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Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)
A Great Story
It has been quite some time since I have watched a Fantasy movie. The special effects in creating a world of mythical characters engaged in the battle of good versus evil was impressive. Although the main band including Chris Pine (Edgin), Michelle Rodriguez (Holga), Justice Smith (Simon) and Sophia Lillis (Doric) had little cosmetic change if any to become their characters, many of the remaining characters were presented as a variety of creatures. Sophia Lillis was a Druid, so she did have special ears and would at time morph into various creatures.
It was a fun movie with a story that fit a fantasy world. The comedy or one liners dropped by Chris Pine kept it light throughout. A great popcorn movie!
John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)
Non Stop Action
This latest chapter of the John Wick saga once again doesn't lack in action sequences. Keanu Reeves (John Wick) brings his incredible ability to stave off hundreds of thugs to reach a climactic showdown with the Marquis (Bill Skarsgard). In a movie like this the storyline is simple, and with the amount of time devoted to action scenes, there is not enough time to develop a deep plot.
Ian McShane (Winston) appears in the movie once again, and always raises those around him with his incredible acting ability.
This is a top notch action movie that will keep your eyes glued to the tv for the entire 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Hypnotic (2023)
High Paced with Twists
The movie begins immediately with the abduction of Danny Rourke's (Ben Affleck) daughter and the action intensifies from there. When William Fichtner enters into the movie, I instantly knew who the antihero was going to be. Fichtner has historically taken on bad guy roles over the years and excels in those roles. As Levi Dellrayne he once again brings the hate out of you.
Throughout the movie there are many plot twists and the action is none stop. Although the story moves quickly, it is not hard to identify what the problem is and who are villainous and who are not. Nothing will jolt you out of your chair, but you will walk away fully entertained.
Those Who Wish Me Dead (2021)
Top Notch Action
The best part about this movie is the story and scenes are all believable. Finn Little (Connor) plays his role to the highest level. Throughout the movie he was a typical boy who had to navigate challenges, trust strangers and deal with the flurry of emotions about the terrifying events that were occurring. Not once did he seem out of character of a boy that age.
Angelina Jolie (Hannah) and Jon Bernthal (Ethan) who are both fantastic action movie actors with a ton of experience don't disappoint in their respective roles in the movie. It is a movie that gives you a few jolt, but really gets you pulling for the good guys. Loved it!
Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)
Locked In for the Entire Story
Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro star in the epic story of American life in the 1920's. Martin Scorsese selects the Osage Nation to bring awareness of the challenging relationship between the First Nations people and the European settlers in a riveting script.
Although the movie is lengthy, it is required to provide justice to the interconnected storylines of the characters. Lily Gladstone (Mollie) was amazing throughout the movie. An actress I had never seen in any other productions I have watched, but nailed her role to perfection.
If you have the time and want to be completely entertained, while also learning about the struggles of acceptance by the First Nations in a white man's society, it is a good choice.
The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)
Colin Farrell Acting at it's Best
This movie came across in my recommendations but was not anything similar to what I normally watch. I stuck with it, trying to determine what the deep message was to be. Before to long, it was evident at how talented Colin Farrell is as an actor. In this Irish story, Farrell brings his natural heritage to light. The pace seems slow, but all of a sudden the climactic moments we're occurring. Brendan Gleeson has a memorable role throughout the movie. Although it wasn't my typical choice of movie, I was pleasantly surprised at how I was drawn into the story. It is an award winning type of movie for Farrell.
Machine Gun Preacher (2011)
Not What Expected
Possibly the #1 movie I watched this year. Made in 2011, I found it in my action movie search, however it was so much more an inspirational movie. I hadn't read any reviews (as I normally do) and just pushed play. It had been on my watchlist for quite some time, as I am a big Gerard Butler fan. The story of Sam Childers (played by Gerard Butler) really makes you reflect on the challenges you face in your own life. Nothing can compare to what Sam overcame to become such a devoted leader of hope for the children of Sudan. Not many movies have I walked away from both entertained, but also inspired. Fantastic movie. Can't believe it is based on true events and that it took me 12 years to watch it!
