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markblumenthal
I believe that when it comes to film everyone is different and everyone needs to watch and form their own opinion. Not everyone is going to enjoy the same thing and that's OK. It's art at the end of the day.
However, when giving a review of a movie, one has to put the film in the correct context.
What I consider a good movie, is after your done watching, can you say that you enjoyed it and had fun. If you can then its a good film.
My reviews are short and simple and are my personal opinions on why you should or shouldn't watch the film.
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Reviews
Alien (1979)
A perfect film from start to finish!
If you have not seen this film then shame on you. A movie that stands the test of time. A true sci-fi horror film that for some reason no film can compete with. I just don't understand how this film was made in 1979. Everything about it is perfect. It looks amazing, sounds amazing and feels amazing. The alien creature is by far the most iconic ever put to film. Sigorney Weaver shows the audience that a female can handle a lead role in any action type movie. I am struggling to put into words how good this film is. The story will hook you instantly. The lead characters are acted so well and the aliens look so real that it blows my mind every time I watch it. A perfect film from start to finish!
Up in Smoke (1978)
It does have some memorable scenes that will leave you with your jaw on the floor.
A stoner film that came out in 1978 deserves a 10 star rating. It most certainly does not hold up in today's time and I think anyone who watches it is going to have to push through a lot. However, the comical genius cannot be ignored for it's time as well as the massive mountain these guys had to battle to get this film released. It has inspired so many films in the genre and deserves all the respect and credit. At least watch this movie once to say that you have seen it. It does have some memorable scenes that will leave you with your jaw on the floor.
Grease (1978)
It's a girls fantasy movie
I am giving this movie a high rating simply because at the time it was a phenomenon and to this day has had a cultural impact on pop culture. You can even hear some of the songs in this film on radio now and again. However, I simply did not enjoy this one. I always get the feeling when I watch it that it's a girls fantasy movie. I know a lot of men who enjoy it but that's just my opinion. The set design, costumes and music are really good and seeing Travolta in this type of a film is priceless, and the film still holds up today. I think most people who watch Grease will give it multiple viewings but I am not one of them.
National Lampoon's Animal House (1978)
Everyone should at least see this movie once
This film just does not hold up. I can without a doubt believe that at least up until 1990 this film probably was one of the funniest around, but once the Robin Williams, the Jim Carreys and Eddie Murphy's broke out, this film lost it's touch. Credit given to the actors and all the people who worked on this movie as it probably was one of the very first films to tackle college life in a comedy setting like this. Belushi gives an incredible performance and for me is the only character that kept me in the film. The cafeteria scene is a truly great piece of film but for me that's as far as it goes.I think that everyone should at least see this movie once, but I don't think that I will watch it again anytime soon.
Halloween (1978)
You just get that sense of feeling that you just saw a classic movie.
Halloween certainly does not give you the gore of a modern day horror, but one cannot deny that for a horror film made in the 70's it does compete with the best of today in the genre. A great story with great character development, a unique villain for the time and a ton of suspense. Its's also always fun to see how some great actors today first started out. I feel that you can always watch this movie once a year and still get some enjoyment from it. In the all time great's of horror movies this one definitely deserves a spot. I must say that watching it almost 40 years later, it does not provide the same scare as it once did, but after watching it you just get that sense of feeling that you just saw a classic movie.
Pumping Iron (1977)
Arnold in his days of physical perfection
It,s a body building documentary. The only draw to watch this film is to see Arnold in his days of physical perfection. He does talk about some very funny topics and comes across as a genuinely awesome guy but unless your into the sport there's no need to watch it. That being said, if you are a fan of the sport then you are going to love watching some of the all time greats posing and talking about the sport and industry. It is filmed fairly well and you do get a lot of information, but for me one viewing was enough.
Superman (1978)
Does not hold up 40 years later
I know that when this film was released people went nuts, but it just does not hold up 40 years later. It is asking a lot of any movie to stand the test of 40 years and in some aspects this film does. The title song is a classic. Reeves as Superman is played to a "T". Even Lois Lane's character is great. I did not enjoy the portrayal of Lex Luthor but to the films credit, no Superman film has been able to deliver a great Luthor in my opinion. But other than that it falls short. The film does stay true to the source material which i liked and was a groundbreaking film of the time, but watching it today, I really felt like I was watching a movie that was made in 1978.
Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
Do yourself a favor and watch it!
One of the original great Sci-Fi movies. A true Spielberg classic! If Star Wars does not hook you on the genre, then this one will. A film that I feel in recent times has fallen off the radar. Visually it's outstanding but what really hooked me was the performances and the story. So fresh and original unlike any movie to date. A very serious and thought provoking movie which is why kids probably wont enjoy it. I also feel that the first 20 min did drag a bit but after that you get sucked in until the very end. This movie is loved by critics but for some reason your average person does not seem to know much about it, which is a shame as I feel anyone who sees it will probably put it in their top 5 Spielberg films of all time. Do yourself a favor and watch it!
