Change Your Image
untilnow99
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Reviews
Maestro (2023)
I Lasted 30 Minutes
Okay. Maybe this is really shallow of me. Maybe I'm just not cultured enough or patient enough. Maybe I just didn't "get it." All of the above?
I love Bradley Cooper. Previous to viewing "Maestro," without even trying, I ended up hearing a lot about how Cooper spent years familiarizing himself with Bernstein and Bernstein's conducting and composing. Everyone was raving about how Cooper became Bernstein. Bradley's immersion and synergism with his character intrigued me. I couldn't wait to see Maestro.
Here comes the "shallow" part. As I was watching, I kept thinking, over and over: "If I was from NYC and knew more about Broadway plays and symphonies, I bet this would have more meaning for me." And: "If I was more into herky-jerky jumping from one scene to the next . . ."
Somehow the performances weren't drawing me in. I LOVE dancing, and seeing the super talented and super fit males pirouetting in sailor suits made me very happy. Other than that, I found myself thinking "What the hell am I watching?"
Next came the budding relationship between Bernstein and Felicia. Every time they were together I felt anxious. I could see she was on the cusp of learning that her great love, her fascinating lover was gay. I began to feel upset for her.
It's all hard to explain, but there was this empty feeling. Everything seemed somewhat dark and disconnected. Who were the Russians and who was the guy telling him "Burns"? Then . . . Off they ran.
The upshot is: I got bored. 30 minutes and I'm done.
Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates (2016)
Only Watch This If You Have a Good Sense of Humor and Like to Laugh Out Loud
So glad I read through the reviews and decided that some of the reviewers might just be right about the laughs. I do so enjoy good comedy. Oh, man.
Stupid good fun. Every character is wonderfully cast. Best special surprise was seeing Lavell Crawford (Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul). I've always liked that dude.
There are so many terrifically funny scenes in this movie. I have to give a special shout out to Kumail Nanjiani, though. He was the highlight of this farce for me. I don't know who the writers were on this, but they certainly wrote his part well and he played it to perfection.
Don't believe the negative reviews. Tune in and be prepared to laugh your ass off. "Raunchy" is a word a lot of reviewers bandied about. This movie has plenty of raunch, but is also so much more than that.
Tiny Creatures (2020)
Teaches Kids That Snakes Are Villains
I'm only reviewing the one episode (Arizona Desert), because there's no way I'm watching another segment of this fake stuff.
Snakes are "cowards"? The Southern Grasshopper Mouse (called a "Scorpion Mouse" in this series) is a "hero" because it can kill a scorpion? Howling at the moon ---- that shot made me laugh out loud.
This series took me by surprise, because I didn't read reviews prior to viewing and didn't realize, at first, that every bit of action (and reaction) would be staged. I seriously thought I'd be seeing some real life and educational documentary.
That said, there are some terrifically cool shots of the animal actors. I must admit I was highly entertained by seeing the little Kangaroo rat bouncing along like Usain Bolt, really making tracks, while discovering its different places of refuge.
I knew a guy who owned a Harris's hawk and we even went hawking once. Not something I'd ever do again. There's no joy in seeing animals predated upon, not for me. The filming of the Harris's hawk is splendid. What a sublime creature it is. So healthy looking. A shame it is someone's pet.
The shots of all of the animals are top notch, but as soon as I realized every situation was manipulated and that the animals were trained actors, I felt betrayed. Also: there is much false "information" disseminated, via some truly trumped up nonsense re: how animals think and act.
The Kangaroo rat's mom is going to sacrifice herself to the rattlesnake? The Tarantula is going to attack a Kangaroo rat? Rattlesnakes and Scorpions are cowardly killers?
At least a couple good messages come across, re: humans and their disregard for desert habitat. I really REALLY hate dirt bikers. And who knew there was so much detritus abandoned in the Arizona Desert? Everywhere you looked, there was rusting trash of some kind. Abandoned car parts, old tin cans, cowboy boots mouldering away. Shame on humans for being so disrespectful of the wilderness.
If you're 12 years old or younger, this fake doc will be entertaining. But please don't think Snakes and Scorpions and Tarantulas and Hawks are villainous simply because they are predators. Watch and understand that you're seeing some truly talented animal actors. I hope they are all being treated well by their captors.
