More Movies
Meh, working on the Ramen diet right now. Its economical too, I got a week and a half of food for 9 dollars. Now I just have to find different ways to prepare it. But I am doing well with decals and commissions. Plus I am getting Sketchy sketches finished and I hope to sell them as well.
Right now I am moving the Twilight Movies up on my list. I get a feeling I am going to be regretting watching them but I made the decision to watch movies regardless of genera so they are there. Right now I have Sweeny Todd here and getting the Wrestler Wednesday. My instant watch has Oldboy in it and I need to watch it but I know that I will have to dedicate time to it and not multi task.
More movies that I have reviewed on Netflix. I spend my time at work lunch writing out reviews so there are a lot of them here.
Underworld was a surprise for me. I really did not think I would like it. Everything else should go along my regular likes and dislikes. If you have any suggestions let me know.
Red Dawn-5 Stars (Buy it)
I had originally reviewed this one with a 4 star. For me a 4 star rating means that you should rent it or watch it on tv if available. I changed it to 5 stars because this movie held up after 20+ years. Don;t get me wrong, its dated but the story is still good, and had the right mix of drama and action. The story is simple, Communist Russia and supporting countries invade the US. High schoolers fight back deep behind enemy lines. What I like is these "kids" react like kids! The are scared, they make decisions that are personal and not to do with anything beyond the world that they knew. Through out the movie they grow up through very hard events and decisions. A side story small as it is deals with the General in charge of the invading army of that area. Small but takes into account what it is to fight for what you believe in and how the definition of "the just" changes as change titles and uniforms. This I read a lot more into it but there is a little bit there.
The Outlaw Josie Wales-4 Stars (Worth a Rent)
A bit long but a good movie. Here is a man who becomes anger, sorrow, and revenge. All of this energy is routed to being a killer. The movie takes a turn about 40 minutes in and becomes a redemption story. This is where the story starts to drag a little. As more and more responsibility is placed on Wales the man he was is needed just as much as the man he is. There is a lot that can be read into characters and into what is said. You do have to pay attention to get all the little things in the dialog and the scenes. There are a couple of scenes with some violence to women that might make some uncomfortable but they are resolved before anything happens. Besides that there are a of people shot, but that is to be expected in a western. In the end you could almost say that this character is the man that you see in the movie Unforgiven. If you have seen Unforgiven already, you will notice things in Josey Wales that are also in Unforgiven. Something to look for.
Up-5 Stars (Buy it)
Quality is when you wish the movie would go on for a bit longer. The first 12 minutes not only told you a full story unto itself but endeared you to the movies protagonist. A movie for all ages, but I think that those in their 40s and up will have a greater emotional response to this one. One of the rare movies that I not only suggest watching but also owning your collection. I think I am going to watch it again right now.
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans-4 Stars (Give it a rent)
This is very interesting. I really did not like Underworld that much. Even though it did come out while I was still into werewolves and vampires. So when I heard that there were more movies coming up I was not impressed with that idea. Finally I get around to watching this one. Rise of the Lycans and it is good. Never thought I would say that but this one had a story and it worked out well. Dont know what they did but I give a thumbs up all around. Set in a middle ages time we look at the vampire empire and build on the combined history of the vampire and lycan for this world. Bill Nighy does a great job as the vampire Viktor expanding on a very 3 dimensional character. If you are into a fantasy setting you might enjoy this one.
Shallow Ground-2 Stars (If nothing else is on and your sick)
This should have been a 30 to 45 minute section of a fireside horror anthology. Took forever to get to the point and the audience will have figured out the plot so quickly. Paper thin characters and no real driving motivation to keep watching this one. None of the characters are likable nor developed enough for me to care about them. Even care that they get killed off. Not enough background is presented to get a foothold of what is going on until the end of the movie. There is a great concept underlining this movie but that is thrown out the window when you get to the end. Really not worth you time unless you are sick on the couch and not up to changing the channel on the remote.
The Machinist-4 Stars(Give it a rent)
Now, I have to first say, I dont like Christian Bale. This movie though I really do like. It has a very creepy sense to it that works. Bale looks terrible in the movie and that works perfectly for the character. I dont remember if this was a novel or short story but it has the quality to it. It keeps a steady pace and give you a creep out factor as you watch this guys behavior and life spiral. Imagery is key to this movie. If I had a big screen tv I would watch it in that fashion just to get the sense of grime and visuals that are present in this movie. I would recommend it even for a small group of friends this would be interesting to see and comment on.