The Rescuers (1977)
As a child film, this one will hit all the right notes.
I actually enjoyed this movie as a child, but after watching it as an adult I was disappointed. The songs are really bland and every time they had the girl on screen I just wanted to get back to the mice rescuers. They are the heart of the film but they never reach the summit like other Disney classics. The music is bland and the villain is a copy of other Disney villains. The movie just does not make sense. However, I have to stress that the kids will love it just as I did as a child. Who doesn't want to be rescued by little mice. So put into context as a child film, this one will hit all the right notes, but for adults it's a miss.
The Lion King (1994)
An animated film can be just as good or if not better than a real life film.
This is in my top 3 animation films of all time. I don't think that any animation film before it managed to enter the hearts of both children and adults at once like this one. An ensemble cast with such a gripping tale, great music and superb animation, made this one of the all time greats. The characters are so well flushed out and each scene is so memorable. I cannot stress just how good this film is. Without a doubt the peak of Disney and to this day they have not made anything this original and so influential. The creators gave us such a good villain and great hero's that in my opinion shows that an animated film can be just as good or if not better than a real life film.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
Indiana really does end on a strong note.
I love this movie! Personally it's my favorite out of the first 3. It definitely is not the best but I love the treasure that Indiana is searching for and the story is just written so well. Sean Connery really is so good as Indiana's father that you can actually see him being his father in real life. Just like the first 2 films in the franchise it has everything you have come to expect from an Indiana film. I also love that we get to see a small taste of our hero's childhood. It follows the exact same formula as the first 2 but that's what makes a successful franchise. Some of the old favorite characters return and join in on the adventure which was a refreshing change. With this film Spielberg and Lucas insured that they created a truly successful trilogy of films that could even rival Star Wars. I would go so far as to say that in some ways Indiana Jones is a stronger trilogy than the first Star Wars trilogy simply because with this film Indiana really does end on a strong note.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
So many memorable moments that you will struggle to decide which Indiana Jones movie you love more.
Just like it's predecessor, Temple of Doom manages to take the audience on an epic adventure with Indiana Jones even after going for a more darker tone. This film definitely took a page from Star Wars Empire Strikes Back in that the film is a lot darker than the first but it never loses its core values which is what made me fall in love with the original. There's action, comedy and adventure that follows the same formula from the Lost Ark but the filmmakers still manage to deliver it with originality that leaves you wanting more. So many memorable moments that you will struggle to decide which Indiana Jones movie you love more. If a film can give you that sort of debate then you know its a classic.
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
What a movie! One for the ages
What a movie! One for the ages that can never be replicated. This film has a perfect blend of comedy,action, adventure that never gets old. A story about a James Bond type character who just always finds himself in the wrong place at the wrong time. The film is so simple on every level which is what Spielberg and Lucas specifically wanted to do and it worked. I think for most people who have seen this film will put it in their top 10 of all time greats. A great score and terrific acting from Harrison Ford with a truly classic story makes this a must watch for any film lover.
Into the Woods (2014)
A musical can still capture your hearts in the modern day.
Into the woods is a great movie as it proves that when done right, a musical can still capture your hearts in the modern day. A true return to movies like: Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, this film really shocked me with the story, acting and Shrek Esq feel. I was very surprised at how much I enjoyed it and will recommend it to anyone. The songs are so catchy (especialy the title song) and performed so well by all the actors. And lets be honest, you cannot really go wrong when Meryl Streep is involved. For me I was pleasantly surprised at the story. It was not what I was expecting and I think that's the main reason why I enjoyed it so much. My only 2 issues are that the film could have been a bit shorter. It does feel too long. And that there is not really any in-depth character development. But hey, not every film is perfect. In Short I had a lot of fun and feel it's definitely worth a watch.
Dumb and Dumber (1994)
More than 20 years later is finally considered a classic.
In my opinion the greatest comedy ever made! Daniels and Carrey work magic together in this film that more than 20 years later is finally considered a classic. When it first came out it was labeled as complete garbage and toilet humour. But to those people I say it is the best garbage and toilet humour you could ask for. What do you expect to see when the title of the film is ''Dumb and Dumber''. The quick back and forth between the two lead actors and not so subtle chirping often goes unnoticed because your'e laughing so hard from the previous scene.the jokes and dialogue are so good and Carey and Daniels deliver them with such authenticity. It's because of this reason that I am able to watch this movie countless times and still be entertained, as I listen to funny remarks that I missed on the previous 100 viewings. What's truly great about this film is that even people who say they hate it will always without fail crack a laugh or two when re-watching it. They just don't want to admit that they find this nonsense to be funny...but it is. More than 20 years later and I still have not seen a buddy comedy that comes close to matching it.
