Bullet Train:
Storyline:
Five assassins aboard a fast-moving bullet train find out their missions have something in common. While the premise and execution of such a seasoned, yet innovative idea were not ideally performed, this film, at the minimum, had charisma. And what Bullet Train lacked in critical notions and professionalism, creativity saved the day to at least make this not a total and complete fail. Plain and simple, this was pretty funny and had a lot of moving pieces. With the star-studded cast and the attractive presence of Brad Pitt's protagonist, this amounts to collective, quick laughs and easy punch lines. Yet, that's all it was. There is absolutely nothing memorable or anything close to being individual. With a surplus of character introductions and too much or too little screen time spent on them, these parts collectively made it creative, but there's no control. Roles that could have been tasteful equate to major plot holes instead of originality and don't leave room to focus on any specific character or moment. Moreover, integrating multiple subplots of family and loss only heightens the feeling of this film takes voices from so many other products rather than finding its own. Although this is worth seeing and a good break from the run-of-the-mill and quickly produced films at the box office, Bullet Train is not special, nor was it as good as I wanted it to be. By having more potential than what was acted on, an arguably better trailer than film, and an ending that got too out of control to justify, this is just the yearly typical action-comedy that gets people out of the house. And while there is nothing wrong with making a forgettable, undistinguished story - as those are just as fun to watch as critically acclaimed ones - this film was worth so much more. 6/10
The BAM! rating is a newly integrated rating scale in addition to the critic rating each film gets. BAM! is simply the entertainment value that is solely based on whether or not a film is worth watching. A film can have a high BAM! rating and a low critic rating or vice versa. 6.5/10
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Blacklight:
Storyline:
Travis Block is a government operative coming to terms with his shadowy past. When he discovers a plot targeting U.S. citizens, Block finds himself in the crosshairs of the FBI director he once helped protect. Liam Neeson will be Liam Neeson and that is all that needs to be said. And while I am as guilty as any, as I continue to be disappointed, time and time again over his horrendous films, he is clearly just as done playing this role as the audience is watching him do so. Yet, nevertheless, he will continue to make these pointless films, as likewise, I will continue to watch them. That said, the level of confusion the audience is thrown into is unspeakable, to say the least. One might ask at any given point in the story, "what is even happening?" and it is a fair question - and there really isn't an answer. With randomized explosion shots, a trailer being blown up by a propane tank, and a high-speed car chase that is not in the slightest entertaining, every "monumental" moment this showcase makes no sense whatsoever. Not to mention each supporting character adds their own quirks to make them unique, but with the lack of development and screen time, it is just another subplot and plot hole that gets thrown into the mix. While it should come as no surprise this film horrendously fails, when it is apparent that even Neeson himself is over it, that should be the final indication that this filmography needs to stop. Blacklight truthfully makes no sense, is an embarrassing product of cinema to be involved in, and furthermore, is so unmemorable that I forgot the title of the film I was watching. 2/10
The BAM! rating is a newly integrated rating scale in addition to the critic rating each film gets. BAM! is simply the entertainment value that is solely based on whether or not a film is worth watching. A film can have a high BAM! rating and a low critic rating or vice versa. 2/10
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Uncharted:
Storyline:
Street-smart Nathan Drake is recruited by a seasoned treasure hunter to recover a lost fortune from 500 years ago. Uncharted is a largely unimpressive and mulled-down action flick that goes through the same stereotypical events of every other film. Constructed from ordinary commonplace ideas where it does all the things we have seen before, this film does not execute in any new way. What gets me going about this film is that I didn't like or hate it, as it wasn’t horrendous, and was actually quite average. The limited fighting choreography neither uses the full potential of the adrenaline pumping situations nor Holland’s agility. The predicted movements and unappealing victory over the bad guys does not credit the protagonist one bit, as we have no hero to rely on and no satisfying, defining moment to recognize. With no help from the stiff, uncomfortable dialogue and the chaotic voiceover narration, the lack of a collective vibe fails to distinguish this film from feeling like it’s developing toward a purpose. The pure star power of Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg included, however, are enough to keep you engaged and not check your watch, as they solely are the ones holding your attention. Their presence is intriguing enough to keep viewers engaged despite the so-so content and lackluster screenwriting, though their performances certainly won’t win any awards. Uncharted is a fun ride, but it is not groundbreaking. While this does not, in the slightest, classify as a must-see or deserve to be re-watched, at least I had a fun time watching, which I can’t say about many films recently. CLICK HERE FOR A LONGER AND MORE IN-DEPTH REVIEW I WROTE FOR THE GRCC STUDENT PUBLICATION.5/10
