Change Your Image
peterack
Reviews
8-Bit Christmas (2021)
It Tries
The film appears to have been created by people who wanted to Modernize (at least to the 1980's) and make their version of A Christmas Story. Instead of a Red Ryder Rifle it is a Nintendo Game system. At times the movie works some good performances, other times it fails (over the top performances trying too hard to be memorable).
At its best it fails because it's imitation of A Christmas Story makes this movie pale in comparison. A nice try, worth one watch, but will not be on the annual viewing list. It just tries too hard to be the "new" classic Christmas movie, that it fails.
Magnum P.I. (2018)
Supporting Cast Makes It
Though I cringe at classic tv remakes, Magnum PI is the most palatable reboot I have come across thus far.
Having said that it pales by comparison to the original and this new version's Thomas Magnum is two dimensional dry if compared with Tom Selleck. Still his version of the Island private eye works but what really drew me in was the regular supporting cast. Even a female Higgens brings a freshness to the series.
If you are able to move past the old and embrace the new and if you can look past comparing this title character to the other because of the regular cast, you might, like me, look forward to watching this show's episodes as they are released.
Cold Pursuit (2019)
A Great Modern Noir
If you are into film noir, dark thrillers, do dark that humor lifts from some situations, then Cold Pursuit is for you.
Beautifully shot and scripted at a "just right" pace the story unfolds and draws the viewer in. As the protagonist goes after the chain of people tied into his son's killing I was drawn in right along with him.
As the plot begins to involve others and a turf was the events never become so complicated that one cannot keep up. In this movie realm of faster than light cgi battles it was nice to watch a film that is just as visually stunning without cgi and paced well.
The filmmakers pull off the ability for the viewer to laugh amidst tragedy having set a time and balance that are just right.
Glass (2019)
A Superhero Nothing Burger
Without spoilers this was a great movie with leading up to a poor conclusion. My fellow opening night audience members who along with me laughed heartily at the right places earlier in the film left in quiet. I have no desire or need to see this film ever again.
Rocky V (1990)
Don't Act YELL!!!!!
Though there are decent elements in the film, it's plot particularly how it continues the Rocky Canon, there is one huge fail; the acting!
Almost every actor - and for sure all of the males - apparently were directed to cover up the need to act, and instead scream. Thus as the film progresses the cast continues to annoyingly yell at each other.
This fact bothers me so much that I can hardly bear to watch the film. When I do I remember why I won't for a while.
Creed II (2018)
Horrible.
I consider myself a Rocky/Creed fan having seen every film in the franchise upon its initial release. This one ranks DOWN with (and including in the film/plot) the worst aspects of II, IV, V.
The script is tired and retreads plot elements and dialogue from previous movies and except for one surprise was utterly predictable otherwise.
I'm still confused how Rocky's son, Robert, whom the champ is relationally disconnected with, is clearly in the opening as one of Creed's side crew members? Did they add the plot line later and want us to pretend we don't see him in one of the first shots of the film?
In short this was a long drawn out soap opera with predictable and unbelievable fight aspects thrown in to boot. Should this series go on, leave it on Creed and his family and let Rocky fade away.
The Other Side of the Wind (2018)
What a Film!
I'm a Welles fan. This is a production that can be enjoyed on many levels. The story of an aging director in the world of youth and "new." His life story and greatest secret is revealed on the evening of his 70th birthday party which is simultaneously filmed by many.
Of course this film can be further enjoyed if the viewer knows about Orson Welles and/or have read (or seen) a book/documentary on the making of this movie.
Unbreakable (2000)
The Godfather of Superhero Movies
It takes patience, and wonder to allow the plot of this film to unfold, but when it does it is worth the wait and seeing again.
The Week Of (2018)
Phenomally Hilarious
This - two families gather under one roof (for an upcoming wedding) is the best comedy of its kind since National Lampoons Christmas Vacation.
Though it runs out of steam before the last 15 minutes as it heads into an expected conclusion, that latter predictability is joyously overshadowed by the laughs that precced it.
I rarely laugh out loud when watching a film alone this was a wonderful exception.
Arrow: The Dragon (2018)
New Series?
I truly hope this was a test for a new series. The story from the beginning took me in and the actor who plays "the dragon" is so compelling I did not want this episode to end. Even though the arrow is hardly in it, I believe fans will love this new character/story. Wow. Just great.
Down to Earth (1984)
Down To Earth - Bewitched connection
I very much remember "Down To Earth" as I acted in one of the episodes. I believe it was entitled "The Burro" and it is where young J.J. (or Jay Jay) ordered a donkey via mail order. I played the "delivery person" who brought the donkey to their door.
Not to ring my own bell, but what may be of interest to trivia fans is that I,Peter Ackemran, am the son of late TV Producer Harry Ackerman, who, among his many accomplishments was the Executive Producer of a TV show called "Bewitched" - which also starred Dick Sergent! The day I worked on the show was a wonderful opportunity for Dick and I to reconnect since the time I visited the set of his former show as a young boy.