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Reviews
Final Destination (2000)
Not a Masterpiece?
According to BOMOJO, Final Destination (2000) made 53 million while only costing 23 million to make. That's a 30 million dollar movie profit. Worldwide it grossed 112 million and made 15 million in video. So, a 94 million dollar profit in ticket sales. The director, James Wong cut his teeth on television, most notably the X files. Not the first to introduce "fate" as inevitable, pretty sure a lot of religions believe that, he introduced the "you can't cheat death" genre. Horrifying as it is, I don't know anyone who hasn't done it, whether driving up on a vehicle accident, getting grabbed out of the way of a vehicle, almost choking, etc. So, Final Destination is very relatable. Not sure, but I think #1 had the lowest critic ratings and each sequel got better. So, we have a relatable movie that we just want more of. I think you could call that a masterpiece.
Can You See Us? (2022)
Uplifting
Powerful movie about rejection, hope, love, and forgiveness. Really tough content, reverse racism, but it's handled tactfully. Great script, as most true stories are, then it builds to an ultimate happy, very happy ending. Maybe not as deep, and sordid as this man's life actually was, but his life was portrayed very well. Thoroughly enjoyed the movie and recommend it for all families. Tells a lesson on racism, hate, and overcoming all odds. Also, because it's based in Africa, it shows racism and hate can be directed from people anywhere. Kudos to Netflix for opening my mind to this awesome content.
Bermuda Island (2023)
Best Damn Movie Ever
No spoilers here. Starts as a cop flick, then an Airplane accident flick, then a monster flick.....wait, there's a love story along with some gratuitous nudity, back to monsters, then the FBI goes rogue. Keeping up? Now, a lot of people shot by the FBI guy for no apparent reason.
Ok, Tom Sizemore in maybe his last role. Or possibly he was already dead gets shot along with 14 FBI agents on the airplane. Airplane flies into a non-existent storm and crashes. Multiple creatures from the Black Lagoon. Bad FBI. Love scene, wait fight scene, back to love scene. Middle aged love....wonderful. More monsters, more bad FBI, a guy with red eyes who never ages. Death, destruction, it's over. Maybe the best movie ever!
The Old Way (2023)
Not as Expected, but Good
I'm gonna go in a strange direction here. A movie a few years back with Nick Cage about a dissolute ex-cop wreaking revenge on bad guys. That movie was called "Kick Ass" and introduced a young actor named Chloe Grace Moretz. Great movie. This movie, "The Old Way", wasn't 15 minutes in before his daughter, played by Ryan Kiera Armstrong, stole the show. She's outstanding as the remorseless daughter of the reformed outlaw. She added a lot to an otherwise vanilla revenge flick. It isn't her first film, but she definitely stood out. I expect a lot from her in the future. Also, alway good to see Clint Howard and Nick Searcy.
On a Wing and a Prayer (2023)
Haters Will HATE!
Watched this on Easter and was pleasantly surprised. Looks at the best of us without using the worst of us as a crutch. Great story, sad, suspenseful, and at times fun of a heroic rescue. This show the best of us, different people from different backgrounds coming together to succeed. It touches on some character flaws, but doesn't let it weigh down the story. I do understand the AC- Crowd may get put off by the spiritual undertones, but they just need to learn to live with it. There's rarely a miracle where the big "C" isn't somehow involved. Really enjoyed the movie, especially the stories of what became of the major characters later in life. A - Anti; C - Christ.
The English (2022)
How It Should Be Done
An exceptional western drama. Raw, exciting, and never boring. Characters are maybe the best I've seen in a drama in a long time. Each very unique, each very complex, and each very flawed. Makes you yearn for the old west as well as be glad you weren't a part of it. Leads are very admirable without being pretentious. Don't know about the historical accuracy regarding English settlement in Wyoming, Pawnee scouts, or American Highwaymen; but this show makes me want to find out. We can only hope this is the first of many westerns to follow. Kudos to Amazon for their production and release of an excellent short series. Hope the critics recognize its excellence as well.
Sprung (2022)
Thanks!
Too many networks vette their sitcoms to ensure Political correctness. Not the case here. About time someone wasn't afraid to forego the PC crowd and just be funny. This is also a history lesson in disguise. The advances over the last thirty years are a big part of this show and really make it interesting. Characters are diverse and interesting, and the plot line is solid. Highly recommend it. As my first freezer original, I'm very impressed. Hopefully they've already signed on for additional seasons. They wouldn't even need the same characters, just someone to point out the hilarity that was and still is COVID as well as some of our old laws, that were, well stupid.