The BAM! rating is a newly integrated rating scale in addition to the critic rating each film gets. BAM! is simply the entertainment value that is solely based on whether or not a film is worth watching. A film can have a high BAM! rating and a low critic rating or vice versa. 6/10
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The 355:
Storyline:
When a top-secret weapon falls into mercenary hands, a wild card CIA agent joins forces with international agents. It is not the idea of this story that fails only the execution of details and the people who fill them. Trying to make this film be the "empowerment" of women in a male-dominated field, The 355 points out all the wrong attributes that would have made this impressive. Despite the overcompensation of Hollywood trying to depict the tough guy, independent persona, this plot lacks originality. Stealing aspects from just about every male and female hitman film out there, this has no voice in telling what it wants to. Jumping from character to character and exploiting the lack of development across them all, there is no one to rely on. Whether that's for the lack of progression or the failure to delegate time to more than just the conflict at stake, this is a runaround of technicalities that amount to nothing important. Not to mention the unbelievable "ah-ha" moments, these revelations are not credited to the impressive choreography or enthusiastic reactions that they were meant to be. Instead, it only furthers the non-inspirational theme of powerful hard-core women that can do anything. While this film may look the part, from attractive, well-known leads and smooth special effects, the problems are deeper than just the appealing features that would once get people's foot in the door. 4/10
The BAM! rating is a newly integrated rating scale in addition to the critic rating each film gets. BAM! is simply the entertainment value that is solely based on whether or not a film is worth watching. A film can have a high BAM! rating and a low critic rating or vice versa. 5/10
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Executive Decision:
Storyline:
When terrorists seize control of an airliner, an intelligence analyst accompanies a commando unit for a midair boarding operation. Being as cliche as it looks, there's no denying the cheesy predictability of Executive Decision, but it may pleasantly surprise those with an open mind. Although holding nothing of value, it sure is a good time. Embodying the image of quickly produced and poorly made 90s action flicks, this has its numerous and quite notable outdated moments. While these may come more as comedic relief in this day and age, the reality is that this was trying to be serious at the time. Regardless, with some hit one-liners and an engaging script, the intentions of these aspects are not as prominent in comparison to its amusing progression. Skipping the much-needed background details and having an antagonist that was everything but intimidating are truly the only downfalls to this story. Yet with all this in mind, watching a more bad than good film that's uncomplicated is sometimes all you want. With an uncommonly in-depth storyline and action that holds its own, this film is highly underestimated. Given this is not a must-see by any means, it instead can be a change of pace for fans of the genre, by being a quick, easy and diverting watch. 6/10
The BAM! rating is a newly integrated rating scale in addition to the critic rating each film gets. BAM! is simply the entertainment value that is solely based on whether or not a film is worth watching. A film can have a high BAM! rating and a low critic rating or vice versa. 6.5/10
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Edge of Tomorrow:
Storyline:
A soldier fighting aliens gets to relive the same day over and over again, the day restarting every time he dies. Given 95% of Tom Cruise films are worth watching - as I've said a million times, he just makes good stuff - Edge of Tomorrow, unsurprisingly reigns true by being a must-see. However, what this film effortlessly gets right is the essence of a rational time loop/time travel. Though done time and time again in sci-fi adaptations, only a few can find a way to make the audience believe and experience it. Never questioning intentions or trying to justify actions, there is a categorical reason for every movement, which only increases its credibility to the message and idea it implements. While I will say I am not usually a fan of overprocessed ideas in Hollywood, such as the time loop stereotype like Groundhog day, this comparatively works by not trying to re-create but co-live. Taking what aspects it needs from its inspiration and adding its much-needed impulsive and unpredictable moments, this proves itself to be more than every other film in the genre. Realistic aliens, great action, on-the-beat comedic one-liners, and satisfying relationships, this film is the epitome of a rewatchable and earns the title as one of my favorite films. 9/10
The BAM! rating is a newly integrated rating scale in addition to the critic rating each film gets. BAM! is simply the entertainment value that is solely based on whether or not a film is worth watching. A film can have a high BAM! rating and a low critic rating or vice versa. 9/10
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Red Notice:
Storyline:
In the world of international crime, an Interpol agent attempts to hunt down and capture the world's most wanted art thief. Playing muted jokes with ineffective humor as its strong suit, Red Notice subsequently looks as poorly made as it is. Bringing life to an uncomfortable feeling solely because this thinks it’s quirky and not like other comedies only intensifies that it is just like everything else. Beginning on a strained note, picking up the slack with productive humor in the second act, but painfully confining the actual important details to the final 20 minutes, there is a much-needed predominance of any aspect to even out the majority of measly ingredients. Only getting a watch because of its stars, Dwayne Johnson may show more charisma than he has in the past, but that does not mean he varied any other emotions that he has not already done averagely. Ryan Reynolds still is the only one to get a laugh from the audience, but he only does so by playing himself in just about every film. And Gal Gadot, clearly only being cast for her appearance, she held nothing of value. While this plays its cards to be more in-depth than what first meets eye, the way of telling the story was in no way satisfying or completing. Having the budget and contributions that this had fails to bring a sense that the special effects and setting could look as time-worn as this; there are too many specifics that add up to inconsistencies among it all. 4/10
The BAM! rating is a newly integrated rating scale in addition to the critic rating each film gets. BAM! is simply the entertainment value that is solely based on whether or not a film is worth watching. A film can have a high BAM! rating and a low critic rating or vice versa. 4/10
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Timeline:
Storyline:
A group of archaeologists becomes trapped in the past when they go there to retrieve a friend. Timeline is nothing close to an award-winning, notable picture nor would I classify it anything near a must-see, however, it gets quite a bad and undeserving reputation. Being incredibly well-paced among three distinct acts, this film will hold your attention until the end. Wasting a potentially innovative idea, however, is not as easily savable in terms of a critique, though. Having a genuinely creative concept, there were numerous and apparent opportunities to make more rationalized decisions and characters that were not as pointless. Forgetting that the people included needed just as much development as the implementation of the time travel, this film jumps the gun on the action and leaves the fulfilling attributes aside. Thus creating flat, unrelatable, and distant decisions by characters that have no meaning to the audience. Even being a poor time-travel adaptation, having wooden portrayals, and an overall unsatisfying finale, bad films can still be watchable without earning the status of a good bad film. For fans of the actors, director, or genre, this can easily be a diverting time passer considering its low score and flaws. 5/10
The BAM! rating is a newly integrated rating scale in addition to the critic rating each film gets. BAM! is simply the entertainment value that is solely based on whether or not a film is worth watching. A film can have a high BAM! rating and a low critic rating or vice versa. 5.5/10
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Nobody:
Storyline:
A docile family man slowly reveals his true character after his house gets burgled by two petty thieves. Though this film is connected to John Wick by subtle hints from the notable screenwriting, which can be enjoyable for the dedicated fans, Nobody, rather takes the right aspects from things in the genre (John Wick, The Equalizer) but implements them in all the wrong ways. Heavily weighing a feeling of becoming an off-brand product of powerful characters, this fails on the formula that can deliver. While I am not one to judge a film by its cover, this cast is quite unbelievable. No matter his diligence, Bob Odenkirk cannot act to create the grunge, mystery, or drive that some are born with, as you either have it or you don't, and he doesn't have it. In other words, this revenge story does not have the hostility or payback that is needed, creating a pretend-like tone. However, an undeniable nod goes to the stunt choreographer and the dedication from Odenkirk in delivering his best with what he was given. Complimented by a crisp visual picture, the editing and directing shaped an illustrative picture. Yet, the issue that arises is not the performances or actions, but the construction altogether. Never establishing a notion of fear, respect, or a dissimilar story, this dreams up a concept bigger than what it acted on. 5.5/10
The BAM! rating is a newly integrated rating scale in addition to the critic rating each film gets. BAM! is simply the entertainment value that is solely based on whether or not a film is worth watching. A film can have a high BAM! rating and a low critic rating or vice versa. 6/10
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The Harder They Fall:
Storyline:
When an outlaw discovers his enemy is being released from prison, he reunites his gang to seek revenge in this Western. From an incredibly devoted cast to an immensely distinctive score, The Harder They Fall is committed to providing a cinematic picture. Acting upon a noteworthy pace, this film is sure to keep you entertained by manufacturing a well-balanced plot. Putting a modern spin onto an old-fashioned theme constructs inclusive and significant concepts without forcing the audience to accept it. Choosing to focus on the development, monologues, and complexities of each individual instead of their sole purpose of why they're included let the audience handpick what resides with them. Implementing one of the most timely scores, there was not an unsuitable aspect. Performing each action to correspond perfectly with admirable sound simply uplifts the film. Although I am not in agreement with the feeling the opening scene produced, the final moment on screen, and the fall of a few characters, this finds a way to still please, even with me not being at peace with numerous aspects. Doing what any dynamic story should - seeing eye to eye and conflicting with the audience - the liveliness of the characters brings to life a once seemingly boring idea. 7.5/10
The BAM! rating is a newly integrated rating scale in addition to the critic rating each film gets. BAM! is simply the entertainment value that is solely based on whether or not a film is worth watching. A film can have a high BAM! rating and a low critic rating or vice versa. 8/10
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The Tourist:
Storyline:
Frank, an American tourist visiting Italy to mend a broken heart runs into Elise, a woman who deliberately crosses his path. The Tourist is the typical too quickly produced Hollywood action flick that uses famous people to make it desirable. Although it comes as quite a shock when (spoiler alert) it is poorly acted and filled with blocky dialogue, the setup for this film truthfully means nothing when it will get a watch simply from its leading stars no matter what. Considering this sets off on an intriguing note, the tone and progression act as the only aspects in the right place. Though the action may not be as entertaining or unpredictable as it was going for, it's not enough to completely lose interest in. Instead, filled with mediocre content, this gives an average, run-of-the-mill feeling. Portraying the same characters without adding the slightest bit of spice, there is nothing special this has to offer. Failing to differentiate itself, as no one or thing can stand out higher than a heavy, familiar plot, this storytelling needed to step up its comedic, action, or even romantic agenda to target any feelings. With everyone giving half their effort, this had the potential to be interesting, yet fails with its one-track mind construction -- instead of easygoing and laidback, this becomes forgetful. 4/10
The BAM! rating is a newly integrated rating scale in addition to the critic rating each film gets. BAM! is simply the entertainment value that is solely based on whether or not a film is worth watching. A film can have a high BAM! rating and a low critic rating or vice versa. 5/10
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Copshop:
Storyline:
A wily con artist devises a scheme to hide out inside a small-town police station -- an unsuspecting rookie cop finds herself caught in the crosshairs. Developing nothing short of the typical action/thriller screenplay, Copshop rather embraces its familiar feeling and adds its odd excitement to the mix. With sharp editing and a keen approach to the story at hand, this inarguably is filled with problems but is sure to thrill the audience in the meantime. Although the negatives that arise are the inconsistencies between the performances (from superb leads to unconvincing supporting roles) and quite off-putting dialogue, they amount to the imperfections this embraces. While this tries to plunge into a conflicting route within the third act, the finale saves the day from the near contradictory path. Having an anti-sophisticated perspective with a stylish presentation creates a unique experience. Diving into its own world, this controlled directional eye and creative execution turn what is normally an accustomed presentation into something tasteful. From entertaining with a groovy score to distinctive final moments on screen, this storytelling concludes a not completely perfect but unbothered film. 7.5/10
The BAM! rating is a newly integrated rating scale in addition to the critic rating each film gets. BAM! is simply the entertainment value that is solely based on whether or not a film is worth watching. A film can have a high BAM! rating and a low critic rating or vice versa. 7.5/10
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Oblivion:
Storyline:
A veteran assigned to extract Earth's remaining resources begins to question what he knows about his mission and himself. While this film flops in getting mainstream publicity like others in the genre, it doesn't disappoint the Sci-Fi or Tom Cruise fans. Given its implications vary per viewer and its sole concept is based upon an unoriginal motive, though these two conceptions generally amount to a problematic storyline, something about it clicks. Developing a world to live in without over-showing too many details, the intricacy and planning of this story are engulfing. Becoming involved in the confusion and anticipation, the motivating progression only heightens the antsy feeling that's transcribed to the audience. Among all the positives, this has its doubtful moments. Forging truthfully irrelevant characters and providing off-putting dialogue doesn't go unnoticed. Considering the sophisticated and direct score makes up for these alone though, it's more a concurrence rather than a defeating toll. However, above all else, Oblivion delivers a fresh execution with a familiar feeling. Though I say it just about every product Cruise makes, he unambiguously makes good films. From a clear depiction to a mind-bending finale, the simplicity of what's left unsaid and settled to question after the fact assembles a captivating watch through and through. 7.5/10
