Reviews: A-B-C-D-E-F
Some time ago I started writing short reviews of films I watched and posted them on Film Afficianado, while also rating them X/10. I have been thinking about a way to organize these alphabetically so I could find them easily if I needed to. I will try dividing the alphabet into 4 Lists. I will probably have to wait until I am at a computer to organize each List. I will probably keep sequels chronological.
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- DirectorPhil KarlsonStarsGuy MadisonKim NovakBrian KeithFour vets attending college on the GI Bill and a cabaret singer try to rob a Reno Casino and pull off the perfect crime.6/10 - 1x viewing TCM. This was an OK casino heist picture. It was cool to see Kim Novak 3 years before Vertigo. I didn't think the hazing bit was that funny. There were some cool ideas, but nothing really came of them. Just so-so. 7/24/22.
- DirectorBlake EdwardsStarsDudley MooreBo DerekJulie AndrewsA Hollywood composer goes through a mid-life crisis and becomes infatuated with a sexy, newly married woman.7/10 - 1x full viewing. DVR'd TCM 2/25/15. I have started the film a few times, but never finished it until today. The image of Bo Derek in the swimsuit and cornrows is very iconic. She was an attractive lady, but I think I actually found the first lady that Dudley Moore spied on at the pool table more attractive. It was cool to see Dudley Moore actually playing the piano in the movie. Some of the songs were nice. The phone tag gag went on for too long and repeated too much. A guy following a woman to her wedding and spying on her is pretty creepy - and to take it further to find out her name through a priest and her dentist father is, too. I guess he would have Googled her today. The car wreck with the policeman seems to actually happen to, I assume, a stunt person. Dudley Moore just ringing Bo Derek's room was not explained. It's an OK movie that seems to have been really daring at the time. Dudley really reminded me of Rowan Atkinson aka Mr Bean. 4/4/21.
- DirectorMikael HåfströmStarsJohn CusackSamuel L. JacksonMary McCormackA man who specialises in debunking paranormal occurrences checks into the fabled room 1408 in the Dolphin Hotel. Soon after settling in, he confronts genuine terror.8.5/10 - 1st x viewing. 2 of my YouTube subs have reviewed this in the last week and then it just happened to be playing on Showtime. I enjoyed it quite a bit. I found out about the multiple endings and it looks like I saw the Theatrical version. It seems stupid that the Blu-Ray does not have the option to choose which version you want to watch. *SPOILER* If you like closure, you really don't get any. Why the room is that way, it doesn't tell. 8/31/17.
- DirectorSam MendesStarsDean-Charles ChapmanGeorge MacKayDaniel MaysApril 6th, 1917. As an infantry battalion assembles to wage war deep in enemy territory, two soldiers are assigned to race against time and deliver a message that will stop 1,600 men from walking straight into a deadly trap.8.5/10 - 1x watch via Blu-ray. This is a very well made film by Sam Mendes, a director who I've liked a lot of his movies. On the other hand, it feels like there was a little something missing to push it to the next level. All the promos showed the one guy by himself, so I kept thinking they were setting up the 2nd guy to get randomly killed. When it happened, I definitely was not expecting it. 2/2/24.
- DirectorJim WynorskiStarsDebbie JamesRené AssaPatrick O'BryanA seemingly harmless telephone service endows an evil teacher with powers from beyond the grave.6-7/10 - 1st x viewing. It started off pretty good, but the last act is a mess. This would be one that I would have liked to read the IMDb board for. The female lead looked a little bit like a blonde, short haired Courtney Cox. Robert Englund directed. A lot of things seem unexplained, and that is where reading a messageboard can help your understanding of a movie out. Why was the bottom floor frozen? The end reveal? 3/6/17.
- DirectorStephen GaghanStarsKatie HolmesBenjamin BrattCharlie HunnamAn investigation of a college student's missing boyfriend becomes quite strange when she begins to see him periodically.7/10 - 1x watch via DVD. This is a pretty decent psychological thriller starring 2002 Katie Holmes. A first time director had score and cinematography by Arronofsky's team. Katie has one of the longest torsos and I think there are 2 scenes of her running - several movies have her running. I was a big fan of Dawson's Creek and she looks beautiful here. Interesting to see Zooey Deschanel and the woman from Two and a Half Men. 3/12/23.
- DirectorJulien TempleStarsPatsy KensitEddie O'ConnellDavid BowieIn London in 1958, a young photographer seeks media stardom to keep the love of a beautiful, aspiring fashion designer.8/10 - Easy. DVR'd off TCM 6/1/13. 1 year ago. Long steadicam shot to introduce characters. David Bowie dance # on giant typewriter. Seems to drastically change tone in the last 1/3rd to a race war/riot. 6/1/14.
- DirectorJames CameronStarsEd HarrisMary Elizabeth MastrantonioMichael BiehnA civilian diving team is enlisted to search for a lost nuclear submarine and faces danger while encountering an alien aquatic species.9/10 - Wasn't expecting to like this this much. Other than a bit cliche villain, what do you want, people? Not a Cameron fanboy, but when this is maybe your 4th or 5th most talked about film, I mean, come on. I don't think I've seen this since around the time it came out. Remembered little. JC likes his women in white wife beaters though. FX really good. Just wow. Great score. Listened through credits. Is this close to 10 for me? Need to see longer cut. 5/18/2015
- DirectorSteve OedekerkStarsJim CarreyIan McNeiceSimon CallowAce Ventura, Pet Detective, returns from a spiritual quest to investigate the disappearance of a rare white bat, the sacred animal of a tribe in Africa.8/10 - 1st x to watch on Blu-ray. I own the first one on VHS, but never owned WNC. There's not much to it, but it's fun and I seem to remember more of it than I realized. I didn't think I had seen it that many times, but I guess I have watched it on TV. "Nonsense poopy pants" has stuck with me. At my friend's funeral earlier this year his dad mentioned him acting out the spear scene. 7/1/21.
- DirectorCraig R. BaxleyStarsCarl WeathersCraig T. NelsonVanityVengeance drives a tough Detroit cop to stay on the trail of a power-hungry auto magnate who is systematically eliminating his competition.7/10 - 1x viewing. DVR'd 1/5/19 Starz Encore. 7 may be generous, but it may be fun to re-watch in the future. Unfortunately, I forgot to review this when I watched it last week. From what I remember, it's a fun 80's action movie. The opening sequence is over the top and pure 80's. It's really odd how these guys break in, kill the secretary, and then hide for a while. The ball removal scene and the haircut scene just seem to prolong the movie, just because. Has Thomas F Wilson aka Biff Tannen. A car drives up stairs for the finale. Vanity and Sharon Stone both look beautiful in it. Craig T Nelson plays the villain. There are some fun one liners. Too bad there weren't any sequels. It looks like Warner Archives has released it. I would probably get it if I find it cheap. Archive titles don't really go on sale though. 10/10/20.
- DirectorJames GrayStarsBrad PittTommy Lee JonesRuth NeggaAstronaut Roy McBride undertakes a mission across an unforgiving solar system to uncover the truth about his missing father and his doomed expedition that now, 30 years later, threatens the universe.8.5/10 - Free movie channel. This is really well made. I was probably set to rate it even higher, but the ending leaves some deaths unresolved. A lot of people die in this surprisingly. ***SPOILERS*** Pitt's character "hijacks" a rocket and everyone else dies as a result. He apparently gets back to Earth and there are no consequences? I guess, the filmmaker did not feel it was necessary to address? Would the government just be OK with him doing all of this? 7/4/2020.