The Equalizer 3 (2023)
Saved by Denzel
Being a huge Denzel Washington fan, The Equalizer 3 gets a 7 because he brings his acting prowess to a story that is lacking compared to the first two movies. The story has extreme potential, but is rushed. Character development is not deep, and there are three stories trying to unfold. Washington plays the Robert McCall character as well as he has in the previous two Equalizer movies leaving you remembering how well he has developed a following for the Equalizer franchise. Writing of the movie is problematic. Guilty of trying to touch the surface on too much. A good movie, but not as good as the first two.
Glass Onion (2022)
Benoit Blanc Returns
If you were a fan of Knives Out, you will also enjoy the sequel Glass Onion. Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) returns with his ability to identify and question the actions and words by all those suspected of potential involvement in another murderous plot. Having watched this movie the day after watching Knives Out, I recognized how well Daniel Craig has created a character that won't ever equal James Bond, but has a unique personality that can only be played with justice by Craig himself. The only fault with this murder mystery movie compared to the first is some of the supporting cats, although of higher profile then the first movie, don't seem to fit as well. Otherwise a great mystery movie to watch!
Knives Out (2019)
Nice Old Fashion Mystery
Detective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) does a tremendous job as the new Detective Hercule Poirot from the Agatha Christie stories. The movie is a refreshing return to the roots of a mystery. Twists, turn and a "red herring" to give you pause for thought. The cast fits all roles perfectly and storylines are developed well enough to make you question each character throughout the movie. For anyone who remembers the old school Agatha Christie movie or even books, this is a must watch. For those who are looking for a movie that challenges you to solve the oysters before Benoit Blanc does, this is the movie for you. Highly recommended!
Vh1 When Metal Ruled the World (2004)
Quick Synopsis of the rise of Metal Music
VH1 documentaries always contained excellent interviews and video footage. This one was no different. There was coverage of many of the hard rock and metal bands that rose to fame during the early to late 80's. Certain bands like Motley Crüe, Guns N' Roses and Poison are focused on more which makes sense because they started on the Hollywood Sunset Strip. Following the story of these bands but also including mentions of bands like RATT, Dokken, Skid Row, etc makes any 80's Metal music fan have a connection. Only knock is that some of the events mentioned in the documentary I would have liked to have been expanded on. Guess that will steer me towards further documentaries. Great work VH1.
The Last 24 Hours: Prince (2019)
A Worthwhile Hour
This documentary provides a general overview of the career and unfortunate events relating to the tragic death of Prince. The timeline is easy to follow, with some information on the character of the artist Prince and suggestions of what led to his passing. The footage from early moments (BET interview) was terrific, but there was a need for more. Some of the footage was replayed way to often throughout the documentary. For example, the video of his hands and cufflinks. Those interviewed during the doc provide valuable insight into their interpretation of the events surrounding Prince's death and the personal battles he had throughout his life. It was a worthwhile hour of my time watching this documentary.
The Pale Blue Eye (2022)
Superb presentation
Everything in this movie works. The acting, the plot, the screenplay and overall presentation makes this a movie that must be watched. Christian Bale is again on top of his game as an actor who can assume and deliver as any character in any role. The story takes you on a ride, as you try and solve the mystery on your own. The red herring does not come into play until the later part of the movie but is effective. Screen effects complimented the setting, putting the viewer in the period in which the story was taking place. A movie that will take some thinking and 2 glasses of wine for full enjoyment!
Cymbeline (2014)
A pleasant surprise!
Knowing that this review is an anomaly compared to the many others, I too was feeling like it was not as expected when I sat down to watch. The acting is fantastic and it is important to watch through a Shakespearean lens. Ultimately, the story follows that of the Hamlet story, but with a 20th century twist. There is action, violence, and issues interwoven, however not unchanged, from the same as those Renaissance years. The score is effective and filming is dynamic. A movie that brings the grade 12 English studies program right out of you. I would recommend to expect something more theatrical and have an open mind when you watch, but "do" watch, and enjoy!
Enemy (2013)
Locked In
The movie is a bit dark, but has a nice pace. Some movies take me days to complete. Not in this case. I was "locked-in" until it ended. Jake Gyllenhaal demonstrates an incredible ability to develop two different characters deeply. Left the film with a big question mark with the final scene. Great movie.