The BAM! rating is a newly integrated rating scale in addition to the critic rating each film gets. BAM! is simply the entertainment value that is solely based on whether or not a film is worth watching. A film can have a high BAM! rating and a low critic rating or vice versa. 7.5/10
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The Protege:
Storyline:
When the world's most skilled contract killers mentor is brutally killed, she vows revenge for the man who taught her everything she knows. Although the premise of this film is nothing new to Hollywood nor is the increasingly prominent notion to have female-driven assassin films, The Protege while raining true to those statements rather struggles with an overabundance of unnecessary moments and an underdeveloped screenplay. Becoming unorganized within its presentation of details, this film simply isn't aware of what it is doing. Implementing a terrible "blend" of drama and action, nothing integrates cohesively. Not to mention the unflattering and completely awkward romance subplot, the ill-suited characteristics showcase the mismatched construction of the story. Attracting the audience with its selected in fashion, sophisticated moments, there are times to ease the heavy progression. However, star power can't even save something that does what other films in the genre did, but worse. Trying to forge an authentic and evolutionary protagonist within a world that already has them, makes for this film to collapse throughout its screen time by not finding its voice or projection. 4.5/10
The BAM! rating is a newly integrated rating scale in addition to the critic rating each film gets. BAM! is simply the entertainment value that is solely based on whether or not a film is worth watching. A film can have a high BAM! rating and a low critic rating or vice versa. 5.5/10
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Free Guy:
Storyline:
A bank teller discovers that he's an NPC inside a brutal, open-world video game. Surprisingly, despite the looks of its cover and trailer, Free Guy's advertising doesn’t do its well-executed plot justice. Shockingly delivering upon a comedic script that's worth the laugh, this succeeds in what all Action/Comedy's dream of. Precisely proving to be in tune with itself, this film is mindful of its humor and what it personifies. Implementing a worldly under-the-radar dialogue, no matter if the exaggerated moments get the limelight, these candid additions add to its developmental theme. While, with anything, there will be the corresponding annoying values, they come more as lightening the mood. Remembering this is living within a video game, this pleases with unexpectedly genuine performances and an unfaltering purpose to even the playing field. Staying within its limits but still conducting a sentimental meaning, it’s cliche, yet satisfying. Frankly entertaining the audience in any given moment and having control over its ambitions, this persisting visually pleasing film can amaze the audience with an open mind. 7/10
The BAM! rating is a newly integrated rating scale in addition to the critic rating each film gets. BAM! is simply the entertainment value that is solely based on whether or not a film is worth watching. A film can have a high BAM! rating and a low critic rating or vice versa. 8/10
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Inception:
Storyline:
A thief who steals corporate secrets through the use of dream-sharing technology is given the inverse task of planting an idea into the mind of a C.E.O. Delivering a brilliant implementation of intricacy, Inception acts upon an outstanding plot that puts the audience in its world. With pure delicacy, this film is truly like no other. Embodying the perfect mix of complexity and comprehension, it gets better the more times it's watched. Evolving well past its screen time, this film lives to be one of the most talked-about products that still deserves it. Featuring stellar performances that symbolize the elaborateness of this plot, everything coincides. Having room for all characters, their arcs, and their importance, there is no one to overshine. Landing on the same page in every moment, this incorporates much development but feels simplistic. Organizing one of the most well-thought-out plots to be executed right, there is just about nothing this doesn't deliver. Having engrossing, believable action (with its complimentary score, of course), riveting editing, and beautiful storytelling, everything this entails is absorbing. It’s safe to say you can't go wrong with this engulfing product of cinema, whether it’s your first time or not. 8.5/10
The BAM! rating is a newly integrated rating scale in addition to the critic rating each film gets. BAM! is simply the entertainment value that is solely based on whether or not a film is worth watching. A film can have a high BAM! rating and a low critic rating or vice versa. 8.5/10
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Jungle Cruise:
Storyline:
