I came in as a big fan of the games though, which were all survival horror (until the Resident Evil 5 game, but that was made after Extinction). The first film was the best adaptation as far as the feel of the games and the second was the most faithful character-wise.
I don't like Capcom anymore though. They don't give a sh** about their fans and are in it for the money now (kind of like Paul WS Anderson).
Interesting. I never did play the first few games, I came in around #5. Some day, I'll have to check out the originals.
Guilty of: Despite achieving a cult status and receiving a lot of love from fans, the film was critically panned on its release. Might have something to do with it being really silly, absurd, perhaps even juvenile.
What I say: Having been a Weird Al Yanovkic fan for most of my life, I was pretty thrilled to see that the man put out his own movie. When I got the disc and put it in for the first time...I found it kinda stupid. On repeat viewings, however, I learned to appreciate the finer moments of the film; there are plenty of great jokes and parodies throughout. It is a short, simple, lighthearted film that makes me laugh often, regardless of how silly it all is. It’s exactly my kind of comedy from my kind of comedian, and despite a few dull parts, the movie ranks pretty high as one of my favorite slapstick comedies.
My score: 3.5/5
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[Show spoiler]The Golden Compass
Best mount ever!
imdb score: 6.1 | RT score: 42%
Guilty of: Considered to have weak writing, story, characters. Too rushed. Piggy-backing on the success of Harry Potter. Many differences between the book and film. Doesn’t have the controversial bite of the original novel. Still caused some controversy, as certain religious groups tried to boycott the film.
What I say: Despite being watered down to some extent, I still feel that the film represents the book pretty well. Any themes concerning religion are inherent to the story, so some of the key themes still stood out to me. What matters the most, however, are the characters: it was a pleasure to see such a fine cast of characters (and their animal counterparts) brought to life. I was even more enthralled to see the spectacle: the action generally satisfied, and the epic polar bear fight was great.
My score: 4/5
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[Show spoiler]Frankenhooker
This is probably what it feels like for many viewers.
imdb score: 5.8 | RT score: 60%
Guilty of: Low-budget and trashy.
What I say: The film’s title in itself is something absurd and ridiculous, so I doubt anybody would go into this film expecting anything more than what it is. Despite being so low-budget and silly, the film is pretty funny most of the time. It’s light on the gore, surprisingly, and the film overall is more tasteful than it initially seems. The outrageous plot and scenes do the film great justice, and makes for one of the most enjoyable B-movies in existence.
My score: 4/5
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[Show spoiler]Snow White and the Huntsman
imdb score: 6.2 | RT score: 48%
Guilty of: Acting and pacing considered uneven, confused script.
What I say: I never saw much wrong with this film. A lot of folks seem to say it’s dull or boring, but I never felt that much bored with it. I really enjoyed the film and its wickedly gothic spin on the classic fairy tale. It has a good amount of action and visually-impressive scenes. Above all, Charlize Theron is perfect as the evil queen.
My score: 4/5
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[Show spoiler]Knowing
imdb score: 6.2 | RT score: 33%
Guilty of: Absurd plot, cheesiness, takes itself too seriously.
What I say: Holy crap, this film pulls out some incredible surprises. Not only are the disaster scenes really incredible, but there’s some great intellectual potential buried in the plot. By the film’s end, there are some jarring theological overtones and implications that put the story into a deeper context. While many audiences find the concepts and execution laughable (for some odd reason), I found it quite enthralling and enlightening. My only complaint is that the characters acted pretty irrationally in the last act, but otherwise, it’s all good!
My score: 4.5/5
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[Show spoiler]Thir13en Ghosts
imdb score: 5.3 | RT score: 13%
Guilty of: Unscary, soulless, considered terrible and trashy in a number of ways. Uses a number in its title as a gimmick.
What I say: Ah man, this film is wicked! Trashy, yes, but also really slick with the glass house and the wild editing effects. There is a lot of painful-looking blood and gore here, especially for the one wicked scene where the guy is cut in half laterally by a pane of glass. At the same time, it’s not a film that seems to take itself seriously. For all its frenetic action, occasional laugh, and frequent bloodshed, Thir13en Ghosts is best viewed as a thrill ride rather than actual horror.
Guilty of: Considered unoriginal and unintelligent.
What I say: In terms of action, this film has its fair share. It’s always thrilling to watch these super-intelligent sharks hunting men and chewing them up. I think everybody can agree that the scene with Samuel L. Jackson’s epic speech is a genuine surprise. It doesn’t offer much for characters or plot, but it’s a fine creature thriller full of suspense and thrills.
My score: 3.5/5
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[Show spoiler]The Sixth Day
Arnold Schwarzenegger was born here.
imdb score: 5.8 | RT score: 41%
Guilty of: Routine, formulaic execution.
What I say: This film has some really weird editing effects that threw me off at first, but for some odd reason, I kept coming back to this film for more. Part of it is probably the action: there are plenty of fancy shootouts and helicopter chases and everything. I’ve also grown to appreciate the plot: it does cover some interesting ground regarding genetic engineering and cloning gone wild. It is pretty amusing to see two Arnold Schwarzeneggers on the screen together instead of just one. Overall, the story goes through some fun and interesting plot twists and obstacles, and a plethora of cool sci-fi concepts and ideas keep it engaging.