Wyatt Earp and the Cowboy War (2024)
Can't Stop Thinking About It
Kind of weird, but somehow this series is haunting my thoughts. I'll be going about my business and all of a sudden I'll start thinking about Arizona and Wyatt and what life was back in those days. So bizarre to think that Wyatt Earp lived to see the Roaring 20s, Prohibition, Women's Right to Vote, Einstein's Theory of Relativity. Amazing how he dodged bullet after bullet, too.
When I saw this docudrama listed on Netflix, I thought it was only a series, not some documentary. "Oh. This has been done so many times. Probably nothing new," was my initial reaction. Boy, was I wrong. I learned so much about Earp and Doc Holliday. Things I never ever heard of before. Enlightening, to say the least.
Tim Fellingham and Edward Franklin were awesome in this. And to think ----- as soon as I heard Ed Harris narrating this, I nearly turned it off. I love Harris, but didn't want to watch a documentary. So glad I stuck with it.
Everything about the production is top notch. I recommend this series highly.
Adam Sandler: Love You (2024)
Toughed It Out for 33 Minutes
Awful. Just plain awful.
Not funny. Lame "pretend" technical difficulties. Crude and crass jokes like you'd hear some creepy lascivious butt-pinching ancient granddad tell in the Old Folk's Home. Does Sandler write his own material? If so . . . How sad.
Absolutely not what I was expecting ----- at all.
Sandler can play a little guitar (not well) and acts like he is some crusty circuit comedian who is only doing this because he craves the attention. And the paycheck.
I guess if you're a die-hard fan, you'll eat this up. I miss how he used to be original without being tasteless and gross. Oh, well. Truly painful to see him like this.
Love Again (2023)
Could Only Take 24 Minutes of This
Who directed this? I can't even be bothered to look that up. Whomever it was, they really botched the job.
Who wrote this? Whomever it was, ditto.
I've seen Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Sam Heughan in other series, maybe even in a movie or two, and I know for certain that neither of them is as woefully bad an actor as they come across in this terrible movie. It has to be bad directing. Throw in some awful editing, inept camera work and lots of twiddly twee Hallmark Channel-type background music (so grating) and the entire thing is just plain unwatchable.
From the get-go every movement, every line is painfully stilted. There is zero chemistry between P. C. Jonas and her boyfriend. Their attempts at sounding lovey-dovey are absolutely cringe. And even in the short short time I spent trying to watch this, there were a ridiculous amount of "Oh, PUH-LEASE!" moments. Too many to count.
SPOILER ALERT:
In the first minutes of the movie, she sees the love of her life slammed into by some vehicle or other ----- and she sits there, interminably, with a blank stare on her face? Honest to gawd. Really? Give me a break.
Believe the reviews that slam this movie. Give it a miss. It's an utter waste of your time. Unless of course you're a fan of absolute rubbish.
Anyone But You (2023)
Terminally Stupid.
Honestly. I don't know why I watched the entire movie. Some bizarre need to inflict self-punishment? A weird determination to assault my brain with puerile nothingness? A desperate hope that, somehow, it would all eventually coalesce into something entertaining?
What a waste of a good cast. There are actors in this film who can act. I know it. I've seen them do it ----- in other movies. Sydney Sweeney, however . . . GAH. Please, Syd. Get some acting lessons STAT.
Maybe the movie could possibly have been "okay," if only the writing was a lot better. The amount of unfunny lines and silliness that went on and on and ON. Downright unbearable how stupid it all is. I'm pretty sure the only reason most of these actors signed on for this was because they were told they'd be filming in some key (read: absolutely gorgeous) locations in Australia.
If you are amused by seeing a woman inspecting a nude guy's butthole or seeing females trouncing around in skintight dresses with their boobies nearly popping out with each step taken, then this is def the movie for you. At least now I know what an "anteater" is. And with that reveal, I have now shared with you the with you the one riveting scene contained in "Anyone But You." (And I mean that sardonically.)
Ouch. The more I write, the more I realize how much I really don't like this movie.
Go ahead and watch it, if you're desperate enough. At least the scenery is work a look. I also object to them using a live Koala in this, but most people won't even give a rat's you-know-what about that.
Hit Man (2023)
Just Didn't Do It for Me. Next.
