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5/10
Very disappointed; very bored.
25 March 2024
Finally a chance for the books to have a great vehicle to redeem what happened in the disappointing movie! But then...what? Why? I was so bored and let down by this series. In these modern times, when you can devote much more time in a SERIES (vs a 2 hour movie) to fulfilling a closer adaptation to what everybody loved about the books...and then, this. The writing is weak and well, a mess. My two daughters, who loved the books, and were disappointed in the movie were so excited for the series. And the three of us all sat there, shaking our heads, and made disappointing comments throughout the entire series. I can't imagine another season, but if so, will not be participating.
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8/10
Really entertaining! (Legit shocked at bad reviews)
5 July 2023
I am legitimately, shocked at bad reviews here! I walked out of this movie been thoroughly entertained. The opening prologue - a 20 minute roller coaster ride - is classic Indiana Jones. Because of the trailers, everyone knew going in they were going to make a Harrison Ford young again by using that de-aging technology. Even though this is some of the best special effects to make an older actor look younger, you can still tell, not because it looks bad, but because you know they're doing it! Honestly, you just have to get over that and enjoy what they're doing! We get a mini Indiana Jones movie with a young Harrison Ford for the first 1/7 of this movie! Thanks James Mangold! I love the cinematography. The look of all the time periods they present in the movie is so good. I love the relationship between Indiana Jones and Helena. Phoebe Waller Bridge is fantastic. I love all of the callbacks to the previous movies that you knew were going to happen, but couldn't wait to see how they do it. I love how the story line once again, uses actual historical events and wines that into the storyline. My jaw dropped at the end that I was not expecting... I loved it!

Were there some moments where I said "oh, come on" and didn't think a sequence was plausible...yes. But that happens in almost every Indiana Jones movie, and almost every action movie you've ever seen! Again, get over it! I will see this movie again because there is so much to see!
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Morbius (2022)
7/10
Better than expected
20 January 2023
As I write this review, Morbius has a 5.2 rating on IMDb. I definitely think that's way too low! If you're a big fan of the MCU, then be sure to watch this movie. Yeah facts are really good. But the plot twist is pretty generic: what does a good guy do when he gets powers that make him a bad guy? There's not a lot of originality as the answer that question but the movie isn't. "bad"! Just understand that it is almost 100% origin story so don't expect a big complex plot or narrative. I like the two leads, especially the "bad guy" - but who IS the "bad" guy!? : ) Not sure if the movie did well enough that we'll see a sequel, but this character deserves to be given another story, so that we see him become Morbius!
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Godless (2017)
8/10
Incredible storytelling even though...
28 November 2022
...the shootout was ridiculous.

All westerns are going to have a shootout, so there's not much of a spoiler here.

The acting, writing, cinematography, and production bring us right into the time and place of the story and culture of the old west. I love how they integrate and include - and give respect to - all the characters and the culture and condition they found themselves in.

Everything about this limited series is phenomenal with the exception of the shootout. Poorly conceived and shot...it just doesn't live up to the realistic vision of the rest of the series. Perhaps it was the director's first one? I don't know, but it had sooo many "Oh come on!" moments for me. At least that wasn't the "end" of the final episode.
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8/10
Super creative, thought-FULL, and original.
11 July 2022
I love how they take an over used idea like time travel and completely surprise me! I did not know what to expect when I decided to give this a chance. SO GLAD I did! Drama, comedy, romance, sci-fi (just the time travel part), good writing and acting. Thanks cast, crew, creators and producers for this artist storytelling!

Shocked to hear HBO is not giving this a second season!
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Midnight Mass (2021)
9/10
Midnight Massterpiece
8 October 2021
Wow this totally surprised me how DEEP this movie is! It wraps the "human condition" in a semi-horror (but not "traditional horror") blanket and methodically takes us down into the depths of life, faith, doubt, sin, ugliness, and beauty. This is good vs evil at it's best and most brilliant. Who is the hero? Who is "bad"? There are really cool reveals and twists along the way.

