damian5000 Reviews

Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)

Great film. Play it at 150% if you can

[8/10 · 14 December 2023]

I watched it at home with a few short breaks at 150% speed, So I can't say what the experience would be watching it in the theater or at normal speeds. For me it was a very good movie. At no point was I bored. There's can be a downside to following books and true stories as closely as possible. For me it's not a problem, but it's hilarious to see all these people complaining how long and boring it was. If they had shortened it to 2 hours you'd have a bunch of people complaining how much they cut and how much they changed the story. Instead, they followed it as faithfully as possible and now we have a bunch of people complaining it's too long and boring.

U Turn (1997)

Incredible unique film

[10/10 · 25 June 2023]

U Turn is a gripping and thrilling movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Sean Penn delivers a captivating performance as Bobby Cooper, a drifter who finds himself stuck in a small Arizona town. The movie is filled with twists and turns, and the plot is masterfully crafted to keep you guessing until the very end. The supporting cast, including Jennifer Lopez, Nick Nolte, and Billy Bob Thornton, all deliver standout performances that add depth and complexity to the story. The cinematography is stunning, showcasing the rugged beauty of the Arizona landscape. The movie's dark humor and gritty tone make it a unique and memorable experience. Overall, U Turn is a must-see for fans of crime thrillers and anyone looking for a movie that will keep them on the edge of their seat. Sean Penn's performance alone is worth the price of admission. Highly recommended.

Nothing I can write here that other positive reviewers haven't already written. For me the movie is perfect and one of the most unique films I've ever seen. The characters are unique and powerful. Amazing film. If you didn't like it or couldn't appreciate it, there's something seriously wrong with you.

Mad Max (1979)

Can't believe I hadn't seen this

[9/10 · 18 February 2023]

It's quite possible I had but had forgotten everything, but nothing triggered any memories. So glad I fired this up. Lol the review calling masculinity regressive. And his stupid narrative that the bikers are gay? And that they were trying to paint the lawyer as effeminate? If you think you are woke you might not like this movie. Great film low budget film that kept me hooked from beginning to end. While the beginning scene has been lauded by many, I thought it went on for too long. Beyond that, super fun movie. Too bad the new mad max coming up is going to be about a woman. Where did this world go wrong...

The Hitchhiker (1983–1991)

Cool series

[8/10 · 17 November 2022]

Well I don't remember much except that I liked it and there's some nostalgia there for me when I think about it. You can buy "the complete collection" and box sets on Amazon but they're far from being complete. The entire "complete collection" is only 12 hours of video so that's about 24 episodes. It's almost impossible to stream/download all episodes these days, but the diligent will be rewarded, however as of this review the options are dwindling. I'm getting ready to watch it all again and see if the magic is still there. I love sci-fi and fantasy so it should hopefully still be as good as I remember.

Emily the Criminal (2022)

Outstanding independent film with awesome lead Aubrey

[8/10 · 18 September 2022]

Incredible what can be done with $3 million dollars. Especially so when you see TV shows that are sub-par which are costing upwards of $50 million. This compelling drama that keeps you glued to the story. I am partial to this story as I also have a felony criminal record and have had many road blocks along the way. I cheered when she got ganked and then came back to take back her dog and money. And cheered when she left her partner to make off on her own.

The only issue I had with the film was Theo Rossi being cast as an immigrant. In this day and age there's no excuse for this. There's plenty of real immigrant/foreigner talent out there and ruined my suspension of disbelief with this casting of Rossi.

Cave Rescue (2022)

Absolutely brilliant

[10/10 · 9 August 2022]

Not sure where the low score came from but this is an amazing true story film. There is always a fine line between telling the true story and adjusting it so that it remains theatrical and engaging for 2 hours. This movie straddles that line perfectly. This is real life hero s*** folks. Step back and ask yourself what did you do today? And then take a look at this film and see how life is done. This is the essence of humanity. People from all over the world came together to rescue these kids. One diver lost his life. I loved the variance in languages from Chinese to Thai to English which highlighted how the world came together with interpreters and against all odds rescued these boys... 14 days they were in there and the workers didn't even know if they were alive. Simply incredible story.

