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Dune (2021)
Huh?
Let me begin by saying that I am wholly confused by the positive reviews. I wanted to like this movie sooo much! I really, really wanted it to be better than the abysmal Blade Runner sequel that was also completely devoid of emotion and feel.
It doesn't feel like Dune at all. The characters are sad simulacrums of the actual characters......I like the director but this movie is astoundingly bad. In Lynch's Dune, Juergen Prochnow was truly the Duke, Francesca Anise was truly Jessica. They weren't constantly crying and whining. They were nobles who knew the dangerous game they were trapped in and they didn't need to bawl for 10 minutes to show their state of emotional crisis. I love many of the actors in this film (the new Dune) but they fall flat. I mean, Josh Brolin is good but he absolutely sucked in this movie. And stepson skarsgaard is amazing but he also was not very good. We have no idea of the blood feud between the houses or anything related to the story. And what a disappointment when I saw the new Paul (Timothy C) and the new Mohaim (Charlotte R) in the pain box scene. It was a cheap copy of the original and dis not capture the point of the scene at all.
Sure, Kyle McLaughlin was way too old to play Paul but he pulled it off with aplomb. Patrick Stewart and McLaughlin fight scene truly reflected what was in the book and the gravitas in the scene was palpable. Not even close in the new movie. The fight scenes were almost as bad as the dance, we fight scenes in that Kylo ren movie......yes, the dance/fight scene of the imperial 'guards.' Oh ya, and the scale is all wrong. Didn't even get the sense of how big a sand crawler is and that lead to a lack lustre sand worm appearance. They have lost the art of film making with the green screens. It doesn't feel real, not even close.
As an avid fan of the series, I am incredibly disappointed with this film on every conceivable level. There is no momentum, no start, no plot that's discernible and if you haven't read the book (even if you have) good luck trying to figure out what is going on. And when I say good luck trying to figure out what is going on, I mean on every conceivable level. We don't know the characters, their motivations, or what their places are in the grande scheme, and we don't have the faintest clue what the grand scheme is. Now, that's just a review of the nuts and bolts of film making and acting. This movie is a dud. No flash, no bang. Just a pathetic thud.
The acting (use this term loosely) in this movie reminds me of those terrible prequel Star Wars movies with Hayden Christensen. Even great actors are completely wooden and unconvincing. I know the director really loves the book but he should have never made this film.
But that is what audiences want nowadays, shiny computer special effects and convenient storylines that don't make a person think, or feel in any serious way. Folks should entertain and delight. They should kick you in the heartstrings or brain pan and make you feel, think, question. I experienced nine of these things. Watching the movie, I didn't even get to know characters that have known for a lifetime. They all felt like strangers to me. Especially Jason M's interpretation of Duncan. Its all wrong. Please do not make a sequel. I'm not sure I can handle the disappointment twice in a row.
The Green Knight (2021)
Impeccable Style and Form
Haunting, beautiful, and confusing. Exactly my kind of film! Storytelling was becoming a lost art until films like this one started being made. I can think of a handful of directors that make movies like the Green Knight. Tarsem comes to mind. Aronofsky, Gilliam.....this film exceeds expectations and doesnt force the viewer to accept a fairytale ending. It forces the viewer to feel, think, and draw their own conclusions. A proper film.
Chopping Mall (1986)
Hilarious from start to finish
Not sure how one could be better entertained than watching this terribly good movie. This action packed gem is so awesomely cheesy in every way. I grew up I the 80's and this was a fun flash back to my childhood where movies actors, and hollywood dint takenthemselvea so darned seriously.
Are we not entertained?!?
Yes, we are.
Last Days in the Desert (2015)
Jesus the man-humanity laid bare
Poeple who dont like this film have mostly said it is pointless or it doesnt accurately represent the bible. I wont say that you are wrong. I will say that your expectations are definitely impairing your ability to see this film for what it is-a very intimate examination if Jesus the man, being tempted and cajoled by the devil. What is this film but a marvelous attempt to examine our own flaws, challenges, and strengths? If you are looking for the divine, you will never find it in film. We are flawed creatures who can only imitate (ape) ourselves and we do it very well at times.
North Sea Hijack (1980)
2 thousand million stars
This movie is so darn funny I couldn't stop laughing for the first 20 minutes. I had zero idea as to what was actually going on in the film as I was too busy laughing. Maybe it was cutting edge back when it was made but I doubt it. Regardless, for the oddity and absurdity value alone, (and the terrible writing) I give this movie 2 thousand million thumbs up.
Edit:
I do not condone or support the many archaic and oppressive themes in older films. Seeing them years later is often shocking and sometimes funny. Sometimes older films actually tried to make people re examine the flawed societal norms. Mel Brooks was a great director who tried to confront racism and other stupidity, for example.
