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phillipkleinman
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Gojira -1.0 (2023)
The Big Fella at His Best
I was very excited to see this movie based on the outstanding reviews and I was not disappointed! This movie takes the story back to its roots during the aftermath of WW2. What separates this version from the bajillion other Godzilla movies is that you care about these people. There is a real, emotional story that drives the movie. I genuinely cared about the characters and their challenges in a post war world. You really get the sense of the total humiliation and despair the Japanese felt. Godzilla himself was not the goofy almost friendly monster he seems to have become. This guy is angry and menacing with a huge appetite to destroy everything in its wake.
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and more than a few tears rolled down my cheeks. I highly recommend the skeptics go see it, you will not be disappointed.
Bullet Train (2022)
Quentin, is That You?
This was streaming on Netflix and I thought I'd give it a viewing. Let me preface by saying I'm a huge Brad Pitt fan. Almost immediately, I had a sense of deja vu, seemed like I'd already seen this movie. If imitation is the highest form of flattery, Mr. Tarantino must be very flattered. This had bits of Inglorious Basterds, Kill Bill, Pulp Fiction and the list goes on. Is there anyone in Hollywood that has a single original idea? The whole movie got on my nerves more than anything. Go ahead, hop on the train and make up your own mind. But for me, I'll stick with QT and avoid these too cool for school ripoffs.
Drive Angry (2011)
Can't Get Enough of This Movie
I know it's cliched, cheeseball and over the top nonsense, but whenever I land on this I always have to watch it till the end. Nic Cage at his smarmiest, the only movie I've ever seen Amber Heard "star" in. Not to be outdone, the actor that plays Jonah gives such a ridiculously exaggerated performance, it makes Nic look like Olivier. Add David Morse and William Fichtner in supporting roles, plus the added bonus of Tom Atkins (thrill me) makes this a true classic. I put this in my top five of unlikely favorites right behind Starship Troopers. Even after 12 years, I am still waiting for the much anticipated sequel. A guy can dream can't he?
High Noon (1952)
Best Western Ever Made
No other way to put it. Brilliant movie, story and cast. Gary Cooper's finest role and film. It holds up amazingly well, I've seen it countless times and still get anxious. It's my favorite Western of all time and it's not even close. It's also on my list of top ten films regardless of genre. I know it was controversial when it was made with the politics in Hollywood of the time. John Wayne turned down the lead because of it's allegory to blacklisting, which he supported. In fact, he hated it so much, he was compelled to make Rio Bravo as a "response". Sorry Duke, it pales in comparison to this classic.
Star Trek: Picard: Penance (2022)
Nailed It!
Pure entertainment, weather you like the mirror universe or not. Really enjoyed the premise, action and writing. It was a roller coaster ride and though we pretty much know how the cliffhanger will end, still great episode. I wish another Trek series would sit in the Picard writer's room and get a few ideas.
Star Trek: Discovery: Species Ten-C (2022)
Zzzzzzz
Man, this was like watching paint dry. This episode was essentially a lecture on inter-species communication and news flash, Arrival it was not. Practically ZERO action, just the crew droning on about talking to the big blobby thing that is threatening mankind, et. Al. They have totally abandoned the tried and true Trek formula of dynamic characters and action. Please put this series out of its misery (and mine).
Fairview (2022)
No way
I watched this piece of garbage for 5 minutes and had enough. First I muted it, but had to change the channel because I couldn't even look at the animation, it was almost repulsive.
Stay far, far away from this.
The Shining (1980)
I'm In the Minority
I read the book and loved it, but never really cared for the movie. I know Stephen King complained that the Jack Torrance character went from normal husband/dad to psychopath seemingly with the flip of a switch. Character development was definitely lacking. I also found Danny's invisible finger pal intensely annoying, some things just don't transfer well to the screen. Sure there were jump scares and the atmosphere Kubrick created was superb, but all-in-all, The Shining left me cold (sorry).
The History of Time Travel (2014)
Enjoyable
I was thoroughly entertained by this little time travel nugget. I really appreciated how it was put together keeping track of all the time-line changes. Very clever take on the genre.
CODA (2021)
Wonderful Movie
A great, heartfelt movie with outstanding performances. Emilia Jones is simply amazing. Definitely a movie for all family members. What really struck me was its portrayal of the strength of family.
Inventing Anna (2022)
Can't Take it Anymore
I made it through 5 episodes and have had enough. The one word that comes to mind is ANNOYING. As everyone has said, her accent is almost unlistenable and the meandering flashbacks are as exiting as watching paint dry. If you want to see Julia Garner in a powerhouse performance, watch Ozark.
Busanhaeng (2016)
Zombie thrill ride with real emotional content
I just finished watching the excellent Netflix series All of Us Are Dead and was in the mood for more Korean zombie drama. If you're looking for a fast paced monster thrill ride (no pun intended), look no further than Train to Busan. What separates this from the zombie universe is the character development, you really care about these people. Some great performances, especially from Kim Su-an who plays the protagonist's little girl. I dare anyone not to feel a tug at the heart strings at the ending.
Kaw (2006)
Where's Moira?
I couldn't keep a straight face while watching this. All I could think of was The Crows Have Eyes III from Schitt's Creek and Moira's daft performance. Just another The Bird's ripoff, don't bother.
Behind Her Eyes (2021)
Promising Start
This series really pulled me in and was looking forward to the finale. The ludicrous body swap ending ruined it for me. It was like the writers created a compelling story, but didn't know how to wrap it up. So they pulled the Star Trek Original Series "Turnabout Intruder" ending. Unoriginal, lame and completely out of left field.
The Queen's Gambit (2020)
Amazing
I had heard this was a pretty good series so I gave it a shot. Needless to say I was completely blown away. At the end of the day, it's Rocky on a chessboard with a most original underdog. I loved every minute of this series. Anya Taylor-Joy is incredible, her understated, wry performance is some of the best acting I've ever seen. Credit also has to be given to Isla Johnson for "setting the table" as young Beth Harmon. The rest of the supporting cast was equally outstanding. Take a tip from me, WATCH THIS SERIES, you will not be disappointed!
Breaking Bad (2008)
Sheer Brillliance
I'll admit it, I did not watch Breaking Bad during its run. In fact I got tired of all the chatter/accolades about the show. One evening this October, I decided to watch S1 E 1 on Netflix and about 10 minutes in I was hooked. I binged the entire series and was utterly blown away. What an experience, every actor was so perfect, captivating stories and one of the best finale's I've ever watched. Still thinking about some of the scenes and will for some time I imagine. To anybody like me that has/had not watched it, do your self a favor, carve out some time to watch this amazing production.