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DaveGu
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Star Trek: Picard: Võx (2023)
Points for nostalgia - less for story
OK so we finally learn about what's behind the red door in this episode. The Borg are back after they were destroyed, similar to both Picard and Date who were both risen from the dead. Back to the Borg. I thought I saw the queen melt in the First Contact movie. Did she un-melt? And why didn't seven play a larger part in this episode? She and Raffi get stuck on the Titan after Shaw takes one for Star Fleet. Maybe he'll return in episode 10? And Picard left us with the syndrone, but he really didn't. It was something else, like the Borg altering his DNA to pass along such that only youngsters (25ish) while beaming here and there got the Borg bug. Come on, this could have been written better IMO.
I did enjoy the crew getting back together again on the Enterprise-D complete with the carpet comment but the story leave much to be desired.
Star Trek: Picard: Surrender (2023)
Disappointed - again
While I know many others will likely gush about this episode (and all the others), I saw another poorly written, overly violent, slowly paced "something" that wasn't what I know Star Trek to be. Acting seems wooden throughout the series with scene switching that often makes little sense. And don't get me started on the Data thing. He's one thing then another, then a dissolves in a hug, then returns from yet another "he's gone forever" to once again save the day. And the Jack thing that's been hanging over us waiting for an explanation. Counselor Troi to rescue? She sensed something "dark" on the Titan after the carnage. This is not the way I hoped that TNG would end. For me, very disappointed.
Star Trek: Picard: Disengage (2023)
Headed in wrong direction
Seems like another "here we go again". Episode 1 started S3 off OK but E2 felt like what happened with S2, which IMO really took a nose dive. For example, somehow Jack Crusher manages to escape from the brig with a gadget he just so happened to have on him. Then we have Worf who (in a blur btw) somehow showed up in the nick of time to save Raffi and while at it, managed to lop off the head of one of the bad guys. Then we see Riker who somehow knows what to inject into Beverly Crusher to wake her up. This in front of a bunch of medical staff. This just doesn't feel right, like S2.
What happened to "seek out new life and new civilizations"? Bad way for TNG to end IMO.
Star Trek: Picard: Monsters (2022)
What's happening here?
Was waiting for the series to improve. It didn't. Each episode is worse than the previous IMO. Writing? Terrible. Get on with the story already. Noticed more than half a dozen "Executive Producers". Five too many? Sorry but this is not the Star Trek I know.
Enola Holmes (2020)
This game IS afoot
Holmes fan here. This was a wonderful story, well told. Acting was superb. And that 19th century English countryside fantastic. I liked Enola "talking to us". Nice touch. I'm passing on the good word of this movie. And BTW, Jeremy Brett WAS Sherlock Holmes.
Star Trek Into Darkness (2013)
No for me
Just back from seeing STID with my wife. We looked at each other afterward and basically said the same thing -- this wasn't our Star Trek. It belongs to others, not us. Others who enjoy one action scene after another with way too many impossible situations somehow made possible. There's a story in there somewhere but it plays second (or third) fiddle to other less essential elements of the film.
I will say that BC plays a capable villain, and the casting in general was very good, but I was never drawn into the movie, not even for a few seconds. I knew I was in a theater with no moments of being inside the story, a feeling I get when I'm watching a high caliber film. I was drawn into the story in several other ST movies, but not this one or its predecessor.
Homage was made to the ST of yesteryear, but in clumsy ways. The Tribble suddenly appeared on Bones's table. How did it get there and it was part of Kirk's cure? No thanks. Spock and Kirk trading radiation places with Spock yelling Khaaaaaannn this around seemed hokey to me. And the purpose of new Spock having a chat with old Spock was?
After the movie ended I couldn't help but notice the hush in our 25% full theater. Absolutely no buzz.
I did promise my daughter we'd see this movie and maybe I'll get a different vibe the second time around, but I kinda doubt it. Maybe the next one will boldly go. This one didn't.
4 / 10 is all this viewer can give.
