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Megamovies
Reviews
When in Rome (2010)
Just not good
Simply a forgettable movie. No harsh words for anyone--actors, directors, etc. Sometimes in life we try and we fail. This is just not very funny. The chemistry between Kristen Bell and Josh Duhamel is poor (see Safe Haven for a good example of how Duhamel can pull off chemistry well, he had it in spades with Julianne Hough).
The words cheesy and silly best describe this movie consistently throughout the movie. Silly is apt for the characters who are in love with Bell's character. Not the cute silly, more annoying silly.
3/10
John Wick (2014)
Good not great
I'm all for a revenge bad-ass movie. I like my "hero" flicks where one guy takes on the world. I also like Keanu Reeves. Most people find it easy to bash his acting, and that's fine, but I like the guy because I like who he is off-screen. He's easy for me to root for on-screen.
I was a huge fan of how the movie started. Wick confronts the mobsters at the gas station, and there's tension, but he handles it like a pro. And then of course we are shown the other side of John Wick as he transforms into the hit-man hellbent on revenge. All of this was exciting and had me dialed in.
Maybe I'm putting too much focus on one scene, but I can't seem to shake it. Here is a guy described as a hitman so deadly he takes out three men with a pencil. Here is a guy who wipes out 12 men in Matrix-like fashion when they invade his home. Here is a guy who kills approximately 30-50 people during the movie on his quest to kill one man, the son of a mobster. He is relentless, cold-blooded and unwavering on this mission. A true assassin. Nothing will stop him from completing his goal of murdering the man who killed his dog and, in effect, killed his last remaining tie to his beloved, deceased wife.
So what does John Wick do after mowing down said bodies, finally confronting his ultimate target? He points the gun at him and doesn't shoot. That's what he does. What???
For about 1.5 hours I'm taught and shown this is the world's most ruthless hit-man, and he doesn't shoot the one guy he wants dead. Okay.
He hesitates (absolutely nothing about his character even hints at hesitation to this point in the movie), kills a guy he's pinned to the floor, and then of course raises his gun to kill the son, and now it's a chase scene. From point blank kill to let's continue this movie for another 30 minutes.
Unfortunately, that is my overall take from the film. You can build a character well and then completely defy what the character is all about, just to finish out the movie for whatever reason in a different, more prolonged manner.
Jungle (2017)
EXCELLENT MOVIE
I'm glad I took a chance on this movie instead of continuing to look it over. Daniel Radcliffe was great. The cinematography was excellent. The other acting was spot on.
I gave it 9/10 because I can't understand how your buddy can be unable to walk yet you obsess over continuing the journey. It would only be natural to me to abort and get back to safety and assistance, not turn selfish and put a friend at major risk. I just didn't care for that scene and can't relate to it.
That is a minor complaint-something specific to me. Overall, a great movie that I've already recommended to friends.
Along Came a Spider (2001)
Good thriller
Morgan Freeman is great, but it is Monica Potter that steals the show at the end. She was excellent portraying the crazed killer after posing the entire movie as the polar opposite personality.
This movie is good fun. It moves along at a brisk pace, no lulls, and is plenty clever as the film moves through the cat and mouse chase.
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Long movie, not worth the hype
Context: I was 15 when this hit theatres. This, on the surface, being a mob/drug movie, naturally doesn't fit my interests. "Want to go see a movie about mob hitmen taking drugs and other crap?" No thanks.
I never saw the film all the way through prior to last night. I gave it a shot, seeing if being 40 years old would make a difference.
It did. I could find an appreciation the film now that I would have never found before. Still, it's good enough for 4/10 stars from me.
I enjoyed the early royale with cheese stuff, and I particularly liked the Travolta/Thurman evening/chemistry. But in the end, this is a movie that is really about dead bodies, arseholes, screaming, violence and, at 2 1/2 hours, just too long.
Windtalkers (2002)
Put me in the meh camp
I don't see too many negative or questionable reviews mention the soundtrack. For some reason, the music chosen felt so wrong for this war flick. Anybody else? Just poor music selection to matter the mood of the scene. Never felt quite right.
