Written By: Jackie Chan & Edward Tang, Paul E. Clay
Cinematography: Yiu-Tsou Cheung and Yu-Tang Li
Editor: Peter Cheung
Cast: Jackie Chan, Maggie Cheung, Yuen Chor, Bill Tung, Kwok-Hung Lam, Charlie Cho, Keung-Kuen Lai, John Cheung, Ben Lam, Chi-fai Chan
Despite his success at apprehending criminals, Kevin Chan’s unorthodox approach to his work as a police officer sees him demoted to the traffic branch. Despite this, the man he put behind bars is now out of prison, and has vowed to make his life a misery. While this crime boss is harassing Kevin and his girlfriend, the police are contemplating reinstating Kevin to help them fight a group of bombers attempting to extort $10 million from building owners.
I will admit this film had some big shoes to fill. Unfortunately, it doesn’t quite rise to the challenge.
The film comes off as bigger, and it takes a little longer to get started, which might be why this is a longer movie. The film feels a bit bloated.
The stunts try to be bigger, heavier, and longer with a bigger budget, but in actuality, they feel like there are fewer of them or not a special, not as deifying, except for the final fight in the third act.
The film begins by bringing the audience up to speed with highlights from the first film. As there will be returning characters.
The action takes a while at the beginning between action scenes, though the fight scenes are bigger, to a degree. The film lives off of a building up to them. Unfortunately, they don’t quite measure up.
Jackie Chan sports a better wardrobe, and this time around gives the returning cast more to do even as his character ultimately feels less comedic and more serious.
Though he still maintains being the center of attention, he lets others do some of the work.
This film at least has more of a story and its crime syndicate tail. Even the more minor moves feel dangerous and impressive at times.
Cast: Jackie Chan, Brigette Lin, Maggie Cheung, Yuen Chor, Bill Tung, Chun-Yip Tong, Kwok-Hung Lam, Chi-Wing Lau, Charlie Cho, Hung-You Ham
Kevin Chan is a Hong Kong cop, who scores his first big hit by virtually single-handedly capturing and arresting a big drug- lord. Of course, the drug lord isn’t too happy about this and frames Kevin with the murder of another cop. Kevin has to clear his name, whilst keeping himself from getting killed or arrested and keeping his girlfriend from leaving him.
One of the joys of watching early Jackie Chan movies is watching him in his element. like classic silent movie, comedians. That is hard to mimic, and all managed to have their own signature style. where his appeal is all about his physicality here he does his own stunts as usual, but also manages to add into that element badass fights.
So he is dangerous, as well as silly instead of as in his leader films, more silly than dangerous. it’s an element missing from his Hollywood American movies, as the action is not as impressive in those it was more about the stunts, as he was still doing them himself, but usually paired with an up star or comedic star for a comedy, and then, even in the fight scenes, not usually working with his team the fights are stuntman looked like in a musical obvious and waiting for their turn in the spotlight and making it look obvious staged, except for THE FOREIGNER that film is totally balls to the wall, it’s not a comedy
The choreography of the fight scenes is so impressive that he even has a moment in this film to work in a moonwalk scene because it was popular at the time
Part of his fandom is the fact of how hard he works, and that he is willing to put his life and body on the line, not only to get the right shot but to entertain his audience. To impress even being a perfectionist on smaller details at times.
What is the reason this film is considered a classic is that it showcases his appeal and comedy and action and a perfect mix. funny, but the sequences and situations are enough to cause worry while being amazed at the stunts and his physical skills, physically. He truly is in control and comes into his own here. (which is why the film has many sequels.)
He has a lot of purely comedic scenes to himself to show off his comedy skills physically will say he is more impressive with a dance partner, so to speak. As when he uses props the film has weapons, but they’re never truly used. Usually, they are only as threats or for use by others by the villains.
The hand-in-hand combat, at least reminds you of classic kung fu movies, only more modern and crime rate and visual comedy.
No, he doesn’t really allow anyone else to shine in this film just join in the festivities as they are needed.
The film doesn’t offer anything new to add story though I love interest is there the film offers no love story, but pretty distractions. There are the usual cops and criminals and double-crosses.
The car chase scene through a shantytown seems to have inspired an action sequence from Director Michael Bay’s BAD BOYS 2.
One scene to show off the impression a stunt near the end has him show it three times at different angles, though then it just ends suddenly after beating up the villain.
