Change Your Image
jn_agin
Reviews
Cube (1997)
Intriguing psycho-horror film
This micro budget film from Canada is a interesting character study. Six people, all strangers, get put in a humongous cube and must traverse through multiple rooms in order to escape. However, tensions start rising and paranoia runs amuck as time goes on. For a film with only a $350,000 budget, the film looks impressive, and I always love a good movie that's a character study. The characters are also well developed and each have their own personality. Some of the acting is wooden, but it is my only major complaint and I can slightly forgive this noticeable flaw. Overall, 8.5/10
The Mask of Zorro (1998)
Robert Rodriguez should have directed this
A Zorro movie, on paper, actually sounds like a good idea. If you brought a good cast, get together a good production time, and had a excellent script, I could see a very interesting and entertaining film. Sadly, this 1998 action film falls savagely short. Directed by Martin Campbell, this would have been a Steven Spielberg-produced film(though he ultimately dropped out). Even more interesting is that Robert Rodriguez was originally set to direct this film. Had he stayed on, this would likely have been a better movie. Unfortunately, he left due to budget issues, and all we have left is this bore. This is your standard "older hero teaches newer hero" film (except with the old Zorro and the new Zorro), complete with action sequences, a squandered romance sub-plot, and a plot line involving an attempt to buy what became California from Santa Anna. While most of the actors are good, Anthony Hopkins feels out of the place as Older Zorro, who IS supposed to be Spanish. My biggest beef with the film is that the film feels like a worse Indiana Jones; the at times overtly cartoonish action scenes( though most of them are good), mostly unfunny humor, and the aforementioned romance plot. I can see a good film is this idea; it just seems as if it wasn't fully realized. Overall, 6.5/10
Toki o kakeru shôjo (2006)
Enchanting
Time travel is the main topic of this anime film. Makoto Kona is a high schooler who finds out that she can time-leap and uses it on multiple occasions, leading to repercussions. The unique take on time-travel is fascinating, and the film is a excellent character development. The films big twist also is very well placed. My only major issue is that the first 20 minutes fall flat and could have been liven up. However, that is my only problem with the film. Overall, 9.5/10
Attack of the Killer Donuts (2016)
Not a good parody
It's sad that an attempt at parodying 80's B grade horror films turned out to be a bust. As the title implies, this has to do with killer donuts reeking havoc across a small town. While the premise could have worked, the film is uninteresting, and while some of the jokes work, most fall into the "fart joke or sexual innuendo" category of unfunny. Some might find enjoyment out of this one; I, however, didn't.
The Miseducation of Cameron Post (2018)
Interesting movie hampered by short run-time
Before I start this review, let me say this. I have never reviewed a LGBT film before, so I may have had troubles with explaining my opinions on this film. Based on the book of the same name, The Miseducation of Cameron Post deals with a lesbian high school student who gets sent to a Christian anti-gay therapy camp. She has to deal with the constant propaganda that the leaders force down the students mouths along with fellow students. While the acting is impressive and the story is well told, the short run time as a negative effect on the film. We do not see much of Cameron's previous relationship,like how they first met or how they became lesbians. Because of this, a large chunk of Cameron's character development feels left out. Overall, it's worth a watch, though it's hard to say whether you will like it or not. 7.5/10
The Golden Compass (2007)
Very boring
First off, I have read the book before, but it has been so long that I have forgotten what my opinions were on it. That being said this was completely uninteresting. While the cgi is very impressive and some of the actors do a good job (Sam Elliot and Christopher Lee's small role), but the movie falls into stereotypical family fantasy boredom. The non-existent character development, a big issue I have with this film, may have been due to the film's less than two hour runtime. Overall, best if you avoid this one.
Birdemic: Shock and Terror (2010)
Shock and Terror indeed
Ahh yes, one of the most famous so bad it's good movies. And boy did this one earn it. Atrocious dialogue, woody acting, and the worst not really sex scenes I've seen in a movie. While this is highly recommended to watch with friends, I will say that the very end gets very tedious. If it weren't, I'd probably gives this more a 3/10.
Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Movie (1996)
To mock the schlock
Based on the TV show of the same name, MST3000: The Movie stars a human, Mike Nelson, aboard a ship with two robots. They are subject to evil scientist Dr. Clayton Forrester, who is planning to take over the world by showing shitty movies to everyone, therefore controlling them. Thing is, Nelson and the robots mock them instead. The movies sparring partner is This Planet Earth, and they bash it with particular glee. While fans are probably the key audience for this film, I recommend this for anyone to watch. The best version to watch is the 2013 Blu-ray/DVD release.Overall, funny and entirely enjoyable.
Mononoke-hime (1997)
Just watch it-you'll love it
If there is a movie that can barely be explained in light of how great it is, this would be a film. Yes, it's a Studio Ghibli film, so you probably will watch it anyway. But if you want to see what is probably the best environmental-focused movie, this would be it.
Incredibles 2 (2018)
A guilty pleasure
For the record, I like the first Incredibles; it's funny, has a interesting plot line, and has one of the best villains ever made, Syndrome. On the other hand, I am not a major fan of Pixar's films released prior to this one ( particularly Cars 2 and Finding Dory). So what do I think about this sequel? It is a flawed but interesting movie. Yes the movie takes plot points from the first film (to a noticeable degree), and the films villain character is entirely unmemorable. But the animation is impressive, the score is catchy, and it does build upon the first film is some good ways. Most certainly.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (1988)
Hilarious Riot!
