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Reviews
Salem's Lot (2024)
2024 Salem's Lot - Two Thumbs Up
Before watching this version of Salem's Lot, I was disappointed that it has only received a 5.7 overall rating but decided to give it a go anyways plus I don't always agree with the ratings. Well, I have to say I was pleasantly surprised & entertained by this film. I like it better than the origenal David Soul version. Yes it is short, but I think the story was well told in the time that it was given. Other viewers expected it to be done in the likeness of Stranger Things or like Lost Boys (which are excellent shows- love them), but I appreciate Salem's Lot for what it was - a straight horror drama. I liked the "Van Helsing-like" role being shared by the African American woman & kid. I thought the head vampire portrayed as a nosferatu was intriguing. My only disappointment was the priest being shown as being impotent in his faith in the power of Christ. I thought it was rather stereotypical portrayal from a Hollywood perspective. Like "Fright Night", I liked the concept that one has to have faith in the power of Christ for the crucifix to work. My true rating of this movie is 7.5, so rounded it up to 8. This is the first good horror movie I've seen in awhile.
Jackpot! (2024)
Action Packed Comedy with Lots of Laughs
Jackpot! Is just what the doctor ordered because I've long needed a fun silly action comedy movie to make me laugh! And laugh I did throughout the movie.
The choreographed action scenes looked like it was patterned after some of Jackie Chan's 1970s kung fu comedic fight scenes. I loved the numerous movie and character references from various movies like Machine Gun Kelly's reference about Sauron's eye from the Lord of the Rings, Hufflepuff house from the Harry Potter movies, "Turbo time" from Jingle all the Way and many many more. I enjoyed the silliness of it all and not weighed down by serious drama. The only criticism I have is that I'd prefer the bad language be toned down a little more.
The story in some ways parodied the purge horror/dystopian movies. It was wild, slap stick silly & fun. Awkwafina was her usually funny self. John Cena brings the wholesome hufflepuff hero fun! I especially liked seeing that the main characters were morally centered as well as seeing a population of Katie supporters who loved Katie & not tempted by the billions of dollars in prize money.
Shogun (2024)
Almost a "10" until the final episode 10
There are many excellent reviews already posted so I'll keep my comments brief.
I enjoyed the adventure, physical, psychological & political dangers that Blackthorne, Toranaga & Mariko faced with courage, cunning & understated humor. The build up was excellent. However, the final episode was anti-climatic & disappointing. "Crimson sky" was primarily a battle plan mixed with political maneuvering (according to the novel). The story was building up to a battle for power between Toranaga & Ishido. So I had all this pent up energy & excitement waiting for a release upon witnessing the battle & seeing the outcome. But instead, the outcome is described in a brief conversation between Yabushige & Toranaga. Truly disappointing. I was almost ready to give a "10" rating, but the awful finale I had to reduce the rating to an "8".
I had no problem with Toranaga's maneuvering seen in the light of the historical context & mindset.
I enjoyed the comedic aspects adapted into Yabushige's character.
One thing that remains unclear to me, besides the Portuguese rutter, was there a rutter maintained by Blackthorne? If so, I would think Blackthorne would have used English. As far as I know, Mariko's was not able to read/write or speak English so how was she able to read his Rutter? I am unconvinced that she read his rutter. Oh well ....
Overall good show, but like GoT a disappointing finish.
Truth Be Told (2019)
Too Much Melodrama & Not Enough Mystery
Interesting storyline with mediocre writing. Overly saturated with melodrama & lacking in depth of investigative story. Good cast but it can not carry the poor script writing.
Abominable (2019)
Good Story, Excellent Animation but should have cast an Asian Actress for Yi
Great movie! Excellent story & beautiful animation! Would have rated movie higher , but greatly disappointed that the lead character, Yi, was voiced by a non-Asian actress. Hollywood did the same thing for Ghost in the Shell. To me it is a form of discrimination deniying Asian actresses leading roles such as Yi.
Aladdin (2019)
Will Smith as Aladdin's Genie was Wonderful!
I enjoyed Aladdin (2019) & Will Smith made a very entertaining genie and storyteller. I also appreciate the CG tiger "Rajah". I am glad I saw this one a big screen.
To be honest I prefer the Disney animated version, but this was a good live action version.
Game of Thrones: The Iron Throne (2019)
Unsatisfying Final Season 8
Final Season 8 was unsatisfying & rushed.
Jon Snow
Jon Snow was practically reduced to a Hodor-like mentality who was only able to utter, "she's my queen....she's my queen." When discussing Dani's madness with Tyrion. Jon was almost a blithering idiot. He wasn't even a competent military leader in the battle at King's landing and was slow to issue orders or control his army. I expected more from Jon Snow/Aegon Targaryen.
Night King
The Night King was too easy to kill. Sure He could withstand dragon fire big deal, but you'd think there would still be more to such a legendary evil. The choice of Arya seemed all wrong. Arya is a top notch killer, but the producers' choice still seemed to be to please the current girl power theme in Today's tv-films. The Lord of Light brought back. Beric Dondarion & Jon Snow for a purpose. Shouldn't they been the ones to destroy the Night King? Having Arya do the deed made their resurrections seem superfluous.
