dr_john_pollard Reviews

The Insider (1999)

I just want to add my 1 Star review to the rest of them

[1/10 · 27 August 2023]

I just want to add my 1 Star review to the rest of them.

I started this movie three different times on three different free sites because I couldn't believe whatever was going on in the beginning had anything to do with the movie, "The Insider" which was supposed to be about some kind of smoking problem.

Instead, it was a boring ride through something to do with Hezbollah? That looked like a terrorist movie with credits listing a bunch of people I never heard of except for Rip Torn. It looked like a torture type situation in the Middle East, which was irritating and so stupid.

Then I get the DVD and it turns out that was the start of the movie, which had no dialogue for eternity, and then it showed up in English with Russell Crowe walking and driving forever with no dialogue till he gets home where is daughter has some kind of an allergy attack or something.

Seriously I just couldn't get past this garbage. When this happens, I go to IMDb and see if there's a lot of one star reviews saying basically "don't watch it, boring, as could be, etc. And indeed there are.

So I'm just here to say that I agree 100%. Especially if it was longer than the 10 or 15 minutes that wasted my life.

The Night Clerk (2020)

A voyeuristic hotel clerk becomes the subject of a murder investigation.

[8/10 · 5 August 2023]

A voyeuristic hotel clerk becomes the subject of a murder investigation.

Started watching this as an intriguing concept, of which there aren't many out there anymore. There's some excellent acting and set-up which prepares the viewer. The protagonist, Bart, is on some kind of a spectrum which isn't exactly defined, until it is.

The detective seems like he's some sort of Columbo, and then we are introduced to Helen Hunt, as the protective mom. The crime itself is not too well defined. Next we meet, what could be the sympathetic babe with a heart of gold, Andrea Rivera, Ana de Armas.

The movie is doing an excellent job of creating a mood and being consistent, Ostensibly, Bart is working on his people skills and he seems to be quite capable with his setting up complicated audio/video setups.

I'm at the 0:45 mark and this is where I usually bail, but in this case I'm going to close this review until I finish watching.

I have to say upon completion that the acting was so good, and basically the movie suspenseful beyond belief. My only complaint, and it's a big one, is a hole in the plot a mile wide, which I won't reveal and no one else seems to have mentioned it, but otherwise it could have be a ten just for acting and story.

Self/less (2015)

It's Okay So Far, Could Be Better? Did Not Finish It.

[3/10 · 31 July 2023]

It's Okay So Far, Could Be Better? Did Not Finish It.

So I'm watching this in progress. It's an intriguing concept. Ben Kingsley, and Ryan Reynolds, who better? It's a bit TVish, for me. Blame the art direction I suppose. Everything is shiny, clean, and modern; perfection is everywhere.

Then it took a turn into pretty much an impossible scenario around the 30 minute mark. At which point, I'm stopping to watch it and lowering the rating. And now, I have to add more text to complete my rating, which is rather an uncomfortable restriction to put on theUser who wants to review a movie, but I suppose it's some kind of rule that's supposed to make the website better.

My Scientology Movie (2015)

Honestly This is Pure Garbage

[1/10 · 29 July 2023]

I watched as much of this as I could stand. I really don't know who this biographer supposed to be, but this was seriously underwhelming. It consists of him interviewing actors to portray David Miscavige? Excuse me! And then he's driving around LA like he knows what he's doing?

No, it's got some grainy crappy video from who knows where some other person I'm assuming. And then he is interviewing an ex-Scientologist, when some random actress walks in? And then this guy presumes that the ex-Scientologist would've set up a honey trap and then the ex-Scientologist says, "No I wouldn't."

I can't see how this would even pass as a junior high school project.

Take Every Wave: The Life of Laird Hamilton (2017)

Nothing less than a 10 Is Allowed

[10/10 · 26 March 2023]

Whoever is reviewing this movie that doesn't give it a 10 doesn't surf. And has no clue what it would take to:

1. Film this.

2. To be in it 3. To even achieve any of it in this world.

There are so many way this is a masterpiece of human endeavor, similar to going to the moon, set with way more morals and value. Every frame of this movie has artistic merit. Surprisingly so, the score is also subdued and quite supportive.

There's a true story here of a true accomplishment that literally would be impossible until it was achieved by Laird along with the producers, participants, engineers, fellow strap crew, and the waves themselves. This is way bigger than climbing Everest or running marathons or other lame physical achievements.

