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dominicsedillo
Reviews
Predators (2010)
This movie is awesome, HOWEVER, Topher Grace and Laurence Fishburne...
This movie is a really enjoyable sequel in the Predator franchise, but Laurence Fishburne and Topher Grace pretty much bring this movie way down.
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PROS:
1. Adrien Brody is a believable (and surprise) badass mercenary.
2. Alice Braga adds some humanity to the group as well as being a cool-as-ice killer.
3. The Berserker, Tusk, and Falconer Predator are a nice addition to the Predator mythos.
CONS:
1. Topher Grace's performance in the third act.
2. Laurence Fishburne's attempt at a performance.
3. Walton Goggin's performance.
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"My love for you is like a truck, Berserker..."
I really like Adrien Brody. He's a tremendous actor with a very unique and unusual look.
Even though most would consider this movie a B-movie, his performance and ability to actually act elevates this movie. He doesn't look like Arnold Schwarzenegger (and definitely is not as physically large as him), but I 100% buy-in to him being an experienced mercenary.
In the third act finale, when he shows his physique it is another testament to his commitment to the role. Adrien Brody showed up for this role 100%
I have mixed feelings about Alice Braga's character, because just like with Brody, her performance as an actor elevates a movie like this. Her humanity is both a great character trait and a character flaw. I really wrestle with whether or not I like her overly moral and emotional motivations and responses, because I think they are only there because they are written to be part of her character. To me, it doesn't make sense that a career sniper/government assassin would have SO many qualms about killing and leaving people behind.
The reveal that there are other types of Predators and that these new ones feud with the classic Yautja's is pretty cool and unexpected. They seem more vicious and their hunting style is very different from what we're used to.
I do sincerely wish that we had gotten more of these Predators in the sequel "The Predator" instead of the giant Predator and his lame Predator Dogs* (*the ones in THIS movie are way cooler-looking and scarier).
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"Well, this would be fun if I wasn't so miserable..."
I cannot state enough that I hate Topher Grace's performance in the third act of this film. This thing that actors do when they reveal that they are not a normal character, but were a psychopath the whole time, is grating and comical (in a bad way).
You see this type of performance in movies like "Scream" and "Urban Legend" where the bad guy gets revealed to be someone you thought was a part of the group. They go on a big dialogue about their psychosis (usually in some hyper-crazed or dazed voice) and reveal their masterplan. Topher Grace does this and it is very distracting and silly considering he acts like a person that doesn't belong in this situation.
Another contention I have with this movie is that more time isn't given as to why his character is here. By the end of the movie we realize it is because he is a killer, but no other character ever questions why he's on the planet, which for this particular group it should be VERY suspicious. There is a deleted scene where Brody's character confronts him, but it is sadly not in the final film. It's inclusion would have given more tension and a much more dramatic reveal in my opinion.
Laurence Fishburne is a real actor, so I'm not sure what he's doing in his role, because (and I'm sorry Mister Fishburne) it is amateur hour. His take on a mentally unstable person is completely laughable and takes me out of the movie every single time.
Also, his inclusion only exists to give exposition to the audience about these different types of Predators. He serves no other purpose, which makes it kinda a waste.
Walton Goggin's character is similar to Fishburne's character in that they are mentally unhinged, but Goggin's character at least does some stuff other than move the plot along.
Walton Goggin's wasn't famous yet when this came out, but he was always relegated to these types of roles. I hate the way he is capable of functioning as a killer in this group, but because he's a serial killer from the South he's also an incestuous rapist who is also racist too. It's so egregious.
OVERALL:
I recommend this movie. I think it's got decent action and a likable cast even if they aren't expanded on too much. The movie feels similar to the original "Predator" that you'll have a lot of fun.
The Changeling (1980)
"The Conjuring" wishes it could be this movie!
This movie is a somber, slow-moving, creepy haunted house-type movie. "The Conjuring" wishes it could be this movie.
PROS:
1. George C. Scott brings a level of gravitas to this role.
2. There are no real "jump-scare" moments.
3. It moves slow to allow tension and unease to build.
CONS:
1. Because this movie relies on a lot of quiet and slow-moving moments it can feel like it drags at times.
2. The movie has a bonkers ending.
3. Not sure what the ghost's goal was with George C. Scott's character.
Older haunted house movies are really good. This movie is no exception. Modern haunted house movies rely heavily on jump scares and an entity with an unknown or often unlimited amount of power, but with no clear motive other than to mess with the occupants.
This movie breathes and breathes a lot. It allows a lot of spooky vibes to settle in with its characters.
