This would have been better if they had not tried to put a whole series of books into one flick. Just too much action, no depth and not the best acting. I've read the gray man novels and they were more exciting without all the CGI.
Reviews
16 Reviews
The Lost City
(2022)
F-awful
11 May 2022
For a few minutes, this film had some promise, then it went to hell. I disliked it because it was not funny, had none of the "Romancing the Stone" excitement and the acting was just b-a-d. For those of you who gave this anything higher that a 5, you need to watch Romancing the Stone or Jewell of the Nile (which was not as good as Romancing, but a heckava lot better than this rubbish).
The Last Duel
(2021)
Just Too Long
2 December 2021
Excellent acting for the majority of the cast, nice scenery, just too long. Too many views...just tell the story and get on with it. Ridley has made some my favorite films, several I've watched more than once but this one will not entertain me for another 2.5 hours...Ever! Matt Damon and Jodie Comer were excellent. As usual Ben Affleck was unemotional and dry. Adam Driver is no Cyrano.
Dune
(1984)
Still a Favorite
2 November 2021
Even with a new version released in 2021, I sill like the 1984 version. I saw the '84 version having never read the book(s). The cinematography in the '84 version was so much better and the characters more captivating. True, some of the characters were not well developed such as Duncan Idaho, which I assume ended up on the cutting room floor. I never understood what happened with Gurney Halleck and suddenly re-appearing. Again, a victim of editing I assume. Anyway, the filming was awesome. The newer version was just a little drab. The '21 version explains some missing details. But then again, This was just the 1st installment. OMG, another epic still to come ! Lynch should have went for a 3 hour film and made it easier to understand. He's always been a strange guy anyway.
Dr. Death
(2021–2023)
Great Series
30 July 2021
I thought this was a great mini series although it could have been cut in half. Christian Slater was excellent, as usual, as the radical doctor out to cut Duntsch down to size or cut off his head. Alec Baldwin is the cool headed doctor trying to pave the way for Duntsch to exit the medical field. It occurred to me that Baldwin played a narcissistic surgeon in 1993's Malice with Nicole Kidman in which Baldwin proclaims that when in the operating room he is God. Just demonstrates the acting range he can cover and do it well.
The White Lotus
(2021–2025)
Boring !
13 July 2021
The only good thing about this show is Connie Britton, otherwise its a silly soap opera style thing that displayed a ball-sack. I assume that was for shock effect since most people would expect breasts. Not funny (even the parts that I assume were meant to be). Needs a new writer but I assume it's too late for that since they've already wasted digital space recording six episodes. At least they can erase digital space and use it for something worthwhile.
Bravo!
27 April 2020
I never saw that coming. I can not think of a better ending for this series which I have watched from the beginning.
I pondered how they were going to end this great series and I am very pleased with what the writers did.
I even watched the original Israeli series "Prisoners of War" a few years back, which this series was based on because I was so thrilled with Homeland. This was better that the original series.
Again, I applaud the creators, writers, crew and actors for an Outstanding Series. Thanks for keeping me entertained for the last 10 years.
I pondered how they were going to end this great series and I am very pleased with what the writers did.
I even watched the original Israeli series "Prisoners of War" a few years back, which this series was based on because I was so thrilled with Homeland. This was better that the original series.
Again, I applaud the creators, writers, crew and actors for an Outstanding Series. Thanks for keeping me entertained for the last 10 years.
Almost Paradise
(2020– )
Poor Soap Opera Reject
8 April 2020
I watched about 10 minutes of this and practically gagged. Poor acting, directing, scenes...poor everything. Can't understand a 9 or 10 rating for this foolish garbage.. I won't say some people are numb skulls...no, wait, I will say it...NUMB SKULLS. This is an obscenity to those who can act, direct, ect.
Trauma Center
(2019)
Tragic Center
17 February 2020
Just another waste of film or electronic space. I know I've seen Bruce Willis act but this was not one of those occasions. I think there was some guy with a hand in an unmentionable place doing the motions for him and moving his lips because he was so wooden...yes, like a dummy. I had to skip thru to the end so I wouldn't have to endure the whole sordid mess. Even Steve Guttenberg (Police Academy) acted like a newby to the screen. Someone (maybe the director) should be taken out and shot and then be delivered to the Trauma Center.
Parasite
(2019)
Too Much Hype, Too Much Time
16 February 2020
Cultural story line was interesting, funny. bizarre. Not sure how to say much that has not already been said.
I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had not wasted over 2 hours that would have been better spent digging for worms to fish with or eating a bowl of frosted flakes with bananas and strawberries (which would have been more appetizing).
90 minutes would have done it for me....make that 45 minutes. Way too much hype for a theatrical mess. Maybe best foreign film but best movie of the year, ha.
Just goes to show the Academy is screwed up. This film does not stand in the same arena with movies like 1917 or Harriet.
I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had not wasted over 2 hours that would have been better spent digging for worms to fish with or eating a bowl of frosted flakes with bananas and strawberries (which would have been more appetizing).
90 minutes would have done it for me....make that 45 minutes. Way too much hype for a theatrical mess. Maybe best foreign film but best movie of the year, ha.
