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Extraction (2020)
A lot of police officer's kids lost their dad that day
This movie is great at what it is - a brutal violent action movie. Brilliant, John Wick style choreography, and some ingenious shooting techniques you haven't seen before. The plot is as thin as a razor, and it draws blood wherever it can.
What really bugs me however is the poor choice of "villains". Hemsworth and Hooda mow their way through literally scores of regular police officers. Sure, the Dhaka police is shown as corrupt, taking orders from a mafiosi, but they are not *all* corrupt, right? At least some of them are just there to do their job, protecting the civil order of Dhaka, trying to take down two psychopathic killers and their paramilitary friends. Even in a not-so-black-and-white world, they are clearly not the bad guys. And yet, the movie expects me to feel pity for those two psychopaths instead? That bugged the hell out of me and really took me out of the movie. Especially towards the end. Tyler Rake is *no* hero.
Seriously. Next time, if you're going for a mindless, bloody action flic with a body count in the hundreds, you got to make a better choice of who is gunned down by your heroes. Make them criminals, aliens, orcs, nazis, or some other comically evil army of soldiers who attack sovereign neighboring countries and murder innocent civilians. Is that too much to ask?
Maybe then your movie will get the better rating it otherwise would have deserved.
Memory (2022)
Not boring
There are literally hundreds of movies with this kind of "aging hitman redemption" plot, so every time I watch one, there's a big chance that it will bore me out of my mind. Up to the point where I'm seriously asking myself *why* I keep coming back for more.
I guess its because every once in a while comes along a little gem like "Memory," with a gripping plotline, good characters, and at least one or two real surprises along the way. Granted, it didn't keep me on the edge of my seat, but it kept me engaged from start to finish.
So, if you are like me a sucker for those hitman redemption movies, here's one you might actually enjoy for a change.
Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)
Good to be here.
There is a universe with a better version of this movie, but this one is good enough.
If you haven't watched this movie, you're just that version of yourself.
If you did watch this movie, and it opened some of your eyes, good for you.
Now do what you do.
The Lost City (2022)
Worthy of your time
If you this kind of movie, you will be in for a treat. It's witty, funny, like all the classics its based on.
That said, I am astonished by the utter lameness of the title. The Lost City? Seriously, who came up with this absolute nonstarter? Do they *want* this movie to fail?!
There are online movie title generators you could use that would provide you with a hundred better options in less than a minute.
Boss Level (2020)
Hidden Gem
This movie is so much better than you would ever believe.
If you took it apart and looked at each part individually, you might find out why it excels where so many others fail horribly.
Synchronic (2019)
I am growing fond of this movie
The more I think about this movie, the more I like it. I started out at a 7, now I am at an 8, so as a foresight, I'm giving it a 9.
But I'd agree that it's not for everyone.
Ready or Not (2019)
Perfectly Dark Comedy
Obviously a matter of taste, but if you like dark humor, then you shouldn't miss out on this movie. Thoroughly entertaining from start to finish.
Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)
Good intentions, bad execution
To be perfectly honest, the overall quality fluctuates between a 3 and a 6.
But I can see the original idea behind the plot and the ending, and I really appreciate the effort. I would have tried exactly the same thing, and I would probably have failed similarly.
But as I see it, it's better to try and fail than not try at all. So I'm feeling very generous and give this movie an 8.
Underwater (2020)
Well crafted, nothing new
As it's practical title suggests, Underwater is a decently crafted, off-the-rack survival horror movie. It skillfully copies the genre, but doesn't transcend* it.
###Spoilers###
*) The movie fails to transcend the genre when the script dictates that the giant creature (i.e. Old God) sends it's hatchlings after the escape pods, depicting it as "evil," and thus justifying the protagonist taking actions to kill it. Bascially the standard xenophobic story-telling that fences in the whole genre.
24 Hours to Live (2017)
Great movie, but they should fire the idiot who came up with the lame title
See what I did there?^^
Taking a weird story like that and turning it into a rock solid plot, with good character motivation and high stakes, that's the hallmark of true craftsmanship.