- DirectorRenny HarlinStarsAndrew Dice ClayLauren HollyWayne NewtonA vulgar private detective is hired to find a missing groupie and is drawn into a mystery involving a series of murders tied to the music industry.6/10 - DVR'd 2-16-15. 1x viewing. Maybe I will like it more on a 2nd viewing. Clay's comedy is kinda like Rodney Dangerfield's at times for me. I am not big on the type of jokes that aren't actually jokes, but people think they are funny because of how the comedian says it. 7/2/16.
- DirectorJames AlgarClyde GeronimiJack KinneyStarsBing CrosbyBasil RathboneEric BloreAn animated adaptation of "The Wind in the Willows" followed by an adaptation of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow".?/10 - ?x watch via Blu-ray. I have long wanted to watch the Disney Sleepy Hollow cartoon. Now that I watched it, I may have just seen the 'good' part where it is scary as part of a compilation on the Disney channel. I was mostly pretty bored other than the Headless Horseman part. and that includes the Toad portion. I am planning to watch all or most of the Disney animated films. It's hard to rate them in the context of what they are. The Headless Horseman part is a short part of it but very memorable. I may give it a 6. Now that Disney + exists, a lot of people have gotten rid of their physical copies and they are a lot more affordable. 5/13/23.
- DirectorM. Night ShyamalanStarsJaden SmithDavid DenmanWill SmithA crash landing leaves Kitai Raige and his father Cypher stranded on Earth, a millennium after events forced humanity's escape. With Cypher injured, Kitai must embark on a perilous journey to signal for help.6/10 - Better than its reputation. Free movie channel viewing in Full Screen. 3/22/14.
- DirectorJames CameronStarsSigourney WeaverMichael BiehnCarrie HennDecades after surviving the Nostromo incident, Ellen Ripley is sent out to re-establish contact with a terraforming colony but finds herself battling the Alien Queen and her offspring.9/10 - I watched this within the last couple years or so. The thing that bugs me the most is when Bill Paxton starts whining after the first battle. The whole reason for Ripley even being there at all is pretty far fetched, too. Still, another well made and entertaining J Cameron film. The FX are phenomenal. 5/27/2015
- DirectorRidley ScottStarsMichael FassbenderKatherine WaterstonBilly CrudupThe crew of a colony ship, bound for a remote planet, discover an uncharted paradise with a threat beyond their imagination, and must attempt a harrowing escape.I forgot to say that I listened to Ridley's commentary the other day - split across 2 or so days really. I don't remember him saying or revealing anything that important. Just that Covenant 2 is being written. He didn't really talk about the reaction to Prometheus. If he said anything extremely interesting, I have already forgotten about it. Ha. 8/31/17.
I dig these Target digibook editions. The DVD actually has features, too! Ever since I saw the movie I have wondered about one thing and wanted to see the scene again.
++SPOILER++
After David released the black goo, I do not understand why their dead bodies would be preserved perfectly 10 years later. Shouldn't they have heavily deteriorated, or at least be bones? While watching the movie the 1st time I thought David had become a sculptor. I seem to be the only one who wonders about this. 8/19/17.
The more I think about the film, the worse it gets. May bump it down to 7. 5/28/17.
8/10 - First Alien related film I've seen in the theater. Top notch from a visual and technical standpoint. Unfortunately, does not really continue most of what was brought up by/in Prometheus. 5/21/17. - DirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsBrad PittMarion CotillardJared HarrisIn 1942, a Canadian intelligence officer in North Africa encounters a female French Resistance fighter on a deadly mission behind enemy lines. When they reunite in London, their relationship is tested by the pressures of war.8/10 - Redbox 27 cents. I wanted to see this in theaters, but was unable to. I wonder if the box office was hurt by the Pitt cheating rumors? I enjoyed it. Marion was beautiful. Love the poster. Great look and costumes. I think I want to watch it again and will probably buy it in the future. 3/31/17.
- DirectorGeorge LucasStarsRichard DreyfussRon HowardPaul Le MatA group of teenagers in California's central valley spend one final night after their 1962 high school graduation cruising the strip with their buddies before they pursue their varying goals.10/10 - I've seen this on cable many times over the years and always enjoy it. So many great moments and I can't think of any bad ones. I don't think I've ever seen all of the sequel, More AG. Lucas made a great film. 8/22/15.
- DirectorDoug LimanStarsTom CruiseDomhnall GleesonSarah WrightThe story of Barry Seal, an American pilot who became a drug-runner for the CIA in the 1980s in a clandestine operation that would be exposed as the Iran-Contra Affair.8/10 - Redbox freebie. This has a cool intro and outro. It's an interesting story that made me want to look into how 'true' it is. Looks like a majority is made up. I kinda hate when movies say "Based on a true story" and go this route. I don't know that it's a movie I really want to watch again though. Plemons in yet another high profile film. Dude gets it all and is now married to K Dunst. Actor from 3 Billboards acts weird in this one, too. Is he one note? 4/12/18.
- DirectorAmos SeferStarsAsher TzarfatiShmuel WolfLily AvidanIncited by a disillusioned young man who has decided to flee from civilization, a group of 4 people go searching for freedom and happiness on an isolated island . When their boat goes astray and they are left without food, their animal instincts take over, bringing the film to its catastrophic end.6/10 - DVR'd off TCM on 12-28-14. 1x viewing. It's a watchable 70's hippie film. Not great by any means. It did have some nice looking locations. A rocky island called Pharoah's Island reminds me some of L'Avventura. Redhead and brunette hippie chicks. Sharks. Random bad dudes. 9/3/16.
- DirectorDon BluthStarsDom DeLuiseChristopher PlummerErica YohnWhile emigrating to the United States, a young Russian mouse gets separated from his family and must locate them while trying to survive in a new country.8/10 - I think I saw this in the theater as a child, and not since. I remember seeing the Feivel dolls in the Sears automotive section and thinking it was weird. May have been an early realization of commercialism/sponsorship. I can see that the same people did Secret of NIMH. This seems pretty short. Not much of a story. Not as good as NIMH imo, but I have seen that a lot more. Maybe closer to 7, but I like the classic animation, music and dark bits. 10/3/16.
- DirectorHenry MillerStarsWillem DafoeScott SpeedmanDon HarveyA psychological thriller based on the concept of anamorphosis, a painting technique that manipulates the laws of perspective to create two competing images on a single canvas.7/10 - 1x watch via Tubi. I randomly found this looking at free streaming films starring Willem Dafoe. I had never heard of it, but saw 'serial killer' in the synopsis and decided to watch it. The stream had ads and stopped a lot, so I need to watch it on DVD if I can find it cheap. It is in the vein of Seven, and I like those types of films, though this reviewed poorly as being derivative. This film has Mick Foley, and oddly enough I watched The Peanut Butter Falcon later the same day after having just seen him in a convention YouTube video. I'm confused by one scene where Dafoe is stalked by the killer and they have a footchase that is never brought up again. Dafoe only recognizes the face when looking for the sponsor of a woman he knew. 2/4/24.
- DirectorIb MelchiorStarsGerald MohrNora HaydenLes TremayneOne of only two survivors from a Martian expedition is so traumatized she doesn't remember the circumstances of the trip.7/10 - 7 is probably generous. I got the Shout Factory Blu-ray and was in the mood for a 50's sci-fi film. It's definitely low budget, but I thought they did pretty well with it. It doesn't really show much Mars action. They used a thing called CineMagic for the Mars scenes. They're all red in tint and it's obvious that some of the things are animated. It's still kinda fun. 3/19/22.
