r96sk Reviews

The Dead Don't Hurt (2023)

Didn't deliver for me personally.

[5/10 · 13 June 2024]

I almost warmed to it by its conclusion, but I don't think I can describe 'The Dead Don't Hurt' as anything that I rate well.

I found no interest in anything that was onscreen, disappointingly. The story failed to grab me and the characters that portray it aren't at a good standard either, in my opinion of course. Vicky Krieps does her best and is probably the movie's standout. I do like Garret Dillahunt, albeit from other performances from his career - which seems to be seeing him typecast in these sorta roles, which is a bit of a shame.

Pre-watch, I wanted to enjoy this - westerns can be a lot of fun, especially on the big screen - but this just didn't deliver for me personally.

Cocaine Bear (2023)

Largely bores.

[6/10 · 13 June 2024]

Some good death sequences aside, 'Cocaine Bear' largely bores.

I do like how many of the characters go out, in ways that are quite creative in fairness. The rest of the 95 minutes though? Underwhelming. There are a few minorly amusing moments scattered in there, though for the majority it kinda just meanders through its run time; whilst watching, I could feel myself losing interest fairly regularly throughout.

The cast didn't do anything for me, either. Keri Russell and Brooklynn Prince are alright, though they and the rest don't provide anything worth remembering. They, naturally, aren't assisted well by the rest of the movie, the comedy is quite weak and the characters aren't made all that intriguing.

It just has enough about it that I can see it working for some viewers in terms of mindless entertainment. I'm all for flicks that do that, but this one didn't really work me personally.

Dolemite Is My Name (2019)

Terrific!

[9/10 · 13 June 2024]

'Dolemite Is My Name' is terrific!

I did find the opening 30-40 minutes to be lesser, still perfectly good but just nothing all that noteworthy. However, the following 60-80 minutes is top notch, I found it thoroughly entertaining. Eddie Murphy is great fun, while Da'Vine Joy Randolph stars behind the aforementioned. Wesley Snipes is amusing too.

Gotta check out the original Dolemite movie at some point, intrigued to see how it'll translate as a film on its own footing. This 2019 flick portrays the making of that 1975 flick in very enjoyable fashion. The pacing is perfection and the comedic elements are certainly humorous. Well worth watching.

Luther: The Fallen Sun (2023)

Give me that sequel!

[9/10 · 12 June 2024]

Love the series, now I love the film.

Took me way too long to get this watched, been on my immediate watchlist ever since its release well over a year ago; in fairness, I was avoiding Netflix due to their prices, but got a good deal with 'em atm. This is classed as a crime thriller and it certainly thrilled me, I had a great time with it. Really enjoyed seeing the story come together.

Sometimes these sorta movies show 'the event' super early on and just drag out the cat and mouse 'when will they catch them' act for pretty much the whole run time. Now, don't get me wrong, of course it is a cat and mouse thing of sorts still, but I rate how there are events constantly throughout which keeps elevating the threat; the plot always felt fresh to me whilst viewing, which is a major plus.

Given I'm a big fan of the television show that this follows, it is no surprise to say that Idris Elba is one of my favourite actors - the guy is phenomenal, I won't hear otherwise. He is fantastic all the way through 'Luther: The Fallen Sun'. Away from the lead, Andy Serkis is menacingly excellent, they sure made his character the worst of the worst! Cynthia Erivo and Dermot Crowley lead the rest very well.

Give me that sequel!

Atlas (2024)

Overall, I liked this.

[8/10 · 12 June 2024]

Better than expected!

I saw one or two still images from 'Atlas' in the lead up to watching it and I wasn't getting good vibes. Happily, I actually really enjoyed this 2024 movie - another reason to not judge a book by its cover and all that. Of course, it is nothing near perfection and has a couple of issues, e.g. A slightly overlong run time and an underwhelming villain, though overall I liked this.

I do tend to enjoy seeing Jennifer Lopez, looking at the films I've viewed her in (nine titles with this one) she hasn't let me down yet; this is another showing worth watching, in my eyes at least. As noted, elsewhere Simu Liu's antagonist is forgettable. That isn't all his fault, his performance could've perhaps been better but it's more so the way the character is made to act visually that facilitates the dullness.

I'd recommend this, though a quick look around on the usual movie sites suggests that isn't a commonly held belief. Shrugs.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008)

It's a good film - and one that is distressingly unforgettable.

[8/10 · 11 June 2024]

Not convinced this is a greatly made movie, but it sure does pack a punch!

