sharktrooper21 Reviews

Attack the Block (2011)

One of the best films I've seen in a while

[8/10 · 31 January 2012]

I honestly stumbled across this film by accident and took some time to actually watch it. I'm glad I did. This is one the best movies that I've seen in a while. Although the movie is a throwback to the days of alien invasions, a very original story inhabited by a wide variety of characters has formed in a way that almost defies a simple explanation.

The delivers a perfect movie experience through a blend of things we like to see in these kind of movies without reaching the cliché point. Through a brilliant display of screen writing, we can hate the characters at one point and then be amused by their actions and dialog or feel sympathy when they get eaten by creatures during another point. I usually enjoy creature features as long as the creatures themselves are fit to deliver, the aliens are no exception. The simple design of the aliens is just brilliant and although I don't mind a through explanation I like how the movie gives us just enough information to let us know what is going on and leaves the unimportant details up to us.

Overall, a very well-done film from the UK. To me it's refreshing to see a British film that isn't a comedy or a zombie horror film. It's a nice alternative for sci-fi fans or anyone looking for a good movie. Do yourself a favor and watch this film. Now.

Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964)

A film you won't forget... ever.

[1/10 · 19 January 2011]

The title pretty mush somes up what kind of movie we have here. That is cheesy, dumb, and wrong on so many levels. In other words, the perfect film for MST3K.

I don't really need to how bad it is but there is only one msytery that eludes me. Who the hell thought that this might a good enough idea to put money to fund a film like this? I can only think of two reasons:

1. Since it's a holiday film, they thought they could get away with it. 2. It was made in Canada.

Still I love the MST version and can't think of a better film that could serve as their Chrismas special. Also I never noticed prior to watching this that Santa is smoking. An icon for children everywhere is smoking out of a pipe! Hilarious!

Tangled (2010)

Worth seeing. Period.

[8/10 · 29 December 2010]

As a kid, I grew up watching a good portion of the Disney films. While it does draw on some pop-culture gags that most animated films use now-a-days, it is really a reminiscent of the classic "fairy tale-musical" genre that has made the company famous in the first place. Everything in works very well in the animation, the story, and the characters.

The only thing that I can think is wrong with this film were the musical numbers. As a 20-year-old male, I've seen my fair share of old fashion musicals, Disney or otherwise. None of them have scared me as much this film's did. It wasn't that they were bad songs and that they slowed the story down, which it didn't, but every time somebody broke into song that it gave me a mixture of terror and humor. Particularly when the thugs started singing. Fortunatly, Flynn Rider and Maximus the horse help balance this fact out.

All in all, this is definitely a film that everybody in the family will enjoy one way or another. I'd definitely suggest that you see it, with or without your kids.

Valkyrie (2008)

One of the Greater Films of 2008

[8/10 · 30 October 2010]

I know that opinions will be mixed on this but I must say that Valkyrie is one of the better film that Modern Hollywood has produced. Yeah this is a movie that is trying to tell the public that not all Nazis were Nazis. And you know what? They're right.

Let's face it, Germany has kind of become the model country where the "evil people" are born all thanks to Hitler. So you would think that, for once, a movie that portrays Germans as good guys would receive better reception. I mean, that is one of the higher parts of this movie in my opinion, to try and stop the hate. I might be exaggerating but that's probably how this film is going to be interrupted. And I have to admit, it is refreshing to see people with appearances that are usually associated with villains being portrayed as the heroes.

I would strongly suggest this film to anybody but keep in mind that this is a MOVIE. You want a historically correct film? That's what the history channel is for.

The Big Lebowski (1998)

A Classic in Every Way

[8/10 · 27 October 2010]

Once again, the Coens go and make an original picture that is hard to match anywhere else in entertainment. Speaking honestly as far the story goes, The Big Lebowski is to movies the way Alice in Wonderland is to books. It is really like no other movie that I have seen before. True it does seem to go all over the place, but in the end there are no loose ends that are left untied. An achievement that you don't see much in the mainstream due to the fact that they hope to make a sequel.

After watching and laughing within the first five minutes of the film, I had to pause it every now and then to control myself before continuing. There's so much in this film to love that it is no surprise that film has gained a cult following. What I personally love about this film is how the Coens picked actors that actually looked like someone that you would find walking down the street or inhabiting the suburbs of America. Jeff Bridges just nails his famous role as "The Dude" and is part of the reason I think people like this film. The entire film is pretty much about an average guy thrust into this random stream of events and he's still trying to figure out what the hell is going on.

If you haven't seen it, watch it. Now.

The Arrival (1996)

A movie that runs smoothly

[23 October 2010]

When this movie started out as an astronomer finding a signal from an alien world that the government tries to cover up, I almost blew this off as the "government conspiracy" fantasy. In real life, if you were to ask somebody who works for the government how well they are able to cover stuff up, they will probably tell you that the only governments that are successful in keeping a permanent cover-up exist in movies. But once we found out that the ones covering up are not human, that is when the movie picks up lost ground.

