Change Your Image
MovieCraz
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Reviews
The Astronaut's Wife (1999)
I'm Still Thinking About This Movie
I know this movies' been out a long time, but I saw it last night for the first time. I came into it wary after seeing the reviews it'd gotten here on IMDb, and I almost didn't watch it- but I'm glad I did.
The film starts off typical; astronaut is leaving for an orbital mission in space and his wife is of course worried and distressed. But during and after he comes back from his mission, that's when things get interesting. As it progresses the movie starts to become a psychological thriller and continues to slowly build up until I was holding my breath, eyes wide on the edge of my seat, calculating how this movie would or could end. It becomes clear that there are two different paths to choose: The astronaut is really a dangerous alien who's impregnated the astronaut's wife with alien spawn, or his wife is crazy and paranoid. Either way, it made for a scary scenario.
The main cast is brilliant; Johnny Depp and Charlize Theron blend so well together. (and WOW are they young in this movie!) Both actors' acting is great but I think Charlize came out shining in this one. She MADE me believe she was in agony, inwardly and outwardly, over the situation. I felt her pain, which is hard to do. The script is decent, the camera-work well-shot, and the atmosphere: tense. I really thought it was astronomical. (pun intended)
The only negative thing I have to say is that the ending sort of leaves you to your own imagination. Maybe you like that, but for me, I like closure.
Parents, please don't let your child watch this movie. I don't think anyone under 12 or 13 should watch it. There is a major, violent sex scene, sex themes throughout, violence, death, (shown) suicide, murder, and attempted self-abortion via pills. I personally skipped the major sex scene, cringed at the suicide, and was disturbed at the attempted abortion. So once again, when it comes to children, approach with care. Maybe watch it before them and determine for yourself whether they should or shouldn't watch it.
I hope you have appreciated my review. Please leave a like if it was helpful and go look at my other reviews! Thanks!
Horizon Zero Dawn (2017)
A Game Worth Waiting For
I've been waiting to play Horizon: Zero Dawn ever since I first heard about it, and after months of anticipation, I finally purchased the game last night. I'm writing this review after 4-5 hours of gameplay, and man do I love this game.
This is a complete game, packed full of amazing features. It has an interesting/emotional story, complete main character, fun gameplay, stunning graphics, useful tools, and amazing creatures.
This game has lots of videos, but I think it adds to the game rather than take away.
One exceptionally cool feature is that you can chose how Aloy, the main character, responds in conversations. You usually have three to four choices; either responding or asking a question. I really feel this adds greatly to the game.
The only thing I don't like is the worship of the 'all-mother.' I really wish it wasn't mentioned all the time. I even skipped a video of a ceremony with some kind of chanting. Now I know a lot of you think that's dumb, but I have to write a review for everyone, and there may be some parents who don't want their children watching that kind of stuff.
Anyways, thanks for reading my review and I hope that if you get Horizon, that you will like it as much as I do!
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)
Star Wars Episode 1: The Boring Politics
Over the span of a few weeks I just finished watching all of the Star Wars franchise over again, and this movie is not bad at all. It is watchable and somewhat enjoyable, but it's not as good as the original series. Kids will love it without a doubt, but for adults, it can get a little boring after a while.
I watched this movie in 1 1/2 hour increments (two days), because the movies are so long. I remember loving it without a doubt as a kid, but I began to notice how much this movie is lacking. But before I blast it, I want to tell what I liked about the movie.
I loved the cast (SO many great actors!), Naboo was very pretty, the races on Tatooine were cool, and there were plenty of aliens!
What I didn't like.
1: The boring politic dribble. Okay, I know politics play a key role in the republic, but come on. An entire half of the movie was political rambling that I didn't even understand. I honestly felt like fast- forwarding through all of it, but to write this review, I watched every frame. *sigh* If you're going to make a movie with a bunch of politics, please make it coherent, interesting, and understandable.
