Reviews

Not a bad outing for the franchise and definitely a new direction for the story, Wes Ball's effort seems full of heart most times but it could have shown a little more depth in the fleshing out of some characters. That being said the actors and actresses performances were solid. And I have to say as a long time fan of the original franchise, I'm hoping we'll be seeing a re-telling, or even a good remake (heaven forbid, if there is such a thing) of the original "Planet" storyline. The visuals were incredible in IMAX and it sparks the mind at the possibly of a great crescendo as I do believe that if they give this young director another movie, he could possibly make that happen. Hope. Hope.

This was probably my favorite Thomas Jane movie. His coolness in the movie is great. The swagger he possesses on the screen in this one makes me wonder why he never became the star he should have been. Aaron Eckhart is great as well, playing a great but underutilized supporting role. James LeGros and Paulina Porizkova's psychotic turns in the flick remain with you, long after the end credits' role, both in a disturbingly hilarious way. In this effort by Skip Woods, the 90's are truly represented as the film is definitely influenced by Tarantino's work and ever so slightly by Michael Mann, subtle, but there. I also think Skip may have seen a Peckinpah movie or two as well. Anyway, even with its violent tendencies, it's in my top 5 of the decade. Bold statement but I stand by it.

First off, I loved 2009's Avatar. Yes, it was formulaic, and the story trope had been told before, in one form or another. But as I remember it back then, in all its 3D glory, it was grand. James Cameron is quite possibly the best director thus far in this century, succeeding Stanley Kubrick as the most visionary. There are others of course but Cameron, like Kubrick, who was a master at his craft, commands his audience's attention. I heard the critics complain The Way of Water was way too long and had a flimsy storyline, but I was thoroughly entertained. I would have loved this movie if it had been a flop but I knew it wouldn't be. James doesn't have flops, (The Abyss, but anyone who is a Cameron fan and saw the movie can tell you it was one of his best). And ask yourself this; how many directors in Hollywood these days, or at any time in the past, have had that kind of track record? Zero. The Way of Water is just as masterful as the first Avatar, if not more so. A heartfelt story of family and the importance of home. My only regret is I didn't pony up and see it in the theater in 3D like the first one. Well done, James Cameron. Well done.

I have to make this statement; this is a better show than 1883. There, I said it. My family (for the most part) think I'm nuts. I thought the first spin-off was great, but it became predictable and had issues I didn't care for, without getting into specifics and spoilers. I just happen to like this one better. The actors in 1923 seem more comfortable in their roles, although I do believe 1883 had some great stars, like the great veteran actor Sam Elliott, along with LaMonica Garrett, Gratiela Brancusi and the impressive Isabel May who were all standout. I can't really give a defining answer as to why, but this series seems to set the stage somewhat better for the future of the Dutton family. And what can't be said about the incredible cast? Harrison Ford, Helen Mirren, Timothy Dalton. All craftsman actors. And the under classman, Brandon Sklenar and Julia Schlaepfer are a feast for the senses in their scenes, they just leave any romantic wanting more. The amazing acting of Aminah Nieves, if she doesn't receive accolades for her performance then no one in her field should be able to call themselves a thespian.1923 is proof there's good talent left in Hollywood with Taylor Sheridan. I started following him with 2017's Wind River, and I knew then he was the shot in the arm Hollywood needed. Not saying he's the second coming of Stanley Kubrick or John Huston but I just wish Hollywood would clean house of all the garbage it's been pushing and replace it with more talent like Mr. Sheridan.

This was it kiddies. Fridays was the real deal. Hey, I loved SNL in the beginning, because it was basically National Lampoon on TV instead of radio. But at time this show was airing, it was better than SNL. SNL was in it's 5th season when this show started, and as anyone who's read about it's history, was in danger of being cancelled. This was ABC networks answer. And what an answer. This is the show that Larry David really proved what a great comedy writer he was. This show is where Michael Richard's genius was discovered, along with other greats like Mark Blankfield , Melanie Chartoff, Jack Burns, Rich Hall, etc. Funny as can be skits, incredible live rock bands and stars, and awesome hosts. Young writers should have to watch and study a mandatory course on this show, (early) SNL and Monty Python. Hollywood is devoid of creativity at present. Too worried about the idenitarian trappings, it would be a much better, or should say, funnier place today if we were producing great comedy like this again. Here's hoping.

