Borg vs. McEnroe

 

 

                        Thursday night, in a midst of a movie slump, can't seem to find movie that intrigues me in some ways. I won't name names because it's really not my way in terms of being a professional, though the first film was just terrible even from the start of it, the second film I felt a little bored moreover didn't seem ready enough to tackle in ways I can't explain. Which leads to this surprisingly great Tennis movie ever made by human hands, Borg vs McEnroe. Now before you moan and complain about the fact that Shia LaBeouf is in this film, bear with me when I say that I was the same way as you. But before I get into this movie, along with recommending this for the whole world, I need to give a little history lesson behind the movie, in 1980 tennis legend Bjorn Borg was chasing his fifth Wimbledon title, though another tennis legend John McEnroe was coming up to denied him that right, but what transpired became the stuff of legends. Now, I personally knew the story of Borg vs McEnroe from watching a VHS tape called Great Sports Moments of the 80's hosted by Al Michaels, so as a non-tennis fan I knew that I might be intrigued, but yet I would be turned down of Shia LaBeouf playing McEnroe, but luckily that really didn't happen for which leads to me say yet again that this was one of the best and only good Tennis movies out there, which is ironic because the only other tennis film I can think of was that one with Kristen Dunst and Paul Bettany. Alright enough talk let's talk about TENNIS.

                        All his life Bjorn Borg (Sverrir Gudnason) wanted to do was be the best Tennis player the world has ever seen but being disciplined without emotions is an odyssey. John McEnroe (Shia LaBeouf) is a talented young star but a bit controversial when it comes to letting his emotions out. Both men different in their own unique style of training, but nearly equal when it comes to tennis. But in the 1980's Wimbledon match what happened on that final duel changed the course of tennis forever.

                        After watching this great movie I got to say that Thursday night, I felt like Kirk Gibson hitting that home run of Dennis Eckersley in Game 1 of the 1988 World Series, and when I say I don't believe what I just saw I really don't believe what I just saw, if you catch my drift. Now I honestly don't know a whole lot of tennis movies, so I don't really apologize when I say that this was the best and only good movie about Tennis, that I've personally have witnessed seeing. Director Janus Metz Pedersen does a fantastic job in blending both the accuracy of what went on in Wimbledon with a huge amount of suspense throughout the whole match, and of course I knew who won but it was really the character development moreover seeing a lot of Borg and McEnroe's backstory where I was just lost and completely forgot how it went down, and then when we get to the final match of Wimbledon I was just on the edge of my seat throughout that sequence and to be truthful it was the most well-crafted sequence I've ever seen since watching Miracle. Moreover I love the fact that we get to spend a lot of time with Borg's backstory and get to see how much discipline he was forced upon along with having to control his emotions and the actor Sverrir Gudnason really does a fantastic job playing Borg in such a way of really embodying what the Swedish legend is thinking moreover his ability on the tennis court. Stellan Skarsgard does a great job as well playing Borgs coach and real life tennis player Lennart Bergelin, moreover I thought Skarsgard did a great job playing the mentor/father like figure to Borg's life where even himself went through all the struggles that Borg is going through as a player furthermore really sitting him down and telling him to channel is emotions but to use them in every stroke or back hand when it comes to the game of tennis. Also I thought Gudnason and Skarsgard did a great job in terms of chemistry wise to really show the audience on how much they can't stand one another but deep down they really care and need each other when the game get to difficult to endure. And that's another thing I loved about the film is that the director Pedersen really explores the intensity pure dedication when it comes to being a tennis player, now I myself have never was a big fan when it comes to watching tennis but I got to say this is one of the many sports I have to give respect, for many reasons that it really takes a toll on your body at like a young age especially when you’re trying to achieve greatness and balancing the press and if we all learned from Roger Maris's time with the Yankees that mental health leads to a lot of smoking, just saying. Now the time has come when I finally discuss Shia LaBeouf's performance as John McEnroe, and to truthfully honest I really thought he did a great job embodying the role of McEnroe, for example he at least got his attitude right but all and all I really thought he did a good job in his performance wise, story wise my only complaint is we don't really get to understand why he wanted to play tennis, although we do get to see him at a young age playing tennis I just kind of want to see his whole reasons as to why he chose the sport of Tennis. All things considered, I will stand by my beliefs and say that Borg vs. McEnroe is one of the best Tennis films of all time, even though there's not a whole lot of movies about tennis out there but This film I would rank in the top ten greatest Sports films of all time. So, if you’re looking for a movie to watch I would highly recommend this to all non-Tennis fans, also the film's on Hulu so if you have a subscription the you got a free deal.

                   

March Recommendation: The Insider

 

                       

                          Given the way this year or decade is going in terms of news wise. I've been reminded of a underappreciative film by Michael Mann on what the bad mixture of business and reporting the news moreover why it never in a million years goes well, when it comes to reporting the truth. The movie I'm referring to is the Insider, based on actual events surrounding the Brown & Williamson Tobacco industry with Dr. Jeffery Wigand coming out about the dangers in the Tobacco ingredients. Amazingly this film was actually my first introduction of the names Al Pacino and Russell Crowe, though at the time I wasn't old enough to see this movie, but with cable TV like Dish Network being a thing in the late 90's Dish on Demand previews became my thing. Of course, I watched this movie whole a long time ago, but now with the way I'm viewing news today, I personally, in a sense was inspired by this movie in a way of making this my March Recommendation. For those who haven't seen the Insider the main story behind it really shows a good sense along with choices you have to make when it comes to bringing the truth to life much less having to live with the consequences in the aftermath. 

                         After being fired by B&W, Dr. Jeffery Wigand (Russell Crowe) is later feeling threatened by B&W when they coerce him into signing a more restrictive agreement with the assumption that in worry of Wigand revealing secrets of B&W. CBS producer Lowell Bergman (Al Pacino) is intrigued by Wigand because he believes he has something to say but doesn't want to reveal for many reason's due to trying to provide for his family. Both men go on in epic journey of the pair's jobs both on the line when both corporations including CBS to shut down the story, for reasons that it would bring more trouble along the way.

                         For anyone whose interest in wanting to go into journalism, this is one of the many films I would highly recommend to watch, the other is Good Night and Good Luck but this film I would say explores more aspects of being a newsperson or a living soul of business. And sure you may believe only you can deliver the truth or news worthy stories that need to be told but there'd be times when cooperate will sometime interfere with those kinds of stories or for a better example they'll screw you big time then throw the source who risked everything, next to a bus so he can be left for dead, and I personally think that a movie like this should defiantly be seen by younger generation so they know at least what they'll have to for see, in future's to come. Also, I really believe that this is a kind of film that needs to be seen, in terms of a wakeup call with all that is going on with the capital riots and the so-called rigged voting. Now all that said and done, film wise this is without a doubt one of the best movies about journalism, along with Good Night and Good luck, but what makes this film amazing is that you have great and powerful performances from Al Pacino, an up and coming talent out of Russell Crowe moreover the late great Christopher Plummer, and sure Plummer does a fantastic job playing Mike Wallace but both Al Pacino and Russell Crowe really steal the stoplight in this film, I always looked at both performances as Russell Crowe being the true hero in this film and Pacino being the lone hero who does whatever it takes to bring the story to light. Crowe does a grand job playing a man whose afraid to do the right thing despite the fact that this might destroy his own family moreover his ability to provide for them, but he still continues to go on the record because he believes it’s the right thing to do. And so, Crowe really does a great job portraying that fear and intensity throughout the entire film and personally this was in a sense the role that made him for a lifetime to be honest. Pacino on the other hand I have to rank this movie in one of his top five best performances on film, though I only look at it in ways of him not over doing it or going nuts, and keep in mind there's a lot of his performances where he's really over doing it, in terms of method acting but this is one of the many films where he does a great job helping being the one true supporter in Crowe's character also fighting his own battles with cooperate  with bringing the truth to light even if it means betraying everything he stands for as a journalist. The late great Christopher Plummer does a great job portraying Wallace throughout the film and he does it in the best way possible especially in scenes where he stands alone standing up to cooperate in one scene where they cut most of his interview. Now for the architect of the Insider, director Michael Mann. Mann is most known for his film Heat but this film alone I do say does a great job in bringing a story that was based on true events several years prior to the film’s release but also make it, in the most realistic but dramatize the film, in a good way that you'll root for both men at the end of the film. I haven't seen a whole lot of Mann's film but if I had to make a list of his best films it would defiantly be Heat, The Insider and possibly Collateral deepens because I haven't seen Collateral in a while. Yes, this film isn't really a St. Patrick's Day type movie to recommend in March, though let's be honest it’s hard to recommend great Irish film, but the bottom line is that this is a standalone film I believe needs to be seen, due to the insanity that has happened the past few months, so if you’re a fan of the news or love to blog about how fake the news is. Or you want to study journalism when you grow up then I would highly recommend sitting down and watching the Insider.