Way too many unrealistic fighting scenes in the name of building up our hero.
Character cliches, everything blowing up constantly.
This film needed more focus on code breaking (the reason we all wanted to watch this movie) and less Nic Cage crap, explosions, etc. I finished this movie and said it would be nice to see another version of this film come out that is better.
Platoon (1986)
Intense and enjoyable
I am a child of the 80's, so Platoon came out at a time I was watching less controversial, intense or graphic flicks. As I got older I naturally was not as interested in war movies as others. This nature was most definitely affected by my experience watching Saving Private Ryan with my grandfather in the late 90's-he was a tailgunner in a B-17 in WW II and, during the film, was visibly affected by the graphic opening scenes, which also negatively affected my viewing pleasure to the point I turned off the film to finish the day with something a little more happy and positive. It was an uncomfortable experience that I still remember very well to this day.
That is the context for this review.
In recent years, I have rebounded a bit and have found a place for war movies. I love movies so perhaps it was just a matter of time to come around on this genre.
I watched Platoon for the first time last night. It of course is thought of as an all-time great war movie, winning best picture and all the other accolades. Generally, I really enjoyed the first half or 2/3 of the movie, as scenes are less graphic, chaotic and internal team divisiveness has yet to take center stage. The lead up to all that was enjoyable. The dialogue, the handful of ambush fighting scenes, the acting. I could see why this was a highly regarded film. I thought Charlie Sheen was incredible in the lead role. Chopping through the jungle to seemingly never really get anywhere or make any real progress-that is the general summary of what I have learned about being a soldier on Vietnam and that was captured perfectly here.
I rate this 7/10 because of the ending. It's not because it was a terrible ending from an accuracy standpoint (I'll leave that to the people that know more about fighting in Vietnam). It's just a personal thing. When a film goes down the road of internal turmoil, with things like hate, distrust and revenge taking center stage, I just simply don't enjoy it very much. It may be real. It may be accurate. It may make it Oscar-worthy. But for me, personally, I just prefer a more "coming together" story where a team comes together. I don't want it too Disney, but I don't want it to be the opposite either. I felt like Platoon was just too opposite.
Overall, I'm glad I watched it and I look forward to knocking some more war movies off the list.
The Edge (1997)
Better than JAWS? LOL
This is a good movie, but let's pump the breaks on better than JAWS. Good Lord. That's what a few reviewers are saying, anyway. I don't remember The Edge coining the term "blockbuster movie" or breaking box office records. Lol.
I watched this start to finish for the first time yesterday. It has some great cinematography and solid acting from the stars of the film. You can nitpick scene believability, and that is fine, but for the most part I am able to set aside imperfections and enjoy the ride, so to speak.
I enjoyed the twist at the end, and the way the movie finished as a whole, which made me bump this up to an 8/10. Good flick.
The Predator (2018)
Another huge Predator fan here
Predator - Amazing
Predator 2 - Good
AVP - Better than you think
AVP2 - Not Good
Predators - Okay
The Predator - Disappointing
I need to watch it again but let's just say if my first viewing is on par with, or worse than, AVP2 that is not a compliment.
The Breakfast Club (1985)
If it weren't for the ending
I'm a 39 year old child of the '80's that just sat down to watch The Breakfast Club for the first time this weekend.
I found myself pleasantly enjoying this flick. It's actually a cool plot to bring five high schoolers with very different backgrounds and interests together in a Saturday detention setting. I remember serving detention after school once in middle school and it put me in a room full of not only kids from various grades but kids I wouldn't have normally hung out with at all. This plot idea made sense to me.
Anthony Michael Hall was in his prime and was just great, for the most part. Judd Nelson is one of the most believable jerks in the history of cinema. The others play their parts extremely well.
I just think the falling in love thing at the end (after 8 hours) was too silly for me. The ending felt forced. Otherwise this was a good time had.
The Prestige (2006)
Let's make magicians hate each other
The movie's plot is about rival magicians ruining each other's lives. Because the director does a poor job with character development (humanizing them, an art Spielberg is the master of) I am left to not care about them personally nor their fates. When we paused the movie almost halfway thru our comment was "so the movie is basically going to be a pissing match between two magicians. Got it."