Written by: Baltasar Kormakur and Hallgrimur Helgason
Based on the Novel By: Hallgrimur Helgason
Cinematography: Peter Steuger
Editor: Skul E. Eriksen and Sigvaldi J. Karason
Cast: Victoria Abril, Hilmir Snaer Guonason, Hanna Maria Karlsdottir, Baltasar Kormakur, Pruour Vihjalmsdottir, Olafur Dari Olafsson, Prostur Leo Gunnarsson, Eyvindur Erlandsson, Halladora Bjorn Sdottir
Will the 30-year-old, Hlynur ever move out of his mother’s apartment in Reykjavík? Social welfare keeps him passive but things change when his mother’s Spanish friend, Lola, arrives and stays through Xmas and New Year’s Eve.
Before going off to make more action-oriented Hollywood films. Director Balatasar Kormakur (2 GUNS, BEAST, EVEREST, CONTRABAND) came through with this very visual erotic coming-of-age story of late maturity and being in a love triangle with your mother.
I would like to say this film can be easily categorized, but this film is one you can never quite take too seriously. So that one minute It’s a romance then it seems like an aimless character study. Then it seems like a woe-is-me for a character we can never quite feel sorry for. So if anything we can say this film is a quirky comedy.
There isn’t much substance to the material. A kind of love and lust triangle between a son, mother, and lodger. So that it ultimately becomes a film about relationships or connections.
A lodger is a free sprint and flamenco teacher played by Victoria Abril. Whose performance full of life, charisma, vitality, grace, and spirit is what saves the film. Not to mention her obvious beauty. She truly saves the film and is the only reason to watch it. It’s what got me to watch. As when she isn’t in the film it drags. You wonder was the character written around her or was she cast perfectly and it worked out?
Only wish she was in a better film that matched her talents and made her just her own thing to admire and love about the film. Rather than the only thing.
The main character is an unlikeable selfish jerk, but he is our guide. So when he gets his comeuppance. We aren’t as upset as it is expected. The film tries to come off as a foreign Woody Allen-inspired film. Only less artistic and more aimless.
His mother finally found a relationship and forced him to grow up. The downfall of his responsibility. Though originally seemed like it might focus on a lesbian relationship. It ultimately adheres to the male gaze and sexual fantasies and actions of straight sex.
The film is pretty open-minded for its time and has a liberal openness as it offers no judgments on anyone. It ultimately becomes about a young man learning to grow and become responsible. Learn how to truly have an adult relationship. So in certain moments is a relationship comedy.
Which leads to the increasingly complicated situations he finds himself in. That proves to be his downfall and maybe his saving grace.
The film is a time waster and has some good ideas and tries to twist it so that instead of playing the victim the main character is almost a villain at times, but learns to grow up somewhat. Though none of it Is compelling enough to keep a major interest.
Written By: David Matalon, Sasha Perl-Raver and Jen D’Angelo
Story By: David Matalon and Sasha Perl-Raver
Cinematography: Judd Overton
Editor: Jeremy Cohen
Cast: Kiernan Shipka, Olivia Holt, Lochlyn Munro, Julie Bowen, Randall Park, Charlie Gillespie, Troy L. Johnson, Liana Liberto, Kelcey Mawama, Stephi Chin-Salvo
When the infamous “Sweet Sixteen Killer” returns 35 years after his first murder spree to claim another victim, 17-year-old Jamie accidentally travels back in time to 1987, determined to stop the killer before he can start.
A movie that one can easily see why there is a comparison with the film FINAL GIRLS. Both involve trying to save mothers from a killer having a serial killer who seems unstoppable and being sent into a different period of world.
Though Totally Killer has its own identity and a mystery more at its heart as well as back to the future time travel element.
This movie really makes no sense but it also doesn’t try too hard to. It’s silly and funny as well as fun. This by the end comes across as a guilty pleasure. It is a horror film but feels more like a comedic send-up of slasher films as well as time travel films with some graphic violence.
It’s simplistic but half the humor Is having a character with modern sensibilities dealing with the less politically correct attitude of the past. As well as the movie is a bit tongue-in-cheek and has a sense of humor about itself. Though staying on the ball when it comes to the story and plot. As well as characters.
Kiernan Shipka is good in the lead role being equally dramatic and comedic when need be. It’s also nice to see a film that is more diverse when it comes to casting and not making it a big deal or obvious.
Director Nahnatchka Chan’s second movie after the surprise hit ALWAYS BE MY MAYBE also brings along that film’s star and co-screenwriter Randall Park to play a small, pivotal supporting role in the film.