2: Midi-Chlorians and Anakins' birth. WHAT THE CRAP. Are you trying to tell me the force is comprised of all-knowing all-powerful cell particles and that Anakin was born from nothing!? How? What? WHY!? That is pretty sick and twisted. The cell particles lumped together inside Smi to create Anakin, which means he's a flipping Huge-Chlorian. *facepalm*
3: Jar Jar Binks. Good gosh. Lock him in a closet and throw away the key! This guy is the most irritating, nonsensical idiot I've ever seen. In my mind I pictured a thousand deaths worthy of this boob. And yet he appears in ALL THREE MOVIES.
4: Why do you create two cool characters (Qui-gon Jinn and the Phantom Menace) only to kill them in the same movie. AND it was a really quick battle that could have been epic if they had cut out a half hour of the politics and sprinkled some force juice and more Jedi in.
5: The script was dry.
6: Another celebration ending.
It's a good movie, don't get me wrong. It's worth watching at least once. But now you've been properly briefed.
Star Trek Beyond (2016)
This went Beyond my expectations
I wanted to see this movie as soon as I saw that it was coming out. Of course, I've seen most of the movies and TV series, so I know the Star Trek universe well. I love the re-boot Star Trek movie franchise- even if it's not exactly like the original TV series.
What the other movies lacked (more aliens, planets, etc) this one definitely makes up for. There are scads of beautiful, diverse aliens, takes place on two planets with the most astounding scenery, architecture and life, and it retained the humor of the last two movies. It is beautifully directed, acted and the CGI is AMAZING. I was fully entertained the entire time and never felt it lacked anything. I really can't think of too much that was cliché, and there was only one part I didn't care for. But- as in any movie- you will always have SOMETHING you don't like.
I hope this review was helpful and that when you do watch it, you will be as pleased as I was.
The 5th Wave (2016)
Wonderful film that leaves you wanting more.
I am so happy to see another great series coming to the big screen. Even though this is only the first film, it is a great start.
This movie was GREAT. It kept my attention the entire time and even had some suspenseful scenes that kept me on the edge of my seat. It starred some unknown cast that turned out to be brilliant (and attractive). The plot and script were great! Everything felt RIGHT in this movie. I will absolutely watch it again.
The only thing I thought needed work was the CGI. But other than that this is a wonderful movie. I came in with no knowledge of this book to movie adaption and came out immediately a fan. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE make the second book into the sequel: "The Infinite Sea"!!!
Allegiant (2016)
Highly disappointing. Weakest of the franchise.
I watched this movie last weekend with my family. We had high hopes for this movie in the beginning, but now......This has to be the weakest movie of the franchise.
Let me first tell you the things I liked. Tris grew her hair out- thank heavens. Four (Theo James) was in it (YAY!). The scenery was cool. Well, that was a short list.
Onto what I disliked.
1: The lame, never ending talk with David. *sighs* Tris must have talked to him for a solid hour of the movie and NOTHING came from it. I cant even expand on this because there is nothing TO expand on.
2: The script. Weak. Just plain weak. And boring. Cliché. There was one point in the movie where Peter cracks a sarcastic joke that I just knew one of them was going to say something retarded. Ding ding ding! Christina had the honor of delivering that line. After a really LONGGGGGGGG PAUSEEEEEE.
3: The orange floating bubbles. WHAT THE CRAP?
4: Tris. Did she start to look like Jeanine by the end of the movie? She was a spoiled, selfish brat in this movie. She treated Four like dirt when she wasn't making out with him in the corner. I was so disgusted with her and was hoping for her to die in THIS movie.
5: The throwing away of good characters. Was Christina even a part of this movie?
6: I hate Caleb. What a boob.
7: Can Peter pick a side? Ever?
Honestly if Four wasn't in it and Peter didn't crack his (couple) of sarcastic jokes this movie would deserve a 0. From the very beginning this looked like a low budget, junior director high school film.
Watch just to go through the series.
The Shallows (2016)
Better than Jaws
Yes, I know most of you are shocked that I titled this review "Better than Jaws". To understand this, keep reading.