Saw it again with my daughter. She liked it and because of that I liked it a bit more. My conclusion is that this new Star Trek primarily targets a younger audience and that's OK. Some of us were once a younger audience when the original ST and follow-ons were introduced. I do hope the next one deals with exploration, which was mentioned at the end.
Luftslottet som sprängdes (2009)
Great ending to this trilogy
Just back from seeing Hornet's - I guess there's only one hornet in the - Nest. Great conclusion to a trilogy of well done movies. I was glued to my seat at the theater, and not by gummy bears. While the movie was long, I didn't notice. I was captivated by the story and will say that the other two must be seen before this one.
The books have been wildly popular. Wish the movies were more widely distributed so others could enjoy them as much as I did.
Thumbs up to the Swedish film makers. Thumbs up to the cast, especially Noomi. Simply great work.
Highly recommended. 9/10
Moon (2009)
It made me think !
I can often see movies with my brain switched off. Not this one. Score one for Moon. I can tell when a movie had an effect on me when I keep it in my head well after seeing it. Score another for Moon. Score another when I care to see it again. I *need* to see this one again. There are a few dots I still need to connect.
While some said it was "slow", I thought the pace was fine. Why does it have to be "fast" I wonder?
I'm a story over CGI guy and this one satisfied that need.
If I say any more, it would contain spoilers, which I prefer not doing.
See this movie and leave your brain switched on.
Update: Just saw it again. It went from very good to excellent.
And finally, why wasn't this movie more widely distributed?
Avatar (2009)
Visually stunning at the expense of a well told story
Must be a trend these days. Dazzle us with CGI and put the story telling on the back burner. Not sure why some here have said it's the best movie ever. I guess they value CGI more than the other elements of a movie.
I will say that this movie was indeed visually stunning, but the story was WAY too predictable - what we did to the Native Americans, we also do to the people on Pandora. Greed will prevail, for the shareholders, etc. And why not explain what the unobtanium was rather than a fleeting "it costs a lot of money." That's what brought us to Pandora to start with.
Tons of $$ was spent making this movie, but after seeing it I'd say most of it was spent on visuals. Too bad.
See it? Sure, but you'll likely only use the visual part of your brain, everything else can be put in hibernation mode.
Star Trek (2009)
Didn't feel right to me
I'll start by saying I've been on this M-class planet since before the beginning of Star Trek in the 60s, so this isn't new to me as it might be for others.
While somewhat of a Trekker, I don't speak Klingon, own a phaser, and have never been to a convention, though the one in Galaxy Quest was a kick.
I understand this was billed to be the reboot of the franchise. Maybe it will be, but it wasn't for me. While the movie was OK, it was just that and again I noticed story took a back seat to CGI and too many fights, all to common this century.
I thought the characters were well cast. All of them. Some of the visuals were stunning, but..... and in no particular order.
Cpt. Nero (where was the fiddle) reminded me too much of Praetor Shinzon of Nemesis (not much) fame. So did their huge ships, designed to destroy entire worlds.
I felt like they paid homage to the ice planet (Hoth?) in Star Wars when Kirk just so happened to meet Spock Senior in an ice cave after being chased by several I'd like to eat you creatures.
The Enterprise's bridge looked good, but the rest of the ship reminded me of a dry cleaning factory. Pipes everywhere. And where was main engineering? And the windshield (?), did I see that correctly, that seemed to develop a crack during the ending struggle with the black hole created by this red lava lamp substance. Writers, where are you? On my way -- hopefully for the next movie.
That's just a few things. There are a few more.
See it, yes. Go back and see it again? Wait for the next one.
The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)
Hard to believe
Wow - what happened here? Was looking forward to and was totally disappointed with this movie. Yes, I saw the original and yes I couldn't help but compare the two, but even as a standalone, it was bad.
For starters, what was that opening mountain scene in 1928 all about? What were we to learn from that snowy place? Now fast forward to present day. The first few minutes were interesting, but soon after the bottom of the barrel was in plain view.
