The movie ropes you in with questions early on and then visibly fights so hard to maintain the illusion for the rest of the flick. It gets tiresome quick and the surprise is not at all surprising.
Author: Verse
Trap (2024) 2/5
The twist is how much you are tricked into listening to the young Shyamaln’s music. This is what I imagine a dark and edgy movie from early 2000’s Disney channel would look like. I’m just so surprised at the lack of polish and how many times things happen because the writer wanted them to rather than them making sense. Hartnett is the only cast given a chance to stretch his legs a bit and he does so admirably, but he is held back by the script and execution. If you are like me, you will want to leave the concert just as bad as our villain does.
Prometheus (2012) 3.5/5
The technology in Prometheus feels out of place, even considering a simple mining vessel in Alien vs this top of the line endeavor. I was willing to set that aside though, imagining that perhaps Scott wants each film to be far future technologically and is simply modernizing that.
Visually, Prometheus is no doubt impressive. Expansive shots and tightly framed ones mix with all sorts of effects to capture both the expansiveness and the claustrophobic feel of horror.
The problem with Prometheus is it feels like it is very uneven. At times it is brilliant and at others it falls on its face. The cast all does their part, nobody is a bad standout. Charlize Theron is the only one who initially comes across too mustache twirly, but that does not last past the opening.
I only took larger issue with the encroaching of the directors and films needs versus what made sense for the story. Most visible was how immediate everyone is prepared to remove their protective gear, and undoubtedly easier way to film but nonsense for a bunch of people only just landed on an alien planet.
Still, Prometheus is interesting and has a couple of moments that I feel could have been iconic if not tied to the larger whole of a film that from my understanding has been divisive amongst fans of Alien. I still want more and I am willing to give more rope for the philosophical elements it was proposing and mostly not answering. Hopefully the next movie grows this better. I commend Prometheus, at the very least, for not mimicking Alien or Alien 2. It is, as they were, unique.
The Bikeriders (2023) 3/5
At times it feels like an emulation of a bunch of others movies or people, and it feels like it stays in the shallows.
In no time at all, pictures from this movie will be all over Facebook with macho quotes overlaid.
The Deliverance (2024) 2/5
It should have been a better movie but it felt like a shrug by the end rather than a dramatic turn that I suspect they were going for.
Unbreakable (2000) 4.5/5
Fantastic performances from everyone involved with a strong presentation of simple ideas.
Jack Reacher: Never Go Back (2016) 2.5/5
Unfortunately under delivers and lacks any aspect of identity to set it apart from other ordinary action films. Ultimately, this leaves the movie wading in the shallow end of average waters.
The Island (2005) 1/5
Gosh this movie is so dumb, extending well beyond stupid-fun. Unnecessary scenes, poor cinematography, confused acting, and everything else that can go wrong. Nothing is surprising, not that it tries to be because it is all delivered with a clowns hammer.
What an absolute waste.
Split (2016) 4/5
James McAvoy carries this film on one of his many backs. Call me crazy, but I think Anya Taylor-Joy does a disservice to her role in comparison. Nothing egregious happens but I think the part allowed for a stronger presence at a few key moments and she never really got there.
The story itself is enjoyable but does not always unfold itself cleanly. I think some adjustments would elevate the movie further.