While it probably won't be a classic it is definitely a taunt film that runs incredibly smoothly. David Twohy does a great job winding us up so tight with suspense that we will never know how the scene, or the movie, will end. Charlie Sheen also does a great job portraying a character that is trying to discover the truth. We know that there is something going on while at the same time we can't help but think that he just might be insane. Definitely a great movie where nothing is ever as it seems. Would definitely suggest it for sci-fi fans as well as those that enjoyed Twohy's "Riddick" movies. Just keep in mind that this isn't an action flick but rather an intelligent thriller.

Barbarella (1968)

What in...

[17 October 2010]

I saw this film on the shelf at the library and it wasn't until the second time I saw it that I rented it. It has to be the most interesting and sexiest film I have seen. I say "interesting" because it is a mix of elements from B-movies and A-movies. The special effects look crummy but are very well done. The sci-fi back-story is cliché yet clearly thought out. Although the characters are simple excuses and probably unimportant to the film's overall purpose the acting is superb.

I think the ultimate winner here is clearly Jane Fonda and the very suggestive content, like the opening credit sentence for example.

Initially, I was confused on what made them think they could get away with doing this kind of movie until I found out the year of release. At this time Sean Connery was still James Bond and somebody clearly thought, "why should the women get all the fun?" Just to warn people who haven't seen it, this is a guy's film as I personally can't see any women, lesbian or otherwise, finding this film entertaining. Despite the PG rating, I wouldn't let the kids be in the same room when you are watching it or else be prepared to explain some of life's more awkward facts to them afterword.

The Dead Talk Back (1994 Video)

The Dead Talk Back... unfortunately

[1/10 · 13 October 2010]

The field of meta-physics or "ghost studying" if you prefer is actually one of the more interesting fields out there. While unproven and with a very high chance of "hauntings" being explained, the occasional event that defies any explanation is quite thrilling. So it doesn't surprise me that the director or whoever was in charge of the the story was fascinated by this field.

It doesn't change the fact that it's a piece of crap.

Frankly the only reason this film didn't haunt the participants was due to the mercy of film obscurity that lasted for 30 years. The only person who truly suffered was the unlucky person who found it and watched it in it's uncut glory. By "uncut" I mean without the MST3K commentary. Definitely one of the funnier episodes of the late Comedy Central era. The funniest part has to be the scream uttered by the woman who finds the body. Definitely one of the funniest screams that I have heard.

If you want to learn more about meta-physics, I suggest the series "Ghost Hunters".

Avatar (2009)

One of the Better Films made by Modern Hollywood

[2 October 2010]

Avatar is definitely one of the better movies that has come out of the Hollywood assembly line. I still think that this is going to be the next "Star Wars" of film-making. Now I know some people would disagree either quietly or loudly. But here is what I think about this: Let's start with the plot which people keep saying is "unoriginal". Frankly, I think we're at that point in film making where nobody in any genre can come up with a story that hasn't been done before. I think these people are whining about the plot because they don't want to admit that the movie still works!!! And no amount of whining is going to change that.

As a seasoned movie viewer, I usually ignore the action and special effects unless I approve the plot. And after seeing dozens of movies I will say this: If you are impressed by any of the movie's extras (e.g. the soundtrack, the special effects, etc.), you know that the bar has been raised. The special effects alone make this a great achievement which is why nobody can discard this movie so easily. I mean, other films that create worlds by using a blend of real-life and virtual landscapes. This world enters a realm that until now could only be accessed by animated features, a feat that few films have been able to do prior to this.

Now, will this film generate it's own sub-genre? Time will tell. But it will defiantly be the movie people will talk about for years to come and your children and grandchildren will defiantly be impressed when you tell them that you were there when it first came out.

Red vs. Blue (2003–2024)

Hands-Down Funny!!!!

[10/10 · 2 October 2010]

I had first heard about this series when the the first Halo game came out but never figured out how to access it online. When I finally did figure it out, it was so worth it. My summery of the series: It's Halo with Stanley Kubrick plot elements with the Three Stooges in the leading roles.

I have never seen or heard something this funny since Mystery Science Theater. I think it's this funny because we're pretty much cloning one of the most awesome video game characters ever made and winding up with results that we didn't expect. I mean, the voice acting alone makes this series work and the fact that the dialogue that comes out of these faceless characters is incredibly clever is simply an added bonus. Heck, the Red Team alone makes watching this worth it.

I've seen all 8 episodes that they've done and I will say this. The series can only improve with the game's graphics. The only objection I have is that I can't share it with my two younger siblings because the heavy amount of swearing that it contains which I find sad because they're missing out on what exactly I am laughing about. But other then that, I'm a fan and would recommend this to anyone who hasn't seen it.