'The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas' makes for good viewing for the majority, though that ending really is quite something - startling in fact, and that's even with me sensing it. The aforementioned is because, as well as the way the film builds in general, I'm pretty certain I watched this at high school; just not sure if it was snippets or the whole thing, the fence scenes are the only ones I vaguely recall seeing.

The low acting level of the youngsters did take me out a bit, no dislike to Asa Butterfield and Jack Scanlon, obviously, but they aren't the best. Though they aren't helped by the dialogue for them, which doesn't feel natural at all. It's written in a way that is simply to tell the viewer about what's happening. The adult actors are great, though. Vera Farmiga stands out, though David Thewlis, Rupert Friend and David Hayman merit a mention too.

All in all, it's a good film - and one that is distressingly unforgettable thanks to that one moment.

Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult (1994)

Weakest of the trilogy, though fair amusement is still produced.

[7/10 · 10 June 2024]

'Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult' is the weakest of the trilogy, though fair amusement is still produced.

Leslie Nielsen is so good in the lead role that I don't think it's really possible for these films to drag, at least alongside the decent gags and short run time. Admittedly this third entry does meander a tad, though my interest in events never waned into negative territory. The ending is the strongest part, that facepalm scene (which I knew of before) is gold.

Overall, this is a good franchise. I'm quite looking forward to hopefully checking out Liam Neeson in the 2025 remake, as long as the writing is suitable I think he can absolutely make it work.

The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear (1991)

Not as good as the first time, but...

[7/10 · 9 June 2024]

Not as good as the first time, but 'The Naked Gun 2½: The Smell of Fear' still delivers enough entertainment.

Leslie Nielsen remains brilliant as Lieutenant Frank Drebin, such a fun character to see him portray. George Kennedy and Priscilla Presley do well, while Richard Griffiths and, slightly less so, Robert Goulet are positive newcomers. I will say that I don't think the comedy is as strong in this one, the gags in particular seem a little more in your face with additional winks and nudges.

Still a good time, though. Now to find out what 'Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult' had to offer...

The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (1988)

Leslie Nielsen kills it in the lead role!

[8/10 · 9 June 2024]

'The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!' is very well done. Amusing viewing!

Leslie Nielsen kills it in the lead role, I hear that Liam Neeson is doing the remake next year and, you know what, I can see it. O. J. Simpson and Priscilla Presley are quite the interesting other cast members, while George Kennedy is a good fit for his role alongside Nielsen. Ricardo Montalbán works well too.

I do like this sorta dry slapstick comedy, where the gags are constantly scattered throughout without being overtly pointed out by those onscreen. I also prefer this to "ZAZ"'s work from eight years prior in 'Airplane!', I'd say this one has better humour and a better story to accompany it.

I hope the sequels were as good!

Red, White & Royal Blue (2023)

They make it work.

[7/10 · 8 June 2024]

Everything about 'Red, White & Royal Blue' screams bad movie, yet somehow it manages to make itself watchable.

I've not entirely sure how, as there honestly isn't one element of it that I'd class as absolutely good. The run time is too long, the acting is just OK, the story is (or should be, I guess) lousy and the dialogue is genuinely terrible, like toe-curlingly so. It, too, has the cheap feel of a Hallmark-esque film, well without that company's obligatory straightness, obvs. However, there's no doubting they make it work.

I haven't got anything more to add, doing so would just be listing further reasons why this should suck but, evidently, doesn't. Pardon (the turkey?...) the pun btw. ;)

Hit Man (2023)

'Hit Man' is fun!

[9/10 · 8 June 2024]

'Hit Man' is fun!

Glen Powell and Adria Arjona team up to form a strong acting chemistry, I enjoyed seeing them both feature all the way through - two great performances. On the note of the cast, good to see Austin Amelio appear; I like that guy from his 'The Walking Dead' days.

This movie is paced very well, the two hour run time did not feel of that length at all. It holds an interesting and fairly amusing plot, one brought to life by everyone involved on and off screen very nicely. It's goofy in certain ways, though that is only a positive to be honest. I also thought it was going to end slightly differently, but again that's not a negative.

This Is the End (2013)

It is just not one I can say I liked, all things considered.

[6/10 · 7 June 2024]

Mediocre middle hinders.

'This Is the End' adds some uniqueness alongside the standard apocalyptic fare, the mass cameos are amusing and the fact that the characters are playing exaggerated versions of themselves is a good touch. The apocalypse elements are done well enough, though the bits at the start are where it peaks.

