Come December, keep in mind there is already a Star Wars thread - Movie Reviews

[Reply #400 on:]

Trolls

I thought it was pretty standard fare for a movie aimed at younger viewers which, incidentally,  was a lot better than I feared it might be.

Grade: B–

[Reply #401 on:]

Damn Jutlandic Trolls.  Can't believe they sold the rights!  Now look at the mess they've made.

[Reply #402 on:]

At some point after The Force Awakens came out I considered changing this thread's title. And then I realized it will stay relevant every year for the next several years.

[Reply #403 on:]

Moana

Given that New Zealand forms one corner of the Polynesian Triangle I shouldn't have been surprised at how much of culture portrayed in the movie was familiar to me, but I was. I suppose that make me biased, after all I live on one of the islands that Maui fished up, but I don't care.

I thought the film was really good, not quite Zootopia good, but close. The story is pretty simple but the two main characters and their interactions made up for that in my eyes.

Personally, I approve of the trend to have female protagonists with agency in non-romantic story arcs but worry that there may be a backlash if those are the only new movies being produced. And, no, I don't accept that wearing a dress and having an animal side-kick qualifies one as a princess. Vanellope from Wreck-it Ralph has a stronger claim to the roster of Disney princesses than either Moana or Mulan (heaven forbid) does.

Grade: A

Speaking of simple…

Sing

…is about as straightforward and clichéd as they come but it won me over with its charm and earnestness.

Also, somewhat unusually for an ensemble story, the writers found a comparatively even balance between the various story lines.

Grade: B–

[Reply #404 on:]

Passanger

     Not what I had expected, basically goes from a shitty situation to a shittier situation only to end up back in the original shitty situation. But because its the "lesser of two evils," its appreciated for not concluding in eminent death. I'll say no more because ill definitely spoil it, if its possible to spoil an already rotten movie.

To be fair, however, I'll give it a D because there were no character flaws and ive always been a passionate advocate of both Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt.

[Reply #405 on:]

So, The Jungle Book (2016) is pretty neat. CGI was gorgeous, although it almost delves into uncanny-valley territory when animals speak perfect English with their non-human mouths. The kid did a pretty good job as well considering he was basically by himself in front of a green screen the entire movie.

Maybe a 6/10. I enjoyed it a lot but I doubt I'll remember much about it in a few months.

Also, my reaction upon hearing that WB is also making their own Jungle Book (with the exact same title): ??????

[Reply #406 on:]

Kubo and the Two Strings

Visually very striking. The story is rather straightforward, which isn't necessarily a bad thing but the movie didn't quite engage me emotionally as much as I thought it should.

Grade: A–

Rented it last week and I agree that the animation definitely over shadows the story. I'd probably put it in the B/B+ range

[Reply #407 on:]

Anybody else seen Split yet? Post spoilers in Spoiler tags, but I 'effin loved it. 8.5/10

[Reply #408 on:]

Turbo Kid

"This is the Future...this is the year 1997"
In an alternate 1997, the world is a post-apocalyptic wasteland, roamed
by the protagonist (named "The Kid") as a scavenger.

Turbo Kid is an excellent callback to the cheesy post-apocalyptic endtime flicks of the 80s, many of them following in Mad Max wake. God, not even the 80s were that 80s... ("Mad Max on BMX bikes..that basically says everything)
It's a great display of characters, themes and setting all looking familiar, told with great humor and surprisingly gory. While doing so, the movie never resorts into mere bashing, but always remains a respectful hommage. Especially the female main character (Apple played by Laurence Leboeuf) sealed the deal. (When being told about the planned sequel "Turbo Kid 2", the first question by ANYONE was: "Will Apple be in it?". And rightfully so...one of the few characters that just perfectly worked).

I might get a bit overly nostalgic, but "Turbo Kid", with all that loveable cliches and cheesiness, brought back fond memories of my youth, a time travel to our young cinema days.

Grade: A-

(The "-" is just because a 100% A is reserved for epic masterpieces like the old "Ben Hur", etc..., and a fun movie like "Turbo Kid" is just not in that league. Maybe some of you young whippersnappers - not having experienced the 80s first hand - will not get my excitement, and wonder how the heck I got to that A rating. It's okay...I openly admit I am not unbiased regarding that movie...AND NOW GET OFF MY LAWN!!!! :P  )

[Reply #409 on:]

The LEGO Batman Movie

I couldn't wait any longer to see this film (being a huge, huge AFOL & lover of the first Lego movie) so I dragged my friend along to see it on Sunday and, oh man, it's a treat. Genuinely hilarious, all the characters are super likable (I adore Zach Galifianakis' Joker!) and the animation is just stunning (as was the sound design). If you're a fan of Batman in general you will also love this film as it's jam-packed with nods and references to the character's history & lore and lots of meta humour. Genuinely an awesome film that appeals to all ages/

Highlight, for me:

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Agent Smith showing up as one of the many, many villains in the film. This means The Matrix franchise is officially part of the Lego universe! LICENSED SETS ASAP, PLEASE.

