Change Your Image
Damien_King86
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Reviews
Half Girlfriend (2017)
A lovely and entertaining film.
I just watched this on Netflix and came here to check out more details about the film and I am extremely surprised at the low score on here. I know the story is not terribly original, but it was still a moving and enjoyable experience to watch. I particularly liked the music and the way it made you feel what the characters were experiencing even when there was no dialogue.
I would recommend this to anyone to who likes romantic comedies (with drama), and especially if they don't mind reading subtitles.
Justice League (2017)
Borrowing some Marvel Magic, Justice League is a homerun for DC.
To address the Marvel V DC issue, my perspective is that Marvel has always been consistently very good, but DC has had higher highs and lower lows (within the films and across the franchise).
Justice League is one long high, cinematically speaking.
The film has all the best hallmarks of Zack Snyder -- the cinematography, the symbolism, the action, but it's been tidied up with some of Joss Whedon's little humor moments, and although I'm not at all a Joss fanboy, I think the marriage of the two filmmakers' styles does the film...justice.
The ensemble comes together a little hastily in this story, which has been DC's main weak link until now, but considering how Warner Bros. has not allowed the series the time to flesh each character out before joining up, they newcomers (Aquaman, Flash, Cyborg) get introduced rather quickly, but it's OK because their backstories are hinted at enough to be interesting to casual filmgoers, but comic fans already know what they are about.
Steppenwolf is your typical comic movie villain -- except with Ciaran Hind's voice acting lends him a kind of stage-play gravitas that works well for the character.
A few other points: Wonder Woman continues to be a highlight of the series both visually and narratively, Snyder's Superman is ultimately badass (sorry Donner fans), Jason Momoa nails it as Aquaman, I had a hard time letting go of the CW Flash but Ezra Miller made me forget it.
To summarize, Justice League was an awesome superhero film -- one that is as good as anything Marvel has done. I only hope there will be an extended version because I suspect it would be even better than it already is.
American Gods (2017)
Creative and interesting, but political sermonizing ruins the experience.
There is much to enjoy about American Gods. It has the legacy of a near-classic novel from Neil Gaiman, a capable cast, a unique visual aesthetic, a passably good script, and Ian McShane.
Some people have taken issue with the violence and sex. I have no issue with that at all. In fact, I would have welcomed more of it.
What robbed the show of feeling timeless and intellectually sincere, however, was the near constant political messaging that saturated the experience with a relentlessness that seems somewhat malicious in hindsight. This is probably the most anti-conservative show I have ever seen, and all of its lofty artistic aspirations get left behind in its smug mission to caricaturize conservatives and their perceived viewpoints in wildly offensive and ridiculous ways.
Liberals will find much to celebrate, here, but for everyone else who is trying to escape the hysterical politicization of nearly every facet of media, it might be better simply to read the book.
It's a shame too, since there are real moments of brilliance when the writers remember to tell a universally poignant story instead of regurgitating leftist allegories.
Power Rangers (2017)
Not a brilliant reboot, but pretty good nostalgic entertainment.
I am rating this movie as an adaptation of a popular kid's show, keeping in mind the demographic and source material.
The Pros: - The actors all fit their roles well, and the acting itself is mostly solid, which makes for likable characters.
- The Power Ranger suits and Zords are pretty awesome. Somehow the designs are both modern and retro in one package.
- The original theme song is included in an epic scene of the Zords headed out to battle. Also, the music in general is really cool, especially the synth-heavy tracks.
- The rangers themselves are mostly developed characters. The "Breakfast Club" dynamic of having troubled teens befriend each other really works for this story. I dig it.
- Bonus but unimportant: both female rangers are exceptionally attractive.
The Cons: - It does take some time before the Rangers go into action, but that's not uncommon for an origin story.
- Rita Repulsa's character is not that effective. She is not villainous or interesting enough to be a compelling threat to the Rangers. Which leads me to
- Elizabeth Banks does not have the bearing of a villain. Her voice and mannerisms as Rita do not elevate the material to any degree. This character is obviously a challenge, but I think another actress would have done it better.