Just goes to show the Academy is screwed up. This film does not stand in the same arena with movies like 1917 or Harriet.
Catherine the Great
(2019)
Sorry, Too Old For The Part.
10 November 2019
Yes, Helen Mirren is a good actress but she's not good enough at age 75 to play the part of a 33 year old Catherine (the Seductress). Costumes were great. The story was okay but not really enough about all she did to become Great. She was responsible for promoting the Arts, women's rights, along with increasing the land area of Russia. This movie makes her more of a over sexed monarch than a monarch who enjoyed male company.
Cult
(2013)
Mystifying and Intriguing
20 February 2013
Warning: Spoilers
This show has a good cast. All of them know what they are doing,even, if at times, we (the audience) may not.
As the lead-in synopsis suggest, this is a show within a show. You are watching a show about a cult that has a strange influence or following on viewers who watch the TV show "Cult", which is the show within the show.
Confused? I was at times watching the first episode but gradually I became acclimated to what was happening. It has me intrigued enough that I will undoubtedly watch another episode to determine if I can get any real enjoyment out of it. If you are into the hoodoo voodoo style of "666 Park Avenue" or the 'what's going to happen next' genre of "Lost", then this might be for you.
The plot is totally unbelievable but the storyline is good and creative so the series will probably be on a long list of future viewings of mine unless it meets an untimely demise as did "666 Park Avenue" which I also enjoyed (and critiqued).
As the lead-in synopsis suggest, this is a show within a show. You are watching a show about a cult that has a strange influence or following on viewers who watch the TV show "Cult", which is the show within the show.
Confused? I was at times watching the first episode but gradually I became acclimated to what was happening. It has me intrigued enough that I will undoubtedly watch another episode to determine if I can get any real enjoyment out of it. If you are into the hoodoo voodoo style of "666 Park Avenue" or the 'what's going to happen next' genre of "Lost", then this might be for you.
The plot is totally unbelievable but the storyline is good and creative so the series will probably be on a long list of future viewings of mine unless it meets an untimely demise as did "666 Park Avenue" which I also enjoyed (and critiqued).
Officer Down
(II) (2013)
Unexpected Finish
15 January 2013
When I started watching this film I was trying to figure out where it was going for the first hour. And with a film that approximately 1hr37mins that's pushing my limits on clarity (or as the politicians call it, transparency). On the other hand what fun would it be it we could figure out what was going to happen next (but I do like to know what's happening now).
All the actors do a good job. James Woods is always great and he maintains his standing in this film. Dorff is believable as the alcohol/drug abusing detective, although I don't know if many police departments would allow his attire, demeanor and foul odor to continue for very long. I like Walton Goggins in this although I don't think there was enough of him. That broad toothy smile of his is a trademark but we did not see any of that in this flick.
Even after the film discloses part of the overall plot and what you think is the missing piece there is still a finish that surprises. Otherwise, this would be a humdrum movie.
One concept that was used extensively were flashbacks, especially at the beginning, that left me confused about what the actual storyline was or which storyline I was suppose to follow. But I got past it and enjoyed the movie.
This film is worth a watch.
All the actors do a good job. James Woods is always great and he maintains his standing in this film. Dorff is believable as the alcohol/drug abusing detective, although I don't know if many police departments would allow his attire, demeanor and foul odor to continue for very long. I like Walton Goggins in this although I don't think there was enough of him. That broad toothy smile of his is a trademark but we did not see any of that in this flick.
Even after the film discloses part of the overall plot and what you think is the missing piece there is still a finish that surprises. Otherwise, this would be a humdrum movie.
One concept that was used extensively were flashbacks, especially at the beginning, that left me confused about what the actual storyline was or which storyline I was suppose to follow. But I got past it and enjoyed the movie.
This film is worth a watch.
666 Park Avenue
(2012–2013)
John Locke in New York
24 November 2012
Warning: Spoilers
I've always had a thing for horror movies; not slasher films but good old scary films that surprise you and make you jump occasionally. Nothing like a good scare to wake you up and let you know that this is not a soap opera.
You never know what is going to happen next in this series. It goes from current day mischief to gruesome acts in the past to people conjured up in the imagination of a newspaper journalist and have them come to life to create more havoc.
The cast seems to work well together. They interact well together on film and that's the important thing. I was surprised to see Vanessa Williams in the cast but surprises are good.
The creators have taken Terry O'Quinn from the jungles of Lost (John Locke) and dropped him in the concrete jungles of New York. And he is playing another mischievous, devilish character who you cannot quiet figure out. Not sure if he's Satan or just someone who possesses mystical powers but whoever or whatever he is, he has that charm that makes you want to like him even though he's somewhat sinister. Well, actually, he is downright sinister. Speaking of scary films...check out O'Quinn in an oldie but a goodie, The Stepfather. That's the film that made me an O'Quinn fan.
Anyway, it's worth watching. Just have to wait and see if some dufus pulls the plug on this series. Let's hope not.
Here we are 2 months after the previous review above and what happens... as I prophesied, the numbskulls at ABC have decided to cancel the show. Unless some miracle occurs and the show returns, you have seen the last of 666. Alas, perhaps my usefulness should be turned towards the occult as a seer (Nostradamus here I come).