Also, glad to see you loved Turbo Kid, Hein! It's one of my all-time favourite films, that soundtrack is just perfection, too. I'm glad we're getting a sequel!

[Reply #410 on:]

Logan is pretty damn amazing. I really like seeing a Wolverine movie with full-on dismemberment and all-out violence. Supporting characters were great as well, especially the girl. Her blood-curdling battle screams were kind of terrifying.

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And the closing shot with her turning the Cross on Logan's grave into an X... 

[Reply #411 on:]

I just saw The Lego Batman Movie and was genuinely surprised by how much I loved it. More consistently laugh-out-loud funny than the first Lego Movie. I would happily sit through it again.

[Reply #412 on:]

Beauty and the Beast (2017)

What was the point? Remake shot-to-shot the 1991 original for 90% the entire time, but add pointless filler and worse performances? Emma Watson is not a good actress and she did not convince me at all she cared about the Beast. In fact, Gaston and his sidekick had way more chemistry than Belle and the Beast. Just stick with the 1991 original. This was a really lazy Disney remake compared to The Jungle Book and Pete's Dragon. I hope this standard does not continue for Disney.

D

[Reply #413 on:]

Beauty and the Beast

     I have to say, despite the previous comment, I actually really enjoyed this movie. Partially because I saw it with someone of superior significance in a cliché little theater, and also because I'm an avid Harry Potter supporter, so trash talking an accomplished, successful actress who partook in the HP films isn't really my forte.
     A good middle portion of the movie completely paralleled the original and I loved that, is that not the point of a remake? Id have to say id complain a lot more if the movie was nothing like the original, what's wrong with a spot on portrayal? of course, there were also many parts not included in the original but they were more additions than distortions and I didn't find them at all detrimental to the movie, if anything, they enhanced it. The point wasn't for Belle to fall head over heels with a content little beast 5 minutes in the film. It portrays a stronger message of love prevailing over time for someone, despite their "ugly" form. The Beast wasn't happy and they definitely displayed his depression and loneliness more so in the remake than the original, as well as a more realistic take in Belle's initial fear of the Beast followed by her wish to run away and caution taken before realizing she did love him. But that's just me.
    I do have to say however, I really didn't like the teapots singing voice.
A

[Reply #414 on:]

I saw Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 this afternoon.

Now, I'll start by saying that I don't think it was as memorable as the first, yet it still had me grinning from ear-to-ear almost the entire way through. It was a very character-driven story which is exactly what I wanted. The villain was... a Marvel villain, though he was serviceable enough for me to not care too much. I still really hope they can start getting some better baddies in these movies, though.

The visuals were amazing. Everything is so vivid and poppy, and there were a few shots that made my jaw figuratively drop. The was one particular shot of Gamora sitting on a field of some kind that made me immediately say: "I need this as my desktop background". A lot of the tech looked really sweet as well; one of the spaceships has its ammunition load by rolling around the outside of the hull and feeding through the front of the barrel.

There were a few parts that felt like it was trying too hard to be funny, but so much of it still landed for me. Every scene between Drax and Mantis was hilarious and adorable. And speaking of adorable, I'm glad they didn't overuse baby Groot. I was worried that that cuteness shtick would get old fast but it never became too overbearing.

[Reply #415 on:]

We don't get it until the end of the week in the US, but I am hyped.

[Reply #416 on:]

The last movie that I was saw has to be of the 1970s.  I say pretty good.  Fun, optimistic time, very close to real, always funning, and also the film feelings soft to me.  I would probably rate it A an higher!

[Reply #417 on:]

[Reply #418 on:]

We don't get it until the end of the week in the US, but I am hyped.

I don't really understand why Marvel movies come out later in the US when it's basically the opposite for everything else.

I can't complain though... 70% of the movies I see in cinemas are Marvel.

[Reply #419 on:]

Hollywood is giving back to you.... the world!

Or it's a logistic issue and the theater copies are produced in a third world country closer to you.  Reasonable sounding enough that that's quite possibly the actual truth?  Who knows.... perhaps

[Reply #420 on:]

Stargate
Before Snake escapes from New York or L.A. he's a military person and goes to Egypt I guess.  Then Egypt goes to another planet I guess.

4/10 mostly because Snake was in it, maybe you watch or maybe not, whichever you choice.

[Reply #421 on:]

Guardians 2 was pretty damn good. Predictable, and a rehashed version of the first film, but good for a sequel and more intelligent than most of the current nonsense on screen.

