Directed By: Gina Prince-Bythewood Written By: Greg Rucka (Based on the graphic novel series created by him) Cinematographer: Barry Ackroyd & Tami Reiker Editor: Terilyn A. Shropshire
Cast: Charlize Theron, Kiki Layne, Chiwetel Ejofer, Matthias Schoenaerts, Harry Melling, Marwan Kenzari, Lucia Marinelli, Ana Maria Marinea, Veronica NGO, Natcha Karan, Shala Nyx
Led by a warrior named Andy, a covert group of tight-knit mercenaries with a mysterious inability to die have fought to protect the mortal world for centuries. But when the team is recruited to take on an emergency mission and their extraordinary abilities are suddenly exposed, it’s up to Andy and Nile, the newest soldier to join their ranks, to help the group eliminate the threat of those who seek to replicate and monetize their power by any means necessary.
While one is happy to see director Gina Prince-Bythewood taking on a new genre and having a superhero and more action-oriented film than her previous films. This film isn’t quite the revelation one was hoping for.
Especially as a fan of her films before this, she does an adequate job but it doesn’t feel like anything special. It feels more typical but proves she can handle a genre movie
The action is violent yet feels satisfactory then great. As it seems more contained and smaller compared to films of this type. As the
Action sequences in this film Usually take place indoors. As the characters try to keep their identities secret. So they have to stay undercover and the action never offers that pizazz one might look for.
The film at least offers a more international flavor. As the action comes off as covert and more espionage based my
The film is based on a graphic novel. As it does feel like a comic book, that tries to tap into the reality and drama of certain situations. Which allows the film to have some heart and melodrama.
What is different and welcome from the film is the female Characters more take center stage. As they are more natural protagonists, heroes and also have more action scenes.
Each one has their own and even on group action scenes they more take the lead.
While Charlize Theron plays the world-weary leader like a first-class action and dramatic star. The film is stolen by the new recruit Kiki Layne
It makes one wonder when watching something that is overly praised but one only Finds it passable or entertaining enough. Is one expecting too much or is one holding the film To a certain standard that it might never have had a chance of ever achieving.
One of the problems not only with this film but a lot of action and superhero films coming out. Is a lack of a memorable villain. Here the villain proves to be a challenge but more comes off as a twerp.
A villain is supposed to be a way to hate but should also be interesting to a certain degree. Here you can’t wait for them to dispose of them And move on. As this villain doesn’t Even seem either up to the challenge or even worthy of truly being a challenge. Once finally introduced after a bunch of false leads through a whole load of espionage You feel like, this is it?
This ends up being a nice film That feels like a beginning to a franchise but works open-ended as it is though makes the stakes feel big and sticks to them.
Directed By: Neil Marshall Written by: Andrew Cosby Based on the dark horse comic book “HELLBOY” created by: Mike Mignola Cinematography: Lorenzo Senatore Editor: Martin Bernfield
Cast: David Harbour, Sasha Lane, Milla Jovovich, Daniel Dae Kim, Ian McShane, Sophie Okonedo, Kristina Klebe, Thomas Haden Church
Based on the graphic novels by Mike Mignola, Hellboy, caught between the worlds of the supernatural and human, battles an ancient sorceress bent on revenge.
This feels like a dumbed-down version of the story. Though might be more In tune with the original comics.
I am not a fan of the first original HELLBOY movie but can say it was more artistic and beautiful then this film. Even if at the time it played as typical as far as the story went. HELLBOY 2: THE GOLDEN ARMY was better nearly a masterpiece in my eyes.
I at least respected it as it felt lacking a strong villain and instead offered an introduction of characters.
One of the nice things I can say about this film Is at least it’s Violent and it feels more epic than the original that might end because it actually has more Locations then the original. It also jams in so many creatures that it feels stuffed and cross-referenced many times. Though at least while the Guillermo Del toro version of the first film was more mystical and beautiful even if it lacked a compelling story. This one is more Action oriented and full of story and mythology.
Like many would have preferred a sequel with the original filmmakers but the studio decided to try to modernize it instead and reboot it. Unfortunately with the departure of Ron Perlman in the title role and the director/writer Guillermo Del Toro this comes Off as a desperate copy that is never sharp.
Ron Perlman’s portrayal of the title character felt more lived-in and impressive. David Harbour’s performance seems more laid back.
The reason I eventually watched this was to see Sasha Lane’s interpretation of Alice. She adds to the culture and atmosphere of the film
The film definitely feels otherworldly and is best to watch on a big screen.
This film makes you appreciate the original and it’s more practical special effects. As this is CGI overload that does feel more like a comic book. Though without the texture and depth. So that this comes off more commercial.
