As always...
Favourite movies
The Little Prince
Zootopia
Moana
Worst movie
Suicide Squad
Pleasantly surprised with
The Fundamentals of Caring
Queen of Katwe
Expected more from
Finding Dory
Honorable mentions
Zoolander 2
Bad Santa 2
Manchester By the Sea
Dishonorable mentions
Dirty Grandpa
The Secret Life of Pets
Ghostbusters
Triple 9
Movies I still want to see
Septembers of Shiraz (aka Enemy Territory)
Pinocchio
All Eyez on Me
The Edge of Seventeen
How To Be Single
Sisters
My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2
The Boss
The Huntsman: Winter's War
Demolition
The Nice Guys
Alice Through the Looking Glass
Maggie's Plan
The Intervention
Bad Moms
Nerve
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back
War Dogs
Numb
Kids in Love
Movies I wanted to avoid
Ride Along 2
Gods of Egypt
The Angry Birds Movie
Kung Fu Panda 3
Batman vs Superman: Dawn of Justice
I’m Just Not That Interested
Deadpool
The Jungle Book
Neighbors 2
Captain America: Civil War
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows
2017 Movies I'm Looking Forward To:
Cars 3
Coco
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales
The Mummy
Power Rangers
Baywatch
The Fate of the Furious
Saw Legacy
*My personal opinions* on any movie that I have watched.
December 31, 2016
A Year In Reviews: 2016
Just a recap of movies I saw with a 2016 release date (in the order I saw them)
Zoolander 2
The Little Prince
Dirty Grandpa
Zootopia
Finding Dory
The Secret Life of Pets
Ghostbusters
The BFG
The Fundamentals of Caring
Jason Bourne
Queen of Katwe
Moana
Manchester By the Sea
Bad Santa 2
Triple 9
Suicide Squad
The Cobbler
...
Zoolander 2
The Little Prince
Dirty Grandpa
Zootopia
Finding Dory
The Secret Life of Pets
Ghostbusters
The BFG
The Fundamentals of Caring
Jason Bourne
Queen of Katwe
Moana
Manchester By the Sea
Bad Santa 2
Triple 9
Suicide Squad
The Cobbler
...
December 11, 2016
The Cobbler
2016 - 0.5/5
Let’s face it, you probably haven’t even heard of this movie. Yes, Adam Sandler is in it, but we’re talking 2016 Adam Sandler.
I’m not saying I was expecting a miracle or anything and that I would walk out of this movie thinking “Oh my god! Adam Sandler is back!”… No, no. What I was aiming for when I picked this movie was to be mildly entertained. I enjoyed this movie… to the extent one could enjoy this movie – please refer to the rating I gave it.
I think there were still some rough edges and plot decisions that weren’t as fine tuned as they could have been, but overall, they were on the right track with having a good way to present the whole “I’m a different person now and I get to live all these different lives” plot well.
I did think that that Adam Sandler did a good job with the role. And I did enjoy Method Man acting like Adam Sandler, but my favourite part was probably when Max finds out that he can be different people and he wants to ensure that other people see him as that person, so he wears the shoes of the Indian(?) guy and goes into his friends store next door.
Let’s face it, you probably haven’t even heard of this movie. Yes, Adam Sandler is in it, but we’re talking 2016 Adam Sandler.
I’m not saying I was expecting a miracle or anything and that I would walk out of this movie thinking “Oh my god! Adam Sandler is back!”… No, no. What I was aiming for when I picked this movie was to be mildly entertained. I enjoyed this movie… to the extent one could enjoy this movie – please refer to the rating I gave it.
I think there were still some rough edges and plot decisions that weren’t as fine tuned as they could have been, but overall, they were on the right track with having a good way to present the whole “I’m a different person now and I get to live all these different lives” plot well.
I did think that that Adam Sandler did a good job with the role. And I did enjoy Method Man acting like Adam Sandler, but my favourite part was probably when Max finds out that he can be different people and he wants to ensure that other people see him as that person, so he wears the shoes of the Indian(?) guy and goes into his friends store next door.
December 9, 2016
Suicide Squad
2016 - 0/5
I don't know why I wanted to see this movie when it first came out, but I never did. To this day I'm still not sure why I wanted to see it. I heard a lot of reviews saying that it wasn't that good... they weren't wrong. It was dead on arrival.
This movie just happened to be an option on a 2.5 hour flight, so I picked it. I can't say it was a GOOD waste of my time, but it sure was a waste of my time. The pacing sucked. The only reason (predictability aside of course) that I knew what point of the movie I was at was because I was on a flight. There were parts in which it draaaaaagggggggggggggged, and there were some parts that they just blew through.
I read this on IMDB and I couldn't agree more:
"Trying to keep up with the plot of this movie is like chasing a moving train. Except even when you think you've caught up to it, you're not sure you want to get on board".
As for the plot, it was stretched so thin... it was just laughable. Did they even try?! It was so typical: "If he dies, we die", yet they already know that they're going to die anyways because they're the bad guys and they'd never get the credit and nobody cares about them. It's as if they shoehorned the entire plot into the plot.
I felt that as a viewer you never really got to really care for any of the characters, there were too many to focus on. But at the same time, even if they spent more time with the character development, they would have taken the same path that got them this far, and frankly, I really didn't need to see more.
Right from the get-go, I hated pretty much all the characters. If Jared Leto really thought he played a Joker that Heath Ledger would be proud of, then he is a delusional man. I can't say that he really sucked as the Joker, mainly because it was more so the character itself that was just awful. As for Harley Quinn, again, it was the character that was so bad that it made it hard to tell if the actress sucked too. I've never been a fan of Will Smith in movies, and this one hasn't changed my mind. I have no idea who anyone else was, so I don't really care to comment further.
Overall, I'm glad I did not pay to see this. For a movie that had a LOT of hype behind it, it was incredibly forgettable.
I don't know why I wanted to see this movie when it first came out, but I never did. To this day I'm still not sure why I wanted to see it. I heard a lot of reviews saying that it wasn't that good... they weren't wrong. It was dead on arrival.
This movie just happened to be an option on a 2.5 hour flight, so I picked it. I can't say it was a GOOD waste of my time, but it sure was a waste of my time. The pacing sucked. The only reason (predictability aside of course) that I knew what point of the movie I was at was because I was on a flight. There were parts in which it draaaaaagggggggggggggged, and there were some parts that they just blew through.
I read this on IMDB and I couldn't agree more:
"Trying to keep up with the plot of this movie is like chasing a moving train. Except even when you think you've caught up to it, you're not sure you want to get on board".
As for the plot, it was stretched so thin... it was just laughable. Did they even try?! It was so typical: "If he dies, we die", yet they already know that they're going to die anyways because they're the bad guys and they'd never get the credit and nobody cares about them. It's as if they shoehorned the entire plot into the plot.
I felt that as a viewer you never really got to really care for any of the characters, there were too many to focus on. But at the same time, even if they spent more time with the character development, they would have taken the same path that got them this far, and frankly, I really didn't need to see more.
Right from the get-go, I hated pretty much all the characters. If Jared Leto really thought he played a Joker that Heath Ledger would be proud of, then he is a delusional man. I can't say that he really sucked as the Joker, mainly because it was more so the character itself that was just awful. As for Harley Quinn, again, it was the character that was so bad that it made it hard to tell if the actress sucked too. I've never been a fan of Will Smith in movies, and this one hasn't changed my mind. I have no idea who anyone else was, so I don't really care to comment further.
Overall, I'm glad I did not pay to see this. For a movie that had a LOT of hype behind it, it was incredibly forgettable.
December 3, 2016
Triple 9
2016 - 0/5
This movie didn't seem to have a whole lot of hype around it when it came out, but to me, it looked cool. Even the actors in it was a point of interest.
You could tell that this movie was supposed to turn out better than it did. The people making this movie really did have high hopes.
I liked Casey Affleck in this, except the way he chewed him gum like a cow.
I usually like Woody Harrelson, but I found him to be a bit annoying in this.
This movie didn't seem to have a whole lot of hype around it when it came out, but to me, it looked cool. Even the actors in it was a point of interest.