About half way through, I completely lost interest. Something lacking, lacking, lacking and I admit I gave up trying to figure out what.
Actually fell asleep for about 20 minutes ---- and, I swear, this is completely unlike me to do that. A sure indication that I was utterly bored. When I woke up, I rewound what I'd slept through and watched until the end. Kept hoping I'd see something . . . More.
Powell is great. Fun to see him as different characters. Liked that this was based (how loosely, again?) on a real dude. The rest of the cast is okay. The dialogue is nothing special.
In sum: One not bad, not above average, and entirely forgettable movie. Nothing even remotely remarkable about it. Another movie where dogs were thrown in as an afterthought, for why I don't know.
Poison (2023)
Venom, People. A Krait is a Venomous Snake
The title has got to be referring to the poisonous heart and toxic mindset of Harry Pope and all such racist colonizers of India. Deadly snakes are not "poisonous." they are venomous. Unless, of course, you eat the creature and it happens to contain a poison which thereby kills you.
Dev Patel, Cumberbatch and Kingsley are all excellent in this. The pace is quick, dire and captivating. I haven't seen any other in this series, but this has certainly encouraged me to change that.
A terrific revelation of British xenophobia and the low regard with which the Brits were afflicted when it came to those over whom they had such power. Well done, Mr. Dahl.
The stage setting, dialogue and acting make this a real treat.
Please Don't Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain (2023)
Some Terrific Laugh Out Loud Moments. Really Stupid and Fun
Cannot believe the cover art for this movie. So lame. It is 100% perfect for this movie. The cover tells you just what you're in for.
Lots of good laughs. The whole thing is ridiculously silly, but you can't help liking all of the characters. Some terrific one-liners. The movie flies by. Meanwhile, you're laughing at the.bonehead jokes and enjoying all of the "now what?" moments.
I won't say I "highly recommend" this movie, but I will say that I've seen tons worse. This one made me laugh so much my one housemate came in and said, "Are you still watching that Boy Scout zombie movie?"
The Boy Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocolypse is so much better, but The Treasure of Foggy Mountain isn't half bad as a comedy, either. If you love goofy friendship interaction, you'll love this.
And I don't know much about the SNL guys, only recognizing from there. Just a good bit of casting, overall. You can really see the resemblance of "John" to the Higgins of Fallon's Tonight Show. That made me happy, too.
Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse (2015)
At One Point I Laughed So Hard I Started Choking
This movie deserves much more than the 6.3 stars it has right now (April 2024).
Being desperate to find something good to watch, I began and quickly ended at least five other offerings (with much higher scores) on Amazon Prime and Max. It's kind of hard to find things to stream, when you've seen just about everything good.
Luckily I found this little gem. I swear it's one of the most fast-paced and crazy stupid movies I've ever seen. Shades of Zombieland, Shaun of the Dead and iZombie. (If you haven't seen Zland, Shaun and iZombie, I highly recommend you get on those, right now.)
The lead characters in this little zombie epic are all highly watchable. I love the stripper/waitress chick.
There are more than a few good laughs, but there's one point (you'll know it when you see it), where I laughed so damn hard, I was choking with laughter and my housemates came running to see if I was doing okay.
This is a movie for anyone who enjoys kids having fun and kids conquering their fears. A different type of Coming of Age story and well worth the time spent. Have fun. And remember to always screw those tire lugnuts on tight but not too tight. Oh, deer.
Jennifer's Body (2009)
Is Megan Fox the Best Kisser EVER?
Having run out of things to watch on Amazon and Max, I am now watching movies I know I already saw, but can barely remember the story/plot/characters. Megan Fox has always fascinated me, so I thought why not give Jennifer's Body another look-see? Many of the reviews of the movie here on IMDb encouraged me in this endeavor.
Whew. I honestly forgot just how hot Megan is. That kissing scene with Amanda was absolutely demands 3-4 rewinds/playbacks. I felt my lips kind of puckering along, jealous that it was Amanda and not me on the receiving end. Hot hot hot.
At first the movie starts out kind of hokey. I felt a little disappointed. Then things got progressively better. Terrific acting. No fault found there. Although I do think J. K. Simmons played his part a bit over the top and cornball. You sure can't call him an inept actor now. It's nice to see how he has blossomed as an actor.
