wmwheeler8 Reviews

The Iron Claw (2023)

Unbelievable

[8/10 · 15 May 2024]

This film, is based on true events surrounding the legendary Von Erich wrestling family. The movie centers around Kevin the second oldest, portrayed by Zac Efron. The trials of him and all of his brothers to follow their father's legacy of professional wrestling. The unbelievable story is filled with unimaginable circumstances and tragedy that no family should have to deal with, all the while, the family performed and entertained at a high level.

I chose to not do any research before watching the movie, and found myself speechless with each tragic moment. Couldn't believe how many devastating things could happen to just one family. I've since discovered that there were even more but some were cut from the film.

The film left me emotional as Efron's performance was inspiring. A great watch even if you aren't a huge fan of sports entertainment.

The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024)

Another instant hit for Ritchie

[8/10 · 11 May 2024]

Guy Ritchie does it again. Action packed, early summer hit. The acting is on point and incredibly humerus. Cavill and Ritchson complement each other perfectly and really the whole cast has great chemistry. I found myself laughing at the littlest things, such as looks or small remarks made between the characters.

The story is based on true events surrounding naval warfare early in World War II and Guy Ritchie tells it perfectly. Listen closely to the names of the officers and you might recognize who one of them is.

All in all, this film has everything, great cast, superb writing, engaging story, laughs and Cary Elwes. Can't go wrong with him. I will definitely be watching this one again soon.

Ghosted (I) (2023)

Better than they say

[7/10 · 15 February 2024]

This movie is fun and enjoyable. Classic spy story of bad guy and even worse bad guy want a bad device and will kill all those that get in the way, with a twist on the traditional roles of our main characters. Ghosted gives us everything, love, action, and comedy with a smattering of cameos that are sure to put a smile on your face. Now yes, there are obviously more than a few unbelievable sequences that many action movies have, but overall it works. The chemistry between our main characters is obvious and I love their back and forth with one another. Both Chris and Ana are perfect in their roles and honestly I wouldn't be mad if there was a sequel.

The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)

Best video game movie ever

[8/10 · 9 April 2023]

Video games have been such a huge part of most of our lives for the last four decades, and at the top of that list are the Mario Bros. Games. This movies gives fans young and old so much to be happy about with a plethora of Easter eggs and so many references to many different Mario games.

The first Mario Bros. Movie was so bad and really unwatchable, it's no wonder it took this long before they tried again. This movie was everything the other wasn't and doesn't disappoint. Hopefully this film has paved the way for more to come. Great story that didn't feel forced. So many of our beloved characters from our childhood. It's fun, exciting, and keeps us engaged the whole time.

Dirty (2005)

Great cast but that's it

[3/10 · 17 March 2023]

This story follows two cops -Gooding Jr. And Clifton Jr.- on patrol the day they are scheduled to talk with internal affairs about an innocent man being shot on a previous case. Come to find out there is more to the story. Who's dirty? Who wants to clear their conscience? Who wants to get rich? And who doesn't want to die? Who wants redemption?

One would think with a great cast that this movie would be better, instead it was messy And very rushed. Sure it wasn't totally predictable and had its moments but overall feel was underwhelming. Seems like they wasted the talent of this cast with bad writing.

Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)

Finally the sequel we've been waiting for

[9/10 · 15 August 2022]

The 80's movies gave us so much: The cartoons, the toys (I had my own proton pack and suit) and now a new generation finally gets to experience it. I loved this movie from start to finish. Great continuation of the original story, with no ties to the awful 2016 reboot. That was important to a lot of fans. That movie needed to be forgotten and this sequel practically erased it. The introduction of new characters made perfect sense. Overall, I went in thinking this would be a run of the mill legacy sequel, but I was wrong. It was an absolutely fantastic legacy sequel that hopefully can relaunch the franchise. Love this movie.

F9: The Fast Saga (2021)

Ridiculous and silly

[3/10 · 6 March 2022]

Has to be the most outrageous and ridiculous movie of the entire franchise.it's completely filled with gratuitous amounts of nonsensical action, over the top stunts and completely unbelievable fight sequences. This franchise can't be saved no matter how many huge names they keep adding, movie after movie, after movie, after movie.

Infinite (2021)

The idea behind the premise is better than the movie.

[7/10 · 30 November 2021]

Very interesting concept for a movie. I like the possibilities for a franchise. This movie revolves around the idea of a group of humans known as the infinite. Those that are reincarnated but retain the memories and knowledge of their past lives. Now some wish to use their gift to better humanity and the world while some want to end the cycle.

The only blemish I found with the movie was the ending fight scene. Not very imaginative and really quite lame.

Overall I enjoyed the idea of the movie more than the movie itself.

Wish Dragon (2021)

Non stop laughing

[8/10 · 2 July 2021]

My children couldn't stop laughing at this.nice spin on an old tale.

The Croods: A New Age (2020)

Better than the first

[7/10 · 10 June 2021]

When's the last time you watched a sequel that was better than the first one? Everyone in our house agrees that this movie blew the first one away. More laughs and more excitement. Great additions to the cast with a funny story.

Peppermint (2018)

Not as bad as everyone said

[6/10 · 13 April 2021]

After the death of her family North (Gardner) goes fully vigilantly on the gang responsible for their demise. Corruption, revenge, some good action. Not sure why everyone said is was awful. I've definitely seen worse.

Ava (IV) (2020)

Worth a watch but don't expect cinema gold

[6/10 · 13 April 2021]

This movie follows an assassin (Chastain) with a morality complex, alcohol and family problems, and questioning her own purpose. She is faced with her employers decision that she is now a liability and needs to be "closed".