I feel like Drax and Rocket could have their own movie that would do phenomenally well. Drax would hit things, Rocket would bitch about things, and they'd pull off amazing interplanetary heists together.

[Reply #422 on:]

Once a year is about as often as I see a movie in the cinema.  The first Guardians film wasn't even of remote interest to me, but fortunately it came on one night as I was channel surfing and yes, it was a great deal of fun.  Currently I'm waiting for the crowds to thin out before I go to see the second instalment.  And the new Alien film is coming out soon.  And Star Wars in December!

Anyway, the reason I dropped in was on the off chance that there might be someone here, who like me rarely watches movies.  I just watched Thor for the first time, and I found it pretty entertaining.  Yes, I've seen the character in some of the newer films, but hadn't seen this seminal film.

Rating it B: would watch again.

[Reply #423 on:]

The two Thor movies are probably two of my least favorite in the MCU, but I still enjoyed both of them. The second one has better action scenes and maybe a tighter plot, but I think the first has a bit more character.

Also GotG2 was fun. I agree with the consensus that it wasn't as good as the first, but it definitely did some things that the first movie didn't in terms of fleshing out the characters in interesting ways. I think I'll need to see it again to know how I specifically feel about it, but it was certainly enjoyable.

[Reply #424 on:]

I recently saw both Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 & Alien: Covenant.

GOTVG2 is like the first film but on drugs/psychedelics (neither of which I have ever done, but this is my best description). The soundtrack is fucking WEAK compared to the first film's. The one track I was the most hyped to hear

Show spoiler

is literally the song that plays as the end credits come up.

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Kurt Russell's Ego is the most memorable MCU villain for as long as I can remember; his character was unique and actually had a decent motive.

A lot of the humour felt really forced in a lot of scenes, a particularly painful one for me was the joke of Rocket laughing at Taserface's name which was just stretched out way too far.

Covenant was a pretty decent sci-fi horror. I unashamedly love Prometheus; I am aware of it's many, many flaws, but it's still a great film imo. Anyway, this film answered a few questions left over from Prometheus, but I felt it played it just a bit too safe to avoid more fan hate. The main protag (Daniels) was so bland & uninteresting, and there were a few more dumb plot points like in Prometheus, but no doubt Ridley can expand on these in the next 2 or 3 prequels (however many he said there was going to be).

I posted more thoughts on Covenant over on my Twitter, here (SPOILERS, obviously).

[Reply #425 on:]

Awesome!  I was looking forward to Prometheus II.  Thanks Danny!

[Reply #426 on:]

Upon first viewing, GotFG2 usually produces more laughs, but ages not as well as it's  precessor.

I did appreciate GotFG2 being a standalone movie for once: You did not have to possess any knowledge which Avenger accidently ate an infinity stone in a post-credit scene 27 movies ago because he thought it was an M&M

[Reply #427 on:]

GotFG2

I'm trying to wrap my head around this acronym. Guardians of the Fucking Galaxy 2?

I kinda reminds me of those ridiculously long and unhelpful acronyms for Futurama episodes that we all used to use.

[Reply #428 on:]

GotFG2

Guardians of the Fucking Galaxy 2?

Guardians of the Falaxy Gol. 2

[Reply #429 on:]

Anyone else besides Dan seen Alien:Covenant yet?  I'd been planning to see both it and Guardians on the 6^th but I'm now reconsidering, based on Dan's comments as well as my brother's.  Way, way back in the day, my bro drove up to Newport Rhode Island from Florida to visit and we saw Alien during opening week.  And it was so intense.  He just saw Covenant and said it was terrible.

I also enjoyed a lot of Prometheus and really loved the Elizabeth Shaw character.  And was really looking forward to the new film, but I think I'll give it a pass until I can rent it on cable for $5.99 in a few months.   

[Reply #430 on:]

but I'm now reconsidering, based on Dan's comments as well as my brother's.

The general consensus seems to be that Covenant is basically Prometheus but with Xenomorphs in it. It struggles to decide whether it's a deep, philosophical movie or a slasher/horror movie.

I also enjoyed a lot of Prometheus and really loved the Elizabeth Shaw character.

They pretty much ruin Shaw's character in Covenant by giving you a really shitty explanation to what happened to her after Prometheus. I say "shitty," but it's more of a middle finger.

[Reply #431 on:]

We can only hope for the International Cut Director's Cut Final Cut to come out on blu-ray someday.

[Reply #432 on:]

Rock & Rule (1983)

This is -- weird. I suspect it's one of those films best appreciated when in an altered state of consciousness. A low-budget animation with adult themes that apparently suffered from cuts by disapproving management. I'd say it's Rocky Horror meets Lord of the Rings: on drugs. Others may have a wider range of experience for comparison. The choice of Debbie Harry as the singing voice of Angel was a no-brainer, and it could be that she in some way inspired the character, which would make Chris Stein Omar. Not much of a stretch given that Mok is almost certainly a parody of Mick Jagger. It has its moments, but as one critic suggested, it probably could have been more given a larger budget. I'll give it 6/10, if only for the electricity references and Harry's singing.

