jasonam Reviews

Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019)

A spectacle worthy of summer

[8/10 · 31 May 2019]

Traditionally, American adaptations of Godzilla tend to be light on the narrative and heavy on the monster. King of Monsters raises the bar in both regards, delivering a cliche yet digestible plot gloriously interwoven with some of the best special effects of the year. Indeed, the battles between the titular beast and his gargantuan rivals are simply breathtaking.

Aquaman (2018)

Rescuing the world with arms and attitude

[8/10 · 29 December 2018]

Comic-book hero Arthur Curry lives by his own rules, content to help the innocent and drink beer. When his half-brother Oram threatens the world with destruction, Arthur must confront an ancient legacy in order to become King of Atlantis and earn the mantle of Aquaman. A wild ride that's sure to impress, director James Wan's ability to balance action, story, and colorful characters delivers a solid tale about facing your destiny.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

A brutal mystery that demands reconciliation

[9/10 · 27 December 2018]

Two distantly connected outcasts who excel at unearthing secrets are bound by a twist of fate to discover a terrible secret. Masterfully directed by David Fincher and anchored by powerhouse performances from Rooney Mara and Daniel Craig, this film traverses dark territory yet remains undeniably compelling. Part mystery thriller, part family drama, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is truly unforgettable.

Ralph Breaks the Internet (2018)

Bright colors, confusing story

[6/10 · 3 December 2018]

After an accident at the arcade, Ralph and Venelope team up once again to explore the strange new world of the Internet in search of a solution. While undeniably well animated, Ralph Breaks the Internet fails to reach the comedic heights of its predecessor. Some of the jokes land, but most are mistimed or simply unfunny. The voice acting is also top notch, but the script scimps out on the most of the film's themes and characters in favor of a fun-size morality story.

The Revenant (I) (2015)

Nature proves a relentless adversary

[9/10 · 24 November 2018]

In the cold, unforgiving forests of North America, the dark deeds of a group of fur trappers come back to haunt them. A meditation on life and death, nature and humanity, The Revenant is a masterpiece of modern filmmaking. Beautifully scored, iconically shot and at times extremely violent, Iñárritu delivers the visceral experience of survival unlike any other film to date.

Overlord (2018)

A fresh take on the world's greatest invasion

[8/10 · 11 November 2018]

When a squad of paratroopers make a strange discovery on D-Day, the race against time becomes increasingly lethal. Armed with blistering action, gruesome violence and breakneck pacing, Overlord surpasses genre tropes to deliver a truly unique experience. Elevated by a well-rounded cast that keeps the audience engaged despite its high concept, Bad Robot produces yet another piece of quality entertainment.

Sand Castle (2017)

An exercise in futility

[7/10 · 8 October 2018]

After a small squad of soldiers is tasked with helping distribute water to an embattled town, a devastating series of consequences will change them forever. Shown from the perspective of a disillusioned private, Sand Castle is as much allegory as it is a retelling of actual events. While the main character does traverse an arc, the conclusion of this film may leave some viewers wanting something more satisfying.

Dunkirk (2017)

A stylistic take on history

[7/10 · 3 October 2018]

The film Dunkirk represents a unique amalgamation of Christopher Nolan's talents as a director. Forsaking his typical character-centric method for a far more technical approach, the production of this film utilized practical effects wherever possible (note the dogfighting scenes). While devoid of any real character development, Nolan's now traditional manipulation of time still manages to maintain a sense of immediacy and tension. Aided by Hans Zimmer's score and a genuine respect for the actual battle, Dunkirk is not Nolan's best work but nonetheless stands as an evocative study of honor and defeat.

War Horse (2011)

The beauty of perseverance

[8/10 · 22 September 2018]

When a horse of great beauty is forced into manual labor and then sold into military service, it and the boy who raised it must learn to survive. However, despite several intense battle scenes War Horse is a story of hope and devotion. Regardless of which country they fight for, those around Joey the Horse are compelled to see beyond themselves and the horrors of war. This film is yet another example of Spielberg's ability to convey heartfelt storytelling with a backdrop of harsh realism.

Southpaw (2015)

Rage turns to devotion

[7/10 · 18 September 2018]

When a champion's lust for violence leads to calamity, he must set aside his own desires to ensure his family survives. Even though Southpaw never quite reaches the Oscar-winning caliber of other boxing films, it still manages to stand on its own as a perfectly decent sports drama. Well directed and demonstrating (for those still in doubt) Jake Gyllenhaal's impressive acting range, the combination of brutality and emotion help outweigh an otherwise predictable plot.

8 Mile (2002)

Grinding through life one rhyme at a time

[8/10 · 15 September 2018]

In this fictional retelling of his own life, rapper Eminem stars at the main character in this gritty drama about pursuing a dream. Combining legendary hip-hop beats, strong performances and a documentary-like look at Detroit, 8 Mile feels genuine and heartfelt. At the same time, this film is symbolic of how the rap game began to change in the 1990s, and how one young man struggled to stand tall amidst the amateurs.

