As I read these negative user reviews, I cannot remotely imagine what their thought process is going into Expendables. Continuing the tradition of plot holes, "classic" action stars, and a suspension of believability, I knew exactly what I was going to see. Ridiculous stunts? Check! Over the top violence? Check! Minimal plot forcing these characters together? Check! Expendables is mind numbing escapism at its finest. A popcorn feast of epic proportions designed to entertain people interested in silly video game like run and gun nonsense who desire to forget reality for 90 minutes. The notion that the audience expects a masterclass in film making and acting indicates is more unbelievable than the stunts of Expendables. Although, Stathem-centric, Expendables still provided moments for everyone to fill their character arcs. Do not expect more than a big budget action film to watch while eating popcorn, Milk Duds, and drink a Coke.
Reviews
14 Reviews
Maneater
(2022)
Really Wanted a Good Shark Movie
28 September 2022
But all I got was Maneater. Awful special effects, poor acting, and terrible dialogue weigh drag this film to the bottom. It is not safe to go back into the water. I wish I had read reviews prior to buying this fish bait on Amazon. Literally stinks up my library. I can't say Maneater is the worst film ever, but it certainly chums those waters and brings those other bad movies to the boat. Trace Adkins is a natural as the tough guy and he pulls off the vengeance seeking father. Kind of. The profanity does not fit the script. Nicky Whelan and Shane West are "C-List" at best. Everyone else is literally shark bait. Stay out of these waters,
I Usually Enjoy Tyler Perry
5 August 2022
But this (A Madea Homecoming) is missing the heart and soul of his earlier works. The film has a few laugh-out-loud moments, but they are few and far between. More profanity, more "weed" jokes, and less fun. A serious disappointment.
13 Minutes
(2021)
A Social Commentary Hidden Behind a Natural Disaster Film
17 January 2022
I bought this movie on Vudu as a fan of similar films (Twister, Volcano) and actors in the project (Amy Smart, Trace Adkins). Wasted money. The director adds social commentary to the backdrop of severe weather. LGBT issues, racial inequality, abortion issues, and white people behaving badly appear to be the primary focus of the film, instead of the ability and courage of humanity to cope with extreme weather and survive the aftermath. A homosexual male couple face the difficulties involved in combining out to conservative parents. Racial slurs and mistreatment of Hispanic illegals by white people included to "shock" viewers. We even get the opportunity to experience the debate concerning abortion. A verifiable mess with minimal resolution does not make an enjoyable film.
Scream
(I) (2022)
I Cannot Believe the Hype!
17 January 2022
As a fan of the original "Scream", I knew what I was in for and that is what I received. I do not think the movie is bad, but it is in essence a retread of the first movie. Many of the original cast, mixed with new faces to take the place of already deceased characters, a plot line similar to the original film, and plenty of similar death sequences make Scream (2022) the same as Scream (1996). The biggest surprise for some could be the Ghostface character, but even this is easily anticipated. Some call this a "requel", but it is more of a rehash in my opinion. Unlike so many other viewers, I did not walk out of the theater feeling like I'd seen Scream for a new generation, but rather a remake of an original classic.
F9: The Fast Saga
(2021)
Possibly the Worst Movie Ever!!
25 June 2021
The most unbelievably awful movie I have seen in some time. I hear there are already plans for a 10th film using Paul Walker's brother. When these movies started, Dom and all were street racers and small time crooks, and now "agents" on call for a clandestine government agency. Really? Not a shred of believability in the the last 3, but this dreck tops them all with such over the top stupidity. Avoid at all cost, unless you like feeling stupid afterwards.
Bill & Ted Face the Music
(2020)
Simply Brutal, Unless You Enjoy Failure!
29 August 2020
Face the Music, like Bogus Journey before it, eliminates the precious memories and innocence of Excellent Adventure. An epic failure from start to finish. This is a situation where if we could go back in time and delete Bogus Journey, then Face the Music would not exist. I wanted to love this movie, but it is just awful. Rehashing the ideas behind Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure causes the film to feel like we've seen it all before. Absolutely nothing remotely new, other than further tarnishing the legacy of a classic.
Face the Music is 50-somethings attempting to make what is old into something new without actually embracing the changes in society. For example, I was in high school for "Excellent Adventure" and my verbiage has changed drastically. As has that of others in my age bracket, yet neither Bill nor Ted mature or change at all? Other than wrinkles, children, and failure to fulfill the "prophecy", our heroes are the same?
April Fool's Day
(1986)
One of My Personal Favorite Films
16 August 2020
I experienced this film late one night in high school on cable. I loved the movie. April Fool's Day takes the tropes of slasher horror (unseen killer, pretty college kids, and some suspense) and turns them into an enjoyable mystery. Viewers are left with a sense of comic relief instead of the usual "slasher hangover" that so many 80's horror films tried to create. I recommend this film.
Friday the 13th
(1980)
First Nightmares Caused by a Movie!
