magus-4 Reviews

Ricky Stanicky (2024)

Excellent feel good movie with laughs and nice storyline

[10/10 · 20 May 2024]

This was on my wishlist simply because I like John Cena ever since I saw him in a WWE show. And stayed up to date with his activities. He's appeared in a lot of movies since then. And surprised me. He may not be a Gary Oldman type of shapeshifter. But he doesn't need to be. His movies are mostly entertaining. I would say this is one of the better ones. There's a nice progressive storyline. It may be predictable that all well that ends well. But the way they get there is interesting. There are laughs. There's heart to it. The acting is good.

In short: if you have time to spare and want a nice feel good movie, grab your favorite snack, sit back, relax and enjoy.

The Underdoggs (2024)

Great feel good movie with lots of fantastic lines and rough edges

[9/10 · 10 February 2024]

I don't understand the average 4/10 stars by the professional critics nor the substantial number of low ratings her. This is an overall solid feel good movie.

Even better, it's a suprisingly edgy script that I really loved. Some people might not like it. But I'm from Rotterdam, the Netherlands and we're used to that type of direct language and don't consider it offensive in any way. We say what we think in order to get to the point, with love and lots of humor while we roll up our sleeves and get to work.

The movie immediately gets to that level. Raw language (no idea how they got away with kids delivering these lines but fun to watch), friendship, love and making an effort. They keep it up right until the last scene.

I have to admit that I like Snoop Dogg a lot for his personality, charity work and way of communicating. The movie bleeds his approach to life. Plus I'm a big football fan.

The movie goes through a a typical three act structure that may feel predictable. But it's a very enjoyable watch with lots of funny lines, delivered very well. The chemistry between all characters, kids included works well as far as I'm I concerned.

Maybe I Do (2023)

Wonderful little stage play on film with A list cast

[10/10 · 16 December 2023]

It starts a bit slow and I was inclined to either fast forward or stop watching. But the cast is wonderful and elevated the script just enough for me to hang in there. Then the relationships became clear and I thought it could be more interesting than I thought. Halfway I thought: this is a stage play put on film. Past the midpoint I settled in and very much enjoyed the acting. Maybe the script could have been better, adding a bit more humor, deeper insights. But that didn't take away from enjoying this play. Tha may also have to do with the fact that we're 40+ years into our relationship and have battled through a lot only for things to improve and intensify our bond and unleash the love even more. I know that although we worked fr#$#%g hard for it, were also privileged and blessed.

About My Father (2023)

Very nice watch

[9/10 · 4 November 2023]

It shouldn't surprise me by now, but it still does. 1 and 2 star ratings by people who seem to be completely enraged, have sleepless nights and their lives are basically destroyed by a perfectly fine movie they happen to not like. This is just a nice little story. It's not intended to be an Oscar winning movie in any respect. But the acting is good. There are a lot of smiles and a few laughs. De Niro is in the autumn of his life and these are just movies that are fun to do I assume. Just like the Meeting the Parents, or Analyze this was back in the day. I may have given it 7 or 8 stars for being a nice watch, but I gave it 9 to help it getting to higher average.

Hidden Strike (2023)

Just good entertainment

[8/10 · 9 August 2023]

I enjoyed this movie and would give it 6.5 to 7*. I gave it 8 because all of the negative reviews. It's been a trend to trash any movie you don't like and rate it with 1 or 2* and add drama queen comments such as 'worst of the worst', 'the fall of an icon'. Not sure what brings these reviewers to be so sensitive. Maybe they are geniuses with lots of credits behind their name and feel that every movie should be a brilliant piece of cinematic art. Or maybe they're just high maintenance, uber sensitive or were low on imagination.

I agree that the movie starts slow, but there are advantages to watching it at home with a remote in your hands dear reviewers who stopped watching it after 30 minutes or so. It picks up, there's some nice action, some funny moments, Chan has some Chan moments, Cena is Cena and I like watching him.

Maybe I'm easy to please and yes, full disclosure, I still enjoy watching Star Trek TOS where the sets often were made out of cardboard and styrofoam cups painted with silver spray. Or Batman '66 on blu ray where you can literally see the stitches in the bat cape. The CGI may not be top notch, the story line may be thin or may not be logical. But we're in fantasy world here. It doesn't need to make sense, at least not for me. As long as it's entertaining. If you have better movies on your the wishlist you have, you want to watch them first probably. But if you have some time to spare and have your remote at hand to fast forward when you feel it's going to slow, it's a nice watch.