             

Solar Opposites

 

                     I'm a huge fan of Rick and Morty furthermore hearing about Justin Roiland's latest show on Hulu, I admit, I really wasn't quite sure on what to think of this show but after watching the first season I have to say that this was great entertainment moreover I think this is one of the many shows to get me through this insane asylum I call the pandemic. Now keep in mind this show is insanely dark, and I'm not afraid to admit that this is really my kind of humor along with shows like Rick and Morty, South Park and the Simpsons although I will say the Simpsons is a more dry sense of humor. But listen, I was forced in my own free will to be staying in doors to avoid people, our American Government took my sports away from me so in retrospect I shouldn't be judged when it comes to my sense of humor. So, let's talk about Solar Opposites.

                    The show centers around a group of aliens from outer space, after their planet was destroyed, they set a course for which leads them to earth. Although they decide to adopt earth as their home, doesn't stop them from being the sole problem and causing way too much chaos on the Earth.

                     Justin Roiland one of the creators of Rick and Morty is actually both a writer, an animator moreover a voice actor as well, for which explains it due to his way of providing voice for both the main characters in Rick and Morty furthermore when I heard that I said to myself that this guy is a genius if he's able to talk to himself a lot. Also, the guy attended a Junior College, so I must give that man great credit because I also attended a Junior College as well but of a different State/Town. What I like most of Roiland's comedic work is that he's more of a rambling dark sense of humor that's really doesn't make sense at all, but yet it feels funny because deep down I kind of say some of the same nonsense that really doesn't make sense either so, either way it’s nice to see a show that has your own taste in comedy. Bottom line what really makes this show amazing is that both Roiland and his co-creator Mike McMahan is that they use story elements from the past sitcoms furthermore actually admit the fact that everyone on earth doesn't really care of the fact that aliens are living amongst us which leads them throwing away all logic and doing whatever they want when it comes to storytelling. So, all jokes a side, if you’re a fan of Rick and Morty like I am then this is a show for you without a doubt, if you haven't seen Rick and Morty or Solar Opposites than I highly recommend this show for you though keep in mind that this is a dark show so be aware of what goes on in the show, but on the positive note I actually got my Dad into watching one episode of Rick and Morty so hopefully this will be a show for him as well, fingers crossed.

     

Star Wars: Squadrons

 

                              Finally got a chance to play a game of my choice. Since we're still not able to purchase a Playstation 5 for which makes me mad still. Although Star Wars games are always my go to game of choice and since we get to fly in any New Republic starfighter or Imperial fighter as well, I just must play Star Wars Squadrons and talk about it. During my entire childhood it was mostly consisting on Star Wars since the Star Wars Prequals were ruling the theaters via 1999-2005, and I personally know my mom wouldn't let me play games like God of War or Grand Theft Auto III at the time I figured I spend more time and play anything Star Wars. Even Though I still to this day have some great gaming memories from my Playstation 2 years (for which I still do ever since I bought a PS2 wireless controller for my ps2) with games like Star Wars Bounty Hunter and Star Wars Battlefront and its sequel. But I don't know what else can make you cry with tears of joy than flying your own starfighter. Although flying the Millennium Falcon would be nice but I think Battlefront 2 on the PS4 already accomplished that dream so, yeah, I got nothing as of right now so let’s talk about Squadrons.

                            Star Wars Squadrons takes place after the events of Return of the Jedi, for which follows two groups of Squadrons, Vanguard Squadron of the New Republic, and Titan Squadron of the Empire. Each of the squadron has their personal goals moreover their personal vendetta's. Although with the Galaxy on the line only one can be left standing.

                            I must admit, I was a bit uncertain on what I was going to think about playing this since its basically first person-flight simulator. But with the easy mode I have to say I had a blast playing the game from start to finish. And nag all you want I want to at least enjoy playing a video game and, I have a life of my own furthermore I get frustrated when I die every hour on the hour. So deep down if you play on hard mode, I won't judge you on how you play your game. Unlike past Star Wars games that had the flight levels especially the Star Wars Battlefront 2 games both on PS2 and PS4 versions they both are enjoyable and really fun to play, but what really makes Squadrons fun to play is that it makes you feel that you’re the cockpit of a X-Wing fighter or a Tie fighter moreover helps you get comfortable with the control panels furthermore how to take down your enemy, now I usually don't want to call favorites but really hands down I do love flying the X-Wing and TIE's for many reason's the controls panels are simple and really I'm not much for help I like to at least do stuff on my own when it comes to getting my own ship back to health the way it needs to be. The story line is okay I personally didn't think it was all great since we're creating stories during the New Republic era, I figure at least there doing something from scratch. A side from the story line I kind of wished we at least have more personality with your own character, even in the cut scenes when your just talking to your squadron and they're just sharing their point of view but yet you don't get to say anything in return, that's kind of the thing that bothers me a bit when it comes to first person shooters your character is always the silent type. All and all, I thought this was a fun Star Wars game from start to finish furthermore up there in the top four PS4 Star Wars games of all time along with Fallen Jedi Order and Battlefront 2. So, if your one of us that still doesn't have a PS5 thanks to your own government screwing up the world at least Star Wars Squadrons will keep you entertained in hopes till July or December. 

      

Locke

 

                    Having a hard time looking for a movie to watch don't want to watch another film noir type movie, don't want to reveal my March recommendation yet. So, looking through my Blu-Ray collection I try to find movies I haven't seen in quite a long time and then as luck turned out the winner in that search was no other than the movie Locke. And the best way to describe Locke is this, think of it as a one-man theatre but with the supporting cast of characters as phone calls while going on a journey in which there is no turning back. Starting the ever-talented Tom Hardy whose shows he can do everything especially when it comes to driving in a car all night moreover talking to himself.

                    Ivan Locke's (Tom Hardy) life unravels after he leaves a construction site at a critical time and drives to London to be present for the birth of a child conceived after a one-night stand.

