As long as the film is, it never felt like there was a single dull or throwaway moment. And that's an accomplishment.
My only real criticism is that, although hugely impactful for the story, yet another strong female character had to die in service of a male protagonist's story. And there was no real sense of closure for her story at all. However, I'm still holding out slight hope that it was a trick and she's not actually dead. It definitely wouldn't be the first time they've pulled that. My rating might change if that's the case.
I guess I'm the target audience for this movie because I think it was an absolute masterclass in producing an enjoyable action movie. Cinematography was great, the story was paced extremely well, and the casting of ALL roles was absolutely perfect.
Cruise, Pegg and Rhames were awesome as always, Whigham and Davis were great additions, but the power quartet of Ferguson, Atwell, Klementieff and Kirby, really went above and beyond in making this movie perfect. Not to mention the chilling confidence of Morales as Gabriel, who practically oozed tangible danger.
From the pre-opening credits scene to the final act, you will be on the edge of your seat - especially during any fight scene that involves Ferguson or Klementieff - and whilst there are moments that the tempo slows down to advance the story, it is always completely captivating.
The single, solitary, disappointment comes as the credits roll, and you remember you're going to have to wait until next year to see how it ends.
I don't understand all the hate. No, it doesn't accomplish the same things the first one did. But it's about the continuation of Neo and Trinity's love story at the end of the day, and who can be mad about that? I'm grateful we got to see them reunited. However, I do think it would've been interesting if instead of making the matrix more "upgraded" and difficult to escape, the story had been about Neo coping with his grief over losing Trinity by unconsciously choosing to stay in the matrix because he couldn't face a reality without her.
The whole entire attack on Zion could've been left out honestly. The only thing that matters in this film is Neo and Trinity being ride-or-die, and sacrificing anything and everything for love. They alone carry this one.
The flaws of the previous sequel are more readily apparent here as the focus shifts to the “real” world which is populated largely with uninteresting characters that were poorly developed in the previous film. As before, the film is stronger when it focuses on what is going on in the Matrix and Neo’s own struggle to understand his role and the fallout from his discoveries. It is a shame then that most of the plot centers around a large scale assault on Zion that quickly becomes tiresome as characters who we care little about face off against an overload of CGI machines that really needed cutting down. That the film grinds to a halt in its biggest action sequence says a lot about how badly thought through this part of the film was and without the juxtaposition of scenes within the Matrix that made the “real” world sequences bearable in the last film, it never really recovers from it, even if it does improve slightly as it shifts its focus back to Neo. It doesn’t help that whereas in the last film plots elements from the “real” world were rushed, here it’s the elements related to the development of the Matrix that feel rushed and forgotten about for large parts of the film which make the final sequence difficult to care about. It’s not unwatchable by any means, but as the culmination of a trilogy it can’t help but disappoint.
Better action movie than Endgame. Fite me.
I watched it in the cinema with a reasonable sized audience. Everyone laughed. Everyone cried. It's perfect for achieving exactly what it set out to do. It'd be nice if Tom got awards nods for this, but Mariana Trevino definitely needs nominations.
This was the movie that started it all. After seeing this in the cinema I started paying attention to script, dialogue, acting and delivery. Before that I was just watching movies, now this is still my gold standard on how it‘s supposed to be done. That Aaron Sorkin script and the Nicholson delivery. sigh I miss Nicholson.
A franchise that gets better with each installment, this was great, the set pieces were brilliant, and the team know exactly what works now, The Cruiser for me is the Postman, he always delivers!!! Thoroughly enjoyed this
Great film regarding the 80s and the climate of the time. Character piece masterfully played by Cruise. The main character is morally questionable, but his charisma draws you in and really is a master class on an antihero. I found it engaging and thoroughly entertaining. 8/10
Everyone of the main characters (and there is a lot) has at least one scene when they're screaming about something. Not sure who had more Tom Cruise or Julianne Moore, but I counted at least 3 separate screens each. And who every thought of making a scene where you use shaky cam well giving somebody medicine needs to be kicked in the groin. The raining frogs took whatever patience I had left.
Was really looking forward to watching this. Ended up disappointed. Maybe I just don't get PTA.
Everyone has a tragic backstory and wants to love, be loved, forgive and/or be forgiven. I get it. But did it really need to take 3 hours to convey this? SO unnecessarily long. My favorite performances were probably Hoffman's and Reilly's, which grounded the film for me, but the overall narrative just lost my attention so many times. I wish the characters' lives had been more interconnected, or there were more "chance" encounters between them, or there had been less core characters to focus on and it had been a tighter story. The payoff at the end was not worth the time.
