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Dìdi (2024)
Gimmicky AOL/Myspace nostalgia. Nothing really happens. Cookie cutter ending
This is definitely an overrated, one-time watch movie.
A troubled, "fatherless", obnoxious 13 year old having a crush, trying to fit in with the "cool kids skateboarders" supposedly ends up "changing" for his mom. That's pretty much it.
The ending is also one of those frustrating "WHAT?! That's it?!" type of unsatisfying, abrupt endings that will annoy you for investing all the hours for.
As an Asian myself, all the relatable, stereotypical scenes are there with the parents.
However, the relationship with the boy and his sister is really unrealistic; the boy does the most disgusting, disturbing thing to his sister (a real crime), says how much she hates her, yet all of a sudden she turns into this motherly figure to him. It's a very cookie cutter movie drama. She's going to turn completely 180 towards him because she's moving to college? I couldn't handle the extreme cheesiness there.
I find it boring why it's always stereotypical skateboarding as the "cool hobby" in high school movies as well.
The only point and highlight of the movie, I feel is showing off the nostalgia of the AOL Instant Messenger and MySpace/Facebook and early days of YouTube - but that is pretty gimmicky when those scenes are the most memorable about the movie than anything else.
I also don't think it's really accurate in the timeline of 2008; people weren't using AOL Instant Messenger/MySpace then. Also, how the movie kept having the obnoxious kids saying "bro" and "bruh" all the time; I'm pretty sure it wasn't done constantly back then like it is nowadays.
Another Asian-American/High school movie called "Better Luck Tomorrow" (2002) by Justin Lin (Fast and the Furious), also Taiwanese-American, produced by MTV, is a more interesting movie.
Robot Dreams (2023)
Cute. But it's clearly a short story concept film
The characters are super cute. Despite not having any dialogues, it's able to capture a lot of charm about them.
However, this movie is clearly a short story concept idea that was forcibly stretched to 1 hour and 43 minutes.
It's cute, but if you want excitement, this movie isn't it. I feel this is one of those movies you would watch at midnight with less distraction/to go to sleep.
Kids may not get it, but this movie is clearly a symbolism/message/made that people come and go in life (ie: the birds/family); or if you're in a first relationship that you can't get over with (ie: 500 Days of Summer)
The actions of the dog can be pretty frustrating to watch.
Overall, it's a cute "short film" that is pretty overstretched with some mundane scenes; you can interpret the movie to a deeper meaning; if you also live in New York/love New York or love the song 'Earth, Wind & Fire - September' then this movie is for you.
The Substance (2024)
Disgusting. It makes Fast and the Furious seem like a documentary
This movie is a dark comedy for sure.
The director is surprisingly female. But what's not shocking is that it's by a foreign director.
American directors can't make this level of over-the-top disturbing violence; it reminds me of the movies Paul Verhoeven used to make (Robocop, Total Recall).
I get it... this movie is supposed to be satire, extremely over-the-top fantasy world... but where do you draw the limit?
If you try to watch this movie logically, you will not make it through.
The storyline is generic B movie.
It's just all about the performances by the two veteran actors and "special effects" that has created the buzz.
The movie is full of plotholes and outrageous behavior that makes zero sense at all.
I found it really hilarious how the girl is so professionally handy, she drilled and built a perfectly functioning/seamless secret door in the bathroom.
And don't get me started on the whole shady Substance pickup location and how that whole thing works...
The only realism in this movie is casting Demi Moore for the role because her career/age in reality fits exactly the character.
There's also gimmicks like full nudity from both actresses, so of course that increases the rating for some viewers.
There's not that many characters in this film, but Demi Moore and Dennis Quaid performances easily steals the show.
I'm sure both or one of them will get some kind of award.
The ending is ridiculously disturbing and disgusting - if you love extremely grotesque material, then that's something you will "enjoy" about this film. I can see how people walked out or were offended.
I can appreciate that they didn't use full CG for it, practical effect/prosthetics work made it look way more traumatizing.
So basically, what I want to say is if you want a nice, warm family movie to watch, while eating dinner, check this one out....
Gung Ho (1986)
Gedde Watanabe (Kazihiro character) doesn't even speak Japanese properly. Typical Stereotypes. Worst ending ever.
First of all, I'm fluent Japanese/American so I understand both cultures; so of course this movie concept initially intrigued me...
It was extremely distracting and irritating to watch this where many of the Japanese dialogues weren't even real Japanese conversations, but absolute gibberish.
There is no way Hollywood could release a movie like this today, as there would be extreme backlash.