- DirectorJohn R. LeonettiStarsWard HortonAnnabelle WallisAlfre WoodardA couple begins to experience terrifying supernatural occurrences involving a vintage doll shortly after their home is invaded by satanic cultists.8/10 - 1x watch via Blu-ray. Compared to the Conjuring, this seems to be much lower rated. I didn't see it as such a huge drop down. Annabelle Wallis is so gorgeous. I first saw her in The Mummy 2017, which I don't think is as bad as everyone says it is. I enjoyed this one, too. 10/23/23.
- DirectorDavid F. SandbergStarsAnthony LaPagliaSamara LeeMiranda OttoTwelve years after the tragic death of their little girl, a doll-maker and his wife welcome a nun and several girls from a shuttered orphanage into their home, where they become the target of the doll-maker's possessed creation, Annabelle.8.5/10 - 1x watch via Blu-ray. I enjoyed this one, too. More scares and creepiness, more than the first Annabelle probably. 11/1/23.
- DirectorGary DaubermanStarsVera FarmigaPatrick WilsonMckenna GraceWhile babysitting the daughter of Ed and Lorraine Warren, a teenager and her friend unknowingly awaken an evil spirit trapped in a doll.8/10 - 1x watch via Blu-ray. I'm watching all the Conjuring Universe movies I own. I enjoyed this a lot. Not really sure what made it an R rated movie. It has been described at Night at the Museum in the Warren's house, and that is pretty accurate. It's a fun movie. The lead blonde actress has been in the new Jumanji films and Goosebumps 2. Some of it makes no sense, like the samurai suit just sitting in a hallway and it just makes people hear bad things and slightly turn its head. Why even be there? Watched 11/3/23.
- DirectorAlex GarlandStarsNatalie PortmanJennifer Jason LeighTessa ThompsonA biologist signs up for a dangerous, secret expedition into a mysterious zone where the laws of nature don't apply.8/10 - Redbox $1.08. Interesting film. Reminds me of Under the Skin some. I will have to read/watch some other people's thoughts on it, to try and make sense of it. I watched this Friday night and had a busy Saturday, so I'm already fuzzy on the ending. 6/10/2018.
- DirectorPeyton ReedStarsPaul RuddMichael DouglasCorey StollArmed with a super-suit with the astonishing ability to shrink in scale but increase in strength, cat burglar Scott Lang must embrace his inner hero and help his mentor, Dr. Hank Pym, pull off a plan that will save the world.8/10 - Redbox freebie. I enjoyed this, but I didn't love it to the point that I want to watch it again like with The Force Awakens. For a superhero movie I liked it more than usual. I will be interested to see the sequel. The 1st shrinking sequence was cool. 1/1/16.
- DirectorPeyton ReedStarsPaul RuddEvangeline LillyMichael PeñaAs Scott Lang balances being both a superhero and a father, Hope van Dyne and Dr. Hank Pym present an urgent new mission that finds the Ant-Man fighting alongside The Wasp to uncover secrets from their past.8/10 - 3D. This is pretty fun. The trailer ruined so many of the greatest moments that I wonder how I would have felt if they would have saved a lot more it. Many are saying this feels 'small' after Infinity War - did these same people also complain that they were tired of every comic book movie being about the end of the world? Like an idiot, the IW connection did not hit me until I watched a spoiler discussion video. ha. 7/8/2018.
- DirectorPeyton ReedStarsPaul RuddEvangeline LillyMichael DouglasScott Lang and Hope Van Dyne are dragged into the Quantum Realm, along with Hope's parents and Scott's daughter Cassie. Together they must find a way to escape, but what secrets is Hope's mother hiding? And who is the mysterious Kang?7/10 - Watched in 3D (though it didn't seem setup right) at the theater on 2/17. It was a fun popcorn movie. I watched the prior 2 Ant-Man films beforehand, and I probably enjoyed those more. This falls in line with the last handfull of Marvel/comic book movies for me. Just fun popcorn movies that give you escape for 2 hours. Nothing mindbendingly spectacular. GOTG 3 is next in the MCU, and surely it will be a better film than these as of late. 2/18/23.
- DirectorRobert DuvallStarsRobert DuvallTodd AllenPaul BaggetAfter his happy life spins out of control, a preacher from Texas changes his name, goes to Louisiana and starts preaching on the radio.8/10 at least. Lots of cross pollination with Sling Blade. Need to look for low priced DVD. 3/27/14.
- DirectorJames WanStarsJason MomoaAmber HeardWillem DafoeArthur Curry, the human-born heir to the underwater kingdom of Atlantis, goes on a quest to prevent a war between the worlds of ocean and land.7.5/10? - Won 2 tics from the same game I won in July. Used them to see Aquaman in RPX 3D with mom. Went to the late show and we were the only ones! Started very strong, but either I was tired or it just went a little too long. Nice use of 3D. Some cool fight sequences. It's been several days. 1/1/19.
- DirectorMatt MaiellaroDave WillisStarsDana SnyderCarey MeansDave WillisWhat happens next with Frylock, Meatwad and Master Shake, who consider themselves crime fighters, but the truth is they never fight crime.7/10 - DVR'd from Adult Swim 3/19/23. Apparently, I had also missed the last episode of the series because they purposefully mislead people about it airing. This was OK. Pretty much felt like no time left from when I last saw the show. Nothing blew me away as being super funny though. 4/7/23.
- DirectorFrank MarshallStarsJeff DanielsJulian SandsJohn GoodmanA new species of South American killer spider hitches a lift to a small California town in a coffin and starts to breed, leaving a trail of deaths that puzzle and terrify the young doctor newly arrived in town with his family.8/10 - Showtime showed this in Full Screen? Creature feature. Scarier than ghosts to me, because I can see a spider anytime I want to, just go outside. I don't expect to see a ghost in my house, but I definitely see bugs time to time. 1x viewing. I remember it coming out and always assumed that John Goodman was the main character in the movie. 6/6/2015
- DirectorWoody AllenStarsTimothée ChalametElle FanningLiev SchreiberA young couple arrives in New York for a weekend where they are met with bad weather and a series of adventures.6/10 - 1x watch via Blu-ray. Some of the quality of this was very rough. Some conversations between actors didn't seem cut together well, and it didn't seem like they were interacting with each other. The dialog felt very clunky at times, and seem to have an abundance of references to other art works, etc. Granted, I think Woody generally did all of this in the past, it just didn't feel natural here. 6 may be too generous, but the ending that was talked about earlier in the movie and came to fruition kinda got to me for some reason. Selena Gomez was cute, but Elle Fanning's mannerisms seemed a bit much. 3 much older men all trying to get together with a 21 year old may not have been the best subject for Woody. 2/10/24.
- DirectorMichael BayStarsBruce WillisBilly Bob ThorntonBen AffleckAfter discovering that an asteroid the size of Texas will impact Earth in less than a month, NASA recruits a misfit team of deep-core drillers to save the planet.6/10 - 1x watch via DVD. This is a big dumb Michael Bay movie. There are some gorgeous shots and compositions. Some of the action is cut in a way that is very confusing. Odd to see BBT as a big wig at NASA not too long after Sling Blade. It's absurd as space B-movies from the 60's, but with a huge FX budget. 12/31/23.
- DirectorMark L. LesterStarsJohn CandyMeg RyanEugene LevyA fired cop and useless lawyer sign up as security guards and find they've joined a corrupt union.7/10 - John Candy 80's film. Jonathan Banks way before Breaking Bad/Better Call Saul. Brion James made a lot of movies. Fun film. 4/4/2015
- DirectorDenis VilleneuveStarsAmy AdamsJeremy RennerForest WhitakerA linguist works with the military to communicate with alien lifeforms after twelve mysterious spacecraft appear around the world.8.5/10? - Maybe it should be 9? Probably not a film I want to watch again and again, but it does do some things that the other good films of this year don't - so that gives it an edge? 11/12/2016.