The story is fun. The special effects (makeup, in particular) are outstanding. I couldn't wait to get to the Spring Formal to see what would happen there.
The best part is the terrific string of one-liners and name calling done by both Megan and Amanda. What great writing. I was laughing hard and wish I'd been able to sling such wonderfully bitchy slurs when I was in High School.
Even if you've seen this movie before, back in 2009 or a bit later on --- give it another go. The movie seems to have matured with age, like, hopefully, the rest of us. Definitely an entertaining watch.
If nothing else, you'll appreciate how forward-thinking the story and writing were, for their time. Jennifer's Body could come out in 2024 and not seem the least bit dated (apart from the flip phones). Women empowerment is a good thing. I do love the ending so very much.
Girls' Play (2024)
When I Say "Mean Girls," I Do Mean Going the Extra Mile MEAN Girls
Wasn't so sure about this at first, due to things sort of dragging along and then some things happening that I couldn't quite put together. Stuck with it, though, and ----- glad I did.
The acting is phenomenal. Such a terrific cast. I especially liked the baddest of the baddie girls. It's not too often that one can find themselves completely enchanted with and mesmerized by such a consummately malignant human being. The actress playing "Maha" certainly achieves greatness in her role. Academy Award for best actor (or supporting actor) wouldn't go amiss here. Or . . . I guess since it's TV in Lebanon, the Lebanese equivalent?
Watching this with subtitles, I'm sure I missed out on more than a little of the subtleties. (Ha. Subtitles/subtleties.) I think I caught on pretty quickly, though. By the end of episode two, I was completely hooked.
Well done with the script, despite some plot holes. Well done with everything, apart from the ending. The ending felt a little rushed to me and even a bit silly.
But I do recommend this series. Highly recommend.
Surrounded (2023)
Ah, Shoot
Falls just shy of its full potential, but I liked it anyway. This is one of "most fun" westerns I've seen of late, and I say that because it is quite different than the usual shoot-'em-up. It kept my attention throughout, not an easy task for most movies of late.
Sure, there's lots of bodies dropping like flies and some truly annoying "Just shoot him!" and "Why didn't you take that dead guy's gun?" moments, but this movie keeps you guessing as to who will be the next to turn up their toes. At one point during all the ranting about the money, I thought of The Treasure of the Sierra Madre. (Wrong country, I know.)
At first it appeared that the premise of Mo trying to pass as a man was asking for too much suspension of disbelief. There seemed to be a lot of "giveaways" that I thought all the cowboys should be noticing. No chin stubble, no hints of a mustache? No Adam's apple? (Okay. Some guys don't have one, granted.) Those lovely slender hands?
But then I realized that, five years after The Civil War, when all this takes place ----- people of color were still considered "lesser than." Along with, say, waitpersons and luggage delivery technicians; persons no one seems to take particular notice of 99% of the time. Also, Mo's disguise actually worked pretty well, seeing as how her figure comes across as quite boyish to begin with. Carrying a firearm would certainly make her seem to register as masculine, at any rate.
Other reviews have, rightfully, waxed rhapsodic about the cinematography, the musical score, the actors and their performances. Yes. I agree on all counts. The writing sometimes seemed a bit lackluster, but it certainly wasn't bad. I rather enjoyed the majority of it.
Jamie Bell is a most excellent actor. I never thought of him as a Jesse James or Billy the Kid type, but he does a bang-up job here. Certainly steals every scene he's in. Admirable and enthralling performance in this film.
Nice role for Donovan, too. He's such a cool character, a class act all the way.
I was super surprised to see one of my all-time favorite actors appear on the scene: Michael Kenneth Williams. (If you haven't seen him in "Hap and Leonard," *please* give that series a go.) RIP Mr. Williams. It was strange to see you in a "new" movie, and makes my heart hurt --- but immensely happy to see you, just the same. You are missed.
No Good Deed (2014)
It Certainly Kept My Attention
It seems like a lot of times recently, when I'm streaming a movie or a TV series, I'll find myself wondering about my email or my texts or maybe I suddenly feel like playing some Sporcle quiz or other. And so I hit the pause button. Crazy, I know. It's like I've gotten into creating my own "commercial breaks." And ---- I HATE ads, by the way. (Looking at you, Amazon Prime, with your obnoxious FreeVee b.s..)