You could tell that this movie was supposed to turn out better than it did. The people making this movie really did have high hopes.
I liked Casey Affleck in this, except the way he chewed him gum like a cow.
I usually like Woody Harrelson, but I found him to be a bit annoying in this.
November 29, 2016
Bad Santa 2
2016 - 2.6/5
If you saw the first and liked the first one, this one follows suit. When the first one came out, I absolutely loved it. Personally I thought it was done pretty dam well, but what made me like it more was that someone finally decided to make a Christmas movie for adults… without all the sappy shit. Willy was and still is an offensive, foul mouthed alcoholic.
Fast forward 13 years and they’ve decided there should be a sequel. The plot wasn’t as bad as it could have been. It was well thought out. The main downfall I would say were the characters (mainly the people running the charity and the creeper security guard. Otherwise, Wille and Marcus haven’t skipped a beat, and Kathy Bates as Willies mom fit very well into that roll. The script was the same as you’d expect from the first one. It had a lot of funny one-liners that worked very well in the moment, but I found that none were super-laugh-out-loud-funny. And OH. MY. GOD. did I ever LOVE Therman Murman. Throughout the entire movie, I kept thinking it had to be the exact same kid they had 13 years ago, and lo and behold, IT IS! I loved this kid. I have no idea why, but I don’t remember loving him this much in the first movie. There’s something about this kid that just brought a smile to my face every time I saw him on screen.
Some random points I want to mention:
-Willie’s mom calling him “Shit-stick” got old really fast. They should have thought of something else.
-I really enjoyed the soundtrack.
Overall, if you take this movie for what it is supposed to be, I think you’ll enjoy it.
***SPOILER ALERT***
Thought I’d add some of my favourite lines:
Thurman Merman: I'm 21, officially a man.
Willie: You're 21 already? That's creepy.
Thurman Merman: Are you still gonna pop my cherry?
Willie: What? Fuck, no! I said I'd get it done, by somebody else.
Willie: Spare some change. Think about somebody besides your fucking self.
Willie: I trust her about as far as I can throw you... And I trust you about as far as I can throw her.
Female security guard: Okay, yes, it is because of your height.
Sunny: I don’t speak politically correct, so if you have a problem with that, take it up with the Lollipop Guild.
Therman: I know you’re not THE Santa but you’re still MY Santa.
If you saw the first and liked the first one, this one follows suit. When the first one came out, I absolutely loved it. Personally I thought it was done pretty dam well, but what made me like it more was that someone finally decided to make a Christmas movie for adults… without all the sappy shit. Willy was and still is an offensive, foul mouthed alcoholic.
Fast forward 13 years and they’ve decided there should be a sequel. The plot wasn’t as bad as it could have been. It was well thought out. The main downfall I would say were the characters (mainly the people running the charity and the creeper security guard. Otherwise, Wille and Marcus haven’t skipped a beat, and Kathy Bates as Willies mom fit very well into that roll. The script was the same as you’d expect from the first one. It had a lot of funny one-liners that worked very well in the moment, but I found that none were super-laugh-out-loud-funny. And OH. MY. GOD. did I ever LOVE Therman Murman. Throughout the entire movie, I kept thinking it had to be the exact same kid they had 13 years ago, and lo and behold, IT IS! I loved this kid. I have no idea why, but I don’t remember loving him this much in the first movie. There’s something about this kid that just brought a smile to my face every time I saw him on screen.
Some random points I want to mention:
-Willie’s mom calling him “Shit-stick” got old really fast. They should have thought of something else.
-I really enjoyed the soundtrack.
Overall, if you take this movie for what it is supposed to be, I think you’ll enjoy it.
***SPOILER ALERT***
Thought I’d add some of my favourite lines:
Thurman Merman: I'm 21, officially a man.
Willie: You're 21 already? That's creepy.
Thurman Merman: Are you still gonna pop my cherry?
Willie: What? Fuck, no! I said I'd get it done, by somebody else.
Willie: Spare some change. Think about somebody besides your fucking self.
Willie: I trust her about as far as I can throw you... And I trust you about as far as I can throw her.
Female security guard: Okay, yes, it is because of your height.
Sunny: I don’t speak politically correct, so if you have a problem with that, take it up with the Lollipop Guild.
Therman: I know you’re not THE Santa but you’re still MY Santa.
November 28, 2016
Manchester By the Sea
2016 - 3.2/5
I have been waiting to see this movie since September, and I was surprised to see that only one theatre in the Lower Mainland had showtimes. I honestly thought this movie was more well known. Taking that into consideration, I’ll add a quick blerb as to what it’s about:
After the death of his older brother Joe, Lee Chandler (Casey Affleck) reluctantly goes back to the small town he is from and is told that Joe wanted him to be the legal guardian of his teenage son Patrick. While there, he is forced to deal with the past that separated him from his wife and the community where he was born and raised.
Casey Affleck did an amazing job as Lee Chandler! Even though we don’t know exactly what happened, the pain beneath his eyes is ever so present. Whatever it was left Lee with a grim outlook on life. As a viewer, you could feel the anguish he’s going through. The great thing about this movie is that during the flashbacks, you see Lee as a content guy. He has a good outlook on life, but in present day, it’s a complete 180; he doesn’t even care to interact with people the slightest.
The chemistry that Casey Affleck and Lucas Hedges as actors reflected perfectly to their characters Lee and Patrick. They worked off one another, and they genuinely seemed like they were family. The bond between the two was established in the flashbacks with Lee, Joe and Patrick on the boat, so you buy the relationship they have. The part in which Lee asked Patrick if he wanted to see his dad and he replies “let’s just go” and Lee starts to drive off, while Patrick opens the door to get out seemed like a situation that could happen to anyone. They seemed at ease with one another as actors, so it made it work really well.
I really liked the comedy that was sprinkled throughout this movie. The timing was spot on and it cut through some of the drama with such ease that it never felt out of place. Any comedic relief was worked into the movie so well.
How this movie was pieced together was done flawlessly. The flashbacks were never abrupt, it never felt as if you hit a wall when it would switch back and forth between past and present. The transitions were done very smoothly.
The moment I walked out of the theater, the ending rubbed me the wrong way. However, I felt as if I needed to sit on it for a bit before I rushed into a review. The things I liked about the movie: very well acted, very well put together, looked really good, outweighed how it ended, and now I’m at a point in which I do think how it ended worked. I am not one of those people who think that every movie should have a happy ending, but now that it’s been almost one week since I’ve seen it and I’ve let it soak in, I’m content with the ending.
***SPOILER ALERT***
My heart just sank when Lee grabbed the cops gun and tried to kill himself after he was interviewed by the police the night of the fire.
I would have liked to know more about why Lee hated Patrick’s mother. Either they should have added more to the story, or they should have left it out all together.
The parts with Patrick’s girlfriend that was in the band weren’t that great and I felt as if it would have been better if they were left out. Patrick getting Lee to go in to “talk” was the only part of the movie in which I felt they really tried to shoehorn something in.
I have been waiting to see this movie since September, and I was surprised to see that only one theatre in the Lower Mainland had showtimes. I honestly thought this movie was more well known. Taking that into consideration, I’ll add a quick blerb as to what it’s about:
After the death of his older brother Joe, Lee Chandler (Casey Affleck) reluctantly goes back to the small town he is from and is told that Joe wanted him to be the legal guardian of his teenage son Patrick. While there, he is forced to deal with the past that separated him from his wife and the community where he was born and raised.
Casey Affleck did an amazing job as Lee Chandler! Even though we don’t know exactly what happened, the pain beneath his eyes is ever so present. Whatever it was left Lee with a grim outlook on life. As a viewer, you could feel the anguish he’s going through. The great thing about this movie is that during the flashbacks, you see Lee as a content guy. He has a good outlook on life, but in present day, it’s a complete 180; he doesn’t even care to interact with people the slightest.