This plays more like a teen comedy and is a film you have to experience to get the most out of it. Talking or reading about it doesn’t do it full justice. It has the right campy attitude with enough rebelliousness and inside jokes from the culture of that era and movies.
In the end, it is a mystery that has you guessing. Though when all is revealed it doesn’t feel like it matters as much as it should.
Cast: Amir El-Masry, Vikash Bhai, Ola Orebiyi, Kwabena Ansah, Sidse Babett Knudsen, Kenneth Collard, Sanjeev Kohli, Cameron Fulton
Omar is a promising young musician. Separated from his Syrian family, he is stuck on a remote Scottish island awaiting the fate of his asylum request.
This is not going to be a movie for everybody. As the film takes its time and makes its way.
At first, it feels like a movie that is styled like a Wes Anderson film. Just as offbeat as even the trailers make it come off that way. It only stays within that deadpan style for the first act of the film.
After that, the film maintains an eye and framing similar to that style. It gets deeper and more dramatic. The film still tries to communicate with Less dialogue and stays deadpan
It finds it can say much with very few words and letting the still camera make every scene look like a painting and find beauty in the landscape. It also works almost Like a comic strip.
It also shows the absurdity of immigrant life. As they are being taught the customs of their new homeland. The lessons are condescending and humorous without the instructors fully realizing almost how insulting they are.
We get to meet and learn about all the various immigrants staying at this location and how the townsfolk react and treat them, but we mainly stay with Omar, who is usually unsmiling and quite serious.
As with many films about displacement and settling. The film offers some dry light humor and droll observations about all the cultures involved
The film is constantly surprising but does move at its own pace. Once you get on its wavelength you are appreciative of Its style and story and eventually actually manages to affect you out of nowhere but you oddly knew it was coming. Which is similar to the plight of these characters.
This is a film that seems Like it’s not doing much but is telling a strong story. That might seem individual but can be universal. It feels quirky but uses that quality to let your guard down and let it in. Then it gives you heartbreak and drama. That lies in its heart. Luckily the ending gives us hope.
Cast: Jesse Eisenberg, Alessandro Nivola, Imogen Poots, Steve Terada, David Zellner, Philip Andre Botello, Jason Burkey, Mike Brooks, CJ Rush
One night, Casey, a scrawny, bookish accountant, is beaten up for no apparent reason by a motorcycle gang. Traumatized, he sets out to ensure this doesn’t happen again. Then he stumbles across a karate school. He joins but progress is slow. Then the teacher starts to force him to be more aggressive.
This Seems more like an existential comedy of various tones that stay at a certain level no matter the emotion.
How someone can get lost in a leader, hobby, or subculture that accepts you or makes you feel confident. How martial arts can have that hold on you and what happens if you take it too seriously and corn under the influence of a charismatic leader.
The film at times is homoerotic and misogynistic. As we watch an alpha must defeat before can move forward. The film keeps changing at first inspirational leader become a kind of enemy. Who by the end epitomizes the main character’s fear.
The characters all seem to some degree lost and lonely. Where it seems martial arts gives them not only purpose but a place to belong. Not To mention a discipline to follow that they lack.
The film is an absurdist comedy that starts off in a recognizable reality but gets looser and crazier the longer it goes along.
The power of influence and what some people will do to stay in power to have that strength and feeling. As they might fail in other places. So that this is all they may have.
Not to mention what it means to be an alpha in a society that seems to want most to be beta’s through that lust and desire to be the leader and it seems to control your own destiny.
This is also a bone-dry comedy that gets outlandish but you follow it especially. As it always keeps its Composure and stays within its tone.
A very dry film that feels more like a cult novel than a natural film. As it all Comes together at first feels so distant and you want to know more about the characters.
Cast: Emilia Jones, Nicholas Braun, Geraldine Viswanathan, Isabella Rossellini, Hope Davis, Christopher Shyer, Liza Koshy, Fred Melamed, Donald Elise Watkins, Michael Gandolfini
When Margot, a college sophomore goes on a date with the older Robert, she finds that IRL Robert doesn’t live up to the Robert she has been flirting with over texts. A razor-sharp exploration of the horrors of dating.
Well, I am a big fan of the short story and the book it’s part of I was looking forward to this film, and it’s no surprise, that your pails and comparison, and is ultimately a disappointment compared to the original short story, which is more ambiguous, and might be one of the short story strength or as this film it’s hard to be ambiguous, totally and keep the audience interested and engaged not saying it’s impossibleit’s just that that quality was not expressed.