Meet Cute (I) (2022)

Good acting, story develops under the surface as a metaphor for fighting depression IMHO

[9/10 · 30 June 2023]

I don't think this movie is similar to Groundhog Day like some reviewers think it is. Yes it's about a repeating event, in this case a date. But while Groundhog Day seems to be about a repetitive life and needing to find a way to change it, this seems to be about being depressed and fighting your way out. I can't disclose the reason behind Sheila repeating the date or how she does it without spoilers. But the reason is important to why I think this is about seeking a way to end depression, or at least get out of a life that seems to have little purpose.

One seeks comfort until the comfort doesn't really work anymore. We look for ways to heal ourselves by changing our past but that doesn't really work. All of this not working leads to gathering the courage to a breakthrough and 'get to the other side'. If you don't like allegories, metaphors or analogies you'll probably think my interpretation is nonsense. But just like the Matrix is about constructing reality and the actors had to read a bunch of literature about that even before they got the script to get a deeper understanding of what seemed to be an action movie, this movie is IMHO about what I just described.

I enjoyed the acting of both Cuoco and Davidson very much. The other actors were good too. There's nice story development and the pacing is good (provided you are sensitive to the story below the surface).

The Tomorrow War (2021)

Sit back, lean forward at some points, and enjoy!

[9/10 · 12 June 2023]

Like so many bad reviews today, the authors are either oversensitive and rate a film with 2 stars if they didn't like the color of the protagonists jeans or they put on their rational thinking cap to rate fantasy movies really low. In the latter case it's like rating a Harry Potter movie with one star because 'deatheaters couldn't exist, the spells don't work in real life and flying on a broom is not realistic'.

This is a time travel movie. That should tip you off: this isn't a realistic story. From that point on just surrender to whatever happens. The acting is good. There's a story. There's some comic relief. There's action. If you like violence, you'll get your shot. There's some father/daughter drama.

I'll rate it 7 or 8 stars for entertainment value. But will give it 9 stars to compensate for all of the reviewers who take this movie way to seriously.

Lady of the Manor (2021)

Just a nice very enjoyable flick

[9/10 · 5 May 2023]

I'll admit I like Judy Greer, Melanie Lynskey and Justin Long. So I'm biased. That said I read that some people like them as well and tried to like this movie. As far as I'm concerned not a lot of trying is needed. It's a sweet story that progresses nicely. There may not be laugh out loud moments. But there are plenty grins, smiles and chuckles. That works for me. Lynskey carriesthe big chunk of it and does a great job. Greer and Long are fun to watch and the rest of the actors are doing well as well. Patrick Duffy was a nice surprise. Ryan Phillippe sure knows how to portray the annoying Tanner. In short, take your favorite drink, have a nice snack and sit back and enjoy. I rated it 9 instead of 7,5/8 as counterweight to some of the more negative reviews. I just exaggerate in the other direction 😁

The Contractor (2022)

Story about ight reasons, wrong choices

[9/10 · 8 April 2023]

I like Chris Pine and Ben Foster and thought it'd be interesting to see them act together. I wasn't disappointed. I can see that the script could have been a bit more interesting. Ad that it's maybe a bit unbalanced. But that's certainly not enough reason to rate this film 5 stars or so like some reviewers did. I don't think this is an action movie. I feel this is a drama about making the wrong choices for the right reasons. And ending up in situation that totally compromises you. The acting was very good. The story keeps moving forward. Chris Pine's character evolves. I enjoyed watching this one very much.

Lightyear (2022)

Nice and entertaining

[9/10 · 24 August 2022]

These type of movies are just made to entertain. And that's just what this does. I would have given it 7 or 8 out of tèn. But as usual nowadays there are some harsh really negative reviews. I understand that if you've made some brilliant movies yourself your standard ]s are higher. Or if you need 4 dopamine or adrenaline shots per minute you get bored, but I feel that's not enough reason to rate it with 3 or 4 stars. It just ,dams it's not for you. You don't rate chocolate ice cream with 1 star and say it's bad and ruined your life just because you don't like it.

There;s plenty to like about this movie. Nice animation, lots of giggles, some funny characters, a storyline although it may not be the most surprising. Just watch it when you have some time to spare, grab some popcorn and don't feel particular sensitive, spoiled or critical and you will have a good time.

