Don't Worry Darling:
Storyline:
A 1950s housewife living with her husband in a utopian experimental community begins to worry that his glamorous company could be hiding disturbing secrets. Given the unnecessary controversy and bad press this received was nothing shy of being dramatic about what ifs, Don't Worry Darling is nowhere near as horrific as it was made out to be. That said, while this is no creative cinematic masterpiece with powerful performances, as it steals too much from the genre and is filled with mundane portrayals from some of the most talented actors of our generation, it undeniably holds your attention. This holds a great concept when you put it into perspective - yet it's too hard to get there. When the audience has to dig so deep to uncover the purpose of it all, what should have been expressive throughout the entity of the story is merely investigative scrounging in the wrong ways. These "questions" don't come naturally, rather the answers arise from playing out all the other ways the film could have been done differently. And, while no one will say it, I will - this is an aimlessly driven reverse Matrix. Though I love the feeling of what-ifs and thought-provoking dead ends, the entire story didn’t come in with that speed. Each act has its separate problems - and not the problem-solving conflict problems, real issues that expose the films rushed implications and plot hole-filled writing. This story was not in unison and from the second it hits the halfway mark, the course it takes gets away from everyone on board. Even with a beautifully shot film that looks as elegant as its primely star-studded cast, that can't mask the fact that this was a weakly written story with a strong concept. Although much of this film's dismantle is credited to the unconfirmed "he said, she said" drama, it does not give any leeway to the film itself being rooted from an unimaginative idea, dictated movements from its cast, and a theme that is too big for itself to explain. 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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X:
Storyline:
In 1979, a group of young filmmakers set out to make an adult film in rural Texas, but their elderly hosts catch them in the act. I give a nod to the elements that were visually presented, as there was an effortless vibe of feeling uneasy. The gripping pulse of the unknown was shown through various still shots, unique editing and creative angles to construct an antsy and edge of your seat vibe. Yet, these are the only cinematic elements that are appreciable. Past these materialistic characteristics, this wasn’t necessarily the most enjoyable thing to watch, as this quickly and boringly fails to continue this unspoken intent. About 30 minutes in is where this lost its hook on the audience. Instead of being resourceful, by applying all the mysterious and typical elements of the genre it utilized in the beginning, it decided to take a turn toward the overly unrealistic extravaganza of getting ahead of itself - thus leading to an empty feeling during the climax from a disoriented watcher. X might have started off strong with its cinematic elements, but with a script that does not suit its storytelling, it's merely just a blah film. And what comes with this wholly forgettable film is yet another way-too-familiar and unimpressive product of today's “horror” world that all seem to stack up into a countless pile. CLICK HERE FOR A LONGER AND MORE IN-DEPTH REVIEW I WROTE FOR THE GRCC STUDENT PUBLICATION5/10
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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The Adam Project:
Storyline:
A time-traveling pilot teams up with his younger self and his late father to come to terms with his past while saving the future. Netflix’s latest release, The Adam Project” attempts a half sci-fi/half tearjerker plotline and actually succeeds in doing so. Whether it is the era of Ryan Reynolds getting legitimate about the parts he takes on, a familiar concept finally executed right, or the coincidental click between the two, to tell the truth, this film is pretty good. What this film gets right is the balance between the realism and suspension of disbelief. While some aspects within this film genuinely make sense, with logical evidence that require critical thinking, the rest don’t easily fall into this category - and that’s completely okay. It's up close and personal action and special effects that stay in its lane, these aspects don’t go above and beyond, but are compelling nevertheless. Acting on both a convincing and hard hitting level, the matter-of-fact fighting and choreography never miss a beat. There may be a few things to negatively notice, such as: an unnecessary amount of famous people filling small roles, a few lines of dialogue that are painfully awkward, and an antagonist that is too easily predictable. Even with a generic concept and idealisms that we have already seen before, this cast, crew, and storytelling just simply works despite and including its faults. This may get people's foot in the door initially by its goofy nature - and it doesn’t disappoint in that area - it rather makes them stay by its surprising dedication to a well thought out plot, heartwarming theme, and of course, it’s witty humor. 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. 7.5/10
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Fresh:
Storyline:
The horrors of modern dating are seen through one young woman's defiant battle to survive her new boyfriend's unusual appetites. Given there are so many things like the premise of this film, while this is largely more bad than good, there are still elements that change the pace from the everyday watch. Obtaining the original vibe of a B-movie, quirky interactions, and unique characters, Fresh initially does not feel like a good film but grows on you after the fact. Though it is not a common queue to have the title card come 30 minutes in, the unspoken tone this creates makes the story feel even more like a real and random interaction than it is a motion picture. But the thing is this struggles with the balance between the satirical energy of making fun of serious plots such as this and the distinctive dramatic hand of living within this world. Going off that, the performances don’t feel as impactful because of the odd film they fill. Yet, with the afterthought of these causes and retrospect of interactions, they acted how you would expect any person to act in an unpredictable moment. That said, the overembellished climax and finale were too hard to wrap your head around and disvalues the unrepeatable feeling this had going for it. The more thought that goes into this film the odder it becomes as all the interactive aspects are arm in arm with the diminishing ones. While fans of the genre or either lead can find a way to enjoy this a little more than the everyday watcher, it's easier to classify this as an average production than to try and figure out why everything was presented the way it was. From the forgotten supporting character arcs to questioning how creative characteristics can be so closely related to the predictable ones, this at least has peculiar dance numbers that keep you on your toes within an unknown mystery. 6/10
6/10
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Moonfall:
Storyline:
A mysterious force knocks the moon from its orbit around Earth and sends it hurtling on a collision course with life as we know it. Moonfall keeps the audience laughing during the hard times, but not because it's trying to be funny, as this is not a comedy. Failing to achieve the level of realism and believability of this enemy-driven plot, this doesn't create a world to live in. Thus developing into a painfully embarrassing product to sit through and situations that logically don't add up. The fact of the matter is not that this is a bad film (even though it is) rather it's presenting itself like it is a delicate masterpiece. Through overly dramatic monologues and extremely overpowering sentimental music at any given chance, this plays its cards to hit a tender spot in the hearts of the audience. And you guessed it, the opposite happens. With the hurried "development" of the premise, the rest that follows focuses on redundant details. Therefore, the resolution has zero effect since there was no time given to the aspects that would have been the ones to connect with. Not even touching on the immense amount of supporting characters, all who were given more screen time than needed, they were left in the dust with no ifs, ands, or buts. While the visuals were mesmerizing and depicted a graceful image, the subject matter that fills this picture lets it down. This film is in dire need of being self-aware with active screenwriting, which all roots from lazy production and storytelling. 4/10
4/10
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Passengers:
Storyline:
A malfunction in a sleeping pod on a spacecraft traveling to a distant colony planet wakes one passenger 90 years early. Although not as well-rated by critics and fans alike, Passengers is a breath of fresh air in the genre of space and time travel. Though with anything, the good things come with the bad, for what it's worth, it does just fine. The premise of really any space film is the same thing with a detailed change. While this reigns true, it rather doesn't hide the fact it's similar but tries to do something intuitive with its time. Developing a creative twist and lively protagonists sets itself up for promise and it doesn't go above and beyond. Given the progression gets out of hand between the climax and the final act, the sensibility of said actions is harder to justify further into the film. However, it doesn't affect the feeling the film delivers, as it never feels realistic to a certain extent. Instead, you are living in an easy-going world where the characters support the somewhat out-there idea to make you question just enough if it could actually happen. 7/10
7/10
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Looper:
Storyline:
In 2074, when the mob wants to get rid of someone, the target is sent into the past, where a hired gun awaits. With quite a bright and quick-witted concept, this self-regulated plot not only thrives from good storytelling but is a sensible idea. Feeling (for the most part) as rationalized as a time-travel/future version of oneself can be, Looper is a complex idea that doesn't feel made-up in the slightest. Coming as no surprise from Rian Johnson, as his distinct style and delivery of seemingly plain details transforms this screenplay, the presentation is what makes this descriptive. While being able to transfer a feeling from just images, both the silence and the script equally provide a meaningful adaptation. Taking a step back, some implications get away from the common goal at hand. Given the finale and climax are utterly satisfying and in fact, quite different from how others in the genre would handle such a conflict, this plays on the border of being full sci-fi or half-done. Throwing in certain key points that dive deep into the genre, when paired with other situations that don't align with the implications, science, and concepts, they simply discourage the proven-to-be real world this had once developed. 7.5/10
8/10
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Nightmare Alley:
Storyline:
An ambitious carny with a talent for manipulating people hooks up with a female psychiatrist who is even more dangerous than he is. Although not at all what I was expecting - which perhaps is the reason this feels more like a serendipitous discovery than just a new film - this film is in the shadows of other popular movies at the box office right now. In turn, this powerful screenplay filled with regret and anguish is unseen, but not because it's undeserving. Presenting itself as three equal and balanced parts, each act is arguably its own story. Compelling the audience from the start, the silence begins on a story of torment that categorically fills in the missing details piece by piece. With every moment having a reason, this is as well-planned as it is insightful. Anticipating nothing besides the clear, depictive images from Guillermo del Toro, though complemented by a talented cast, he shapes the thoughts of the viewers with every impression. Simply creating a cinematic picture, there is depth and meaning behind each movement, line, and distinct portion of the plot. While this gets a little too in its head by leading all up to a quite dim-witted climax (only because the rest of the film was ever-so-complex), it doesn't make it any less impactful, rather harder to justify the decisions of each character. Feeling connected, on-edge, and as unstable as the rise and fall of the protagonist, the full-circle final moments on screen make up for the few faulty aspects. Though a long and quite exuding watch, this is a creative, illustrative, and unique story, between its directing, lighting, and performances. 7.5/10
7.5/10
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Last Night In Soho:
Storyline:
An aspiring fashion designer is mysteriously able to enter the 1960s where she encounters a dazzling wannabe singer. Coming as no surprise, Edgar Wright delivers a stylish, determined, and creative thriller. Never failing to keep the audience guessing, Last Night In Soho puts an unfamiliar twist to a familiar concept. With a moving pace and attractive visuals, there is not an opportunity to lose the attention of the audience. Always adding an aspect to question and tension from an uneasy protagonist, the journey feels first hand. From a thought-provoking objective to a characterizing soundtrack, this thrives in leaving something to please every watcher. Convincing and utterly devoted performances go hand in hand with intuitive choreography. Developing a seamless transition between past and present without a doubt relies on the ambitions of the editing, yet it only clicks because of the chemistry among the cast. The finale, though, comes as the only action that was off-center. Choosing to not go down the dark and grim path it was leading to, feels like Wright played it safe. Answering the questions that were lingering and defining a more upbeat resolution, this is not as persisting as I wish it was. 7.5/10
7.5/10
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Seventh Son:
Storyline:
When Mother Malkin, the queen of evil witches escapes prison, professional monster hunter Spook recruits young Tom, the seventh son of the seventh son, to help him. When films are so poorly done, especially with big-ticket additions within, it certainly questions how it got made. Profoundly creating nothing of value, Seventh Son is all over the map, upon being painfully treacherous to get through. Its hard to critique the plotline when there is nothing to go off. Beginning upon highlighting a seemingly drastic and chilling protagonist, the effect was opposing. Rather, in defining an ordinary and familiar turn of events, the actions that follow are nothing that hasn't been done before and going without saying, in much cooler ways. The performances, to put lightly, are frightening. Feeling as though no one cared what happened, without a fragment of effort, the deprivation of any chemistry or inflection makes it clear there was no attempt to make an impact. Given this is half credited toward unfortunate writing on a whole, this is a two-way street. Not to mention the unknown purpose or even sentiment of the title, having more indeterminate characters, motivations, and plot holes than anything stationary, this film is in utter deserving of its dreadful convictions. 2/10
2/10
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Dune:
Storyline:
The son of a noble family is entrusted with the protection of the most valuable asset and most vital element in the galaxy. If one can understand the importance of patience to build this intricate world, this may not seem as long as it is. Although in full deserving of its extreme screen time, the development rather better suits to the dedication of a multi-part series instead of multiple films. As this is missing it second half, it takes away from the prestige that was in its potential. The cinematography goes unsaid with its utter beauty. Gracefully depicting a coherent and defined image, the feeling precisely transfers into the audience. Acting side by side with intuitive and sharp directing, this storytelling takes all the right pieces from aspects within the genre to make it its own. That said, the number of characters incorporated may serve a purpose to the story but are overloaded. Adding in more stars and character additions than what the viewer can handle, on top of the confusing subject matter, this needed to consolidate who's inside the story for the story to pave the way. The unconditional and articulate performance from Timothee Chalamet, however, is independent. While it is unfair to give a definite rating without its unmade counterpart, Dune comparatively loses its momentum by not giving its all until the last moment. Accurately creating astonishing anticipation throughout it all, the finale does not leave the audience begging for more, as the rest of the film had done effortlessly. 7.5/10
7.5/10
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Stardust:
Storyline:
In a countryside town bordering on a magical land, a young man makes a promise to his beloved that he'll retrieve a fallen star by venturing into the magical realm. Despite its best efforts to hook the audience, this shaky opening wavers this film's integrity for what follows. However, for the ones who continue their journey, Stardust finds a way to please anyone who may be watching. Skillfully constructing a romance, meaningful theme, and corny humor all into one, even without having everything organized, this can be heartfelt if you let it. Given this has its childish moments, the majority of this screentime earns its mature viewers' attention. From subtle hints to thorough dialogue, though this deserved a longer runtime or a reevaluation of its priorities, it gets the job done in providing a purpose. Despite the predisposition that comes with a wholesome and mild family film such as this, it's expected and embraced. The conscious awareness for the tone and everlasting finale this brings may be predictably familiar, yet quickly accepted by the audience -- plus, not everything has to be an award deserving nor well-accepted product to be worth your time. 5/10
7/10
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Reminiscence:
Storyline:
A private investigator of the mind navigates the alluring world of the past; his life is changed by a new client once she disappears. Having a shaky deliverance of details in the first few moments on-screen sets in motion a film with a lack of context. With not an ounce of originality, this not only feels like something you've seen before but thinking it's bigger than it is creates more holes than praises. Set in an alternate futuristic world, this steals too many aspects from other notable films in the genre to be unique. Repeating the same phrases and situations to develop a message, there is no anticipation to make it something to look forward to. Presenting half-hearted moments in all the wrong times, this tries to be mysterious but is nothing but familiar themes. Failing to have a voice within it all embarks down a confusing road rather than sealing-the-deal with a satisfying conclusion. Paired with performances that have a lack of effort (many of whom you'd expect much more from), this is hard to get through and is a waste of a few hours -- though even with a jumbled and unmatched vibe throughout the entire film, Reminiscence isn’t even entertaining above all else. 3/10
3/10
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Shutter Island:
Storyline:
In 1954, a U.S. Marshal investigates the disappearance of a murderer who escaped from a hospital for the criminally insane. Being the essence of cinema, Shutter Island acts upon a fascinating concept that coincides with an unguessable twist. Arguably being one of Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese's best products alike, while this is talked about in high regard, it rather isn't praised as the unequivocal and striking product it is. Delivering on the purely anxious and troubled tone, this progression moves effortlessly. Digging deep into the fear and uneasy feeling that is transcribed into the audience, the beauty lies in its simplicity. Not going overboard with gaudy implications and taking its time to showcase the answers that are apparent the entire time, this may be thought-provoking, but takes more than one watch to fully understand. Acting upon a gripping sense of reality that holds meanings that are carried out in the real world, it's hard to differentiate the truths within this story. From a captivating lead performance to complementary storytelling, this unmistakably carries out a stimulating watch with a pronounced voice. Assuredly worth the watch, this isn't quite what you think, but is sure to amaze with patience and talent. 8.5/10
8.5/10
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Old:
Storyline:
A family discovers that the secluded beach where they are staying is somehow causing them to age rapidly reducing their entire lives into a single day. While this is an incredibly intuitive concept that features a fun and different idea, that is just about the only thing it has going for it. Poorly acting on the execution of this plot, the twists weren't anything fulfilling and feel more like a film M. Night Shyamalan made to stay in the limelight than anything that he took his time with. Yet the uncomfortable and unfitting performances shine through, as everyone had their take on aging, which makes the characters clash. Becoming wildly incohesive with everyone not being on the same plane questions the storyline and its integrity of being mysterious. With no emotions correlating from actor to actor and from scene to scene, the nonexistent pace distinguishes itself. Given it's no surprise with Shyamalan's style, where he chooses what he shows, it normally wouldn't be an issue because it's tasteful enough to get you through the film. However, he highlighted the unsatisfying moments and left the satisfying ones to inference -- falling short with no details and providing an empty feeling, there needed to be more to make this meaningful. 5/10
5/10
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Sleeping with the Enemy:
Storyline:
A woman fakes her death to escape her abusive husband, but she can't hide forever when he learns she's alive. Despite an overly cliched plot with a lack of originality, this is averagely entertaining for what it's worth. Beginning with a concept that is as overused as it is predictable, there's not much room for a fresh or daring turn of events to occur. Considering the nature of films such as these, the novelty of an abusive relationship film is a rarity. That being said, the cheesy and almost embarrassing scenes included take a break from the foreseeable construction. Having the fair share of hopeless romantic details, dumb one-liners, and expected 90s montages, this has its common, but enjoyable moments. Even with an extremely anti-climatic and unsatisfying finale, Sleeping with the Enemy is without a doubt a bland and not exciting 90s thriller, but can find a way to be a decent entertaining watch considering its flaws. 5/10
6/10
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Christine:
Storyline:
A nerdy kid buys a car that has an evil mind of its own and his nature starts to reflect it. Given the fact this is extremely outdated and did not age well, while I can't speak for how it was when it originally came out, I can safely say it is nothing prominent in today's standards, as this is conventional and unoriginal. Being excessively cheesy, the dialogue was constructed with no logic. Not to mention the awful portrayals with zero emotion from anyone involved, the frontrunners for the story we're doing nothing to help the progression. Regardless of the time it was made, there is no hiding the almost laughable dull performances this featured. Additionally, the special effects, for the time, were interesting. Doing the most with what they had, the situations were made to feel as real as can be despite the large time delays and continuity issues that came between scenes. Nevertheless, this was not even close to being scary. With no elements of suspense besides the never-ending, uncontrolled music, Christine has an idea that could become interesting if it were implemented correctly. Being made to be taken seriously, not for comedic relief, more times than not you'll be checking the time and laughing at things that were not supposed to be funny. 5/10
5/10
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The Shining:
Storyline:
Jack becomes the winter caretaker for a hotel in Colorado, joined by his wife, Wendy, and his son, Danny. This film needs to be seen by all at least some point in their lives, despite the minor issues I might have with it. Between the utterly remarkable lead performance from Jack Nicholson and editing that creates an unsettling feeling, The Shining has its aspects that live up to the hype. However, considering this, the "fear" this creates is nothing that will keep you up at night. While this undoubtedly makes you uncomfortable and develops anticipation that only gets stronger throughout its runtime, the psychological thriller this titles itself as is hard to grasp as something rational. Though it's completely entertaining and antsy, it's clear it's make-believe. Yet, words can't describe the profoundly dedicated protagonist. Truthfully one of the most remarkable portrayals within film, Nicholson single-handedly makes the film what it is. With him alone, he develops a phenomenal, eye-catching product that is not easy to achieve. Being considerably well-loved, it's for good reason. While this is extraordinarily cinematic, not even close to being outdated, and overly unique, this also is not the scariest film - rather an eerie drama with exceptional aspects that make it memorable. 8.5/10
8.5/10
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I Care a Lot:
Storyline:
A shady legal guardian is in a bad situation when she gets involved with a woman who is tied to a powerful gangster. Whether or not this is receiving positive reviews because there isn't much coming out this year, despite its praise in the limelight, this is fully not worth anyone's time. Being too similar to films within its genre, having too many random aspects that don't fit, and most of all, trying to be bigger than what it's worth, I Care a Lot is missing an excessive amount of things to make this good. Right off the bat, this lost my interest due to the non-powerful subject matter and simply a lack of a draw factor. Being incredibly bland with its performances, casting, and conflicts, not only was it all predictable, but it was stiff and dry in the process. Additionally, the climax/finale was overwhelmingly mediocre. Failing to provide a wow moment, rationalization, or any feeling of satisfaction, this never grasped the concept of being as one with the viewer. Never feeling any sympathy or fulfillment from any given aspect, there isn't much that was involving about this. Becoming just like everything else, this is quite hard to get through, as it wasn't even entertaining among being poorly made. 3/10
3/10
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I see You:
Storyline:
Strange occurrences haunt a small-town detective and his family as he investigates the disappearance of a young boy. Considering the inventive idea that comes with a story such as this, this had the power to be creepy, fearful, and well made. Instead, this is added to the list of many insignificant films that arise from poor execution. While the progression of this film has a rough go, admittedly, sticking it out till the end adds more information, which comes full circle. That being said, struggling to have a voice in the presentation of it all, the plot twists and suspense have no substance to be anything meaningful. Because of the deficient establishment of the front running aspects, this has a central theme that is ordinary and unalarming. The incorporation of excessively overpowering sound and too many zoom angles add to the list of things this struggles with. With an absence of consistency between the score or camera angles, while this was edited to fit a suspenseful tone, the aspects that needed to be on the same level were not done up to standard. I See You is a thriller that tries to be bigger than what it is capable of, resulting in a film that has too many internal issues to be something significantly notable. While this isn't the worst thing in the world, it is not worth the time. 5/10
5.5/10
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Prospect:
Storyline:
A father and daughter travel to an alien moon hoping to strike rich but instead find themselves fighting for their lives in nonstop danger. Proving that you don’t need a large budget to make something entertaining, Prospect deserves more recognition. Given that it should be talked about more, while this is not too bad, it's not too good. By having a quite offsetting tone but a unique idea, this creating something captivating yet still has its struggles in doing so. Visually, this created a celestial aesthetic that is grounded. Not going too far with any form of costume or lighting, the creative graphics this provides is distinct and individualized. Not to mention the overwhelming feeling that the setting/world this created felt like a real-life place, the ambiance was clear-cut. With uncommon performances, while they were undeniably candid and raw, they were interesting but strange. Driving the protagonist's rage was vengeance, yet the satisfaction of this conflict was clashing with the storyline. If the screenwriting and characters were on the same page, there wouldn't be a mismatch of emotions. Nevertheless, even by putting life into a gritty perspective that doesn't get showcased in film, this lacks rationality and clear thinking to be anything outstanding. Instead, this is enjoyable (but not the best) for the people who like this genre. 6.5/10
6.5/10
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Code 8:
Storyline:
Living in a society where having superpowers is looked down on, a young man who possess these powers gets involved in a crowd that risks his safety. While I have learned my lesson numerous times to not trust the reviews films get, I let the decent ratings this received cloud my judgment. Featuring nothing short of a worn-out idea, lame special effects, and lead characters that don't provide realistic performances, Code 8 is not even close to being an average film and is not worth the time. Starting with a predictable plot, from the first moments on screen the climax and fate of the characters were clear due to the sloppy screenwriting and poor execution. Quite possibly having more plot holes than things that were relevant, this storyline struggled to hold my attention for its entirety (which was not long but felt dreadfully lengthy). Going off this, the characters that filled these roles, across the board, were some of the dullest and flattest adaptations I've seen in a while. Giving these actors some leeway, as having a rough story is a large part of the issue, this is one of the most overused concepts, to begin with. Having a heavy feeling that no one tried or put their best foot forward makes for a forgetful film and an unpleasant watch. 3/10