Character development was sacrificed in order to fit in 5,000 twists and turns to get us to our climax in the end. The plot is too convoluted with science fiction and double-crossing.
You could have removed Tesla's replicating machine from the movie, focused more on the commitment to create doubles or other less forms of "mad science" and spent more time developing the characters so that feelings like rage, jealousy and revenge would actually make sense to the audience. Jackman's wife dies but we don't feel his pain. We're just shown he's in pain (yet he's sleeping with Scarlet Johansson in no time). If his pain is not truly felt, how can I understand a burning psychotic obsession to ruin another man's life at all costs?
The acting was very good so I give it a 4/10.
Aquaman (2018)
Better graphics than plot and/or writing
Disclosure: I have been on the record for many years that I'm not a big fan of the superhero genre. People have explained to me DC and Marvel, blah blah, but it's just not my thing. I usually just catch a superhero movie on tv when I'm in the mood, which isn't often.
I like marine wildlife so a movie about under-the-sea critters has an appeal. The mood struck so seeing Aquaman in the theatre seemed worthy of my time.
I found the movie to be of very average acting, minus the antagonist (Aquaman's step-brother). I found the computer graphics to be the best part of the film.
Momoa was fine but they made his role a bit hokey with the way he stared at the camera and also some of his lines. A few times he blurted out a curse word in his one-liner. I thought to myself here's a movie made for kids, why are we trying so hard here to fit in the "S" word or something similar?? It just didn't fit the movie vibe and was unnecessary.
I also felt like the movie producers were trying awful hard for future cash-grabbing. How many characters can you introduce that look completely different so we can put a bunch of these toys out on shelves. Haha. I sound like a hater but just being honest.
It was an okay flick. A decent time.
Vice (2018)
Absolutely terrible
You might like this if you're an extreme liberal. If you're just a liberal, or a centrist, or conservative of any kind, you will probably not enjoy this movie. I walked out and described this as "Michael Moore's more liberal brother must have made this movie." I wouldn't like this kind of movie in any month or season of the year, but the fact we chose this as our family Christmas movie this year and all 6 of us (which includes a wide variety on the political spectrum) walked out and thought it was completely terrible makes the experience even worse. It's too bad too, because I'm a big Amy Adams fan. We also think highly of Bale and Carell.
Green Book (2018)
Should have been our Christmas movie
Our family chooses a movie to see in the theatre every year during Christmas. This year we accidentally chose VICE, which is horrific. Tonight, we feel like we redeemed ourselves by catching Green Book.
My first impression is that it will be a shame if Viggo Mortensen does not win an award for his performance. He was absolutely incredible--every single line the entire movie. He nailed it.
I gave this a 9/10 instead of 10/10 only because it had the slightest "Disney" feel to it. NOT a big deal, but I'm the kind of reviewer that reserves a 10/10 for just a very few movies.
This is a feel good movie that would be easy to just sit back and enjoy. This one should have been our Christmas movie.
The Big Lebowski (1998)
It's alright
This has never been my type of comedy. I'm not a Cohen Bros kind of guy. I was in the mood to watch this for the first time the other night, 20 years later.
I love Jeff Bridges' character. He is great. I love John Goodman as an actor but his character here was more annoying than anything. I think Steve Buscemi's character should have been more developed and involved, and taken some screen time from Goodman. A little Goodman in this character would have been hilarious but not overly played out.
Before We Go (2014)
Comparing to Playing it Cool
I saw both Playing it Cool and Before We Go this week. Both are Chris Evans rom-coms/dramas. Honestly, the chemistry between he and Monaghan in PIC was better than the chemistry between him and Alive Eve in BWG.
Playing It Cool (2014)
Good chemistry
Evans and Monaghan have really good chemistry on screen. I am surprised at the quality of Evan's acting chops. I think the guy is pretty talented. He's able to pull off drama and comedy well.
Some Kind of Beautiful (2014)
Lacks character development
Jessica Alba's character goes from madly in love with an older man (Brosnan) to madly in love with a fellow coworker in what feels like 12 seconds. It's easy to dislike her character because of this. If there was some time spent watching the couple struggle to make it work it would have helped me appreciate the situation (and you can do this and still provide comedy).