Unsung gem of a movie. The regular players give stellar performances and quickies from Philip Seymour Hoffman, Brendan Gleeson, and Ethan Suplee make this story even more engaging. Great writing with some memorable dialogue too:
"They call this war a cloud over the land. But they made the weather and then they stand in the rain and say 'Shit, it's raining!'"
- Ruby Thewes
This is a movie i will watch when i'm 90 and i'll still cry like a baby. Amazing movie, if you love dogs, that's a must see.
They should've brought the gang back, but mainly focused the storylines on Hardison, Parker, and Breanna + "Nana." That's the revival we deserved!!!
Denis Villeneuve is the man!
There’s only one word that came into my mind after watching it: finally.
Finally, a blockbuster that isn’t afraid to be primarily driven by drama and tension, and doesn’t undercut its own tone by throwing in a joke every 30 seconds.
Finally, a blockbuster that puts actual effort in its cinematography, and doesn’t have a bland or calculated colour palette.
Finally, a blockbuster with a story that has actual substance and themes, and doesn’t rely on intertextual references or nostalgia to create a fake sheen of depth.
Finally, a blockbuster that doesn’t pander to China by having big, loud and overblown action sequences, but relies on practical and grounded spectacle instead (it has big sand worms, you really don’t need to throw anything at the screen besides that).
Finally, a blockbuster that actually feels big, because it isn’t primarily shot in close ups, or on a sound stage.
And of course: finally, a blockbuster that isn’t a fucking prequel, sequel, or connected to an already established IP somehow.
(Yeah, I know Tenet did those things as well, but I couldn’t get into that because the characters were so flat and uninteresting).
This just checks all the boxes. An engaging story with subtext, very well set up characters, great acting (like James Gunn, Villeneuve's great at accentuating the strengths of limited actors like Dave Bautista and Jason Momoa), spectecular visuals and art design (desaturated but not in an ugly washed out way), pacing (slow but it never drags), directing, one of Hans Zimmer’s best scores: it’s all here.
I only have one real criticism: there’s too much exposition, especially in the first half.
It can occasionally hold your hand by referencing things that have already been established previously, and some scenes of characters explaining stuff to each other could’ve been conveyed more visually.
Other than that, it’s easily one of the best films of the year.
I’ve seen some people critiquing it for being incomplete, which is true, but this isn’t just a set up for a future film.
It feels like a whole meal, there are pay offs in this, and the characters progress (even if, yes, their arcs are still incomplete).
8.5/10
An engrossing, expansive, and incredibly well made film. It has it’s issues but for the most part it’s a very worthy sequel.
I've seen worse. But it's not good, and it doesn't remotely resemble the source material. It's a PG-13 comfortably dumb movie and it suffers from its shackles. Carnage is hammy and goofy rather than sadistic and maniacal. Not recommended.
An amazing movie, and a masterclass in storytelling and existentialism without beating you over the head with it.
Before explaining why I liked this movie, I'd like to point out that the main idea of the movie is NOT that you need find your purpose to have a happy life. It's the exact opposite! I'm not saying this just to be a professor, but because it's really important and that's why I loved the film so much. You don't need to be fixated about something to find a meaning in your life. You need to savour it and learn to enjoy the little moments instead of waiting for something big to happen to reach happiness. It's so profound and refreshing. A movie just about a guy waiting for his big moment and feeling fulfilled after having reached it would have been dull, boring, trite and most of all wrong, like pretty much all "self-help" advices.
Instead the opposite idea is presented and if you just pay attention to the dialogues -and the story, really- you'll understand what I mean and most importantly what you might apply to make your everyday life better.
But back to the movie I've got to say I almost cried as the end was approaching as much as I was going to turn off the tv when the movie started. The whole initial setting reminded me too much of Inside Out, a film I quite disliked, so I was worried it was a copy of it (it kind of is in the beginning). But luckily the second half steered away from it and developed in one of the most moving film I've seen in a long time. Undoubtedly one of Pixar's best.
I enjoyed watching all the female characters flip the script. That said, I think the story could've been really great if it would've had a more dramatic quality, instead of a dark comedy feel, and the first half lagged a lot.
i still think this is the cutest, purest love story and them not wanting to go back to "the real world" is honestly the biggest mood.
9/10
Not your typical sports film by any means. I enjoyed the surprising turns of the storyline and its subtleness. The film's not trying to thrill the audience, and neither are the actors; it's about two characters who discover a genuine connection with each other during a brief moment of their lives and help one another find meaning -- and peace -- within it. Pretty grand in its simplicity.