Prey (I) (2022)

One star on premise alone. Good job Disney, excellent Predator spoof film

[1/10 · 7 August 2022]

Would make for a hilarious short comedy/spoof if done a bit differently. Nothing can redeem the ridiculous premise. A teenage girl with an ax continuously surviving against a technologically advanced highly superior warrior. Meanwhile all the male warriors die. There's just no way you can suspend disbelief. Even if you are woke, you've got to sit back and say what the hell am I watching here. And the girl becomes head of her tribe at the end? Just absolutely ridiculous, blithering nonsense.

I'm imagining the Predator team sitting down and saying what's the dumbest, most infeasible story we can create. And the outcome was Prey. It's really difficult to imagine a more silly plot. Puts shame on the Predator franchise.

Blade (1998)

Amazing movie

[8/10 · 1 August 2022]

This is one of the few movies I can watch over and over again every couple years. Good action, good effects for the time. Wesley Snipes put his all into this. Surprised some critics rated it badly. Dorf does an amazing job as the villain Deacon. Quin is hilariously beat up time and time again. Intricate plot with some twists at the end. Good flick!

Moonhaven (2022)

Sci-fi fans should enjoy

[8/10 · 11 July 2022]

They've created a show interesting enough to hold my attention and that is rare. I'm a big sci-fi/fantasy fan though. If you're not, then it may not work for you. The society on the moon is cool. They have some of their own lingo, rituals and ways about them. There is a lot going on here and much of it is a mystery what exactly is happening. The show itself is supposed to be a mystery.

Spiderhead (2022)

Thor, what were you thinking... But better than expected

[7/10 · 2 July 2022]

Strange thing for these two stars to be involved in. The synopsis had me thinking D-grade budget flick. And produced by Hemsworth? Netflix? Bizarre dilution of Hemsworth's brand. Of all the things he could have produced or been involved in...

Beyond that the acting was fine and movie enjoyable enough. Better than I thought it would be.

Youngblood (1978)

Enjoyed this film

[7/10 · 1 June 2022]

Caught this for free on YouTube and might primarily be some sort of nostalgia and maybe my memory is failing me but not a lot of movies about young black youth were made in the 1970's. Just enjoyed it for what it was. Young black dude making his way through the streets.

Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)

Terrible script, miscasting and breaks from any sense of logic

[6/10 · 29 May 2022]

A cheap cowardly trickster posing as a Jedi while fully aware Jedis are being hunted.

Miscast soft and beautiful black woman as mean and ruthless for the sake of wokefulness.

Kidnapped little girl who should be terrified, being silly and joking while they're being hunted.

Just makes no sense and takes you right of of suspension of disbelief. A shame, this could have been so much better.

Hoping future episodes pull it together.

The Northman (2022)

Nicole Kidman, Willem Dafoe, and Ethan Hawke??

[6/10 · 14 May 2022]

Instantly taken out of suspension of disbelief. An Australian and a Texan as main characters. Great. I'm a fan of Willem Dafoe and Ethan Hawke but this was terrible casting. I'm sure this review will be unpopular but I don't care. Tons of incredible Scandinavian actors available. Just stupid. It's 2022, not 1995.

Flaky (2021)

Fully enjoyed this short, independent film

[10/10 · 14 April 2022]

What a great little gem. I was never bored and always kept curious what would happen next with Ibinabo. If you're a fan of this genre you will not be disappointed.

On the Road (2012)

Brilliant film

[9/10 · 13 February 2022]

How this film has a 6 out of 10 rating I have no idea. Top-notch production values. Incredible acting and cinematography. The sheer number of scenes blows the mind. Whether it stays true to the book (as if any movie does), I have no idea and don't care. I'm watching a film not a book. The energy is amazing and non-stop buzz. Great film.

Swallow (2021 TV Movie)

1980's, drug mules, beautiful black women ... I'm in heaven

[8/10 · 4 October 2021]

Rare these days. I really enjoyed this film. I was surprised to find it was made for TV as easily meets the quality of much of Netflix/Prime stuff. The lead was awesome. Beautiful and believable. The other actors all also great. The boss was hilarious and the kingpen was also funny. It's true some stuff does go a bit overboard and stretched out, just relax don't be so critical this movie was fun and the soundtrack is great. Massive spoiler..... Do not read further unless you've seen the movie.

The death on the plane was absolutely brilliant piece of acting.... Bravo.

The First 48: Off the Tracks (2010) Season 11, Episode 12

Pathetic cops

[1/10 · 17 July 2021]

As another reviewer already mentioned... Pathetic. What those cops did wasn't just heinous, it was criminal. Charges should be levelled at these officers. I hope Terry got out. Really sad story and happens too often. The general public unaware that cops and the law are often little more than organized, legal gangsters.