The character "Kazihiro" played by actor Gedde Watanabe (was also in Sixteen Candles) clearly can't speak Japanese; he clearly sounds like a white guy trying really hard to speak in Japanese with a heavy American accent. In fact, Michael Keaton trying to throw out Japanese words sounded better than him. After I googled more about this Watanabe actor, it's clear the actor was born and raised in Oregon. The Watanabe actor's Japanese is absolutely atrocious. I can't believe they approved it. What's actually also ironic is this Watanabe guy does the voice for the stereotypical generic Japanese characters in The Simpsons cartoon show too. It's so awful.
There were also other "Japanese" actors who had heavy American accent that just spit out gibberish words too.
It also makes absolutely ZERO sense how the Japanese CEOs talk to each other in broken English when there are no Americans around.
Michael Keaton is typical Michael Keaton in this film. I mean, he clearly steals the whole movie - without him, it's really nothing.
The film is extremely stereotypical. The characters also react too over-the-top and cartoony at times that it really takes you out of the movie.
The ending is so rushed and abrupt that it seemed like the writers just simply gave up. The ending makes you feel like you completely wasted 2 hours; there is zero satisfaction at the end.
I'm surprised it was directed by Ron Howard... the same Ron Howard who made the movie A Beautiful Mind? He sure came a long way....
There's a similar movie called "Mr. Baseball" released in 1992 starring Tom Selleck, which has the same Japanese/America forumla as this movie; goes to another country and has an interpreter side-kick; I recommend that movie over this, as that one at least had a real Japanese speaking guy in it and being a better movie overall.
Fly Me to the Moon (2024)
Absolute WASTE OF TIME. Hollywood is officially dead. "She's All That" but with a Moon.
When the the trailer of this movie first came out, I was actually excited for this movie to come out.... (I mean, who isn't sick of the same old repetitive Marvel films.)
I thought this movie was going to be a breath of fresh air.... How wrong I was.
It really doesn't matter if you're a supporter of the moon landing or against it. The film is extremely misleading. It's no wonder Hollywood "allowed" a film like this.
The movie is absolutely ridiculous and a waste of time.
There is zero entertainment value or thrill.
Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum are terribly miscasted, but the love interest/storyline has zero chemistry/believability. The plot also made me feel like I was watching "She's All That" but way worse. Do you want to know another shallow space movie that had a terrible "romance" casting? It was called "Passengers" (2016) with Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt; if you loved that one, then you'll probably fall for this fake superficial relationship too.
This movie has HORRIBLE pacing. Honestly, who wants to watch a movie half the time trying to convince senators to fund the NASA program - SO BORING.
Why do so many films lately have to end up more like a SNL skit? It just feels like all the cast members and crew are goofing around for their own entertainment than giving the audience a real grounded entertainment experience.
Yes, the plot is silly to begin with, but even classic movies like "Mrs. Doubtfire" was still grounded and entertaining/believable/great pacing/message etc. -- this movie has NONE of that.
It was a real torture to finish this, I started fast forwarding it and the ending is even a greater absurdity.
There's a similar movie (minus the moon) called "Wag the Dog" from 1997, with Dustin Hoffman and Robert De Niro, and ironically also starring Woody Harrelson, which is satire done correctly than this sad attempt.
THANK GOD I didn't waste my money to see this in theaters.
I'm 100% positive I would never want to torture myself to sit through this movie ever again.
Hollywood seriously is dead now.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)
Basically watching Avatar Way of Water
We all knew there was no way this was going to surpass or be as good as "War for the Planet of the Apes" (2017), which was the best one out of the whole series -- especially without Caesar. (the previous main character in the series).
The beginning is really slow and it doesn't hook you in right away like the previous ones.
You don't necessarily have to watch the previous one to watch this one, especially since they played it safe by basically copying the same EXACT formula (minus interesting antagonist like Woody Harrison); just changed the characters a bit where we're less invested in; Family killed, get trapped in prison... let's escape... yadda yadda yadda....
The main girl in this is not as memorable or likable as the little girl in the previous movie - and the little girl didn't even have to talk!
Noah, the new main character, his CG is practically modeled similar to Caesar...
I feel this movie is also basically the same attempt and entertainment level as Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) -- instead of whales, they used eagles....
The major plot holes really takes you out of the movie, like where are all the guards and how EASILY they try to plan an escape... Why there are multiple "stone age people" (with zebras) are captured, yet they never show up with the rest of the prisoner apes? How did the girl even follow Noah, like an invisible Ninja, all the way when she didn't even have her own horse?
It's certainly way better than Tim Burton's Planet of the Apes, but it's just another safe copied reboot attempt without the invested characters that we ended up emotionally feeling for.
You know they will make a sequel to this.
If there's just one Planet of the Apes movie you're going to watch, it should be the 2017 one "War for the Planet of the Apes".
This movie can satisfy some fans (since it checks all the standard formulas) and disappoint too. This movie could have been a lot shorter, especially with the slow beginning.
IF (2024)
Doesn't hook you in. Terrible pacing. Trailer practically shows everything. Nothing really happens... Forgettable.