The chemistry that Casey Affleck and Lucas Hedges as actors reflected perfectly to their characters Lee and Patrick. They worked off one another, and they genuinely seemed like they were family. The bond between the two was established in the flashbacks with Lee, Joe and Patrick on the boat, so you buy the relationship they have. The part in which Lee asked Patrick if he wanted to see his dad and he replies “let’s just go” and Lee starts to drive off, while Patrick opens the door to get out seemed like a situation that could happen to anyone. They seemed at ease with one another as actors, so it made it work really well.
I really liked the comedy that was sprinkled throughout this movie. The timing was spot on and it cut through some of the drama with such ease that it never felt out of place. Any comedic relief was worked into the movie so well.
How this movie was pieced together was done flawlessly. The flashbacks were never abrupt, it never felt as if you hit a wall when it would switch back and forth between past and present. The transitions were done very smoothly.
The moment I walked out of the theater, the ending rubbed me the wrong way. However, I felt as if I needed to sit on it for a bit before I rushed into a review. The things I liked about the movie: very well acted, very well put together, looked really good, outweighed how it ended, and now I’m at a point in which I do think how it ended worked. I am not one of those people who think that every movie should have a happy ending, but now that it’s been almost one week since I’ve seen it and I’ve let it soak in, I’m content with the ending.
***SPOILER ALERT***
My heart just sank when Lee grabbed the cops gun and tried to kill himself after he was interviewed by the police the night of the fire.
I would have liked to know more about why Lee hated Patrick’s mother. Either they should have added more to the story, or they should have left it out all together.
The parts with Patrick’s girlfriend that was in the band weren’t that great and I felt as if it would have been better if they were left out. Patrick getting Lee to go in to “talk” was the only part of the movie in which I felt they really tried to shoehorn something in.
November 25, 2016
Moana
2016 - 3.7/5
Loved the animation, it was truly beautiful. The water, the sand, the colours!
Throughout the movie I felt as if some bits and pieces were taken from other Disney classics: The Lion King, The Little Mermaid, Pocahontas, Mulan and others I’m currently forgetting.
Moana and Maui weren’t just the main characters, they were pretty much the only characters. Yes, the movie did have secondary characters, but none of which that had their own storylines/side things going on. This was great because it kept the focus on Moana and Maui. So few movies can actually do that and keep it entertaining, and this one managed to do so. The girl who did Moana’s voice did a good job. When she sang though, if that was her voice, wow. The Rock (I’ve always found it hard to say Dwayne Johnson; he will always be The Rock to me) was an incredibly charismatic character. He was the perfect fit for this voice over roll because he has an authoritative voice, but at the same time, it’s charming. I absolutely loved how his tattoo was it’s own character in a way and it would literally hold him back.
I really liked that there wasn’t too much singing in this one, it was kept to a minimum and what was sung was really good and catchy. My favourite musical was when Moana first meets Maui. I loved the 2D animation that was added and The Rock can sing well!
Two things that I actually didn’t notice, but friends pointed them out to me:
1. That the body shape of the characters in this one seem more “realistic”, in the sense that the characters were not skinny twigs. I understand that this detail could rub people the wrong way considering Moana is from the “South Pacific”. Having seen the movie, I will say that although Moana’s face, arms, and legs weren’t tiny, her waist was.
2. That there was no love story. Not sure how that one flew over my head, but maybe because I hate when movies do that when it isn’t needed so because I didn’t think it needed one, and it didn’t have one, I didn’t catch it.
And if you haven’t seen it yet, I’d say that you should watch until the end credits.
“I am Moeshaaaa” –LE/AK (sorry, I had to add that in here; inside joke).
November 11, 2016
November 1, 2016
September 24, 2016
September 22, 2016
Queen of Katwe
2016 - 3/5
A Disney movie about a girl who plays chess? It worked – trust me on this one. For a movie that didn’t seem to have too much advertising behind it, or well known actors/actresses, it was pretty entertaining.
The plot, script and acting were all executed so well. The movie was as long as it needed to be and there weren’t really any parts that were “fillers” (things added just for the sake of it). The comedy was on point and the emotional parts really did strike a cord. There wasn’t anything about the script that truly stood out, but there weren’t any cheesy moments. As for the acting, they all did really well.
It’s a nice movie about not just recognizing someone’s talent, but really giving them a chance to succeed.
A Disney movie about a girl who plays chess? It worked – trust me on this one. For a movie that didn’t seem to have too much advertising behind it, or well known actors/actresses, it was pretty entertaining.
The plot, script and acting were all executed so well. The movie was as long as it needed to be and there weren’t really any parts that were “fillers” (things added just for the sake of it). The comedy was on point and the emotional parts really did strike a cord. There wasn’t anything about the script that truly stood out, but there weren’t any cheesy moments. As for the acting, they all did really well.
It’s a nice movie about not just recognizing someone’s talent, but really giving them a chance to succeed.
August 7, 2016
Jason Bourne
2016 - 2.8/5
If you liked the other Bourne movies (excluding the one that didn't actually have Jason Bourne in it), you will like this movie. Same deal as the others. Overall, entertaining.
If you liked the other Bourne movies (excluding the one that didn't actually have Jason Bourne in it), you will like this movie. Same deal as the others. Overall, entertaining.
July 21, 2016
The BFG
2016 - 1.7/5
When I first saw the trailer, I thought it was going to be Jack & the Bean Stalk. When the title was mentioned, I can honestly say that that was the first time I’ve ever heard of The BFG. So going into this, I really didn’t know what to expect
The first 10 minutes were a bore, then the BFG came into the picture and it got better, but the plot took a hit when Sophie and the BFG came up with ‘the plan’.
Sophie got to be a bit annoying pretty quickly.
I loved how the BFG would hide in the human world.
Absolutely loved how dreams were presented.
Loved the look of the BFG.
Loved the language the BFG used.
I found that there could have been more character development; however, that’s not to say that the BFG wasn’t a lovable character, I just more so mean that the bond between the BFG and Sophie didn’t seem as strong as it could have been. This is a Disney movie after all.
There wasn’t as much adventure as there could have been.
Seemed more targeted towards a younger audience.
To me, it didn’t feel like a 2 hour movie, it just had bad pacing.
Even though I haven’t read the book, I feel as if there was something lost in translation when it became a movie. It seemed watered down.
***SPOILER ALERT***
I was not a fan of where the movie went when they started to put their plan in motion. Going to the Queen for help seemed to be an extreme stretch. It was just hard for me to stay on board. And the pop that made them fart was stupid.
When I first saw the trailer, I thought it was going to be Jack & the Bean Stalk. When the title was mentioned, I can honestly say that that was the first time I’ve ever heard of The BFG. So going into this, I really didn’t know what to expect
The first 10 minutes were a bore, then the BFG came into the picture and it got better, but the plot took a hit when Sophie and the BFG came up with ‘the plan’.
Sophie got to be a bit annoying pretty quickly.
I loved how the BFG would hide in the human world.
Absolutely loved how dreams were presented.
Loved the look of the BFG.
Loved the language the BFG used.
I found that there could have been more character development; however, that’s not to say that the BFG wasn’t a lovable character, I just more so mean that the bond between the BFG and Sophie didn’t seem as strong as it could have been. This is a Disney movie after all.
There wasn’t as much adventure as there could have been.
Seemed more targeted towards a younger audience.
To me, it didn’t feel like a 2 hour movie, it just had bad pacing.
Even though I haven’t read the book, I feel as if there was something lost in translation when it became a movie. It seemed watered down.
***SPOILER ALERT***
I was not a fan of where the movie went when they started to put their plan in motion. Going to the Queen for help seemed to be an extreme stretch. It was just hard for me to stay on board. And the pop that made them fart was stupid.
July 16, 2016
Ghostbusters
2016 - 0/5
I really didn’t know what to expect going into this movie. I’m not sure if I’ve seen the original Ghostbusters in its entirety, let alone any of it… I remember the song… and barley that. Also note that I did not see this in 3D.
Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig and Chris Hemsworth aside, I had no idea who anyone else was. As for the cameos made, you could tell that they were shoehorned in.