With "No Good Deed," right off the bat, things got pretty ugly and bloody and downright scary. I was asking myself, "Do I really need to see this?" But then everything started moving right along. Before I knew it, I had lost the desire to check my email or get up to make a snack or even access YouTube to see what Colbert was saying about the 2024 Primaries. Ha.
Other reviewers, some of them, loved to rag on this movie, but too bad for them. I got sucked right into it. Henson and Elba became their characters. The chemistry between them is palpable. "Terry" kind of pissed me off, though, when she was so stupid about letting a stranger into her house, but . . . Somehow she made it all pretty believable.
"Meg" was terrific as the BFF. I thought her part, the way the script was written for her, was spot on. She lit up the screen, big time.
Okay. So maybe, here and there, you might have to exercise just a tad of that "suspension of disbelief" ignorance of reality mindset. Never mind. In the end, I think it's all worth it.
The only real gripe I have about this movie is that I would have liked the sublime Henry Simmons to have a little more onscreen time. He's a bit of all right.
A zori zdes tikhie... (2015)
Riveting.
Starts out very slow and quietly sucks you in. At first I wasn't really sure what the heck was going on. Just hoping it wasn't another dour take on Mother Russia with people people slogging through the snow and babies crying over the bodies of their dead mothers.
This film has a bit of everything, via flashbacks, as it turns out. It is anything but predictable and trite. Extremely well done, with intensely condensed little vignettes giving us a glimpse into each soldier's life story.
As a long time animal rights activist, I appreciated greatly the take on the ethics of slaughtering wolves by the thousands. There's some deeply meaningful allegory in there somewhere, for you students of film. However, my only take away was how refreshing it is to consider that even a patently uneducated person can appreciate the madness inherent in the mass slaughter of predators.
About half way through the viewing of this film, I stopped to text a link to it to a friend of mine: "Highly recommend." He'll thank me later, I know.
Expats (2023)
43 Minutes is Enough of This Stuff
Disconnected and herky jerky scenes do not a mystery make. Kidman standing there hangdog and forever gliding around wringing her hands over and over ----- over what? We don't know what, because there's this question mark of a "Gus" character that we're all supposed to wonder about and care about. We're supposed to wonder what happened to him and care about him being in a kid's drawing. Jesus figures in here, somewhere, too. Don't ask me where.
What does some young Chinese girl have to do with it? What's the sad story she has to tell? And why on Earth does she think "Dirk" is a common American name?
I tried to hang in there. Really, I did. Maybe it's just one of those days for me, where I'm not into waiting and waiting for any big reveal. Or even a tiny reveal. Maybe I lack patience with shallow characters.
Plus ---- ZERO chemistry between Kidman and her husband. Same with her kids. Lots of petty chatter by idle young Hong Kong women. A completely confusing scene with Kidman scrubbing tiles and lying in a bathtub.
I've got better things to do.
Saltburn (2023)
Still On Edge
SPOILER ALERT:
A day after watching this and still feeling creeped out. Yes, I could see the similarities w/ The Talented Mr. Ripley, but that realization didn't kick in until about 1/2 way through this dreadfully dark monster movie.
At first I feared for "Oliver." Many scenes wherein he played the victim so well, he certainly had me fooled. Then came the infamous bathtub drain scene. I feel nauseous just thinking about it.
Honestly not sure I'd recommend this movie to anyone I know. Although I loved each and everyone one of the actors and even fell in love with "Felix" myself, I just can't shake this feeling of wishing I'd never seen this film in the first place. That's how mean and ugly and awful it felt/still feels to me. I guess that's what it was meant to do? To mess with our heads?
That one person could wreak so much havoc and get away with it is distressing. Reminds me of the old time movie "The Bad Seed."
As one other reviewer put it, too: There's a suspension of disbelief. When the credits were running, I couldn't help wondering where "Duncan," the butler got to . . . He didn't protect his employers after all his many years in their service? He didn't suspect or care to save poor "Elspeth" from her horrific demise? Did he, in fact, hate them all all along and hence stood back, relishing their comeuppance?
I wish I could shake the awful feeling of doom that overtook me, while watching "Saltburn." "Oliver" has really wrecked my peace of mind.