Directed by Frank Oz (Little Shop of Horrors), this film follows two con men trying to swindle a American woman of $50,000. Michael Cane and Steve Martin are memorable as they play their acts to a kilt, along with embodying their roles perfectly. This is one of the funniest movies I have ever seen. Highly recommended.
The Road to El Dorado (2000)
Quite enjoyable
Despite its Emperor's New Grove-esque production history and disappointing box office, this film is actually worth a watch. The animation is great, characters are well fleshed out, and the humor is extremely enjoyable. The soundtrack, sung by Elton John, is also worth mentioning. Overall, one of the more underrated DreamWorks animated films.
Philomena (2013)
Fascinating watch
Loosely based on true events, This film delves into ex-reporter Martin Sixsmith who decides to find the son of Philomena, a old woman. A interesting premise is greatly benefited by actress Judi Dench's acting, which would get her a Academy Award nomination. While yes, it does take a while to get going, it is a film that is well worth watching.
Kubo and the Two Strings (2016)
Watch it for the animation
Yes, the premise could have been handled better and this is far from Laika's best movie nor is it one of the best movies of the decade. However, the animation is alone the best reason to watch the movie. It is absolutely gorgeous. Also, some of the characters are interesting, particularly Beetle who is voiced by Matthew Mconaughy. On the other hand, the main villain, the Moon King, is under-developed, the premise is not as well-done as it could have been, and some of the humor falls flat. Overall, it is worth a watch, though recommending the film depends on your judgement.
The Karate Kid Part II (1986)
Well, it could have been good. . . .
First off, I am not a huge fan of the first Karate Kid so it may come as no surprise that I didn't like this movie. That being said, I do see hints of a movie that actually could have been better. Daniel and Miyoshi go to China to cost Miyoshi's father who is dying. While there, they come across Kato, a student of the father who is a old enemy of Miyoshi. He ultimately challenges Miyoshi to a fight to the death which ultimately never happens. Although the concept does have some thought put into it, the execution is weak, as is the new romance between Daniel and Kumiko. Actor Danny Kamekona also proves to be a hazard to the movie; for most of the movie he talks in a hilariously deep voice which can't be taken seriously. That being said, I do understand if fans of the original do enjoy this film; however, I find it a mediocre mess.
The Karate Kid (1984)
Not my cup of tea.
Directed by John A. Davis (of Rocky fame), this film deals with a teenager, Daniel, who moves to California. While adjusting to his new town, he gets bullied by a couple of martial arts students. Ultimately, he gets trained in martial arts by Miyoshi, who lives at the apartments where Daniel and his mother are.While there are some interesting concepts (Miyoshi's backstory being one of them), the movie's cumbersome length, which could have been reduced to a more bearable length, drags the movie on for too long. None of the characters are that interesting either which is a shame given the premise could have worked.Also, Martin Kove should have been in the movie more; I actually liked his very small amount of appearances. Overall, it's with The Goonies as one of the more debatable 80's flicks.
Puromea (2019)
The stuff of legends
For those of you who don't know, Promare is directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi, who created Gurren Lagann and Panty and Stocking. The story is about humans called the Burning who can wield a special fire ability and the riffs caused by it. It specifically deals with Galo Thymos and newly recruited fire fighter and Lio Fotia, the leader of a group of Burnings. Great animation and non-stop action makes Promare highly recommendable
Taxi Driver (1976)
Only as good as it gets
Boy, I dare say this is one of the best movies I've ever seen. Taxi Driver stars Robert De Niro as Travis, a Vietnam War veteran who becomes a taxi driver. Scorsese reveals Travis' slow decline to insanity, eventually going on rampage. The movie does a great job at developing Travis character , and De Niro delivers a excellent performance. Although I have only seen one other Scorsese work, Hugo, I highly recommend this movie.
The Breadwinner (2017)
A 2d animated feat!
The Breadwinner is one of the main reasons why foreign movie can sometimes be worth spending the extra cash on. Set in Aghanistan, it deals with a young girl who is trying to free her father from prison after he was wrongfully arrested. To do that, she disguises herself as a boy in order to make enough afghani to free him. She also tells the tale of a young boy who travels to reclaim seeds stolen by the elephant king (told through dream-like sequences). The movie portrays Aghanistan as a country in disrepair. Buildings look damaged, burnt cars appear on highways, and the movie invokes a dreary and sullen atmosphere. Afghans are portrayed in different ways; some are violent, while others are portrayed sympathetically (like the guard that helps the girl rescue her father).Character development is extremely well done, the animation is superb, particularly the story sequences, and the score sounds good while sounding authentic. My only complaint is that the movie didn't end perfectly well. While Parvana does rescue her father in the end, we do not see if she ever met her best friend who had also disguised herself as a boy. I watched the end credits to see if it was included there, but to no avail. I think the movie should have included a scene where they reunite and then end the movie. Overall, The Breadwinner is a very touching movie that is worth a watch.