Small Axe: Mangrove (2020) Season 1, Episode 1

Episode two can easily stand on its own as a short film

[10/10 · 7 December 2020]

If you watch nothing else of this series, watch episode two. It can 100% stand alone and would give Dazed & Confused a run for its money as the greatest house party on film, albeit Small Ax is a dance party not a keg party... Which brings us to how the brilliant the cinematography, acting, and score came together to replicate the feelings that come when you dance with someone. It had me reminiscing and remembering feelings from long ago. The lust and intimacy and some unexplainable feelings of all is right with the world that slowly, warmly, lovingly grow between you over the period of several songs. It's intoxicating and one of the best feelings on the planet. What an incredible job the team did replicating it...

The Outpost (2018–2021)

Modern day Xena without all the weird screaming

[8/10 · 8 November 2020]

What I really like about this show so far is that it doesn't seem to be YA targeted. I have a difficult time watching shows that target teenagers such as Running This show seems more targeted towards the tabletop D&D pot belly beer drinking old school. As a side note, nothing to do with the YA comment - in episode 1 and 2 they do quite a bit of drugs. Which I like but may not be for kids. I'm watching this show and imagining it as a Baldur's Gate / POE fantasy in my head as the show goes on. I'm typically not a fan of shows where there's a female action protagonist as the main star but she's so beautiful that somehow it overrides what would normally make the show a turnoff. Definitely enjoying the fantasy sitting as opposed to the typical recent post-apocalyptic settings. It's definitely low budget but makes up for it in spades with heart. I'm going to keep watching.

Arctic (2018)

The perfect film

[10/10 · 11 June 2020]

The movies I sit through without at least saying once, "that makes no sense", or "why did they do it that way instead of.... ", Or "just an easy twist this way or that would have been far better"....

I only said that to myself once in this one... Why the heck didn't he stab that polar bear in the head with the ice pick like anybody would have done.

Beyond that, I found myself mesmerized and moved by this film with never a moment of boredom even though almost no dialog and the same white landscape the entire film. You know when they can pull that off with me it's a big winner.

I'm only curious about the end... Whether they were really rescued or the helicopter was symbolic of the rescue of death, the struggle finally over.

Blood Machines (2019)

Incredible

[9/10 · 5 June 2020]

Filmed on about 200k this is an incredible piece of work. Ship design is magnificent. The story original. The acting beyond good enough.

Once Upon a Time in America (1984)

A great film but found portrayal of Dinero's character baffling

[8/10 · 1 March 2020]

This guy raped women twice in the movie. One of them came back to join the crew and the other was a woman he'd loved for decades. And yet he was portrayed in a positive light throughout the film. I just found it bizarre. It was 1984 though, so it's the only way it can be explained.

X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019)

Enjoyed this

[8/10 · 7 June 2019]

Not sure why the rating so low. Maybe people are spoiled by the epic galaxy class interweaving of stories with Avengers, Thor, Aquaman, Defenders of the Galaxy, Dr Strange? Was refreshing to not have the campy silly jokes and nice to have an Xmen that wasn't focused on Wolverine. Sophie Turner was awesome.

Flavorful Origins (2019– )

Terrible voice over / dubbing job

[3/10 · 13 February 2019]

Boring, drab, 3rd rate voice over. Couldn't even get past 3 minutes before turning it off. If Netflix had dubbed this as they dub their other foreign series it might have been worth watching.

Star Trek: Discovery (2017–2024)

Could be soooo good

[7/10 · 23 January 2019]

Man, Star Trek: Discovery could be great - The CGI looks good to me, the music is epic, the story lines are interesting....Sonequa Martin-Green is an incredible force.

What kills it are these WTH did I just watch moments, seemingly stuck in there without any thought at all, completely ruining the experience. Falling to the asteroid with the crew all watching and counting 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 and then waiting until 1 to hit the backpack jets... Why? Why did you wait until 1? If it were just this one scene, okay I could live with it, but it's not.

Also uncomfortable, weird moments. Like when Sylvia yells "This is the power of math people!" and everyone claps... Just...Terrible. There are several of these weird moments in every episode.

As well, Mary Wiseman (Sylvia) might be one of the most annoying characters ever. As she's aiming for captain, perhaps they'll adjust her character as she grows, but for now she's tough to watch.