The same can be said about Hayek's marriage...it's just a blip and then she's divorced and then she's in L.A. to help her sister.
The movie feels rushed to get the sisters and Brosnan all in the same town.
It still has some moments but it doesn't really ever tug at your heart the way a modern rom com executed properly will do.
Swordfish (2001)
Just not a great movie
I thought Hugh Jackman was good, not perfect but very good. I thought Halle Berry's physique was very good but her role and acting were meh. Travolta had moments but overall was mediocre. This movie felt like trying to match the dialogue of a Tarantino film with the surprise of The Usual Suspects with the pure silliness of Speed. It just doesn't flow well and it falls short.
The Sixth Sense (1999)
A perspective 19 years later
I'm nearly 40 yrs old and just watched The Sixth Sense for the first time. Please read my review from this context.
I have long known about the film's unforgettable ending. That is the legend of this movie. Naturally, I watched it and focused on the character interactions with Bruce Willis' character to see if I could find holes in the behaviors or scenes.
The anniversary dinner scene: I watched closely to see if his wife did anything that would be unnatural. Most of this scene checks out but there was a moment she looked up and straight across the table as if acknowledging Bruce was talking. She quickly looked back down. Nitpicking but hey, it's a review.
The scene in the boy's house: this is kind of a giveaway that Bruce is a ghost. How in the world would the mother not introduce a first time guest to her son?
Another thought I had is this: in what world does a child psychiatrist meet a boy that needs help but the two never meet in his office? Bruce is just waking around and meeting him from place to place?
The acting in the film is average. Bruce Willis did fine but nothing spectacular. He was born to be John McClane in Die Hard, not so much Malcom in Sixth Sense. Haley Joel got a lot of praise at the time of the movie release as I recall. I'm sure he deserved it, but I have a hard time getting past his squeaky voice. It's an ear frequency thing.
I enjoyed the film despite knowing its memorable ending beforehand. It started with appreciating the connection he and his wife had in the beginning. Then, Donnie Wahlburg gave a TREMENDOUS performance in his brief cameo. I was hooked from the start. While the movie may have slowed down a bit while we were introduced to characters and the relationship between Bruce and Haley developed, it picked up again as we were exposed to Haley's sixth sense. I though the tension in the ghost scenes were done very well, and like other reviewers have said, without the need to be gory or bloody.
When we finally get to the plot twist at the end I was satisfied. I think I just appreciate a situation where a loving husband (ghost husband) looks over his sleeping wife and tells her to move on. It's okay. I thought it was a nice touch to a very good movie.
Groundhog Day (1993)
Well it's Groundhog Day........again
This is a personal all-time favorite movie that showcases Bill Murray's hilarity at his best. He is totally brilliant in this role as a man who cannot seem to escape reliving the same day-Groundhog Day-over and over and over again. Watching Murray evolve throughout the movie from realizing he's stuck in the same day, to manipulating his surroundings accordingly, to giving up on life to, finally, softening his attitudes and trying to be the best man he can be and win the love of Andie MacDowell never ever gets old. There are so many memorable scenes you get excited when a favorite is coming up, such as the scene in the diner where he's stuffing his face with pastries.
"What if there is no tomorrow, there wasn't one today!"
"Well it's Groundhog Day....again."
"Watch that first step. It's a doooooozie."
They cast this movie perfectly. I don't believe another comedian could have brought dead pan humor and dramatic ability quite like Murray. MacDowell was simply perfect as the angelic, optimistic lead actress. If you were in Murray's shoes you'd want to find a way to get to know this beautiful, caring woman better as well. Chris Elliot was great too. For a guy that has taken some heat over the years he can look back on his performance in this movie and be proud. He was funny at the right times but they didn't let his character overdo things.