What I say: There were a few quibbles I had over this film, so it’ll never surpass the greatness of the first two films in my eyes. But heck, it’s a Terminator film, and the filmmakers finally got around to showcasing the apocalyptic man-vs-machine struggle of the future in a full-length feature film. There are some cool fights and battles, especially with some really huge terminators marching around. The story shows some promise, as it not only establishes things that would loop back into the first two films, but also focuses itself on a character who’s trying to figure out if he’s man or machine.
My score: 3.5/5
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[Show spoiler]Aeon Flux
Keep off the grass!
imdb score: 5.4 | RT score: 10%
Guilty of: Considered dull and messy. Weak story.
What I say: Make no mistake, the MTV animated show is miles better than this feature film. The show was really wild on a MC Escher level, with dialogue and content that just blows the mind. This film pretty much dumbs everything down, so it’s nothing more than a straightforward action flick. However, it is one slick and stylish action flick. I really do enjoy the action, stunts, SFX, and the overall look and feel of the movie. It’s pretty fantastic and visually impressive at times. Just don’t expect it to be mentally impressive.
My score: 3.5/5
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[Show spoiler]Omega Man
imdb score: 6.6 | RT score: 59%
Guilty of: Considered far inferior to the original novel. Considered cheesy and unintelligent.
What I say: Granted that the I Am Legend film is better than this, Omega Man is pretty badass in its own right. For the first part of the film, I was always entertained in watching Charlton Heston strolling through town like he owns the place, pretty much doing everything a man would do if he was the last man on Earth. The rest of the film has plenty of action and thrills to satisfy. Despite a few silly twists and turns, and the age of the film, it’s still one of my go-to examples of a fun post-apocalypse adventure.
My score: 3.5/5
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[Show spoiler]BloodRayne
Keep those fake plastic swords away from me...
imdb score: 2.8 | RT score: 4%
Guilty of: Nothing like the video game. Weak on every level. An Uwe Boll picture.
What I say: I went into this film expecting nothing more than a B-movie, and the film delivered. Yep, acting, dialogue, editing, and direction are pretty horrid all around, but I enjoyed the film all the same. I loved Kristanna Lokken as the main character, even if her fight scenes seemed really clunky and awkward. The film has a ton of blood and guts (especially in the unrated cut) which are just plain wicked! The best that can be said is that drag is not too terrible; even if the film is something terrible, there’s always something going on.
My score: 2.5/5
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[Show spoiler]The Brain That Wouldn’t Die
imdb score: 3.7 | RT score: 36%
Guilty of: Considered sleazy, cheap, stupid.
What I say: I got a kick out of watching this short and silly affair. It’s surprisingly trashy for a film made in 1959 (it wasn’t released until 1962); you can expect a surprising amount of blood and sleaze to this. It’s also a film so riddled with ridiculous moments, dialogue, and acting, that it lends itself to some easy mockery. A real doozy of a B-movie, this flick is good for a quick laugh and indulgence in absurdity.
What I say: The fight scenes are pretty cool. Strangely, though, I never thought of this as being action-packed; I actually enjoy watching this film more as a mellow hybrid of drama and action. In between the slick fight scenes, the characters do take the time to breathe and develop some rather touching connections. Of course, seeing the title character in a hot red dress is pretty appealing as well.
My score: 3/5
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[Show spoiler]Resident Evil: Apocalypse
Don't make me poke you.
imdb score: 6.0 | RT score: 21%
Guilty of: Weak plot and creativity.
What I say: As cool as the first Resident Evil film was, its ending left me wanting more. Thankfully, I felt the sequel delivered, in huge portions. It’s not a long film, but it’s crammed full of action and style. Hardly a moment goes by without a major fight scene or without the characters running for their lives. It’s always a pleasure to watch Milla Jovovich kicking butt, and the rest of the cast is fun. How can I not love a film where characters ride motorcycles through church windows and blow things up with miniguns?
My score: 4.5/5
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[Show spoiler]Zombie Strippers
I'd ask for a refund.
imdb score: 4.2 | RT score: 38%
Guilty of: Poorly executed.
What I say: Obviously, the stripping parts of this movie appeal. I think I’m more impressed as to how well-paced the film is, given the amount of crazy bloody zombie-slaying there is, in addition to the often-amusing comedy. It’s silly, outrageous, and gratuitous, and I love it that way.
My score: 3/5
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[Show spoiler]Dragon Wars
imdb score: 3.7 | RT score: 27%
Guilty of: Unfocused script, bad acting.
What I say: The acting and writing in this film will induce laughter, make no mistake. Most of this film is really bad and gaudy B-movie material. What really makes it redeemable, however, are its special effects, which are surprisingly awesome. The film’s last half has an excellent battle scene that pits helicopters against a hoard of dragons; it’s big, explosive, and a heck of a thrill ride. I give this film the high points for being perfectly entertaining, even if it fails at everything else.