When I first saw the trailer for this, I have to admit, I was actually excited and was really looking forward to this... but you know when a trailer ends up showing practically the whole movie, it's a bad one.
What a disappoint. The movie never hooks you in. The pacing is the worst - with so many dragged out unnecessary scenes that adds nothing to the storyline.
The whole movie feels like a 5 minute concept movie that was forced out to extend to 100 minutes, with boring scenes that doesn't really drive the story at all.
There's really no memorable scenes; they basically put everything in the trailer.
There was no funny scenes at all. No scenes made me cry -- and I cry easily. The little girl's dad, played by John Krasinski's, his "medical condition" is so weak and pointless/forced extra as well; the "touching" scenes has no weight to it.
Having a "casting call" session just to show random imaginary characters, and they also just randomly start dancing together - just to have a scene like that for no apparent reason. The old grandma just suddenly also start ballerina dancing as well - so dragged out.
Adults will fall asleep on this one. I feel even kids would too; I feel this movie doesn't know who to cater mainly to either adults or kids - it's really not doing well for either.
I get it that it's trying to be Peter Pan/Hook/Sixth Sense, keep your inner childhood message, trying to mix with Monster's Inc, but none of the characters have any character development enough for you to care or invest.
There's also so many plot holes that doesn't make sense, including the "twist". (Why the girl can see ALL the IFs, but the little Asian boy with glasses can't see them until suddenly the end, where they just want a big happy cheesy ending....the grandma never reacts to her IF either when she's dancing)
You'd think the purple wannabe-"Sully"/Baymax-like character voiced by Steve Carell would also have an impact, but he's not that memorable either.
Save your money. It's not even worth a rental/your time unless you absolutely have nothing better to do.
I like the concept, but it's just poorly executed. The "journey" should be enjoyable and engaging to watch - this isn't. I wouldn't want to torture myself to watch this movie again just for the "twist".
If you haven't already, go watch these more engaging family movies instead: Toy Story, Space Jam, Mrs. Doubtfire, Home Alone, Hook, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Goonies, Sandlot, Cool Runnings, Big Hero 6, Brave Little Toaster...
Total Recall (1990)
Easily one of the best Sci-Fi films ever made.
This movie is legendary classic.
Paul Verhoeven and his team are a genius making this - right after making another legendary cult classic Robocop.
They just can't make movies like this anymore. 80's didn't hold back when it came to raw violence. The movie originally was even more violent -- even with the cut-back amount, it's still violent.
The pacing, writing, is sooo good. It's an entertaining, intense rollercoaster ride from start to finish. This is the kind of film you want to see in the theater/giant screen.
This movie has a golden amount of memorable one-liners
"What have you been feeding this thing? Blondes."
I watched this as a kid (all the traumatizing nightmares I had; late 80's-early 90's parents were more lenient letting kids watch violent movies) and was glued to the film, even though I didn't fully understand it. The scenes are still traumatizing to watch to this day.
Watching it grown up, I realized that both Total Recall and RoboCop had much deeper layers of story. It has nothing to do with nostalgia factor; I've watched other movies where I enjoyed when I was little that didn't age well. There's a reason these films are cult classic.
This came before "The Matrix" (1999) and "Inception" (2010) - both I'm sure were inspired by this movie.
I love how the film confuses the viewer multiple times whether it's a dream or reality. Everyone can interpret it their own way, but there are some interesting little details most people would miss, especially on their first viewing, how the Rekall tech mentions "blue skys on mars".
People today might not be able to appreciate the special effects as much; the X-Ray security scene was truly groundbreaking at the time. I feel many of the makeup and practical effects still hold up today.
The 2012 remake of Total Recall with Colin Farrell is no comparison to this in both visuals, story, casting, acting, etc.
The Garfield Movie (2024)
Touching concept, but typical boring "adventure" storyline. Kid's movie
The trailer really gets you with the super cute adorable kitten Garfield. The little one is so cute. I think it would have been nice to see more of that cuteness and how/why he suddenly turned into that cuteness to a "grumpy old sarcastic cat"
I feel this movie is more like a Netflix streaming quality.
I think what saves this movie is the touching concept/moment of father/son abandonment. If they didn't have that, this movie would be a complete disaster failure.
But the whole "adventure" is actually really boring and silly, especially where they "train" and the B-story to save like mission impossible (the movie even makes Tom Cruise reference and Top Gun music too).
Garfield doesn't have his witty lazy grumpiness sarcasm like in the cartoons. It's just more of him energetically shouting mostly...
I'm not a hardcore obsessed huge loyal Garfield fan, and I did have super low expectations with this being a kid's movie to begin with. The dialogue does sometimes throw in elements catered for adults, so it's not entirely a kid's movie -- but the storyline is what makes this really a basic kid's movie "adventure". It's no Toy Story.