Director Neil Marshall supposedly had a hard time making the film and the producers took it over after his initial cut. You can tell as the story gets short-sighted for more Action and effects. Leading to it at times being hard to follow or distracted itself.
The film has a strong mystical fantasy story with a bunch of exposition. That makes it feel overstuffed and too long with stretches of little to no excitement.
The performances throughout are spotty. Considering all the people involved in this movie expected it to be a bit better.
I enjoy Milla jovovich as an actress but with her casting, this feels more like another disposable special effect fantasy horror film
She usually appears in and frankly not as inventive. Though she gives one of the better performances.
This film already had an audience against it as the original al is so memorable and iconic and this reboot coming so soon that it feels like a dumbe down version and even when it was released
it wasn’t heavily advertised as much as movies like this usually are more In theater advertisements then public ones. I didn’t even know it’s Release date until the week before it actually came out
Though based on original material this feels like an amalgam Of many fantasy tales and movies out there though al the action, special effects, and horror. It still manages to be boring.
It feels like an animated film come to life or amusement park inspired meant to impress a younger audience. But too harsh for them.
Directed By: William Asher Written By: John McPartland Based On the novel “The Kingdom of Johnny Cool” By: Joseph London Cinematography: Sam Leavitt Editor: Otto Ludwig
Cast: Henry Silva, Elizabeth Montgomery, Telly Savalas, Sammy Davis Jr., Elisha Cook Jr., John Dierks, Jim Backus, Richard Anderson, Joey Bishop, Brad Dexter
Colini, An exiled American gangster living in Sicily, rescues Giordano, a young Sicilian outlaw, from the police. After Giordano is groomed, polished, and renamed “Johnny Cool,” Colini sends him on a vengeance mission to the United States to assassinate the men who plotted his downfall and enforced exile. Johnny arrives in New York and quickly kills several of the underworld figures on Colini’s list. Meanwhile, he picks up Dare Guiness, a wealthy divorcée who becomes his accomplice, and she is severely beaten by the gangsters as a warning against the vendetta.
Th is is a great and beautiful gangster film that I have heard anything about going into it and glad I didn’t. Didn’t have a hype to love up to but was thoroughly entertained and by the end shocked I had never heard of it. Even with it’s a more groovy sounding title. It’s a tight little thriller. This a surprisingly brutal and dark-hearted mob movie where no one gets away scot-free or clean.
You would think this based on a graphic novel made today. As the protagonist at the heart of this tale is a kind of anti-hero sent to do a mission but also has plans of his own. So in the beginning, while the film wants ya to feel for him by the end he has become a villain himself with no happy ending in sight.
The film ends with sorrow as even the innocent character played by Elizabeth Montgomery could have gotten away with her parts in the crimes but ends up being the only honest character and ends up paying the price.
What is interesting about her character is that her character is truthful ashamed and disgusted by the actions of her boyfriend Johnny cool. But she knows if he showed up right then and there it would be impossible to resist him. So she is self-aware realistically.
The assassination and action scenes are riveting and don’t usually show too much violence more alludes to them. The film has an old school charm where even dealing in the underworld With plenty of doubles crosses everyone comes off dignified and sharp.
This is half a rat pack film as it has small roles played by Sammy Davis jr who also sings a few songs on the soundtrack and Joey bishop plays a small pivotal role, as well as the film Was produced by peter Lawford. Plus Henry Silva playing the title role. has co-Starred in many frank Sinatra and rat pack films. Playing various races in films over the years.
This film is a little known gem that deserves to be seen and appreciated more.
Directed By: John Badham Written By: Lem Dobbs & Daniel Pyne Story By: Lem Dobbs & Michael Kozoll Cinematography By: Don McAlpine & Robert Primes Editor: Tony Lombardo & Frank Morriss
Cast: Michael J. Fox, James Woods, Stephen Lang, Annabella Sciorra, LL Cool J, Delroy Lindo, Luis Guzman, Penny Marshall, Mary Mara, Christina Ricci, Lewis Black, Kathy Najimy, Yasin Bey, Michael Badalucco
Nick Lang is a famous Hollywood actor, well known for his action movies. For his next movie, he needs the proper motivation and inspiration for his role. Thus he teams up with the reluctant New York policeman Lt. John Moss. Not only does he have to put up with Nick, who is laborious and out of touch with realities, but he also has to catch a coldblooded murderer.