My score: 2.5/5
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[Show spoiler]Bad Boys II
imdb score: 6.3 | RT score: 23%
Guilty of: All style, no substance. Unfunny.
What I say: Probably the coolest looking movie of all time. Even if the film has no real substance to it, the style is so cool, it’s mindblowing! The shoot-outs, with all the slow-motion bullets and bloodshed, are a real sight to behold. The highway car chase is one of the best I’ve seen. The film is a blast, it never really drags, and it’s just too cool to hate on.
My score: 4/5
-------------------- 42:
[Show spoiler]2012
There goes the neighborhood...into the ocean...
imdb score: 5.8 | RT score: 39%
Guilty of: Weak script, ridiculous in every way.
What I say: The 2012 doomsday theory was ridiculous to begin with, so it’s almost as if this film tells the audience, “what, did you think the Earth’s crust would just fall apart? Then, what, we all get into these giant arks while the world floods over?” The film never fully takes itself seriously, and neither do I. All the stupidity in the plot and characters makes the film easily laughable, with good humor. Above all, however, the spectacle is phenomenal. The disaster scenes, with entire cities crumbling and huge tidal waves crashing over the world’s tallest mountains, are probably the best ever created. It’s a real awe-inspiring sight.
My score: 3.5/5
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[Show spoiler]Judge Dredd
imdb score: 5.2 | RT score: 18%
Guilty of: Not sure if it wants to be ultra-violent or a self-parody. Silly.
What I say: Granted, it felt more serious and pulpy when I was a teenager, and thus it hasn’t aged well. I still haven’t seen the new Dredd movie, but the source material definitely requires a more hardcore approach. Regardless, I always did enjoy this 90s film for its entertaining blend of comedy, action, and impressive special effects. I dug Sylvester Stallone as the title character. Story is pretty light and silly, but even with all its cheese, I enjoyed the characters and the presence they projected.
great suggestion! I concur! Just too much material packed into a 2.5 hour film (a.k.a. "Anti-Hobbit Syndrome"). Your suggestion is better - let the audience use their brains to fill in the end in their own minds, especially since they all know where it is headed.
However, the ending caused me to lower my score. It felt like a hiccup in the emotional pacing. They got it all wrong IMO. I think if they rearranged the order of the final five scenes, and deleted one of them, the film would have had much more emotional punch.
[Show spoiler]Why include his assasination and viewing him on his death bed, and then do a flashback to his speech? Why do that BAD headfake at the other theater, not at the actual Ford Theater? Lame.
It should have gone like this;
1. He tours the battlefield on horseback and then sits and talks to Grant. (A witnessing of the end of the suffering)
2. He gives the speech. (The begining of the healing and rebuilding process)
3. He is told by his Butler that Mary is waiting in the carriage, he gets up and departs, walking down that hallway..............
END
We all know where he was going and what happened.
Spielberg and Kushner should have checked with me for approval.
Other than that it was damn good.
I did see one MAJOR CGI blooper. And it was smack in the middle of the screen for a long long time, allowing me to really check it out. An architural blunder. I'd like to see it on Blu-ray for further examination. The funny thing is, if they discover it, I cant think of any way for them to fix it.
Film 4/5 (would have been a 4.5 or a 5 with my ending )
I haven't seen it yet but I know the ending already because I had to know if they do the assassination scene or not.
[Show spoiler]It was something I had to know beforehand or else I would have waited the entire movie for it. They should have shown it entirely or not at all, but since I haven't seen it I'm not sure if I will still feel that way afterwards.
However, the ending caused me to lower my score. It felt like a hiccup in the emotional pacing. They got it all wrong IMO. I think if they rearranged the order of the final five scenes, and deleted one of them, the film would have had much more emotional punch.
[Show spoiler]Why include his assasination and viewing him on his death bed, and then do a flashback to his speech? Why do that BAD headfake at the other theater, not at the actual Ford Theater? Lame.
It should have gone like this;
1. He tours the battlefield on horseback and then sits and talks to Grant. (A witnessing of the end of the suffering)
2. He gives the speech. (The begining of the healing and rebuilding process)
3. He is told by his Butler that Mary is waiting in the carriage, he gets up and departs, walking down that hallway..............
END
We all know where he was going and what happened.
Spielberg and Kushner should have checked with me for approval.
Other than that it was damn good.
I did see one MAJOR CGI blooper. And it was smack in the middle of the screen for a long long time, allowing me to really check it out. An architural blunder. I'd like to see it on Blu-ray for further examination. The funny thing is, if they discover it, I cant think of any way for them to fix it.
Film 4/5 (would have been a 4.5 or a 5 with my ending )
I know how you feel, the fact they added vampires into the mix as well was completely ridiculous
[Show spoiler]Oh wait...wrong Lincoln film
This comes out next week so I'm interested to check it out, although it should be a busy movie going time considering I have Lincoln, Zero Dark Thirty and the new Arnie film out all on the same day, decisions decisions
However, the ending caused me to lower my score. It felt like a hiccup in the emotional pacing. They got it all wrong IMO. I think if they rearranged the order of the final five scenes, and deleted one of them, the film would have had much more emotional punch.