The middle of this movie dragged a fair bit for me, I didn't really find it all that comical; the beginning, again, has the most amusement, as well as a fun end piece featuring that Floridian boyband. This is based upon a short film, so I guess it was always likely to feature lull moments - after all, Seth Rogen type flicks do tend to play off quite thin premises anyway.

Speaking of Rogen, he doesn't actually stand out that much here, surprisingly. To be honest, none of the cast really do all that much, come to think of it. I wouldn't even say there is a star performer onscreen, which is disappointing given the big names involved.

All in all, not necessarily a terrible picture but it is just not one I can say I liked, all things considered.

The Watchers (I) (2024)

Holds some promise with its premise, though unfortunately it never really clicks into gear.

[5/10 · 7 June 2024]

A real disappointment.

'The Watchers' holds some promise with its premise, though unfortunately it never really clicks into gear - in my opinion, at least. In fact, the longer it went on the more bored I felt whilst watching. I was waiting for the arrival of the end credits, which I thought were coming after 'the event' seemingly ends... yet the film still goes on for a little while yet.

No-one on the cast did anything that could save this, either. Olwen Fouéré is decent, her character starts off fairly interestingly but by the conclusion I didn't really care for her either. The only positive I have for this 2024 flick is the score, which actually is quite good. Aside from that, this Ishana Night Shyamalan directorial debut underwhelmed me a lot, sadly.

Sting (2024)

Sufficed for me

[7/10 · 6 June 2024]

Good viewing.

'Sting' gave me what I desired, albeit without properly enthralling me at any point. It's a well done horror flick, I do prefer these sorta ones where it is more the characters getting unsettled rather than the audience with cheap jump scares etc. The run time of around 90 minutes is astutely chosen, also.

The cast are positives. Alyla Browne produces a sturdy showing, while Ryan Corr is good too. The likes of Penelope Mitchell and Jermaine Fowler support nicely. Robyn Nevin's Gunter character was the only I didn't really rate. Away from them, the effects for the spider are effective, I like how it changes throughout.

There perhaps could've been some more fun had with the kills, though what is there sufficed for me to be honest.

Just My Luck (2006)

It narrowly did enough for me to enjoy it.

[7/10 · 6 June 2024]

'Just My Luck' runs a little thin, but it narrowly did enough for me to enjoy it.

Lindsay Lohan and Chris Pine don't, in my opinion, share as much onscreen chemistry as is generally needed for a romcom, though they are both likeable and produce solid enough performances that I was happy to watch them act throughout. It's amusing seeing McFly - a very good band, back then at least - billed as "Introducing..." given UK audiences would've 100% known who they were at the time of release.

The movie does get a bit repetitive as the plot is, as noted, extremely simple, but again there's just about enough in there that I had a positive time watching.

Spring (1969)

I personally didn't really click with this 1970 Estonian picture.

[6/10 · 6 June 2024]

'Spring' is a decent watch, if nothing all that more.

I personally didn't really click with this 1970 Estonian picture. I imagine that has a lot to do with the fact that I am, indeed, not Estonian and/or not from this sorta era, as it is a movie that is heavily nostalgia-driven. I will say that it is well made for its time, at least. The main reason for my lack of connection, aside from the aforementioned, is actually the main characters, both those portraying and being portrayed.

I found the kids quite annoying, all of them in fact; especially the more, eh, 'emotional' ones. The flick does go for the 'kids will be kids' angle, but even so I don't think they needed be quite so irritating. The actors aren't the best either, though I can look past that without the noted issue. The adult actors are the better cast members.

As somewhat of a completionist, I now feel the need to check out the three sequels; which, interestingly, were released in 1976, 1990 and 2020; ought to make for an interesting time capsule of sorts through Estonia's recent movie decades.

Debbas (2014)

Given I didn't dislike watching it I can't really say it's anything worth filing under 'bad'

[6/10 · 5 June 2024]

Not a good movie, though honestly it kept me watching.

'Debbas' is an evidently low-budget film out of Eritrea, one that I actually think does a better job than expected, relatively speaking. It does at least attempt something above ordinary, which I respect. The effects used for the titular character are effective enough, albeit not high quality.

Awet Abraha is a decent lead, while Rusom Kibri certainly commits to his role. Those elsewhere are all fine, none of which took me out of events onscreen via their acting ability. The pacing is alright too, I wasn't ever bored or longing for the credits. Of course, there are many, many improvements to be made, but I think there's a watchable story in there.

Honestly, for what it is, I'm cool with this movie. Most definitely not able to be classed as 'good', though given I didn't dislike watching it I can't really say it's anything worth filing under 'bad' either.