I went last month to see The Shallows. I'd seen a lot of advertisement online and thought that it looked like a decent movie. I went with my family and after a bunch of X rated, horrible advertisements (that we needed to walk out of the room for) we finally saw the movie.
There have been a lot of leading ladies in Hollywood lately. Blake Lively doesn't disappoint. She is one tough chick in this movie. I liked the backstory and the graphics were GREAT! There wasn't a lot of dialog in this movie but honestly, it really doesn't need it. The shark was scary and the action scenes great. I liked that it wasn't overly gory but it wasn't fake-looking. The shark's habits were just like those of a real shark - they did their homework! All in all I left the theaters highly satisfied.
Here are the things I think needed some work.
1: Why would Blake swim TOWARDS a dead whale and hang around it? Has she never watched Animal Planet? Shark week? JAWS? Even I know not to go near a half-dead, bloody whale in the ocean. It OBVIOUSLY would attract sharks. And, wouldn't there be MORE sharks?
2. The ending. As soon as she speeds down to the ocean floor (which was NOT shallow), I just knew she had the bends. It was kind of fantastic to have the shark spike itself.
3. WHY WOULD SHE GO BACK INTO THE OCEAN. AND WITH HER SISTER!? I know I would be scarred for life. But even if she does face her fears and go back into the ocean, wouldn't she leave her sister on land so she would be safe? You know, someone to call for help in case another shark chased her on a rock again? I just knew a shark was going to pop out at the ending and attack the sisters. Was that a hint to a "The Shallows 2"?
I liked this movie a LOT. I would say absolutely watch it. I wouldn't let a kid under 10 watch it. And if they scare easy or if they've watched a Jaws movie and had nightmares don't let them watch it.
ENJOY!
The Hunger Games (2012)
The Weakest of the Hunger Games Franchise.
I know everyone says this but I have to say I am one of the Hunger Games' biggest fans. I've read the books and seen the movies. I know what I am speaking (or writing) about.
I was excited to see the first movie when it came out in 2012. At this time I had not read the books yet, but I did know a bit about it. Because I hadn't read the books my first reaction was that I liked it, but I didn't LOVE it. I went away and read the books right before Catching Fire was released in theaters. And this is what I found when comparing the two.
The movie wasn't completely off from the first HG book, but it deviated tremendously in some areas. Now I know what you are thinking. "Oh no, let's get out of here now before this book fanatic blasts the movie just because it wasn't like the book." That's not what I am doing at all. I'm going to compare the book and the movie and then highlight the good and the bad from the movie. So sit tight and stay with me.
The movie disregarded semi-important characters from the book that didn't add to the movie (in their opinion). It also changed much of the scenes and dialog except for important key lines such as 'Happy Hunger games and may the odds be Ever in your favor.' and 'Ladies First'. The three most notable things though have to be the way Katniss got the Mockingjay pin, the werewolves, and Prim's cat: Buttercup.
Now onto what I liked about the movie.
Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen was the most impeccable choice. She does the part so well that I can't ever see anyone other than her playing Katniss. I also thought Liam Hemsworth (Gale Hawthorne), Elizabeth Banks (Effie Trinket), Woody Harrelson (Haymitch Abernathy) and Stanley Tucci (Caesar Flickerman) were great casting choices. Donald Sutherland as President Snow was also an excellent choice, giving me the creeps every time I saw him. He just looked EVIL. The capitol was just as I had envisioned, the scenery was great, and the lines were good. The action was good (because it followed the book). All in all was a very good, captivating, and gripping movie.
Things I think needed work:
1: How Katniss got the Mockingjay pin. I won't go into how she got it in the books (which was perfection) but I do want to point out that in the movie it was a very nonchalant, boring way of introducing the pin that symbolized the start of a rebellion. If you had to deviated from the book you should have given it a better entrance into the movie? Maybe Katniss' mother gave it to her for strength? I don't know because it would never be as good as what Collins wrote.