This was the version that was meant to be. The improved visuals and a more fleshed out storyline typify why some fans like myself believe that the director's vision should supersede, in most cases, the wants of production. Not every time of course, they're the ones footing the bill, but Paramount should have never wrested creative control away from Roddenberry. Never slight the creator. V,Ger needs the creator. Anyway, one time jump away in 2001, Robert Wise was finally allowed to edit the film the way he originally wanted, adding scenes and arranging the narrative of his first vision, thus giving the audience, and of the original Enterprise crew the triumphant return to the screen they deserved. All be it, some thirty odd years later. The first release wasn't a disaster by any stretch of the imagination (Jerry Goldsmith's score is amazing) but let's face it, it wasn't what audiences wanted then. That happened in the next Star Trek outing. This version is awesome however and thoroughly entertaining for Trekkers.

Well, Sapochnik knows how to direct, he's great as a matter of fact, as long as he's got good staff around him. However, Game of Thrones will forever define him. Whether he likes it or not. It still blows my mind how Miguel could have directed a masterpiece like episode 8 of season 5: Hardhome, then make the mistake of not screening something like season 8's The Long Night. Just compare both episodes, the best to the worst. Anyway, belonging to the heartbroken GoT victims..I mean..former fans, House of the Dragon is good not great, yet. But it kind of, sorta fills a great void left by Dumb & Dumber. Sorry, David & D. B..(not sorry!) There are some great things about the show. Like dragons glore, familiar sword play, and great evil villians. Talented actors like Paddy Considine, Rhys Ifans and Matt Smith..all excellent. And actresses, Olivia Cooke, underrated for sure. And Milly Alcock, who's a ringer for a young Carly Simon (hint, hint..life story there..call it, "Clouds in my Coffee.") But, it doesn't have the magic GoT once had, at least through the first 5 seasons anyway. GoT had a raw, visceral emotion that will certainly never be matched, or most likely seen again. House of the Dragon is political, not as sexy or mysterious but it's got the potential to be above average. I'll keep watching. With my guard up, for now.

C'mon on guys, you have to love this Joey King. She's a great little actress. She can act her heart out and now..she's an action star. So what if she's a 115lb, 5'3'', maybe 5'4'' woman that can destroy a 240lb, 6'6'' Neanderthal nightmare with bad hygiene and body armour? That's called cinematic escapism, or the M-She-U (at least over the past several years), sorry, I mean, the MCU. Good clean, eh, bloody (not that bloody) fun. Don't expect Braveheart. Just enjoy seeing this young kid wiping the floor with these hulking brain dead fashion victims, and a great time will be had by all.

I loved it. The story continues and it warmed my heart with nostalgia for the old 80's classic movies. The guys really deliver, and the kids make a splash too. Little Grace McKenna IS Egon's outstanding chip off the old block, granddaughter Phoebe Spengler. Hats off to director Jason Reitman too, he's a chip off the old block as well. Glad to see Hollywood does care about the fans after all.

I read the book in 1980 as an 8th grade student. I barely remembered most of it, but its pretty close as I recall. There are some changes but this is the big screen movie we have wanted for so long. What a visual masterpiece. Perfectly cast and beautiful all the way around. Denis Villeneuve is at the top of his game. Can't wait for part two.

Great classic father and son tale with an better than average story. Tim Blake Nelson is a diamond in the rough in everything thing he does (why he doesn't have a best actor oscar is beyond me). Stephan Dorff is spot on as the menacing angel of death as well. All in all, the best western to come along in a while. Well worth the watch.