3/10
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The Devil All the Time:
Storyline:
A young man with a rough life is devoted to protecting his loved ones at all costs in a town full of corruption. Considering the fact this felt incredibly long for no apparent reason, that didn't help to enjoy the rocky progression. More things than not felt off about this story, to which arises the feeling that this was a forced production from the start. This went through a plot that felt like 50 different storylines that never cohesively fit together. While the non-linear storytelling might have featured some interesting characteristics within each portion, the unsystematic presentation and chaotic nature overtook the focus. The narrating was a sidetracking feature that made the entire production feel almost childlike. Coming at the worst times and not leaving when it should was off-putting for its entirety and didn't bring the satisfaction it was planning on. Scrutinizing the amount of A-list talent both behind and in front of the camera, The Devil All the Time is nothing to be talked of. Offering dull performances from many I'd expect more from, a disordered plot, and an all-around over-hyped film, this is your average, just like anything else film. 6/10
6/10
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Good Time:
Storyline:
A bank robber stops at nothing to rescue his brother from prison, going all night long through the streets of New York. The utter power this character-driven thriller has is underestimated in every way shape and form. Though not explicitly perfect, the schematic plot thrives from raw performances and a focused and unbothered center of attention. Robert Pattinson is simply underrated; providing a career best role, his unrestrained and passionate adaptation is enough alone to make this film a must-see. The sincerity of his emotions and mannerisms are not only heartfelt but are unguessable. The plot itself might have a few plot holes/subplots that weren't developed to the extent I'd hope, yet the bigger meaning behind it all was. The nerve racking and stressful experience this takes the audience on is worth the time. Filled with anticipation, this refreshed concept succeeds with its innovative directing, established tone, and dedicated protagonist. Taking the audience on an honest, personal ride, Good Time is brushed off and not as well known, when it is 100% deserving. 8/10
8/10
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Unhinged:
Storyline:
After a confrontation with an angry man at an intersection, a single mom becomes the target of his rage. Despite this feeling like a sequel to a film that doesn't exist, placing the audience into an ongoing storyline was pointless. While having an incohesive plot, there was a great deal of useless and confusing aspects that never added up because they were randomly thrown in, to begin with. The entire makeup of this was overpowering at any given time. The lack of a ratio between the development, anticipation, or letting the unsettling subject manner to sink in, makes for a displeasing focus of attention that's uneventful. The genuine shock that came from the horrendous acting might have been more substantial than the climax. Truthfully casting the most amateur and flat actors to fill these roles creates yet another reason that contributes to the film losing your interest. Checking my watch multiple times, Unhinged is not worth anyone's time, as it is an incredibly mainstream idea that was not done well, terrible performances, and a poorly created plot. 3/10
3/10
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Arrival:
Storyline:
A linguistics professor leads a team to try and communicate with the aliens that have landed on Earth in 12 locations. For how confusing this plot can become, it is remarkable how realistic it feels. This adaptation of a Sci-Fi concept that is completely not real showcases incredibly literal circumstances that can be interpreted in multiple ways. Having an extremely diverse concept, the compelling nature of this film is unlike anything else in the genre and makes you think well after it's over. Directing with a clear vision, the idea that was expressed was in a way where you have to open your mind to a new line of thinking, which goes along with the sophisticated theme of the film. Having every moment and idealism come full circle, this focuses on meanings that should be applied within the world today that go deeper than just the everyday film. Being one of the most complex plots within the most recent years, it was done effortlessly and gracefully. Although quite intricate, the simple presentation and editing within makes for a smooth and fulfilling watch as questions are being answered. Arrival is within a genre that features similar concepts, but sticks out with an innovative presentation, beautiful performances, and an intriguing pull on the viewer. 8.5/10
8.5/10
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Minority Report:
Storyline:
Set in the future, 2054, police utilize a psychic technology to arrest criminals before they commit their crimes. Though watching things like this in today's time frame, it's quite comical to think about what technology was thought to be available in the future. However, this film doesn't fail to be intriguing and does so by being practical along the way. The organization of the plot was presented perfectly. With the protagonist's struggle clearly expressed, his emotions are felt, as the viewer is learning the information at the same time. The anticipation that comes with the separate bits of information throughout the story makes for a restless sense of emotions. Little to no special effects were done poorly. Using everything they had available at the time, almost everything was looking as real as could be, even now. This plays along with the numerous influential elements this includes that help creates the original and captivating film that this is. Lastly, as I say this all the time, it's pretty hard to go wrong with either Tom Cruise or Steven Speilberg. The two just make good stuff that has the maximum efforts from all involved, and it pays off. 8/10
8/10
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The Platform:
Storyline:
Set in a futuristic world, prisoners wait for the platform to bring them food; the ones above are fed first, while the ones below starve. Originally in Spanish, the version I had watched was dubbed, which I will contribute slightly for me not getting the same experience as with subtitles. But, that still can't mask my disappointment. Featuring quite an interesting idea, the lack of information and the progression of the story was working well with this storyline. The protagonist is thrown into an unknowing situation, as is the audience. Yet the transition between the second and third act/climax was one that was rushed into. Starting slow and simple, the jump did not have enough substance to make it gasp worthy or even suspenseful. The lighting was a strong suit that was consistent throughout the story, though. No matter what the mood was, the lighting always perfectly complemented the situation without hesitation. The same thing goes for the score, not only was it incredibly cohesive, but it was prompting and set in motion the details of the main element of the story. Overall, while I can appreciate some of the technical aspects of the production, the overall watch for film buffs and non-film buffs alike is not one I'd recommend. Rating: 5.5/10 |
Horse Girl:
Storyline:
Sarah, a seemingly sweet misfit starts to slip from reality when her dreams start to become real. The biggest thing that I took away from this film was just how weird it was. This was utterly weird in the sense of it being offbeat in a bad way. It was odd, trippy, and truly out there in terms of creating a wholesome picture. My problem with this, though, is not that it was weird or that it could be interpreted in multiple ways, which if done correctly, can be amazing. Instead, this was aimlessly going nowhere with its plot. Legitimately bringing one random element in after the next, this never caught a break or glimpse of clarity that it needed. The first act and a good section of the second were extremely slow and unfitting. Although I enjoyed how it showed the protagonist as a normal individual who was slowly slipping away, the amount of information that was crammed into the last moments of the film was too much to handle at once. This is a perfect representation of the entire film - an interesting idea that was executed improperly. Thinking about this film after it's finished is inevitable with this story, however, it's not in a good way. With afterthought, what I think could be concluded as the central idea is quite sad, as it roots from the struggles of mental illness. While this may be true, the lack of detail, representation, and planning create a non-resonating story and a message that is hard to figure out. Rating: 5/10 |
Snowpiercer:
Storyline:
When a climate change kills all humanity except for the few who boarded a self-sustaining train, the poorest among these people plan to get better rights. First thing first, while critics ratings should never completely change your mind regarding a film, sometimes, I just don't get why things get rated so significantly high when it is so underserving. Considering the first two acts were incredibly slow and took the slowest pace to get to its destination, the third act had much to make up for. However, it became fast-paced, created an in-depth conflict, and featured some entertaining action. Sadly, the last ten minutes failed to keep this going and ruined everything that had fixed. Getting completely out of hand and going forth an unrealistic concept, it wrecked the small glimmer of hope this bumpy ride had for a second. The concise and to the point directing was the only thing that was consistently done well. Throughout the entire film, it was always there to call attention upon itself by depicting images that were always complemented by outside objects in the shot. This film took a rough path getting to its final theme and/or message. Intially not a terrible concept, this fails to prevail after its poorly done aspects shine brighter than a good thought. Rating: 5/10 |
Scream (2022):
Storyline:
Twenty-five years after the original series of murders in Woodsboro, a new Ghostface emerges. Easily creating a progression that effectively makes fun of itself with self-aware humor, Scream makes up for the bad taste in your mouth regarding the three previous poorly-made additions to the franchise. The reason this reboot works is the sole concept it's based around: not trying to top the original. While I will say there are arguably more cornier and not-so-fitting moments than there are appreciated aspects, this isn’t meant to be a stellar cinematic experience. This latest installment is bringing the fun back into the horror genre. From quick and comedic change of pace one-liners from Quaid along with a true to character adaptation from Arquette, these actors keep the cast afloat. The rest of the cast deliver quite stiff performances that you expect more from. While these are not awful by any means, they’re just not worth complimenting. Developing twists and turns that truly question the intentions of each character, this newest sequel comprehensively adds onto the series and delivers on what it advertised: a true Scream flick that keeps you guessing, questioning and calculating. This is not the best, but it is not the worst, either. Intelligent and prevailing against all odds, this movie earns your respect to be worth your time. 7/10
7/10
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Scream:
Storyline:
A masked killer is going around a small town stalking and murdering high school students. This parody film has multiple pop culture references to poke fun at horror films, yet was done effortlessly. Doing so by creating a comedic script that was both laughable and anticipating; it's entertaining but never loses its grit. The opening sequence was incredibly appreciable, as it set the tone for the entire film. Having this be the one part of the film that was somewhat "scary", it differentiates itself from other things in the genre. Whether it's because of the shift in the thriller genre today or just that this film hasn't aged well in this aspect, either way, this never achieved something frightening. While it was very intriguing and never lost its suspense, not even the few moments that were intended to be that way were effective. Going with that, the plot twist was both expected and not. Having multiple aspects that were predictable went hand in hand with characteristics that weren't. There was a good variation of screenwriting to trick the viewer within this compelling story. This is definitely worth the watch and labeled as a classic for reason, despite its few cheesy factors. By having strong performances all around and a memorable comedic story, this is significant to anyone who likes film. Rating: 7/10 |
Sonic the Hedgehog:
Storyline:
Sonic is peacefully living on Earth until evil Dr. Robotnik is trying to kill him and steal his powers. With the help of his new friend, Tom, they team up to stop him. Honestly, I was not expecting much from this film for obvious reasons, yet I didn't expect it to be as rough as it was. It pains me to see how much money this is making for such a lousy production. The plot was the most predictable and conventional turn of events. Having no originality to the story, its progression was horrendous; it was both hard to sit through and had no appeal. Consisting of the dullest script, none of the comedic aspects were effective nor were they logically placed. Jim Carrey brought some of his worst work to this film that didn't fit within the story and caused a non-believable antagonist. The only instance that was enjoyable was a midway montage of Carrey being Carrey, with dance montages and goofy mannerisms. Even with this segment, it truly had no relevance to the story or character, so it was useless. On a whole, this film has nothing going for it. Originating from poor performances, an inadequate script and a bad production, this is not worth the time in the theater or at home. Rating: 3/10 |
Escape From New York:
Storyline:
Snake Plissken is a formal special forces soldier turned criminal who is offered a deal to save the president from a group of inmates in Manhattan in exchange for his freedom. As a majority of 80's films go, they're all super cheesy and filled with one-liners. While that may hold true for this film, it is definitely entertaining and enjoyable. Watching this now, there are countless gadgets, weapons and tech that is so outdated but held with high regards within the film, which becomes funny after awhile compared to things we have nowadays. We never really learn anything about Kurt Russell's character at any point in the story, but it never becomes an issue because everything we need to know about him, we already know. His performance provides an unusual, negative personality which is comical and dry. Though I mentioned it being outdated, that's just the nature of these films, as they were using everything they had at the time. But, the action sequences never failed to be entertaining. They were appealing, dramatic and always found a way to fit into the storyline. Between the laughable script, strong lead performance and intriguing action, this can find a way to entertain everyone. Rating: 7/10 |
The Good Liar:
Storyline:
Career con artist, Roy is starstruck when he meets a wealthy woman on an online dating service. When she brings him into her life and home, the secret plan starts. Coming from two actors who are known for doing good things, they both fell incredibly short for such a dry film. No one who was on camera felt genuine or even that there was effort behind their performance. Nothing was personable. Nothing was heartfelt. Instead, it was cold and rigid, leaving the audience out of tune with the story. The pacing was atrocious, and I don't say that very often. I could possibly have looked at my watch more than the screen, THAT'S how shaky and uneven this film was. Though a majority of the plot was easily foreseen, the underlying message was a completely different storyline thrown in, with hopes of tying everything together. With this, it makes the audience second guess themselves by not having anything make sense or the proper information given to them at the correct times. The "plot twist" was nothing more than lousy screenwriting intending for a big reveal, which ultimately backfired and only heightened this films numerous poor productional aspects. Rating: 3/10 |
Secret Obsession:
Storyline:
Jennifer has no memory from a tragic car accident, when her husband takes her back home, she soon realizes he's not the man she thinks he is. Where do I even start critiquing a film like this... I'm not sure why I thought there was a small chance that this could be decent because it was far from it. It genuinely confuses me that with all the time and planning even a low budget Netflix film creates would have this horrible of acting in it, they just keep getting worse. No performance was real or had any depth/believability to it. It was filled with flat characters who recited scripted feelings. The idea of the plot might have been a familiar storyline, but with proper execution could have had hope. Instead, it consisted of a predictable plot, numerous plot holes that made absolutely no sense, and no emotion from characters over anything, especially with rational thinking. There were so many plot holes that were not explained to the viewer once it was finished. Having things show priority during certain sections of the story, they were ditched half way through and never discussed at later times. It was annoying as nothing was transitioned or connected. Rating: 3/10 |
Ready or Not:
Storyline:
When Grace marries into the family of her dreams, she's quick to realize that they're not what she thought they were, as they try to kill her before dawn. Being a clever and unique storyline, they failed to execute. Nothing was planned and it was all over the place from so many aspects. Having a thriller feel to it, there definitely was an overall feeling of suspense and anticipation throughout the majority of the film. On the other hand, mixed with its comedic and sinister ways, it wasn't blended well and became confusing as to what the direction of the film was. The development of the backstory and actual details of the plot were left out. While this was enjoyable (and that is what I assume the goal of this was) it doesn't mean that the supporting details and characteristics of the game they played had to be left out. Every time the protagonist escaped from her captures, something out of the ordinary and over the top would come into play, it was incredibly unrealistic and became distracting from the already ongoing crazy plot. On top of that, the finale had plot twists that didn't add up to the complicated plot. Rating: 5.5/10 |
Hellboy (2019):
Storyline:
Being trapped between worlds, Hellboy is the last chance to save the world from evil. Honestly, I don't know what exactly I was expecting from this, but this franchise just has too many motion pictures of the same thing to even create an original or wholesome idea anymore. From the opening scene, I wasn't hooked or intrigued. It felt like something I had already seen before whether or not it was in these films or not, and felt that it was made quickly to obtain the most amount of money. The acting was some of the most unvarying, forced work I've seen in awhile. Nothing felt genuine or that anyone was there to create a valuable production. There were a few times I laughed out loud, though. Some of the humor was placed at the right times and in clever ways, but only a few jokes got me, most were trying too hard. The climax was rushed and nowhere near the most entertaining part. I could anticipate what would happen and wasn't interested in it. I would say I'm disappointed, but then again, I was in no rush to see this, I will never watch it again and I wouldn't recommend it. Rating: 3/10 |
Signs:
Storyline:
When a normal family notices unusual crop signs in their backyard, a series of events unfold that leads to a bigger issue than involves more than just them. This is just like any other movie by M. Knight Shyamalan, they have a slow and huge build up, to an uneventful climax and quick ending. In addition to that, there were some subtle plot holes I picked up on. The character development was well maintained and consistent throughout, learning the struggles that each character was dealing with. Though at times where it felt dry or un-amusing, it did fit well within the slow pace storyline. The thought behind the plot was there and I see where he’s coming from, but it was just not executed. With the over the top slow build up, it should have went out with a bang. Instead, we received nothing other than a predictable ending that had action lasting for probably 10% of the film. This is something different than your stereotypical drama, and times that can be engaging, but can easily be pushed aside if something better comes along. Rating: 5/10 |
Us:
Storyline:
The story follows a family who is haunted by their mothers past/traumatic event that happened when she was a child. When her fears come true, her and her family are trapped by people who look exactly like them. The variety of emotions expressed throughout the story was great. There were many scenes that made you scared and kept you on the edge of your toes, while at the same time, other scenes with high anticipation and adrenaline that made you feel right there with the characters. How the story worked was that you found the answers out at the end of the film, so once everything was pieced together, the viewer was left with multiple questions that I didn’t feel should be left to infer. Some things should be clearly shown and I was not a fan of how that was left to your imagination. The music was great, though. No matter if it was a fast paced fight scene, driving in the car or plain silence, the sound never failed to fit perfect to that particular scene. It made the flow of the film progress seamlessly. I was entertained throughout the entire film and was always wanting to find out what was going to happen next, but, I walked out of the theater thinking that more could have happened in the story. I can’t pin point one particular thing that could have been better, but overall I wanted something bigger or better to happen. Rating: 7/10 |
Annihilation:
Storyline:
After Lina's husband comes back from a secret mission and is affected tremendously by what's known as the Shimmer, she must go in to uncover the answers only she can find. The idea behind this film was good. It was very well thought-out between the special effects, different characters, and obviously, everything that the Shimmer has to offer. That being said, this wasn't perfect, but I think that's what I liked about it. The beginning had a rough start, failing to grasp my attention, but started to slowly pick up throughout the film. There's no arguing the difference in characters and how unique they were, but there definitely could have been more development between the relationships or of their backstories, but I think that was the point, they really didn't know that about each other and didn't want to ask, so neither did the audience. I still think that the plot would have been stronger if there was that development. This uncommon story to the film world now-a-days reminded me of the experimental Sci-Fi films of the 2000's, which all had clever ideas that were a little out there, but no one had really seen before with all the twists. The abnormality worked for me and kept a consistent flow and vibe. Sure, there were some holes in the plot or some things that might not have added up in the end, but I think that was the purpose of the story, to get your minds thinking and questioning everything. Rating: 6.5/10 |