                    First time watching the movie I wasn't at all sure what to think about it but now watching it again I have to say that this was a well-crafted way to make a movie, if your ever trying to make a movie on a tight nit budget this would be a movie to watch for inspiration. It makes sense of the fact that the film is written and directed by a man like Steven Knight whose most famous for creating Peaky Blinders and the British version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire, which really should be called Who Wants to Half Ass on the last two questions of a Millionaire Show but that title is way too long. Knight does a really good job in thinking more of a playwright and directing the film if it was his own personal one act play with only one person to carry the film, with a rare amount of actors in support of the one actor in the center of the story. It was a wise choice to acquire Tom Hardy in the solo role, he is without a doubt the most talented actor I've ever seen in movies, and I don't care what people think he was awesome as Bane in the Dark Knight Rises so SUCK IT. Speaking of superhero's Tom Holland aka Spider-Man makes a voice appearance in this movie as well I mean sure this film was made in 2013 but when I found out I was like WHAT? No way sees that right there is getting a start on good work. Now I know hands down that this isn't a movie for everyone, I can honestly tell that I wouldn't be able to recommend this film to anyone of my friends or family but if your wanting to get into film with the grasp of wanting to direct or write movie's for a living then I would highly recommend this film for inspiration, as a way of trying to find a story in your mind of making it work for budgetary reasons. 

 

                     

The Righteous Gemstones

 

                                   I don't much go for anything that consist of Danny McBride mainly because majority of his work consist of him playing the same douche/dumb ass cliché person out there, well I take it back because I did love Alien Covenant mainly since its directed by a professional director like Sir Ridley Scott. But since we're living in mad, mad world, and was given access to HBO Max furthermore his, I figured what the hell might as well make the use of it. speaking of Hellfire and Brimstone Danny McBride's latest creation The Righteous Gemstones is surprisingly pretty good considering it's about televangelist family that cares more about their personal lifestyle than others. But, is somewhat the religious Walt Disney in which builds an empire in their name, kind of Jimmy Swaggart/Walt Disney. And I usually don't say this a lot, but this is hands down McBride's best work. Now I hope I don't say that in futures to come but will just have to wait and see. 

                                 The series centers around The Gemstones led by Dr. Eli Gemstone (John Goodman) a televangelist whose created a huge empire of gospel preachers, which I'm still stating it's like Jimmy Swaggart and Walt Disney created the Gemstones, in a secret lab. After his wife dies Eli has been trying to fill that void in hopes of his children can do that, but unfortunately his kids are spoiled and downright egotistical. All that changes when Eli's oldest son is being blackmailed and a long-lost brother in law (Walter Goggins) comes into the family's lives. Though when it comes to this family what can possibly go wrong?

                                 I had to re-watch the first episode with an associate of mine and he enjoyed it, and the only reason I did this because I wasn't quite sure how to make of this. Now that I got through all the first season I must say and hopefully this will be the last time I say this personally, but this was McBride’s best work. One of the reasons why this show is intriguing to me is well, it's about horrible people who use the fame and fortune in order to be a million dollar franchise this going back to Disney Company furthermore they also proclaim themselves higher being's and yet don't look at themselves in the mirror. Moreover, I must admit it's fun to watch horrible people trying to survive in a famous lifestyle. John Goodman as always does a great job playing the religious Don Corleone of the family keeping the children at check moreover feeling lost in terms of not having his wife around and Goodman’s a St. Louis Cardinals fan so anything he does I’ll give a chance in watching, well except for Rosanne and the other spinoff shows. Both of the kids (Danny McBride, Adam Devine and Edi Patterson) do a fantastic job playing so spoiled and cruel but strangely enough you kind of relate to them for most purposes is that they both bicker and fight furthermore are immature sometimes but deep down they love each other and will always help one another out. I do have to admit I was impressed with McBride's performance aside from him creating this fascinating show, but I have to say I love the fact that he plays a man who's a bit cruel sometimes, also thinking he's better than himself, but also kind of on the dumb side to be honest because there were amusing parts in which I think he's way late with the generation furthermore being a bit way to stuck in the eighties I guess. Goggins does good work as well playing a deceitful brother in law who hold a grudge with Goodman's character, and let’s be honest the man was born in Alabama so him playing a Southern man is always his best work. What I find most impressive with the show is that there moments where you'd think oh okay they settle it all in the first episode but after end of the first episode they real do good in making you come back for more. The other thing I found to be a nice touch was the fact that each member of the Gemstone family has a come to Jesus moment and I personally thought that was a great idea because as much as I enjoy seeing the family be terrible to everyone around them I also love the fact that they actually get a good glimpse of the mirror and see what monsters they've become. Unlike Scarlet O'Hara WHOSE A STONE COLD B***H THROUGH OUT THE ENTIRE F**KING MOVIE OF GONE WITH THE WIND AND DOESN'T EVEN HAVE ONE SENSE OF REALIZATION OF WHAT A TERRIBLE PERSON SHE'S BECOME MOREOVER TOOK TWO AND A HALF HOURS OF MY LIFE. AND I WILL NEVER GET THOSE PRECIOUS HOURS BACK. Sorry I had to get that out of my system I just the thought of watching two and a half hours of Gone with the Wind and just listening to O'Hara b***h and complain just haunts me to this very day, which is why I advise you all to stay away from a terrible movie like Gone with the Wind. Okay, getting back on track, I highly recommend watching this show although there's quite of bit of men's packages throughout the show, which is why I was blinded sometimes. So, you can get through that disturbance then you'll be okay. But seriousness a side, this was a great show coming out of the mind of Danny McBride, furthermore, am looking forward to season two if it ever comes soon. And if you’re a fan of McBride's work than this will defiantly be a show for you. 

     

10 year Anniversary of Immortals

 

                            Ten years ago, the film that made Henry Cavil aka Superman, aka The Witcher a household name. That film was Immortals a Greek Mythology movie were Greek Mythos where nearly hitting the brink of destruction although this wasn't the reason why but this film at the time had some potential in a sense. I've seen this film in the theaters for which, why I went to it was, well because Cavil was reported to play Superman, so I must see this and so how does this film rank up now? Well, to be honest the film itself was not all bad but at least better than the 2010 and 1981 version of Clash of the Titans. Now don't get me wrong it does have some flaws moreover some moments where it could have been better and lastly has Stephan Dorff who consistently tries to have a career, but his talking fails miserably when opens his mouth. But on the bright side this has Mickey Rourke playing the bad guy in the movie which is convenient despite the fact that he was in the Wrestler two years prior to this film's release so obviously he brings wrestling fighting style when he takes on The Witcher. So, without further ado let’s talk and see if Immortals was as good as I or yourselves remember it.

                            The film is loosely based on Theseus (Henry Cavil) who fought the mighty Minotaur. After his mother is brutally murdered by King Hyperion (Mickey Rourke), Theseus goes on a quest that will change the very course of history when it is revealed to him that he was chosen or mentored by Zeus (Luke Evans and John Hurt who plays mortal version of Zeus). Accompanied by an Oracle (Freda Pinto) who can for see the future. Theseus leads the people of Greece to stand and protect Mount Tartarus or else Hyperion will unleash the Titans and bring Chaos upon the world.

