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douglasjonesjr
Reviews
The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
Rob Reiner cameo ruined the film
Why, even when Rob isn't an integral part of a film, do directors or others agree to let him have a role in a film. He's a bad actor. It makes no sense. And not only that but people recognize him immediately and this presence scream NEPOTISM and just as nepotism ruins governments, it ruins creative projects and just about any operation. He's not an awful actor, but it's just so unnecessary unless he's offering to work for free. Leonardo DiCaprio is pretty good in this film, but again, it's just Leo again. Just like Brad Pitt or Tom Cruise, they are just the same person in every film sort of doing an acting school level of method acting. I think the film could have done really well if Martin Scorsese took a note from Richard Kelly and directed it in the style of Donnie Darko. In fact, why didn't Richard Kelly just direct this film? Why does Hollywood insist on being so small and having lunch with its buddies and bros and not inviting others to the party? It's to its own demise. This version of Wall Street greed is humor-ized and glamorized more than it is made into a twisted drama and that's the mistake, that's the old fashioned played out Martin Scorsese-style. Anyway - missed the mark in a big way because the family refused to accept in new members. Bye!
Enlightened (2011)
Awesomely addictive
I just clicked on this for lack of better looking choices on Amazon Instant and ended up binge watching all of the 2 seasons. It's so well done, with the writing, the acting, the story, the cinematography, the creative parts. I love this show. Laura Dern and think she is a very under- appreciated actress. She is great in this show. To see that she's the executive producer makes me respect her even more. There are so many story lines to follow as well and they play it all out in a very smart way. The flash backs and the little reveals of each character's story is done really well. I feel like this show could go on and on for many seasons and still be very good. I'm not quite sure why this show isn't just as popular as Mad Men. Maybe since it's on HBO and many people don't subscribe to HBO. I feel like if this show was made into a Netflix Original it would be wildly popular like House of Cards. I feel it's just as enjoyable to watch as both of the previous very popular shows I mentioned.
Luther (2010)
At least they tried.
A certain individual in my house keeps putting on this show on Netflix. It looks well done visually etc. Seems they tried really hard, just two main elements of a show are missing. The acting isn't terrible, it's just not good; and the story isn't terrible, it's just not good at all. It's just right at the point where when the story and the acting is off so many episodes you start to really hate the show. The opening credits and the facade give the impression that the show will be cool, and then it just basically starts getting annoying. I feel the writing is there just to fill space on the page and not to be important or realistic. No one in real life sits and talks and talks and over explains in such a preplanned way. I know it's BBC British television and is expected to be a little off mark on these things but this is silly. It's like that Aaron Sorkin awful show The Newsroom - it takes a real life profession and just makes it this over the top chatty, overly expressive and dramatic mess. If the actors could act and not pretend they are in some stage play then that would be nice. I don't agree with the majority that stage actors are better than screen actors. That's just not true.
A Free Bird (2014)
Strong future for Dir. Gregg Russell!
You are now entering THE SOUTH. Wellcome Ya'll! Represent! Strong actors, strong writing and a relate-able story. AND FUNNY. This film has wings and I think not only a star, but many stars, were born in its creation. Ya'll going' to Ya'll-y-WOOD honey - bless your heart.
It's a great film that captures southern culture, comedy and attitude. The acting is very strong and see a bright future for these actors. The writing is strong and I see a bright future for the director and crew. It's a cut throat industry, so great to see films being made that stay true to the creator's vision and great to see new talent really show their skills.