[Show spoiler]Why include his assasination and viewing him on his death bed, and then do a flashback to his speech? Why do that BAD headfake at the other theater, not at the actual Ford Theater? Lame.
It should have gone like this;
1. He tours the battlefield on horseback and then sits and talks to Grant. (A witnessing of the end of the suffering)
2. He gives the speech. (The begining of the healing and rebuilding process)
3. He is told by his Butler that Mary is waiting in the carriage, he gets up and departs, walking down that hallway..............
END
We all know where he was going and what happened.
Spielberg and Kushner should have checked with me for approval.
Other than that it was damn good.
I did see one MAJOR CGI blooper. And it was smack in the middle of the screen for a long long time, allowing me to really check it out. An architural blunder. I'd like to see it on Blu-ray for further examination. The funny thing is, if they discover it, I cant think of any way for them to fix it.
Film 4/5 (would have been a 4.5 or a 5 with my ending )
Despite the praise this movie has gotten, you are not the first person I have read to say that they
[Show spoiler]shouldn't have shown Abraham Lincoln dead.
It's a given and there's really little need for it. Despite Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter being in a different class according to most, I like the way they handled things at the end of that.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Al_The_Strange
[Show spoiler]60:
[Show spoiler]U.H.F.
imdb score: 6.8 | RT score: 57%
Guilty of: Despite achieving a cult status and receiving a lot of love from fans, the film was critically panned on its release. Might have something to do with it being really silly, absurd, perhaps even juvenile.
What I say: Having been a Weird Al Yanovkic fan for most of my life, I was pretty thrilled to see that the man put out his own movie. When I got the disc and put it in for the first time...I found it kinda stupid. On repeat viewings, however, I learned to appreciate the finer moments of the film; there are plenty of great jokes and parodies throughout. It is a short, simple, lighthearted film that makes me laugh often, regardless of how silly it all is. It’s exactly my kind of comedy from my kind of comedian, and despite a few dull parts, the movie ranks pretty high as one of my favorite slapstick comedies.
My score: 3.5/5
-------------------- 59:
[Show spoiler]The Golden Compass
Best mount ever!
imdb score: 6.1 | RT score: 42%
Guilty of: Considered to have weak writing, story, characters. Too rushed. Piggy-backing on the success of Harry Potter. Many differences between the book and film. Doesn’t have the controversial bite of the original novel. Still caused some controversy, as certain religious groups tried to boycott the film.
What I say: Despite being watered down to some extent, I still feel that the film represents the book pretty well. Any themes concerning religion are inherent to the story, so some of the key themes still stood out to me. What matters the most, however, are the characters: it was a pleasure to see such a fine cast of characters (and their animal counterparts) brought to life. I was even more enthralled to see the spectacle: the action generally satisfied, and the epic polar bear fight was great.
My score: 4/5
-------------------- 58:
[Show spoiler]Frankenhooker
This is probably what it feels like for many viewers.
imdb score: 5.8 | RT score: 60%
Guilty of: Low-budget and trashy.
What I say: The film’s title in itself is something absurd and ridiculous, so I doubt anybody would go into this film expecting anything more than what it is. Despite being so low-budget and silly, the film is pretty funny most of the time. It’s light on the gore, surprisingly, and the film overall is more tasteful than it initially seems. The outrageous plot and scenes do the film great justice, and makes for one of the most enjoyable B-movies in existence.
My score: 4/5
-------------------- 57:
[Show spoiler]Snow White and the Huntsman
imdb score: 6.2 | RT score: 48%
Guilty of: Acting and pacing considered uneven, confused script.
What I say: I never saw much wrong with this film. A lot of folks seem to say it’s dull or boring, but I never felt that much bored with it. I really enjoyed the film and its wickedly gothic spin on the classic fairy tale. It has a good amount of action and visually-impressive scenes. Above all, Charlize Theron is perfect as the evil queen.
My score: 4/5
-------------------- 56:
[Show spoiler]Knowing
imdb score: 6.2 | RT score: 33%
Guilty of: Absurd plot, cheesiness, takes itself too seriously.
What I say: Holy crap, this film pulls out some incredible surprises. Not only are the disaster scenes really incredible, but there’s some great intellectual potential buried in the plot. By the film’s end, there are some jarring theological overtones and implications that put the story into a deeper context. While many audiences find the concepts and execution laughable (for some odd reason), I found it quite enthralling and enlightening. My only complaint is that the characters acted pretty irrationally in the last act, but otherwise, it’s all good!
My score: 4.5/5
-------------------- 55:
[Show spoiler]Thir13en Ghosts
imdb score: 5.3 | RT score: 13%
Guilty of: Unscary, soulless, considered terrible and trashy in a number of ways. Uses a number in its title as a gimmick.