2: Casting choice for Peeta Mellark. I know all of you fan girls are ready to throw me into the next Hunger games for saying such a thing but it's true! Josh Hutcherson is a good actor, don't get me wrong! He just didn't feel like Peeta to me. Him and Jennifer Lawrence didn't have much chemistry on screen in my opinion. He wasn't the strong, caring, protective Peeta that I knew from the books. They made Peeta seem a bit weak and a sort of damsel in distress in my view. If you don't agree with me that's fine. I just wanted to point out that he seems wimpy and small.
3: The werewolves. Oh my. Here I go. WHY!!!!!!!! Why would you change Suzanne Collin's werewolves. They were half werewolf, half dead tributes, that ran on their hind legs and had huge claws, teeth and big scary eyes. Here in the movie they looked like overfed pit bulls. Even their barking wasn't scary. This scene was supposed to send foreboding shivers down my spine. Instead I sat there in numb boredom, waiting for the games' 'big finish' to end so I could go onto the next movie. What a lame climax. That's all I have to say on that matter.
Anyways those are the three biggest things I thought needed immense work. I hope you like this movie! If you are not sure about how you feel after watching this PLEASE watch Catching Fire. I promise it's a much better movie and you will like it. Also, PLEASE GO READ THE BOOKS! Have a nice rest of your day, AND MAY THE ODDS BE EVER IN YOUR FAVOR.
Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015)
Good movie, reused plot, lame villain.
To really understand this film and my review I would encourage everyone to watch the other Star Wars movies. If you already have or you're just a rebel, keep reading.
This was not a bad movie in the least, but I was gracious with the rating I gave it. Why? Let me first tell you what I like about it.
The graphics and CGI were great. The return of the original cast was very much appreciated and widely received. The script was decent and the main actress Daisy Ridley (Rey) was an unknown but turned out to be a fairly good actress.
Here are some of the things that needed to be worked on:
1. The villain. Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) was a lame villain. In the beginning he was somewhat mysterious and scary but about a quarter way in he removed his helmet. And for what reason!? To intimidate the audience? Hate to break it to you but IT DIDN'T WORK. As soon as that helmet came off I was like 'How did that small helmet fit on his huge head?' and 'Was there a different, more talented actor under the helmet?' Then came the temper tantrums. OH MY GOSH. How old is this guy? And why is he destroying his space ship with his light saber??? Is he like 5? Then, trying to sell that he was afraid of being weaker than Darth Vader was just ludicrous. I actually laughed when he beat his side at the end of the movie. Is that supposed to HELP??? This is the weakest Star Wars villain I have ever seen. The old villains were scary. This guy is a five year old with daddy issues and a light saber.
2. Was smeagol the Supreme Leader Snoke?
3. Rey. OK, so I do like her to an extent. As I mentioned above she is pretty good actress. However, I do NOT like her relationship with Finn (John Boyega). They had no chemistry and no interest it seemed with one another. It was pretty ridiculous to put them together in my opinion.I wish that relationship would end. Quickly. Also, at the end of the movie she had more force that Luke Skywalker ever did in the old movies. This was quite irritating. You can't tell me that without any training she is that powerful. Implying that she is part of the family is a LAME excuse to do this. All in all, Rey should have been given a little more thought.
4. Everything about Finn.
5. Talking the whole time about finding Luke Skywalker and then only seeing him turn around and pause for an eternity.
6. The reused plot. It's basically a bigger death star. No originality.
There are other things, but these are the main things that stuck out to me. I hope you enjoy this movie if you see it.
Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)
Brilliant movie that was rushed at the end.
First of all if you haven't seen Star Trek (2009) then stop now and go watch that movie before this one. (And read my review) Already seen it? Good. Let's continue.
Just like the first film, this one was great. Was it as good as the first? Almost.
If you have read my Star Trek (2009) review you will know that I love the cast. They all have great chemistry, deliver their lines brilliantly, and totally fit each and every one of their parts. Bringing in Benedict Cumberbatch to play Kahn was absolutely the right casting choice. He does an amazing job as Kahn in every way.