I knew going in that it wasn’t going to be the story line that would hold my interest, it would be the comedy from McCarthy and Wiig. I enjoyed most of their others movies, I liked the idea of a remake of the original but with a female cast, and I was really hoping it would be the dialogue that would keep my attention. It did have the typical type of humour I’ve come to expect from McCarthy and Wiig. It just seemed as if the actors were reading their lines and I found that the jokes just didn’t land and they were as flat as the paper it was written on.
The characters were so one-dimensional, there was *no* character development. Chris Hemsworth as Kevin as a point of comic relief got to be so repetitive that it was just annoying. And really, his character was useless to the plot.
A lot of things seemed to be added in for the sake of being added, and something’s that you might have hoped for further explanation never really happened; for example, where did they get their money from to make all the equipment? Why did Abby and Erin hair colour change at the end? Why was the villain doing what he was doing (his motive) – nothing was explained.
There were some aspects of race and gender that I wasn’t really happy with. It didn’t sit well with me that the only black character in this movie was the only character that wasn’t an academic/”educated”. She was the stereotypical “street-smart” one in the bunch. I mentioned earlier that I liked the idea of this movie being an all-female cast, but I didn’t think it would be at the expense of men. I know Hollywood does that all the time when it comes to women in certain roles, but did this movie really need to do that with the men in the movie?
An hour into this movie, I looked at my watch and was just hoping it would end. I just wasn’t on board. I was hoping the script would be the saving grace, but that didn’t work out for me.
I cannot justify giving this movie anything more than a zero. It had no redeeming qualities.
I really didn’t know what to expect going into this movie. I’m not sure if I’ve seen the original Ghostbusters in its entirety, let alone any of it… I remember the song… and barley that. Also note that I did not see this in 3D.
Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig and Chris Hemsworth aside, I had no idea who anyone else was. As for the cameos made, you could tell that they were shoehorned in.
I knew going in that it wasn’t going to be the story line that would hold my interest, it would be the comedy from McCarthy and Wiig. I enjoyed most of their others movies, I liked the idea of a remake of the original but with a female cast, and I was really hoping it would be the dialogue that would keep my attention. It did have the typical type of humour I’ve come to expect from McCarthy and Wiig. It just seemed as if the actors were reading their lines and I found that the jokes just didn’t land and they were as flat as the paper it was written on.
The characters were so one-dimensional, there was *no* character development. Chris Hemsworth as Kevin as a point of comic relief got to be so repetitive that it was just annoying. And really, his character was useless to the plot.
A lot of things seemed to be added in for the sake of being added, and something’s that you might have hoped for further explanation never really happened; for example, where did they get their money from to make all the equipment? Why did Abby and Erin hair colour change at the end? Why was the villain doing what he was doing (his motive) – nothing was explained.
There were some aspects of race and gender that I wasn’t really happy with. It didn’t sit well with me that the only black character in this movie was the only character that wasn’t an academic/”educated”. She was the stereotypical “street-smart” one in the bunch. I mentioned earlier that I liked the idea of this movie being an all-female cast, but I didn’t think it would be at the expense of men. I know Hollywood does that all the time when it comes to women in certain roles, but did this movie really need to do that with the men in the movie?
An hour into this movie, I looked at my watch and was just hoping it would end. I just wasn’t on board. I was hoping the script would be the saving grace, but that didn’t work out for me.
I cannot justify giving this movie anything more than a zero. It had no redeeming qualities.
July 11, 2016
The Fundamentals of Caring
2016 - 4/5
Trevor (Craig
Roberts) was snarky, but how Ben (Paul Rudd) reacted was what dictated whether
or not it was funny; and lets be real here, it’s Paul Rudd, so obviously it
worked. For someone who I’d never heard of before, Craig Roberts did a very
good job.
Selena
Gomez isn’t an actress, and it shows, but she did well enough.
July 9, 2016
The Secret Life of Pets
2016 - 2.3/5
Going into the movie having only watched the trailer less than a handful of times, it seemed like it could go 1 of 2 routes. The first being an awesome movie, with lots of funny jokes and something new brought to the table. The second being a typical paint-by-numbers movie. Unfortunately, it was the second one.
The plot is nothing we haven’t already seen before. Disney did it better with the 2014 short Feast. Same premise. It had really good pace. At no point was there a lull in this movie, but does that mean every scene was a good one, well not really.
As for the dialogue, the movie did have some funny moments, but nothing memorable. As soon as that part was over, you forget what was said; it had laughs for the moment, but nothing that stuck.
Louie CK and Kevin Hart aside, I had no idea who voiced the other characters. I looked it up on IMDB, and I still haven’t heard of most of the voice actors.
As for the characters themselves, I liked Max and Chloe the most. I didn’t find Kevin Harts character (the bunny whose name I currently forget) funny at all, he was really annoying actually.
Overall, the movie was too cutesy and it didn’t have many jokes for adults.
Going into the movie having only watched the trailer less than a handful of times, it seemed like it could go 1 of 2 routes. The first being an awesome movie, with lots of funny jokes and something new brought to the table. The second being a typical paint-by-numbers movie. Unfortunately, it was the second one.
The plot is nothing we haven’t already seen before. Disney did it better with the 2014 short Feast. Same premise. It had really good pace. At no point was there a lull in this movie, but does that mean every scene was a good one, well not really.
As for the dialogue, the movie did have some funny moments, but nothing memorable. As soon as that part was over, you forget what was said; it had laughs for the moment, but nothing that stuck.
Louie CK and Kevin Hart aside, I had no idea who voiced the other characters. I looked it up on IMDB, and I still haven’t heard of most of the voice actors.
As for the characters themselves, I liked Max and Chloe the most. I didn’t find Kevin Harts character (the bunny whose name I currently forget) funny at all, he was really annoying actually.
Overall, the movie was too cutesy and it didn’t have many jokes for adults.
July 5, 2016
June 17, 2016
Finding Dory
2016 - 4/5
Let’s be honest, there’s no way for me to review this movie without giving something away. So if you haven’t seen it and plan on doing so, then don’t read this review. So my short review is this: plot was okay, characters were good, script was fine, animation was on point and baby Dory was ADORABLE.
***SPOILER ALERT***
As always, I’ll start with the short. This time around it’s a cute bird, Piper. The moment I saw Piper, I knew I’d love it. And I did. It was so beautifully created.
When we see the undertow, we say… LETS GO!
I have short term re-remembery-loss. (https://youtu.be/i3kIpCzLzEo)
The plot wasn’t as smooth as Finding Nemo. In Finding Nemo, the plot moved at a very good pace, from one thing to the next, and it flowed very well, whereas in Finding Dory, there seemed to be more stops; it was a bit more clunky. Let me put it this way, Nemo was a car with all 4 tires working as they should; Dory was a car with 3 tires working perfectly and the 4th being off the mark. I kind of think that that was due to the fact that there was more human interaction in this one. The majority of Nemo was underwater, whereas in Dory, there were a lot more occasions in which the animals had to interact with humans or navigate their way around them. One thing this movie did well was cutting between the fragments of her past that Dory remembers and current day; there were smooth transitions between those instances.
When it comes to the new characters, I did like them all, and Pixar was able to work in each of their talents (if you can call it that) into the plot. At times it did seem too convenient though; Hank being able to drive, Bailey and his ability to use echo location to help Dory navigate the pipes (perfect time to mention that I loved it when he said “she’s being eaten alive” or something to that effect). I liked how it was explained how Dory knew how to speak Whale because her best friend was a whale shark named Destiny, and how the “just keep swimming” came about. I like how they added the seals to be the seagull equivalent; “off, off, off”/“mine mine mine”. Speaking of the seals, Jarled was a funny addition. OH, AND BECKY! I LOVED Becky (with the good hair, lol). “Just look her in the eye”.
The only gripe I have with the movie is that I think that when Dory actually found her parents, that they should have faded away – as in, they had died, but she got to “see” them again, find closure and finally know/remember where she came from. After all, the movie is called Finding Dory. Yes, the point of the movie was to find her parents, but it should have been more about her coming to terms with who she is and how she came to be a boss ass bitch (and I say boss ass bitch mainly because her randomness, impulsiveness and scatteredness somehow always sorts itself out). I’d think that Disney Pixar would be one of the few companies that would have been able to handle that situation and it would have been more touching. I don’t know what would have happened after that, but I’m sure it would have been good regardless.