In the third act, it seems like the filmmaker and film decided to make a thriller or add thriller elements to the film kind of making all the paranoia and awkwardness she felt before come true but also since it’s based on a short story, the first half of the film is based on that actual story, and this is more where the filmmaker decided to go, maybe as a narrative choice, or to start to make the film, seem conventional, taking some sort of inspiration from the movie adaptation, wherein the third act it’s questionable but it becomes more conventional
As before this, the film seems more like an alien, awkward romance between two awkward people, one just beginning their adult and one well in the middle of it, and not seeming to have any anchors
This film, a modern generation film, that certainly could open up many conversations, especially in a battle of the sexes and dating would’ve been a bit more interesting, and a third act tries to break up the monotony of that, but feels right and wrong at the same time
As you can see, both sides of the story, though it doesn’t allow itself to get there. Some of the behavior is so extreme that you can’t truly forgive it or give the character credit.
There is a challenging and interesting movie very deep inside here. Fortunately, it just doesn’t seem to be well. Translated as the film is kind of a chore at times to sit through as you feel it length throughout.
Some scenes do work, but they’re also scenes that you look forward to and should be highlights that seem to fall short the intimate evening, for instance, is one of them.
While it tries to be moody. It also seems to decide to be one-sided and then in the end broaden up its view but onto with a few details and still Makes her justified in her beliefs.
The film delves into the paranoia and boundaries of modern dating from a woman’s perspective. Especially for a young woman who is not as seasoned making her way through the world.
Though watching it, I kept thinking how much different or even better it might have been if this was made by a director like Todd Solodnz as it has a kind of coldness to it, but then again a sense of belonging or wouldn’t have been seen differently if Geraldine Viswanathan who plays the main characters best friend, had played the main role. Would the film then explore not only different sexes but also different cultures?
Isabella Rossellini doesn’t even really need to be in this movie. As her role comes off as a cameo and maybe a star name to add to the cast for a bigger budget.
This could have been a defining movie though unfortunately it does itself in and sells itself short. As it dulls any sharpness it might have and makes the proceedings dull all around for the most part.
Written By & Based On The Graphic Novel By: Adrian Tomine
Cinematography: Santiago Gonzalez
Editor: Robert Nassau
Cast: Justin H. Min, Ally Maki, Sherry Cola, Randall Park, Jacob Batalon, Tavi Gevinson, Debby Ryan, Sonoya Mizuno, Timothy Simons
Follows a trio of young, Bay Area urbanites–Ben Tanaka, Miko Hayashi, and Alice Kim–as they navigate a range of interpersonal relationships while traversing the country in search of the ideal connection.
This film is an anti-romantic comedy that is a breath of fresh air. As it is a movie after my own heart. Adapted from a graphic novel by Adrian Tomine
The film offers a character-driven slice of life. That possesses a dry sense of humor. As it presents situations in the main character’s life. So that it feels more like a hangout movie. As we explore the character’s world, more witness his relationships.
How he complains and believes himself to be the victim always. Closing himself off from others and feelings in general. How he becomes his own worst enemy and slowly alienates others. Who actually wants to like him.
That ends up becoming a story of a kind of redemption or how a jerk finally wakes up to himself and his negative aura.
To give you an example of the main character imagine the worst film snob and magnify it as a personal outlook on most things.
The film hits home as it is a reminder of sorts for one at a younger age. One would want to believe not as bad but plenty of aspects are personality. Though he is more successful relationship-wise and has more friends around him.
The film is dark-humored like a young Asian unsuccessful Larry David. Who you don’t root for or agree with. As we watch him go through interactions and her cross over and come to a head.
The lead character is so Insufferable. Half of the entertainment is watching him fall off his high horse constantly. Especially as he starts to build any chances of hope. Then usually sabotages himself or his partners. Wake from any kind of charm ornament attention he was giving them.
This is the type of character who usually seems to be the hero of most relationship dramedies made by twenty-somethings. Whereas the world revolves around them and everyone else has the problem, not them.
Sherry Cola almost steals the whole film. Her character is reminiscent of her character in the film JOYRIDE only with more depth and sarcasm here.
It’s nice to see the film take on racial politics but not be all about it and offer Asian American characters’ points of view and let them be more diverse and full.