This is a film I remember being heavily promoted on the radio, television and talk shows and I was really looking forward to it. I am sure the buzz helped as this was LL Cool J’s first major film role and he had an album coming out around the same time with a hot single that was on the soundtrack for this film. The good old days of movie tie-ins and marketing that you just don’t see as much now. Especially when it comes to soundtracks.
LL was a big part of the marketing. It helped bring in a more youthful and urban audience as this was his major acting debut. Even if the role was smaller and supporting. Though he also gets to be the more streetwise detective who is more the joker of the crew.
Now it also helped that I am and was a huge Michael j fox fan. As at the time it seemed like while his movies not a sure thing when it came to success. He was always starring in something and I was more the. Willing usually to go see it. As I had been a huge fox fan from his films but beginning with the sitcom FAMILY TIES.
I believe I always liked up to him as he was funny, had great comedic timing, was short like I am, and still managed to be a heartthrob as well as being energetic and charismatic. Everything you looked for in a star and also what I had hoped to grow up to be. This is one of his most Beloved films for me. Where he had smaller roles like CLASS OF 1984 which was a totally different pace and MIDNIGHT MADNESS. As well as his starring TV-movie HIGH SCHOOL USA. In fact, one of the rare films he starred in that I haven’t seen is still Paul Schrader’s LIGHT OF DAY with Gena Rowland’s and Joan Jett
So obviously this film was kind of a big deal as it was more an action film that I had seen him before. It also had a hard grit and it seemed the first time he was trying something a bit more gritty and challenging though a comedy at heart since the films CASUALTIES OF WAR and BRIGHT LIGHTS BIG CITY.
The film of course is instantly dated and makes fun of Hollywood to a degree and the image of a movie star. Though quickly turns into a more urban action buddy comedy.
It’s a high concept film that seems to be written by the marketing committee. As it is violent and a rated R film. It remains innocent enough to never qualify as a film to keep kids away from. In fact, it seems more aimed at teenagers.
It is certainly a film that couldn’t be made today and if it was. Never would it be such a random team-up of lead actors. It would also more be either cutest with more comedy if made today. Making it even more unbelievable or it would be a big-budget film where they have to take anything offensive out of the film and as this film aspires to have a steamy grittiness it wouldn’t work as well any other way.
Universal Studios originally wanted Kevin Kline and Gene Hackman to star. Which wouldn’t have had the same ring, nor the same kind of hard-edge the film seems to have and go for. Which makes it a perfect time capsule to ’80s/90’s new York and times square in particular where the final action set-piece takes place.
Shot on the streets of New York it seems like the filmmakers went overboard in making it look super dirty and dingy to match the toughness of the so-called reality of the films New York City. Whereas in the few scenes in Hollywood everything is clean and overly lit.
James Woods is good and believable in the lead and matches Fox comedically beat to beat, but can also be dangerous and touch when need be. Both characters teach each other lessons throughout that will help each of them to achieve what they seek to get ahead. There is a romantic subplot with James Woods dating Annabella sciorra and not being successful mainly because he can’t really talk to her or charm her daughter.
This is also the first movie I remember seeing Stephen Lang In a film and being quite impressed. As he seemed to be a one dimensional as far as his mission, but his performance was flamboyant enough that he seemed serious but also was making fun of it at the same time. He seemed to have a sense of humor about all of this. Though still stayed scary almost like an early iteration of the Joker from Batman.
The comedy sticks even if the action plays off as basic and the film seems to seek to have a more urban feel. The film has a very hazy look about it that makes most scenes seem filled with steam and making everything not look sharp but more moist and bland. Though truthfully it also looks like a film that is not quite as sharp or visually talented as director Tony Scott while trying to copy its style.
Though it does offer a look at the old New York before it became so polished and gentrified.
Director of photography Robert Primes was fired halfway through filming by director John Badham and replaced by Donald McAlpine. Badham thought Primes was working too slowly; he had similar complaints during the filming of BIRD ON A WIRE, their previous (and first) movie together.
The film seems to go for a hard edge in the action scenes that make it feel a bit excessive and like it is going over the top at times but quickly reigns it in with the aftermath. Not necessarily an adrenaline junkie movie but one that seems to make you want to feel the bones crunch. It wants to be a tough movie. Though still feels like Hollywood.
While reminding one of the grittiness of New York at the time, though not quite as bad as the movie makes it out to be. At least not in my experiences.
Like the character Michael J. Fox plays it wants to be smooth and likable, but like the character James woods plays is more gritty and tough. That it makes a Compromise but is never clearly defined in either way.