What I say: Ah man, this film is wicked! Trashy, yes, but also really slick with the glass house and the wild editing effects. There is a lot of painful-looking blood and gore here, especially for the one wicked scene where the guy is cut in half laterally by a pane of glass. At the same time, it’s not a film that seems to take itself seriously. For all its frenetic action, occasional laugh, and frequent bloodshed, Thir13en Ghosts is best viewed as a thrill ride rather than actual horror.
Guilty of: Considered unoriginal and unintelligent.
What I say: In terms of action, this film has its fair share. It’s always thrilling to watch these super-intelligent sharks hunting men and chewing them up. I think everybody can agree that the scene with Samuel L. Jackson’s epic speech is a genuine surprise. It doesn’t offer much for characters or plot, but it’s a fine creature thriller full of suspense and thrills.
My score: 3.5/5
-------------------- 53:
[Show spoiler]The Sixth Day
Arnold Schwarzenegger was born here.
imdb score: 5.8 | RT score: 41%
Guilty of: Routine, formulaic execution.
What I say: This film has some really weird editing effects that threw me off at first, but for some odd reason, I kept coming back to this film for more. Part of it is probably the action: there are plenty of fancy shootouts and helicopter chases and everything. I’ve also grown to appreciate the plot: it does cover some interesting ground regarding genetic engineering and cloning gone wild. It is pretty amusing to see two Arnold Schwarzeneggers on the screen together instead of just one. Overall, the story goes through some fun and interesting plot twists and obstacles, and a plethora of cool sci-fi concepts and ideas keep it engaging.
What I say: There were a few quibbles I had over this film, so it’ll never surpass the greatness of the first two films in my eyes. But heck, it’s a Terminator film, and the filmmakers finally got around to showcasing the apocalyptic man-vs-machine struggle of the future in a full-length feature film. There are some cool fights and battles, especially with some really huge terminators marching around. The story shows some promise, as it not only establishes things that would loop back into the first two films, but also focuses itself on a character who’s trying to figure out if he’s man or machine.
My score: 3.5/5
-------------------- 51:
[Show spoiler]Aeon Flux
Keep off the grass!
imdb score: 5.4 | RT score: 10%
Guilty of: Considered dull and messy. Weak story.
What I say: Make no mistake, the MTV animated show is miles better than this feature film. The show was really wild on a MC Escher level, with dialogue and content that just blows the mind. This film pretty much dumbs everything down, so it’s nothing more than a straightforward action flick. However, it is one slick and stylish action flick. I really do enjoy the action, stunts, SFX, and the overall look and feel of the movie. It’s pretty fantastic and visually impressive at times. Just don’t expect it to be mentally impressive.
My score: 3.5/5
-------------------- 50:
[Show spoiler]Omega Man
imdb score: 6.6 | RT score: 59%
Guilty of: Considered far inferior to the original novel. Considered cheesy and unintelligent.
What I say: Granted that the I Am Legend film is better than this, Omega Man is pretty badass in its own right. For the first part of the film, I was always entertained in watching Charlton Heston strolling through town like he owns the place, pretty much doing everything a man would do if he was the last man on Earth. The rest of the film has plenty of action and thrills to satisfy. Despite a few silly twists and turns, and the age of the film, it’s still one of my go-to examples of a fun post-apocalypse adventure.
My score: 3.5/5
-------------------- 49:
[Show spoiler]BloodRayne
Keep those fake plastic swords away from me...
imdb score: 2.8 | RT score: 4%
Guilty of: Nothing like the video game. Weak on every level. An Uwe Boll picture.
What I say: I went into this film expecting nothing more than a B-movie, and the film delivered. Yep, acting, dialogue, editing, and direction are pretty horrid all around, but I enjoyed the film all the same. I loved Kristanna Lokken as the main character, even if her fight scenes seemed really clunky and awkward. The film has a ton of blood and guts (especially in the unrated cut) which are just plain wicked! The best that can be said is that drag is not too terrible; even if the film is something terrible, there’s always something going on.
My score: 2.5/5
-------------------- 48:
[Show spoiler]The Brain That Wouldn’t Die
imdb score: 3.7 | RT score: 36%
Guilty of: Considered sleazy, cheap, stupid.
What I say: I got a kick out of watching this short and silly affair. It’s surprisingly trashy for a film made in 1959 (it wasn’t released until 1962); you can expect a surprising amount of blood and sleaze to this. It’s also a film so riddled with ridiculous moments, dialogue, and acting, that it lends itself to some easy mockery. A real doozy of a B-movie, this flick is good for a quick laugh and indulgence in absurdity.
What I say: The fight scenes are pretty cool. Strangely, though, I never thought of this as being action-packed; I actually enjoy watching this film more as a mellow hybrid of drama and action. In between the slick fight scenes, the characters do take the time to breathe and develop some rather touching connections. Of course, seeing the title character in a hot red dress is pretty appealing as well.
My score: 3/5
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[Show spoiler]Resident Evil: Apocalypse
Don't make me poke you.
imdb score: 6.0 | RT score: 21%
Guilty of: Weak plot and creativity.