The Man from Toronto (2022)

Enjoyable popcorn movie

[9/10 · 1 July 2022]

Either all the negative reviews are written by reviewers who want every movie to be a brilliant, original, never seen before mix af art house/action/comedy/thriller/horror/romance piece of cinematic top-art or they're just eternal grumpy cynics who forgot to just sit back relax and enjoy a nice well made popcorn movie. Maybe the former causes the latter because of the impossible artificial high standards. I suggest that anyone who are in this spoiled entitled permanent state of rage and go out of their way to hate on a perfectly nice movie, live up to their high demands and deliver a genius piece of art themselves.

Harrelson and Hart have good chemistry, there's plenty of action, dry humor, chucked and laughs, a storyline. What more do you want for a Friday night?

R.I.P.D. (2013)

Entertaining solid movie

[9/10 · 27 April 2022]

I understand the low ratings. It seems to be the common way to rate movies when you don't like (some of) it for one reason or other. To me it comes across as spoiled, overly sensitive and in a constant state of rage for no reason if you rate a solid, nice movie like this with 1, 2 or 3 stars. I agree that there are movies with better scripts, but brilliant scripts only make up 10% of all movies. And MIB, to which this movie is often compared in the reviews IMHO. This movie is just a nice watch. Watching Bacon, Bridges and Reynolds isn't a punishment. They're good as always. There are funny moments. I'd rate it 7.5/8 stars. The 9 is just to restore the balance.

Old (2021)

If you don't like a movie it doesn't mean it's bad

[9/10 · 4 February 2022]

It's a sign of the times I guess. If you don't like a movie, it's immediately 'garbage', 'a waste of time', 'everyone that worded on this movie should get out of the movie industry' or worse. Old is good, coherent movie. You may not like the story which is a cinematic way to think and talk bout moral and life issues. It may not be a masterpiece, but it's a nice watch with some good moments. It's well made. When everything comes together at the end, I was glad I watched it and it left me reflecting on the issues it addresses.

Red Notice (2021)

Highly entertaining

[10/10 · 12 November 2021]

Of course you'll find the usual low star reviews here criticizing the story, acting, consistency, storyline, camera angles, lighting, prop management, transitions or whatever they think they're an expert on. I'm always assuming these reviewers had a bad day, didn't get their quota of chocolate, are 13 year old wannabe critical reviewers or have lost their sense of fun. And I'm 99% sure they've never shot one minute of movie.

But let's get to a happy place...this movie!

If you like action movies, tongue in cheek comedy, Ryan Reynolds (c'mon guys who doesn't? :-), Dwayne Johnson, Gal Gadot and popcorn, you'll have a great 2 hours.

Another Life (2019–2021)

Engaging, sci-fi/adventure/relationship show

[10/10 · 21 May 2020]

It's hard to understand all the extremely negative reviews here and on Rotten Tomatoes. Reading words like 'absolute garbage' seems a bit over the top aggressive to describe a show that is well written, well acted, has good production value and some interesting plot points. These reviews may be written written by people who don't get or like tv shows like this. But you can't honestly say Bach is absolute garbage simply because you don't get or don't like classical music. I also read reviews saying the show is not rational. Scientific books and research journalism should be rational. But drama, storytelling and especially myths, fantasy, superhero movies or sci fi shouldn't be. They're about human nature and relationships, about the dilemmas we're confronted with wrapped in an often fantastic adventure.

I like not knowing where it's going and Don't really care if things make total sense. I'm intrigued, engaged, I enjoy Katee Sackoff's acting (she carries much of the show). So if you're on the fence, at least watch 3 or 4 episodes and just surrender to the rhythm and observe a nice show that's trying to find its voice. Then decide if you want to keep watching.

I'm happy they will have a second season.

The Letter for the King (2020)

Fantastic re-Imagining of a classic Dutch children's book!!

[10/10 · 24 March 2020]

Like so many reviews these days, it seems like if you don't like something people get into a state of rage claiming that there lives have been destroyed by evil itself. They rate it with 1 or 2 stars giving the impression that the movie or tv show is bad in and of itself. There's no accounting for taste. But I do feel that this type of review is similar to rating Van Beethoven with 1 star and raging about the violins because you love Metallica, or didn't expect this type of music. I'm reading a lot of 1 and 2 star reviews from people who have read the book in their childhood. I did too. Even better, in 1971, our teacher in primary school read it to us in episodes throughout the school year. Every character had its own voice. Man, did I love that!!

In the late eighties, early nineties I read it (this one and to my kids trying to reproduce my teacher and completely enjoying the re-read.

So I was biased. But i decided to jump in and watch the show for what it was. It's still a coming of age drama/adventure, with some comic relief moments. It's still for children. The premise is still the same. But they redesigned the story around the characters. And they did that very well as far as I am concerned. I had no problem letting go of the literal,story I know so well.