This reminded me of a great M Night Shyamalan movie. Methodical and creepy. With advances in plot sprinkled at just the right time to make you say WHAT!?!?

Don't listen to the "too slow" or "too many long dialogues" reviews. Be a mature adult and wallow in "what it means to be human" as these very HUMAN characters face extraordinary circumstances.
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Altered Carbon (2018–2020)
9/10
Season 1: Perfection. Season 2: Let down.
2 October 2021
Totally agree with a lot of these reviews. Season 1 may be the best science fiction series/story I have ever seen. It is SO CREATIVE and mind blowing. Episode after episode continued to raise the bar. I actually just watched it again. Perfection. I could not WAIT for season 2, and DANG IT! Convoluted and way less imaginative. It missed on the magic of season 1. DO NOT MISS SEASON 1. Don't bother with the second...
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Hacks (2021– )
10/10
Brilliant in every way.
27 August 2021
EVERY part of this show is so good! The performances, the writing, the style, the soundtrack, the "human condition" themes throughout. EVERYTHING. I love Jean Smart who is perfect for this role. And I love Hannah Einbinder. As a mostly first timer she is sooo good as Ava! Very smart comedy written around the DRAMA of life!
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Jolt (2021)
6/10
Not as bad as others say; could have been better!
29 July 2021
There is no way this is as bad as a 1, 2, or 3 as others have said. It is "decent" at its worse (meaning watchable), if you are willing to put up with a lot of standard problems that a TON of action movies have in them. It is an over-the-top action movie with a fairly new twist (giving the movie its name). A better script would have made this so much better though!

Semi-spoiler but not really: I was able to look past many of the "problems" mentioned above and decided with its tongue firmly in place, its campiness made it an acceptable romp in the action genre. The motivation behind the twist in the end was a stupid trope and really disappointing...
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Freaky (2020)
7/10
Comedy + Horror + Thriller (+VV) = GOOD MOV!E
25 July 2021
How often do you get a comedy, horror, thriller all in one?! This is a rare jewel of a movie that did each of these well. And if you like VV on top of that then what are you waiting for!?
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7/10
Better than I expected!
23 July 2021
I liked the movie overall but agree with others about the acting. Very flat. I didn't feel emotionally invested because I didn't feel legit emotion from the three main actors.

I see a lot of comparisons to Star Wars. That is reminding me of the decades of commentary about G Lucas knowing what a good story is and how to craft a scene, etc, - but he is known for not getting the beat performances out of his cast.

Sounds about right for this movie. They weren't BAD actors, I just wanted more, you know!?

Still worth my time though!
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Thunder Force (2021)
6/10
Better than the low ratings for sure!
30 May 2021
After I saw the trailer for this movie I wanted to see it. After seeing the low ratings I kept putting it off, but then finally decided to decide for myself.

There's no way this is a 1, 2, 3 or even 4. I think those reviews are hyperbole in a SLAM culture.

This is far from a favorite comedy but it is a comedy! A silly one at that! If you like Melissa McCarthy then you will like this movie. It's her comedic style that I love and here she is doing what she does.

Are there problems with it, yes, but I was entertained by it. Sometimes Will Ferrell makes a silly stupid comedy exactly like this one, and it may not be perfect but I love it cause it's Ferrell!
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6/10
Look past the 1-4 ratings... Here's why. (No spoilers)
29 May 2021
All the 1-4 ratings are way too harsh IMO. While yes, there are many problems with the movie, there are other things that make it "watchable."

The cinematography and special effects are really cool. The zombies and creatures are awesome. The special take they add on this genre is a nice addition. The rendering of Las Vegas is incredibly well done.

Is some of the dialogue campy? Yes. Are some of the plot holes porous? Yes? Do they not fully explain some things? Yes. Why did he/she walk in THERE and do THAT when they should have gone over THERE and done something ELSE? Yes!