What I say: As cool as the first Resident Evil film was, its ending left me wanting more. Thankfully, I felt the sequel delivered, in huge portions. It’s not a long film, but it’s crammed full of action and style. Hardly a moment goes by without a major fight scene or without the characters running for their lives. It’s always a pleasure to watch Milla Jovovich kicking butt, and the rest of the cast is fun. How can I not love a film where characters ride motorcycles through church windows and blow things up with miniguns?
My score: 4.5/5
-------------------- 45:
[Show spoiler]Zombie Strippers
I'd ask for a refund.
imdb score: 4.2 | RT score: 38%
Guilty of: Poorly executed.
What I say: Obviously, the stripping parts of this movie appeal. I think I’m more impressed as to how well-paced the film is, given the amount of crazy bloody zombie-slaying there is, in addition to the often-amusing comedy. It’s silly, outrageous, and gratuitous, and I love it that way.
My score: 3/5
-------------------- 44:
[Show spoiler]Dragon Wars
imdb score: 3.7 | RT score: 27%
Guilty of: Unfocused script, bad acting.
What I say: The acting and writing in this film will induce laughter, make no mistake. Most of this film is really bad and gaudy B-movie material. What really makes it redeemable, however, are its special effects, which are surprisingly awesome. The film’s last half has an excellent battle scene that pits helicopters against a hoard of dragons; it’s big, explosive, and a heck of a thrill ride. I give this film the high points for being perfectly entertaining, even if it fails at everything else.
My score: 2.5/5
-------------------- 43:
[Show spoiler]Bad Boys II
imdb score: 6.3 | RT score: 23%
Guilty of: All style, no substance. Unfunny.
What I say: Probably the coolest looking movie of all time. Even if the film has no real substance to it, the style is so cool, it’s mindblowing! The shoot-outs, with all the slow-motion bullets and bloodshed, are a real sight to behold. The highway car chase is one of the best I’ve seen. The film is a blast, it never really drags, and it’s just too cool to hate on.
My score: 4/5
-------------------- 42:
[Show spoiler]2012
There goes the neighborhood...into the ocean...
imdb score: 5.8 | RT score: 39%
Guilty of: Weak script, ridiculous in every way.
What I say: The 2012 doomsday theory was ridiculous to begin with, so it’s almost as if this film tells the audience, “what, did you think the Earth’s crust would just fall apart? Then, what, we all get into these giant arks while the world floods over?” The film never fully takes itself seriously, and neither do I. All the stupidity in the plot and characters makes the film easily laughable, with good humor. Above all, however, the spectacle is phenomenal. The disaster scenes, with entire cities crumbling and huge tidal waves crashing over the world’s tallest mountains, are probably the best ever created. It’s a real awe-inspiring sight.
My score: 3.5/5
-------------------- 41:
[Show spoiler]Judge Dredd
imdb score: 5.2 | RT score: 18%
Guilty of: Not sure if it wants to be ultra-violent or a self-parody. Silly.
What I say: Granted, it felt more serious and pulpy when I was a teenager, and thus it hasn’t aged well. I still haven’t seen the new Dredd movie, but the source material definitely requires a more hardcore approach. Regardless, I always did enjoy this 90s film for its entertaining blend of comedy, action, and impressive special effects. I dug Sylvester Stallone as the title character. Story is pretty light and silly, but even with all its cheese, I enjoyed the characters and the presence they projected.
My score: 4/5
To be continued...
A solid 7 this time. Not quite as good as last time, but there are at least a few here that I borderline love.
I might as well just say it now since it is getting mention... I despised the first Resident Evil movie, and enough to not even have me bother with the rest (and I legitimately was looking forward to seeing Extinction). I lost count of how many times things happened in that movie that were beyond stupid, but I've got to stop because I know there are plenty of movies I own that people would feel the same about.
Guilty of: Acting and pacing considered uneven, confused script.
What I say: I never saw much wrong with this film. A lot of folks seem to say it’s dull or boring, but I never felt that much bored with it. I really enjoyed the film and its wickedly gothic spin on the classic fairy tale. It has a good amount of action and visually-impressive scenes. Above all, Charlize Theron is perfect as the evil queen.
Guilty of: Considered unoriginal and unintelligent.
What I say: In terms of action, this film has its fair share. It’s always thrilling to watch these super-intelligent sharks hunting men and chewing them up. I think everybody can agree that the scene with Samuel L. Jackson’s epic speech is a genuine surprise. It doesn’t offer much for characters or plot, but it’s a fine creature thriller full of suspense and thrills.
What I say: There were a few quibbles I had over this film, so it’ll never surpass the greatness of the first two films in my eyes. But heck, it’s a Terminator film, and the filmmakers finally got around to showcasing the apocalyptic man-vs-machine struggle of the future in a full-length feature film. There are some cool fights and battles, especially with some really huge terminators marching around. The story shows some promise, as it not only establishes things that would loop back into the first two films, but also focuses itself on a character who’s trying to figure out if he’s man or machine.
My score: 3.5/5
-------------------- 51:
[Show spoiler]Aeon Flux
Keep off the grass!
imdb score: 5.4 | RT score: 10%
Guilty of: Considered dull and messy. Weak story.