                            Now before you call me out on this yes I know this film came out in November but since where living in a screwed up world, all thanks to the American Government I honestly don't have anything to talk about so I guess sorry but not that sorry. I got to say, I don't honestly remember my views ten years ago though honestly the film is okay-ish but there were mostly moments and visions I can't take much serious when it comes to the whole movie, plus its story as well. And I'll start with the story, the whole concept of a mad man taking revenge on the Greek Gods because his prayers weren't answered to save his family that whole concept for the antagonist I get, moreover Zeus's point of view of never interfering with mankind though he guides a demigod like Theseus to be a skilled warrior and a leader through mortal form that I get as well, but if he for saw the events of Hyperion trying to destroy mankind also the Gods themselves then why didn't he just summoned the assistance of other demigods like Hercules, Cadmus or even Perseus to help our main demigod since were telling a fantasy story why not just break a few rules and having a few demigods join forces to stop the mad man from destroying the world. For many reason's I'd rather prefer that concept than having to listen to Stephan Dorff talking, I mean holy crap there were times when I just wanted to shout at my TV "SHUT UP STEPHAN DORFF", I'm sorry but there was a time I view him as a mediocre bad guy and that was after watching Blade. I don't mind a whole lot of the Titans look per say, but the Greek Gods I do kind of have an issue because they all look like there about the same age especially when there's a scene between Zeus and Athena even though Zeus is talking to his own daughter who looks the same age as he is. I mean sure you can argue that the Greek Gods are supposed to be perfectly good looking but really you can at least make them different in a sense like at least for example have Zeus and Poseidon have at least a grow a beard for the presence that they're both brothers and they're also the origins of Olympus, Ares another great example since he's the God of War he can always have like a battle scar furthermore he also has post dramatic stress, but on the other hand Ares would also make a good antagonist as well instead of just writing a fictionalized mad King or Ares can also influence Mickey Rourke's character in mortal form as well. The other thing that I kind of feel confused nor don't understand is the whole battle sequence between the Gods and Titans is there's very few Gods taking on the Titans moreover it would of been in interesting fight if you had Hermes involved because he can use his speed to run over these Titans one by one, speaking of very few Gods they didn't have Hades involved and personally he come down and summon spirits of lost warrior's but I guess the only explanation I can think of is budgetary reasons which I don't know how that can make any sense or logic. Furthermore, this is one of those films that I believe could have been done better in terms of story and action sequences despite the fact that this film has already been made ten years ago. Now, I haven't seen the 2010 or 1981 versions of Clash of the Titans in quite a long time though I do have a unique memory of the 2010 version and I can honestly say that Immortals is a better movie than the 2010 Clash of the Titans a side of that being a very small complement because this film really has some flaws, but its honestly not all bad I just feel like it could of been made better although more appropriate version of this movie is logged in the forgotten reaches of my brain. Having watched this film for the first time in ten years, I have to admit it's really not all bad Henry Cavil isn't all bad as the protagonist in the movie Luke Evans does a good job as the King of the Gods, the story itself is decent and so is the action sequences, though in my honest opinion this film alone could of been done better. So, this film is in the one dollar bin or the five dollar bin I would recommend picking it up or just rent it on your phone or touch pad, just don't buy it for many reason's it cost fifteen dollars and to me that's expensive for a B-movie like Immortals, but if you’re not adventures I totally understand.         

February Recommendation: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

 

                                  Well its February everyone, to some it's the romantic time of the year via Valentine's Day. To the rest it's just a regular day in the month of February, for which means we don't really care about Valentine's Day because we're all single. Unfortunately, I don't know the best way to recommend a film based on February since it's mostly a romantic type month, but the good news is I'm recommending a good chick flick movie not just those dumb hallmark movies or any of Nicholas Sparks books that have been adapted to cliché like films. No this will be a real chick flick movie. And with that, I present Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, a trippy science fiction-like, romance film developed out of the mind of Charlie Kaufman writer of such films like Being John Malkovich, Adaption and Confessions of a Dangerous Mind. The film stars Jim Carrey before he becomes insane but look it's at least one of his finest acting roles since the Truman Show. Alright, enough talk so without further ado let's talk about Carrey hooking up with a blue haired Kate Winslet.

                                 Heartbroken and distraught, Joel (Jim Carrey) decides to erase memories of his ex-girlfriend Clementine (Kate Winslet) who also went through the same procedure as well. But once undergoing the treatment Joel begins to relive memories of the good times with Clementine and decides to, he doesn't want this anymore and begins to fight it. With what happens in the mind hopefully can be remembered.

                                 I have watched this movie before, but just so all of you know I had to re-watch film to be sure that this would be my recommendation for this month. And I got to say that this was one of the most complexed films I've seen to date, mainly because Charlie Kaufman stated that he really doesn't use a whole lot of CGI when it comes to his movies but some of the shots in the movie, I believe they had to, in some cases. But behind the whole complexities of making a film like this, there a real theme to be learned in life that I think everyone needs learn from, and that's basically sure we've all had those moments in life where we want to forget the person that hurt us but you can't think of always the bad stuff you always got to remember the good times you had with that person even if they didn't go the way you think. Furthermore, that's in important lesson to learn, and not even Nicholas Sparks or any dumb Hallmark movie would ever use because let's face it their films would just have the same Romeo and Juliet type cliché in which they don't learn a lesson at all. Jim Carrey has always through the course of his career proved that he can do drama and not just be a comedic actor his whole life and this film I believe this is one of his finest works since the Truman Show, and I'll say it many times if I have to he really does a fantastic job showing his emotions on screen and showing some of his comedic side especially in some of the more trippy scenes where he's trying to hid in the courses of his mind, furthermore yes the man now has lost his bonkers, but deep down some of his drama made films, he really does an exceptional job and though the man never won in Oscar for any of his roles but let’s face it the Oscars are a popularity contest so deep down, WHO CARES. I really don't have much of a whole lot to say about Kate Winslet other than this is probably the only good movie I liked her in for many reason's it has been quite a while since I've seen Titanic and if I do proceed to watch it I might have a different reaction just like Avatar so I think its best I keep it that way till I kind of feel like it. The supporting cast of character's I give huge props for are Frodo aka Elijah Wood and Tom Wilkinson for the reason that, their characters are just horrible people in this movie, for example they both take advantage for the women throughout the movie moreover while watching this I was actually thinking if there was a moment in Middle Earth were Sam walked in on Frodo banging a female hobbit (maybe Sam's girl he's been eyeing through the trilogy) and Sam was asking what's going on here Frodo says he bang her, Sam reply's "you’re supposed to talk to her not have sex with her" then Frodo reply's okay well I did talk to her, then she told me to jug this big glass of tequila/ale, and then she told me to have sex with her". And then Sam and Frodo get into a brawl, okay so I'm sorry for that thought but I just wanted to share that with you because I can moreover, I'm always by myself sometimes and weird thoughts pop in. Okay, so all seriousness a side this is one of the many films I rank as one of the best Romantic/Drama/Comedies of all time moreover Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind I'd rank in the top three of all time as well. Both Carrey and Winslet have great chemistry together, on screen the supporting cast are also fantastic as well moreover the best visual effects and directing I've ever seen in a romantic film. So to all the couples out there if you’re having a hard time finding a film to watch on Valentine's Day this would defiantly be the peacemaker, and if you’re bored moreover single like I am, this I guess would be a film to watch on a movie night but I leave that up to the single's out there. And closing Happy Valentine's Day.

 

                                          

Too Late for Tears

 

  

                                          There is rare few times I find a movie on YouTube or any streaming services that I honestly look at and just scream at the top of my lungs and say "OMG THAT WAS F**KING AMAZING", well in my random movie night picks this one was obviously the out of the park home run. Too Late for Tears, tells a simple story of how money can make you do the evillest things possible especially if it's a bag full of cash. And I myself don't seem to understand how this amazing well-crafted film isn't recognized by Turner Classic Movies, AFI or the Academy Awards, meaning this was hands down one of the many movies I consider the greatest movies of all time. Hell, I will even go so far and say that this maybe better than No Country for Old Men though I mean no disrespect to the Coen Brothers moreover I haven't seen it in quite a while. But we're going to have to leave that whole story later because now I'm going to tell you what great of a hidden find I found in Too Late for Tears.