I haven't met many people who don't like Groundhog Day but there is one that comes to mind. She said when she saw it she didn't like how sarcastic Murray is, etc. I helped her see my side of his role and the movie as a whole. Yes, he's Bill Murray and he's being Bill Murray...dead pan, sarcastic stuff and he's a character that is flawed and thinks too much of himself. If that was his character the WHOLE movie I wouldn't like it much either. But the beauty of this movie is that for Murray to find salvation and exit Groundhog Day he must become a better person. He has to shed his ego and his selfishness and become the type of person we all strive to be. My friend rewatched the movie and had a better appreciation for it.
Groundhog Day is mandatory watching when it's on tv 24/7 on Groundhog Day. It's a celebration of great comedy and drama and just plain ole laughing at lines that never get old. While Murray has made many great movies and portrayed some of the most memorable characters in cinema I don't think there's a role that was more perfectly suited for him than as weatherman Phil Connors in Groundhog Day. It's perfect.
The Game (1997)
Finishes strong
I would sum The Game up like this: it moved along pretty good and finished strong.
The first 30-45 minutes are a bit slow. Things heat up when he meets a woman and the action picks up. It all culminates in a very fine ending that leaves the viewer satisfied. I would have rated this a notch lower without the ending. I literally just felt like it was an okay movie until that ending really put a smile on my face.
The Skeleton Key (2005)
It's okay, just okay
I've seen a few on here commend the acting performances but my opinion is mixed. I think Kate Hudson did a fine job. Nothing Oscar worthy but she put in a solid performance. I think the Violet character was average. The real issue I have is with Peter Saarsgard. I have no idea what accent he was trying to pull off other than "I have no idea how to speak bayou and so I'll slap this crap up on the wall and run with it." It was laughable. A bad accent can really ruin a movie experience.
I never understand why a director portrays an ominous setting and then has the protagonist say yes to it anyway. Hudson's character interviews for the hospice position and all the signs are there to get the hell out. There's a sign at the mailbox that says Keep Out. She is clearly bugged out by the vibe. She meets the man she will care for and the vibe gets worse. Finally, she has concerns that she raises with Saarsgard and he gives a flimsy reason to stay and she goes, "well, $1,000 a week to live in a swamp I'm uncomfortable with and don't trust instead of finding work in New Orleans as a 25 year old with my best friend and tons of guys to date....that sounds good!" All the director has to do is create a setting that is sketchy on the surface (run down house, etc) but warm upon greeting people. That would be more believable for a character to say "it looks messed up but these people seem nice." Right away I'm already rolling my eyes early in the movie.
I'm not as bent out of shape as some reviewers on the plot. Hoodoo, magic spells, the ending.....all that was just entertaining. It's the movie business. I get more annoyed by technicalities. Saarsgard's character sneaks up behind Hudson and tries to strangle her. Strangling with cord is violent and when she is unable to fend it off she should be dead. But Saarsgard is apparently a master at the unconscious strangling, just the right amount of asphyxiation to leave someone unconscious for a little while. Later, it is proven that he wanted her alive so, again, how amazing he can strangle to the perfect level. Those are the kinds of things that bother me more than a big plot element.
It was an average thriller. If you never see this movie you're going to live a fine life and never miss a beat. If it's on tv and you're in the mood for a suspense/thriller, put it on and give it a whirl.
Frequency (2000)
What a pleasant surprise
I found this scrolling thru Amazon Prime and it had a 5/5 star rating on Prime. I said to myself how does this movie have such a high rating and yet it has completely escaped my attention all these years? I was in the mood for a mystery thriller and so I watched this movie.
The movie is so enjoyable. That's the best way to put it. It's a neat premise. It is brought to life by good acting and great characters. I can sometimes be easily distracted during a movie, especially if it's not great and my mind wanders. Not once did I get distracted in this movie. I found myself really pulling for the characters.
I'm really glad to have stumbled into this movie. It's hard to believe it's been under my radar this long but boy is it a good time. I already recommended it to some friends. Give this one a shot and I think you'll like it too.
Jaws (1975)
I can't give 12 stars so I'll do 10
This is the movie that coined the term "blockbuster."
This is the movie that makes you play a piano tune in your head when you go near water.
This is the movie that launched Spielberg.
This is the movie of all movies.
This is the greatest movie of all time.