paxdriver Reviews

Project 'Gemini' (2022)

Case example for bad at everything

[2/10 · 9 March 2022]

The musical score was perfectly fi e... But the writing, the.. pause... speech... acting - is abysmal. Every scene is a plot hole, like an "emp" causing lights to flicker is sooo dumb as a physical principle they might as well have said nothing. Constantly misusing simple science and quality of directing that would suit a tv series (sudden fade to black, dialog changing the subject and/or mood without cause or prompt, etc) to name a few more. There's an attempt at character development but it's like the writers changed their mind on personalities halfway through filming. There's no logical progression, discoveries are just stated outright, and there's no sense that the characters even know what their roles are or were trained. The design of the ship and props are nonsense too.

The movie feels and watches like a high school play, it's really really pitifully edited like scenes were just chopped and slapped together. It's just painfully bad for anyone who thinks while they watch movies.

Guns for Hire (2015)

Quite seriously pathetic

[2/10 · 11 January 2016]

Wow.

From awkward over gesturing not matching emphasis or tone, to children's diagrams in the background of the detective office (like you need a diagram to visually map out the relationships between 3 people), to the poorly worded phrases like "in your infinitely wise logic that i'm too cabbage headed to grasp..." and peppered over a lesbian undertone for absolutely no reason.

This is quite possibly one of the worst movies I've ever seen. It is actually bad enough to be funny if you're in good company and the right mood enhancers...

The Forger (2014)

Touching father / son / grandson story

[8/10 · 18 May 2015]

I really liked this movie despite the criticism against it. It's a story of men's love, more demonstrative than proclaimed. It's not often we get an honest look into the true bonds across generations. Feminists may disagree, but I see no wrong with celebrating either sex's strengths and shortcomings. It's an honest introspective with a bit of sensationalism for entertainment; I feel it was very tastefully done.

John Travolta's life made him perfect for this role. I won't dwell on it but he is phenomenal without ever being over the top. There wasn't a bad act in the bunch, from leads to support and there are a number of genuinely heartwarming and hilarious moments making this film a top class choice you won't regret seeing.

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)

Masterfully orchestrated satirical period piece

[10/10 · 18 May 2015]

I enjoy it for the same reasons I did back then, but have a deeper appreciation for its significance now than I did when I saw it first. I strongly believe that this is Kubrick's magnum opus. The method of presentation itself is a socio-political message, but I won't elaborate any further to avoid the risk of spoiling it. A large part of the movie's genius is how it manages to function superficially as a comedy, an extremely dark satire albeit, but a comedy nevertheless. It also works quite effortlessly as a drama once you scratch beneath the surface; and finally, as a whole it is a masterfully orchestrated period piece, tiered with humor, humankind's gravitas to tragedy, and existential philosophy. It's brilliance is in its stratum, never mind the all star cast performances, writing, score and directing.

It's not often in art people have to agree on a great work, but in this case it stands apart from contemporaries and classics no matter how the movie's viewer approaches it. It is a work of genius without a trace of exaggeration.

The Interview (II) (2014)

Avoid at all costs

[3/10 · 18 May 2015]

I'm not a big fan of stupid comedy to begin with, but the ones that do it well usually have me quoting them for the rest of my life at least a few times a year (think Monty Python, Black's Books, Snatch, 51st State/Formula 51, to name a few). This movie, with the publicity stunt shoved neatly aside, has nothing to offer you when you walk away from it bearing an uncertain half-grin. Chances are the jokes are so unforgettable you won't even be able to remember a good one by the next day; go ahead, find someone that's seen the movie and ask them a good joke. Not a funny part of when someone fell down, or someone had a funny accent, ask someone to tell you an actual joke from the movie. I bet you can't find one... but I digress.

The whole thing played out like one of Family Guy's worst episodes. The only difference is, you can forgive Family Guy and just watch a better one next week. Movies don't really work the same, you can just avoid them all together when they are this bad.

With that being said, there were definitely moments to make you laugh, but as it being said, I can't remember any of them on this, the day after. If you're trying honey oil for the first time and you diaphragm it vaporized in a single hoot while immediately pressing play and sinking into a lazy-boy recliner then you may enjoy The Interview (II), but being in a state of anything less than total mental obliteration you'll probably do as I did and turn on something else that's just as terrible but one you can stomach watching like Black Swan or any Jim Carey movie since Y2K.

