bucketofowls Reviews

Thelma & Louise (1991)

You can't go wrong with Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon.

[8/10 · 21 March 2018]

Thelma & Louise contains one of the most masterful cinematic endings known in the history of film. As far as dynamic duos, the chemistry between Geena and Susan is palpable on-screen. They're iconic women, beyond reproach, and this movie is a beautiful act of revenge for every woman (or person who grew up subject to misogyny). Time and time again, we see these women stand up for themselves and take matters into their own hands.

I wholly recommend seeing this timeless classic - see it as soon as possible, if you know what's good for you!

Graveyard Shift (1990)

If you like bad movies, this one's for you.

[2/10 · 11 March 2018]

I have seen preciously few movies as bad as this movie. It seems to take pride in its camp horror and cheesy gore - in fact, I would be surprised if it didn't, because that's most of what it has going for it.

Kirikou and the Sorceress (1998)

A sweet, culturally rich tale.

[6/10 · 3 March 2018]

I have to say, I did not see this movie coming. The premise alone is an interesting one - a baby is born with the ability to speak, to cut his own umbilical cord. He's born in a small, cursed village in Africa, indebted to and terrified of an evil Sorceress who is always watching them.

And, somehow, it gets even more fantastical from there.

I really enjoyed this movie, which carries several surprises my viewing party didn't guess until they happened.

Fruitvale Station (2013)

The best directed anxiety attack you'll ever have.

[7/10 · 1 March 2018]

For the entire time you're watching, this movie feels real. That's both the allure and the anxiety focal point. Every step of the way, I could feel the final blow coming, I could feel the anxiety building in my heartbeat and the tension mounting in my shoulders. When they arrived at the train station in reference, I held my breath. I knew what was coming, but no amount of anticipation made me ready.

Michael B. Jordan excels as an actor in this role. As for the actual script content, I have no commentary. This movie is more of a memorial than a script, and Ryan Coogler is an amazing director finally coming into his own with the recent release of Black Panther. His directorial skills shine in Fruitvale as well.

Watership Down (1978)

An excellent way to traumatize children.

[8/10 · 1 March 2018]

We all know the story. At least, all of those in my generation, who were most unfortunate (fortunate?) to have their parents select this VHS for them.

The first time I watched Watership Down was not the last time I watched it. For some reason, despite the grotesque amount of gore and the pervasive amounts of adult themes, I watched it several times. Perhaps this was because, despite all of that, I could understand the thrill of the story.

While I can't say I recommend it for small children, there's no story out there that's quite like it. It's a story of war, betrayal, survival, corruption - and it's all acted out with animals, chiefly rabbits.

Fences (2016)

Viola Davis deserves every single Oscar from now until 2020.

[7/10 · 1 March 2018]

This movie begins slowly, pacing its way through established character history and the complicated natures of human relationships. The lens with which Denzel has chosen to cast light on these characters takes time to ignite, but when it does? Watch out.

This is exceptionally true in the case of Viola's depiction. Her character not only carries the weight of her husband's mistakes, her acting also carries the plot forward. Rose's strength is the foundation that keeps this family together. Her commitment to her family transcends the constraints of the complications between her and her husband. There are so many moments that I wish I could delve into, but this movie surprised me. It took a bit to get where it was going, and by the time I was ready to give in, it threw an emotional tidal wave at my feet as if saying, "There. Are you happy now?"

When it hits, it hurts. Someone get Viola Davis a million dollars.

King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table (2017)

Wholly disappointing, but almost on a comedic level.

[1/10 · 21 January 2018]

While I won't be suggesting King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table as a Bad Movie Night movie, it certainly couldn't hurt to be one. The inexperienced cast bit off far more than they could chew, largely unable to deliver their lines with any kind of emotional impact. The plot itself would have been more promising if the characterization and line delivery weren't all over the place.

The one saving grace were Russell Banks as Mordred and Sara Lane as Morgana, both of whom were (at times) carrying the full weight of good characterization. It's pretty sad when most of your main cast has worse acting talent than the side characters. (Side note: the men who played security should be taken more seriously as actors, their expressions and enunciation were much better than everyone else.)

This movie's not worth wasting your time on, but I would be lying if I said I didn't see potential in Sara Lane or Russell Banks. I hope some opportunities come their way in the future, with better scripts, directors, and coworkers, because the tragedy of this movie screwed them out of what was otherwise a decent performance.

Wolfcop (2014)

Not as good as it could've been, but pretty darn good.

[7/10 · 18 October 2017]

I would've been pleased to give Wolf Cop a 10/10 for the action-packed, pun-drenched, plot-twisting journey it took me on if not for the poor taste of a few jokes along the way. Some things are not funny anymore, and Wolf Cop's producers should've thought twice about including them in the final cut.

For what it was, however, Wolf Cop was enjoyable and worthwhile. Despite attempting to have my reservations, I'm greatly looking forward to seeing the sequel. 7/10 stars, and I would watch it again.