Die Hard (1988)
You cannot go through life without watching DIE HARD!!!!!!!
Die hard is a true classic. It came out at a time where every action movie had a star that looked like an action figure. The leading man was a nobody and the story is about a nobody. What more can you ask for, an average cop taking on German terrorists without shoes. I do have issues with this film but that's based on my own opinion. I also feel that with time the movie has been put on a pedestal. It is a great action film and there's a reason why it is so loved, however, I do feel that there are a few better action movies out there. But at the same time you cannot go through life without watching DIE HARD!!!!!!!
Dragonball Evolution (2009)
doesn't deserve a grade.
Nothing in this film makes sense and I cant believe that the people involved had the audacity to release it and charge people for it. The fact that this film exists proves that not anyone can make a movie. I am biased with this film as I am a true DragonBall Z fan. But I feel that majority of the people who paid to watch this film are fans of the anime. Everything about this film is garbage. From the acting to the story to the dialogue. If you want to know what NOT to do when making a film, just watch this. The people who worked on this film clearly had no respect for the fans or the amazing story on which it's based. If you are going to watch it, then please prepare yourself for what I feel is the worst movie ever made. Doesn't deserve a grade of 1.
Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983)
A fitting conclusion to a great trilogy.
Although not as good as the first 2, Jedi still maintains the adventure and excitement of the first movies. A fitting conclusion to a great trilogy. Some of the characters and visual effects do not quite hold up as strongly as the first 2, but the film still managers to deliver some very memorable lines, scenes and characters. Even though it does not have the same sense of grandeur there's enough action and a sense of conclusion that will keep you gripped to your seats till the very end. Ps: the kids will love this one!
Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
The most anticipated sequel of all time.
The movie that flipped the cinema world on its head. The most anticipated sequel of all time. Everything about this movie is bigger and better than the first. We go deeper into the galaxy and the characters that live in it. So many memorable scenes and lines that will leave you with a warm and broken heart. Empire proves that a sequel can be better than its predecessor. Although darker in tone, it never loses its sense of adventure and thrill that fans got in the original. And lets not forget the greatest twist in cinema history.
Star Wars (1977)
The God father of science fiction film.
The God father of science fiction film. The holy grail of cinema and the one that started it all. Even if you are not a sci-fi fan this movie is a must. No other film in history has managed to be as original or captivate the imagination of millions around the world. You can barely watch any TV show or movie today without some sort of reference to Star Wars. A true triumph in film making and in storytelling. It still holds up today 40 years after it was made which is a true testament of how good it is. A perfect blend of adventure, love, comedy and action all put together in a motion picture that will steal your hearts.
And if your one of the people who does not like it then that's OK. But, if you consider yourself a film lover, then this milestone is a must.
Predator (1987)
A great 80's action from start to finish.
If someone argues that Arnold never had any good movies than Terminator, Show them Predator! This is Arnold in his prime showing us what a great action star he is. The film is brooding with cliche's but somehow it just works. Predator is great at making the audience feel claustrophobic while set in a great big jungle. the realism of the predator will have you baffled when you consider that they made this creature in 1987. This movie does have it's flaws, but it can be forgiven when you put it in the right context. If you are in the mood for a great action shooter, with bodybuilding soldiers firing weapons (that normal men can't even lift) at one of the most iconic creatures ever put on film, then this one is for you. A great 80's action from start to finish.
Cobra (1986)
A brutal movie from start to finish.
A brutal movie with one of the best and most original deaths of a villain. The film does not have much going for it both from the story or characters but it still manages to be a great 80's action. It is by no means Stallone's best work, however, the dark tone is surprisingly fresh when you consider that Lethal weapon, Robocop and Beverly hills cop, were released a year later. There's just something about this movie that is so good that one can only understand once you've watched it. A must see for any Stallone fan, as I feel this one is a truly unique action film.
Commando (1985)
Worhty of a top 3 spot in the 80's action genre.
A true 80's action classic that doesn't go out of style. Is this a groundbreaking, soul drenching motion picture masterpiece? NO! This is a straight up 80's action movie, full of the cheesiest one liners that cracks me up every time I watch it...and I LOVE it! Arnold is fantastic in this over the top action film that you can feel is trying to be somewhat serious but just can't get there due to the one liners and the directors use of making Arnold seem like a real live ''HE MAN''. Everything our hero does and says in this movie is so funny as Arnold delivers it with such deadpan humour that you as the viewer can tell is really unintentional. This really is such a classic in the action genre that I feel to this day has not been replicated. It's the sort of movie where your hero has 1000 bullets flying at him and not one hits. And because it's Arnold it just makes sense. It truly is an action masterpiece and I feel worthy of a top 3 spot in the 80's action genre.