memorable or worthwhile. They do it because they can. There is a market for junk now, and we all enable it with our futile hope that there is something good out there. Something that someone truly cared about.

Don't blame them. Blame yourself.

We wanted more ... and less is what we got.

Teen Spirit (2018)

Great performances all around

[9/10 · 24 May 2020]

I'm amazed I enjoyed this film so much. It just worked because of the great acting across the board.

If I walked away wondering if Elle Fanning really came from a polish background or wondering if she really sang for the role, that is a testament to the fine performances, direction, and writing.

I highly doubt I was the target market for this film, but it somehow really worked for me. Well done Elle Fanning and cast.

Created Equal: Clarence Thomas in His Own Words (2020)

The Truth Exists. But we only have perspective.

[10/10 · 19 May 2020]

I am not a conservative. Nor am I a liberal. What I appreciate about this biographical look at Justice Thomas' life is that I finally get to hear his perspective. His story in his words. That was nice.

I'm not surprised to hear a lot of partisan approval of this portrayal. But that is not why I enjoyed watching this film. .

I remember watching the confirmation hearings live. I have subsequently heard a great deal about Anita Hill's perspective, but not Thomas' perspective. I now have a whole new appreciation for the man. Not because I agree with his politics, but because I at least have an appreciation of where he is coming from.

While it's sad that the court has become so polarized and partisan in recent years, I still have faith in this 3rd, and co-equal, branch of government.

I now understand how Justice Thomas can have such contempt for "liberals". I can also appreciate why liberals fear him. But until this biography appeared on PBS at 2 am, I didn't have the whole story.

From my perspective, the Thomas confirmation hearings were the pinnacle of partisan self righteousness. Hill exaggerating the impact Thomas' comments had on her life, and Thomas exaggerated the impact of her allegations. I would have respected Thomas more if he just said "Really, that's all you've got on me?" But he didn't. He played the political hand he was dealt because that is what was expected of him. Shame on both sides.

It's sad that the justices on the United States Supreme Court have degraded the stature of the court with celebrity personas, but it's not their fault. The public demands it after all. Everything good is eventually corrupted. Including me. Especially me.

The Truth exists. But we only have perspective.

Angel Has Fallen (2019)

Traumatized Baby

[8/10 · 5 April 2020]

I enjoyed the show, as unbelievable as it was.

Some very enjoyable new elements not seen before, but one thing I didn't like was how they traumatized a little baby - either that or that 6 month old gave the most convincing performance of the whole cast. All kidding aside, not cool. Not cool at all to do that to a child.

That stupidity aside, Nxxxxx Xxxe provided a great unexpected appearance (I don't want to give his name away if you are like me and didn't look at the cast). I really enjoyed his character and performance. I'm sure he probably objected at how they treated that little girl too. Okay enough about the traumatized child.

Another aspect that I really enjoyed was the technology the villains employed in the assassination of the President. Sure it may not have been totally believable, but it was new, cool, and interesting. Few extra points for creativity.

I don't like Gerard Butler. The guy is way too full of himself and throws phones at people in real life. Jerk. You really are a sellout.

Melanie (1982)

Strong solid story

[9/10 · 21 March 2020]

I remember watching this movie TV when I was a teen in Edmonton. Even at that time I remember thinking "wow this guy can really act" and I wasn't referring to Don Johnson.

Burton Cummings stand out performance really makes this film. He came off incredibly natural, sincere and very funny at times. As great of a musician his is he leaves us all wondering if he could also have had an acting career.

Not sure if his character had some cathartic meaning for him or not. His performance still sticks with me 36 years later.

Strongest closing song of any film till this day.

The whole cast was great.

Nurses (2020–2021)

"I'm a Savior"

[2/10 · 7 January 2020]

Acting okay. Wish I could say the same about the writing. I tuned into the premiere because the promotional ads were so bad that I had to see it just how bad it would be. It didn't disappoint. It was very very bad.