- DirectorPaul FeigStarsAnna KendrickBlake LivelyHenry GoldingStephanie is a single mother with a parenting vlog who befriends Emily, a secretive upper-class woman who has a child at the same elementary school. When Emily goes missing, Stephanie takes it upon herself to investigate.7/10 - 1x watch via Blu-ray. I was curious about this film because it looked pretty good and got strong reviews. It was directed by Paul Feig. It's a very stylish and well made film. All the acting is pretty solid. It used different versions of the song "Chick Habit" which I was exposed to through Death Proof, I think. This may have been the original foreign version. Everything is pretty strong, but at the end of the day I don't know that I enjoyed it that much and it just didn't have that 'thing' that makes me want to rewatch a movie over and over. 11/19/23.
- DirectorJohn CarpenterStarsAustin StokerDarwin JostonLaurie ZimmerA Highway Patrol Officer, two criminals and a station secretary defend a defunct Los Angeles precinct office against a siege by a bloodthirsty street gang.8/10 - Strong 8. Carpenter wrote a great theme. May like it more with further viewings. A few lines/scenes are kinda clunky. Recognize some actresses from later Carpenter films. DVR'd TCM Underground 10/19/14. 11/2/14.
- DirectorWes AndersonStarsJason SchwartzmanScarlett JohanssonTom HanksFollowing a writer on his world famous fictional play about a grieving father who travels with his tech-obsessed family to small rural Asteroid City to compete in a junior stargazing event, only to have his world view disrupted forever.7/10? - Watched in the theater. I'm torn on this one. I didn't enjoy it that much while watching it, but it is sitting with me. I'm not sure I grasped everything going on. I have seen all of Wes' films, but haven't connected as much with those past the first 4/5. Written days later on 7/4/23.
- DirectorDavid LeitchStarsCharlize TheronJames McAvoyJohn GoodmanAn undercover MI6 agent is sent to Berlin during the Cold War to investigate the murder of a fellow agent and recover a missing list of double agents.8/10 - Redbox freebie. Wasn't planning to rent anything, but I got a free rental e-mail today. This movie was 'above average' or so, but then the last 2 major action sequences bumped it up a little bit. Charlize did her thing in this. Coming out so soon after John Wick 2 probably hurt this some. 12/18/17.
- DirectorJames CameronStarsSam WorthingtonZoe SaldanaSigourney WeaverA paraplegic Marine dispatched to the moon Pandora on a unique mission becomes torn between following his orders and protecting the world he feels is his home.8/10? - Watched on TV/ABC. I could tell it was edited for content. I have watched it before, but that may have been edited, too. I want to see the sequel in 3D in the theater, so I wanted to watch this again to get me up to speed. Since it was on TV, it's hard to judge it completely. The starts and stops for commercials change the flow of the movie, and also the censoring for TV. I will have to see it on home video uninterrupted to really be able to rate it. 12/11/22.
- DirectorJames CameronStarsSam WorthingtonZoe SaldanaSigourney WeaverJake Sully lives with his newfound family formed on the extrasolar moon Pandora. Once a familiar threat returns to finish what was previously started, Jake must work with Neytiri and the army of the Na'vi race to protect their home.7/10? - I saw this in 3D at the theater, but I think the 3D was setup wrong. This greatly diminished the experience, so I hate to rate it based on this. I found a local theater with cheap 3D tickets, so from The Force Awakens on I saw a ton of movies in 3D. Avatar started the renaissance, so I knew I wanted to see this one in 3D to see what it would be like. The movie is extremely long. It got very old with the kids repeatedly disobeying and setting off the next series of problems over and over again. The Avatars are just very weird to look at. I wonder if James Cameron constantly asked to show more CGI breasts and butts to entice people? lol. 12/17/22.
- DirectorAnthony RussoJoe RussoStarsRobert Downey Jr.Chris HemsworthMark RuffaloThe Avengers and their allies must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe.8/10 - I saw this in 3D first weekend and saw it again in 2D last weekend because my mom wanted to see it. It was pretty enjoyable, enough so that I will want to see the subsequent movies. 5/7/18.
- DirectorAnthony RussoJoe RussoStarsRobert Downey Jr.Chris EvansMark RuffaloAfter the devastating events of Avengers: Infinity War (2018), the universe is in ruins. With the help of remaining allies, the Avengers assemble once more in order to reverse Thanos' actions and restore balance to the universe.8/10 - This was enjoyable. I don't own most of the Marvel movies because Disney keeps the price at a premium. I wanted to see this quickly to avoid spoilers. 4/27/2019.
- DirectorTed PostStarsAnjanette ComerRuth RomanMarianna HillA social worker, still reeling from the loss of her architect husband, investigates the eccentric, psychedelic Wadsworth Family, consisting of a mother, two daughters, and an adult son with the apparent mental capacity of an infant.8/10 ? - DVR'd 1/19/2013 from TCM Underground. Really weird, but pretty original. 8 is the max in the form I saw it. 5/14/14.
- DirectorDamien ChazelleStarsBrad PittMargot RobbieJean SmartA tale of outsized ambition and outrageous excess, it traces the rise and fall of multiple characters during an era of unbridled decadence and depravity in early Hollywood.6-7/10 - 1x watch via Redbox Blu-ray. I loved La La Land, so I wanted to see this as the director's followup. It is a mess and starts off particularly gross. I forgot to write this after watching and it's been over a week, so I have already forgotten things. Loved the shot in the theater from the balcony, down and back. Did Margot seem believable as this character? Not sure it is a movie I would want to watch again. Thing is, the director is an autuer filmmaker, so I may want to watch it again to give it another go. He is definitely talented. Watched 6/11/23. 6/19/23
- DirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsMichael J. FoxChristopher LloydMary SteenburgenStranded in 1955, Marty McFly learns about the death of Doc Brown in 1885 and must travel back in time to save him. With no fuel readily available for the DeLorean, the two must figure how to escape the Old West before Emmett is murdered.9/10 - On TV. Kinda hard to judge these. What's really wrong with them? When we got the Trilogy set back in 2002, unfortunately, I did not know to look for Widescreen and got FS. It's a shame that Silverstri's score is not that easy/cheap to get (on boutique labels) considering how popular a film it is. Almost caught all of II and might give the first 2 10's. One day I will see all 3 together in the proper format. 5/17/2020.
9/10 (?) - Hard to rate these films or look at them critically since I grew up watching them on cable. Pretty sure I saw this in the theater when it came out. 1/5/15. - DirectorMichael BayStarsWill SmithMartin LawrenceLisa BoyleTwo hip detectives protect a witness to a murder while investigating a case of stolen heroin from the evidence storage room from their police precinct.7/10 - 1x watch via Blu-ray. I'm pretty sure I never saw any of the Bad Boys films. I bought the 3 film Blu-ray collection Black Friday 2021. It was a fun movie, but not great. Felt a little long, so it would probably be better with some cuts. 1/6/24.
- DirectorMichael BayStarsWill SmithMartin LawrenceGabrielle UnionTwo loose-cannon narcotics cops investigate the flow of Ecstasy into Florida from a Cuban drug cartel.8/10 - 1x watch via Blu-ray. I forgot to review this. I watched it pretty soon after watching the first Bad Boys film. I'm pretty sure I enjoyed the increased action in this more, and was especially impressed by the scene where they kept driving vehicles through a ton of buildings. It went on and on in a good way. 1/21/24.