What I say: Make no mistake, the MTV animated show is miles better than this feature film. The show was really wild on a MC Escher level, with dialogue and content that just blows the mind. This film pretty much dumbs everything down, so it’s nothing more than a straightforward action flick. However, it is one slick and stylish action flick. I really do enjoy the action, stunts, SFX, and the overall look and feel of the movie. It’s pretty fantastic and visually impressive at times. Just don’t expect it to be mentally impressive.
My score: 3.5/5
--------------------
46:
[Show spoiler]Resident Evil: Apocalypse
Don't make me poke you.
imdb score: 6.0 | RT score: 21%
Guilty of: Weak plot and creativity.
What I say: As cool as the first Resident Evil film was, its ending left me wanting more. Thankfully, I felt the sequel delivered, in huge portions. It’s not a long film, but it’s crammed full of action and style. Hardly a moment goes by without a major fight scene or without the characters running for their lives. It’s always a pleasure to watch Milla Jovovich kicking butt, and the rest of the cast is fun. How can I not love a film where characters ride motorcycles through church windows and blow things up with miniguns?
My score: 4.5/5
--------------------
43:
[Show spoiler]Bad Boys II
imdb score: 6.3 | RT score: 23%
Guilty of: All style, no substance. Unfunny.
What I say: Probably the coolest looking movie of all time. Even if the film has no real substance to it, the style is so cool, it’s mindblowing! The shoot-outs, with all the slow-motion bullets and bloodshed, are a real sight to behold. The highway car chase is one of the best I’ve seen. The film is a blast, it never really drags, and it’s just too cool to hate on.
My score: 4/5
--------------------
Snow White & the Huntsman - On my watchlist.
Deep Blue Sea - Awesome.
Terminator: Salvation - I think I blind-bought this. Good watch but ultimately forgettable.
Aeon Flux - Hopefully Ultraviolet shows up too.
RE: Apocalypse - The last one with a residual horror element to it...
Bad Boys II - One of the best action movies ever made period. Where is the blu-ray?
Rust and Bone is a film about two people, from completely different situations, who come to share a special bond. Stephanie, played by Marion Cotillard, suffers a horrible accident and Alain (Matthias Schoenaerts) cannot stop screwing his life up. They need one another but for different reasons, and a relationship ensues.
Great premise, right? With Jacques Audiard at the helm (director of A Prophet, one of the best films of 2009), the characters are explored with remarkable subtlety. My kind of film. Their romance is unique and some scenes are undeniably poetic, but the flow and beauty of the narrative is abruptly abandoned more than once with Alain’s stubborn and inexplicable tendencies... perhaps to remind us that real life relationships just don't go perfectly. However, the male protagonist never seems to blossom out of his predicament and thus, the film ends up feeling inconsequential. What would otherwise add to the overall meaning of the film instead robs it of potential passion.
Strong performances by the male lead and more notably, Marion Cotillard, whom I wish was more of the focus. I will stress this: Like A Prophet, Rust and Bone has the type of quality and depth that requires reflection or repeat viewings to unravel. The frustration of the main character being a complete douchebag and
[Show spoiler]getting away with it all
docks a few points off what is actually a raw, thought-provoking, and wonderfully subtle effort by Audiard.
3.5/5
Last edited by Lepidopterous; 01-18-2013 at 03:10 AM.
Terminator: Salvation - I think I blind-bought this. Good watch but ultimately forgettable.
Yeah, I keep forgetting to give it a rewatch. It still felt it was good enough to make the list.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DjMethod
Aeon Flux - Hopefully Ultraviolet shows up too.
lol, Ultraviolet is definitely eligable, but last time I watched it, I liked it a lot less. The Blu-Ray really revealed how bad the SFX really are. Pretty gaudy film. Decided I didn't like it enough to include it on the list.
Quote:
Originally Posted by DjMethod
Bad Boys II - One of the best action movies ever made period. Where is the blu-ray?
A solid 7 this time. Not quite as good as last time, but there are at least a few here that I borderline love.
I might as well just say it now since it is getting mention... I despised the first Resident Evil movie, and enough to not even have me bother with the rest (and I legitimately was looking forward to seeing Extinction). I lost count of how many times things happened in that movie that were beyond stupid, but I've got to stop because I know there are plenty of movies I own that people would feel the same about.
Right on. Stupidness seems to be a common complaint for a lot of these films, but they clearly didn't hamper my enjoyment much.
I've stuck with the RE series pretty avidly, since it entertained me really well, but I do have to admit that Afterlife feels pretty shallow in retrospect. I thought I'd jump on...oh jeez, what is the newest one even called?...Retribution, either in theaters or as a blind-buy, but the bad reviews convinced me to save my money.
Taking a break from the list...here's a movie review.
The Abyss
Plenty of films take place in remote areas, like Antarctica, and in deep space, but there aren't many that are set deep under the ocean. The Abyss presents a unique odyssey into the deep, showcasing a high-pressure environment where the slightest mistake could have mortal repercussions. It's made even more volatile at the height of the Cold War, and with something otherworldly lurking in the depths...