Devil in Ohio (2022)
Cool Abbreviated Series
Nice build up, good character development and a lot of twists. Dechanel is solid, as usual and the family dynamic is pretty right on. Some sexual confusion and other asides that didn't have a lot to do with the story, but actually helped the plot along. Ending was a bit too tidy, so we may be lucky and get more. A worthwhile watch. Oh yeah, I hate her husband. If we're lucky they'll take him out prior to the next episode. I don't know what you want me to add? Cool cult show. Kinda a throwback to the 60s and 70s cult mania on the "Movie of the Week". Deep dark secrets, a family whose been killing and pillaging for decades while worshipping a demonic entity. Hope I finally reached the 600 characters. Between IMDB and Twitter I'm really torn. Also wonder how you can give a review, without spoilers, using over 600 words. Bottom line, I liked it and
I don't do many series.
The Gray Man (2022)
Don't get it?
Fun movie, cool characters, great pace. Even a kinda cool CIA covert ops plot that once I thought was BS. Before Aldrich Ames. CIA could never surprise me anymore. Can't understand anyone rating at least an 8. There is that issue with Ryan Gosling. Aren't you supposed to get uglier as you age? Also, Chris Evans is awesome.
The Terminal List (2022)
Great Mini-Series
I used to think movies were unbeatable, but 8 part series like Terminal List shows when you just need more content. Complex plot, an unforgiving hero, and aggressive reporter makes this a nice watch. Great series for the July 4 weekend.
The Lincoln Lawyer (2022)
Really Good
Picked up on a lot overlooked by the movie. The Latino-American lead added a lot. Haven't figured out the car byline, but Ford should definitely reimburse them. Really enjoyed this.
Hustle (2022)
NBA, thanks for re-earning my respect
Great insight to what it takes to be a professional athlete. Sandler is great and supporting cast is solid. Foster and Latifah, as usual, stand out. Must admit, this was a league whose politics really turned me off, but this puts into perspective just how special and just how hard NBA stars work to achieve the top level. Story's been done, but still holds its own as a pretty good movie. Really enjoyed it.
The Quick and the Dead (1995)
One of My Favorites
A great cast in an homage to "Once Upon a Time in the West". Visually brilliant with extraordinary acting. Sam Raimi's pace and cinematography aren't for everyone, but to me its brilliant. Gene Hackman, Russell Crowe, Gary Sinise, Leo DiCaprio, Sharon Stone, Lance Hendrickson and on and on. And they're all great.
Cowboy Bebop (2021)
I Don't Like Anime
A western, action, sci-fi conglomeration that I truly enjoyed. I know anime purists aren't as big of fans as I am, but this bridges a gap I just couldn't get through previously. I don't like anime. Great filmmaking.
He's All That (2021)
Huh?
Teen Rom Coms like this should have an "Entertaining" or "Not Entertaining" rating. We know the formula, know what's gonna happen, we're just along for the ride. This wasn't bad. Didn't expect "Citizen Kane", but the references to other shows like "Konrad Kai" and the original "She's All That" we're pretty cool. Critics and fans who deride it, really didn't get the intent of the movie. It was exactly what it was supposed to be, fun, mindless entertainment that relieved us from the seriousness of life for awhile.
Reckoning (2019)
Original
Explores a part of US society many don't really know about. Great underdog story while emphasizing women's empowerment. Very entertaining.
Gunpowder Milkshake (2021)
Kinda What Movies Are All About
Great pace, cool story, and if your willing to just "enjoy" a movie, pretty awesome. Very violent, with an underlying message, but well paced and entertaining. Different, which is always cool.
Dr. Death (2021)
Exceptional Acting
Christian Slater, Alec Baldwin, and Joshua Jackson are extraordinary. Streamed it in a day.
Nobody (2021)
Odenkirk shiws a lot of range, Chris Lloyd is awesome
Same old plot, but the characters put their action flick over. All fun.
Those Who Wish Me Dead (2021)
Taylor Sheridan delivers.
Good Movie. Good characters, great action. Just wish I knew what happened to Madea!
Dexter (2006)
Great Series.......although
Everything about this series was great. Premise, plot, characters, and most importantly killers. The ONLY reason I rated it a 9 was because the best, I'd call him remarkable character only made it two seasons. Won't spoil this, but watch and you'll know who I'm talking about. There were other great ones, but none as awesome as this guy. Still, even without him the series was stellar.
What to Watch: April's Most Anticipated Streaming Titles (2021)
Fun Movie
Don't know when people got so uptight about movies. This movie is cool and fun. Thoroughly enjoyed it. As a comedy, there's some leeway to the plot etc. It's entertainment.
Promising Young Woman (2020)
Great Movie
Keeps you guessing. Great heroine, without selling out in the plot.
Waiting for the Barbarians (2019)
Good Movie
Although overall not stunning, the parable in this movie is sound. Great acting.
The Queen's Gambit (2020)
Remarkable Television
This is novel television. Great story, awesome acting, and showed great respect for chess. Subtlety addresses gender bias while being respectful to men and women. Also incredibly empowering.