It's a shame Jon Arbuckle is hardly in this film. He needed to be more in this film.
The "trade-off" scene towards the end makes zero sense at all.
I still give it a 5/10 having low expectations. The kitten Garfield plush would definitely sell.
Shogun (2024)
Extremely overrated. Overhyped. Terrible pacing. Never hooks you in...
First of all, I'm Japanese, so I have no immediate bias towards this show just because it has to do with Samurai; I know there are geeks, otakus, out there that just think it's automatically cool/good show because of the theme/visuals.
Don't let the cinematography (yes, of course, it looks great... minus the terrible obvious CG backgrounds) fool you. The story and pacing is HORRIBLE.
I watched this with high hopes; I really tried to get into it, but I just couldn't... I stopped watching after end of Episode 2. It just NEVER hooks you in. (maybe it gets better in the later episodes, but the fact that it takes this long to hook you in just says how overrated this show is)
The show just drags forever with the prisoner and several clans just rambling back and forth. Just get to the point. Where is the real drama and suspense? Who are we supposed to care for?
I recommend watching Martin Scorsese's 2016 film "Silence" instead (it even stars the same actor 'Tadanobu Asano'); that was a movie I actually enjoyed, so it's obviously not the theme/history that I can't handle.
Gojira -1.0 (2023)
Extremely overrated. Dumbest "solution" by the "scientist" - Silly forced "romance" and story/ending
I watched this because it currently has a 8/10 and the rave reviews.
This generation has some super low standards.
Let me tell you, this movie is EXTREMELY overrated.
First of all, I'm Japanese/American, so there's no instant bias from me to immediately love it like a geek-otaku would just because it's a Godzilla movie made by Japan.
I actually had high hopes, since the director is Takashi Yamazaki who is known in Japan for making high production films; what I consider one of the best Japanese films ever made is by him called "Eien no 0" (The Fighter Pilot) released in 2013. I highly recommend watching that film instead of this sad attempt. (there's actually some similarity considering both involve a pilot during WWII)
The main character is not likable at all - he is a major drama queen diva the entire movie... He begins as a coward and he never really redeems himself; you know a guy like him would never give up his life.
The "love" interest has more charisma than him; yet she is just randomly forced into the film and the ending "twist" is just laughably outrageous - it will make you roll your eyes.
All these Godzilla films follow the same boring formula; where there's this single "brilliant" scientist who has a "great idea" to stop Godzilla.... yet the idea solution/presentation they come up with this one has to be the dumbest ever. I seriously lost brain cells listening to that guy with glasses present the dumbest idea ever. And for the crew to also go along with it...
Seriously, their idea was to sink Godzilla (one guy mentions he is a sea monster, so what good is that going to do - he was the only guy with a brain) and then float him back up???! What??? I mean why did they even go through all that hassle when ultimately, they just needed one fighter plane....
I also don't see what is so impressive about the visual effects... How it actually won an Oscar for Visual Effects?! Maybe it's impressive in terms of Japan/non-Hollywood standard; I'm pretty sure it won only because the other nominees weren't that great.
I would say this is better than "Shin Godzilla" (2016), but that's not saying much considering that movie was such a boring snorefest with boardroom meeting.
Don't let the high rating fool you. This movie is overrated. Whether you care about Godzilla or not, don't even bother wasting your time.
I think the biggest problem with these Godzilla movies is also how they don't present the motive of Godzilla... it's just a mindless monster wanting to create total destruction? Boring.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
Not for everyone. Love it or Hate it Movie. "Donnie Darko" praise. "Memento" meets "Lost in Translation"
If non-linear, weird, slow paced "emo" movies aren't for you, this is not for you. If you want a movie to have a discussion/analysis on, this movie can be one...
Other similar vibe/movie pacing is like "Her" (2013)" - another movie I didn't care for the high praise that it got - very overrated.
I feel the movie "Everything Everywhere All at Once" (2022) was heavily inspired by this film as well.
This movie is basically "Total Recall" (1990) (just the sci-fi concept) meets "Memento" (2000) (memories) meets "Mulholland Drive" (2001) "Inception/Interstellar" (dream or reality?) meets "Lost in Translation" (2003) ("romance" part)
I watched this when I was younger in my teens and didn't enjoy it. I figured I give this movie another try 20 years later, and well, I still think it's pretty overrated.
I loved Jim Carry in "The Truman Show" (1998) back then and still enjoy that movie today. But this film just isn't for me in terms of flow and entertainment value/likable characters.
Yes, it is somewhat thought-provoking, open to different interpretations about the relationship and their fate ("Is it a circle of life?"), and very confusing at first (typical Charlie Kaufman films) being non-linear. However, underneath it all, it's not a satisfying movie to watch. It's actually a frustrating viewing experience.
