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MajDutch
Reviews
Alien: Romulus (2024)
Unpopular Opinion: I didn't like Alien Romulus
The movie had good direction, set, design, etc. Seeing the movie was a good experience in the cinema. But the story was unoriginal and full of fan service. All the material was borrowed from other Alien movies. It was as if someone watched the entire Alien series and noted all the good and memorable parts, and then made a movie. The CGI of a certain character was also horrible, and looked as if someone did on their phone. The iconic Ripley line from one character was cringeworthy. I liked "Prey" and I admire the story for the fact that they did something original. I liked Fede's "Don't Breathe" and went to see it without any prior knowledge about the movie. I wish they had done something original with Romulus, and I feel very disappointed with the lack of originality of the movie. I'll give it 6/10.
Prey (2022)
Brutal and full of action
The predator is ruthless in the movie and kills plenty of things. The story is solid, and the film never stops accelerating the action. Though, I have a little reservation about the final act, especially when the protagonist does something when the predator feels she is not worth engaging with. I watched the movie without any break, and I felt that it ended too quickly. It was so awesome that I believe they could have dragged the story to 2 hours. Full marks to Disney for hiring a professional director and story writers. The intense chase scenes and clever tactics kept me on the edge of my seat. The cinematography beautifully captures the landscapes, adding to the atmosphere. I really appreciated how they developed the main character, making her journey compelling. Overall, it's a thrilling ride that leaves you wanting more!
The Predator (2018)
So bad, it makes AVP movies look good
I'm a huge Predator fan, in fact my username reflects that which I chose 14 years ago when I joined. Anyways, this is possibly one of the worst Predator movie ever made, it's so bad that it makes AVP movies look good and the 2010 Predators version Oscar worthy.
Six words to describe it would be poor, convoluted, messy, chaotic, messy and strange in a bad way. The movie is obsessed with quibs and one liners. It feels like a funny, cringey and CGI fest Predator movie with no cohesive narrative that was stitched together scenes after scenes that doesn't make any sense.
Skip it like it never exists. I'll give it 1/10.
Doctor Sleep (2019)
Brilliant film making with total nostalgia
I first saw The Shinning almost 4 decades ago, and totally loved it! So, when I heard they're making its sequel I read Doctor Sleep the novel beforehand and thought there couldn't have been a better conclusion to Danny Torrance's life after the events of The Shinning.
Went to the theatre yesterday to see it, and IMHO the movie is as good as the novel. Apparently even darker than the book, the director has taken many liberties to connect it with the first book and movie (which were different takes on the story). Perhaps he tried to be faithful to the book and respectful toward The Shinning to do the justice, and has certainly succeeded in my stance. Only thing I didn't like was the ending, I wish it wasn't so dark. Danny already went through a lot in his life. Overall, it's a complete movie with stunning visuals, great acting, good story telling, direction and a beautiful music score to accompany it that brought back nostalgic memories back of The Shinning for me.
Ewan McGregor and Rebecca Ferguson give stellar performances. Well, that's what you would expect from versatile actors. Kyliegh Curran (Abra) was extremely good too, and I think has a bright future ahead of her in acting. I give the movie 10/10!
I only have 3 ratings in my book, 0, 5 and 10 for a movie that I didn't like, was alright, and a decent one, respectively.
Terminator: Dark Fate (2019)
Best attempt at making a decent Terminator movie since T2
Sure, it has flaws but in my honest opinion it's the best Terminator movie they made since T2. Things I like about it are that it's extremely fast paced, full of action and somewhat has the same human touch to a degree in it that is present in the previous terminator movies in which James Cameron was involved.
The performances of Linda Hamilton and Mackenzie Davis particularly in my view were quite good! Schwarzenegger wasn't bad either, and the idea they explored as to what a terminator with his learning computer will do if left with no mission or purpose for nearly 30 years in our society among humans is intriguing to me. Also, there aren't any 60+ action female stars in this era, so Linda must be commended again for doing such a physical movie at such age.
The underlying theme and message of the movie is same as T1 and T2 i.e. the dangers of AI (much needed topic today) which we as humans must understand and be wary of before integrating it fully in our society. Well, if you look at it, we have already somewhat empowered it via smart homes, offices, phones, devices and even some weaponry systems etc. There's no fate but what we make for ourselves, so hopefully we make sound decisions on it.
I would suggest going with an open mind and low expectations. Movies like T1 and T2 are classics and we will never get their sequels as good as them ever. I only have 3 ratings in my book, 0, 5 and 10 for a movie that I didn't like, was alright, and a decent one, respectively.
The Message (1976)
Movie with powerful message!
Through books, movies and other media we try to learn something new and implement it in our lives in order to be decent human beings. So for me this is a life changing movie with a powerful message of forgiveness, tolerance, judgement and embracing positive thinking.