Story By: Jonathan Lemkin, Alfred Gough, and Miles Millar
Based On Characters Created By: Shane Black
Cinematography: Andrzej Bartkowiak
Editor: Dallas Puett, Kevin Stitt, Eric Strand and Frank J. Urioste
Cast: Mel Gibson, Danny Glover, Jet Li, Rene Russo, Joe Pesci, Chris Rock, Kim Chan, Steve Kahan, Darlene Love, Traci Wolfe, Eddy Ko, Jack Kehler, Richard Riehle, Michael Chow, Roger Yuan, Mary Ellen Trainor
With personal crises and age weighing in on them, LAPD officers Riggs and Murtaugh must contend with deadly Chinese triads that are trying to free their former leaders from prison and onto American soil.
This is the only lethal weapon movie so far that I have seen on the big screen.
While satisfyingly, it closes out the franchise with a message of familiarity. This is definitely the most formulaic and cartoonish of the series. it feels like they are just adding things to make it relevant the formula, familiar and add some flavor so that the film comes fresh
The film also represents the aging of the characters as it shows Mel Gibson‘s character Riggs to have more weaknesses, and not be as sharp and invincible as he used to be . As well as becoming a new father and having a wife, which would actually give him more weaknesses than he is used to. In fact they are so much older that half the time they have to use laser pointers to aim their guns in a target.
Chris Rock seems out of place and thrown in here as he was a hot ticket at the time and added to help with the office and put butts in seats and give it some more flair with a side story is hard to believe and just adds to a sitcom sense of discovery And off-color humor. As he is barely in any of the scenes where action takes place.
Which kind of force is Joe Pesci’s character of Leo gets out of the picture as the main comedic relief though he is still here, and in the end is a dramatic moment, though he does actually have the best chemistry with Chris Rock throughout the film
Again, like the last film, this plays more comedic than dangerous or even action oriented as again this is more of a comedy with action in it. It seems like the first half of the series was more action with comedy. This half is more comedic with action sequences.
The one addition that does make this film, memorable and come alive is Jet Li, as he is exciting as a villain, but other than his action scenes, he is left with nothing to do, though, is a good distraction, and a perfect adversary for Mel Gibson’s character (which with his gruff and viciousness in the past. You can see why fans at the time wanted him to play Wolverine if they ever made an x-men movie) and he actually wins most of the time in the fights on screen, as he truly comes across as invincible, almost like a machine with the speed of his moves Where you do wonder, how are they going to defeat this guy and with him.
I hate to say it, but he is really one of the only reasons to watch this film to see him in action. As this serves Moore as his introduction to Hollywood and a great showcase for him to star in action films, though this film managed to capture him unlike his other American or Hollywood films where he just seems so amazing vicious the only one that comes close that I can think of is unleashed, which also goes by the title Danny the dog
The comedy is just too broad and damn near almost takes over. Just as this film is definitely far from how dangerous Riggs his character was he was unpredictable and crazy. Now he’s still a little crazy yet more careful, and is showing his age. Though still manages to have a memorable chase sequence on the highway.
Just like the previous films, this film has at least one memorable action sequence, and a separate character scene that endears it and makes it can.
Though this film will certainly have a nostalgia and sentimental factor for those who are fans of the franchise and characters. As this Is their last hurrah together. Especially with the passing of directior Richard Donner.
Editor: Greg Hayden, Sabrina Plisco and David Rennie
Cast: Will Forte, Brett Gelman and Voices By: Jamie Foxx, Will Ferrell, Randall Park, Isla Fisher, Sofia Vergara, Rob Riggle, Josh Gad, Greta Lee
An abandoned dog teams up with other strays to get revenge on his former owner.
Like the similarly themed movie GOOD BOYS, which has foul-mouthed kids at its center as the source of its comedy, but at least that film had a plausible story behind its outrageousness. Here we deal with foul-mouthed animals, mostly dogs who talk.
This film is silly and just seems like a joke writer’s haven. As most of the jokes seem to revolve around poop, penis’ and foul language.
So that it seems like a film made for 13-year-olds only it is marked for adults. Who might enjoy this after a few too many, Which is similar to GOOD BOYS.
As I wish I could say this was a fully entertaining hit that doesn’t seem to happen until the second half of the film.
Don’t get me wrong the film does have its moments, but they are so far and few are in between. This seemed like it could have worked more as a skit or short film than necessarily a 90-minute feature film. That seemed to be made for pet lovers and since dog movies seem to do so well at the box office
While it’s true that major comedy stars are behind the voices. It truly only adds to the film for name recognition rather than making the film any better or more entertaining. It might just add a bit of recognizability.
The film is made to reach a certain demographic and is built more than anything off of a gimmick
Cut To The Chase 