leo_bfg Reviews

The Matrix Resurrections (I) (2021)

Kind of a clever premise ... which ends up being a bad rip-off of the original & best movie

[5/10 · 16 September 2023]

Such an inferior knock off of the 1st movie ... that it even has complete reproductions of key scenes from the original movie & ending scene & end credits song ... but worse. If there are no real new ideas, why make this sequel? Much much better idea to watch the 1st movie.

I knew this wouldn't be that good based on the 2nd (the worst) and the 3rd film, and the pretty negative reviews. However as this was free on Amazon Prime Video, I couldn't help myself. Darn nostalgia gets me every time.

At least it proves 1 thing: they should never have made any sequels because the first film was perfection.

Blade Runner: Black Lotus (2021–2022)

Right ingredients but slow boring with poor animation

[5/10 · 25 May 2022]

Right ingredients but really slow boring with lifeless unconvincing animation. A chore to get through. I only managed partway through episode 4. Actors' voices aren't convincing - either lacking in emotion or a caricature.

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

A real work of genius in my eyes

[10/10 · 15 May 2022]

Possibly the best film I've seen & I've seen many. So much is going on from kung fu ballets, multiverse story, NSFW visual jokes yet emotionally deep & engaging. A real work of genius in my eyes. If only I could give it 11/10.

Wonder Woman: Bloodlines (2019)

Truly awful dialogue / script. Usually I have a sizeable tolerance for these things but the script is so bad, the plot is so illogical that the actors struggle

[2/10 · 14 April 2020]

Truly awful dialogue / script. Usually I have a sizeable tolerance for these things but the script is so bad, the plot is so illogical that the actors can only provide a flat performance. Not a patch on the first animated movie or the live action movie. Very disappointing, especially considering the talent involved. Worst DC Animated movie I've seen.

Inuyashiki (2017)

Fantastic & fudged up!

[10/10 · 27 December 2017]

It's fantastic, fudged up, free (on Amazon Prime Video). Slow burner then it rockets!

Not for kids or anyone who can't handle some very adult themes. Minimum 18 years old, really

The Promise (2005)

Solid Popcorn Blockbuster Fare

[6/10 · 21 October 2006]

I have not seen the US version, but I thought it was good popcorn fun. The story was unexpectedly intricate although it did have many mainstream mainstays (gotta love that alliteration), like the mistaken identity of lovers. It was good fantasy fun with some exemplary visuals. I even got emotional at the end but I'm a sucker for this soppy stuff. There were some genuinely touching moments as well as some cringe-worthy ones, but what the heck, it's good old fashioned Chinese cheesy melodrama with gorgeous visuals (and some laughable ones), so you'll either love that or hate it. I loved it, but I can understand those who do not. I'd imagine those who do not have my background (British-born Chinese) who would find it more difficult to identify with this type of cinema.

The main actor who played the slave was understated and I loved that. The bad guy was pure melodramatic cheese which was silly as was his explanation of why he doesn't trust women. Trashy but fun.

Please stop comparisons to Hero (brilliant), Crouching Tiger (amazing) and LOTR (epic). The acting in this movie is not that good, but nor is it meant to be. Think of it as ... I can't think of a Western equivalent - possibly a cross between one of the later Lethal Weapons and some typical Chinese fantasy film.

This will not convert those who do not enjoy Chinese fantasy fare but it should please those that do & recognise its limitations.

Gregory's Two Girls (1999)

Pointless with funny moments but zero endings

[2/10 · 26 February 2006]

As one of the few commentators not to have seen the 1st film, I found this to be a very disappointing movie.

Yes, it has a funny awkward type of humour if you can bear the (highly) morally dubious premise. However, it fails abysmally in the important areas.

There is thin and nonsensical plot line involving Gordon Sinclair's generous friend who may or may not be entwined in a conspiracy to supply dangerous electronics to Third World countries - possibly in free computers ... or possibly not. Vague, long-winded and inconclusive. The lack of any substantial ending is so infuriating and what is present is pompous and wholly illogical. The film feels half-finished.

Suspension of disbelief is extremely difficult when witnessing a very attractive female teacher (Maria Doyle Kennedy) can be drawn to Gordon Sinclair's unimpressive character, especially when he fends off her advances. Laughable. It worsens later in the film when he achieves his romantic ambitions then throws it all away for some ideals based on very little evidence of ambiguous value.

Not many films leave me feeling cheated, but I felt my time was stolen.