No spoilers here, not real ones anyway. The journey Tiuri goes on is often still lonely although he has more company than Piak. That definitely helps to keep the interest high and allows for more dynamic relationships.

Adding magic makes sense in this day and age, and it adds drama and suspense. The production balie is high. The acting is good. The scenery is gorgeous.

Nothing felt cheap, abysmal, horrific or butchered like I read in other reviews. But like I said, there's no accounting for taste.

The Oath (2018)

Wonderful allegory of current US society

[10/10 · 9 March 2019]

I'm European but have visited the US for over fifty times, love much of the culture but I'm also shocked by some of the culture. Just like many of my dear US friends lots of friends (as well as about or more than half of the country). One of the things that stands out, especially over the last couple of decades is the huge division between Republicans and Democrats. It seems like the civil war never ended. The obsession with fighting each other leads to separation instead of synthesizing differences and get to the next level IMHO. That gotten even worse since the Trump administration got into place. This movie is about that weird phenomenon. Once you attach to one opinion, or one group, you quickly move to an 'us and them' or 'us or them' position. It's not a comedy although there are cringy moments that make you laugh for the wrong reasons. The movie depicts a micrcocosmos of American society in which in seems hard to even talk to people on 'the other' side. One of my friends told about how her daughter was rejected by both conservatives and liberals because she was trying to create a dialogue between the two. I think this movie was written intelligently and told how diversion (and it even happens within families in this movie and in real life as I've seen) leads to a full stop in development. the acting by Ike Barinholtz, Tiffany HAddish, John Cho and Billy Magnussen was really good. The rest of the actor are more or less supporting these four in a solid way. The story starts and escalates quickly in a way that made a lot of sense to me watching it from the perspective of the process it symbolizes. Ike Barinholtz did what I think art should do: representing reality in a way that makes us understand the undercurrents of reality.

The Spy Who Dumped Me (2018)

Very entertaining

[9/10 · 22 December 2018]

Don't expect deep charater studies, layered storylines, plot twists like apparently some of the reviewers do. Frankly I find it absurd to rate a solid, entertaining, popcorn movie with 1 or 2 stars. Maybe you don't like this genre. But rating a Bach concert with one star because you hate classical music or Bach doesn't make any sense. Within its genre I would have rated it with at least 7 or 8 IMDB stars. I gave it 9 to balance out some of the super negative reviews. There are plenty of chuckle moments some good laughs, good and even great action, a simple but effective storyline, good acting, nice build up. Kate McKinnon gets better throughout the movie. I wonder if they actually shot the second part later than the first part, or if the script just suited her better in the second half. I was entertained throughout. And would recommend it to anyone who's looking for a lighthearted, action/comedy movie.

Justice League (2017)

Enjoyable watch

[8/10 · 14 April 2018]

It's hard to understand the 1,2, 3 ratings. I guess some people are in a binary state of mind when it comes to reviewing and it's either love or hate. I mean, some flaws in a movie, book, tv-show, or people for that matter don't make them a 100% bad. I'm not a purist, certainly when it comes to fantasy, mythology, superheroes, or anything that comes from our imagination. I actually like the playing around with it, exploring different universes of thought. And of course that always goes hand in hand with some mistakes. It's the price of admission for any creative process. I think this movie is a solid good action flick. The character development is either non existent or very straightforward, the story is much less confusing and complex than Batman V Superman. There's a lot of smiles, and I even found myself laughing out loud at some moments (Flash). Superman and Batman are far less intense which is nice. I liked the screen time everyone got. There's plenty of action. I liked the visual effects.

The end credit scenes included a funny scene as well as a pointer to a possible next movie. So if you like to be entertained and like action movies: Have some snacks, sit back and you'll have a nice couple of hours.

Sisters (III) (2015)

Liberating, funny and sweet

[10/10 · 16 September 2016]

I read the 1 and 2 star reviews and had second thoughts about watching this movie. But I did it anyway because I love Poehler and Fey, looked through the cast list and liked it a lot and also realized that most of the bad reviews were negative because the authors didn't appreciate profanities, drug and sex references and juvenile jokes. Glad I did. Loved it. And loved to see these ladies go all the way without losing their Poehler-ness and Fey-ness. They have great chemistry of course. But the big chunk of funny are the dialogues. The situations set them up and weren't really important as far as I'm concerned. Although There's a story line that keeps everything together and flowing which is nice. Act one paints their relationship and life situation. Act two sends things to the next level. And the short act three is a nice way to finish.