Million Dollar Baby
TBH, based off the title my expectation was not a boxing movie.
I think that aside, it still went unexpected afterwards nonetheless.
Spoiler warnings
I did expect a movie about the utmost rise, and archiving your goals, and be content with your life after.
Yet what this movie showed what was the largest fall in life one could ever have.
And while I don't quite agree on the reasons for the end - I think as society as well as in media we need to talk more about how our lives will eventually end, and how we handle that as people.
Rating 9/10
I completely forgot JT even acted, but this was a pretty solid performance. The film reminded me a lot of Gifted with Chris Evans and McKenna Grace because of the similar dynamic between the two main characters. Overall, this one has a very simple plot with a few timely issues at the heart of the story. Not outstanding, but worth a watch.
Dang. That was a good time. I had such low expectations. The trailer was boring in spite of the fact that it features an actress I enjoy. I wasn't seeing advertising for it when I saw it in theatres so i skipped it. Now however it's getting featured status so I figured I'd give it a shot. I was bloody impressed. I thought it would be a cheesy film about a girl losing weight by doing a marathon. But I like everyone so much. Brittany was so heartfelt.
This is the second movie based on a real person I've seen this year (Blinded by the Light) and both times I'm not sure I knew it was based on a real person. They both managed to impress me. It's just a lovely thing both movies. I also liked the supporting cast. They really filled out the world and her relationships even though as a character Brittany tends to shut people out I really kept rooting for her to eventually let them in. Even Catherine who is an on and off character managed to endear herself. There's heartache and heartbreak as a viewer watching Brittany go through her ups and downs. Highly recommend everyone check this out if you can.
Before I begin, I need to get one thing straight. I watch movies because I like to see good films. I do not watch movies to kill time or feel good or to "not think for a while" as so many people say. It doesn't mean that I mind when a movie is inspirational as long as it is intelligent and gives me something to think about. The backdrops will change but quality should remain. This does not mean that I expect anyone else to watch a movie the way I do - I just want you to know where I'm coming from.
The more I think about it, the more I hate this movie.
The film is based on a real-life event where a rich southern family took in a semi-homeless black teenager. That part (and maybe only that part) is actually true. In itself, that story is amazing and incredibly touching. Too often in life we all look the other way when we see something uncomfortable on the streets.
It is this core story that is what is heartwarming. If I gave you the synopsis in one or two minutes you would be touched and your heart would be warmed. You're a better person for hearing about it. But there is a huge difference between relating the story and what was done in this movie and that is where my problem is. Just about everything that happened in the movie was contrived and superficial and meant to pull at your heartstrings.
And I know what you're saying - so what? It is a movie. If this were a novel or something like that, great. I can tolerate and even partially enjoy a movie like Serendipity that is meant to be pure sugar and meant to make you feel good. This movie had a touching core. The saccharin that was poured on top of it was at best unnecessary.
You want uplifting? Go see Precious. Now there was a film that was gritty, awful, beautiful and uplifting. It didn't need to cue the sappy music to let you know a scene was coming. The story stood on its own.
Anyway, here are the reasons why this movie was so bad.
The majority of the events never happened. Sandra Bullock didn't call the coach on the field during a game or run onto the field during practice to save the day. They didn't pick up the boy while he was walking along the street on a rainy night. There wasn't a dramatic moment where the coach fought to get the boy into school. All these dramatic scenes were standard Hollywood formulas for contrived emotions.
There was a single character in the move and that was the mother (Bullock). Every other character in the movie was either a prop (the boy) or a doormat (the husband, coach, etc). Worse, they all are expected to crown her as some queen while she insults them and ponders if this makes her a great person or not. Why? I think the answer is simple - it was meant to be a vehicle for Bullock and it was to be her show (even though, by all accounts, the real-life husband was very responsible for what happened).
Why are people so impressed with the sassy women? They should have called this movie "Erin Brockovich 2". I don't know what was more cringe-worthy: the scene where she drives into the hood and threatens some thugs with violence or where she verbally assaults the father in the stands at the game. If you met this woman in real life you'd want her dead. Can you imagine if someone called your kid's coach during a game to give advice (or worse, walking into a practice and treating the players like infants)? Would you talk down to him or your husband the way she repeatedly did? But for some reason people see it on screen and like it.