- DirectorAdil El ArbiBilall FallahStarsWill SmithMartin LawrenceVanessa HudgensMiami detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett must face off against a mother-and-son pair of drug lords who wreak vengeful havoc on their city.8/10 - 1x watch via Blu-ray. This was a solid action film and better than I expected, especially being a sequel so many years later and with different directors. 1/21/24.
- DirectorDrew GoddardStarsJeff BridgesCynthia ErivoDakota Johnson1969. Four strangers check in at the El Royale Hotel. The hotel is deserted, staffed by a single desk clerk. Some of the new guests' reasons for being there are less than innocent and some are not who they appear to be.8/10 - 1x watch via Blu-ray. Very well made and shot. It feels very influenced by Tarantino with the jumbling of time and showing scenes from different perspectives. The biggest jumpscare for me was when the priest got hit on the head. Dakota looked beautiful. 2/19/23.
- DirectorDanny LeinerStarsSeann William ScottRandy QuaidBrando EatonA high school janitor has not recovered from his failed career as a tennis pro. He begins coaching his beloved sport to a group of misfits and leads them to the Nebraska State Championships.2/10 - 1 x viewing. Upon learning that there were 2 movies called Balls Out that were showing up at Dollar Trees, it made me want to watch them. This was part of a 4 Comedy blu-ray set. This movie was pretty bad. It had some decent cinematography and a few funny moments, but it's mostly cringe-worthy. Apparently, this is Randy Quaid's last acting credit, and it's pretty short. It seems to have several Arrested Development related people, including the love interest who was Marta in AD. So many jokes and lines fall really flat. The foul-mouthed little girl was horrible. I'm not quite sure I want to know what the dog joke was all about - surely that's not what they meant. 8/23/20.
- DirectorJosh GreenbaumStarsKristen WiigAnnie MumoloJamie DornanLifelong friends Barb and Star embark on the adventure of a lifetime when they decide to leave their small Midwestern town for the first time - ever.8/10 - Bought the Target exclusive Blu-ray. This felt a lot like Austin Powers mixed with The Lonely Island, but with female leads. It's a fun comedy. I remember seeing the very odd trailer, which doesn't seem to be on the Blu-ray. I don't think it did much at the box office, so I wonder if they will try to do a sequel. I would definitely watch it. 3/4/22.
- DirectorGreta GerwigStarsMargot RobbieRyan GoslingIssa RaeBarbie and Ken are having the time of their lives in the colorful and seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land. However, when they get a chance to go to the real world, they soon discover the joys and perils of living among humans.8/10 - 1x watch via $1 Redbox Blu-ray. The set design and Margot Robbie look amazing. They came up with a cool idea. I don't know how I feel about the ending. It would be nice to hear Gerwig/Baumbach talk about what they meant by it. Matchbox 20 Push, haha. 11/5/23.
- DirectorTim BurtonStarsMichael KeatonDanny DeVitoMichelle PfeifferWhile Batman deals with a deformed man calling himself the Penguin wreaking havoc across Gotham with the help of a cruel businessman, a female employee of the latter becomes the Catwoman with her own vendetta.8.5/10 - Have I seen this beginning to end since I saw it in the theater? Not sure. Saw this listed as a Christmas movie, so I decided to watch it. I miss the days Tim Burton still utilized more miniatures, matte paintings, etc, before CGI was more commonplace. Noticed he used several crane shots. Elfman's score is great. I wish they had been able to do a third Burton/Keaton film, and a Pfeiffer Catwoman standalone might have been good, too. 12/25/17.
I will always remember that my dad fell asleep in the theater almost immediately. - DirectorJoel SchumacherStarsVal KilmerTommy Lee JonesJim CarreyBatman must battle former district attorney Harvey Dent, who is now Two-Face and Edward Nygma, The Riddler with help from an amorous psychologist and a young circus acrobat who becomes his sidekick, Robin.7/10 - Might be generous. This may only be the 2nd or 3rd time I've seen this. In the theater. Was given the movie on VHS. Don't remember if I watched it. I'm more familiar with the soundtrack. U2, Flaming Lips, Sunny Day Real Estate, Method Man. Have the game on Game Gear. Some of it's fun, some of it's corny. I like Carrey, but Riddler was a bit much. Kidman looks great. Saw Batman & Robin in theater and I don't think since. Need to give Nolan trilogy another chance. 3-27-16
- DirectorJoel SchumacherStarsArnold SchwarzeneggerGeorge ClooneyChris O'DonnellBatman and Robin try to keep their relationship together even as they must stop Mr. Freeze and Poison Ivy from freezing Gotham City.7/10 - This may be the 2nd time I've seen the entire movie. The other was in the theater. Going in knowing it's reputation, I was able to have fun with it. I have watched a lot of dark movies lately, so this was a nice change. I watched it split up between 2 nights, so I will probably watch it again in 1 sitting. Got my soundtrack out. 4/6/16.
- DirectorChristopher NolanStarsChristian BaleMichael CaineKen WatanabeAfter witnessing his parents' death, Bruce learns the art of fighting to confront injustice. When he returns to Gotham as Batman, he must stop a secret society that intends to destroy the city.7/10 - I'm pretty sure I saw this one time when it first came to home video. When the Nolan trilogy came out I had little to no interest in it. Seeing this film now, I still really did not enjoy it. It spends a lot of time on things I don't associate or want to see Batman doing, yet skips over things that seem to defy logic. Maybe this is more comics accurate, but I grew up on the Burton/Keaton Batman films. I recently got The Dark Knight on Blu-ray, so I wanted to watch this again before re-watching it. 3/11/22.
- DirectorZack SnyderStarsBen AffleckHenry CavillAmy AdamsBatman is manipulated by Lex Luthor to fear Superman. Superman´s existence is meanwhile dividing the world and he is framed for murder during an international crisis. The heroes clash and force the neutral Wonder Woman to reemerge.7/10 - Still haven't seen the extended cut, but decided to watch this in anticipation of Justice League. It has a lot of problems, but there are still a lot of cool moments imo. 11/14/17.
7/10 - I wrote "6-7" after seeing it in the theater. After buying the movie and watching it again, I easily bump it to at least a 7. Lots of problems, but a lot of cool stuff, too. Not sure why the Target Blu already says OOP. I bought it in store, price matched their website, and got a free 6 pack of Dr Pepper. Have yet to see the Ultimate Edition with 30 more minutes. 7/30/16.
6-7/10 - $1.50 Morris Twin Cinema. Wish this theater was closer (just under 30 miles). Can't beat new movies for $1.50. I have a feeling this will be better in subsequent viewings and especially after all the related films come out. As a standalone it is a mess though. 2.5 hrs and a lot is crammed into it. 4-1-16 - DirectorRick MoralesStarsAdam WestBurt WardWilliam ShatnerGotham City District Attorney Harvey Dent is mutilated in a laboratory accident. When the duplicitous Two-Face embarks on a crime spree, Batman and Robin must solve the mystery of his identity while facing off against several other foes.7/10 - Part of my Dollar Tree buys unlisted from this year. I just bought this the other day. Nice tribute to the final Adam West performance. Loved the nod to the Slap meme and the way Robin exclaimed about 'big balls.' 9/28/2019.