- The action scenes range from pretty cool to a bit iffy, especially near the end. It's not a consistent quality of action compared to Transformers (but, my god, who can compare to Michael Bay's one-note brilliance of destruction?)
- The script could use a little Marvel magic. It has a few witty moments, but it falters into triteness pretty often. Also, why does Rita use modern idioms when she is not steeped in Earth culture?
What Could Have Made It Better?
- A more mature script. Sure, there are curse words aplenty, but the actual conversations need improving, especially in the first scenes with Zordon and the rangers where Alpha 5 tries to explain how they are "teenagers", as if the obviously anthropomorphic Zordon would not realize this.
- The action and editing need improving quite a bit for a true blockbuster feel. Ironically, the old shows have some pretty dynamic editing and scenes given their resources, and that over the top feeling is part of the Power Rangers which needs to be incorporated.
Nocturnal Animals (2016)
An effective art-house thriller not destined to be a classic.
My impressions in list format:
PROS
1) The acting performances were top notch, and the roles were well cast. 2) The cinematography is especially well done. 3) The plot, and especially the sense of mystery, was compelling. I was genuinely interested in the story's progression.
CONS
1) The opening scene with the incredibly unappealing nude dancers was not welcome. I didn't find it brave or interesting as some critics have. I also think these same critics would have a huge problem with the scene if the dancers were worthy of Playboy. 2) The film, maybe intentionally, is emotionally distant. It works for the story, but it's not especially moving, but the film also isn't good enough to be haunting, either.
In summary, I think Nocturnal Animals is a very good movie, especially if you like the neo-noir style, but I don't see it attaining cult classic status in the long run -- at least not in my library.
Passengers (2016)
A decent sci-fi rental that plays it too safe.
I'm just going to list my takeaways from the movie in list format. Maybe it will be helpful to someone, maybe not.
Pros - The production is immaculate. The cinematography, set design, CGI, all of it is top notch, as expected from a movie starring two of the most popular current actors. - Although I'm not crazy about Jennifer Lawrence, and I only really like Chris Pratt as Starlord, I will go ahead and list them as a pro, since they did a good job with these characters. Michael Sheen is also welcome in any movie.
Cons - The science of the movie is a bit slinky at times, obviously to serve narrative motives. Other reviewers have detailed these inaccuracies, so I won't get into it, here. - The movie mostly leans toward a romantic drama vibe, and I personally think there should have been more of a sense of dread and danger throughout the movie, not just near the end. - Given the high profile status of the leads, the sex scenes are predictably tame and brief. Along with the lack of danger, the lack of eroticism is another way in which the movie plays it too safe. - The catharsis at the end that stems from the main moral dilemma (which I won't spoil) does not occur satisfactorily in my opinion. It didn't move me at all, and made it feel like it was never that important to begin with.
In summary, this is an entertaining, but light sci-fi romance. It feels like a 70's sci-thriller that has been thoroughly processed for a general audience. It makes a good rental, but I couldn't help but lament that it wasn't the riskier, edgier film that it wanted to be.
Bone Tomahawk (2015)
Eli Roth meets Sam Peckinpah. A new Western / Horror classic is made.
I was extremely impressed with this movie. Surprisingly, it seems to be an obscure gem even though it's a new release with an excellent cast.
I think the problem is that it's too violent and gruesome in its later half to appeal to old fashioned Western fans, but for horror fans, there's not quite enough bloody mayhem, or soon enough. So, for genre purists, it might be a hard sell.
However, if you just like a really well written movie with great characters and gut-wrenching action, this is the film for you.
There is something special about the script. It has a Tarantino vibe, but a little classier, a little more subtle. The main characters are excellent, too, and much of the film's success comes from their interactions and dynamic that comes from their differences.
This movie is the kind of magic you get when you let a talented writer and film maker do their thing. No executive meddling, no second- guessing. I will be looking forward to Zahler's next outing, for sure.
I would recommend Bone Tomahawk to just about anyone...as long as they have a strong stomach.
Sheena (1984)
The Quintessential 80s Guilty Pleasure
There is really only one reason to watch this movie, and that reason has a name: Tanya Roberts. Anyone who pretends otherwise is a lying fiend.