This movie reflects the other very much. Great script, funny jokes, and great acting. But here are the things I think should have been worked on a bit more:
1: The ending was rushed. By the time you realize Kahn in a villain (that is if you have never seen Star Trek: The Wrath of Kahn) the movie seems to speed at a hundred miles an hour to finish.
2: Spock and Uhurah's pushed aside romance. I loved their relationship in the last movie. They made and completed the movie in my opinion. In this one however their romance seemed to be pushed in the background, as if they were trying to find a way to end it quietly. (which thankfully doesn't happen here.) Spock and Uhura have so much chemistry it's crazy. As I have said in my last review, I hope we end up seeing them tying the knot in the fourth installment. I want to see a Star Trek movie with a legit married couple and not the 'dating everyone on the ship without making any commitments' thing I see in almost every Star Trek film. Please give us more Spock and Uhura!
3: What's the point of space ships if you can use a portable teleporter to beam half way across the galaxy?
4:As much as I love Chris Pine as Kirk, he should have stayed dead. For once I felt sad knowing a main character died in an act of selflessness. It made me emotional and made me realize 'Hey. If they'll kill off Kirk who else is going to die!?' I love it when I don't know what's going to happen next. The suspense that something might happen to a beloved character just draws you in. But once again, as in many movies, he didn't really die. If you're going to kill them off, do it.
Anyway that's my review! I hope you guys enjoy the film!
Star Trek (2009)
Funny, Engaging, and Totally Worth Seeing!
I've always liked Star Trek. I wouldn't consider myself a Trekkie, but I would say that I have enjoyed watching the Star Trek universe thoroughly. I've seen almost every single movie and TV series in the franchise. Some were great, some OK, and some were just a very, very bad failure. It's been quite a roller coaster ride for Star Trek, but I think we are finally on the right Trek.
First let me just say: I LOVE THE CAST. Chris Pine (James T. Kirk), Zachary Quinto (Spock), Zoe Saldana (Uhura), Karl Urban (Leonard McCoy) and the rest of the wonderful cast made the movie. And to bring back Leonard Nimoy was a stroke of genius. The script was great, the jokes hilarious, the acting was phenomenal and we finally have a Star Trek movie with fantastic graphics!!!! (Although I think they went a little overboard on the haze lights.)
The person who decided to put Spock and Uhura together is a genius. Their relationship just works. I don't know why it wasn't thought of before. I just hope this relationship lasts and we end up seeing Spock and Uhura tying the knot in the fourth installment. (something Star Trek has almost never done.) Please please please keep them together!
Now onto what I do think needs a bit of work:
1: I do think the Romulans needed to look more like aliens and less like bald tattoo'd humans. I was never really scared of them either. They kind of just looked like a biker gang in space with a cool ship.
2:I'd like to have seen more aliens than humans, but, it didn't feel any less Star Trek without them.
3:They portrayed Kirk as a wimpy, selfish, womanizing jerk throughout. It got better as the film went on but he really only improved by the end of the next film Star Trek: Into Darkness.
4:Kirk progressed way too fast to captain and everything seems to step aside every time he loses the chair to let him regain it. (Both in this film and Star Trek: Into Darkness.)
5:The bar scene exchange between Kirk and Uhura was WAAAYYY too much. I cringe every time I see that scene. I would actually like it if they cut out that whole thing. The exchange isn't even necessary if only to show Kirk as a womanizing sleazebag. (It happens about ten minutes in and lasts about eight minutes.)
Well, that's my review. I hope this helps and that if you do watch the movie that you love it as much as I did. If you have never seen a Star Trek film before this film does not require you to have any previous Star Trek knowledge. And if you have seen them I hope you will enjoy! Once you have seen this movie go see Star Trek: Into Darkness where I am going to be posting a review on soon. I have yet to see Star Trek: Beyond but once I do I will surely post a review!
Have a marvelous day!