- DirectorMatt ReevesStarsRobert PattinsonZoë KravitzJeffrey WrightWhen a sadistic serial killer begins murdering key political figures in Gotham, Batman is forced to investigate the city's hidden corruption and question his family's involvement.8.5/10 - Redbox rental. I've been gearing up to rent this today, but right before I was going to watch it I saw the news of another mass shooting. It put me in a funk and I couldn't watch the movie for a while. Since it was a rental, I had to watch it tonight. I did and i enjoyed it more than Batman Begins that I watched again recently. I think a sequel has been announced and I will definitely watch that. I kept hearing that it was like a David Fincher/Se7en type of Batman detective story, and that is true. It was interesting to hear Something in the Way by Nirvana used with the score taking the chords. Zoe Kravitz did well as Catwoman, as did everyone for that matter. The Joker as Arkham seemed a little corny. The movie is definitely a bit long, as I checked the time a few times to see how far along it was. 5/24/22.
- DirectorBruce W. SmithStarsFaizon LoveVanessa Bell CallowayRobin HarrisTo impress his new girlfriend, a man agrees to look after her friend's kids, only to find that they are uncontrollably rambunctious.8/10 - This was on Bounce TV. May be generous with 8. I didn't give it my full attention. I knew the DVD was OOP, but supposedly it became an MOD DVD on 11-24-15 via Warner Archive, but it does not appear to be on their website.
It's a fun 90's cartoon. 12/25/15. - DirectorSofia CoppolaStarsNicole KidmanKirsten DunstElle FanningThe unexpected arrival of a wounded Union soldier at a girls school in Virginia during the American Civil War leads to jealousy and betrayal.7/10 - Feels kinda weird to see a Sofia Coppola film without some pop music. Solid film, but nothing I need to see again. 1/19/19.
- DirectorDavid TwohyStarsBruce GreenwoodDavid CrowMatthew DavisStrange happenings occur on a WW II submarine.7.5/10 - 1x watch. Some of the editing made this kinda confusing. I guess they could say that was the point. Darren Arronofsky co-wrote the screenplay. It was pretty enjoyable. I thought Olivia Williams was Elizabeth Hurley the whole time. Surprised to see Zach Galifinakis in this. Might like it more on another viewing, but not sure. I got the Blu-ray two-fer with Darkness from Hamilton Book. Not sure I had heard of the movie before. 5/30/21.
- DirectorMichael Paul StephensonStarsGeorge HardyPita RayMicki KnoxA look at the making of the film Troll 2 (1990) and its journey from being crowned the "worst film of all time" to a cherished cult classic.This was an enjoyable documentary about Troll 2. Started getting pretty dark in the last third of the film. 5/24/2015
- DirectorSavage Steve HollandStarsJohn CusackDavid Ogden StiersKim DarbyAfter his girlfriend ditches him for a boorish ski jock, Lane decides that suicide is the only answer. However, his increasingly inept attempts bring him only more agony and embarrassment. Filled with the wildest teen nightmares.7/10 - 1x viewing via DVD. I've known of this film for a while and had wanted to see it. I had no clue how surreal and crazy it was going to be. I'm thinking I will like it more once I watch it again now that I know more of what to expect. On first watch, it feels like a lot of it is just random comedy scenes added into a basic rom-com plot. On the other hand, you could say that makes the film more unique and more fun to watch. 3/27/22.
- DirectorChris PeckoverStarsOlivia DeJongeLevi MillerEd OxenbouldOn a quiet suburban street, a babysitter must defend a twelve-year-old boy from intruders, only to discover it's far from a normal home invasion.8.5/10 - 1x watch via DVD. I picked this up some time ago at Dollar Tree. I ended up liking this quite a bit. It takes a turn after the first act and goes some places I did not expect. Luckily, I had never watched the trailer or had anything spoiled. 12/25/23.
- DirectorMartin BrestStarsEddie MurphyJudge ReinholdJohn AshtonA freewheeling Detroit cop pursuing a murder investigation finds himself dealing with the very different culture of Beverly Hills.7-8/10 - 1x viewing. I still have not seen most early Eddie Murphy films. Got the 3 movie DVD set at Walmart for $4 on Black Friday. I didn't really bust out laughing very much, but afterwards I watched the trailer and started going, "Oh yeah, that part was funny...so was that one...."etc, so it may be one I like more with a 2nd viewing. Definitely familiar with the main theme and can definitely tell the same guy scored the Fletch movies. Another movie with Jonathan Banks from Breaking Bad. 12/9/18.
- DirectorGeorge ArmitageStarsOwen WilsonMorgan FreemanGary SiniseA small-time con artist and a Hawaiian real estate developer's mischevious, enterprising mistress team up for a potential $200,000 score.6/10 - Not great. The director said in 2015 that he has a DVD of his cut that was NC-17/R. I could tell some harsher lines were dubbed. The ending was a little vague, and not in the suspenseful way, more like they need an extra insert shot to clarify things. Sara Foster looked pretty good. Studio forced a PG-13 edit in hopes of more money. I would like to see the director's cut and we know that it exists in some form from the director himself. 10/8/16.
- DirectorTito DavisonStarsLana TurnerGeorge ChakirisRichard EganA former actress clashes with her wealthy and spoiled stepdaughter over their inheritance after the death of their protector.12-28-14 DVR'd. Maybe off TCM Underground? I have watched some of this in the past. The Lean on Me song during credits is not bad. Only character with last name Lansdale that I've ever seen. Didn't want to watch this, but skimmed through before deleting. 11/7/16.
5/10 may be generous. 1st movie character I've ever seen with the Lansdale name. On TCM Underground. Good camerawork. An Ok film until the daughter gets married. 3/21/14. - DirectorDennis DuganStarsAdam SandlerJoey Lauren AdamsJon StewartA lazy law school graduate adopts a kid to impress his girlfriend, but everything doesn't go as planned.6/10 - Might be 1st full watch since I saw it in the theater. I think even then I saw that Sandler's movies were getting stale. I definitely remember Leslie Mann and all the Hooters jokes, they get a bit much. Joey Lauren Adams had a voice that can be grating at times, but I may just need to see her in more things. I paid $1.99 for a factory sealed DVD of this. There are some fun things like Sonny just spreading paper over anything. The meanness of the Sandler character and yelling were in prior movies, but maybe they had a little better context instead of just seeming mean? I haven't watched those in a while either. It's a Sandler comedy so logic isn't always a requirement, but this situation really pushes it. The Jon Stewart character not checking on what may be his kid, I don't care if Sandler assured him over the phone, still doesn't make sense. And apparently he didn't check in for at least 6 weeks and then just showed up in court? 5/23/21.
- DirectorRandal KleiserStarsPaul ReubensPenelope Ann MillerKris KristoffersonPee-wee Herman is now a small-town farmer with a fiancée, but when a traveling circus comes to town, he finds himself falling for the trapeze artist.8/10 - I watched it without having seen Big Adventure in several years, so I am judging it on its merits alone. I found it to be very funny. There are bits of Chaplin and Fellini here. I feel the Fellini thing with Burton/Elfman movies, so maybe Elfman likes Nina Rota? Fellini has the circus and dreams in a lot of his films. 2 pretty female leads vying for Pee-Wee - from Kindergarten Cop & Hot Shots. Unfortunately in Full Screen. 1st picnic scene! Cheese sandwich & pickle scene! 7/14/15.
- DirectorCathy YanStarsMargot RobbieRosie PerezMary Elizabeth WinsteadAfter splitting with the Joker, Harley Quinn joins superheroines Black Canary, Huntress, and Renee Montoya to save a young girl from an evil crime lord.8/10 - From Family fun (Sonic) to R rated fun (this movie), it was an all around fun day at the movies. This had a lot of great visuals and some great stunt work and fights. I always remember Smollett from Full House, so it was cool to see her and Mary Elizabeth Winstead was fun to see, also. 2/16/20.