Movies like "Lost in Translation" or "Her", the plot itself is actually pretty mundane - people love it because they resonate with the vibe of the movie/character's emotions. But if you're watching a movie for entertainment purposes, which most of us watch a movie for (and I don't mean stupid dumb mindless films like 'Transformers' or 'Fast and the Furious'), it's not satisfying.
I feel this movie fits in the same overrated films like "Donnie Darko" (EMO kids/teens love it) , "Rushmore" (my god that movie is truly awful with one of the most annoying lead characters in cinema, but praised for its music/vibe?); the target audience who seem to be obsessed with this film seems to be lonely people who can't forget about their ex partner/had bad relationships....
This movie is similar "satisfaction" to watching "Lost in Translation" where the story itself is not really interesting, but it's the vibe that seem to resonate with the audience; if you're lonely and just had a breakup/can't forget about your ex. If your focus is plot driven movies, this isn't it.
I understand relationships is not about perfection, which is what Elijah Wood's Patrick character tried to do. But there really is nothing romantic about Jim Carey and Kate Winslet's characters; I mean, I understand they are both odd outcasts and would be categorized as "leftovers"; "Lacuna", the memory company" in the film is about helping people forget/erase memory of whatever they want to forget/loved one, etc. But at the same time, it is run by a bunch of shady staff. A lot of the things in the film are pretty forced throughout to drive the story. ('think about embarrassing moments to escape off the map!'; The Doctor's wife witnessing; Mary finding out the truth (who would even keep someone like that to continue working there? Major plothole); When a movie doesn't have any likable characters, it's hard to enjoy the film)
Yes, this movie is a fantasy, so obviously there's suspension of disbelief - but at the same time, there's limits to the amount of plotholes you can handle...
The movie is impressive though having some all-star casts with Jim Carrey, Kate Winslet, Elijah Wood, Mark Ruffalo, and Kirsten Dunst... it's just none of them are likable at all.
A Man Called Otto (2022)
Touching, but depressing dark movie. Not about the cat.
If you're expecting a uplifting movie night, this is NOT it. This movie actually makes you feel more depressed about how society is and life.
Forrest Gump has some dark moments, but it is more uplifting/comical throughout. The tone of this movie is heavily dark, especially showing various ways to commit suicide.
If you're also expecting a movie that involves the cat, you will be disappointed. The cat is not really part of the story.
Otto is supposed to be this stereotypical conservative grumpy old man, who's into traditional things, but when it comes to transgenders, he is immediately accepting? There's also the Mexican and African American neighbors that he is pretty accepting well; even though he is so closed minded about owning American cars. It's very selective cookie cutter and not fully dimensional realistic character. It seems rather forced to make him not look completely like the "bad guy", but he has a lovable "big heart" when it comes to controversial areas.
There's some extremely cheesy scenes that take you out, like the "social media journalist" showing up exactly at the right time.
Also, it doesn't make any sense for him to teach the neighbor manual transmission, when she will most likely be driving automatic anyway; also a grumpy man like him to have the patience to even do that....
In the end, it was worth watching if you have nothing else to do and feel lonely. If you're already in a dark place, I don't think it's a good movie to be watching. It's a depressing movie. If you "enjoyed" this movie, I would also recommend similar films like "Gran Turino" (2008 movie with Clint Eastwood) and "Hachi: A Dog's Tale" (2009 movie with Richard Gere).
Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)
Stereotypical. Generic. Predictable. Nothing new. Bro... Yeah, bro... Hey bro...
In somewhat similar category, a better visual and storyline would be "Life of Pi". This is like a super dumbed down version that takes place in the ocean.
It doesn't even make any sense that the human "enemies" just completely abandon the forest (shouldn't they destroy that completely and migrate there?) that they were always after in the first film - yet, they conveniently focus on the water world just for one man and his family? Okay...
It should be a game to drink "water" every time a character says "bro" in this movie.
The movie is really forgettable. I watched it a few days ago and I can't remember much memorable scenes.
The main characters in the first one takes a major backseat; in fact, Sam Worthington's Jake character is really annoying, unnecessary side character, along with his wife, also nagging and screaming and crying all the time on screen - like stereotypical crazy parents - while it's more about two brothers trying to deal with what else... bullying and trying to fit in.... Everything is generic, stereotypical and predictable.
This took over a decade to make? Maybe this movie is only meant to be seen in 3D IMAX and it's not worth your time in other ways; kind of like the movie "Gravity" was an absolute bore on a home screen, but is an amazing experience in 3D.
The special effects in Terminator 2 is still impressive than this movie. Comes on James Cameron, enough with this Avatar BS and let's have more of your True Lies/Terminator/Abyss/Titanic quality.
At over 3 hours long, this movie could have easily been half the amount shorter and still tell the same generic story.