Transformers (2007)

Entertaining despite flaws

[7/10 · 2 October 2010]

You know, when I saw this movie in theaters, me and siblings thought it was an awesome movie. We still think it's an awesome movie.

After seeing Michel Bay's other work, I think that it's pretty safe to say that this is his best work. I mean the effects are awesome, the robots are awesome, the mythology is just so engaging(it's no wonder this alone attracting Bay's attention), and the leading actor is very well done. But like the bad director he is, this movie has some flaws. The only big one that I have noticed was the story's continuity. I mean, some minor characters simply disappear from the storyline with no explanation about what happened to them in the end. I can name at least three supporting characters who we have no idea what happens to them if you pay attention.

But despite this and other flaws I'm sure people have noticed, the movie still holds together and provides us with great entertainment. Whatever else you think of films done by Michel Bay, Transformers definitely is worth your time, energy, and money. A box-office success that is worth contributing to.

Mr. B Natural (1957)

The scariest character ever

[30 June 2010]

Okay, this started out innocently enough by trying to create a character that would excite the kids into the wonders of music. What they created instead has to be the most terrifying... whatever you want to call it... that has ever been put on the screen.

I have no idea why they decided to call a female character "Mr." B Natural but my guess is that they went with her as she was the best thing that the casting crew saw all day. My other guess is that they thought that the actress looked unisex enough to pass as something the kids could relate to. But the fact that she is following a guy named Buzz kind of defeats the purpose... Scratch that. It takes the "purpose" and obliterates it.

If you ever want to see my little brother cringe, just say "Mr. B Natural". The only cut of this short that I would suggest seeing is the one that Joel and the bots make fun of. I think they did their country a service by doing what they did to this.

After all, "Mr. B, what do you know about dignity?"

Hot Fuzz (2007)

One of my favorite movies

[10/10 · 30 June 2010]

After seeing a relatively enjoyable experience with Shaun of the Dead, I found myself with an incredible treat known as Hot Fuzz. It proved to be the refreshing film that I think any action movie fan needs to see. Now I have grown so accustomed to action sequences that I have rarely been impressed by action films and 'Fuzz' is definitely one of them.

I sort of see it done the same way that Life of Brain was done. You know that this is a comedy about action flicks yet you cannot help but feel that this is something else entirely. It is that well done. I would actually go as far to say that this is one of the best films that the 2001-2010 decade has dished out. And I think the relations between Simon Pegg and Nick Frost were better realized in this film.

10/10

Toy Story 3 (2010)

Pixar does once again... And better than anyone else

[10/10 · 30 June 2010]

In a world where going to the movies has become a hit-or-miss game as far as satisfaction is concerned, Pixar just refuses to be like everyone else. Okay, what has their competitors at Dreamworks made that people like?

Hmmmm... The first two Shrek movies, Kung Fu Panda, How To Train Your Dragon... Heck, finding films like these is like trying to find a goldmine in the mountains. Chances are, the end results will be disappointing (Shrek 4 BETTER be the "Final Chapter).

Pixar, however, seems to have this good luck streak that began with their first film that continues to ensure that the audience will not regret paying for that ticket at the box office. Yet when I went to see this movie, I was glad that I did. I mean, I actually found myself smiling while the film was playing. I can't name a film off the top of my head that can do that.

Now I've grown cautious of sequels after seeing my fare share of movies. But for those of you who haven't seen this or are worried about another Pixar sequel (to this film or any of the others), rest assured. Pixar will not do a sequel unless they can think of a story that will be just as good as the predecessor.

What is shocking to me is the fact that Pixar has shown that they can't make a bad movie and prove it by doing a TRI-QUEL (thrid in a trilogy). The only other tri-quel I can name is the Return of the King from the Lord of the Rings trilogy. So this makes everybody else in Hollywood or elsewhere look REALLY pathetic.

SEE THIS FILM AS SOON AS YOU CAN!!!

Bangkok Dangerous (2008)

Why Cage why?!?!?!?!

[3/10 · 30 June 2010]

The only reason that I decided to look at this was because I really didn't have any other film that I wanted to look at and the fact the Nicolous Cage, a favorite actor of mine, happened to be in it. I have no idea what he is doing in this piece of crap.

Other than an insightful look at Bangkok, all it really is is just another mindless action flick. The story is interesting but poorly executed. The Pang Brothers have done a good movie to their credit, but it's not this one.

The only thing that this movie will amount to is the fact that Cage can make ANY movie a financial success (This film was a mild success but one none the less. Cage also has a knack for showing up in films that are box-office successes.). In the end, this is just the kind of film that the movie Hot Fuzz went to make fun of.