[Reply #433 on:]

Hey. Wonder Woman was actually GOOD. Imagine that. Like, genuinely good, not just when compared to the garbage fires that were Batman v Superman and Suicide Squad.

[Reply #434 on:]

Was listening to a snobby Seattle movie critic on the radio yesterday, and my ears perked up when he rated it an A-.  Definitely looking forward to seeing it.

[Reply #435 on:]

I'm trying to wrap my head around this acronym. Guardians of the Fucking Galaxy 2?

I kinda reminds me of those ridiculously long and unhelpful acronyms for Futurama episodes that we all used to use.

"Guardians of the Frickin' Galaxy". An important term in the new movie...if you do not believe me, go and see for yourself. If you DO believe me, go and watch the movie anyways, it's worth it

[Reply #436 on:]

I'm trying to wrap my head around this acronym. Guardians of the Fucking Galaxy 2?

I kinda reminds me of those ridiculously long and unhelpful acronyms for Futurama episodes that we all used to use.

"Guardians of the Frickin' Galaxy". An important term in the new movie...if you do not believe me, go and see for yourself. If you DO believe me, go and watch the movie anyways, it's worth it

I've already seen it! 'Twas definitely worth every cent. Apparently James Gunn will be returning to direct Guardians 3, making him the first person to direct an entire trilogy in the MCU.

[Reply #437 on:]

Hey. Wonder Woman was actually GOOD. Imagine that. Like, genuinely good, not just when compared to the garbage fires that were Batman v Superman and Suicide Squad.

I was pleasantly surprised with that. I thought Dawn of Justice was ok with some obvious flaws, and suicide squad was a dumpster full of turds

[Reply #438 on:]

Hey. Wonder Woman was actually GOOD. Imagine that. Like, genuinely good, not just when compared to the garbage fires that were Batman v Superman and Suicide Squad.

Yup. I just came back from seeing it. Easily the best DC movie since The Dark Knight. The scene where she crosses No Man's Land is so fucking badass.

I was also watching Finding Dory on Netflix last night. It was a pretty good movie, but it really bothers me how a slow-ass trio of fish, swim from Queensland to freaking California. Like, how can that journey that enormous not exceed their maximum lifespan?! Not the mention that they even go all the way back at the end! And they gloss over this shit over the first 15 minutes of the movie! Arrrrrggggh

Hey, at least baby Dory was cute. And the animation and rigging on Hank the octopus was fantastic.

[Reply #439 on:]

Wonder Woman
B+

Was sceptical about Wonder Woman, as "Dawn of Justice" and "Suicide Squad" showed the necessity to skip the theatre and wait for the "Ultimate Deluxe Directors Extended Yaddayaddayadda" Cut on Blu-Ray.

- Yet, running time and pacing seemd perfectly fine: Neither rushed nor streched.
- The amount of story and single plot elements was also okay: Not too little, not overboarding.
- My impression regarding use of supporting characters is also a positive one: Spotlight was not 100% on Diana all the time. Resulting into a more dynamic, story flow.  
- The plot was - escpecially regarding the expectations - a surprisingly traditional one. (Superhero coming of age story, discovering the powers, first not so nice contat with the "adult word", learning something, responsibility...etc... ) We had that dozens of times before. It probably worked because Wonder Woman does not have the same cinematic background as Superman/Batman/Spiderman... A fresh character, depriving the director from having to tell a known story again and again, by always adding new twists and sometimes just strange twists.  Maybe - in 50 years - the 13th reboot of Wonder Woman will bring something on screen that makes "Man of Steel" look like "Citizen Kane" in comparison
- I enjoyed the combat scenes choreography. I have come to REALLY dislike shaky cams with thousands of explosions on screen, with major elements not getting more highlight than a random redshirt getting shot. Thank god WW did not follow that pattern.
- Naive Diana at the beginning was fun. Acuatlly, rather subtle humor: Comparable to a child asking questions (s)he should not be asking, with the adults reluctance often based on the uneasiness of acutally not having an answer.
- Slight quarrel in the end: The showdown was lacking a bit. Meta-Beings exchanging strikes/punches/kicks until one has enough should offer a bit more story wise. (Compare a Transformer being taken down in a Michael Bay movie, to the excellent "And what YOU fail to understand is that - this time - I AM DRAGGING MINES" coup de grace in galaxy quest).

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I give the movie the benefict of NOT counting the "JOIN ME ON THE DARK SIDE" as desperate attempt to add motivation in the showdown