Beef (2023)
White Lotus meets Parasite
I binged watched this whole show in one sitting, so I guess that is a plus. Each episode is just 30 minutes with 10 episodes, so it's very watchable. Of course Netflix shows ends and leaves you wanting to see the next episode every time...
This had the same vibe as the HBO show White Lotus - it's a dark comedy; it starts out realistic, but then after each episode, it tries to out-do themselves and go even more over-the-top exaggeration; sometimes, it takes you out of it.
It's nice to see an entirely Asian-American show, which Asians can relate to, for the most part, and it's relatable to real-life scenarios like yelp, instagram, korean churches, etc.
It seems to also loosely be based on Ali Wong's actual life since her ex-husband was also a rich Japanese guy.
There's always that rich versus poor element.
I feel like a lot of writers start taking drugs during the writing process - and they get too high towards the end.
The crows talking reminded me of the two rocks from "Everything Everywhere All at Once"
You can tell the writer of this show is around in his early 40's. There's a lot of 90's-00 soundtrack in this.
Ali Wong's character is clearly the worst, most toxic person in this entire movie, which caused everything to begin with a domino effect.
Burger King must have been a major sponsor for this show?
Overall, it was worth my time watching, I laughed, but it really gets outrageous towards the end.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
Non-stop action. Jack Black as Bowser steals the show. Peaches~ Peaches~
This movie is NON-stop action.
However, if you're expecting a deep storyline, it won't be as good as "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish" or "Del Toro's Pinocchio"
It's the typical "Seven Samurai" let's-train-and-fight storyline. It is fun for what it is. I'm okay with just watching it once.
I don't think it's good as "Wreck-it Ralph". But there is no denying the animation is excellent.
They casted Bowser perfectly with Jack Black. They really hit gold with him. In fact, the peaches song by him has now become legendary status. It makes me laugh every time I hear that song.
He was the most interesting character out of the entire movie. I liked him more than Mario.
With Super Mario World at Universal Studios and this movie being made, Nintendo is really glowing right now. I hope Nintendo makes more animation for their games like Star Fox. (enough Marvel)
There are two short bonus scenes if you stay during the ending credits. They will definitely make a sequel, saving one of the character for the next one.
Tár (2022)
A pretentious torture. WASTE OF TIME.
The director has to be trolling us. If you actually VALUE your time, do NOT watch this rambling snorefest.
It's just pretentious. And I thought Power of Dog was boring and overrated, but I was at least able to finish that movie... this movie is absolute torture (even if you love music), most annoying and boring dialogue/story/intro.
As if it wasn't ridiculous enough that they have to show the entire ending credits from the start of the film, something dumb like Man on the Moon with Jim Carrey, it just gets worse and worse...
Not only do they immediately test our patience and completely waste our time from the start of the film, they have to torture us more with Cate Blanchett rambling on and on, it gives Aaron Sorkin and Jesse Eisenberg a run for its money.
Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio (2022)
Best Picture of the Year!
This is an obvious clear winner for Best Animation, but it deserves to win Best Picture.
It's extremely rare nowadays to be able to watch a movie where it has characters you can really feel and care for/love with a good deep story.
It's even more praise-worthy how it used a painstaking stop-motion animation. As ugly as Pinocchio may look initially, he really is super charming (I want a figure of him!), and you really fall in love with him. The actual boy/actor who did the voice for Pinocchio has the perfect voice/charm and singing! It really captures the innocent naiveness of the character - of course with the amazing stop-motion to go with it.
Pinnochio's singing and music is really nice and touching!
The old man, cricket, monkey, so many likable characters!
Disney's live action remake of Pinocchio, which also came out this year, was a major embarrassment garbage cash grab... there is NO heart in that movie... just superficial visual... just so heartless; you'd expect with a great director like Robert Zemeckis (Back to the Future, Forrest Gump) and Tom Hanks, you'd have a winner, but it was extremely boring to watch. Absolute fail from Disney. A real winner masterpiece by Del Toro showing how it really should be done.
This movie had a lot of praise/hype and despite all that, I still cried and loved it.
I also loved Guillermo del Toro's Pan's Labyrinth (it's very similar about fantasy, war, and death), his "Shape of Water" movie I really didn't care for, but Del Toro's Pinocchio has easily become one of my favorite movies.
I love the unique creative take on how it's a coming of age of the old man/supporting characters, thanks to Pinocchio - it's not about changing for someone, but accepting them for who they are.
Hollywood needs to stop with the annoying CG filled super hero movies and go back to its root with real practical admirable effects and good story.
If you're just going to watch one movie this year, this is it.
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
FINALLY a movie worthy of going to the theaters
This is the only movie I was really excited to make me want to go to the theaters. I hardly ever go to the theaters. Even with all the hype and positive reviews, it did not disappoint. This is the kind of movie you want to see in theaters!