This film as directed by John Badham who seemed to be a go-to Director in the ’80s and 90’s for action films and who o noted every time he made a film. As I could never make a decision as he made some more gritty action films as far as the violence and action but they all seemed to have a heavy gloss that made them look too polished that and usually, their plots seemed so ridiculous that they were hard to believe, but with this film and the remake of LA FEMME NIKITA named POINT OF NO RETURN starring Bridget Fonda. Which I saw before LA FEMME NIKITA so to me point was so original and soulful. Now watching it. It obviously pales in comparison, but as is often you usually are more a fan of something we’re introduced to first even if not the original. So while I love LA FEMME, I have a soft spot for the remake. That I still find watchable despite its flaws.
The film is a hallmark of 90’s action comedies. While not a legendary one. For those who saw, it remains memorable as it follows and introduces a formula. While not rising to classic or great standards. It is good and a worthy watch even if you probably won’t end up adding it to your collection.
Directed By: Mark Neveldine & Brian Taylor; Neveldine/Taylor Written By: David S. Goyer, Scott M. Gimple & Seth Hoffman
Story By: David S. Goyer
Cinematography By: Brandon Trost
Editor: Brian Berdan
Cast: Nicolas Cage, Johnny Whitworth, Violante Placido, Anthony Head, Cirian Hinds, Idris Elba, Christopher Lambert
Johnny Blaze, a man who made a deal with the Devil who called himself Roarke at the time, is on the run trying to make sure no-one is harmed by his alter ego, The Ghost Rider. He is approached by a Monk named Moreau who tells him that he can help be him free of the Rider, but first, he needs Johnny’s help to protect a boy, whom Roarke has plans for.
Directed by: Michael Dowse Written By: Tripper Clancy Cinematography: Bobby Shore Editor: Jonathan Schwartz
Cast: Dave Bautista, Kumail Nanjiani, Natalie Morales, Mira Sorovino, Iko Uwais, Betty Gilpin, Karen Gillian, Steve Howey, Jimmy Tatro
A mild-mannered Uber driver named Stu picks up a grizzled detective who is hot on the trail of a sadistic, bloodthirsty terrorist and finds himself thrust into a harrowing ordeal where he has to keep his wits, himself unharmed, and work with his passenger while maintaining his high-class rating.
This is a buddy film rather than a buddy cop as only one character is actually a cop, but the film is centered around taking down a crime syndicate. So maybe it can count as a buddy cop film.
For a film that is supposed to be more comedic and stays that way through most of the film. It is surprisingly violent in parts graphically.
This film is more random when it comes to the buddy dynamic. Usually, you try to get stars who have different types of audiences to be ina fil. Together hoping the audience will mix and match. Here you have two actors one who is more known. As a stand-up and Dave Bautista who is more of an action movie actor. Here it offers each of them to try genres they are not usually in or at least show skills in a different genre. Showing each as versatile.
Just as how the characters and actors seem forced together. As two different elements combined into a familiar formula. The film feels that way also where we know what is supposed to happen and will happen. Only here it seems that the film is more viewed and conceptualized to include more modern and current culture into the story and references. Which is understandable as the film’s
The title is a play off of not cab’s or taxi’s (as we already have a movie named and based off of that) but the new version of those Uber (and obviously not being a film about that company had to make a play on the name for the title)
Just as some trends are memorable what this film is based on and how the film plays. This film is instantly forgettable not bad or horrible as it is entertaining a bit while you watch it, but easily forgettable by the end.
Which is a shame as the cast is likable and eclectic. Even casting Iko Uwais as the villain. Where as most action films he is the hero. He has that badass fighting style that makes him a believable match for Dave Bautista. Even if for some reason they give him dyed blonde hair. Guessing that is to more recognize him throughout.
The funniest scene actually takes place inside a male strip club. It’s Not genius or well thought out but is funny. It is also very colorful.
You immediately know who is supposed to be a villain or end up being one. As they have way too big a name to play a minor role and it seems ominous especially in a scene In the middle of the film and it seems like the score goes to bad guy theme as the person walks in but really doesn’t nothing bad or evil. So later when revealed to be the villain you are barely shocked.
This film is enjoyable as long as you don’t expect much and don’t come looking for much. You pretty much know what’s going. To happen so if just looking for something that moves and might be a fun time. Try this film
Directed By: Ronny Yu
Written By: Stel Pavlou
Cinematography By: Hang-Sang Poon
Editor: David Wu
Cast: Samuel L. Jackson, Robert Carlyle, Emily Mortimer, Meatloaf, Rhys Ifans, Ade, Sean Pertwee
Elmo McElroy is a streetwise American master chemist who heads to England to sell his special new formula – a powerful, blue concoction guaranteed to take you to ‘the 51st state.’ McElroy’s new product delivers a feeling 51 times more powerful than any thrill, any pleasure, any high in history. But his plans for a quick, profitable score go comically awry when he gets stuck in Liverpool with an unlikely escort and his ex-girlfriend and becomes entangled in a bizarre web of double-dealing and double-crosses.
