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john_c-96391
Reviews
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)
Not Your Daddy's D&D
I have to confess, I actually liked the 2000 D&D movie, as well as the sequel (the third one, not so much). It had the fun and the heart of what I always felt actually playing D&D. This movie, though it carries the name, and has many of the characters and town names (Baldur's Gate), could really have been any movie set in the ancient time period (GOT), and tried too hard to be funny and heartwarming, but it all fell flat.
The characters are overused and oversimplified from thousands of other stories, so there was not a lot of interest in them (except the shape-shifting girl). The plot is also tired and overused, though I give credit with coming at it from a slightly different angle; but that part of the story, the daughter believing the family friend over her own father and her "step-mother", seemed a little far-fetched.
The action is decent (the fight between the red wizard and the shape-shifter was actually interesting), but most of the fight sequences are predictable and over-Hollywooded.
Finally, the choice made at the end for how to use the relic was as surprising as a sunrise, and it really lacked the feeling and depth it should have had...it was played too quick.
All in all, it's not a bad movie, but it is not really D&D. In fact the most D&D part (spoiler alert), is the appearance of the cartoon characters from the TV show, which was unexpected and cool, but a totally missed opportunity for using them in their own film.
It is good to see for a family (kids will enjoy it, I think), but it is too juvenile in its approach for adults.
Der Name der Rose (1986)
My only regret is I can only give it ten stars
This is, arguably, Sean Connery's best role. He plays a Franciscan monk, during the Spanish Inquisition, who is 'training' a young Christian Slater, all while investigating some grisly deaths at a monastery, that are being attributed to the End of Days (Revelation).
He is, essentially, a Franciscan Sherlock Holmes, who, unlike his fellow monks and priests, chooses evidence and facts over superstition and fear. The climactic 'reveal' is very good, and shows how the evidence proved the culprit and becomes a race for his life escape attempt.
This movie is, sadly, very overlooked, for being such a great piece of entertainment and thought-provoking ideas.
Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
The Mighty Snore
The reason I give this a 5 is because of Christian Bale, who did a really good job, but this is, arguably, the worst Thor of the series. The characters were wooden, it seems as though Thor has gone backwards in his views and demeanor (was he regressing because of the loss he felt🤔), almost to the point where he was, when he was first introduced.
There was no real development of the villain or Valkyrie, and Korg was in there way too much. And for as serious as the issue with Jane is, everyone seemed to 'accepting' and there was little emotional upheaval with the main characters. And I thought the Asguardians were supposed to be so advanced as to be able to deal with something of this sort. It might even have been better if it had been caused by the Red Liquid from Dark World. But every issue just seemed to 'be there' to have a something to do.
The City of the Gods was a big disappointment because all we really get to see is Zeus. Where were the Watchers (they would undoubtedly be there, if only to observe)?
And the dialogue, especially at the beginning was painful. It was like the writers got bored, but wanted to give the actors more lines, and often it wasn't funny and made little-to-no sense.
Guardians didn't even need to be there. That whole scene could have been cut down to 1-2 minutes and would have made as much sense.
It really just seemed unfocused and random, to the point that the story was uninteresting and even boring. I kept waiting for it to pick up some seriousness and be engrossing, but, alas, 'twas not to be.
My suggestion: wait for video/Disney+
Morbius (2022)
Fairly faithful to the original character
I knew, when I saw this, that it would have a lukewarm reception, because of how choppy it is, and how it seems to have an overused plot. The character of Morbius, however, could not have been more perfectly cast. Jared Leto really looks like Dr. Morbius, and his very dry speech works for the character, as well (if you've ever read Morbius, his words are written in a font meant to convey darkness, brooding, and potential evil). And his comic appearances, tend to be choppy in their presentation, as well, because they are trying to convey his 'blackouts'. (Note: I am referring to his early appearances in Spider-Man)
His movements and the overall story arc, follows his origin story very well. And, as it seems he will be facing Spider-Man, if they capitalize on the mid-credit scene, it ought to be really intriguing to see where they take this character. There is really a lot of potential, that I think many movie-goers missed.
Stan would have been proud. Excelsior!
Chiefs (1983)
One of the most underrated miniseries of all time
I remember when this 6-hour miniseries was released back in 1986. Thankfully, they also showed it in syndication after its initial release, and I was able to record the entire series (commercials and all). When they released the DVD, I was excited to have it in a clearer format, but disappointed when it turned out, it was missing huge chunks of the original series.
I am a purist, in that I hate movies that are cut up from the original release, because I think it takes away from the original vision (adding material is fine).
I was so glad I had recorded them, because I was able to make my own DVD, albeit, not with upgrade in clarity or sound, but still watchable. I re-watch the original every few years or so. It is such an excellent story, showing two nightmares: one a true vicious crime, and two the acceptance of racism and all its ugliness during the Jim Crow Era.
My favorite scene will always be when the great Billy Dee Williams 'announces' himself as chief.
Captain Marvel (2019)
Decent Origin Story
Just wanted to give a quick correction to many of the nay-sayers, who, obviously, know nothing of Captain Marvel: Captain Marvel is, essentially, Marvel's version of Superman (and partly taken from DC's Captain Marvel aka Shazam). This is why she is "so powerful", with no discernible weakness.
I enjoyed the movie, though, as some others have mentioned, it had some issues and concerns. One of the characters at the beginning kind of give away the fact that there will be a change of heart (hint: the character was in Guardians of the Galaxy).
So many of the "twists" were completely predictable. Upside was the return of some of our favorite characters from previous MCU movies.
I am really curious how this character is going to fit in in the next Avengers movie, and how she is going to develop.
One major credit i give is that the trials that she endures could as easily happen to a man, so this nonsense about being overly feminist is dumb.
Definitely worth seeing.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Short Statement
This will be short, as I have never written a review, before.
I have been a Spider-Man fan since I was little, watching the original 1967 series, reading the comics, etc.
This movie was 100% in the vein of Stan and Steve's vision. After all, what made Spider-Man the most popular superhero of all time, was it's relatability. The heart of the character is summed up in Uncle Ben's immortal words, "With great power, comes great responsibility." This is as true today, as it was over fifty years ago, and this movie completely embraces and expands on this concept.
And the cameo with Stan actually made me tear up, given how recent his departure was. He and Steve would be so very proud of this movie!
Excelsior!