No matter what religion you belong to there's a room to learn from the life of Prophet Mohammad especially in our current society where we are intolerant, judge people quickly, have toxic thoughts about others and don't forgive quickly etc. Whereas one example from Prophet Mohammad's life is that he even forgave his archenemies on the conquest of Makkah which is something we can learn from and equip such a trait in our lives.
As far as the movie goes, it's very well made especially given the fact Prophet Mohammad neither is shown nor speaks in accordance with Islamic traditions, all actors played their parts well especially Anthony Quinn. Highly recommended!
Mandy (2018)
A colorful experience
Saw Mandy yesterday and still trying to process it. In my view this movie is not for everyone to put it mildly. Sure, it's quite gory but there are a lot of themes and metaphors discussed in it as well like drug use, childhood trauma, alcoholism, male ego, atrocities committed in the name of religion, love, sanity and so on. Also, if you pay attention you can catch references to other movies/bands too like Silence of the lambs, Hellraiser, Friday the 13, tons of rock bands etc. Cage gives one of the best performances of his life, his changing emotions are very convincing and a treat to watch. Andrea Riseborough And Linus Roache equally act very well.
All in all, Mandy is a beautiful tale of revenge with a lot of things going on with a brilliant use of color. I'd rate it a solid 10.
Alien: Covenant (2017)
Good movie but felt like a remake of 1979 Alien
I'm a huge fan of Alien series. Really liked Prometheus, and was looking forward to this one ever since they decided to do it. Let me be honest, I saw the trailer, the prologue and other stuff they did before watching the movie, suffice to say I was pumped.
The trailer and prologue threw me in another direction, and I was imagining a different kind of movie than it turned out to be, which for me was both a good and bad thing. Good in a way that one specific character turned out to be the opposite of what I had speculated from the trailer. Bad in a way that the movie started off differently but ultimately became a remake of the original Alien in my opinion. Katherine Waterston character 'Daniels' even wore similar clothes like Sigourney Weaver did in her role as Ellen Ripley in the predecessor.
Michael Fassbender was brilliant in his dual role. As a whole the movie was good but not great, and it felt as if it was missing something which I can't put my finger on. I would give it solid 6 for acting and telling us more about Alien mythology.
Kong: Skull Island (2017)
The best monster movies in years!
This is probably the best monster movie I've seen it in years. IMHO it also tops the recent Godzilla movie. The final battle between Kong and Skull crawler is simply jaw dropping, and the cinematography not only in that scene but also in the entire movie is simply brilliant.
Before going to the movie, please realize that you're going for a monster flick and it's not an Oscar calibre movie like Moonlight or La La Land, so critic it on that basis only. What this movie does better than Godzilla in my humble opinion is there is more human touch to it, once you see it you'll come to know what I'm talking about.
Lastly, I was very pleased that this Kong movie wasn't like 1933 and the remakes. See it on the big screen with a bag of popcorn, trust me you won't be disappointed.
Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006)
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I really got interested in this movie when I personally got a chance to shake hands with Sacha Baron Cohen and get an autograph from him at the Toronto film festival when he showed up dressed up as Borat at my school's theatre where it was played.
I saw it recently because I couldn't get a ticket for the first screening. Anyways, the theatre was jam packed, few people even showed up dressed up as "Borats".
The movie is pure fun from the beginning to the end and full. I encourage everyone (check the local ratings) to see it on the big screen because it won't be fun watching on DVD; since it's not that kind of that can be enjoyed without public applause and laughs.
Lastly, the jokes and humour in this one are simple and I bet you won't be left alone laughing.
10/10.
Saw III (2006)
Bad, really really bad movie.
Note: Serious spoilers, read at your own risk.
This movie is simply bad. I doubt if the director of Saw 2 really accepted such a weak story line. Gore fans get everything they want in this one but things just doesn't support the plot at all.
This movie has very low profiled jigsaw traps, I wonder if they have run out of ideas.
Quick recap of the movie: John on death bed, Lynn kidnapped to save John, Real Amanda's past shown, Amanda's will tested by John, Jeff tested by John, Jeff suffering from his son's death, Amanda Jealous of Lynn and John's bonding, John's skull operated by Lynn, Amanda playing her own game, Jeff passes all tests, Amanda fails the test and killed by Jeff, Lynn killed by Amanda, Jeff kills John, Jeff fails the final test and would never see his daughter again.
Don't waste your money on this one and watch "Babel" or "Grudge 2" or "The Marine" instead
The Da Vinci Code (2006)
Don't waste your money & time.
As an avid fan of the book like everybody else, I went to see the movie with a pack of 12 friends.
The Acting: Tom Hanks is in one of my favorite actors but I have to say he does not suit for the role as "Robert Langdon". Paul Bettany in his role as "Silas" is scary but not convincing. I first saw Audrey Tautou in "Dirty pretty things", her role as "Sophie Neveu" is superb.
Movie: This movie is a shame on the name of the novel. Also, for those who haven't read the novel, they will find the movie way more confusing. I only suggest on one thing, please do not waste your time and money to go and watch it and enjoy reading the novel instead.