I wanted a premium experience, so I saw it at AMC Dolby Cinema. The seats literally rattled like I was on the jet.
I'm so sick of the same old superhero movies and fake green screen coming out all the time, this was finally something older audiences could really appreciate.
I doubt there will ever be another superstar Hollywood actor on the level of Tom Cruise - who really goes beyond entertaining his fans and so dedicated to his work. It's amazing he can sky dive solo, and really flying jets himself. That is true dedication. I'm also glad he's against green screen and understands story is just as important as the actions.
36 years since the original Top Gun came out and it's definitely a worthy sequel that surpasses the original. The technology advances and actors aging to fit the storyline makes perfect sense.
The original had the most epic perfect legendary soundtrack, that is impossible to top, so I'm glad they reused the original score in the beginning - that brought major chills. I wish they would have used Dangerzone though.
There were some really intense action, I laughed, I cried a lot... everything you'd want in a great fulfilling movie experience.
Is the script Oscar worthy? No. I mean, the original was basically a popcorn flick as well. It's basically Mission Impossible in the air. But it's not just mindless uninspiring action - it's action sequences that you can admire and respect from all the crews hard work (not just lazy green screen) - and the story has substance.
Jennifer Connelly still looks good, but her character "romance" was definitely forced into the script. The intensity of the romance is nowhere near Tom had in the original.
Also I don't remember any memorable additional music in the new one (Even Lady Gaga's song). The soundtrack definitely fails in comparison to the original... again, that department is impossible to top.
Other than that, this sequel is superior.
Time flew by fast and the movie didn't feel 2 hours at all.
Watching the first Top Gun isn't necessary because they give you flashbacks, but I think watching the original will give you greater chills when seeing moments with Val Kilmer, etc.
This is the kind of movie you'll be satisfied paying your hard earned money for - not repetitive green screen same old same old superhero junk films.
Space Jam: A New Legacy (2021)
Bugs Bunny is the MVP - Not Lebron. This is why MJ is GOAT...
This just shows why MJ is GOAT/better than Lebron. Lebron might have taken acting lessons from Shaq's Kazaam tapes.
The original Space Jam story made a lot more sense, feels like a documentary compared to outrageous things that happen in Space Jam 2. I loved how it actually related to MJ's baseball career/retirement. It actually really made great use of other co-stars like Charles Barkley, Larry Bird, Bill Murray, and who could forget the original Space Jam had the GREATEST, MOST AMAZING soundtrack ever!! (I even bought the CD at the time... if you know what CD's are...)
There isn't even any good music in this new Space Jam 2 movie. Not to mention we all know the controversy with Lola Bunny getting a major downgrade as well. (Thanks Karens and overly sensitive World today)
It's funny how NBA today is just high scoring over 120+ points/lack of defense; where in the 90's, it was normal for a lot of games to be held under 100; even in the original Space Jam, the final game score for the ToonSquads were under 80 points against the Monstars. And then we got Space Jam 2 where it's a ridiculous video game, with video game looking CG loony toons, with outrageous scoring rules going over 1000 points.... okay.
It's true, Warner Bros really just wanted to self-promote and show off their catalog, in a Ready Player One-like scenes that really makes no sense.
I have to admit, the "MJ" cameo during half-time was hilarious though. And the little twist with Bugs Bunny was actually touching, I think it made cry (LOL), but overall you knew it was never going to top the original GOAT.
The original Space Jam really felt like a theatrical blockbuster movie with great story, cameos, and unforgettable soundtrack - and of course the greatest basketball player of all time. Space Jam 2 definitely has a straight to stream quality TV-Movie. Space Jam 3 with Jeremy Lin on YouTube is actually better than this.
Reminiscence (2021)
Exposition Galore. Bad pacing, rushed romance, cliche, predictable.
I thought the most basic thing about screenwriting is that you need to SHOW rather than TELL.
This movie is like the biggest prime example failure of worst expositions ever. It's comical how Hugh Jackman talks through all the "twists" -- that it's not dramatic at all where the director intended to be.
If you're expecting Inception, you will be HIGHLY disappointed. There is no real hook to grab you into the story or mind shocking twists, thrilling action in this movie like Inception or Minority Report had.
In fact, all the action/fight scenes in this movie is the most generic boring scenes that just drag the movie down even more.
The pacing is the worst about this film. The romance is so rushed, mostly lust, it's just not believable at all why Hugh Jackman is so obsessed with the girl. Even in the end, the "twist" with the romance is still silly and unbelievable.
And when you think the plot is about Hugh Jackman trying to find the girl, the story becomes extremely convoluted with boring side story about a mob boss/district attorney case/drug dealer, and bunch of other characters start getting thrown in there that you can really care less about; that's why a lot of people will lose interest immediately.
I mean, in the end you realize why you have to care about these other characters, but as a first time viewing experience, the pacing just drags and you won't be invested in it.
