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Reviews
The Predator (2018)
Expectations...
Well now... that title is most assuredly for sake of irony because none of those were met in this production.
That said, the movie had some merit and also entertainment value -- so long as you aren't someone who gets pissy over canon or versus the theatrical predecessors. I have no intention to spoil anything, but I do offer the following non-spoilers:
.. core storyline was less Predator than any predecessor
.. the acting was decent (a great, even surprising line-up), but they couldnt prevent feeling off-ish because of the utilized polt -- give it the chance though. Even if you just abhor it, it's canon now... take that bite and swallow.
.. they really need to stop using the word 'Predator' in production titles, I mean c'mon... I essentially learned of the movie watching deep-fan series analysis. It wasn't just me either, when I brought up this 2018 Predator movie to my closest sci-fi loving friends, not a one of had any knowledge of it... and it's six effing years later.
Opinions:
.. they weird bits, even the ones that will anger the most hardcore fans, we're all 'fresh' and could lead to other, fruitful future productions. I wouldn't blame anyone for being skeptical, though.
.. most of us appreciated "Predators" (2010) so it's regrettable Fox may have lost their way. Maybe they're hiring from their political section.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)
Introspect
I enjoyed this so much more than Fury Road.
I'm old, so I grew up with those early Mel Gibson variants. Fury Road was very well acted, and quite visually appealing too, but it just felt smashed together. Furiosa captures the old magic nicely. Still great acting, plenty of compelling action, and great force of character too (sooo very important in these apocalyptic wasteland features).
I'll not be dropping any spoilers here, but I'll add that it only made my adore ATJ all the more. In agreement with another commenter, I felt ATJ delivered a stronger Furiosa than Charlize Theron... no hate though.
Dredd (2012)
Wow
This movie was my kind of epic.
The storyline was much closer to the comic content than other Dredd productions. This film worked better than I could have even hoped for. Karl Urban is just one of those singular actors whom I never fail to appreciate, even when he's not in a violence laden role like this one. I wasn't sure he could nuance McCoy when he portrayed Bones. I should have had more confidence... he nailed that too. Really, he nails everything, and anyone that hasn't seen The Boyz is missing something truly special.
Let's not stop there though, I've long celebrated Olivia Thrilby. She's always good, but never so good as she is here. I've seen her in many titles, but I'd argue this has to be her magnum opus. She'll be hard pressed to ever top this performance.
Shall I continue? Many of the supporting cast are huge stars in their own right. If you don't know who Lena Headey is, I can only assume you've been under a rock somewhere that doesn't have TV. She was most notably Queen Cersi in Game of Thrones, but she's always strong and excellent: Sarah Connor Chronicles... 300... She's a mainstay in Hollywood for good reason.
Beyond that, good performances all around. The storyline they chose for this production was an excellent one, and I infrequently (every few years) rewatch it because I will have forgotten something and it will catch me off guard all over again.
Some movies are just worth revisiting.
Violence warning. If you don't appreciate calculated gore, this film is not going to be to your liking. The Stallone edition of Dredd had plenty of violence too, but it was more of the bang bang gunfire violence fairly common in modern action flicks. This movie is harsh and guttural... so violent at points it's arguably even surreal.
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)
Wow, just wow
I *loved* this movie... from the storyline to the very well-chosen cast to the special effects to the awesome cameos (don't peek). The entertainment was palpable. I basically watched it on a dare because of the horrible D&D movies of the past. I am a bit beyond middle-aged and back in the way-way-back I was a player of the game. It's surely not fresh on my mind at this point. That said, the movie paid an appropriate amount of homage to that game of old without overplaying it. I've always been a huge fan of Michelle Rodriguez, and this movie truly allowed her to shine. Every major player performed as you would want them to. I heard it won't make it's budget (or not by much) and that there may be a sequel in the works (I would like that).
Dummy (2020)
Anna knocking it out... again...
It would be absurd for me to try and declare I wasn't a huge Anna Kendrick fan before watching this. That said, I'd have watched it anyhow -- the ads are hilarious, and the script is bold and endearing. It would have to have been horribly acted to ruin it's essence, and that's never been a concern with Ms. Kendrick at the helm. Players within are good, and convincing... even the doll, however strange that sounds. When a comedy has me on the verge of uncontrollable laughter, to me that's mission accomplished. This series had me right on that edge... many many times.
It's technically a strange (even esoteric) relationship movie loaded with comedy, but there are deeper elements that will make it appealing for just about anyone with even a waft of imagination.