                                     After an unknown driver throws a bag of money into a couple’s car things begin to become chaotic when the wife persists on keeping the money by any means necessary. Unfortunately, a mysterious figure shows up and tells the wife that it was his money she took. Now all hell breaks loose when a few begin to realize what the wife is planning to do with all the loose cash.

                                      I think what I love most about film noir's is that they impose a lot of psychologic elements to the story they really dive deep into what the person's drive furthermore their personal needs to survive, and what makes this great is through the course of the story you get to see some of the characters true colors, but then you also on the other hand see characters you don't know about nor no their background but then you proceed to understand who they are when your reminded a tiny bit of clue on who that person truly is. And so that's one of the many reason's as to why I love film noir is of its many surprises moreover the twists and turns they included, for which is way better pay off's than a M. Night Shyamalan movie. Lizabeth Scott does a great job in this film (now bear with me when I try not to spoil this film because I want you all to watch this) and I completely forgot the fact that she was also in another film which stared Barbra Stanwyck and Kirk Douglas, but that's for another time. Now back to this film, what I like most about Scott's performance in this film is that she first starts out as just a simple loving wife whose married to Arthur Kennedy (no not related to any of the Kennedy's, hopefully) but she begins to shed a different light when her character discovers the bag of money then slowly becomes a different person once you get to know her more, and to me that's really fascinating because one, its character development and two in on person/character slowly turning into a monster or being pushed into madness. Also, I love the idea where the beautiful/gorgeous female becomes the antagonist of the movie and I do wish they have more of that idea for modern day films like a slasher film or maybe a blackmailer type of a film because I'm a firm believer in that women can be villain's too if the story is good enough and right enough as well, just not movies like Obsessed with Beyonce and Ali Larter or, actually that's they only film I can think of so far but feel free to quote me on another film noir where the woman is the antagonist. Don Deforce I'm not quite familiar with moreover haven't seen any of his films if I remember right but him in this film does a great job as well playing the unknown stranger that comes in on the scene until the very end when we see his true purpose as to why he's involved so that's at least another good plus, I can give credit for and I apologize to anyone if I haven't seen any of his work, although I may have I just don't remember. What I'm madder at is the fact that this film has not been appreciative by anyone in the AFI list or Turner Classic Movies and I found this on YouTube for all things wrong about the world and yet I thought this was an amazing movie. But what really pisses me off, especially when it comes to the AFI is that this amazingly well-crafted movie isn't on the top 100 list but the Sixth Sense is? Though granted I haven't seen the Sixth Sense in a while but its Shyamalan, his films now are really on the crap side of things.  So, look bottom line if you’re looking for a film to watch on random movie night this is one of those movies you defiantly need to watch, this is everything I want in a Film Noir and it will keep you on the edge of your seat till the final frame.

                                    

WandaVision: First Two Episodes Review

 

                           Well, Phase Four of Marvel Cinematic Universe has commenced. And? Okay I'm not going to lie about WandaVision, I was totally lost after watching the first two episodes, meaning I don't quite understand what I was watching really. Like I guess this is some sort of traveling back to old retro TV's sitcoms with a blend of Westworld. But what bothers me is what is the point to this whole lunacy, why can't we just turn waste so much money one a pointless show that's only going be one season on Disney+, when you could simply just put this a full-fledged movie on Disney+. Although in the end I'm not going to get any of these answers, so I'm going to try and explain in the best of my abilities the idea that is WandaVision.

                               Set after the events of Avengers: Endgame. Both Wanda and Vision (Elisabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany) have somehow are trapped in a world that doesn't seem to be real. Although they don't feel something's wrong but the slowly begin to see strange things. Now in futures to come who knows what could happen.

                               And so that was my explanation on what WandaVision is so far, furthermore it was just too hard to binge watch this show because I was literally in overload mode when it came to so many questions in terms of what the hell is going on. Even I can't understand why everyone thinks this show is amazing all because they did a fantastic job with paying tribute to the past sitcoms. Which is fine I guess, but at least give me something that the world is Wanda and Vision are living in is completely fake, or at least have Kevin Feige make a cameo saying that he hates it or something. The only theory I can come up with how Vison came back from the dead, was that he's in purgatory for which explains why he's in this strange world of TV Land, and if that's the case then he must of had a terrible deal in order to be in that kind of purgatory moreover if that's what purgatory is then kill me five thousand times over. Now, if you want me to tell you if this is binge worthy? Then the answer is most certainly no, just take my advice and wait till March fifth when the finale comes out because this show will probably hurt your brain in more ways than you can possibly imagine moreover goes for me as well, because I'm going to do the same and take my time to watch one episode at a time, for many reasons I think this show was a waste of money and should of been used for movie purposes than a show for Disney+.  

January Recommendation: The Rocket-The Legend of Rocket Richard

 

                        Well it's the new year ladies and gentlemen and no the year that shall not be named will never be talked about nor ever will me mentioned about at all, so let's just leave it at that because well I don't even want to mention last year. But, hey it's a new and hopefully a better year so it's time for a monthly recommendation, and luckily since it's the beginning of NHL (Hockey Time) this month I figured what better way to start of the new year than to recommend a Hockey film that no one has pretty much ever seen in their life time well, other than the citizens of Quebec, Canada has, but I'm not quite sure if anyone else had the pleasure in seeing either. The film I'm recommending this year is called The Rocket: The Legend of Rocket Richard, and if you think Hockey is barbaric when it comes to the fighting they have, well ponder that thought when you watch a film like this when in the Original Six era (1942-67) for many reason's these guys were crazy mother f**kers, and I don't want to get into any further detail other than to say no goalies at that time were wearing any masks and none of the players were wearing any helmets, and so I'll just leave it at that. So, anyway let's talk about my January recommendation to start of the New Year.

                          The film itself is a biopic of Montreal Canadians superstar Maurice "Rocket" Richard (Roy Dupuis) who rose from the poverty levels in Quebec to becoming the French-Canadian hero in Montreal. The films start with him slowly rising to stardom in the NHL, then taking a stand to the league in recognizing French Canadian players out there.

                          Now how I found this movie I guess it was, in a strange description of fate for many reasons I kind of found this film by accident but in a good way. I was trying to create a list of the top five best Hockey films out there, and suddenly I found a trailer to this film and for some reason it peaked my interest because it has a lot to do with the blue-collar worker becoming a legendary hero in the sport of Hockey. A side from that, Richard played the game at a time were hockey players had to be tough in order to survive, give you a great example Richard's teammate Elmer Lach once had his foot slashed by an opponent’s leather skate, two severed veins were punctured and he's still playing hockey. And people doubted the Rocket especially when it came to his first and second season except for his Coach Dick Irvin who believed he was a special breed of wanting to win furthermore prove people wrong. And I personally have now knowledge of the what the tensions were like in French Canada during the World War II times but I thought the film alone was compelling on so many levels when it comes to telling the story of a Hockey player who became more of a Hero to all Quebeckers and still to this day, and this is probably my forth or maybe fifth viewing of this great film and I'm learning a lot of things every time I sit down and watch the film again. I watched a few documentaries about Maurice Richard and a lot of the historic facts actually happen in the movie as well such as my favorite moment in the film, is when the Canadians play the New York Rangers in New York, a defensemen named Bob Dill is task with trying to stop Maurice with any means necessary and the Rocket was at the point of wanting to fight Dill, but everyone including Dick Irvin was trying to stop Richard because they thought he was going to be hurt and with the whole tension expanding through the film till they meet face to face Richard his Dill with just one punch and Bob Dill goes down moreover everyone including myself was like "oh he's fine, he got this" and I thought that was amazing because I honestly didn't expect that. Roy Dupuis does a fantastic job playing the Rocket furthermore does a great job in really embodying the physical presents of the character moreover does a grand job showing so much of the emotions the real-life Richard burden himself with through his playing career and the attitude that went along with it especially when he went to score goals. Stephen McHattie whom I recognized after watching Watchmen a few years back, does a great job as well playing the real-life Dick Irvin who in a sense becomes the mentor/motivator to push the right buttons on Richard furthermore to be the best at what he can be. I should point out that this film is both a French and English speaking film, so if you don't want to watch this I completely understand, but deep down I this film alone is up there in the best of three Hockey films of all time third among Slap Shot and Miracle, furthermore I believe Maurice "Rocket" Richard's story should be told for generations of Hockey fans out there for many reason's without him we wouldn't have NHL greats like Gordie Howe, Bobby Orr, Super Mario Lemmieux or The Great One aka Wayne Gretzky. And in closing, if you’re a Hockey fan or not but do love a sports movie I would highly recommend this film to start off the New Year of 2021. And GO BLUES.           