As It Is in Heaven (2004)

2023 and Who Would Be Watching This Movie

[2/10 · 16 February 2023]

Disjointed, bad for all the reasons described in the 1.0 reviews. The ending was impossible. The premise pretty ridiculous and just not worth the time.

The lead actor was indeed terrible, Frida Hallgren, was wonderful and pretty much the only good bright spark and actress, meant to carry this ridiculous movie. I guess I'm supposed to keep typing to get 600 characters out of this review, which I also think is dumb.

I saw this from a library recommendation and took a chance, but if by any possibility you are checking reviews before you watch, it's not really worth it. Visually it was nice to see Sweden au natural, but just bogus as far as reality or even entertainment. IMHO.

Bitchin': The Sound and Fury of Rick James (2021)

No Doco Is Perfect, Especially for an Icon

[10/10 · 1 January 2023]

No Doco Is Perfect, Especially for an Icon. It started a bit slow but then warmed up real nice. I, of course, knew Rick James's famous music, but was really not aware of his "story."

I gave it a ten because it was interesting all the way through. It brought in his story, which was not a straightforward rise to fame. It was pretty crazy that he played with Neil Young in a band in Toronto. How many people knew that? He grew up in Buffalo, of all places.

There's a variety of viewpoints, many from his band members and former girlfriends/spouses, etc. He put Teena Maria on the map, the Mary Jane Girls, in my house. Loved their video back when.

It was just a really good exploration of the man and his music. Well worth viewing. It's a sad tale at the end, evocative of the rock stars demise.

Tokyo Vice (2022– )

Updated: I've Come to the Part Where I Start Reading the Negative Reviews

[2/10 · 26 December 2022]

This is my updated review and I stand by my original below. I'm now on episode 8 and it's devolving to ludicrousness, however I'm watching it like a car wreck. The blonde lead is a hopeless actress, completely unlikable which is not her acting, and the male lead is one step below. The plots are juvenile. No real action, no story, just wasted money unfortunately. Trust the low reviews.

----

I like to watch a new series here and there. I was intrigued by Tokyo vice, and I saw the 8 star reviews so that was a good start. Michael Mann was an executive producer on Miami Vice. So that was even a better start.

Let me advise you, so far, this is no Miami Vice. I'm 2.15 episodes in and the facade is already starting to crack. The set design is pretty awesome, but not quite what I would suspect real Tokyo to be like. Say minus a few million people per scene.

There's a "tough editor" who is a woman. There's a blonde, who as far as blondes go, is the worst example of the genre possible. The fact this white guy could sneak into a gang meeting and snap a picture with his clicky camera, and not be annihilated on the spot, is pretty much the most ridiculously scene possible. It plays well for comedy, but this is supposed to be a gritty depiction.

Right not I'm leaning towards the 1 stars as being the most realistic appraisals of this series so far. Read them with care.

Choose Me (1984)

Choose Me Is What's Known as an Unheralded Classic

[10/10 · 21 December 2022]

I loved this movie, both in the theater, where I got a "Choose Me" button that pulled, and in any subsequent viewing. I just can't praise the acting, writing, directing, set design, music or anything else about it enough. I'm writing this in 2022, so I can't believe anyone really cares about this movie anymore, but I don't see how it could have been any better.

Keith Carradine was extraordinary. Dr. Nancy Love was so well played by Genevieve Bujold in three different modes. This was Lesley Ann Warren's best role ever. The music, the sets, the story were all so original there's never been a movie like it.

I'd say it's better by far than Casablanca, and that wasn't so popular when it first came out. Maybe you have to be some kind of iconoclast to "get it" and if you are, this will be in your top list for sure.

Expired (2022)

First of all, It's Called Loveland on the DVD That I watched

[2/10 · 25 November 2022]

I would pretty much sum up everyone else's reviews, excruciatingly slow. Hugo Weaving was a key part of The Matrix, so can't understand what he's doing in this movie.

I believe it was well-intentioned. If you watch "The Making Of" the movie, the actors, explained why they believed in it, how good the script was and what they seemed to want to get on the screen. It was an Aussie production, low budget Queensland product it appears.

Visually it was acceptable possibly even good. You have to watch it with English subtitles. Shocking plot. I have no idea what the idea was that his character was shooting people, etc. It's pretty much impossible to draw any line of what the movie was about without watching "The Making of."

Somehow I watched the whole thing with a bit of fast forwarding going on. I can't recommend it. I took a shot on a library title.