The Abyss builts itself really well on tension, first and foremost. Working in a deep underwater environment, the characters are always conscious of the air pressure, and the slightest mishap could send them into fits or convulsions from mishandling their air or pressure mixtures. Characters go through psychosis, as the strain pushes them to the edge. Characters explode and go at each other's throats. It eventually builds up to a series of jarring climaxes, as the underwater station, and perhaps the entire world, is thrown into peril. Throw in a plethora of quality special effects (including a neat ROV chase sequence, an incredible CGI "pseudopod" made of water, and some really psychedelic alien spaceships), and the film succeeds at being both thrilling, suspenseful, and magnificent.
The story for this film plays out pretty similarly to James Cameron's other films (bearing something in common to Aliens, but also serving as a precursor to Avatar). It emplyes a cast of colorful blue-collar characters, who are pretty fun to watch. The two main characters take up the front stage most of the time, with their strained relationship sucking up most of the drama. Aside from that, the overall plot is pretty sound, and it's exceptional for piling on so many different stakes in a coherent fashion. Strong anti-war themes run through the picture, and inevitably lead to strong themes of love and compassion. Such themes are made far more apparent and cohesive with the Special Edition ending, which tacks on another ten minutes or so, and provides the best possible ending.
With decent photography and editing, the film looks distinctive and solid. It employs a plethora of good, practical, and working sets, props, and costumes. Special effects were groundbreaking for its time, but show their age a little. Acting and writing are a bit cheesy, but still fun to watch, and everybody does their best to breathe life and personality into their characters. The film is especially noteworthy for all the literal pressure the cast and crew went though making this film (as I recall, Ed Harris almost drowned, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio was fed up in one scene and had to walk off, and everybody else had to endure endless hours of heavy lifting, diving, and decompression time). The film's music score is alright.
4.5/5 (Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good)
great suggestion! I concur! Just too much material packed into a 2.5 hour film (a.k.a. "Anti-Hobbit Syndrome"). Your suggestion is better - let the audience use their brains to fill in the end in their own minds, especially since they all know where it is headed.
When he walked down the hallway
[Show spoiler] and the picture faded out I welled up with tears and thought "What an awesome ending". Then it kept going.
Taking a break from the list...here's a movie review.
The Abyss
[Show spoiler]Plenty of films take place in remote areas, like Antarctica, and in deep space, but there aren't many that are set deep under the ocean. The Abyss presents a unique odyssey into the deep, showcasing a high-pressure environment where the slightest mistake could have mortal repercussions. It's made even more volatile at the height of the Cold War, and with something otherworldly lurking in the depths...
The Abyss builts itself really well on tension, first and foremost. Working in a deep underwater environment, the characters are always conscious of the air pressure, and the slightest mishap could send them into fits or convulsions from mishandling their air or pressure mixtures. Characters go through psychosis, as the strain pushes them to the edge. Characters explode and go at each other's throats. It eventually builds up to a series of jarring climaxes, as the underwater station, and perhaps the entire world, is thrown into peril. Throw in a plethora of quality special effects (including a neat ROV chase sequence, an incredible CGI "pseudopod" made of water, and some really psychedelic alien spaceships), and the film succeeds at being both thrilling, suspenseful, and magnificent.
The story for this film plays out pretty similarly to James Cameron's other films (bearing something in common to Aliens, but also serving as a precursor to Avatar). It emplyes a cast of colorful blue-collar characters, who are pretty fun to watch. The two main characters take up the front stage most of the time, with their strained relationship sucking up most of the drama. Aside from that, the overall plot is pretty sound, and it's exceptional for piling on so many different stakes in a coherent fashion. Strong anti-war themes run through the picture, and inevitably lead to strong themes of love and compassion. Such themes are made far more apparent and cohesive with the Special Edition ending, which tacks on another ten minutes or so, and provides the best possible ending.
With decent photography and editing, the film looks distinctive and solid. It employs a plethora of good, practical, and working sets, props, and costumes. Special effects were groundbreaking for its time, but show their age a little. Acting and writing are a bit cheesy, but still fun to watch, and everybody does their best to breathe life and personality into their characters. The film is especially noteworthy for all the literal pressure the cast and crew went though making this film (as I recall, Ed Harris almost drowned, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio was fed up in one scene and had to walk off, and everybody else had to endure endless hours of heavy lifting, diving, and decompression time). The film's music score is alright.
4.5/5 (Entertainment: Very Good | Story: Very Good | Film: Very Good)
Recommendation: Yes!
This movie needs a Blu-Ray pronto!
I read almost all good stuff about this movie. I have never seen it though. I really want to, but I'm holding out for the Blu-ray.
All countries
Argentina
Austria
Belgium
Brazil
Bulgaria
Chile
China
Colombia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Estonia
Denmark
Finland
Greece
Hong Kong
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Iceland
Indonesia
Ireland
Israel
India
Latvia
Lithuania
Malaysia
New Zealand
Norway
Philippines
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Russia
Singapore
South Africa
South Korea
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Thailand
Turkey
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
I think the trailer I first saw was when Steve posted it.
)
Linear Mode