This movie however, is absurd and quite weird. Not sure why we have a cat-loving and woman hating main character but it is tolerable and the ladies dont put up with his guff.
Ad Astra (2019)
A long journey within
This film is clever. The long journey that Brad Pit undergoes through space is mirrored within himself. The archetype of the father and son relationship with struggle and triumph. Good movie if you have half a brain and not looking for a thriller/action flick
Captive State (2019)
Solid cast and compelling story
What a good movie!!!! Great performances by all. Nice dreary and oppressive environment-had the right feel throughout the film. Goodman is always great and he didnt disappoint at all in this one. Vera was awesome too and the lesser known actors did a fantastic job. Surprised this film isn't rated higher. Shyamalan 'esque twist (in a good way).
Atomic Blonde (2017)
I love Everything About this Movie!!!!!
What an awesome thrill ride through cold war era Europe with a super badass Charlize Theron doing some Jason Bourne meets Jack Bauer style clobbering to an absurd amount of well trained and well armed men. The soundtrack is awesome and the fashion/wardrobe is hilarious and spot-on. Easily one of the best spy flicks I have seen to date. Shout out to James McAvoy who plays a great sketchy double agent. Everything he does is amazing though so I'm not surprised.
Dune (1984)
Reallly hoping the remake doesnt fall flat on its face
David Lynch said that making Dune was one of the most painful experiences of his life.
Yes, the directors cut was terrible.
The first mini series was even worse.
But in spite of Lynch's (or perhaps because of) this 1984 Dune version will always remain the best for several reasons. Yes, I know I speak before the water is boiled (upcoming Villenueve Dune). Why I think Lynch's version is the best-having read all Dune novels:
Almost all of the characters are spot-on as you would think of them in the books. Especially the baron played by Kenneth M. Honestly, it will be nearly impossible to live up to such an illustrious ensemble of actors, special effects wizards, etc. Mentats are perfect although Freddie Jones could have been replaced. Paul Smith was perfect as the Beast. Jason has his work cut out for him as he has a look of intelligence and the Beast as portrayed in the books is very stupid and easily manipulated by the Baron. Sting was pretty awesome as Feyd in spite of what others may say. He portrayed the character quite well. Jurgen Prochnow was a perfect Leto but lacked the script for good character development. Kyle McLaughlin was a bit too old but he did an amazing job as Paul. Everett Gill was also as I imagined that Stilgar looked like and behaved. Max Von Sydow is amazing in everything he does and his version of Kynes was spectacular. Jose Ferrer was a good actor but he too lacked the script for good character development. This films flaws can easily be overlooked due to it's amazing delivery of an immense narrative that any Dune reader can attest to.
The still suits in this film are absolutely perfect. This should be exactly the same in the upcoming film. It is exactly how it is described in the books.
No contest on the Sardukar though, the new movie can easily make them look much more badass than the hazmat suits in the original.
Some say that the Blade Runner remake was good, if not great. As someone who watched the original in 1986 and have rewatched it countless times since, I found the remake to be a good film but not a Great Film. I could take it or leave it. It didnt make me think. It didnt inspire me to re evaluate any eschatological or existential questions as the Ridley Scott version did. I'm hoping the new director of Dune will try to capture the heart of the story as well as Lynch did even though he never truly got to finish the film.
In Bruges (2008)
Clever and Dark Comedy
Dark and moody with a bitter sense of irony, this film tastes like an old red wine thats about to turn. It's still enjoyable even though it's slightly more bitter than it has to be.
Colin Farrel has really come about, I couldn't stomach him for a while after his Alexander performance. Val Kilmer is guilty too. Pretty sure nobody in ancient Greece had an Irish/British accent......anyways, really liked Colin in this movie. He did an outstanding job. The whole cast was absurdly funny throughout. The tower scene still makes me laugh when I think about it. Oh, and if you like In Bruges, watch Calvary. Its brilliant, just like this film.
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019)
Maybe my expectations were too high...
As a child of the 70's, I admit to some bias regarding remakes of classics from my childhood. Having said that, I feel that there is a profound difference in films from the 70's to present-day and not all of it has been positive.
Special effects are said to be better now and some of that is true-look at the beauty of films like Final Fantasty and special effects in many good films. The problem is that our brains can differentiate between green screen and the 'real world' and it all becomes meaningless and unfulfilling. The narrative suffers immensely and the character development as well. In this series, the same is true.