Spy Game (2001)

It's Good Super High Quality Acting

[8/10 · 20 November 2022]

For me, without going too much into the plot, it's just basically too unbelievable a story. Redford was way above average imho, and Pitt seemed like a young boy, so it must have been an early film.

The opening was engaging and showed the difficulty of what basically was a follow through on ending. The CIA people were excellent actors but the idea that they were so competent and together was certainly a fantasy based on anything that resembles current events.

The Beirut scenes seemed hyper realistic but I didn't really see how they applied to the whole story but I suppose they were essential.

Definitely a cut above any current fare.

Beverly Hills Cop (1984)

This Movie Deserves More Than a Ten

[10/10 · 24 September 2022]

Saw this in the theater and it was quite amazing then. Catching it ing again on Prime and just wanted to brag about it a bit. This was so many ways this was a breakthrough movie. One, was the integration of music which pumped up and motivated the story and plot. Two, it was Eddie Murphy's breakthrough acting role where he became a superstar. Three, the acting was quality all the way through, especially the bad guys and Judge Reinhold. The story was excellent. The stunts were exhilarating and central to the story. The Detroit/Beverly Hills contrast was hilarious and woven neatly into the story. I could go on. 1985 was when movie making started to come to it's own to provide commercial fare with box office appeal. You've probably seen it and know all this already. If not, you won't be disappointed.

The Matrix Resurrections (I) (2021)

It's Not As Bad As Comments Make Out

[9/10 · 8 July 2022]

OK. It's not the original. How could it be? That movie was unique in so many ways and could never be repeated. Wasn't really a fan of the second and third movies. I hardly remember them.

I did think this movie made an excellent attempt to reinvigorate the story. I couldn't really follow it exactly, but I found it satisfying to watch. I didn't really see any of the complaints that I saw earlier when it first came out. It did not seem to flashback as often as people made it sound. And when I did it was a flash. There are new characters. The story seemed a bit thin but then again it wasn't terrible.

I gave it a nine. It is what it is. Moviegoers should be happy they have something they can kick around to express their rage being sheeple to the system as explained in the movie.

Universe (2021)

Watched 20 Minutes and Hit Eject

[1/10 · 16 May 2022]

I guess if you talk at half speed and play boring music and don't say anything it's too hard for me to stay awake. I was looking forward to this, but I couldn't make it past the first 20 minutes and that was fast forward.

Angel: Five by Five (2000) Season 1, Episode 18

I Love This Episode. One of the Greatest

[10/10 · 12 February 2022]

The series is long over, and I'm just watching it again from start to finish. This episode is iconic as it joins all the major players, in one episode plus jumps back and forth to the initiation of Angelus. It's E 18 on the season and sort of kick starts and previews the rest of the series. Along with Angel/Angelus, Cordelia and Wesley, it features Lindsey, Lilah establishing Wolfram and Hart as major antagonists, Faith, Darla, flashbacks and all kinds of interesting interaction. No spoilers here, just enjoy.

Dragon (2011)

This is A Worthy Movie

[10/10 · 15 January 2022]

I enjoy a martial arts movie, not only for the action but also to observe the different sets, characters, times depicted, etc. I read many of the reviews before writing this one. There's some movie it's based on that I have not seen or even know about, so for me this was a fresh experience.

I've seen it described as "slow" to which I do not agree. I would call it deliberate and engaging. The sets and camera shots are innovative, the story is well developed, and the acting is superb. I would describe it as an "art movie" which is why one reason why I liked it. There is action if you are looking for such, but it is secondary to the story.

The Detective, in a way, is the pivotal character and I suppose he's what makes the story, although I disliked his role and attitude as a character. It's suspenseful and engaging if you are prone to like a well-constructed film. As far as a martial arts movie, I've never seen anything like it. Everyone has different tastes, but this moves through three distinct arcs and it very memorable.

Steve Jobs: The Man in the Machine (2015)

Not Worth Your Time

[3/10 · 9 January 2022]

I'm not one to normally bash a documentary, esp one about a prominent personality like Steve Jobs, but this seems like a puff piece at best. It spends a totally wasted 7 mins just getting started and from there has nothing really new to add.

There's no deep background on Jobs's family, personal relationships, or anything of humanitarian interest. It's only about the products, the history of which are already well known, how many Iphones were sold, etc.

There's no insight on the man from what I can tell or the dynamics of his interaction with other major players in the organisation. It's filled with newsreels of events. Sad.