Right now I am moving the Twilight Movies up on my list. I get a feeling I am going to be regretting watching them but I made the decision to watch movies regardless of genera so they are there. Right now I have Sweeny Todd here and getting the Wrestler Wednesday. My instant watch has Oldboy in it and I need to watch it but I know that I will have to dedicate time to it and not multi task.
More movies that I have reviewed on Netflix. I spend my time at work lunch writing out reviews so there are a lot of them here.
Underworld was a surprise for me. I really did not think I would like it. Everything else should go along my regular likes and dislikes. If you have any suggestions let me know.
Red Dawn-5 Stars (Buy it)
I had originally reviewed this one with a 4 star. For me a 4 star rating means that you should rent it or watch it on tv if available. I changed it to 5 stars because this movie held up after 20+ years. Don;t get me wrong, its dated but the story is still good, and had the right mix of drama and action. The story is simple, Communist Russia and supporting countries invade the US. High schoolers fight back deep behind enemy lines. What I like is these "kids" react like kids! The are scared, they make decisions that are personal and not to do with anything beyond the world that they knew. Through out the movie they grow up through very hard events and decisions. A side story small as it is deals with the General in charge of the invading army of that area. Small but takes into account what it is to fight for what you believe in and how the definition of "the just" changes as change titles and uniforms. This I read a lot more into it but there is a little bit there.
The Outlaw Josie Wales-4 Stars (Worth a Rent)
A bit long but a good movie. Here is a man who becomes anger, sorrow, and revenge. All of this energy is routed to being a killer. The movie takes a turn about 40 minutes in and becomes a redemption story. This is where the story starts to drag a little. As more and more responsibility is placed on Wales the man he was is needed just as much as the man he is. There is a lot that can be read into characters and into what is said. You do have to pay attention to get all the little things in the dialog and the scenes. There are a couple of scenes with some violence to women that might make some uncomfortable but they are resolved before anything happens. Besides that there are a of people shot, but that is to be expected in a western. In the end you could almost say that this character is the man that you see in the movie Unforgiven. If you have seen Unforgiven already, you will notice things in Josey Wales that are also in Unforgiven. Something to look for.
Up-5 Stars (Buy it)
Quality is when you wish the movie would go on for a bit longer. The first 12 minutes not only told you a full story unto itself but endeared you to the movies protagonist. A movie for all ages, but I think that those in their 40s and up will have a greater emotional response to this one. One of the rare movies that I not only suggest watching but also owning your collection. I think I am going to watch it again right now.
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans-4 Stars (Give it a rent)
This is very interesting. I really did not like Underworld that much. Even though it did come out while I was still into werewolves and vampires. So when I heard that there were more movies coming up I was not impressed with that idea. Finally I get around to watching this one. Rise of the Lycans and it is good. Never thought I would say that but this one had a story and it worked out well. Dont know what they did but I give a thumbs up all around. Set in a middle ages time we look at the vampire empire and build on the combined history of the vampire and lycan for this world. Bill Nighy does a great job as the vampire Viktor expanding on a very 3 dimensional character. If you are into a fantasy setting you might enjoy this one.
Shallow Ground-2 Stars (If nothing else is on and your sick)
This should have been a 30 to 45 minute section of a fireside horror anthology. Took forever to get to the point and the audience will have figured out the plot so quickly. Paper thin characters and no real driving motivation to keep watching this one. None of the characters are likable nor developed enough for me to care about them. Even care that they get killed off. Not enough background is presented to get a foothold of what is going on until the end of the movie. There is a great concept underlining this movie but that is thrown out the window when you get to the end. Really not worth you time unless you are sick on the couch and not up to changing the channel on the remote.
The Machinist-4 Stars(Give it a rent)
Now, I have to first say, I dont like Christian Bale. This movie though I really do like. It has a very creepy sense to it that works. Bale looks terrible in the movie and that works perfectly for the character. I dont remember if this was a novel or short story but it has the quality to it. It keeps a steady pace and give you a creep out factor as you watch this guys behavior and life spiral. Imagery is key to this movie. If I had a big screen tv I would watch it in that fashion just to get the sense of grime and visuals that are present in this movie. I would recommend it even for a small group of friends this would be interesting to see and comment on.