Well guess what: that's EVERY movie that tries to be an action, horror, scary, funny, sometimes tongue-in-cheek zombie movie!

Yes, you do have to get past some things, but if you watch it for what it is, it valences out to about a "C+" not an "F" (and certainly not a "1" as some are hyperbolically saying).

{I will say I really like Zack Snyder but was disappointed in the over all result. The parts of the movie I didn't like - and that others have criticized - could have easily been fixed if someone would have been brave enough to say to ZS "Hey, this doesn't work here" or whatever. That's why you hire a TEAM, to tweak and polish the pets that don't make sense...}
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6/10
Sorry, I was bored.
3 February 2021
You know how sometimes you just never get around to watching a "famous" or "critically acclaimed" movie? That was me with Mulholland Dr. I finally got around to it and sorry, I was bored.

This movie could have been 20 minutes shorter and a LOT clearer.

Before you pound me for "artist expression" and "genius ambiguity", the brilliance in telling a bizarre story comes down to "can you take me with you"? I GET the whole movie-making and story-telling GENIUS of nuance mixed with hints and clues and flashbacks and all that. But if you tell me a story without me being able to follow you down the rabbit hole, I can't in good faith say this movie is great.

The other thing is that this movie is waaaay to long! So many shots went on forever! The longer shots did bit advance the plot OR the drama...sigh.

The 10/10 reviews on here are too high IMO.
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3/10
Slow, not funny, major disappointment (Sigh)
10 November 2020
Don't fall for the very few higher ratings of this "quirky" and "eclectic" little "nod to zombie movies" reviews. This is not good. I WANTED it to be - and I love Murray, Driver, and Swindon. I sat there wishing and waiting for it to get better. It doesn't. I literally could not wait until it was over. GO AND WATCH ZOMBIELAND AGAIN - and laugh every 20 seconds! I PROMISE you that'll be a better use of your time! Cardio!!
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Tenet (2020)
7/10
Visually/Conceptually Stunning, BUT...
5 September 2020
...the audio mix is terrible. The brilliant visuals and new concept of traversing through time is unfortunately overshadowed by a horrific mix of dialogue, music, and sound effects. I'm pretty sure test audiences were not used because if they had been they would have collectively said "What?" At least HALF of the dialogue I missed and had to guess what was said. It was about 2/3 into the movie until a quiet two person conversation happened that I actually heard them clearly. I LOVE Christopher Nolan but have never been this frustrated in a film. (Think Interstellar and Bane from TDKR...hard to hear a lot of parts, but this beat them both easily). My advice would be to WAIT and buy this film and watch it at home with captions on!
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The Assistant (III) (2019)
5/10
Art, Yes - But Not Very Entertaining.
13 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
As "art" I GET The Assistant. MINI-SPOILERS BELOW : )

It makes the point about what it's like to work in this kind of environment. It makes the point about the hard work and long hours. It makes the point about what working for this kind of boss does to a person. It makes the point in a mundane, slow-paced kind of way. Yes there is some tension but it doesn't "build" as much as it "reveals". I was never caught up in the story. I kept waiting for the thing to happen. What thing? ANYthing. So it left me more disappointed than glad a watched it. Yes it was well acted and shot - I was just never engaged.

If you have a playback device like a PS4 that can play movies at 1.5 speed (Where you can still hear and see the dialogue and "action", you could watch it like that and save some time! (I know, I know it ruins the pacing and INTENTION of the film) But I am wishing I had watched it on my PS4 after my dissapointment...
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Troop Zero (2019)
10/10
A near perfect movie!
22 February 2020
Most movies aren't perfect. It's very hard to achieve such a thing - does one even exist? (I DONT KNOW!) But this one is close. The writing, directing, and acting are superb. The performances are sooo good - especially from the kids! Credit to them but also to the directors. This movie tackles how misfits are treated and is SO inspiring. It's quirky and hilarious. If I say more I'll spoil it so do yourself a favor and watch this hidden gem!
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