Dory was defiantly the on the same page as Nemo, but it was a bit slow at times, the new characters had as much screen time as necessary and the voices were on par with the first. My initial rating was 3.5/5, but I’d be lying if I said that the movie didn’t get bonus points for baby Dory being SO cute.
Let’s be honest, there’s no way for me to review this movie without giving something away. So if you haven’t seen it and plan on doing so, then don’t read this review. So my short review is this: plot was okay, characters were good, script was fine, animation was on point and baby Dory was ADORABLE.
***SPOILER ALERT***
As always, I’ll start with the short. This time around it’s a cute bird, Piper. The moment I saw Piper, I knew I’d love it. And I did. It was so beautifully created.
When we see the undertow, we say… LETS GO!
I have short term re-remembery-loss. (https://youtu.be/i3kIpCzLzEo)
The plot wasn’t as smooth as Finding Nemo. In Finding Nemo, the plot moved at a very good pace, from one thing to the next, and it flowed very well, whereas in Finding Dory, there seemed to be more stops; it was a bit more clunky. Let me put it this way, Nemo was a car with all 4 tires working as they should; Dory was a car with 3 tires working perfectly and the 4th being off the mark. I kind of think that that was due to the fact that there was more human interaction in this one. The majority of Nemo was underwater, whereas in Dory, there were a lot more occasions in which the animals had to interact with humans or navigate their way around them. One thing this movie did well was cutting between the fragments of her past that Dory remembers and current day; there were smooth transitions between those instances.
When it comes to the new characters, I did like them all, and Pixar was able to work in each of their talents (if you can call it that) into the plot. At times it did seem too convenient though; Hank being able to drive, Bailey and his ability to use echo location to help Dory navigate the pipes (perfect time to mention that I loved it when he said “she’s being eaten alive” or something to that effect). I liked how it was explained how Dory knew how to speak Whale because her best friend was a whale shark named Destiny, and how the “just keep swimming” came about. I like how they added the seals to be the seagull equivalent; “off, off, off”/“mine mine mine”. Speaking of the seals, Jarled was a funny addition. OH, AND BECKY! I LOVED Becky (with the good hair, lol). “Just look her in the eye”.
The only gripe I have with the movie is that I think that when Dory actually found her parents, that they should have faded away – as in, they had died, but she got to “see” them again, find closure and finally know/remember where she came from. After all, the movie is called Finding Dory. Yes, the point of the movie was to find her parents, but it should have been more about her coming to terms with who she is and how she came to be a boss ass bitch (and I say boss ass bitch mainly because her randomness, impulsiveness and scatteredness somehow always sorts itself out). I’d think that Disney Pixar would be one of the few companies that would have been able to handle that situation and it would have been more touching. I don’t know what would have happened after that, but I’m sure it would have been good regardless.
Dory was defiantly the on the same page as Nemo, but it was a bit slow at times, the new characters had as much screen time as necessary and the voices were on par with the first. My initial rating was 3.5/5, but I’d be lying if I said that the movie didn’t get bonus points for baby Dory being SO cute.
May 15, 2016
Crazy Stupid Love
201x - _/5
watched parts on tv. had some really funny parts. i'll probably watch it in its entirety at some point...
watched parts on tv. had some really funny parts. i'll probably watch it in its entirety at some point...
April 6, 2016
Zootopia
2016 - _/5
I saw it and enjoyed it, but I feel as if I need to watch a second time to catch everything before I write a review.
some random thoughts for now:
Disney did a great job presenting animals in ‘human-like situations” (the nudist group)
Touches on racism/stereotyping in a broad sense.
It’s done in such a subtle way that leaves you laughing as a viewer, but it also allows you to stop and think about it.
There were a lot of Easter eggs in this one, and I love how Disney always has shout outs to other Disney movies. Not to mention all the connections to current brands. I’ll admit, I didn’t catch half of them, but there are SO many. To me this just shows how much attention to detail the creators put into making this movie.
They put so much time researching these details, and it comes off as so fluid that at times the viewer doesn’t even spot it because it’s so natural.
I saw it and enjoyed it, but I feel as if I need to watch a second time to catch everything before I write a review.
some random thoughts for now:
Disney did a great job presenting animals in ‘human-like situations” (the nudist group)
Touches on racism/stereotyping in a broad sense.
It’s done in such a subtle way that leaves you laughing as a viewer, but it also allows you to stop and think about it.
There were a lot of Easter eggs in this one, and I love how Disney always has shout outs to other Disney movies. Not to mention all the connections to current brands. I’ll admit, I didn’t catch half of them, but there are SO many. To me this just shows how much attention to detail the creators put into making this movie.
They put so much time researching these details, and it comes off as so fluid that at times the viewer doesn’t even spot it because it’s so natural.
April 2, 2016
The Little Prince
2016 - 3.8/5
I can honestly say that I was never a huge fan of the book; I only read it within the last 5 years for the first time. When I saw the trailer for the movie, it looked absolutely beautiful and I knew I had to watch it.
The animation was stunning. At no point did I question anything. The voices were just as beautifully picked and it was a pleasure to watch. The score was enjoyable. For a movie that was just over an hour and half, it sure didn’t feel like it. It had a good pace and at no point did I feel it was dragging. It used the parts it needed to from the book and made it into its own. Most times, I find that that doesn’t work, but I’m on board with this one.
This movie embodies the fine line between childhood and adulthood and what is expected of us – what I took from it, and have always believed, is that it doesn’t matter if that line is blurred. You have a kid who has always looked up to her mother, yet it seems like a very bleak life; lots of greys and matte colours. When the Aviator comes into the girls life, there's colour, fun and imagination! The contrast between the two is so well demonstrated visually (and throughout the story line).
I really don’t understand why this movie flew under the radar; it should have gotten a lot more attention than it did, but nevertheless, I recommend it… not necessarily to really young kids. It would be neat to see what they’d take from it though. This movie is not just about growing up, it's about growing old, so I think most people will be able to enjoy it. Take some time out of your daily grind for this one ;) :P
"Growing up is not the problem. Forgetting is."
"It is only with heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye."
I can honestly say that I was never a huge fan of the book; I only read it within the last 5 years for the first time. When I saw the trailer for the movie, it looked absolutely beautiful and I knew I had to watch it.
The animation was stunning. At no point did I question anything. The voices were just as beautifully picked and it was a pleasure to watch. The score was enjoyable. For a movie that was just over an hour and half, it sure didn’t feel like it. It had a good pace and at no point did I feel it was dragging. It used the parts it needed to from the book and made it into its own. Most times, I find that that doesn’t work, but I’m on board with this one.
This movie embodies the fine line between childhood and adulthood and what is expected of us – what I took from it, and have always believed, is that it doesn’t matter if that line is blurred. You have a kid who has always looked up to her mother, yet it seems like a very bleak life; lots of greys and matte colours. When the Aviator comes into the girls life, there's colour, fun and imagination! The contrast between the two is so well demonstrated visually (and throughout the story line).
I really don’t understand why this movie flew under the radar; it should have gotten a lot more attention than it did, but nevertheless, I recommend it… not necessarily to really young kids. It would be neat to see what they’d take from it though. This movie is not just about growing up, it's about growing old, so I think most people will be able to enjoy it. Take some time out of your daily grind for this one ;) :P
"Growing up is not the problem. Forgetting is."
"It is only with heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye."
April 1, 2016
Dope
2015 - 1.6/5
Like how it started with the definition of the word ‘dope’ (illegal drugs, an idiot, and slang for cool). I liked it even more so that throughout the movie, it portrayed each of those definitions.
Liked the acting; nothing really stood out though.
Had a good soundtrack that went with the scene, but I was hoping there would be a song or 2 that I would really like.
Liked where it was going in the first half compared to the second.
Interesting plot mainly because it’s a lifestyle that isn’t always portrayed in the media.
I’m glad I watched it, but would I watch it again? …that’s going to have to be a ‘No’ from me (don’t ask me why I just pulled a Simon Cowell).