A few more observations.
The Oriental fellow at McDonalds. He's there, has a conversation with Klaatu in 2 languages no less and we learn that he's been here for 70 years and wants to stay, knowing full well that impending doom is on its way. He did mention that he took a shine to us. One can only guess that he was on some sort of long term recon mission on earth, but why? To what end? Curious minds want to know. Now on to GORT for a moment. Oh yea, we, the earthlings named GORT, some acronym that was quickly forgotten. While GORT looked imposing and demos what it's capable of, what happens? He morphs into a mummy movie type swarm of tiny silvery bugs and as swarms do, starts reeking havoc - "it has already begun". The professor Barnhardt scene was OK, but not enough to even remotely save this mess.
Enough of this. If you've read this far, do yourself a favor. Rent or Netflix the 1951 version.
Bottle Shock (2008)
Audience please for this little gem
My wife and I have been wanting to see this movie for awhile now. With the kids busy, we got our chance yesterday evening. Our first theater trip was a disappointment in that the movie had "left the building" the day before; our fault for not checking. Manager did mention that the movie was a good one, but nobody came. Looking for another theater we were lucky to find one close. 6:25 here we come.
We were both glad we made the second trip and saw this movie. Interesting hidden story while our country was busy with its 200th birthday. Remember the red, white and blue toilet paper? Alan Rickman was wonderful as usual. He, IMO doesn't get enough work or is content with his current lot. Other actors were well cast and the flipping from Napa to France was not at all distracting, although I wish a bit more time was spent in the wine country in France. And where did Dennis Farina get that suit he wore during the tasting contest outside of Paris? To close there were about 6 other people in the theater when there should have been 600. When we exited we were stopped by 2 students that asked how we liked the movie. On their clipboard they entered 2 -4 star votes from us.
If you get a chance and this is a hard one to find in theaters, go. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
The X Files (1998)
Second verse - not the same as the first
Now that I've seen the 2nd X-Files movie, I reminded myself to go back and rate the first. I gave the 1st 8 and the 2nd 6, although I would have preferred to move up rather than move down the score ladder.
I enjoyed this movie. I think it captured the spirit of the TV series and cleared up a few things along the way. I also much prefer the "little green men" stories rather than the others and this movie was all about those little guys. Heck, even little bees played an important part. The Loan Gunmen added their unique touch. Too bad Scully was a bit under the weather after her ordeal under the ice and didn't really see what Mulder saw, but that too was part of the spirit of the series, Mulder a definite yes on these sorts of things and Scully sorta believing, but not totally convinced.
The X Files: I Want to Believe (2008)
Another long wait, another disappointment
I believe the first X Files movie is now 10 years old. Here's another example of waiting too long and forgetting too much. I very much liked the TV series and thought the first movie was pretty good. This one was OK, but I somehow expected more and didn't get it.
Sorta reminds me of how I felt after watching Indy Jones and the Crystal Skull. I thought it should have been titled "Indy meets the X-Files". That wait was 19 years. Again, too long. Bad dates. Lucas and Spielberg got lost and it showed, but enough of Indy.
Not sure if another X is in the works, but if it is, I'd prefer a story about what's "up there" rather than what's below the ice. Although come to think of it, the first movie did contain large amounts of ice. But it was better ice !!
The Dark Knight (2008)
Best ever of this genre? Could be - with an added bit of cool for me
My wife and I just got back from TDK and while I can't add any new accolades that haven't already been mentioned, I will add this little tidbit.
A scene on LaSalle St showed an address of 29 S. LaSalle. When I was a kid in high school many years ago, my first job was at 21 S. LaSalle in Gotham City (aka Chicago). Kinda made the movie a bit more special for me and while no biggie to others that may read this, it was cool for me.
The best movie I've ever seen of this genre. Story, characters, direction, music, scenery, EVERYTHING was great. Kudos to all involved with its production.
I throughly enjoyed this movie and can't wait to see it again.... and again.