American Fiction (2023)

There are a range of emotions to be felt throughout.

[10/10 · 4 June 2024]

Great movie!

This only solidifies my desire to view more, if not all, of Jeffrey Wright's filmography, such a fantastic actor to watch. In this he is no different, he is outstanding all the way through. Not that he is by any means the only strong performer, because Sterling K. Brown is also superb. Tracee Ellis Ross and Leslie Uggams impress, too.

There are a range of emotions to be felt throughout, the film entwines humour into events supremely well - it's much more amusing than I was expecting, especially given what happens early on. The latter is part of the sadness that constantly rears its head as well. No matter what, though, it is all seamlessly put together onscreen.

One scene in particular actually had me welling up, which is extremely rare for me; mentioned it before, unimportant long story short: I can't help but look at movies as fiction, so my brain just doesn't associate real physical emotions with films. Anyway, the scene is with Cliff (Brown) and Lorraine (Myra Lucretia Taylor). Proper touching!

Every now and then a film manages to break through! Probably a character flaw and all that but it is what it is. Fwiw, proof of the rarity is that the only other time I remember a film making me well up for real was, randomly, 2014's 'Two Days, One Night' a few years back with an (relatively) equally non-major scene with Timur Magomedgadzhiev. 2022's 'The Whale' did come very close, mind!

Back on track... I remember hearing positives about 'American Fiction' when it came out and thankfully it delivered; 'twas unfortunate that it didn't line-up with me to watch it at the cinema on release, though. But hey, I belatedly have it logged. A quality picture!

Paradox (II) (2018)

One to avoid.

[4/10 · 2 June 2024]

Bizarre. Barely a movie.

Nothing much to say about 'Paradox', the above says enough. I will note that the music and, particularly, the visuals are actually quite good, the latter is basically what kept me watching - along with the 73 minute run time, which admittedly doesn't drag as much as it ought to. The plot is extremely thin and the acting isn't the best. One to avoid.

/// the cast includes Neil Young Lukas Nelson Micah Nelson Corey McCormick Anthony LoGerfo Tato Melgar Willie Nelson Dave Snowbear Toms Charris Ford Robert Schmoo Schmid Tim Gooch Lougee Dulcie Clarkson Ford Alexandra Dascala.

Kick-Ass 2 (2013)

I wanted to enjoy this but I honestly didn't.

[6/10 · 1 June 2024]

Properly underwhelming.

'Kick-Ass 2' isn't a bad film in and of itself, it just feels like a serious miscue on all counts - or perhaps I was just expecting something different. In my eyes, I feel like this plot is the type you do for the original movie in a series - not the sequel. It's a character-building story, whereas I think with a follow-up it needs to be a greater continuation.

It's also nowhere near as entertaining. 'Kick-Ass' has a lot of fun and knows it, this just disappoints as it aims for something more sincere - which didn't quite work, for me. Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Chloë Grace Moretz felt off it too, at least in comparison to last time out.

Jim Carrey feels wasted, this is probably his most forgettable performance that I've seen - and I've seen alot of Carrey's work. It is at least a showing of slightly different ilk compared to his usual schtick, I guess. Olga Kurkulina plays a good character though, while Iain Glen makes himself known in a tiny role. Elsewhere, there are annoying (albeit minor) recasts, always a pet hate of mine.

In conclusion, I wanted to enjoy this but I honestly didn't. Feels like a missed opportunity.

Kick-Ass (2010)

What a great near two hours this is!

[9/10 · 1 June 2024]

A blast!

What a great near two hours this is! 'Kick-Ass' is a fantastic superhero movie, one that doesn't take itself seriously and that is actually the biggest compliment I can make. It's such a fun movie! That isn't its only strength though, there are some awesome action sequences and the costumes, albeit silly, are great.

Aaron (Taylor-)Johnson is a terrific choice of lead, this is the best work I've seen from that guy thus far - up there with his amusing performance in 2022's 'Bullet Train'. The same could be said for Chloë Grace Moretz, who is equally as brilliant. She brings the character of Hit-Girl (arguably should've been her movie tbh) to life incredibly well, suiting both the comedy and the superhero elements.

Nicolas Cage is entertaining too, in a role that is undoubtedly right up his alley. That opening scene with him and Moretz is very fun. Everyone onscreen does worthy work, the standout being Mark Strong - a welcomed staple (among others) of director Matthew Vaughn's filmography, of course.

Hopefully the sequel didn't disappoint.