Like how it started with the definition of the word ‘dope’ (illegal drugs, an idiot, and slang for cool). I liked it even more so that throughout the movie, it portrayed each of those definitions.
Liked the acting; nothing really stood out though.
Had a good soundtrack that went with the scene, but I was hoping there would be a song or 2 that I would really like.
Liked where it was going in the first half compared to the second.
Interesting plot mainly because it’s a lifestyle that isn’t always portrayed in the media.
I’m glad I watched it, but would I watch it again? …that’s going to have to be a ‘No’ from me (don’t ask me why I just pulled a Simon Cowell).
Dirty Grandpa
2016 - 1/5
They went for shock value for a few parts. I didn’t find the race/sexual orientation jokes funny; same goes with whether or not DeNiro's character could say the N-word. NO, you cannot use that word... even if you "have permission".
The cheesy moments were pretty cheesy. This was a paint by numbers kind of movie. It didn’t pack a punch you weren’t already expecting.
Both Efron and DeNiro did fine with there roles, but their characters were so one dimensional and boring.
With that being said, my absolute favourite line was:
He’s like a Mitt Romney Terminator.
They went for shock value for a few parts. I didn’t find the race/sexual orientation jokes funny; same goes with whether or not DeNiro's character could say the N-word. NO, you cannot use that word... even if you "have permission".
The cheesy moments were pretty cheesy. This was a paint by numbers kind of movie. It didn’t pack a punch you weren’t already expecting.
Both Efron and DeNiro did fine with there roles, but their characters were so one dimensional and boring.
With that being said, my absolute favourite line was:
He’s like a Mitt Romney Terminator.
March 21, 2016
Dark Places
2015 - 0/5
I like CT
Seemed like it would have potential.
Five minutes in and I remember that someone had told me what happens in this movie, but I forgot exactly what it was.
The pace was so slow; I was 45 minutes in and it felt like forever.
It was such a boring movie.
I like CT
Seemed like it would have potential.
Five minutes in and I remember that someone had told me what happens in this movie, but I forgot exactly what it was.
The pace was so slow; I was 45 minutes in and it felt like forever.
It was such a boring movie.
March 20, 2016
Hyena Road
2015 - 3.5/5
This is the exact type of movie I avoid – war movies. The Hurt Locker (2008), Zero Dark Thirty (2012), American Sniper (2015), the list goes on and on. I have never seen those and I don’t plan on it either. Hyena Road immediately fell into this category of mine after I saw military people with guns and the typical scene where the guy has to make the choice to either shoot some kid with something under a blanket.
So… I’m writing this review because I saw this movie. Why you ask; why did this movie get special privileges so to speak. Well, its easy: this movie had a Canadian flag. The moment I saw that in the trailer, I actually started paying attention. All these years of seeing trailer after trailer of the exact same thing with a different title, something finally hooked me. Considering this seemed to the be Canadian version of war, I was incredibly intrigued.
When it comes to the acting, I was pleasantly surprised. I’d be lying if I said I knew any of the actors aside from the guy from the TV show, The Republic of Doyle. I actually thought he’d have a bigger role, but he didn't. I thought I wasn’t going to like the acting, but each person held their own. I loved the friendship that was formed between some of the guys. You could genuinely tell that they cared for one another and that they did have each others backs. I didn’t really care for the voice over, and I’m glad that it only happened a handful of times throughout the movie.
There were some pretty intense moments and the shooting scenes were done very well. Obviously I didn’t understand the military lingo used, and I’m fine with that because I understood the message they were conveying to one another; however, I will say that during the scenes that had a lot of rapid military dialogue, I felt a bit left out.
It’s not that it’s a slow movie, its just too long. There was a lot of filler that could have been left out mainly because I forgot it happened anyways. It was because of these moments that I didn’t always know what the plot was. It veered off track from time to time and made its way back onto the path.
I will say that I found that this movie didn’t really glorify war like the other Hollywood war movies I mentioned earlier. Albeit, I haven’t seen those movies, but I’ve seen the trailers and that’s really all you need to see.
I absolutely loved that this movie was All-Things-Canadian: from the writer, to the director, to the actors. That’s exactly what I wanted from this movie. A Canadian story as told by a Canadian, using Canadians. It defiantly gets bonus points for being Canadian. How many you ask… well, I’ll leave that up to you to decipher.
This is the exact type of movie I avoid – war movies. The Hurt Locker (2008), Zero Dark Thirty (2012), American Sniper (2015), the list goes on and on. I have never seen those and I don’t plan on it either. Hyena Road immediately fell into this category of mine after I saw military people with guns and the typical scene where the guy has to make the choice to either shoot some kid with something under a blanket.
So… I’m writing this review because I saw this movie. Why you ask; why did this movie get special privileges so to speak. Well, its easy: this movie had a Canadian flag. The moment I saw that in the trailer, I actually started paying attention. All these years of seeing trailer after trailer of the exact same thing with a different title, something finally hooked me. Considering this seemed to the be Canadian version of war, I was incredibly intrigued.
When it comes to the acting, I was pleasantly surprised. I’d be lying if I said I knew any of the actors aside from the guy from the TV show, The Republic of Doyle. I actually thought he’d have a bigger role, but he didn't. I thought I wasn’t going to like the acting, but each person held their own. I loved the friendship that was formed between some of the guys. You could genuinely tell that they cared for one another and that they did have each others backs. I didn’t really care for the voice over, and I’m glad that it only happened a handful of times throughout the movie.
There were some pretty intense moments and the shooting scenes were done very well. Obviously I didn’t understand the military lingo used, and I’m fine with that because I understood the message they were conveying to one another; however, I will say that during the scenes that had a lot of rapid military dialogue, I felt a bit left out.
It’s not that it’s a slow movie, its just too long. There was a lot of filler that could have been left out mainly because I forgot it happened anyways. It was because of these moments that I didn’t always know what the plot was. It veered off track from time to time and made its way back onto the path.
I will say that I found that this movie didn’t really glorify war like the other Hollywood war movies I mentioned earlier. Albeit, I haven’t seen those movies, but I’ve seen the trailers and that’s really all you need to see.
I absolutely loved that this movie was All-Things-Canadian: from the writer, to the director, to the actors. That’s exactly what I wanted from this movie. A Canadian story as told by a Canadian, using Canadians. It defiantly gets bonus points for being Canadian. How many you ask… well, I’ll leave that up to you to decipher.
February 25, 2016
A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night
2014 - 0/5
with the black and white, with the music, they’re trying way to hard.
the taxi driver from HIMYM
this was too artsy for my liking.
The “sex” and pac-man tattoos were pathetic.
Why would he cower like a baby just because his finger was cut off?
It’s soooo slow.
with the black and white, with the music, they’re trying way to hard.
the taxi driver from HIMYM
this was too artsy for my liking.
The “sex” and pac-man tattoos were pathetic.
Why would he cower like a baby just because his finger was cut off?
It’s soooo slow.
February 16, 2016
Instructions Not Included
2013 - 4/5
My cousin had recommended this to me a while back and it’s been on my list to watch, so I decided to give it a go. From what I remember my cousin telling me, I had immediately thought it would be the Spanish version of Big Daddy. Don’t get me wrong, this movie does have some Big Daddy qualities, but the main difference, it was never juvenile. The comedy coincided with Valentin’s character, but the comedy changed as the character developed.
The acting was pretty good from all parties, so no qualms there. I did like that the people that were bilingual in this movie are actually bilingual people. It made for smooth dialogue and you could tell that it was never a struggle to get their lines out.
From the get-go its obvious that Valentin wants nothing to do with children. Being the type of movie that it is, you know he’s going to love Maggie and would truly do anything for her. I absolutely loved that at times, he and Maggie would be wearing the same outfit – he really went all out. From what I read on IMDB, Maggie’s character was actually supposed to be a boy, but I’m really happy they didn’t find anyone right, and ended up with Loreta Peralta. I think it made it that much more heartfelt to see Valentin’s relationship with his daughter.