******** (update 7/26/08)
Saw it again today with my daughter, this time the IMAX version. It was better the second time around and IMAX adds another touch, actually large touch to an already great movie experience.
I'll say what others have here; I wish I could rate it >10 stars but no can do.
If you live anywhere near an IMAX theater, go there to see TDK. You won't regret it.
********** (update 8/3/08)
Noticed some are rating TDK 1 star because it doesn't deserve to displace **their** favorite/s in the rankings. I'd rather see a flick rated on its own merits rather than trying to knock it down for other reasons. How about it? How can anyone agree or give a 1 star rating to TDK ? What's the world coming to I ask? And to offset those 1 star ratings, can I give it 12?
********** (update 8/14/08)
Saw the IMAX version of TDK again. For me, it gets better with each viewing. I pick up on a few more details with each viewing, stuff I missed because I blinked, etc. Given that, I'll probably see it at least one more time, hopefully the IMAX version. Its a great movie that, for me, gets better and better.
********** (final update 8/20/08)
I confess that after several weeks, this movie is still with me. Its popped into my head every day since viewing #1. That tells me something, hope the same for you, gentle reader.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
Could have been better - lots better
OK its the 4th. But after how many years, one would think that a group of people with the talent and resources of Lucas and Spielberg could conceive of something better than what I witnessed yesterday.
While not terrible, it lacked the magic (I know - overused term) that made Raiders one of my favorite movies. Perhaps a little less CGI and a little more (and better) story would have helped; I don't know, I'm not a movie maker. I am a movie consumer and I would have liked a better product.
Not suggesting others shouldn't see this movie, just don't expect too much. You'll be fine. Don't worry about the bad dates.
Saw it for the second time with my wife tonight (5/31/08). It didn't get any better, in fact it got worse. I'm lowering my score in a minute. My wife didn't like it either.
Spider-Man 3 (2007)
Expected more....
Daughter and I attended the midnight opening last night. She and I made a deal to do this after SM2. We'll both remember this "date" for a long time. Theater was packed, which added to the excitement, but for me, once the movie started the excitement quickly melted away.
I expected a lot more from SM3 then it delivered. Lots more. And I see from reading other reviews, that I am not alone here. I won't repeat what others have already said, but I'll add that if the budget for this movie was what I've been hearing - 250-300 million - its hard to believe that its producers couldn't come up with a better product. No, a **much** better product.
Sure some of the CGI was good, although too quick to keep up with in some cases, but without a good story and character development to back it up..... you know the rest.
SM1 - 7, SM2 - 9, SM3 - 5 (and that might be a bit generous)
Worth seeing? Yep, but don't expect what 1 and 2 delivered, unfortunately.
Also wonder why the IMDb user ratings are what they are compared to the reviews. They definitely don't line up, by what looks like a large margin. Take a look and see for yourself.
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)
Worked for me and my daughter
My 12 year old daughter and I saw the movie on opening "afternoon". Theater was filled more than I thought it would be for this time of day on a Thursday. We noticed at least one light saber in the audience, which both of us thought was cool. She had tried to talk me into the midnight showing, but with school and work looming.....
Both of us throughly enjoyed the movie, she from a 12 yr. old p.o.v. and me from a somewhat older Dad's p.o.v. I'm sure we'll be back to the theater several more times to see this one again.
It wrapped up the saga in a nice package, one that I'm sure we'll be enjoying for many years to come.
Spider-Man 2 (2004)
Best of this genre? Could very well be.
If you have kids or were once one, do not miss this movie.
Seeing the first is a pre-requisite imo. My 11 yr old daughter agrees.
I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. Not for the CGI, but for the story and characters. Wonderful. Right up there with some of the best I've seen. Certainly the best for this type of movie.
An interesting footnote. As my daughter and I were leaving the movie, the crew was getting ready to clean up. As we passed them, one said, "see ya tomorrow". Great finish to a great father/daughter experience. Oh, and I think my daughter is convincing my wife that she needs this experience. Today in fact.