Alita: Battle Angel
Storyline:
When Alita is found with only her core left of her, she is taken in by a doctor who builds her a new body and realizes there is a lot more to her than anyone knows. I thought that this was a very clever and unique idea that isn't similar to anything out there in the box office today. The graphic design was incredibly realistic and besides a couple exceptions, was believable. That being said, this wasn't as great as I had hoped. Within the story, the performances felt fake and scripted, so I never got the feeling as though I related or felt what the characters were feeling, including many cheesy lines and useless characters. There were also many holes within the plot that didn't add up, plus a subplot development, but there was no priority of either storyline. There were questions left unanswered as well. The pacing of the film was terrible. It felt extremely dragged on and slow in scenes that had no reason to be and to top it all off, the ending was completely rushed. This mix of Sci-Fi/Romance seemed to only have the genres clash instead of fitting and never caught my interest to the story. Rating: 5/10 |
Replicas:
Storyline:
William Foster is a neuroscientist that is on the brink of cutting edge technology. When he unexpectedly looses his family in a tragic car accident, he uses it to bring them back to life. While I am a huge Keanu Reeves fan, I'll admit he is not always the best actor. That being said, this was a new low for him in all of his films. Everyones acting could possibly be some of the worst performances I've seen in a long time. Not only was everything incredibly stiff with their deliverance, but the entirety of the script was basic, dry and rigid. The CGI was just cheap. While this wasn't made to be something that's nominated for awards or anything of that nature, you still would think some effort would be put toward the visual appearance, but no, nothing was. On top of all these negatives, the climax was uneventful. There were parts that felt rushed, slow and underdeveloped, which ultimately lead to a predictable ending. It's safe to say I'm incredibly disappointed in Keanu Reeves. With such a creative storyline this could have been produced well enough to go somewhere interesting. Rating: 4/10 |
Captive State:
Storyline:
After 10 years has passed from Chicago being taken over by an alien invasion, citizens start to question whether they should support the resistance or the government. Considering the viewer being placed in the middle of an ongoing story and how little information we actually received, this film felt that it was a non-successful sequel to a film that doesn't exist. The camera work was incredibly shaky and chose odd angles that didn't show the viewer the correct things within each scene. To go off that, the directing & editing was incredibly incoherent, nothing ever felt put together. Trying to find a positive, these negative aspects along with the tone were consistent throughout the whole film, so at least that was dependable. The acting wasn't like anything I've seen before. The characters found a way to play their roles inefficiently even when they basically had no dialogue during the entire film. I genuinely don't think I've been this confused after a film before, and its not in a good way where I'm left with lingering questions and afterthought, it leaves me unable to follow anything within the storyline. There were too many subplots, plot holes, and interactions happening at once, along with too many characters to keep up with. Without the development, screen time or backstory shown to accommodate them, this film failed to be unique and interesting. Instead, I'm left feeling separated from the story. Rating: 2/10 |
Limitless:
Storyline:
Eddie, a struggling writer with sever writers block runs into an old friend who gives him a new street drug, NZT, which allows him to access more of his brain. This had many genres that fit well within each other- Action & Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Thriller, all going off a trippy concept, that is no where near perfect, but opens your mind to a different type of story with a creative approach. Though this has a lot of bumps in the road, I think that's what makes it so enjoyable. Not everything is perfect, there are many plot holes, different camera angles and things that are confusing, but it creates the feeling of the high of his drug, so the audience becomes just as confused as he is. Despite the fact that I love Bradley Cooper, his character was casted well. He portrayed someone who is unwanted and down on his luck just as well as he played someone who is incredibly successful without searching for reassurance of his character. This is another situation where the ending really seals the deal. Although it was pretty predictable, there was no other logical way for it to end, and it was satisfying. This is a high adrenaline, fast paced film that is engaging and interactive for the viewer to both enjoy and be amused throughout the entire story. Rating: 7/10 |
Serenity:
Storyline:
Baker Dill is a tuna fishing captain stuck in a dilemma- whether he should dig into his past and help his ex wife, or leave it alone and stay in his perfect world. The fact that this is something that's different and unique in the film industry lately made me really enjoy and appreciate what happened within the story. The beginning of the film had a rough start and was really failing to grasp my interest, but it started to pick up once we slowly learned more information regarding the plot. The build up was extremely slow and you didn't get that much information throughout, leaving you to infer some of the holes. I liked this approach because it really made you think about what was happening, and it worked for me. Because of the way the storyline was set out, there wasn't a lot of time for pointless things in the story to happen, as everything that was on screen had relevance and something you needed to pick up on, whether it was clearly stated or not. Basically the whole movie was just following Matthew McConaughey, with a lack in development regarding his story, which was kind of boring in that aspect, but the way his character progressed through the story, he made it to where you wanted to keep watching because you knew something was going to happen, but didn't know what. This is something that I didn't expect from this film and I ended up really enjoying the different concept that this had to offer. Rating: 7/10 |
Ready Player One:
Storyline:
Set in 2045, the world is on the brink of chaos. The only way civilians can find peace is through The OAISIS, an online virtual reality game. When the creator of The OAISIS unexpectedly dies, everyone is racing to try and find his Easter egg hidden throughout the game to collect his immense fortune. Different from everything out there, this movie is definitely worth watching. Filled with highly packed action scenes it has you on your toes. In addition to the action, there were some aspects developed which help build the plot and answer questions regarding The OAISIS. That being said, there were also some holes to the plot and other scenes that were predictable, but it wasn’t enough to ruin the movie. The soundtrack to this movie was amazing. When movies overplay music or play it at wrong times, it can make or break the movie, but this got it right. The whole time you get the feeling as though you’re in the 80’s with the old rock music, video games, movies, and other pop culture references. This is a good change from all similar movies recently. Rating: 7.5/10 |