You never know what is going to happen next in this series. It goes from current day mischief to gruesome acts in the past to people conjured up in the imagination of a newspaper journalist and have them come to life to create more havoc.
The cast seems to work well together. They interact well together on film and that's the important thing. I was surprised to see Vanessa Williams in the cast but surprises are good.
The creators have taken Terry O'Quinn from the jungles of Lost (John Locke) and dropped him in the concrete jungles of New York. And he is playing another mischievous, devilish character who you cannot quiet figure out. Not sure if he's Satan or just someone who possesses mystical powers but whoever or whatever he is, he has that charm that makes you want to like him even though he's somewhat sinister. Well, actually, he is downright sinister. Speaking of scary films...check out O'Quinn in an oldie but a goodie, The Stepfather. That's the film that made me an O'Quinn fan.
Anyway, it's worth watching. Just have to wait and see if some dufus pulls the plug on this series. Let's hope not.
Here we are 2 months after the previous review above and what happens... as I prophesied, the numbskulls at ABC have decided to cancel the show. Unless some miracle occurs and the show returns, you have seen the last of 666. Alas, perhaps my usefulness should be turned towards the occult as a seer (Nostradamus here I come).
Cosmopolis
(2012)
What?
23 October 2012
Most Directors have their good films and their not-so-good films. This is worse than not-so-good.
From beginning to end you listen to benign whining and useless, boring dialogue about this poor little rich boy who befriends the most unlikely of characters in his journey across town to get a haircut. Give me a break! By the way, the haircut sucked, which I guess was another useless point, in this movie.
The acting was substantial from everyone. But why on earth would actors with actual ability appear in this farce. They wasted their time and talent on a film that is not going to make any money and nothing but criticism from the movie going public.
Cronenberg has had some great films such as Existenz, Eastern Promises and A History of Violence. Maybe Viggo Mortensen, who starred in two of those films, would have made a difference but I doubt it. A Dud is a Dud.
I will admit there is a possibility I missed the point of the movie during one of several occasions when I nodded off from pure boredom.
I give this a four (4) for the acting but it's hardly worth four (4)minutes of time much less two hours.
From beginning to end you listen to benign whining and useless, boring dialogue about this poor little rich boy who befriends the most unlikely of characters in his journey across town to get a haircut. Give me a break! By the way, the haircut sucked, which I guess was another useless point, in this movie.
The acting was substantial from everyone. But why on earth would actors with actual ability appear in this farce. They wasted their time and talent on a film that is not going to make any money and nothing but criticism from the movie going public.
Cronenberg has had some great films such as Existenz, Eastern Promises and A History of Violence. Maybe Viggo Mortensen, who starred in two of those films, would have made a difference but I doubt it. A Dud is a Dud.
I will admit there is a possibility I missed the point of the movie during one of several occasions when I nodded off from pure boredom.
I give this a four (4) for the acting but it's hardly worth four (4)minutes of time much less two hours.
Guns, Girls and Gambling
(2012)
Another Tarantino/Rodriguez in the Making
28 September 2012
I think this movie is being unfairly judged by some of the previous reviewers. Yes, as previously stated, it does has Tarantino and Rodrigues overtones but I think that was the idea. Winnick was undoubtedly using the formulas that made both of those Directors/Writers/Actors famous.
Unlike some other reviewers, I liked the movie. The Blonde was right in line with someone that Tarantino would have crafted to include the over the top duel automatics protruding from the hips above her rear. I don't know how she managed to slink around in broad daylight with such devices in plain sight but hey, this is a movie, right? Who can resist watching a flick with Gary Oldman? If you've ever seen The Professional or The Fifth Element, as well as other great performances, Oldman is a classic actor of the highest calibre. Bizarre, yes but still classic.
Powers Booth has had varying success during his career and his appearance in this piece was similar to that in Extreme Prejudice. There is little doubt of his ability if you've ever seen The Jim Jones story about the Jonestown mass suicide in Guyana. As usual he presented a magnetic being that you love to hate.
I think if the movie had the name Tarantino or Rodrigues affixed to it, you would see higher ratings but alas, it may take this director time to reach the pinnacle of success claimed by Quinten and Robert.
Unlike some other reviewers, I liked the movie. The Blonde was right in line with someone that Tarantino would have crafted to include the over the top duel automatics protruding from the hips above her rear. I don't know how she managed to slink around in broad daylight with such devices in plain sight but hey, this is a movie, right? Who can resist watching a flick with Gary Oldman? If you've ever seen The Professional or The Fifth Element, as well as other great performances, Oldman is a classic actor of the highest calibre. Bizarre, yes but still classic.
Powers Booth has had varying success during his career and his appearance in this piece was similar to that in Extreme Prejudice. There is little doubt of his ability if you've ever seen The Jim Jones story about the Jonestown mass suicide in Guyana. As usual he presented a magnetic being that you love to hate.
I think if the movie had the name Tarantino or Rodrigues affixed to it, you would see higher ratings but alas, it may take this director time to reach the pinnacle of success claimed by Quinten and Robert.
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