- DirectorEugenio MiraStarsCorey FeldmanErica PriorJack TaylorNorman, a young man very much in love with his girlfriend, attends her father's birthday party, held in a hotel where a sect happens to be preparing for the birth of the god it worships.8/10 - 1x viewing on YouTube. I forgot to review this when I originally watched it, so it is now a week later. I read that Corey Feldman said this movie had his best performance. That made me curious about this film, but unfortunately it has never been released to DVD in the US. I found it on YouTube with dodgy quality. It is a very stylish film that seems very inspired by David Lynch. Feldman uses a voice like Jerry Lewis and acts awkward sorta like Adam Sandler in Punch-Drunk Love. This film involves a lot of hotel hallway shots, which recall PDL and The Shining. This film is very interesting and I would love to see it in HD. It deserves a Blu-ray, and to think of all the types of films that have DVDs and this doesn't! 8/8/21.
- DirectorJaume Collet-SerraStarsDwayne JohnsonAldis HodgePierce BrosnanNearly 5,000 years after he was bestowed with the almighty powers of the Egyptian gods--and imprisoned just as quickly--Black Adam is freed from his earthly tomb, ready to unleash his unique form of justice on the modern world.7/10 - Redbox $1.08 Blu-ray rental. Headlines were all about this being terrible and a bomb. It was about as enjoyable as the other 2022 superhero/comic book movies imo. There were some cool action scenes and the CGI looked pretty good other than when they put The Rock's head on another body when he wasn't Black Adam. The credits scene was cool and I wish they were able to explore more with Henry Cavill's Superman. Not sure I am happy with their choice to abandon him. 2/25/23.
- DirectorBob ClarkStarsOlivia HusseyKeir DulleaMargot KidderDuring their Christmas break, a group of sorority girls are stalked by a stranger.8.5/10 - Most likely 2nd viewing. DVR'd TCM Underground 12/19/20. I think I DVR'd this off of TCM in the past. I was very surprised by how obscene the phone calls were. Directed very well by Bob Clark, a director with quite a varied Filmography. 12/20/20.
- DirectorRyan CooglerStarsChadwick BosemanMichael B. JordanLupita Nyong'oT'Challa, heir to the hidden but advanced kingdom of Wakanda, must step forward to lead his people into a new future and must confront a challenger from his country's past.8/10 - Second viewing on Blu-ray in preparation for the sequel. With some time away from when it came out and was super overhyped, I could know enjoy it for it was. Lots of great performances. Still think the final CGI fight was too much, and wish they would've figured out a way to have more practical. I started to go through the MCU movies by release date, but had to skip ahead to see this again before seeing the sequel in the theater. 11/7/22.
8/10(?) - Light 8, if that. Redbox freebie due to Dr Strange being scratched. I still haven't seen Ultron, so Klaw didn't make total sense to me. Enjoyable superhero movie. I will probably need to see it again on a decent TV (this TV is too dark so some scenes were hard to see) to get a better grasp on it. Some of the CGI did look a little corny. 5/20/18. - DirectorRyan CooglerStarsLetitia WrightLupita Nyong'oDanai GuriraThe people of Wakanda fight to protect their home from intervening world powers as they mourn the death of King T'Challa.7.5/10 - Saw in theater. I have been sick, so I only now got to see this. This was a well made superhero movie, especially considering the loss of Chadwick Boseman. It was very long. I got very sleepy during one section. I don't know the reason for the college aged scientist figure, unless that is a known comic book character they were trying to introduce. If you completely excised them, it would cut out some time and you still would have a full movie. No idea what they are planning for the 3rd movie - I'm assuming there will be one. 12/4/22.
- DirectorStephen NorringtonStarsWesley SnipesStephen DorffKris KristoffersonA half-vampire, half-mortal man becomes a protector of the mortal race, while slaying evil vampires.8/10 - 1x viewing. This movie didn't interest in 1998, so I am just now seeing it. I've seen many people say it is an underrated comic book movie. Snipes plays the role flawlessly and does a great job during the action scenes. Lot of good moments, though that era's CGI looks quite bad at times. Luckily, it is not used too terribly much. The 90's era techno is more solid than similar soundtracks of the time, and this predates The Matrix. 10/2/21.
- DirectorDenis VilleneuveStarsHarrison FordRyan GoslingAna de ArmasYoung Blade Runner K's discovery of a long-buried secret leads him to track down former Blade Runner Rick Deckard, who's been missing for thirty years.9/10 - Watched this Saturday the 14th. Only 6/8 other people in the theater, but they were enough to break the spell. Also didn't help that it is really long and I needed to pee about 2/3rds in. 2 other people went to the bathroom 2 times each during it. It was in one of their smaller theaters/rooms, so people doing minimal stuff distracts more than when you're spread out. I was hoping to see this last weekend in a Dolby theater when I was in Dallas, but we didn't have enough time. 10/15/17.
- DirectorBlake EdwardsStarsKim BasingerBruce WillisJohn LarroquetteA workaholic needs a date for a dinner with new important clientele, but who his brother sets him up with could lead to disaster.8/10 - Forgot to write this after watching. Pretty enjoyable 80's comedy. Had a crush on Kim B since Batman. Her reveal looks like an homage to Vertigo. Bruce getting out of a moving car is great. Lots of screwball 40's elements here. Cool guitarist in studio. Some kinda big comedy set pieces here - fight at party, car chase, house at end. There may be more here than people realize. 5/24/2015
- DirectorChuck RussellStarsShawnee SmithKevin DillonDonovan Leitch Jr.A deadly entity from space crash-lands near a small town and begins consuming everyone in its path. Panic ensues as shady government scientists try to contain the horrific creature.8.5/10 - May make it a 9. 2nd viewing. DVR'd 12-30-14. Ribbed. Lots of great lines. Example of a good remake. Crazy FX for the blob taking over people. Pretty much a perfect 80's B monster movie. Too bad there is not an easily available DVD with extras. Great writing. A lot of things came back around. Example: the zipper of the kid's jacket sticking. Know Shawnee Smith from Harry Crumb. 11/27/2016.
- DirectorKay CannonStarsLeslie MannJohn CenaIke BarinholtzThree parents try to stop their daughters from losing their virginity on prom night.7/10 - DVR'd 1/2/19. Ended up enjoying this more than I expected. I knew it would be a little raunchy, but didn't expect a greater ratio of heart. The movie starts off with a Dr Dog song. 3/24/2019.
- DirectorOwen EgertonStarsRobbie KayJacob BatalonSeychelle GabrielFans flock to a festival celebrating the most iconic horror movies, only to discover that the charismatic showman behind the event has a diabolical agenda.7/10 - Pretty decent low budget horror/comedy. DVR'd 1/4/19. Tate Donovan is the only actor I recognized, maybe from Space Camp. 1/13/19.
- DirectorWilliam FriedkinStarsNick NolteMary McDonnellJ.T. WalshA college basketball coach is forced to break the rules in order to get the players he needs to stay competitive.8/10 - ThisTV Full Screen showing. It seemed a little short. It was edited for TV, but did they cut some scenes, too? Haven't seen this since I watched it in the theater that I can remember. I did enjoy it more than I expected. Really would need to see it unedited and in Widescreen. Also would like to see The Program. DVR'd 3-30-15. 11/25/2015
- DirectorJohn LandisStarsDan AykroydJohn GoodmanWalter LevineElwood must reunite the old band, with a few new members, and go on another "Mission from God."5/10 - 1x viewing. Edited for TV. I am not that familiar with the 1st film. I think I have only seen that entire movie once? This is not that great. If you like blues musicians, you may enjoy it for all the cameos. Straight up blues music has never interested me much. The beginning were he honors the death of Belushi is a very nice touch though. I liked the shot of the car covered in moss to hide from cops. Voodoo zombies and flying out of ten revivals? Is Jonny Lang constipated? 7/4/16.