This is what you get when you have uninformed writers who want to imagine plot lines that include every conceivable politically correct inclusive theme that a high school drama dept. could come up with. The problem is that doesn't have a shread of authenticity or anything new to add to the hospital drama genre.

Marc Lepine, sexual assault/harassment foreshadowing, mass casualties from an incel terrorists, cultural sensitivity x10 and you have the first plot of this very very bad show.

It's an insult to viewers and nurses alike. Doctors will have a good chuckle during the first 5 minutes.

Half Light (2006)

Demi Moore was great, but...

[7/10 · 27 November 2019]

I liked the movie because I was in a very forgiving mood.

Demi Moore's performance was great, but I couldn't help but wonder if she called Bruce Willis after reading the script to say "I see dead people too".

The problems I have with the story is that it's one part murder mystery, two parts Harlequin Romance, and a little Ghost (yes, with Patrick Swazey). But, hey I rolled with it because I don't have anything against those genres.

What I did mind was all the things left unexplained. What was the foreign language everyone chattered in all about? Was that suppose to be some ancient Gaelic language they all turned to when they wanted to talk behind someone's back?

Why would the authorities be so quick not to suspect Rachel, the only living survivor who was just acting all crazy?

Why was the fake stabbing of her best friend even necessary?

Are we to assume the drowning of her son was no accident? Wouldn't that have gotten in the way of the inheritance?

Regardless, if you just roll with it, and like Demi Moore then you'll have a good time.

The Model (I) (2016)

Dangerous depth. Really

[9/10 · 8 August 2019]

I really loved this film.

That's quite an accomplishment for a story that is dark, and characters who are unsympathetic. But it raises important issues that need to be examined and discussed.

Very well acted, well directed, written and edited.

I can understand why some people might not like a film that poses controversial questions, and fearlessly goes where most dare not tread. But I appreciated that it dared to go to those places.

It's a great film to discuss if you have open minded, intelligent friends who appreciate that victimization isn't always as clear cut as we would like it to be.

Or, you may just end up losing friends afterwards. #NOTaMEtooStory

Chernobyl (2019)

Watch All

[10/10 · 2 July 2019]

Chernobyl is the most important and consequential film I've ever seen.

Regardless of any theatrical liberties taken; Regardless what your politics are; Regardless of what you think of Nuclear Energy; This film is ultimately a story about the importance of pursuing the Truth.

The Russian people are portrayed as immensely heroic, and also as bumbling fools. Why is that so hard to accept? Don't all societies have both?

The "elites" (scientists) are portrayed positively, but at times are put in their place by the common - truly heroic - man (coal miners).

The politicians are portrayed as practical idealists, and at times ignorant, selfish corrupt bureaucrats. Sounds about right to me.

The thing I love the most about this film was the balance that was so artfully weaved.

It's far from a political propaganda piece. In fact, it's just the opposite. It points out how we are all looking for a simple hero and villain tale when in fact the truth is often more complicated than we would like it to be.

A tasteful artistic story of one of the most tragic man-made disasters. Should be required content for all students. Globally.

Eye on Juliet (2017)

Very well acted and directed

[9/10 · 27 May 2019]

I must admit that I'm extremely surprised this film was ever made. If someone pitched the idea to me I doubt I would have went for it.

Perhaps that's why I was so impressed. If I had to narrow down all the things I loved about this story, I would have to start with the exceptional acting. This easily could have flopped with any other cast. Even though I didn't recognize a single actor from previous roles they all came off as seasoned pros. Perhaps that is due to exceptional directing, writing and editing. I can't say. All I can say is that I was unexpectedly drawn into this story and the very convincing characters.

Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018)

Mission Implausible - Cashout

[2/10 · 30 July 2018]

Don't watch it in 3D. In fact, don't watch it at all.

I couldn't believe the low quality grainy 3D cinematography. Did Tom Cruise get a deal on some Chinese 3D cameras. I saw it in a VIP theatre and it looked like this thing was shot on a consumer 3D handycam.