The only thing that really doesn't work at all, and has probably kept a lot of people from watching it in the first place, is the awful title. Could it be any more generic and forgettable? I think not.
Oblivion (2013)
Better than it needs to be
I'm not gonna lie, I'm a sucker for good movie plots, and so for this movie, I'm basing my rating entirely on that.
To me, the plot of Oblivion feels like it was written by someone who deeply explored every character involved, what they are doing, and why. Not everything of that is said out loud, a lot of it is hidden between the lines. That makes rewatching the movie, or just reminiscing about it, especially worthwile.
When I write my own stories, I always try to live up to that.
Greyhound (2020)
This is a War Movie
I give this movie a 9/10, because I have a weird and worrisome obsession with the Battle of the Atlantic. I watched it 3 times already, and if you are like me, you don't really care about any review, because you, too, watched it multiple times already.
If you want to rate this movie strictly in it's own category, as a *War Movie*, not an Anti War Movie, not a Drama, not an Action Flic, but a *War Movie*, then your main criterion should be accuracy, and by that standard I would give it an 8/10.
And last but not least, if you want to rate it as a movie in general (which in my opinion is not really fair), then it's probably a 6/10 or 7/10.
Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Just watch the movie
I didn't watch the trailers
I didn't watch the trailer reactions
I didn't watch the youtube reviews
I didn't watch the tabloid news
I just watched the movie, and was thoroughly entertained by it.
If you find yourself unable to watch a movie without saddling yourself with tons of emotional baggage first, that's on you.
Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood (2019)
Tarantino's Soul Striptease
If you would have watched this movie without knowing anything about it beforehand, as I did, you would have had a chance to enjoy it as much as I did.
So next time a Tarantino movie comes around, turn off the internet, don't listen to the buzz, just keep your mind pristine. At least that's what I will do.
The Living Daylights (1987)
Reeks of 1987
Bond movies are like little time capsules, and "The Living Daylights" is no exception. When you think of typical 80s movies, this one might not immediately come to mind, but it should! So, instead of watching just another hollywood remake, why not try an original for a change? Here are some pros and cons:
Awesome title song by A-ha, sends you right back in time.
Set in the soon-to-be-know-as late late cold war era and dressed up as a "serious" spy story, but ultimately as cheesy as any other Bond movie.
The misogynistic undertones are appalling, but also educational.
A russian killer who's modus operandi might very well have been the inspiration for Agent 47.
Showdown in a russian military base in Afghanistan.
And of course, my favorite movie quote:
"I'm sorry we missed the concert. We had some trouble at the airport."
I can't imagine why...
Liu lang di qiu (2019)
Please see the error of your ways!
To me, solid CGI is a basic requirement when you make a scifi disaster movie, so that alone doesn't save the movie, sorry.
The premise is ridiculous, but not more so than other movies of this genre, so that doesn't spoil it for me.
Where this movie lacks, and the sole reason for my rating, is the execution, the cinematography, and the editing. Maybe the acting as well, but I was so distracted by the constant shaky-cam, the fast cuts and trying to keep up with the subtitles, that I couldn't really tell.
Despite its obvious flaws, this movie was a huge success in China, so I can only hope that Frant Gwo will not let that get to his head, and instead learn from critisism like this one. Because there are a lot of Chinese movies that are good, and I want to see more of those good movies!
Angel Has Fallen (2019)
Part 3 finally succumbs to the Mellowness of Age
Well crafted, by the book, run-of-the-mill, forgetable action movie.
At times equally riddiculous, yet far removed from the brazenness of the predecessors.
During the movie I swore to myself that if that person that would obviously turn out to be the villain would instead turn out to *not* be the villain, then I would give this movie a 10 just for that fact alone.
But as you can see, that did not happen.
John Carter (2012)
For what it is, it is great
You are entitled to your own oppinion. And if you decide to incorporate things into your oppinion from outside the movie that have nothing to do with the movie itself, then that is also your prerogative.