The characters/dialoges/acting are so cheesy, especially Daniel Wu's character throwing in Chinese words with English. A lot of cheesy scenes like sparing the life because "oh you served in the military too? Yeah, respect brother, so I'll let you live, even though my boss told me to kill you." scenes. The girl's action is just irrational and a plothole too just to drive the story to be "dramatic."
If you like Greek Mythology, the concept is similar to the story of Orpheus and Eurydice; the ending can be interpreted similarly to Inception whether it is a happy or sad. While it has an interesting idea, I thought the whole execution, dialogue/editing/acting/action was underwhelming.
Inception is like 30 minutes longer than this movie, yet it feels much faster; watching Inception 3 times in a row will probably feel faster than watching this film one time. This movie definitely feels more like a stream quality/TV-Movie than big budget blockbuster Inception theatrical movie.
A lot of similar movies like Deja Vu, The Final Cut (starring Robin Williams), Minority Report, Artificial Intelligence... etc.
RoboCop 3 (1993)
Absolute trash
Little girl "hacks" ED-209 and turns him into a puppy; Ninjas and flying jetpacks... Who let a 5 year old write the script for this movie?
Who were the executives that OK'd this COMPLETE GARBAGE? And I'm trying to be as sincere as possible... Because they will forever be known as clowns in the filmmaking industry.
This movie has EVERYTHING you could possibly do to ruin the series. EVERYTHING.
They clearly have never seen the original robocop because they turned it into a complete comedy with the biggest cheesefest you could ever produce.
Of course they also sign up a director that made only stupid corny TV shows, which this "movie" looks the same part.
Thank God Peter Weller was smart enough to not be in this garbage.
I don't think there are any movie in a franchise that is as complete 180 difference to the previous ones that turned out to be 300% garbage.
Ima, ai ni yukimasu (2004)
Cheesiness to the Max
Decided to watch this recently because the actress, Takeuchi Yuko, committed suicide. The story's premise is a little eerie.
I know I'm going to get a lot of hate for this review, but someone has to say it...
Most of the reviews seemed positive and a rating of 8/10 seemed promising; I was excited to watch it... but if you got better things to do, this is a movie to skip.
First of all, I'm Japanese, so there's no weeaboo bias here for praising things just because it has cool Japan scenery or superficial stuff.
The pacing is absolutely awful. I know Japanese/foreign movies are slow, but this movie really drags with barely any interesting dialogue/scenes and just dull, flat performances. There's no real major conflict/twists. Just straight forward wife comes back from the dead and they relive their memories together. Yawn. Major cheesy galore.
I can't tell if they intentionally made the acting sooo bad like they're all mentally slow or what, but I couldn't really feel for them because they just ALL talk and act like slow robots, including the doctor and kid's teacher. EVERYONE.
And we've all seen the cliche "coming back from the dead" movies so there's really no interesting or shocking twists here.
This movie is just filled with corny cheesy scenes like it was all produced and written by a teenage girl. I can handle movies like The Notebook, but this movie is in a whole new level of the most corniest cheeseballs ever made one after another.
The only good thing about this movie was the ending credits/song used "Orange Range - Hana". I loved that song back then and had no idea this movie used it.
A really good Japanese movie is something like "Shall we Dansu?" or "Eternal Zero"... or watch "Love Letter".
Clueless (1995)
A Classic
Reading the recent reviews, I can't believe dumb kids these days who can't appreciate this classic film... clearly, they have no taste in movies, fashion sense, or any sense at all.
This is a cult classic. I'm a guy and I'm not ashamed to admit I love this movie and one of my favorite movies. Easily one of the best "teen" movies ever made. It is 90's GOLD.
Alicia Silverstone was PERFECT for this movie. You cannot cast anyone better for the part. She is gorgeous, likable, and just plain out gorgeous. Everyone wanted to be like her.... Barbie/Girl Next Door
The story is interesting, pacing is great, music is great, cast (with many stars that later ended up being big as well).
Yes, the ending is a bit creepy but that fits perfectly that she is clueless. Nevertheless, it's a feel good movie.
Don't forget to check out the music video "Iggy Azalea feat. Charlie XCX - Fancy" that pays major homage to this movie; it's sooo well done.
RoboCop 2 (1990)
Honestly a great sequel
Seriously, the first one is pure perfection - how can you expect anyone to make anything better than that?
Peter Weller even came back for this second one because he knew the script was solid... now he made a really smart decision to not end up on that trash Robocrap 3.
This is a solid sequel that is actually more violent than the first one. The villain in this one is just as creepy and the whole scenario is quite creative.
The script is quite interesting and it has many memorable moments.
I'm a huge fan of the first one and this an excellent sequel.
Now avoid the other Robocops that came after this... the 3rd one is especially garbage.