A small riverboat takes a group of travelers through a jungle filled with dangerous supernatural animals and reptiles. Expecting nothing cinematic or made well, Jungle Cruise may be predictable, simple-minded, and unoriginal, but with the right mindset, it achieves in providing an amusing two hours. Missing out on a lost opportunity, the lack of unity comes as no surprise but is still dissatisfying. Having two plot lines that develop independently rather than cohesively, the cliche message not only fails to get across to the viewers but is a forced turnaround. Given it is presumed to have poor CGI with Disney, the unbelievable circumstances make matters more noticeable. Although made for solely entertainment value, the phony show this provides is pretty unconvincing. While there isn't much to come out nowadays, it makes things like these get thought of higher, which will change your perspective. Though this feels like nothing more than a money grab from Disney by forcing chemistry between two established stars, you still can do much worse than this. Despite its countless problems that make this feel more superficial than anything, I wouldn't declare this a must-see, but it's enjoyable considering how many cheesy and poorly done things it entails. 5.5/10
The BAM! rating is a newly integrated rating scale in addition to the critic rating each film gets. BAM! is simply the entertainment value that is solely based on whether or not a film is worth watching. A film can have a high BAM! rating and a low critic rating or vice versa. 6.5/10
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The Sum of All Fears:
Storyline:
CIA analyst Jack Ryan must stop the plans of a Neo-Nazi faction of detonating a nuclear weapon. While it's no secret I am no fan of Ben Affleck, for once, this is a role I can get behind. Providing a steady and true to character performance for the shaky plot to rely on, he and Morgan Freeman do what they can with what they're given. The uneven progression of introducing subplots exposes poor storytelling. Focusing too hard on moments that are irrelevant and skipping out on the most crucial ones emerges an all-around underdeveloped product. Not to mention the superficial romance and a minimal effort to tie it in is quite frankly more of a distraction that enhances the blocky formality. Yet, above all else, this has intriguing action and an engaging draw considering everything schematic. Being an already established character, it gets into the mindset of the lovable and familiar story to keep you on your toes. However, this is nothing special, as there are plenty of other Jack Ryan products (and films in the genre for that matter) that are better made, more in-depth, and easier to be entertained. 5.5/10
The BAM! rating is a newly integrated rating scale in addition to the critic rating each film gets. BAM! is simply the entertainment value that is solely based on whether or not a film is worth watching. A film can have a high BAM! rating and a low critic rating or vice versa. 6/10
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Unstoppable:
Storyline:
With an unmanned, half-mile-long freight train barreling toward a city, an engineer and conductor race against the clock to prevent a catastrophe. Getting off on the wrong foot, there is instantly no draw to get you to want more. Abruptly putting you into a plot with a lack of substance, Unstoppable needed more material to push it to the point of being something easy to watch. In the event of providing foreseeable characters, the flat character arcs come as no surprise, yet they're still disappointing. In turn, leading to subplots that are all over the place, the chaotic theme takes course; trying to include too many aspects overpowers what truly matters - the sole conflict. All things considered, this takes a turn for the better within the second and third acts, providing a satisfying finale. Even with being a true story (which is always an interesting concept no matter how exaggerated it may become) and being amusing from its cast, nothing can save a film that just feels like something you’ve seen before. Embodying the definition of a mediocre action thriller, there is little this film has going for it but nothing too prominent to hate - therefore being an everyday, unmemorable thing. 5/10
The BAM! rating is a newly integrated rating scale in addition to the critic rating each film gets. BAM! is simply the entertainment value that is solely based on whether or not a film is worth watching. A film can have a high BAM! rating and a low critic rating or vice versa. 5/10
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Midnight Run:
Storyline:
An accountant is chased by bounty hunters, the F.B.I., and the Mafia after jumping bail. With an incredibly fun progression and a lighthearted cast, Midnight Run is not talked about as frequently in today's films as it should. Having a fresh concept that is easy to get invested in, this is an unmatched vibe of a feel-good film. Being a confident blend of the simple old-time 80s action, this adventure is not only entertaining but genuine. Creating the apprehension that this is made to live in the moment, this is an effortless time passer that just happens to be well executed. Having a solidifying ending that is in touch with a theme that may be cliche but satisfying, makes for a convenient classic. Being worth a laugh and most definitely humorous, the comedic timing from Robert De Niro does not really get acknowledged; proving to equally have control over all genres, his comedic career is just as appreciable as his bigger dramatic roles. Showcasing the essence of not having to have everything be stellar cinema to produce a good film, this is worth the time, is certainly rewatchable, and shows what authentic chemistry can do. 7/10
The BAM! rating is a newly integrated rating scale in addition to the critic rating each film gets. BAM! is simply the entertainment value that is solely based on whether or not a film is worth watching. A film can have a high BAM! rating and a low critic rating or vice versa. 8/10
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Gunpowder Milkshake:
Storyline:
Three generations of women fight back against those who could take everything from them. Trying to front a "tough guy" female demeanor only makes this a forced and overwhelming feminist movement in all the wrong ways. Becoming a John Wick wannabe with almost everything it embodies makes this unoriginal; while unoriginality might not be a huge downfall for some, considering this is dreadfully hard to get through, it's unentertaining and timeworn. Although I appreciate the consistency of sticking to the uniform directing and editing, it was misplaced and used at the wrong times. Easily representing how films get carried away by doing too much, the overused and too artsy show this put on was nothing more than a cover-up to appear in tune with itself. Taking account of the rigid and choreographed action, having a one-dimensional protagonist comes as no surprise. Basing the story on someone who does not deserve the screen time, it's hard to empathize or get yourself involved in this distant story. In light of drawing a plot around minimal details and a lack of creativity, Gunpowder Milkshake goes wrong from the first few moments on screen. In combination with thinking it was doing something great (which is quite the opposite, actually) this is difficult to get through based on its tiring concept and poor performances. 2/10
The BAM! rating is a newly integrated rating scale in addition to the critic rating each film gets. BAM! is simply the entertainment value that is solely based on whether or not a film is worth watching. A film can have a high BAM! rating and a low critic rating or vice versa. 2/10
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The Bank Job:
Storyline:
Terry assembles his crew and begins his operation to rob a bank, but he finds that there are other agendas at play and powerful players who have designs on the vault's contents. Being good on paper with its set-in-stone plot and front runner of Jason Statham, no matter how fun true story adaptations can be, this is still faulty despite its presumptuous nature. Featuring a clever and hardworking cast to act upon the largely flat script, the good seems to cancel out the bad. With a convincing subject matter and an intuitive plot, this simply did what it was made to do. However, easily becoming foreseeable and losing its anticipation, this can become quite boring at times. Losing its flow and progression to scenes that didn't need to be included, this could have been planned more effectively. Still and all providing a charming watch that is intense and informative, The Bank Job struggles with doing the same things as others within the heist genre and not making it anything different. Falling into the pit of entertaining while you're watching, but forgettable after the fact, this is worth the watch, but nothing more, having seen much better within the genre and Statham films. 6.5/10
The BAM! rating is a newly integrated rating scale in addition to the critic rating each film gets. BAM! is simply the entertainment value that is solely based on whether or not a film is worth watching. A film can have a high BAM! rating and a low critic rating or vice versa. 7/10
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Wrath of Man:
Storyline:
Mysterious and wild-eyed, a new security guard for a cash truck surprises his co-workers when he unleashes precision skills during a heist. While you know what you're getting into with this film, as this is what Jason Statham does best, this is unexpectedly well made, has a lively progression, and puts a different spin onto the same storyline. Telling the story on a not-so-clear path that thrives off the details from each scene, the uneasy tone this develops sinks in. With the embodiment of a restless protagonist, the two coincide to construct a fearful and jittery feeling. Moreover, the quite concentrated combat and action add to the unity this film has within all its aspects. Candidly leaving nothing to the imagination, this was paired with the anticipated, but witty dialogue from Statham, creating the well-loved, revenge film. Regardless of a few filler scenes, rocky editing of the timeline, and irrelevant characters, Wrath of Man acts upon what it was made to do, stays within its limits, and creates a frankly dependable product that is sure to keep you engaged. 7/10
7/10
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The Tomorrow War:
Storyline:
Time travelers arrive from the year 2051 to deliver an urgent message: thirty years in the future, mankind is losing a global war against a deadly alien species. Delivering the expected but entertaining action from a dystopian futuristic setting, The Tomorrow War is engaging enough to watch but thinks it's bigger than what it is. Acting on the few one-liners of comedic relief, a heavenly seasoned concept, and Chris Pratt, this does what it should: amuse. Despite the critical negative ratings it's been receiving, films like these deserve a watch no matter how foreseeable they are. With intense action and quite realistic CGI, this visually keeps you on your toes. Never sparing the moment, there is always something to focus on and keep you going; however, this comes with blocky performances. Seeing better from just about everyone within this film, the shaky script isn't all to blame for the poor performances. Assuming nothing less than what this film was set up to do, this is a familiar but fresh way of doing it. Being full of action, having a genuine laugh here and there, and holding your attention, this is an adequate and acceptable action flick. 6/10
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