John Wick

 

                                   I wasn't really intrigue in wanting to watch John Wick when it first came out mainly because I'm a dog person and I'm not really big in seeing dogs getting killed, so there I said it moreover sue me all you like because I'm the only normal human being out there that cried to Where the Red Fern grows, moreover had a few dogs in my life died so SUCK IT. But with some assistance and assurance that I wouldn't see the dog killing scene, I must say that this without a doubt the most amazing action film I've seen in a long time, moreover a film where they do an amazing job making the protagonist of a film a scary person you'd ever want to cross. And I'm not joking hear after seeing the second Wick film and this one as well, I now officially am never going to make fun of Keanu Reeves acting career ever again, although I don't have any interest in seeing Bill and Ted 3, but I'm still not going to make fun of the man's filmography for many reason's I've seen what he can do in the films and I'm afraid that he's going to come to my apartment and deflate my balls and feed them to his dog. Moreover, I'm just going to leave it at that.

                                   After his wife dies, super assassin, John Wick (Keanu Reeves) receives a parting gift from his wife of a small puppy so he can mourn his wife un-alone. Until a group of house raiders led by a former Russian mobster's son steals his car and kills his puppy. Wick comes out of retirement to take revenge on them setting the course of more than five moves as far as I can see.

                                   Now a side from the puppy being killed for which I believe they don't show it. This is hands down one of the smartest and yet well-crafted action movies ever created. I mean for anyone who wants to make a Batman film, this would defiantly be one of those movies to be influenced by. What I love most about this film is that they took a good time to make the character of John Wick as a scary human being like someone you don't want to meet up in a back ally, which basically him and Batman would be one of those people you would be terrified to meet basically. Although when you come to think about it, that would be amazing to have a team up movie of Batman and John Wick if we can make that happen, hell even I would picture it right now and it would be amazing, in fact I may ponder into writing a screenplay idea for that whole concept, or I guess that would be Deathstroke and Batman when you think about it. Keanu actually does a spectacular job playing a man whose both has compassion but when he is screwed over, he just becomes the destroyer of worlds like even Thanos after destroying half of the planet he finds out he killed his dog and is in sheer terror the moment Wick comes in his door, even the mobster Viggo is scared of him as well when he tells the story about Wick which is amazing, so props Reeves in making this iconic character we all know and love as of now. There's really nothing to say about the action sequences for many reasons they just speak for themselves, like the action sequences are something that just pushes your blood pressure to the max, I mean no doubt you don't need a Rockstar energy drink to watch this because you'd probably go up and down on your own couch yelling at the TV like it was a football game and then the ending you'd probably just smash your own television just for the fun of it. It's hilarious of all the female baddies they chosen Adrianne Palicki to fight Keanu Reeves and to be honest when you’re in a terrible show like Friday Night Lights yeah, you obviously need some work so at least it's sort of a good thing a side from the fact that it really doesn't go well. So, granted I haven't seen a whole lot of Keanu Reeves films but John Wick one and two along with The Matrix would defiantly be in the top three films in my viewpoint when it comes to Keanu Reeves, so if you’re looking for something epic or something to keep you up this would be a film for you.     

The Mandalorian

 

                  With the calamity that was once Episodes VII, VIII, and IX of Star Wars. I believe it's finally a nice thing to have a show like The Mandalorian that gives us a nice value and touch of the Original Trilogy of Star Wars. And yes I know that season two of the Mandalorian has pasted but I don't care because I'm officially doing a special tribute to the greatest Star Wars show that ever lived, and most importantly the only reason to subscribe to Disney+ furthermore as we all know by now is that if you’re a Star Wars fan is to get Disney+, and The Simpsons also let’s not forget the Simpsons. Now if you haven't seen The Mandalorian then shame on you because you have failed miserably at life, because this is going to be in all out, special tribute to the Mandalorian.

SEASON 1

The first season of the Mandalorian I view it as a more of a simple show, that the Execs can look at and give a green light too. On what we see in all new storyline we can expand through the course of the Star Wars universe furthermore introduce new characters and different worlds for which is what you should always do when it comes to Star Wars and thank God, we have both Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni to bring this amazing show to life. What really makes The Mandalorian amazing is that we're focusing not a Jedi, a smuggler or a Republic but more of the most underappreciative characters The Mandalorians whom one of the protagonist is a Bounty Hunter, and really that's a nice way to start a show because as a Star Wars fan myself I always loved Boba Fett (and of course Jango Fett, despite his short introduction) furthermore I was always intrigued of this character whose mysterious and yet cool at the same time. So, with introducing a whole new Mandalorian/bounty hunter I was sold on it the first time I saw the trailer. Moreover on what makes the story and show so compelling is that it’s about a Hunter who lives by a code of honor and suddenly has a change of heart when the bounty he's hunting just happens to be a child (Baby Yoda), for which brings amazing aspect of being able to see the emotions through Mando's helmet in which the voice and somewhat physical appearance of the Mandalorian Pedro Pascal did an amazing job at expressing it while not being on screen. Even the list of actors do a fantastic job as well such as Carl Weathers because let’s face it the man is great in almost everything he does a side from the many memes I've seen where he transitions to Apollo Creed, now I know I'm going to be in the minor because there so called stories about some dumb controversial tweets or rumors, but I loved Gina Carano performance as Cara Dune, I confident in pointing out that she does a fantastic job playing great with her emotions on screen and she still continues to do that throughout season 2, moreover does a great job as always incorporating some of her fighting background with some of the action sequences. Giancarlo Esposito does a fantastic job as always playing the main antagonist of the show, and if I may say he really knows how to play evil in the best way possible, although I wouldn't want to find out why because he may or may not be evil for personal reasons either way I don't want to know how he does it perfectly. I do love the variety of directors they use through the course of the episodes, a side from Favreau and Filoni, but they also use such great talents like Brice Dallas Howard (who surprisingly a great job directing, guessing God given talent coming from her dad aka Ron Howard) and Taika Waititi as well. So, in closing of season 1, in terms of comparisons I don't believe there needs to be any, because this season was supposed to be introducing Mando's world moreover introducing the very western/science fiction aspect of Star Wars that we all know and love.