This show remains an emotional roller coaster. I have always loved the way it continually pulls at the watcher's heart strings, whether you like it or not. No plot armor here or sacrificing the story to appease the fandom. Thanks to everyone involved, the writers, directors, actors and crew for another wonderful season that ended in true Outlander fashion.

It doesn't move quite as fast as Goodfellas or Casino, but Scorsese's storytelling remains masterful, simply put. Watching these acting giants will never become tiresome for true fans of cinema, and the supporting cast was nothing short of amazing. And with Robbie Robertson's musical mastery? (the closing theme was haunting, beautiful and, well, pure Robertson) Well done.

This was great. Excellent neo-steampunk visuals of a dytopian future, remniscent of 1981's Heavy Metal. Mizusaki's anime is awesome as Simpson flexes his musical muscle, in this soon to be cult classic. A well spent 41 minutes.

Here we go again, another remake. I have to say, Hollywood seems stuck in an originally rut. Granted, Adrian Lyne's 1990 thriller did not do well upon its release and was by no means a box office smash (according to Wikipedia it had a 26 million dollar draw on a 25 million dollar budget) however, it has fallen into cult status among film lovers. With its unique, nightmarish cinematography and editing, ingenious story line and awesome casting (the Danny Aiello scene in which he explains his thoughts on angels and demons to Tim Robbins, was classic), it kept you on the edge of your seat. I remember watching this movie and leaving the theater thinking, now that was a psychological thriller. I thought Fatal Attraction, Lyne's Academy nominated box office hit was good, but somewhat predictable, and Jacob's Latter was the better film. The original Jacob's Latter was not predictable and seemed more, engrossing. David Rosenthal's version seems as if it wants to be a unique film in the narrative, with a similar plot to the original but with some key factors changed. However, in doing this, he pulls elements from the first film, such as the flashes of horrific and grotesque imagery, among other things into the story, as if to remind us, for some reason, it's a remake. Along with the plot changes, which fail to elevate or heighten the new version really in any way, it lacks the suspense or dread its predecessor delivered so masterfully. Although I do think Michael Ealy is a great actor and his efforts are worth mentioning, in comparison to Lyne's film, it misses the mark. Remaking original movies has become the norm these days in Hollywood and it has become a sad affair. I know there has to be fresh young writers out there with great material of their own. Unfortunately they seem to be at the mercy of the executives who would rather go with a re-hash than take a chance on an original idea. The bottom line is: stop doing remakes Hollywood! These may be good ideas in some cases, i.e. the big budget hits of yester-year (mainly Disney), but hit and miss, at best, for underrated gems like the original. Pass this one up and watch the classic.

While seeing the comparisons to "The Road", which I liked, I do believe the story was better told with more warmth. It basically takes a similar premise (all be it biological over a natural disaster) and makes the young ward a girl rather than a boy. Affleck has a good eye for directing and, really, is a better actor than his brother in some ways. A lot of people seem to dislike him for some reason, and I never understood why (maybe because some shrill like Brie Larson dissed him at an award show for some idiotic Fem-Nazi reason or another). The scenes between Casey and the young actress Anna Pniowsky felt genuine and not at all contrived. Affleck makes you imagine what one would do in the same situation. Which amounts to what film making is all about. The age old story, an average guy, with an awesome task. Well done Casey. I would definitely recommend

Why did David Benioff and D.B.Weiss do this? To get to the lucrative Star Wars contact being dangled in front of them by Disney? Is there no integrity left amongst writers in Hollywood today? In six episodes, they basically destroyed what was for some, a nearly decade long journey of the heart (although, admittedly, I sort of saw it coming in season 7). I have no problem with surprize revelations or even old-fashioned twists and turns in a great story but to subvert a storyline completely? To sever important components pertinent to the unfolding of an epic tale and deny its followers a fair fruition, be it tragic or otherwise.You robbed us of the intrigue, mystery and the magic that was Game Of Thrones. Shame on you Benioff and Weiss. What you have done to your viewership is just..sad.