Maria (2019)
Fans of Action, rejoice
My wife loves screen violence, but despises when I point that out to her. As an example, she really despises 'superhuman' movies, but when I introduced her to the first Deadpool she basically sat through the whole movie holding her legs while chittering noises borne of brain shock. :)
This movie isn't all it could be -- acting could be better in a few places, however I urge action fans to look beyond because It's decent, and I've never seen it's equal from that corner of our globe. Everyone won't share my opinion on this, but as a produced feature I sincerely enjoyed it as a production even more than Hard Boiled, which I still celebrate to this day.
Ms Rayes was unfamiliar to me before I saw Maria, and I was an instant fan. Some of the mob level acting was cookie cutter and over-exaggerated (Shatner would surely nod approval) but overall I very much enjoyed it. Storyline fundamentals are good... actually even believable.
I will celebrate it like another (which I infrequently rewatch)... "Way of the Gun"... note that it is *not* a western, regardless of the name. Like Maria... decently harsh and gritty.
**recommend**
The Titan (2018)
Loved the setup but then...
No conrent spoilers but some insights, opinions, and judgment.
The start was well done, imho... decent plot justification, deeper storyline elements, etc; and acting was great all around. It's more pensive and brooding than modern or young audiences tend to favor but I personally was digging it, but then they spoiled my enjoyment near the end. Brought my 8 down to a 6 real fast with an ill-advised tempo slide -- nearly as jarring as A. I. was with the director swap near it's climax. Anyhow it really did foster my interest... a real shame they tanked it because I felt it had some glorious potential.
It was good enough that I failed to recognize some of the talent... a thing Ibl usually do.
Warlock (1989)
Twohy
I always loved and cherished this production. It wasn't 100%... some of the acting could have been more refined, and the budget could have been a bit higher, but the writing and storyline havevme viewing it yet again decades later. This year though, I noted the last name of the writer... Twohy. At this period of my life I know that guy, and I celebrate most of his library. There are few writers who have such reliable & professional consistency.
From a fan... thank you, David.
Incarnate (2016)
Amply Exceeded Low Expectations
For a movie panned by almost all critics and the majority of fans, I only watched this because I was idling at the computer and wanted a distraction. Also I usually enjoy Aaron Eckhart in his craft. After about two scenes of worthy dialog in I became latched and realized why it had some buzz (script, cast).
The story-line has worthy elements, and it competes well with other 'possession' films. I do not scare from horror, but enjoy digesting it for social understanding of what gets beneath the skin of common folk. I really enjoyed The Order and The Rite as well if that helps.
The cast was great and I feel they exceeded the quality of its worthy script -- the best part of the final product.
This movie will likely not be your favorite movie in any level of context... movies generally, dramatic horrors, films about possession. I still believe it's worth the view for anyone who is into any of those things or any of the primary cast as they all bring the value.
My biggest complaint is the director and / or the editor... there were some early shots scenes and music scores that almost convinced me to turn it off and move on. Horror doesn't need help from 'camp'. Because I weathered those I got to bits that mattered and then the meat of the film proved interesting (atheist, raised Catholic, if you feel that detail matters).
Special kudos to Eckhart's agent for finding yet another off- the-beaten-path script for him to bring his talent to. He will always be remembered for Harvey Dent of course, but for me films like "I Frankenstein", "Thank You for Smoking", and this one are roles I will ultimately most cherish him for.
Understand this up front, this film is *not* for everyone. My ratings / appreciations are my own and I tried to express my appreciations in such a way that the folks who would appreciate it will know who they are up front.
Bicentennial Man (1999)
A highly underrated masterpiece
This movie is one of the more horribly mis-marketed cinematic productions ever. This movie is ground-breaking and considering the subject matter will likely always be to an extent. It is very well-acted, and even during the bits that should have been more thoughtfully crafted (beginning, early middle) the production has a tremendous payout for those that brave through to later segments.
Topics of extreme relevance within are: humanity; slavery; freedom; AI with respect to humanity, slavery and freedom; time, consequence, and of course love.
If you are a lover of film or Isaac Asimov, this one is surely for you. Acting and direction were supreme, with memorable career- inspiring performances by Robin Williams, Sam Neill, Embeth Davidtz, and Oliver Platt too. A special nod to prolific secondary actor Stephen Root's small role also (you'll remember him better as Milton in Office Space, but he nails his part -- as always).
Since being properly introduced to this film which I never intended to watch (as stated it was very poorly marketed), I have re-watched it easily a dozen times... despite being quite a long feature. This is because it moves me in a way few other films have been able to, and I watch lots and lots of movies and TV.
Robin Williams was a great, and for me this is still my favorite feature starring him -- and given his body of work that is truly saying something.