All in all a solid 8/10 for entertainment value. But 10/10 because I'm an even bigger fan of Mrs. Poehler and Fey!

What We Did on Our Holiday (2014)

Subtle, yet powerful storytelling

[20 May 2016]

I didn't know anything about this movie, but saw it on iTunes. I knew and liked most of the actors. So I rented it. I was sold within the first five minutes. And it didn't fail to get me more involved throughout. There's no big arc, great plot, fantastic action, or slap stick comedy. I mean, it's all there but not in a big, in your face way. And I love that. It's a story that anyone who has a heart, and has been through rough patches with his or her family can relate to. The script contains many really great lines, especially the kids' parts. It's masterful edited and well paced. There are a ton of short shots that create extra texture. Some stunning wide shots of the environment. Lots of use of indirect storytelling inducing your imagination, good acting, and incredible acting by the three kids. I was moved and welled up, laughed a lot, was in awe and progressively more engaged. If you're in the mood for action, big laughs, a thriller or a big drama, don't pick this one. But if you feel mellow and like good storytelling, then sit back, relax and watch this one.

Special Correspondents (2016)

Nice. Shouldn't be promoted as a comedy

[8/10 · 3 May 2016]

It's all a matter of taste of course. But this is by no means a bad movie. Sure, if you expect to see a comedy you're waiting for X jokes per minute and I can see you would be disappointed. This movie could be billed as mild satire/drama. There aren't any hilarious laugh out loud moments. But I felt there were a lot of big smiles and grins. The story moves along nicely. There's a solid structure. There are some nice developments and moments and although the plot may be predictable, it still kept my attention. The acting is good as well. Gervais takes a risk by playing a real character instead of the caricatures he often plays (and I find very funny). The other characters are a bit stronger, especially the Latin American couple. But again, you'll have to get the dry humor. Movies like Capricorn one and Wag the dog with similar premises are much stronger. But this is a nice, yet softer take on that type of premise. All in all a nice movie to watch.

The Visit (I) (2015)

Wow! Glad I kept following Night Shyamalan

[10/10 · 8 April 2016]

Like many of us I turned into an instant fan after The sixth sense. Over time I started to feel like many of us did. I know that no artist will produce gems a 100% of the time. Nor should he or she. As an artist you need to keep reinventing yourself. And I liked and sometimes relay liked the next few movies. I could even appreciate The Lady in the Water to a certain extent believe it or not. Still, I had to rationalize me following M.Night Shamyalan more and more. But I'm glad I hung in there. This was a complete surprise! I found myself praying that it would have a strong finish halfway through. And it didn't disappoint me in the least. Actually, it was the cherry on the cake.

But apart from that moment in the middle,where I briefly started to reflect on how I felt about the movie, I was engaged deeply the rest of the time. A few shock moment, even a few real goosebumps. Loved it.

One of the most coherent, solid movies by him in a long time. I guess it's true: urgency is the mother of all invention, but limitation (budget $5,000,000) is the mother of all inventiveness and creativity.

Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse (2015)

Entertaining from beginning to end

[9/10 · 31 March 2016]

One of those movies that is trashed by critics but loved by fans. being a critic you may not like the genre but to rate it 4/10? I mean, it's well shot and directed, great pace, stimulating soundtrack, some nice action. I may be a 16 year old trapped in the body of a 55 year old man, but I had a smile on my face throughout. And a whole bunch of out loud laughs. I was nicely surprised regularly by the action. Sure, there's not a whole lot of story. But that's not the point of these type of movies. And there's enough of it to keep it going.

So if you have some hours to spare, like funny zombie movies, grab a bag of popcorn and watch this.

Unfinished Business (I) (2015)

Drama with some absurd as well as hilarious moments

[7/10 · 11 July 2015]

Didn't know what to expect. But I like Vince Vaughn because he doesn't always stay in his comfort zone. This isn't a comedy. It's a rather sweet story about a guy who sticks to what he believes in in a non-alpha-male way. His partners in business are not very successful and unpolished to say the least. They need to close a deal and go on a business trip and are unexpectedly competing with the company Vaughn walked away from. Meanwhile Vaughn needs to long-distance-deal with some problems his kids have. There are a few laughs and chuckles, there are some absurd situations, but to me those were there to spice up the movie. It's mostly a light drama about a guy trying to support his family, his co-workers and himself. I didn't get bored at all. I suspect the bad reviews were triggered by the wrong expectations. If you expect to see a laugh out loud type of comedy, you will feel disappointed. But if you expect to see a good enough script, well delivered with some nice laughs, you'll be fine.