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dwainereyes
Reviews
Mortal Kombat (2021)
The prelude to the tournament
Critics have a tough job. They have to write reviews on dozens, if not, hundreds of movies; all part of varying genres. The problem with that is they tend to write their reviews based on the same qualities regardless of the genre, and you really can't do that while providing accurate reviews based on the genre.
Mortal Kombat is a cinematic action fantasy about legendary martial arts tournaments. It is based on the video game of the same name. Today, it's modern interpretation pays homage to the original movie while also providing new viewers a bit of background to set the stage for what appears to be the beginning of Hollywood's reimagining.
The movie itself isn't the Mortal Kombat tournament but rather Shang Tsung's attempt to preempt a victory he'd imagined locked. Unfortunately, this time around, Cole Young is on earths champion list. Being a blood descendant of Scorpion, aka Hasashi Hanzo, he is bestowed great abilities which only needed to be unlocked.
Additionally, Raiden, the lightning god, has brought others into the group who also stand on earths side and each must either find their strengths or help others discover their abilities.
Many of the same characters return, albeit in name only. Also, expect the final statements of finishing moves to be said as per the game.
One of the few things I didn't find well received was the current iteration of Shang Tsung. In my opinion, his adaptation just didn't have the same "authenticity" as the original actor who filled the role. The same could be said of the current version of Kung Lao, who seemed to be a bit less focused but instead appeared almost... smug.
Overall, the action pretty much maintained good pacing throughout the movie. There were few noticeable interruptions which took away from the momentum.
For a movie that is adapted from a video game depicting gore and violence mashed with martial arts and fantasy style fighting, it definitely hit the spot. Especially since the current superhero trope is still in full swing. It's nice to have a change in pace.
Outside the Wire (2021)
When reality meets fantasy
As a Military Veteran, this film touches a very sentimental place in my heart. Not only did I serve Honorably; I was also blessed to serve as an Analyst during both Desert Shield and parts of OEF. I mention this only because I have been an Instructor to soldiers who would perform the same duties as Lt Harp: never truly witnessing the collateral damage up close yet being "gung ho" about terminating insurgent lives without realizing the effects of their decisions.
This film brought to the forefront what Lt Harp had been missing. He made decisions based on logic yet wasn't able to understand the need for empathy. Real lives are affected by our decisions. It's only when you can face first hand the after effects of our choices when a soldier in the Intelligence community will be able to do their jobs better.
Lt Harp finally understood this after seeing the many orphaned children which were the result of his hand.
Understandably, logic needs to be taken into account, however, knowing what the second and third subsequent effects are will help ensure we decide which courses of action are the best to follow through.
This film also touched on what could happen should we decide to allow sentient AI the ability to undermine the authority of the chain of command. Many times, our decisions are never the final say. We have a chain of command because the weight of these choices needs to be determined by someone who is able to clearly and responsibly shoulder the effects that happen after a COA has been decided.
I really enjoyed the fact that, in this case, what could've become a situation much like "Terminator" was assessed by the AI to be a failed judgement and it/he realized it would be much worse to continue making more, as it would only create an endless war scenario.
However, the protagonist was also able to impart that we, as a race of intelligent beings, are also able to learn; as our Lt Harp indeed did so.
Machines continue to be used in combat situations so the lives of our soldiers aren't wasted but to allow the same freedoms of choice and not ensure a true fail safe would be detrimental to the livelihood of human beings.
War never has a true "winner". There are always losses incurred and lives changed forever. I'm a prime example of this, as are many of my battle brothers/sisters, both living and passed. Those soldiers, marines, airmen, sailors and officers need to be informed of the realities of every decision we make and how it will affect us after the fact and, more importantly, once we have decided to leave the service of our Nation and resume our civilian lives.
This is an very informative but enjoyable film for those thinking of signing up and a decent fictional account of what could be for those still active and those who've served. It may not be vividly blatant but it did a decent job of it; especially when the soldiers beat up Lt Harp. I can remember many times how the soldiers who were boots on the ground would respond to the decisions and COA's those of us in the analyst community made.
But know this; we make our decisions using the intelligence we have and knowing that there can and will be casualties. Hopefully, the decisions we make result in the least amount of casualties.
Love to my brother and sisters in arms!
Spenser Confidential (2020)
Great homage to a long beloved series
Spencer: Confidential
Mark Wahlberg, assuming the role of ex-cop, Spencer, once played by Robert Urich, while his badass roommate, Hawk, once played by actor, Avery Brooks, is now played by "US" leading man, Winston Duke.
This film follows the release of "ex cop" Spencer, after serving time for assaulting his former Captain. Coincidentally, the same Captain ends up dying from a supposed homicide hit by another cop known to Spencer. After murdering the Captain, the other officer supposedly commits suicide, tying up all "loose ends".
Spencer, who knew the alleged murdering Police Officer decides to delay his decision to leave for arizona in order to solve the case. With his roommate, Hawk, joining him, Spencer proceeds to discover a lot of cover ups and drug running by dirty cops. The case brings to light his former partner, played by long time great actor, Bokeem Woodbine, who was once his partner before his stint in prison.
The movie does some justice in bringing back a long time beloved television character. In this time of many remakes or reboots, Spencer: Confidential is a great homage.
Mark Wahlberg displays his growth as an actor while simultaneously tossing in some light comedy to a once serious television series character.
Director Peter Berg reigns in the much overdone explosions, instead ensuring the story is forefront in this awesome rendition of the characters. Easily a movie one could watch over again simply for the light comedy and great characters working off each other.
Well done.
Eli (2019)
Interesting twist on an unexpected subject
Eli is a pretty decent movie for those who are interested in viewing a long practiced art form from a different perspective. Without providing spoilers, it has the ingredients viewers would require for a watchable movie experience.
The main character considers his life to be horrible, due to being unable to enjoy life like everyone else. He finds himself living his existence like bacteria in a Petri dish. For those who remember, he is much like bubble boy, without the comedic adventure.
However, after arriving at a "Clean House", where a certain doctor is supposed to be able to cure him of his physiological affliction, Eli soon finds himself experiencing a more supernatural level of drama.
The story continues with Eli discovering more than he was expecting of the Doctor by his interaction with a visitor outside the house. In addition, the therapy he receives appears to be doing little to alleviate his condition. And finally, young Eli learns that his parents were also hiding some things from him.
The movie was not fast paced, but it wasn't too slow either. I actually enjoyed the twist because it was something I hadn't expected from the information we were provided.