Directed & Story By: Roland Emmerich
Written By: Roland Emmerich & Jeffrey Nachmanoff
Cinematography By: Ueli Steiger
Editor: David Brenner
Cast: Jake Gylenhaal, Dennis Quaid, Dash Mihok, Emmy Rossum, Sela Ward, Jay o. Sanders, Rick Hoffman, Ian Holm, Arjay Smith, Tamlyn Tomita, Austin Nichols, Glenn Plummer, Adrian Lester, Nestor Serrano, Perry King
Jack Hall, paleoclimatologist, must make a daring trek from Washington, D.C. to New York City to reach his son, trapped in the cross-hairs of a sudden international storm which plunges the planet into a new Ice Age.Continue reading “THE DAY AFTER TOMMOROW (2004)”→
Directed By: Craig Zobel Written By: Damon Lindelof & Nick Cuse Cinematography: Darran Tiernan Editor: Jane Rizzo
Cast: Betty Gilpin, Hilary Swank, Ethan Suplee, Emma Roberts, Ike Barinholtz, Glenn Howerton, Amy Madigan, Wayne Duvall, Sturgill Simpson, Reed Birney, Macon Blair
“Twelve strangers wake up in a clearing. They don’t know where they are — or how they got there. In the shadow of a dark internet conspiracy theory, ruthless elitists gather at a remote location to hunt humans for sport. But their master plan is about to be derailed when one of the hunted, Crystal, turns the tables on her pursuers.
This movie is full of action and a rather surprising amount of violence. Though keeps a dark sense of humor throughout and flips the script a little.
As the victims trying to survive the hunt are more Americana types who are usually villainized on social media and the hunters are emote the liberal elites who seem to find everything somehow insulting and must be corrected.
The film doesn’t seem to take any side but shows there are good and bad in both and this is all taken to the extreme. The second scene is great as far as setting the tone. As we see familiar actors and types of characters who we assume will be the hero and then we see some of them taken down and through the first 30 minutes, we are never quite sure who to follow, trust, or believe.
We are kind of put into the similar mindsets of the hunted characters constantly questioning what is going on. So enough our hero or anti-hero played by Betty Gilpin who stays a badass throughout and whose character had the same kind of sarcastic swagger that most male Action heroes have. Luckily at no point does her look or attractiveness has anything to do with her survival or getting the upper hand. This is a tar making role and she handles it well.
The film is over the top violent that after a while it becomes a joke itself as well as feels ridiculous at times.
Though there is mention of minorities. The film still doesn’t have any amongst its cast which is a lost opportunity the film seems to want to avoid. As that may make the film Have to more make a decision. Though it might have also given more of a point of view.
Hillary swank as the villain would have been more interesting seeing her in the heroic role but that might have been too expected. It’s nice to see her in movies again. I only wish she was getting bigger roles. Though her hand to hand fight with Gilpin is the third act and one of the best action sequences in the Film.
The film never quite slows down. As when it comes to the ending it feels like barely any turn has passed. So that this film feels like a breath of fresh air.
Directed by Craig Zobel is shocking as his films are usually more humanistic dramas and comedies. This is the first more action-oriented mainstream movie he has made and he passes with flying colors. Showing himself to be more a journeyman director.
The fact ironies in this movie are Intentional. As showing how all of this started. This is a worst-case scenario of what it seems like is going on in the world when it comes to personal politics. This is more a satire that fits in with movies such as BATTLE ROYALE, THE PURGE, MAYHEM, and THE BELKO EXPERIMENT. Though this film not as dark in the spirit, it might more remind or be a companion piece to THE RUNNING MAN or SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST.
Directed By: Sam Hargrave Written By: Joe Russo Based On A Story By: Joe Russo, Anthony Russo & Ande Parks Based on the Graphic Novel “Ciudad” By: Ande Parks Cinematography: Newton Thomas Sigel Editor: Ruthie Aslan & Peter B. Ellis
Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Golshifteh Farahani, Adam Bessa, Rudhraksh Jaiswal
In an underworld of weapons dealers and traffickers, a young boy becomes the pawn in a war between notorious drug lords. Trapped by kidnappers inside one of the world’s most impenetrable cities, his rescue beckons the unparalleled skill of a mercenary named Tyler Rake, but Rake is a broken man with nothing to lose, harboring a death wish that makes an already deadly mission near impossible.