Also, there is a great mystery element to this story that moves the plot along to some interesting places; it's not just a movie about a ghost or haunted house.
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Because this movie is so slow it can make a modern viewer wonder what and when something is going to happen.
The ending of the movie gets kinda of muddled and is completely bonkers. I'm still not quite sure what to make of it and if it made any sense. However, it was pretty cool.
The ghost very much is trying to do something to George C. Scott's character. I'm assuming it's to prompt him to investigate the home, it's history in order to help reach the ghosts goals. However, I feel like the ghost goes the long way around to reaching those goals; I mean, what if George C. Scott's character just moved out?! What then?!
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Overall I enjoyed it and would recommend it. I think there is enough for true horror lovers to really fall in love with how well this movie paced and shot.
I would even recommend to non-horror lovers because unlike modern films in the genre it doesn't rely on blood or gore.
The Fanatic (2019)
One of the most confounding movies I've seen in a while...
I cannot get out of my own way with both my ironic and un-ironic enjoyment of Fred Durst and Limp Bizkit to give a completely unbiased review. So be forewarned.
PROS:
* Limp Bizkit makes an appearance in this film.
* Devon Sawa is jacked in this movie (and gives a good performance to boot).
* I, admittedly, have mixed feelings on Travolta's performance, but I enjoy and commend him for leaning 110% into this role.
CONS:
* Limp Bizkit makes an appearance in this film.
* There is actually is no clear antagonist or protagonist (IMO).
* There are too many strange choices made in this film. It's confounding.
"I'm 'a do things my way..."
Fred Durst definitely made the movie he wanted. Good, bad or indifferent you can tell it's his vision (however muddled or unintentionally hilarious it is).
The best part of this movie for me is when Limp Bizkit's The Truth starts playing. Not only does it play in the movie, but the character in the movie specifically makes mention of Limp Bizkit and how "hot" that track is. I replayed the section where Devon Sawa says, "A little Bizkit" about 10 times in a row. It's hilarious and has become a filler for pauses of silence in my home.
It is nice to see Devon Sawa in a movie again. The man works out (that is for sure). I really like his performance. He is playing an actor and there is a part in here where he has to act to save his life. He really shows a lot of range in this area.
I'm a bit tainted on Travolta's performance. I initially liked it, but upon listening to other reviews and reading other articles I can't help but be influenced into thinking his portrayal of someone on the spectrum as one that is almost caricatured. However, I do admire his commitment to that role. He leans hard into it, which again, I do appreciate.
"Throw your hands up..."
This movie has many moments where I was throwing my hands up saying, "What is going on here?!"
The choice in the film to specifically have a moment where the characters highlight the director's band is a curious one. It seems extremely self-serving and out of place in this movie. It's not something I put past Fred Durst (from what I've read and the persona he exudes), so in a way it is almost expected. Again, I don't mind it, but it is a curious choice.
One big problem I have in this movie is that there is no clear protagonist or antagonist. The movie seems to be making Moose (John Travolta's character) be the one we're supposed to sympathize with, but he also does some pretty terrible things. Hunter Dunbar (Devon Sawa's character) is also someone that you can argue is the bad guy, but he's just mean. He doesn't necessarily do anything that merits the type of consequence he receives in this films final act.
I just felt by the end that movie was confounding. I wanted it to be better; I believed it could be better if things were just changed a little bit.
"No one knows what its like to be mistreated, to be defeated..."
I like this movie, but with reservation. It is strange because there is a LOT wrong with this movie; a lot of things just don't make sense for a movie and even in the world they build. However, that being said, these are the things that have me returning for repeat viewings.
When I first heard that Fred Durst was directing a film, starring John Travolta, that was a thriller I was immediately sold. I saw the trailer and that trailer looked amazing. My thought was, "Wow! Fred Durst has a film here that could give him some clout as a real director". Unfortunately this movie is just going to give more ammunition to haters of Mr. Durst.
Beautiful Prison (2016)
This film gave my wife nightmares for weeks
This film scared the heck out of my wife when we saw it at the premiere at a local independent theater. It gave her nightmares for weeks after viewing. So right off I am recommending this film.
I have seen many horror films in my time. I actually don't even really consider this a horror film (in the traditional sense). This film is marketed as a horror film and definitely has horror elements, but there is a deeper story inside of it.
The most terrifying things in the film are not the "jump scares" but the haunting images that linger with you afterwards.
The film successfully gives you the sense of dread and unease that don't happen a lot in modern horror films. You can tell there are a lot of throwbacks to early 70's-era horror because the story builds before battering you with scary images.
The entire cast is great and every person has a reason to be there; there is no fodder or filler even in the extras. Go check it out!