SEASON 2

The second season of the Mandalorian, we get to see a much broader view of Mando and Grogu's journey and introduce ourselves some recognizable characters and some iconic characters aka BOBA FETT but will get to that portion later. What I loved most about season 2 is that we get to see a much broader father and son bond between Mando and Grogu get a more sense of danger when they continue their journey moreover feel a sense of sadness that this may be the last time, they see each other. Furthermore, I do love the bond they have for one another especially in scenes when it becomes funny as well. Now with this season I do love the fact that we get to see some recognizable character we've seen through the course of both Clone Wars and Rebels most notably Bo Katan and Ashoka Tano, for which Ashoka helps develop the essence of Mando moreover helping him be a good man also a good father figure to Grogu. And I know, that I'm clearly in the minority on this topic but I thought Rosario Dawson did a fantastic job bringing Ashoka to life moreover really embodied the likeness moreover the physicality when it comes to the fighting and emotions when talking about her past. Anyway, back to my other topic Bo Katan helps Mando show him things, he wasn't aware of his whole life moreover reveals things even his clan never told him outside of the galaxy nor any tribes of Mandalorians. Okay now I've waited long enough, LET'S TALK ABOUT HOW AWESOME BOBA FETT'S RETURN WAS AND THE FACT THAT HE'S GETTING HIS OWN SHOW AS WE ALL HOPED HE WOULD. What also makes Boba Fett's return amazing is the fact that we all know of his origins takes to the Prequals (SUCK IT HATERS), also the fact that former Star Wars actor returns to play Boba aka Temuera Morrison, although the late Jeromy Bulloch will always be the Original Boba Fett, Morrison will always be essence of Boba Fett moreover the great one liners as well and yes I'm defiantly one of those people that is looking forward to the Boba Fett show coming in twelve months from now so make sure everyone you get your calendars ready. Now I should say all the amazing things about the fact that Mark Hamill aka Luke Skywalker makes and amazing Emmy award winning cameo appearance but, ah screw it that whole fight between the Dark Troopers was just amazing on so many levels I can barely pronounce my words right, and I don't care if his appearance was CGI because one I'm not a hater and two, it made me happy in ways you can't even imagine, so once again to all overdramatic haters out there I say to you SUCK ON IT, SUCK IT LONG AND SUCK IT HARD. So once again The Mandalorian is hands down the greatest show every created in the Star Wars Universe I truly believe this is something that even George Lucas can be proud of moreover this is without a doubt the greatest space western out there so if you’re feeling bored and in the other stuff Disney+ has it's okay to go back and re-watch season's one through two. So, listen if you’re feeling you don't want to use Disney+ because you’re an adult. Well you probably have children and you have no choice but on the bright side you'll have countless Star Wars shows to binge watch on so now worries.

            So please to everyone if you’re a Star Wars Fan I would highly recommend this show, again greatest show of the twenty-first century right behind The Boys so if you’re a true Star Wars maniac like me then The Mandalorian would be a show for you. And always remember, "This is the Way". 

  

House on Haunted Hill

 

                             I remember seeing a VHS copy of House on Haunted Hill laying in my cousin’s house and at a young age I must admit that was a movie I didn't want to watch because I thought that this was scary on so many levels. Now re-watching this along with the Rifftrax commentary of the MST3K crew (Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett) I've now realized that this was a terrible movie from start to finish. Hell, even Psycho was a better scary film than this, aside from that being an understatement. I mean I get the fact that Vincent Price is famous for these cult classics but a movie like this one, has not aged well more like it was the skeleton this whole time then it just assists his own self to a suicide. Now I will go out on a limp and say that Price's best movie so far is is Laura. Although in a foreseeable future, I'll need to talk about that movie but for now let's just talk about the lameness that is House on Haunted Hill.

                            Eccentric, Millionaire Fredrick Loren, along with his fourth wife Annabelle (Carol Ohmart) invites five guests for a party at some estrange House they claim is Haunted. The catch is that whoever stays the night gets ten thousand dollars. Unfortunately, strange things happen around the house for which leads one of the guests feeling hysterical. Now remains the question will they all get out alive for stay in the house forever.

                            Now if you see a man like Vincent Price trying to scare you with spookiness about a house that's clearly not haunted, you'll know that it won't be scary at all. And yet I'm not quite sure if I can rank this as the worst movie ever because in truth, I've seen a lot of movies that were much worse than this one. In honesty my biggest gripe I would have with the movie is Rotten Tomatoes giving this a fresh 88% rating, and I'm sorry but that is something I can't accept because there was nothing scary about this film the Price was overrated moreover just so, cliché when it comes to some of the jump scares especially when he's using this weird contraption like skeleton puppet to lure his unappreciative wife into the vat of acid, and now as a grown man I'm thinking to myself, "Okay? Was this supposed to be scary because there not doing a good job in marketing the scariness more like trying to market something for a short lived tv series, or maybe that was what Price was trying to do but yet decided to make a full-length movie out of it. Okay so now I'm going to talk about this weird relationship between Price's character and Carol Ohmart because to me this is like some sort of 50 shades of Grey thing where they love each other but hate one another physically or whatever the hell that meant, and really watching them act I'm like "look so are you guys going to do each other or not". In fact, I'm almost comparing this to Crimson Peak because that movie as well is not as scary even though Loki and Jessica Chastain haven't even made any updates to the house. Okay, so let's just get down to the point because the more I'm describing the awfulness of this film the more it's not making sense and I'm getting tired just looking at this poster and realizing how I thought this movie looked creepy when it really wasn't, bottom line is that some people would look at films and say that they still live on in age. Well this was a movie that has not aged at all, it was both dumb and lame at the same time moreover if a movie like the guys at MST3K can make fun of it and also make you realize how bad it was well, that's when an atomic bomb has exploded in your brain, so if you’re looking to expand in watching any of Prices films I would highly recommend to stay away from them because you can have your own kid watch these and he/she wouldn't find these scary believe me, I have a nephew who has some scary films and I would believe he wouldn't find this scary. 

   

                                    

Wonder Woman 1984

 

                           

                          Well ladies and gentlemen I finally had the privilege to watch Wonder Woman 1984. Staring Gal Gadot in the title role with Chris Pine as her love interest. And some newcomers like, Kristen Wiig as Cheetah whom surprisingly did a good job though that's does feel weird to say despite the fact that she honestly not funny. And finally the Mandalorian himself Pedro Pascal, or as we all can say "This is the Way". Now I'll admit, watching a lot of the trailers to the film I was a bit on the weary side to it mainly because Chris Pine's return because the last I saw him he was doing a bid of suicide bombing and yet for some reason, he came back all of a sudden though thankfully director Patty Jenkins, whom also directed the last film explained how he return. But that wasn't the only question really there were a ton of questions, but Pine's return that was the biggest question. Now I do love the first Wonder Woman furthermore Gal Gadot will always be my Wonder Woman just like Christian Bale will always be my Batman. Now this film alone is a good movie, but really wasn't as great as the first movie because there were a lot of flaws through out this movie, and luckily we get to talk about those flaws in my review of Wonder Woman 1984. 

                           Set in 1984, Diana aka Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) still maintaining in keeping the piece but wishes to have the love of her life back. Although Steve Trevor (Chris Pine) mysteriously returns into her life, something strange happens when a strange stone emerges and grants the wishes of both Maxwell Lord (Pedro Pascal) and Barbara Minerva (Kristen Wiig). But Diana comes to realize that the magical stone grants the wishes but they come at a price. Now Diana must race against time to save the world from falling into chaos but is she willing to give up everything to save the entire earth from the end of all humanity. 