I’m not one to cry during movies, but this movie had me in tears… twice! I don’t want to give anything away because I think this is a great movie for people of all ages. It has the typical ups and downs, but it does have a curve ball thrown in. The director was able to blend the comedy and drama together, but also knew when to keep the two separate.
I got my mom to watch it and she loved it.
***SPOILER ALERT***
My heart sank when Valentin found out Maggie wasn’t his. He sacrificed everything he had for his daughter and to find out she wasn’t his, was a big blow.
Then, what made it worse is that we find out that it was Maggie who had one foot in deaths door! I thought it was the dad, but looking back, Maggie’s “vitamin” bottle was funny looking. That’s when it hit me as to why he spoiled her so much, didn’t mind if she skipped school, kept giving her letters from her “mom” to ensure that she felt love, and mainly just spending every waking moment with her. He wasn’t “overcompensating” as the principle said because her mother abandoned her, he was doing it because he knew she was going to die.
The part at the end when the mom was there with the cop to take Maggie, and Valentin holds up $10 and asks if she needs to pay the cab left the biggest lump in my throat.
It really put things in perspective with regards to him knowing that she didn’t have much time left and he did what he felt was important. He really wanted her to love and enjoy life to the fullest.
My cousin had recommended this to me a while back and it’s been on my list to watch, so I decided to give it a go. From what I remember my cousin telling me, I had immediately thought it would be the Spanish version of Big Daddy. Don’t get me wrong, this movie does have some Big Daddy qualities, but the main difference, it was never juvenile. The comedy coincided with Valentin’s character, but the comedy changed as the character developed.
The acting was pretty good from all parties, so no qualms there. I did like that the people that were bilingual in this movie are actually bilingual people. It made for smooth dialogue and you could tell that it was never a struggle to get their lines out.
From the get-go its obvious that Valentin wants nothing to do with children. Being the type of movie that it is, you know he’s going to love Maggie and would truly do anything for her. I absolutely loved that at times, he and Maggie would be wearing the same outfit – he really went all out. From what I read on IMDB, Maggie’s character was actually supposed to be a boy, but I’m really happy they didn’t find anyone right, and ended up with Loreta Peralta. I think it made it that much more heartfelt to see Valentin’s relationship with his daughter.
I’m not one to cry during movies, but this movie had me in tears… twice! I don’t want to give anything away because I think this is a great movie for people of all ages. It has the typical ups and downs, but it does have a curve ball thrown in. The director was able to blend the comedy and drama together, but also knew when to keep the two separate.
I got my mom to watch it and she loved it.
***SPOILER ALERT***
My heart sank when Valentin found out Maggie wasn’t his. He sacrificed everything he had for his daughter and to find out she wasn’t his, was a big blow.
Then, what made it worse is that we find out that it was Maggie who had one foot in deaths door! I thought it was the dad, but looking back, Maggie’s “vitamin” bottle was funny looking. That’s when it hit me as to why he spoiled her so much, didn’t mind if she skipped school, kept giving her letters from her “mom” to ensure that she felt love, and mainly just spending every waking moment with her. He wasn’t “overcompensating” as the principle said because her mother abandoned her, he was doing it because he knew she was going to die.
The part at the end when the mom was there with the cop to take Maggie, and Valentin holds up $10 and asks if she needs to pay the cab left the biggest lump in my throat.
It really put things in perspective with regards to him knowing that she didn’t have much time left and he did what he felt was important. He really wanted her to love and enjoy life to the fullest.
February 15, 2016
The Babadook
2014 - 0/5
A friend recommended this a while back and I can’t say I remembered what it was about. When I saw the cover, I knew it was a scary movie. I didn’t bother reading the synopsis in order to go with a blank slate.
The easiest way to explain this is that it was not a “Sally movie”.
A friend recommended this a while back and I can’t say I remembered what it was about. When I saw the cover, I knew it was a scary movie. I didn’t bother reading the synopsis in order to go with a blank slate.
The easiest way to explain this is that it was not a “Sally movie”.
February 12, 2016
The Barber
2015 - 0/5
When and how I heard of this movie, I don’t remember, but it looked like it had potential.
It had some similarities to the TV show Dexter.
You hope that it’s not as cheesy as it could be. It is.
There were a few scenes in which it was supposed to be tense, but really, it was done so badly that you just don’t care.
If you think this move is going to have a good script, here’s a snippet: “then I saw this pretty, yummy girl” – did he REALLY have to use the word “yummy”. Ya, so now you know you’re not missing out.
Everything moves so fast; yes it is only an hour and a half long, but at the 50 minute mark, a lot had happened. The movie was rushed, but that’s not to say this it needed to be any longer than it was.
The acting is terrible.
When and how I heard of this movie, I don’t remember, but it looked like it had potential.
It had some similarities to the TV show Dexter.
You hope that it’s not as cheesy as it could be. It is.
There were a few scenes in which it was supposed to be tense, but really, it was done so badly that you just don’t care.
If you think this move is going to have a good script, here’s a snippet: “then I saw this pretty, yummy girl” – did he REALLY have to use the word “yummy”. Ya, so now you know you’re not missing out.
Everything moves so fast; yes it is only an hour and a half long, but at the 50 minute mark, a lot had happened. The movie was rushed, but that’s not to say this it needed to be any longer than it was.
The acting is terrible.
February 10, 2016
Zoolander 2
2016 - 2.7/5
I went into this movie not having seen a single trailer. How I managed to pull that off, I have no idea. I didn’t do it on purpose, I just never saw the trailer. That’s not to say that I haven’t seen pictures, but I had no idea what the movie was actually going to be about.
From my perspective, if you enjoyed the first one, you’ll like this one too (keep in mind I saw it for free, so whether or not I would have felt any differently if I had paid for it, I don’t know). It has the exact same type of humour, but the first one stuck to what it was, whereas this one kind of moves away from full on parodying the modeling world. At one point it reminded me of The Da Vinci Code, and it was just unoriginal.
I do recall that Justin Bieber was going to have a cameo in this movie. SPOILER ALERT (for the next sentence): his death was done in a dumb way, but I will admit that I loved that not only did he take a selfie, he went through the filters before he shared it. I actually thought that was funny.
As for the rest of the cameos, I can’t say I cared for them; they each had their bit, some of them funny, some not and the movie went on.
Going in, I had seen that Kristen Wiig was in this movie, but I did not recognize her until I saw her name in the credits; then it hit me. I didn’t care for Penélope Cruz, I think anyone could have played the role of Valentina.
My friend said that the first half was better than the second half and I do agree. The first half of the majority of comedies are far more funny, then the plot actually starts to creep in and the comedy starts to take a hit. There were a few parts in which the build up seemed like it had potential, then it kind of just fizzled out – it wasn’t developed as it could have been.
I went into this movie not having seen a single trailer. How I managed to pull that off, I have no idea. I didn’t do it on purpose, I just never saw the trailer. That’s not to say that I haven’t seen pictures, but I had no idea what the movie was actually going to be about.
From my perspective, if you enjoyed the first one, you’ll like this one too (keep in mind I saw it for free, so whether or not I would have felt any differently if I had paid for it, I don’t know). It has the exact same type of humour, but the first one stuck to what it was, whereas this one kind of moves away from full on parodying the modeling world. At one point it reminded me of The Da Vinci Code, and it was just unoriginal.
I do recall that Justin Bieber was going to have a cameo in this movie. SPOILER ALERT (for the next sentence): his death was done in a dumb way, but I will admit that I loved that not only did he take a selfie, he went through the filters before he shared it. I actually thought that was funny.
As for the rest of the cameos, I can’t say I cared for them; they each had their bit, some of them funny, some not and the movie went on.
Going in, I had seen that Kristen Wiig was in this movie, but I did not recognize her until I saw her name in the credits; then it hit me. I didn’t care for Penélope Cruz, I think anyone could have played the role of Valentina.
My friend said that the first half was better than the second half and I do agree. The first half of the majority of comedies are far more funny, then the plot actually starts to creep in and the comedy starts to take a hit. There were a few parts in which the build up seemed like it had potential, then it kind of just fizzled out – it wasn’t developed as it could have been.