The Tomorrow War (2021)

I Tried But Couldn't Get Through It

[4/10 · 31 December 2021]

I'm a big Yvonne Strahovski fan, and Chris Pratt is giving it his best from what I can tell. But the story is so ludicrous, and unbelievable that it beggars belief. The acting was good, I must say.

It would be nice if there were some standards anymore.

American Gigolo (1980)

This Was/Is a great movie

[9/10 · 15 December 2021]

I couldn't give it a ten, because for me it's wasn't quite "deep inner meaning" enough. But it was a super good example of an 80's movie that broke stylistic ground similar to Miami Vice.

It was a hell of a better tour of LA, than that garbage Once Upon a Time in LA. I'm not sure how many movies Richard Gere might have done before, but this put him on the super star map. His acting was stellar and I thought even Lauren Hutton came out strong.

It was a good story. No guns, shooting, or car chases. Interesting camera work, excellent set design, costuming, locations, etc. It was story driven which seemed totally legit with enough vagaries to keep it interesting with sort of a Chinatown and Raymond Chandler feel.

I have no idea why people would bag it other than their own inadequacies.

Bondi Tsunami (2004)

Unwatchable

[1/10 · 7 November 2021]

Just finished skipping through this. No story, just random video shot on what was apparently supposed to be a road trip.

Some surfing shots, but nothing whatsoever in terms of acting, story, visual interest, or anything resembling what a movie is supposed to be.

Thought there might be something there as an Australian, and nope!

Tenet (2020)

I Can't Recommend Seeing This Movie!

[2/10 · 19 October 2021]

I just watched it. I found the acting tolerable, it was interesting to see how far the insanity of the plot and story were going to stretch. Just about none of it was even slightly believable, but I guess that's what Nolan is famous for, so be it. It couldn't even be classified as sci-fi; it's just stupid. Filming Vietnam as mountain cliffs is just one example. One man's opinion.

Chad (2021–2024)

Chad Looks to Be Something Amazing, An Original Comedy

[10/10 · 10 September 2021]

>>A 14-year-old Persian boy desperately tries to fit in >>by becoming popular, cope with his mother's dating life, >>and figure out his cultural identity.

Okay, cringe is right. It's very cringey. But it's also called acting, and writing, characters, and story, and being so original that it hurts. If you remember being 14, then this will all make sense. Maybe it's time to feel something again people.

Personally, I don't know how Nasim does it. She's right in there with the "youth of today" and you just can't tell she's not 14 or not a guy. So far this seems closest to me to have a Napoleon Dynamite type vibe with Muslim aspect and starting us out as a Freshman in High School.

It does take some "confront" to handle I have to say. It's been renewed for a second season. I feel like this is destined to become a unique comedy classic but I suppose time will tell. I need something to replace Brooklyn Nine Nine, and I'm hoping this is it. A few emmys would silence the haters.

"No offense" but all these 1 star reviews are just childish. I'm just getting into it but there's been some good bits already. I'm glad I can cruise through the whole season, but I don't think it's going to be easy.

Believer (2018)

This Movie Is Not Worth Watching

[3/10 · 20 April 2020]

In general, I like South Korean movies for the different types of visuals and story lines. I watched this whole movie start to finish, and although:

1) The acting was top notch 2) The filming was excellent 3) The story was interesting up to a point

With all things considered, what happened and how it happened were just too far beyond the pale of reality. The ending was terrible as previously mentioned. The sequence of events was farcical to the point of being fantasy.

I like my cop dramas to have some veneer of reality, and this had zero. One man's opinion, but don't say you haven't been warned. If you are intrigued by the "first Korean movie to get to XXXX viewers" or whatever that was. It was probably because the lead actor died in real life. It's impossible to believe that it was because it was such a good movie.

Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates (2016)

Commentary Has A Terrible Motif

[19 October 2019]

Where the recording engineer enters with comments that are sooooooo irritating and not cool. I really enjoyed this movie and the commentary was also good until these interruptions which got worse and less funny over time to the point where I had stop watching and log on to IMDB to warn people who like commentaries to be ready for some serious irritations. At this point it's almost ruining the movie. Dude, do not do this again.

Hanna (2011)

This Was A Great Movie!

[10/10 · 12 July 2017]

I'm surprised to see any negative reviews, but such is life I guess.

I just wanted to add that the Director's Commentary is really good and adds to the experience. So if you are fan of this film like I am, this is highly recommended.

Every time I see or think about this film, I always feel like this is the one film that truly deserved a second film to take the Hanna character further.