- DirectorLarry CohenStarsYaphet KottoAndrew DugganJoyce Van PattenWhen a criminal breaks into the Beverly Hills home of a wealthy couple having marital problems, he unwillingly provides the spouses with an unlikely resolution to their conflicts as well as a solution to his own secret problem.6/10 - 1st x viewing. This was on TCM Underground. Looks like they have shown at least 3 more of this director's films, as I have them on my DVR. This film is odd. It has some jumpy editing that makes me think of Godard a little bit. Gets pretty bizarre, but the fact the it does some unexpected things can be a good thing. DVR'd 3/29/15. I'm sure the IMDB board had some good threads about the film that might have helped me understand it more. Wife character completely changing makes little sense. 4/9/17.
- DirectorPhillip NoyceStarsDenzel WashingtonAngelina JolieQueen LatifahA quadriplegic ex-homicide detective and his partner try to track down a serial killer who is terrorizing New York City.8/10 - 1x watch via DVD, but I'm pretty sure I saw this in the movie theater. This is another enjoyable Se7en type film that was made around this time. Interesting to see that in 2023 there is supposedly a sequel in the works. I think I kinda remembered who the killer was and the actor was also in Se7en and more movies I didn't remember him being in. It did seem weird how they made the chief so annoying and the other cops wanting so much to destroy the crime scene evidence. Maybe too much of a red herring? I may be too lenient on this, but I just like these types of movies. 4/13/24.
- DirectorBrian De PalmaStarsTom HanksBruce WillisMelanie GriffithAfter his mistress runs over a young teen, a Wall Street hotshot sees his life unravel in the spotlight and attracts the interest of a down-and-out reporter.7.5-8/10 - ? 1st x viewing. Starts off cool with a 4 min+ shot with Bruce Willis. The tone is weird. Kim Cattrall, I just don't know. It's weird hearing Tom Hanks say the F-bomb several times. Looking briefly at reviews, it seems most compare it to the book and find it lacking. I haven't read it. Hard not to think of Wolf of Wall Street. The biggest problem may be just the wrong actors for the parts. Depiction of the Bronx over the top? Melanie Griffith. All characters immoral. 3/2/17.
- DirectorJoe BerlingerStarsJeffrey DonovanStephen Barker TurnerErica LeerhsenA group of tourists arrives in Burkittsville, Maryland after seeing The Blair Witch Project (1999) to explore the mythology and phenomenon, only to come face to face with their own neuroses and possibly the witch herself.5/10 - 1x watch via DVD. I watched this without rewatching BWP. I don't think I've watched BWP since seeing it in the theater on opening night. This was truly a mess of a movie. I don't understand exactly what happened. We were shown a lot of events, but when they showed the captured footage it happened completely different. 1/1/24.
- DirectorTroy DuffyStarsWillem DafoeSean Patrick FlaneryNorman ReedusTwo Irish Catholic brothers become vigilantes and wipe out Boston's criminal underworld in the name of God.1x(?) watch via Blu-ray. I am pretty sure I saw some of this on TV, but didn't remember much. I watched this a couple days ago, and the viewing was broken up a lot, so my review feels incomplete. There are some stylish bits, but sometimes the acting is very corny. I would need to see it all at once to get a better feel. 6/9/23
- DirectorAllison AndersDean LentKurt VossStarsChris D.Chris ShearerDave AlvinTwo musicians and a roadie take money that is owed to them from a job. One flees to Mexico, and everyone has questions.6/10 - DVR'd TCM Underground 9/22/13. Part of Criterion Collection. Not great, but done on low budget and it is watchable. 6/7/14.
- DirectorDavid YaroveskyStarsElizabeth BanksDavid DenmanJackson A. DunnWhat if a child from another world crash-landed on Earth, but instead of becoming a hero to mankind, he proved to be something far more sinister?7/10 - 1x viewing. Free movie channels. I was curious about this. I've seen most versions of Superman, so how would the evil take be. Some parts were pretty hard to watch. Is it something I want to watch over and over again? Probably not. I really don't know how you would avoid copyright issues, then again, maybe they already cleared it. If they make a sequel I will most likely check it out. 4/25/2020.
- DirectorJohn WooStarsJohn TravoltaChristian SlaterSamantha MathisTerrorists steal nuclear warheads from the U.S. military but don't count on a pilot and park ranger spoiling their plans.7.5/10 - 1st x watch via DVD. Catching up on more 90's R rated Action films I haven't seen. Probably about 3/4ths of the way through I thought, this is about a 7 OK action film. Then the last 1/4th happened and wow. Lots of cool John Woo shots and set ups. I see it more, I may like it more and shoot it up to an 8. 6/19/23
- DirectorFran Rubel KuzuiStarsKristy SwansonDonald SutherlandPaul ReubensFlighty teenage girl Buffy Summers learns that she is her generation's destined battler of vampires.7/10 - 1x watch? Have I seen this movie all the way through before? I'm not sure. I definitely was aware of the movie when it came out and saw the trailer. I got the Blu-ray recently. It feels like there are chunks cut out. It seems to skip ahead and seems a little too short. It also didn't seem to make sense that the vampires didn't know who the slayer was - many of them had seen Buffy already slay vampires. Did they mess this up in the edit? Kristy Swanson was very beautiful though. 1/18/23
- DirectorErnest R. DickersonStarsDamon WayansAdam SandlerJames CaanTwo criminals, Keats and Moses, end their friendship, when Keats turns out to be an undercover cop. Many years later, the two are forced to work together when Keats is assigned to protect Moses as a witness.7/10(?) Watched this for the 1st time since the VHS days. Starts off with a pretty cool unbroken crane shot. I don't know that Sandler pulls off being this type of criminal - times when he tries to be serious and act angry he makes really weird faces. It works with his comedy, but not as much for me in a more serious role. They played the song that samples Love Rollercoaster a lot. Come up with a Metro Eddie Murphy/Bulletproof crossover to give both a sequel. Ha. Some fun pre-CGI action scenes. 9/29/2018.
- DirectorTravis KnightStarsHailee SteinfeldJorge Lendeborg Jr.John CenaOn the run in the year 1987, Bumblebee finds refuge in a junkyard in a small California beach town. On the cusp of turning 18 and trying to find her place in the world, Charlie Watson discovers Bumblebee, battle-scarred and broken.6/10 - My mom loves these and the surprising RT% had me intrigued. Wish this theater still had 3D. I just like going to the movies in general and I could also check some stores close by. Steinfeld did well, it's just such a tired story. I enjoyed Monster Trucks more, but I got to see that in 3D. Need to watch MT again and see if I feel the same. Very surprised at some of the 80's music choices. Not bad at all, just don't need to see it again. 1/5/19.
- DirectorJoe DanteStarsTom HanksBruce DernCarrie FisherAn overstressed suburbanite and his neighbors are convinced that the new family on the block is part of a murderous Satanic cult.9/10 - May be the first time I saw the complete movie? I've seen most of it on TV, I think. Strong 9. Maybe 10? What's wrong with it? Laughed so hard. Joe Dante marathon will continue with a film I haven't seen a frame of. Cool to see the work of one director and how they reuse the same actors, etc. Dante has Dick Miller and Rosebud from Citizen Kane in every movie. 1/13/2015