Assassin Club (2023)
Oh, Henry
Aw . . . Gawd. I can't improve on the already "Waste of Time" reviews.
All I can tell you is ---- Don't be a dope, like me, and think that because Henry Golding and Noomi Rapace are in this film, that it can't possibly be as bad as most of the reviews make it out to be.
Believe it: IT'S THAT BAD.
What a waste of talent. And I agree with the review stating that, as we've seen here in Assassin Club (even the title is dumb), Golding has proved himself to be out of the running as the next James Bond. Or . . . Shall I attempt to be charitable and say that maybe it's the director's fault that Henry turns in such a poor performance here? Maybe with ----- better direction? Um . . . I don't think so. Poor Henry just isn't cut out to be a macho sexy male spy dude.
Just about everything in this movie is stilted and stupid. And I do mean "C'mon! That is SO LAME!" type stupid.
As so many other reviews (and the low rating) have warned you: Do yourself a favor and don't even think about watching this painfully silly piece of movie trash.
A Rainy Day in New York (2019)
Sorry, Woody. You'll Never Be Timothée Chalamet
If no one told you this was a Woody Allen movie, you would know it was one straight away by the dialogue and the way every character appears in need of a shrink. That and the many many references to all things pretentious.
Woody: This message is for you: I'm kinda pissed off at you right now.
It must take a serious sh-t-ton of hard effort to turn Chalamet into a bad actor. Everything else I've seen him in, he has been sublime all the way. I could watch Chalamet in "Dune" until the cows come home. Somehow, though, Woody pulled it off. I could barely get through the first 10 minutes of this movie, thanks to such terrible direction. It was painful.
Def felt to me like this was Woody Allen's attempt relive his youth as a handsome, charismatic Chalamet. It seemed Woody had Chalamet parrot things and directed him to act as "wooden" and awkward as Woody is in real life. Like the real life Woody, the ultimate uncharismatic nerd, felt he had finally found the perfect "dummy" to portray, via cinematic ventriloquism, how he wished he himself could come across to people: As a polished, urbane, devilishly handsome, brainy but funny guy.
There were a ton of lines that made me laugh out loud, and in a "That's hella funny!" sense ----- and not because I was laughing at badly written jokes. Lots of funny haha good stuff. Some great great observations on life; keen observations. These kept me going, continuing to watch and hoping for more of the same.
But Elle Fanning's character, as written, was silly in the extreme. The romance between Gatsby and Selena Gomez's character (I thought I recognized Selena) was awkward and the scene at the end was cringingly eye-rollingly lame. I give their sexual chemistry, on a scale of 10, a big, fat four.
I really did get some good solid laughs out of this, so it's not like watching it was a total waste of my time. Nevertheless, I feel more than a bit indignant over Woody turning Chalamet and Diego Luna and Elle Fanning into ham actors. For shame, Woody.
Sin huellas (2023)
And That, Folks, Is Why I Never Vacuum Under the Bed
Binge-watched this and really enjoyed it. Terrific acting, charismatic characters, many surprising plot twists and turns. The story involves a talented ensemble cast, is immensely detailed and will keep you guessing.
I fell in love with the cast. Particularly Ubaldo. I don't want to give away any plot points or share spoilers. Let's just say it's not often I end up laughing hard out loud and cheering on characters by yelling at the screen. Ubaldo is something else.
Maybe my 3.5 years of studying Spanish helped me take even more pleasure in watching this action-packed dramedy. I'm not at all fluent, but it was good fun trying to pick out the profanity and marvel in the wondrous variety and innovations of use.
So far this series has only racked up a measly three reviews. I see where two of those reviews are low ratings in the extreme.
Watch Sin Huellas ----- view at least the first couple of episodes ----- and you will be hooked. I highly recommend this series.
The Burial (2023)
Didn't Pause This Movie Even Once
Just about the quickest two hours of my life. At first I wasn't all that sure how I'd feel about it. I hate that Tommy Lee Jones is looking frail and old. And the pace seemed a little slow at first.
Jamie Foxx did it for me, though. About halfway through the movie I said to myself, "Geez. I didn't realize how much I love this guy." His acting is pure gold. Every moment he's on the screen is captivating.