                            Okay now this film with out a doubt is a good movie, not as great as the first movie but it's a good movie moreover I apologize if I'm repeating myself here but I just wanted to put that out in case the dumb people call me out in saying I hated this film which I know most dumb people would do. Now that being said this film is a good movie, but there's a lot of flaws in the movie that needs to be addressed, for example it takes a long time for the movie itself to be compelling in the best way possible for many reason's the first act and beginning of the second as is some what hard to watch because really the whole trend of the eighties and Kristen Wiig's performance then the way of how Chris Pine was introduced was just to much to handle moreover I almost felt like going to the bathroom or getting a sandwich and waiting for that to pass the time but once we get to like the ending of the second and third act than things get to the compelling side of OMG. Personally, I don't think it was necessary to have this flashback at the beginning of the film where she's learning a valuable lesson from Robin Wright and Connie Nielson for which she's obviously doesn't in a sense have anything to do with the story itself, though I could be over thinking this so that's just my opinion. Kristen Wiig I sort of hate and love her performance because like the structure of the film itself its very slow but then very compelling at the middle till end, and her performance at the beginning of the film I feel like she's playing the same comedic character as always in which is annoying and I honestly felt like those guys at the beginning of her scene just wanting to leave and get out of there, but then through the midst of the second act she actually becomes a different person and is really amazing to see on screen, and like I said before its really weird to give her a complement like this because in a lot of movies she's staring in I honestly have no interest in seeing but being able to see her do an amazing job of playing the villain in the movie I got to say she actually did a great job but that was like in the midst of the second act and final act. I have no notes in Gal Gadot's performance because as always she does an amazing job as Wonder Woman so I'll just leave it at that. Oh, I almost forgot the to much of eighties trend I thought was way to much mainly because lets face it the eighties weren't as amazing in terms of clothing wise and yeah I going to have to say the clothing, just kind of like the nineties really but hey I still wouldn't mind seeing Kristen Wiig in that black dress again. Oh son of a vondruck, I forgot how Patty Jenkins did a great job in bringing the invisible jet to life (and I apologize for the spoilers), now in my years of witnessing Wonder Woman through cartoons is that you can see her from the outside and I just thought the invisible jet was pointless to have, and being able to see it the way Jenkins portrait it, I have to give her major bonus points because its even better than I have imagined it.  All said and done this film was a good film, not as great as the first one although a good example would be almost like Batman Returns where the film itself was good but not as great as the first film, and yes it does have some flaws but deep down I thought I was enjoyable to watch and at least worth seeing on HBO Max, moreover if you want to take your young daughters to see the film in theaters I would defiantly say its worth seeing in both the theaters and on HBO Max.     

Kiss of the Dragon

 

                          I see bits and pieces of Jet Li's films mainly because majority of his films our modern ones and to be brutally honest there occasionally on the meh to okay-ish side to them from like Romeo must die to that one with DMX. But when I was browsing around, furthermore found Kiss of the Dragon, I said to myself why not I'll give this a chance. Now I don't think that I would want to watch this film again, but I got to say this was admittedly entertaining in terms of the fight sequences and the most satisfying death scene to a bad guy. Granted I don't know if you’re a big fan of Jet Li's films but if you’re trying to find a film to watch and any given movie night this would probably be one of those B-movies I would recommend watching. 

                          During an operation set in Paris goes horribly wrong and a Chinese intelligence agent (Jet Li) becomes a fall guy in this set up. Now one the run the agent helps a prostitute (Bridget Fonda) whom is also in the same situation as he is to stop the crooked constable, before more blood is shed.

                           Now I'll admit the story was not that great, but I think what saves this movie is majority of the fight sequences and I got to admit Li does a great job keeping you on the edge of your seat until the final frame. Furthermore I did a little research and found that majority of the action sequences used very little in terms of wire work and CGI enhancement's, now I don't know what CGI enhancement means but I do remember watching Blade 2 and one fight sequence where there two clips that looked a bid cartoonish, so I guess that's what they’re talking about. The final climax of the film I do say was what makes the film enjoyable to watch because it really does a great job in using a lot of the wide angle camera and really pacing the fights where you get to see how Li uses is brain when it comes to strategize so a lot of using a lot of wide camera angles and less of the short camera angles instead of using way to many quick edits I got to say they did a great job. And finally I save the best for last is the great satisfaction I got when seeing a painful death a bad guy gets, and my word, I got to admit I loved the fact that Ramsey Snow gets what coming to him in Game of Thrones moreover had a boner when I watched the first season of the Punisher, though this one I have to say is up there in the to five favorite deaths by a terrible human being. So deep down, the story is mediocre for which is convenient in all action movies in the pre-2000's but I have to at least give some bonus points for the action sequences. So, if you’re having a rough week and wanting to turn your brain off, then Kiss of the Dragon would be a movie to watch when it comes to refueling your brain. 

          

Freaky

 

     

                     As much of a tremendously bad year this was, I have found my worst movie of the year, though sure this was an intriguing concept I have to say that this was without a doubt three strikes your out type film. Now we've all have seen scary slasher films we know the cliché's like never have sex, don't say you'll be right back because you'll never be back, or no booze or doing drugs. But this film has one to many horror clichés you've pretty much seen them all and personally, as a fan of certain horror films this was just really on the boring side to absolute terrible writing. And yes, I know that Vince Vaughn is in it, but to be honest I've never really was a big fan of his although I though he was entertaining in the film Hacksaw Ridge but that was it. Now ordinarily I would tell you all that you should just stay away from this movie completely and that would be the end of the conversation, but for the good of humanity I think it's best I tell you why you shouldn't pay nor rent this film because let's be honest here there's a lot of dumb people out there and as we all know dumb people do really dumb thinks just as the Adam Sandler or the every idiot who runs the U.S. Government.

                      Bullied High School student, Millie (Kathryn Newton) is attacked by an urban legend, known as the Blissfield Butcher (Vince Vaughn), although the Butcher failed to kill Millie, they both wake up now possessed in the other's bodies. Millie now possessed in the Butcher's body must seek help from her friends while learning about what happened. She comes to learn that the knife she was stabbed with was an ancient ceremonial knife and if not switched back to the right body by midnight they stay in the same body forever.

                      Now I try my best in naming some of the many reason's as to why I consider this one of the worst movies of 2020. As obvious when you've seen a lot of horror films, know all the clichés by heart furthermore know what's going to happen once the scene starts because well, I'm old enough to know that I can probably predict the future when it comes to films. Then you begin to realize that you've seen all these films moreover there's really nothing anything new about them. And to be honest it gets annoying when you watch a film like Freaky and see that the protagonist is bullied a lot and yet something like this happens to her (like switching to another man's body). I mean, horror has been around for quite some time but we as writers and directors can't do anything new or different, now if I did anything different with this movie, I would at least give our protagonist some personality at least maybe stands up to her bullies at least I mean that's something new right? Even some of the jump scares are lame as well, because as I've said before after witnessing a lot of slasher films, you already know what's going to happen. And I'm sorry but I just call that lazy writing on so many levels moreover I would at least try to at least get the audience to jump out of their chair at least. The comedy as well I didn't find funny also, especially when our protagonist is in Vince Vaughn's body make certain jokes about then man's body that even I don't want to speak out loud due to my brain hurting. Probably the one scene I found unnecessary was during the midst of the third act our protagonist (who is in Vaughn's body) admits his/her love for the boy he/she's been stalking all her life and both the boy she's and love with, and Vince Vaughn share a kiss scene. Now I don't know of any language or any that belongs in that certain country or state, but that is completely unnecessary, like it’s a forty or fifty-year-old man kissing a twenty something young man and I'm sorry but no just no I do not wish to see that every again in my life time. So listen, do yourselves a favor and please skip this film especially since it's already out now, moreover I know that you’re trying to find something new to watch this holiday but for the sake of all things humanity watch something else because if I can find something dumb but in a good way I'm okay, but unfortunately this is one of those films that's really dumb but not in the best way.