Anyway, Sheena is obviously in the narrative tradition of Tarzan, with a very simple, kind-of-silly-but-still-charming story about greedy rascals being thwarted by a benevolent, jungle-dwelling white person who also happens to be amazingly attractive in every way.
It mostly works. There are some funny moments sprinkled throughout the script that are well-written. The filming locations are authentic and beautiful and the animal actors and stunts are pretty convincing, especially considering how this was not a big budget production. There is only one particularly dubious special effect involving birds swarming a helicopter which throws you totally out of immersion.
Sheena's "magic" abilities taught to her by the Shaman are also a little hokey, and sort of give her the land-based version of Aquaman's powers, but hey...it basically works in the context of the story.
I was also surprised at how much agency Sheena has throughout the movie. Her principle allure may be her nude scenes and skimpy clothing, but she is still a capable heroine who needs very little to no help from her new man-friend to win the day. It was good that the writer's allowed her to be the actual heroine of the movie, instead of merely the eye candy.
Ultimately, this is a guilty pleasure, but I found it to be much more entertaining that the movie's reputation suggested, and I would not hesitate to buy a nice, blu-ray collector's edition if they will ever get around to releasing it.
Especially if it has extended waterfall bathing sequences.
Our Kind of Traitor (2016)
An ominous character-driven thriller that makes you give a damn.
I haven't read the book so I can't speak to the faithfulness of this adaption. I watched the movie with absolutely zero preconceptions.
Although this is ultimately a cloak and dagger thriller, it is really driven by the main characters, a married couple whose relationship has been badly damaged. Their cold, semi-estranged dynamic adds to the tension of the unfolding mystery surrounding them, and somehow you find yourself (Well, I found myself) wanting them to overcome whatever has injured their marriage just as much as you want them to live through the political intrigues in which they have become embroiled.
Skarskard's character, Dima, and his family, are another focal point of the story, and once again you really want them to pull through this awful situation. They aren't simply a plot device to give the antagonists something to be heroic about.
It's not often that I really care about characters in a spy movie, but I was seriously invested in these people after just a few scenes. Our Kind of Traitor may not be as exciting as the Bond franchise, but I wanted Ewan McGregor's awkward professor to succeed at thwarting these criminals far more than I ever cared about Bond's shallow endeavors. It was also an interesting dynamic to follow a married couple mending their relationship in the midst of danger, rather that watching some steel- eyed killer sleep with numerous women without any real connection.
Anyway, Bond comparisons aside, this spy film just felt authentic and personal in a way that many political thrillers do not, and it made all the difference to me.
Gods of Egypt (2016)
In the tradition of The Mummy and Van Helsing
Gods of Egypt was widely reviled for its casting choices before and after its release, and I think at least half of all bad reviews stem from that controversy.
Most other negative reviews point out the rampant CGI and "silly" story.
For my own part, yes, I do think more authentic casting would have benefited the movie. I am not politically upset by whitewashing. I just think it damages the quality of the film. Even though the setting is heavily stylized and barely historical, the single element of the movie not reliant upon Egyptian motifs is the ethnicity of the leads, and it just feels like a cynical movie executive choice that is difficult to ignore.
Just imagine a movie about Norse mythology where almost all of the actors are black or Asian. It wouldn't be politically significant. It just wouldn't feel right, and that's the weird out-of-place feeling we get while watching Gods of Egypt.
As for the CGI and story, I thought both were perfectly adequate. The movie reminds me of Stephen Sommers' Mummy and Van Helsing series, and it's just the kind of fantasy/sci-fi movie we haven't seen very often since Marvel and DC have pretty much taken over that niche with comic movies. Gods of Egypt is old fashioned adventure movie, and that simply does not appeal to everyone these days.
I gave it a 7 because I found it to be entertaining and interesting (I love mythology), but I deducted 1.5 points for the inauthentic casting, and I deducted another 1.5 points because I prefer my historical / fantasy media to be R-rated in the tradition of 300 and Spartacus, and Gods of Egypt definitely plays it too safe in the sex and violence department.