Coriolanus (2011)

Torn between pride and duty

[9/10 · 13 September 2018]

The consummate soldier is lauded for his achievements, but with praise comes new responsibilities that prove more trying than warfare. Based on William Shakespeare's play about a Roman general spurned by those he serves, Coriolanus is a surprisingly well-crafted directorial debut for lead actor Ralph Fiennes. Utilizing the original script while having the plot take place in the modern world may be difficult for some to digest, but at its core this film takes a serious look at the temptations of power.

Hotel Rwanda (2004)

The story of a good man

[8/10 · 8 September 2018]

Set during the Rawandan civil war, the consummate businessman has his world turned upside down. His actions will impact not just his family, but families from across the world. Featuring a career-defining performance from Don Cheadle, Hotel Rawanda highlights a singular moment of human triumph against a backdrop of atrocity.

The Man from Nowhere (2010)

A lost soul seeks restoration

[8/10 · 28 August 2018]

It doesn't take much to piece together a competent action flick, but this film goes the extra mile. Armed with an elaborate soundtrack, increasingly brutal action and a pair of powerful performances from Bin Won and Kim Sae-ron, The Man From Nowhere is a one-two punch worth remembering.

The King's Choice (2016)

A decently constructed period drama

[7/10 · 24 August 2018]

The story behind the fizzling of Norway's government in the days following Hitler's invasion may not be the most inspiring, but the humanity in Erik Poppe's direction allows The King's Choice to keep fresh and ring true. A number of remarkable performances (Jesper Christensen is particularly well cast) elevate this otherwise procedural film, allowing it to leave a distinct impression.

A War (2015)

Breaking down the conflict between decency and truth

[8/10 · 21 August 2018]

When a choice made on the battlefield haunts a Danish commander, the consequences extend to those around him. Carried by a powerhouse performance from Pilou Asbæk, "Krigen" is a human fable that delicately balances moments of quiet contemplation with sharp, wrenching emotion. The script is particularly strong and fully rounded out through Tobias Lindholm's realist direction.

Ready Player One (2018)

A modern marvel

[8/10 · 6 August 2018]

It takes a special director to make a film based on a novel that defies the conventions of reality. Through Spielberg's deft hand Ready Player One presents a colorful, exciting and strong story that may prove predictive of humanity's future. Soundtrack and special effects are standouts (per usual in this particular case).

Train to Busan (2016)

A bloody tragedy

[7/10 · 26 July 2018]

When a diverse group of citizens board a train the moment the apocalypse begins, lines between decency and survival quickly blur beyond recognition. Train to Busan may have all the hallmarks of classic zombie flicks, but its clear execution and vicious monsters keep it entertaining along with a handful of gruesomely memorable scenes.

The Equalizer 2 (2018)

A thriller with soul

[7/10 · 20 July 2018]

Building off of the mystique of the first film by widening its scope, The Equalizer 2 also manages to balance heart with its inherent brutality. Although the pacing is jumbled and plot somewhat generic, the punches still land and drive towards a fulfilling conclusion. Plus, with Denzel as your leading man it's hard to go wrong.

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)

You're in the jungle baby

[7/10 · 15 July 2018]

When it comes to out-of-body humor, Jumanji proves there's still some magic in the bottle. The chemistry between the film's cast is so electric that an otherwise predictable adventure for kids turns into a fun romp for the whole audience.

All Quiet on the Western Front (1979 TV Movie)

The fatality of ignorance

[8/10 · 15 July 2018]

When a graduating class of German schoolboys decide to join the army in the early years of WWI, each one must face the horrors of war in his own way. Tautly directed despite its long length, this adaptation respects its source and thus serves as a harrowing experience.

Shutter Island (2010)

Blurring the lines of the mind

[8/10 · 10 July 2018]

What begins as an austere investigation tale steadily descends into a dark realm of madness and deception. Not for the faint of heart, this film is another Scorsese touchstone; visually striking, musically haunting, conceptually intriguing, but overall an exercise in suspense.

Remember the Titans (2000)

Conquering division, on the field and at home

[8/10 · 2 July 2018]

Despite omitting certain historical details in order to expand its audience, Remember the Titans remains a powerful sports drama. With Denzel Washington as its anchor, the film's cast breathes life into the characters based on the real-life football team from Alexandria, Virginia. The true story is one of integrity, sacrifice, dedication, and ultimately respect; a story the filmmakers managed to honor without compromising its source.

Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018)

Estranged and dangerous

[8/10 · 30 June 2018]

When a covert mission goes wrong on the dirt roads of Mexico, two men from the world of black operations face difficult choices. A sequel that is both stylistically loyal yet narratively unique to its predecessor, Day of the Soldado offers the audience a clever and intense thriller.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)

Meeting through magic

[7/10 · 25 June 2018]

Bright, colorful, and youthful, The Sorcerer's Stone is the solid opening all film franchises seek to strike. Balancing its three main characters while immersing the audience in the "anything is possible" realm of Hogwarts, the result is a charming childhood tale.