The storyline was predictable and overly simplistic. I don't demand a lot from an action movie, but Michelle Monaghan's reintroduction was confusing, unnecessary and appeared to be written in as an afterthought.

And all this talk about them doing their own stunts for added authenticity. Well, I for one would like them to go back to using professional stunt persons. This whole do your own stunts thing came off an an ego driven attempt to impress other cast members, that fell flat. Very flat.

Finally, the writing was absolutely terrible. I couldn't help but wonder through the entire predictable movie if Tom Cruise also wrote and directed this himself. It was that bad.

When I see the ridiculously high ratings on IMDB it makes me think that writing fake positive reviews is now just part of the industry.

I really enjoyed the first few films in the MI franchise, but now it's just the same old rehashed storyline. I really wanted to like it. But instead I now feel obligated to expose this cash grab for what it really is.

I'm confident that the truth will slowly come out and today's 8.5 rating on IMDB will eventually drop down to a 4.5 - which is still much higher than it deserves.

No spoilers on the plot here. Just imagine a bunch of overpaid aged friends getting together to travel around the world to show off their fitness level. Even Baldwin dropped a few pounds.

Come on guys. Speak up next time you see such a weak script. I'm sure some of you still have standards.

Arsenal (2017)

Dear Nicolas Cage...

[2/10 · 29 March 2018]

Why? I understand this desire to do low budget independent films with the hope that perhaps, just perhaps, it will be the next pulp fiction - not that this low level script would lead anyone to that conclusion. Yet, there you are, accepting that horrible make-up and rediculous costume. And you didn't walk off the set. You took the inept direction of Steven C. Miller, and just went along with it. Why? Why would a talented actor agree to participate in such nonsense. The other actors all had reasonable characters, with ressonsble accents, and then there was you, Nicolas cage with a rubber nose, waning accent, rediculous wardrobe and hair.

I'm sorry, it just begs the question, Why? Did Bernie Madoff take all of your money? Are you now addicted to drugs? Is it just plain greed? I need to understand why. How did they convince you to stay once you witnessed the truth?

Please help us all understand.

Drinking Buddies (2013)

Great film to reflect upon

[9/10 · 11 March 2014]

I didn't want to see Drinking Buddies - but I'm glad I did. It's now on NetFlix.

I had no idea what to expect going into this movie. I probably wouldn't have given it a second look if Olivia Wilde wasn't in it. Not because she is beautiful (which she is) but because I think she is a very intelligent, talented actor.

I wasn't disappointed.

The film was slow to draw me in. But it did. By the end, some interesting questions were raised about relationships, fidelity, friendships, and marriage. Some of these questions aren't immediately apparent, and may even take a day or two to mull them over. But they - along with some great performances - definitely made Drinking Buddies a film worth watching. It's the kind of movie that you'll find yourself reflecting upon days later.

If you are an intelligent person who likes to sit around with friends discussing the film you just watched, then Drinking Buddies is the film for you. I highly recommend it.

Donovan's Echo (2011)

A retired nuclear physicist involved in the Manhattan project searches for meaning surrounding a personal tragedy that altered the direction of his life.

[9/10 · 2 October 2011]

Outstanding performances by Danny Glover and Bruce Greenwood ground this interesting introspective investigation into déjà vu., time, and personal loss.

Well directed by Jim Cliffe, we see Glover's character Donovan slowly emerge from the fog of alcoholism, fighting to solve a mystery surrounding haunting déjà vu experiences. The viewer is drawn through this well constructed story at a very comfortable pace, with a sprinkle of humour that makes this drama extremely entertaining.

Donovan's Echo is multi-layered yet suitable for family viewing. It is bound to stimulate some interesting discussion afterwards.

Special mention must also be made of the very strong performance by Natasha Calis who plays Maggie.

With elements of an art-house film, Donovan's Echo will be remembered as THE sleeper indie success of 2011.