16 August 2020
Home sick with the flu for a week during fifth grade, cable television was relatively new and my parents were not home. Of course, I stupidly watched Friday the 13th through my fingers and had nightmares for months.. I refused to watch horror films for years afterwards.
A true genre masterpiece. The reason I say this is that you experience the film through the eyes of the killer, who is not revealed until the end. This differentiates the original Friday the 13th from other genre films like Halloween and Nightmare on Elm Street. Both good movies, but Friday is different. I've never been scared quite like that except maybe later with Seven and Silence of the Lambs, which are based more on realism than most slasher films.
A true genre masterpiece. The reason I say this is that you experience the film through the eyes of the killer, who is not revealed until the end. This differentiates the original Friday the 13th from other genre films like Halloween and Nightmare on Elm Street. Both good movies, but Friday is different. I've never been scared quite like that except maybe later with Seven and Silence of the Lambs, which are based more on realism than most slasher films.
The Skulls
(2000)
Could Have Been So Much More!
16 August 2020
The original Skulls had a brilliant premise, a promising cast, and potential to be a mystery classic of a generation. Unfortunately, the film fails to live up to expectations.
Secret societies and the mythos of their existence on elite university campuses provide enough material for more than one film. While The Skulls does delve into some themes and practices of this fictional society, but relies heavily on overwrought tropes of maintaining power by any means and covering one's backside.
Paul Walker (The Fast and Furious), Joshua Jackson (Dawson's Creek), Leslie Bibb (Talladega Nights), and Hill Harper (CSI: NY) are future stars of their generation working with veteran actors Craig T. Nelson (Coach) and William Peterson (CSI). An ensemble cast capable of providing the intriguing nuances and tension a mystery entails.
The Skulls should be a blockbuster, possibly a quality franchise, but instead of building an entertaining and thoughtful thriller, we are given a mindless "conspiracy " that produces two direct to video sequels.
The Skulls, unlike The Usual Suspects, Seven, or Murder on the Orient Express, does not keep you guessing or leave you with a lasting impression.
Secret societies and the mythos of their existence on elite university campuses provide enough material for more than one film. While The Skulls does delve into some themes and practices of this fictional society, but relies heavily on overwrought tropes of maintaining power by any means and covering one's backside.
Paul Walker (The Fast and Furious), Joshua Jackson (Dawson's Creek), Leslie Bibb (Talladega Nights), and Hill Harper (CSI: NY) are future stars of their generation working with veteran actors Craig T. Nelson (Coach) and William Peterson (CSI). An ensemble cast capable of providing the intriguing nuances and tension a mystery entails.
The Skulls should be a blockbuster, possibly a quality franchise, but instead of building an entertaining and thoughtful thriller, we are given a mindless "conspiracy " that produces two direct to video sequels.
The Skulls, unlike The Usual Suspects, Seven, or Murder on the Orient Express, does not keep you guessing or leave you with a lasting impression.
The Skulls II
(2002 Video)
Not Good!
16 August 2020
The original Skulls had a brilliant premise, a promising cast, and potential to be a mystery classic of a generation. Unfortunately, the film failed to live up to expectations. Accordingly, making fifty million led to a couple direct to video sequels.
To continue with the "Skulls" mythology, producers tap "sequel actor" Robin Dunne. As evidenced in his sequel work (Cruel Intentions 2, Species III), Mr. Dunne proves that acting, like beauty, is in the eyes of the beholder. Wooden, emotionless and boring describes not only the Mr. Dunne's acting, but the film itself. Similar to the first film, instead of developing the nature of secret societies, brotherhood, or a decent "who done it", the viewer is provided the answers without being asked the questions. The film fails to create any tension and essentially repeats the original Skulls film with a few modifications to fulfill a sequel prerequisite rather than remake status.
Skip it.
To continue with the "Skulls" mythology, producers tap "sequel actor" Robin Dunne. As evidenced in his sequel work (Cruel Intentions 2, Species III), Mr. Dunne proves that acting, like beauty, is in the eyes of the beholder. Wooden, emotionless and boring describes not only the Mr. Dunne's acting, but the film itself. Similar to the first film, instead of developing the nature of secret societies, brotherhood, or a decent "who done it", the viewer is provided the answers without being asked the questions. The film fails to create any tension and essentially repeats the original Skulls film with a few modifications to fulfill a sequel prerequisite rather than remake status.
Skip it.
The Rainbow
(2019)
Highly Enjoyable
9 March 2020
A well made documentary film that brings to life The Rainbow that hard rock and metal fans hear so much about. The development of The Rainbow's history as a family-owned business, legendary venue, and home to rock luminaries of multiple decades makes this film a "must see" for fans and the curious alike.
Skyscraper
(2018)
Pure Fluff... Fun Fluff
15 July 2018
A typical action film that has plot holes, moments that require a suspension of belief and plenty of fun. I didn't go in believing my mind would be blown and the movie would be Oscar worthy. I just expected Dwayne Johnson to be a hero and to see an action thrill ride. I was not disappointed.
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