Categories: Movie and Series Reviews, 3.5/5

Watchmen: Chapter II (2024) 3.5/5

Categories 3.5/5, Action, Animation, Drama, Movie and Series Reviews, Mystery, Sci-Fi

The story is enjoyable to watch and consider, but I think more impact could exist in various scenes if they were allowed to breath. Often things come across stilted by either delivery or a sense of immediacy in moving the plot along. How quickly awful things happen and ten seconds later acceptance emerges.

Watching Snyder’s interpretation of Manhattan is shocking, while here the story is laid out in a different order and it detracts. I am no Snyder disciple, but he has an eye for presentation that was sorely missed here.

I have Watchmen, in its written form, on my shelf. Maybe me two months from now will be reading it.

Reign Over Me (2007) 3.5/5

Categories 3.5/5, Drama, Movie and Series Reviews

A mostly grounded experience that is carried greatly by Sandler with backup from Cheadle, Tyler, and Shadow of Colossus being notable cast. It is not an easy watch, it is heavy, but it is a worthwhile one.

The movie does lose a little of itself with the over extension of Burrows character Donna and an overly packed and overly aggressive courtroom scene that feels out of place.

Bad Times at the El Royale (2018) 3.5/5

Categories 3.5/5, Crime, Drama, Movie and Series Reviews, Mystery, Thriller

I didn’t get peoples issue with Dakota Johnson until this movie. Surrounded by everyone giving their best and every one of her scenes was near identically flat.

That being said, there is a lot to like here. It is an enjoyable noir film with a large pool of people feeling out themes of redemption. Jon Hamm and Cynthia Erivo deserve special praise for carrying out their roles.

The Convert (2023) 3.5/5

Categories 3.5/5, Action, Drama, Movie and Series Reviews

I am probably going too easy on the movie, rating a little higher than maybe I would on another day, but I enjoyed it. My interest was kept throughout and I found the acting mostly good to great. The movie isn’t perfect but it also is not a bad flick.

A Haunting in Venice (2023) 3.5/5

Categories 3.5/5, Crime, Drama, Horror, Movie and Series Reviews, Mystery, Thriller

The twists aren’t so twisty, overly telegraphed to the point of being easy to see. However, the movie stays afloat above its necessity for subterfuge with careful direction and captivating atmosphere.

A house/hospital full of stuck people, literally and figuratively, makes a strong setting.

It is funny that you can walk away from the movie thinking Poirot gives some credence to mysticism or that you think he gives zero and everything can be explained. It makes for a little extra engagement.

I have a real soft spot for these movies. Even flawed, Hercule Poirot and Branagh are an attractive pair.

Beverly Hills Cop (1984) 3.5/5

Categories 3.5/5, Action, Comedy, Crime, Movie and Series Reviews, Thriller

A classic movie for a lot of reasons. Eddie is great and so are all of the supporting cast, even down the smaller roles that elevate the film. The soundtrack is rightfully iconic. A lot of tropes keep the story very basic, but it dances around it in an enjoyable way.

There are some lulls in the movement though and not every scene is timed well, but overall it is a lot of fun.

District 9 (2009) 3.5/5

Categories 3.5/5, Action, Movie and Series Reviews, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Copley deserves all the praise he gets for his role. The movie is certainly unique and gets a lot of love for that alone. A lot of the parts waver in quality, hitting highs and lows. Overall though I think its worth any science fiction fans time and probably from a lot of people who aren’t.

28 Days Later (2002) 3.5/5

Categories 3.5/5, Drama, Horror, Movie and Series Reviews, Sci-Fi, Thriller

I don’t get so pumped for the finale but it isn’t bad. It is a fun zombie flick with some cool presentations in its visuals and audio.

The young actor who plays Hannah seems to have trouble delivering believable dialogue. Like its really bad and I am surprised Boyle didn’t step in, especially at a big loss scene.

With Garland and Boyle, now more recognized both as directors, involved in a proper sequel, I am excited.