American Pie Presents: Girls' Rules (2020 Video)

Surprisingly, given how languid this film is throughout, the cast actually aren't a problem of the movie's.

[3/10 · 31 May 2024]

Ah, that was painful!

Granted, any movie from this franchise that doesn't involve the main bunch is always going to struggle. The other four releases without Jason Biggs & Co. Are hit-and-miss, I liked two and disliked two to be specific. I remember thinking 'American Pie Presents: The Book of Love' was particularly bad, yet somehow this 2020 release has managed to drop the bar even lower.

On paper an 'American Pie' flick from the girls' perspective, rather than the boys', sounds cool and I could see that working well with creativity and effort attributed. Unfortunately, what's produced here is awful - from pretty much the very first few scenes. For a 90min movie, this dragged hard! I'm not sure who it's made for either, I can't see it's supposed demographic gaining anything from it; nor the general audience of this series.

Surprisingly, given how languid this film is throughout, the cast actually aren't a problem of the movie's, like at all. The acting standard is, at worst, decent, but sadly for them they are given absolutely zero to work with. Madison Pettis, Sara Rue and Lizze Broadway are solid. The latter is a relation of the Stifler, for no real reason, mind you. Oh, and Danny Trejo is in this... well, kinda. He bizarrely just lingers in the background of a few scenes, literally.

'American Pie Presents: Girls' Rules' could've been good made-for-DVD fluff. In actuality it is the definition of utter rubbish. An extract from Wikipedia sums it up, really: "It is the first film in the franchise to not feature Eugene Levy and also the first to contain no nudity".

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)

Chris Hemsworth is outstanding!

[8/10 · 31 May 2024]

I enjoyed 'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga', which is a rightful addition to the 'Mad Max' franchise.

I personally would say that the run time is way too long, like this does not need to be a 2hr 20min+ movie. With that said, I still got the desired amount of entertainment from this 2024 flick. Chris Hemsworth is outstanding, easily the most I've wanted to see a character onscreen from this series; he fits the role perfectly.

Anya Taylor-Joy puts in a very good showing as well, her character doesn't say much so a lot of the performance is reliant on her visual emotions - which Taylor-Joy portrays on point. The rest of the cast are on the same level to me, all support the show well without rising near the lead two; similar-ish story for the whole franchise, in truth.

Visually the movie looks cracking, while the action matches prior installments in providing the vast majority of what makes these films so worth the watch. This prequel/spin-off is one I'd put in the top bracket from this series, it's up there with 'Mad Max: Fury Road' - which does just slightly edge ahead.

T2 Trainspotting (2017)

I appreciate both films, albeit in different ways.

[9/10 · 31 May 2024]

A rather good sequel!

'T2 Trainspotting' is exactly what I expected it to be. Turns out, it was also exactly what I wanted it to be. I thought it was great! I mentioned in my review of the original that I didn't like the characters, at all. Whilst that is indeed the case for that film, in this follow-up it does a grand job at making you care for the main bunch more; well, aside from Franco but we don't talk about Franco.

It probably is missing out on as much substance (pardon the pun), if only when compared to the 1996 flick, but evidently I'd argue it makes up for that with improved (harsh/wrong choice of word, perhaps) characterization. Even though I only watched the other movie for the first time a mere few hours prior, it was still cracking to see Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller and Robert Carlyle back together in their respective roles - aged 'n all.

I appreciate both films, albeit in different ways. This one I actually 'properly' enjoyed, whereas before it was more an appreciation of how effectively it was told. Terrific productions either way, really.

Trainspotting (1996)

'Trainspotting' does have plenty to say - and boy does it portray it!

[9/10 · 30 May 2024]

Not the most enthralling, but 'Trainspotting' does have plenty to say - and boy does it portray it!

There are particularly strong performances from Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner and Robert Carlyle. I didn't like watching the bunch of characters given how severely unlikeable they are. Of course, that is very much the intention so it's a credit to the actors and the filmmakers at how convincing it all is. The humour is weaker than expected, perhaps due to the horrors of the plot taking centre stage.

Their struggles are showed in a heavy manner, to the point I did feel uncomfortable seeing them do their thing. I do feel post-watch that I'm missing something from it in regards to being able to appreciate it higher, I can't shake that feeling. That's probably the only negative at nailing the realness so much, you miss out on other bits to enjoy about a film; or at least to me.

Cool to see this on the big screen, mind. I think it's the first movie I've ever watched at the cinema that isn't a contemporary release. I evidently hadn't seen this before so thought what better way to watch it for the opening time! Now for the sequel (albeit back in the doldrums of home release!😁).