One of the best parts of the movie is Willie Gary's relationship with his wife. It's always nice to see a longtime couple supporting each other and loving one another, years on in their relationship. I hope that part wasn't fictionalized for the movie.
The casting of Willie Gary's wife, "Gloria" was sublime. I am not familiar with the actress, but I thought she was truly stupendous in her role.
Enjoyed every minute of this film and hope you do, too.
Dutch (1991)
Seems Like I Watch This Every Five Years Or So
Every single time I watch this, I laugh till I choke. There are so many thoroughly delightful, smart, terrific jokes. Dutch and Doyle are perfectly cast. Their interactions, especially the "Ooh, I am SO gonna get you back for that" moments never fail to amuse.
I love the way this is written. I love the actors' expressiveness. I love the message. This movie really deserves a much higher rating and I hope a lot more people get to see it, now that it's on Amazon Prime (2023).
It really is a classic. Funny, witty, heartwarming. A great film for the family. If you haven't seen it yet ---- you're in for a real treat.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
Hoping This Movie Sways People to Protest Against Animal Experimentation
The message regarding the cruelty and suffering of lab animals is loud and clear in this movie. As a decades-long animal rights activist, I really appreciate the educational merits of including that content in a blockbuster movie. Thank you, writers, for that.
I loved the first two Guardians of the Galaxy installments and have seen them each at least a few times. This one, though? All throughout viewing this, all I could think was: "Well . . . I can't see myself ever watching this again."
As other reviewers have pointed out, Guardians of the Galaxy 3 lacks the luster and humor of the first two movies. Sure, there are loads of terrifically innovative aliens in this one. Lots of action. A great deal of character exposition and the truly heartfelt theme re: how The Guardians have all learned to love and respect one another.
That said, I had a real problem with certain aspects. Remember the "Tell" in Mad Max 2, where all the little kids are gathered and the story is told, in a background of glimmering firelight, of how the adults left all the kids behind? A sort of modern day take on Aboriginal "dreaming" and storytelling/lore. I always hated that part of the MM movies. Really cringe-worthy. Feral kid and all of that. Gag.
Guardians of the Galaxy 3 introduces a slew of tow-headed children into the story and . . . I'm guessing the writers thought this would make the movie more appealing to kids and parents with kids? All I know is ---- ugh. Just seemed to be stuck in there, plot-wise, and to serve no purpose whatsoever. Joob joob. Weren't the Ewoks saying that in some Star Wars flick?
And the cosmonaut dog was just plain lame. The only good thing about that character was how it showed people that calling their dog a "bad dog" isn't a nice way to treat your dog. (Always praise your dog, at every opportunity.)
Okay. I'll stop now. I'm severely disappointed in this movie. And I did look up those insane tweets that James Gunn posted. Hollywood certainly can be forgiving. That dude is one creepy guy.
Constantine (2005)
Watched It for My Sixth Time (Aug. 2023)
Over the span of 18 years I have now seen this movie six times. Maybe even 7. I haven't really kept exact track.
Every couple years I feel like watching what I believe is Keanu at his very best. Of all his movies, this is the one that really stands out for me. It is fascinating how well he portrays his character, with such deep passion. He manages to make us feel, right down to our bones, a pervasive sense of his impending doom. But he shall overcome, somehow.
Constantine is wonderfully well cast. Every time I view it I gain even more appreciation for how well acted it is. I **love** Djimon Hounsou as Midnite. Definitely one of his best roles ever. Shia LeBeouf as John's sidekick is great. Rachel Weisz, is terrific ---- as ever. Pruitt Taylor Vince and Max Baker ----- the fates they suffer are cringingly wretched and compelling. I want so badly to keep them safe. Tilda Swinton . . . Perfectly captures Gabriel's insane egotism. Gavin Rossdale makes such an awesome baddie. Peter Stormare ------ Each time, I can't wait to see him in his dialogue with Constantine. Evil, quirky, dripping in sulfur. It is a master stroke to have him dressed in white. NO ONE else could have played Satan to such perfection. NO ONE.
I think to fully appreciate this movie, you should really watch it at least a few times. At different times in your life. There is so much going on. The storyline is captivating. I love it all.
Tip: No one told me: This latest viewing was the first time I saw the little added extra scene near the end of the credits. Ha. Never knew it was there.
Constantine, I wish I could watch it all over again for my very first time.