Really the story isn't bad, but there is a looming overall question of how we got to this point that is only vaguely mentioned. The story moves along quick only giving the viewer enough plot not to question it. Not bad action. Chastain holds her own. Worth a go.

The ABC Murders (2018)

All the bad reviews are probably from book snobs

[7/10 · 1 February 2021]

All of the bad reviews are probably from readers. Ugh. People that always think the book is better. Yeah, all the special effects and love scenes and huge battles are always better on paper. As for this mini-series, it was pretty good. Hercule Poirot was not as we are used to seeing him, but was as good as we are going to get out of Malkovich. The story was good enough, kept us engaged, questioning "who done it", and of course with the patented Agatha Christie twist.if you've been wanting to watched it, don't trust the naysayers, give it a go and see for yourself. Unless that it is, you always think the book is better.

Malcolm X (1992)

Left me feeling confused

[5/10 · 25 January 2021]

After watching this very very long movie, (far too long) I was left confused on how I should feel about Malcolm X. I know Spike Lee made this film in an effort to celebrate Malcolm but I didn't see it that way. I'm sure Lee was genuine in his story telling and that much of the "big story" was true, and with that I see Malcolm X has someone who invited violence, and rage among "his people". I don't see much to celebrate. It's sad how his life ended, but I don't put him on the same pedestal as MLK or JFK. Overall the movie was ok. Like I said earlier, far too long, but still was good enough.

Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood (2019)

Besides Pitt the movie was a waste

[5/10 · 22 December 2019]

Very lethargic and pointless. So much of this movie made no sense to the entirety the film. Aside from Pitt's character the movie was a waste.

Now, it's no secret that I am not a huge fan of Tarantino. Most of his movies I don't watch more than once. This one will not be an exception. Yeah, the camels are cool, the somewhat truth behind some of the story was a stretch and really didn't tie together. Far too long and slow.

I absolutely understand why Bruce Lee's people were upset with his portrayal in the movie. It was completely out of character according to anyone that has ever given an account of Bruce. It wasn't meaningful to the movie, it was poorly done, and deserves the criticism it received.

Aside from a few movies (helped by great actors) Tarantino is mediocre. This movie was on par with that.

2.5 bags of popcorn 🍿 out of 5

Rocketman (I) (2019)

Smashing

[7/10 · 29 September 2019]

A rock biopic about Mr. Elton John. Well done. Very entertaining. The music was inputted perfectly with the story. Felt seamless. Taron Egerton continues to prove that he is a Hollywood Star. This guy can do it all. Wow!

Yesterday (III) (2019)

Interesting but no answers

[5/10 · 17 September 2019]

In this movie a struggling musician wakes up from an accident and realizes he is the only person left in the world that remembers the Beatles. They are completely erased from history. So he starts performing their songs and becomes famous. Interesting story tied together with a love story but no resolution. Left me with unanswered questions.

Grosse Pointe Blank (1997)

Great movie

[8/10 · 17 September 2019]

Dark comedy centered around a hitman going home for his high school reunion and trying to repair his relationship with his high school sweetheart.

Excellent cast, wonderfully directed and personally one of my favorite movies.

Patriots Day (2016)

Boston Strong

[8/10 · 12 September 2019]

What a fantastic movie. Took me right back to the days it happened, only this time I felt as though I was there with them. I was in tears many times watching this movie. Excellently done. Wonderful cast. Berg's directing was perfect. Cinematography was superb. Such a tragic event in our recent history, but the way everyone in American embraced it he people of Boston during that time is amazing. This is a must watch film.

Green Book (2018)

Splendid movie

[7/10 · 11 September 2019]

Some movie that are nominated and win awards don't actually deserve it. This is not an example of that. This movie deserves all the accolades it receives. Wonderful directing. Screenwriting was perfect. Cast was spot on. I really enjoyed this movie.

The Upside (2017)

Wonderful story

[6/10 · 11 September 2019]

A movie that will make you smile. Excellent cast and directing. Enjoyed this movie more than I thought I was going to. I love the story behind this movie, it is really nice to seeing stories like this. Definitely worth the watch.

Glass (2019)

Good culmination

[7/10 · 7 September 2019]

Let's start first by saying that I am generally not a fan of M. Knight Shyamalan, however I enjoyed all three movies in this franchise. I was blown away when I found out Split was a sequel to Unbreakable. This movie took the story somewhere I didn't expect (as usual in his movies) but this time it worked. I'd actually be interested in more of the story.

I, Robot (2004)

I, love I, Robot

[7/10 · 4 September 2019]

New take on the robot society future. Good execution and nice script. Will Smith is great as usual and rather perfect in his role of a cop that doesn't trust robots in a society that is pretty much dependent on them. Lots of action ties together in a mystery. Enjoyable movie very rememberable and fun to watch again and again.

After Earth (2013)

Even after seeing it for a second time years apart, it still sucks

[3/10 · 4 September 2019]

Sometimes it helps to watch a movie again after a few years. Well I have and here's the review. It still sucks. LOL. Yeah can't really get into the movie with their fake accents and a very unemotional Will Smith. I get that what his character is suppose to be, but Will is literally almost a cartoon and they have him playing a guy that's emotionless. I rarely like a film by this director and this one follows suit. Don't waste your time.

Triple Frontier (2019)

Doesn't disappoint

[7/10 · 4 September 2019]

Interesting story combined with good cast makes for a really good movie. The story of war vets that are now retired, get back into the game via the private sector to get rid of a bad man. Oh yeah, with a hefty payday attached to the job. Obviously things don't go quite according to plan and they need to survive in the Andes mountains.