Speaking of condescending, what about her treatment towards the boy? He was essentially a pet in this movie. She ordered him to go here, there and everywhere. The big "trick" was teaching him how to play football. Think about it - he didn't have a meaningful line until the last 5 minutes of the movie and he was on screen more than anyone. I want to know what he thinks about the culture shock that he's been through. Was it difficult for him to move in with this family? What does he think of his past? We hear none of this because it is written to be a coronation of the mother.
I can see why black Americans were a little upset by this movie. Once again, don't get me wrong - it is admirable that they did what they did. But a bored and rich housewife takes on a project and they make a movie about it? There are scores of grandmothers that raised their grandkids because the parents weren't around - I can't imagine being one of those people and seeing this movie (and I can't imagine Hollywood making that movie). Also, the popularity of this film is more proof of the way we look at black Americans. We think that we need to protect them and be parents to them - you see it everyday in speech, movies, tv, etc. That is the real racism in this country.
Why the constant need to remind us that they are Christians and conservative? Besides, the message was hypocritical. Was it Christian to have academic standards to the Christian school? Was it Christian to live in that huge mansion? I think not.
Cliched. The whole movie was one cliche after another! You could see the next scene coming at every step of the way. Once again, this takes away from what the movie should have been about.
So, there you have it. If you like cheesy books written by the likes of Mitch Albom (other than "Morrie") or Glen Beck, you probably liked this. And I get that. But lets not pretend that it was anything more than a sunday night movie that you'd see on ABC (do they still have those?). Worse, lets not pretend that Bullock should have won the award. It is a crime that the leads in Inglorious Basterds or Precious didn't get it. Hell, I'd toss in the woman from Up in the Air also.
follow me at https://IHATEBadMovies.com (like this one)
It's funny to see bad reviews for this movie, and a lot of criticism towards JJ, but it's clear that all the choices made in this movie was to correct the choices made in The Last Jedi, the movie that was hated by all the fans till yesterday, but now people are praising.
The Rise of Skywalker is a great movie, specially for fans, it's a great way to end this saga, filled with fan service. I don't think I can say more than that without spoiling the experience for everyone.
All the critcs you see here, or on twitter, are coming from people who thinks star wars, a space opera, should be a deep and complex movie with fanfics about romances.
Not only is Endgame the most ambitious movie Marvel has made, but it also is the grandest. Even more so than Infinity War. No other movie can utilise the emotional ties that have been embedded within our hearts over the build of 11 years. And boy does it use them well. Stringing together scene after scene of nothing but impactful tension in the third act. But this doesn't leave the other two boring or bland. It allows these parts to build off of the aftermath of Infinity War. Never once was I bored, or felt like I was sitting there for three hours. For the action is no letdown, lovely dynamics are interwoven for a fantastic spectacle.
I don't want to say much, but it is hands down the best Marvel can offer. It is not Infinity War, Part II. It's something much better, the true culmination of everything and I do mean everything. The fan service here is through the roof and done so damn creatively. Not one thing feels hammered into the story. Even some major elements in its plot stem from the smallest details of previous movies I would have never seen coming. Taking even lesser liked fragments and stringing them into a more meaningful poetic story than the original movie would have ever told.
Using style and grace to tell this bold epic is strong with this movie. Gone are the golds and purples of Infinity War. And in comes a bleak atmosphere with hope lingering yet far. Visual storytelling is a bit lacking, but that is not what you come here to expect. You have been supported with all the exposition you need in previous movies. Since this is the case, it must be judged as a singular part of a series.
The themes in this movie are unity, utilisation, and more importantly; revelation. Kevin Feige has given this movie a lot to work with through these themes and has finally made his magnum opus.
Yes, there are a few hiccups. But that's to be expected. Captain Marvel was not given her full potential again sadly. But worked well with what was given. There is an amazing moment within the third act that truly gives her and a certain cast of characters time to shine. Plus the time it takes to leave out is a bit jarring. Not to mention, that to me Thanos seemed less threatening than in Infinity War because of something that happens. Still great impact by Josh Brolin of course.
Everyone will cry. Everyone will laugh. Everyone will leave sad yet satisfied with this amazing conclusion to the MCU so far. It's no Dark Knight, but then again, that was more drama than superhero epic. But this is modern hero gold. Here is the Holy Grail of superhero cinema.
9.6/10
8/10 After second viewing - Hype obviously had its hands around my neck I admit. Review doesn't meet my current thoughts about the film
Check here for my rankings on the MCU:
https://trakt.tv/users/corruptednoobie/lists/my-mcu-rankings?sort=rank,ascCheck here for my 2019 movie rankings that I've seen:
https://trakt.tv/users/corruptednoobie/lists/best-to-worst-2019-movies-so-far?sort=rank,asc