February 9, 2016
Zoolander
2001 - 2.7/5
I did like how Derek would say words completely wrong.
This movie did have a fun script, but not one that I would quote like I do Mean Girls.
Ben Stiller as Derek Zoolander was the best when it came to the acting; everyone else was fine and played their role well enough.
I did like how Derek would say words completely wrong.
This movie did have a fun script, but not one that I would quote like I do Mean Girls.
Ben Stiller as Derek Zoolander was the best when it came to the acting; everyone else was fine and played their role well enough.
February 6, 2016
Trainwreck
2015 - 3/5
It really didn’t seem like Bill Hader and Amy Schumer would have that much chemistry, but it worked so well!
Amy Schumer was hilarious!!! Her timing and delivery were spot on.
LOL at the Kanye West part. OMG, FUNNY!
LOL at the trampoline part; “I thought I got a lot of height”
Had no idea this was directed by Judd Apatow, but Amy Schumer was the person who wrote the script.
I did enjoy this and I would recommend it, but I don't see myself watching it a second time.
It really didn’t seem like Bill Hader and Amy Schumer would have that much chemistry, but it worked so well!
Amy Schumer was hilarious!!! Her timing and delivery were spot on.
LOL at the Kanye West part. OMG, FUNNY!
LOL at the trampoline part; “I thought I got a lot of height”
Had no idea this was directed by Judd Apatow, but Amy Schumer was the person who wrote the script.
I did enjoy this and I would recommend it, but I don't see myself watching it a second time.
January 30, 2016
Blue Valentine
2010 - 0/5
Not going to lie, I spent the majority of the movie doing other stuff - looking at flyers, checking my phone, ect.
Not going to lie, I spent the majority of the movie doing other stuff - looking at flyers, checking my phone, ect.
January 29, 2016
January 28, 2016
Brokeback Mountain
2005 - 0/5
My review in the form of texts I sent my friend:
10mins in - its boring
30mins in - still boring
Anne Hathaway - still boring
1hr15mins - still boring
1hr30mins - this needs to be over
Anna Faris - still boring
If you haven't seen it until now, I'd say there's no reason to.
My review in the form of texts I sent my friend:
10mins in - its boring
30mins in - still boring
Anne Hathaway - still boring
1hr15mins - still boring
1hr30mins - this needs to be over
Anna Faris - still boring
If you haven't seen it until now, I'd say there's no reason to.
January 20, 2016
January 19, 2016
Notes On A Scandal
2006 - 2/5
Loved, loved loved the “mind the gap” part.
Judy dench was amazing and so incredibly convincing.
Loved, loved loved the “mind the gap” part.
Judy dench was amazing and so incredibly convincing.
January 16, 2016
A Haunted House
2013 - 0.7/5
LOL, wtf did I just watch?! The first half had me entertained, then I lost interest.
LOL, wtf did I just watch?! The first half had me entertained, then I lost interest.
January 13, 2016
Stir of Echoes
1999 - 2/5
I don’t know what it is about Kevin Bacon, but I’ve always liked him as an actor.
I find that there really aren’t any good mystery/thriller these days.
I don’t know what it is about Kevin Bacon, but I’ve always liked him as an actor.
I find that there really aren’t any good mystery/thriller these days.
January 6, 2016
Tusk
2014 - 0/5
So let me enlighten you as to why I actually watched this movie. We all know I’ve watched my share of shitty movies, but I did not watch this willingly. The story goes like this…
Many months ago, a coworker saw it and decided that I too should be tortured. Since then, I kept being hassled. One faithful day, I had taken doogh to work (a carbonated yogurt drink). This coworker smelled it, and as most non-E-rans, was repulsed. This is when the light went off in my head; that the only way I could stop being harassed to watch this movie, was to place a bet. The bet was as follows: I had to sit through the whole movie so long as my coworker drank an entire bottle of doogh. I personally believe she got the short end of the stick, but that’s not to downplay how horrible this movie was.
This being a Kevin Smith movie, it seemed like it was made to be a ‘cult-classic’, with a cult following. This was an idea and because the guy has money, he went for it.
Surprisingly, this movie did have its fair share of good acting: Justin Long (although his character is an asshole, he did a good job). Michael Parks (the character was psycho, but he was convincing). Johnny Depp (had I not been told that it was him, I would have never been the wiser).
The pacing really kills this movie. Omg, does it drag. There were many moments in which I just had to sit there and suffer through some scenes that were 75% longer than they needed to be.
Hearing Wallace (Justin Long) scream (if that’s even the right word) made me want to puke. As for the ending, I just don’t understand. My coworker said it best, short and sweet: Why?
So many questions… this IMDB review sums them up nicely:
-There's a pretty significant gap in this movie. We go from Justin Long with no legs and arms fused to shoulders to full on Justin Long in walrus suit. I mean, the walrus suit was discussed in earlier parts of the movie, but I feel like I missed something. There was no scene where Justin Long was being put into the walrus suit. It just left me confused.
So let me enlighten you as to why I actually watched this movie. We all know I’ve watched my share of shitty movies, but I did not watch this willingly. The story goes like this…
Many months ago, a coworker saw it and decided that I too should be tortured. Since then, I kept being hassled. One faithful day, I had taken doogh to work (a carbonated yogurt drink). This coworker smelled it, and as most non-E-rans, was repulsed. This is when the light went off in my head; that the only way I could stop being harassed to watch this movie, was to place a bet. The bet was as follows: I had to sit through the whole movie so long as my coworker drank an entire bottle of doogh. I personally believe she got the short end of the stick, but that’s not to downplay how horrible this movie was.
This being a Kevin Smith movie, it seemed like it was made to be a ‘cult-classic’, with a cult following. This was an idea and because the guy has money, he went for it.
Surprisingly, this movie did have its fair share of good acting: Justin Long (although his character is an asshole, he did a good job). Michael Parks (the character was psycho, but he was convincing). Johnny Depp (had I not been told that it was him, I would have never been the wiser).
The pacing really kills this movie. Omg, does it drag. There were many moments in which I just had to sit there and suffer through some scenes that were 75% longer than they needed to be.
Hearing Wallace (Justin Long) scream (if that’s even the right word) made me want to puke. As for the ending, I just don’t understand. My coworker said it best, short and sweet: Why?
So many questions… this IMDB review sums them up nicely:
-There's a pretty significant gap in this movie. We go from Justin Long with no legs and arms fused to shoulders to full on Justin Long in walrus suit. I mean, the walrus suit was discussed in earlier parts of the movie, but I feel like I missed something. There was no scene where Justin Long was being put into the walrus suit. It just left me confused.
-Speaking of the walrus suit - it is made of random pieces of people. All of the pieces appear to be in similar states of decomposition, which doesn't make sense. We know he didn't kill every one at once. Also, isn't he trying to make Justin Long look like a walrus? When he's in the suit, he looks more like a quilt than a walrus.
-Speaking of the body parts - at the end of the movie, Justin Long decides to stay a walrus... What? Why would you want to stay a walrus? And not even just the suit, he wants live in a walrus habitat and eat raw fish. Dude, I get that your sort of stuck like that, but why go, as the movie puts it, "full walrus?"
-Speaking of the fact that he wants to stay a walrus - I don't think he legally can stay a walrus. This suit he is in is made out of murdered people. Isn't that evidence? Wouldn't you have to ask the family if you can keep the arm skin or face (yes, there are faces on it) of your loved on that's been killed? This one really got to me... this doesn't seem legal. And also, even if he didn't want to be fixed, wouldn't they try to remove the walrus suit since it contains the human remains of murder victims?
Overall, I never expected this movie to be either horror or comedy, but I really don’t know what to classify it as, other than shit. If you for whatever reason happen to be even remotely curious, don’t say you weren’t warned.
And lastly, to the American people reading this, Canadian’s do not say “aboot”.
Overall, I never expected this movie to be either horror or comedy, but I really don’t know what to classify it as, other than shit. If you for whatever reason happen to be even remotely curious, don’t say you weren’t warned.
And lastly, to the American people reading this, Canadian’s do not say “aboot”.
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