That said, this is a Science Fantasy movie, the same genre as Star Wars. And it delivers 2 hours of highly rewarding entertainment to fans of that genre.
And, for the record, as of now (2019), this is the only movie that gets the gravity of 0.4 on Mars right. Not even "The Martian" achieved that.
Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019)
Mediocre
I like to watch big, dumb action movies with big, dumb action heroes, to whom each problem looks like a nail. I really do. And this movie delivers.
However, I don't like my big, dumb action movies making fun of science and scientists. It's pretentious and self-defeating. Please don't do that.
Ascension (2014)
This space ship is full of holes
Before you watch this series, ask your self: How many plot holes and logical fallacies am I willing to accept, before my suspension of disbelieve breaks?
If the answer is: *a lot* then by all means, watch. The set design is good, the acting is good, the characters are somewhat believable for the absurd situation they're in. And there are even one or two spine tingling moments.
However, if you are a fan of *Science* Fiction. If the story and the world building are important to you, then stay away from this. It will disappoint you as soon as it allows you to put the pieces together.
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)
Guilty Pleasure
If you don't like this movie, I fully understand.
But its my favorite action movie.
Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
Opportunity wasted
Apart from the scriptwriter, everyone really tried their best to turn this into a half decent scifi action flick, but they didn't stand a chance. The script is just too cringeworthy. I suspect the source material is equally awful, but that's no excuse.
Forgettable.
Battle: Los Angeles (2011)
Stands the test of time
I just watched this movie for the 4th time in 8 years, and it still keeps me at the edge of my seat from start to finish. Obviously its not the greatest movie ever made, but for what it is--a military scifi action movie--it achieves that with distinction.
So if you've never seen this movie before or haven't seen it in years, I highly recommend it.
Das Boot (2018)
Leave your emotional baggage behind before you watch this!
A good quality production, solid cast, and intriguing story will allow you to enjoy this series for what it is. But first you will have to leave your emotional baggage behind.
You all know exactly what I mean by "emotional baggage", but let me spell it out for you:
In the 1981 movie, Wolfgang Petersen tells a story of comradery in the face of the terror of war. It is an anti-war movie in showing this terror, but at the same time it glorifies the sailors who stick together to overcome it. Morale on the U-96 is always high.
In comparisson, morale on the U-612 is always low. Those guys don't overcome the terror of war with their comradery. They break. And reveal a deep, Pervitin induced rupture in their souls.
If you hate them for that, you might hate them for the wrong reason, and love the U-96 crew for an equally wrong reason.
Fact is, in the real war there were more than a thousand submarines of different types on the German side alone. There were crews like the U-96 and other crews like the U-612. German sailors, and sailors of every other nation, raped women and got away with it. That is a cliché of war, and it is also true.
Believe it or not, every second person on the planet is a woman, even in 1942. So for an accurate portrayal of war, it makes sense to show their story as well.
The goal of this series is clearly to strenthen the "Das Boot" franchise and profit from it, and they could have done this by making a "G.I. Joe with German U-boat sailors." Instead, they took Petersen's work seriously and expanded on it. Petersen took a risk in 1981 and so did they in 2018. That's how I see it.
The plot is good, but not perfect. Often "larger than life" in ridiculous ways, and clearly geared towards a second seaon. So I give it 8 of 10 stars, +1 extra star, because I love submarine movies and want them to do more.
CSI: Cyber (2015)
No surprise
I'm only here because I just watched the CSI Las Vegas season 14 episode "Kitty", which was easily the worst episode of a series that didn't age well.
The fact, that after this horrible backdoor pilot the series was even made, and not just one, but two seasons, is very telling about today's regular TV target audience. Hint: They don't even know what IMDB stands for.
But don't feel too complacent, dear internet reader: The fact, that at the time of this review CSI: Cyber has an overall rating of over 5, while every review I saw has a rating of 1, is also very telling that there is something deeply rotten going on with IMDB.
Lovely. 1 star.