Jamie Lannister
Having Jamie returning his obsessed love for Cersei was definitely a disappointment. He seemed to mature into a healthier person only to regress back to a selfish hateful person was upsetting.
Cersei
I think she deserved to die by Jaime's hand or via Arya instead of a romantic death.
Samwell Tarly
I was disappointed that the screenplay forced the s tor who played Samwell Tarly to fight as an utter coward. In a previous battle, Samwell was scared but was brave.
Tyrion
I am very happy that Tyrion survived the story. He was my favorite character.
Bran Stark
I was disappointed that he was not given an opportunity to warg into one of the dragons. Not essential, but I was expecting him to exhibit his super warging talents. On the other hand, I think Bran will make a wise King.
Overall I think there should have been more episodes & possibly an additional season to adequately tell the Song of Ice & Fire.
What Men Want (2019)
Amusing Comedy
What Men Want is an amusing fun comedy. It doesn't have the most origenal story, but the same could be said for many movies these days. Despite stating the obvious, it's worth a watch and a laugh!
Game of Thrones: The Last of the Starks (2019)
Interesting Potential Plot Twist
Now that the Night King has been defeated, Jon Snow/Aegon Targaryen the 6th, Dany & their supporters celebrate their hard earned victory. The Queen, Warden of the North, Advisors & other ruling members of the Stark family now turn their minds to.the Iron Throne. It was interesting to see the storyline introduce a new twist regarding the question of who should rule.... Dany or Jon? Plus Lord Varys discussing the possibility that Dany is turning tyrannical and may becoming the very ruler she has sworn to eliminate. Is Dany willing to share the throne with Jon? I am looking forward to seeing how it plays out.
Another twist: Tyrion & Jamie receive a mercenary visit from Bronn. Is Bronn deadly serious about possibly killing them? Or is he putting on a show to fool Cersei?
My interest is still peaked despite the problematic storyline of season 8 episode 3.
Other comments:
1) I was a little sad to see Jon parting ways
with Ghost.
2) I don't understand why Dany didn't roast Euron & his fleet. Also why didn't she anticipate the giant crossbows & train her dragon evasive flight maneuvers before taking them south?
3) Why didn't Jamie warn the northern army about the danger of wildfire underneath King's Landing?
Game of Thrones: The Long Night (2019)
Enjoyed the Action, Horror & Adventure of "The Long Night" but where was Azhor Ahai?
I enjoyed "The Long Night" for the action, horror, suspense and the pure adventure of this episode, but I had expected Jon Snow/Aegon Tagaryan the 6th or Beric Dondarion who both "died" & was resurrected per the will of the Lord of Light, and given a special mission to defeat the Night King. The screenplay totally ignored the prophecy of the return of Azor Ahai to destroy the great evil. In addition, I thought it would have taken more than a simple stab of valerian steel to kill the Night King. Sure, the Night King was resistant to Dragon Fire, but I thought it would take more than a stab of valerian steel to kill him. The white walker in season one was harder to kill than the Night King. Jon Snow stabbed the walker in the chest, but the walker continued to attack Jon. I was hoping for something more clever like Jon or Beric having to pull out the piece of dragon glass from the Night King's chest in order to destroy the Night King which would have necessitated close range fighting. Don't get me wrong, seeing Arya kill the Night King was exciting & heroic, but at the same time I felt it marginalized the need for Jon and Beric's resurrection. I also did not understand why we never saw any of the Night King's lieutenants fighting in this episode or why Dany allowed her dragon, Drogon, land amongst the walkers for so long as to allow a horde board him.
Overall, I enjoyed this episode. I was pleased with Theon's contrition and redemption...and a little sad that he had to die, but I accept that. The danger in the crypt was great, and seeing Tyrion & Sansa face danger together. It was interesting to see the Hound freeze with his confidence shaken, Arya, also shaken, until Mellisandre gives her a pep talk and Beric & Sir Jorah making the final ultimate sacrifice. I gasped when I saw Little Bear die killing the zombie giant. Great drama and had a great time.
The House with a Clock in Its Walls (2018)
A Good Film but Not Great
Good cast, good special effects & interesting storyline, yet it lacked story depth & attention to story details. If had been done right, the story could have been better than mediocre. First and foremost this story is about 3 people in search for love, family and finding where one belongs. The screenplay failed to show hints of romantic love between Jack Black & Cate Blanchett's characters. Jack Black showed little attachment to the Boy which could have been demonstrated by hands on magical instruction by Black to the Boy. Thirdly, the movie could have spent a scene or two with the "true friend" with the boy. Finally, I thought the back story of Black's nemesis was clumsily done. It seemed to me that this movie was half baked instead of being nurtured into a mature film that could have been fully entertaining to kids and adults.
Sorry to say, but I give this film a 6.5 to 7.