Not only do Gelflings look completely different, but I wasn't captured by any 'magical sense of wonder and there was no feeling or inertia/gravitas or even interest to know more after watching the entire first episode. The original, on the other hand, drew you into its magical world in less than a few seconds. Henson was a master of his craft and a perfectionist who delighted in making you think. In my opinion, People have forgotten how to tell stories in a way that creates a dialogue between the viewer and the artist(s). Anyone remember a certain clever film involving a killer tire? That film should have received more accolades for its accurate portrayal of all that is wrong with (most of) modern cinema.
The Midnight Meat Train (2008)
Great Horror Flick with a Twist
One of my favorite horror movies of all time. Great pacing, wonderful build up of suspense and has inertia as you feel yourself getting taken along for a ride on a weird story with good character development. I won't spill it for those who haven't seen it-well worth the time to watch it.
Mega Time Squad (2018)
Hilariously dumb time travel movie
Uproariously funny to the point of absurdity. Since I am a fan of the absurd, this movie hit the spot! Haven't laughed that hard in a while. It's like a FAQ About Time Travel and Snatch mashup. Hollywood could learn something from these guys as it was cheaper to purchase than most films and twice as good.
Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse (2015)
If you dont like this movie, you dont have a sense of humor
Honsstly, a fun filled romp that has it all. Cheesy one liners, sad/weird small town characters. Relationship and coming of age film done zombie style. Gory blood soaked scenes that would make Raimi proud. Grata film, good pace, strong character development and laughs by the bucket full.
The Lion in Winter (1968)
Perfect Fusion of Stage and Film
So many legendary actors-Hepburn, Otoole, Hopkins, Terry, etc. I have always been a big fan of Peter Otoole and he does not disappoint in this film. He really played the part of the king very well. The viewer is easily convinced that he is one of the most powerful men in europes history, in his twighlight years still fierce enough his famous knightly son (Richard Lionheart) was cowed by his mere presence.
Safety Not Guaranteed (2012)
Quirky Relationship/Time Travel Comedy
Aubrey Plaza steals the show, again. Give her 2 minutes or a leading role, it doesn't matter-she always manages to make me laugh regardless of the subject matter. This movie is quirky and verges on being an indie film in the way it looks and feels.
The dynamic and odd duo of interns accompany a staff writer on a road trip to meet an eccentric inventor who claims to be able to time travel. The inventor posted an ad in the paper and is looking for a companion to go back in time with him. Darius is able to win him over with her strange/grimdark personality with Plaza's awesome deadpan delivery. Much hilarity ensues. Prolly one of the best endings, ever.
The Man Who Killed Don Quixote (2018)
Terry Gilliams best movie
I love gilliams work. He is a master of story crafting where it can be difficult to distinguish between the bizarre and the mundane. Don Quixote contains seamless transitions between the real/dream, a twisted sense of humour, and amazing performances by the entire cast, especially Adam Driver and Johnathan Pryce. I can honestly say that this is (in my opinion) the best film the Gilliam has ever made. It took almost 20 years to make this movie. It was well worth the wait
Captain Marvel (2019)
All Marvel Movies Stink
I'm not surprised that the latest Marvel movie is just as bad as the previous ones. All marvel films thus far have completely underpowered/underrepresented all of the characters but definitely have failed the female superheroes in every way. Don't even get me started on Thor-I like the actor but the character was poorly represented in almost every way. Carol Danvers, Black Widow, Scarlett Witch, and many other female characters were written as though they were weak and couldn't control their emotions-lots of scenes where they were made to look vulnerable, etc. And Iron Man (the biggest jerk in any universe) gets all of the glory/screen time!?!?!? Two massive thumbs down for all of the films. What the heck did they do to the hulk? Not enough room to state adequately how disappointing the franchise is.
Immortals (2011)
6-stars? Really people? Immortals is epic story telling done right
Tarsem is a master of stunning visuals and story telling. I think this is mickey rourkes best role, ever. Henry Cavill does a good job as Theseus and the supportimg cast play their parts well. Tarsem manages to keep the viewer fasking what is real and what is a dream (surreal) in all of his films. This one is no exception.
Beowulf (1999)
A Veritable Banquet of Cheese!
This film is absurdly funny and very entertaining for those who love intentionally bad movies. Christopher Lambert is at his best in this terribly good movie. Gotz Otto is Europe's equivalent of Nick Cage and he delivers a memorable performance as the captain of the guard. Good Steam punk films are kind of rare (shout out for Tai Chi Hero Films!).
The Beyond (2017)
Beyond the expectations of low budget
Good movie; better than expected. Worth the watch.
Freaks of Nature (2015)
Hidden Gem
Fun-filled action-packed comedy.
Relationship focused and coming of age story that won't bore you to sleep. Very well done. Love the exploding vampires