(OK that wasn't fair, Black Swan was alright but you get my point)

The IT Crowd (2006–2013)

Smashing good fun

[9/10 · 18 May 2015]

The show's got a few episodes that bring side plots together for a 'grande finale'-esque bit, which is a very difficult style to pull off, especially for 22 minute episodes. The majority of the show is that awkward humor we geeks know and love so much. This show reminds me an awful lot of the cartoon series "Clerks" but with a more grown up feel. There are, as with any series, a few episodes that go so far over the top you groan from pain, but the chances of a deliciously laid out bit is well worth the endurance.

Given the simple premise of the show, the script stays remarkably fresh. Brilliant acting on the part of the 3 primary leads and excellent writing make this an easy show to marathon over a weekend.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)

Bone Dry

[4/10 · 18 May 2015]

Hunger Games 2 is undoubtedly the most trying experience in recent cinematic history. From the unoriginality of naming all their birds "something-jay", to the forced use of its symbolism, the entire plot trudges onward without ever taking the viewer with them. Scene after scene features our heroine's throaty, ear piercing shrieks through glass walls, at fog, when she's lost, dreaming, thirsty, swimming, etc etc etc. The whole movie just feels like the same scenes over and over again in a new set. You'll not be won over by the heart throbs, the tears or cries of solidarity. Frankly, you won't care about any of the movie's characters except the few children that offer a line or two. The under 14's in this movie are the only actors that truly deliver quality in their lines, come to think of it.

Overall, Hunger Games Catching Fire was a dial tone, and borderline offensive... mentally. All of Hollywood's bells and whistles can't cover the look, feel and smell of a warm, steaming pile of feces. Thank God for endings - oh wait, there are sequels. "Check please!?"

Ex Machina (2014)

Disappointing modern remake of Space Odyssey

[6/10 · 17 May 2015]

There was so much promise for this movie; beautifully shot, suitable but uninspiring score, but abysmal use of character development. They did such a good job explaining the development of the AI at first, but then the content sort of dropped off in exchange for plot progression. It moved incredibly slowly, with very little to engage the viewer. They probably could have gotten away with it too, if only there was some actual chemistry between Caleb as his boss. The alcohol and workout scenes were a chore to sit through and really didn't offer much in the way of entertainment.

Overall the movie felt like Space Odyssey 2001, but was much less revolutionary, less suspenseful... essentially less of everything that made that movie timeless. Ex Machina had a workable premise, more than capable directing and cast and acceptable music but it left so much to be desired. It's as if every scene seemed to fall short.

It's better than Her, but only marginally. Not recommended unless you're a programmer and you spend the movie contemplating the algorithm in the back of your mind to keep yourself stimulated and involved, as I did. I can't imagine what this movie would be like for the average Joe to sit through.

Let's Be Cops (2014)

Surprisingly hilarious

[9/10 · 17 May 2015]

Now I'm not a fan of today's stupid comedy, I think so many jokes are just rehashed and predictable so I wasn't confident in this one but I was HUGELY mistaken. Even if you're not a fan of Steve Carrell and Will Ferrell, you'll be laughing your ass off on this one. Don't judge a movie by it's cover, this is a must see.

There's some excellent chemistry between our idiotic leads, and some really great situational humor that is bound catch you off guard, spilling your popcorn whether you're in the mood or not.

Every now and then you come across a movie that seems to have gone under the radar and this is one of those gems. It's not easy to find a movie with unique punchlines and polished deliveries so when they rear their heads I feel compelled to offer a review in support. I really hope this team collaborates again on another movie soon.

Good Kill (2014)

Definitely very moving, not a typical war drama

[8/10 · 17 May 2015]

Ethan's acting is probably the biggest deterrent for me in this movie, but luckily the cheesiness doesn't last more than the first half. Silly things like his leather jacket to help him stand out amongst his peers in the desert sun at mid day. The movie is so well directed though, and the script is paced superbly. The dialog and character development keep you inside the head without having to narrate or explain anything overtly to the viewer so it really provokes thought in an organic way.

Supporting actors are very well integrated. Overall a terrific movie. I give it an 8 but at times it would be +/- 1 from beginning to end (7 to start, 9 at the end).

Very highly recommended if you're in the mood for something cerebral and heartfelt. I'd compare it to Requiem for a Dream, Rebound or Paid in Full in that respect.

Samurai Flamenco (2013– )

Great show, but not for everyone

[8/10 · 13 April 2015]

I'm surprised that I liked this show but I have a feeling I like it for completely different reasons than most. Essentially, the only premise that can be mentioned is the protagonist's obsession with being a hero despite not having any special powers or a firm grasp on reality... so it would seem.

What hooked me on this show was all of the subtle nuance humor that got be busting a gut completely out of left field. They've mastered the anti-climax in the scripts, and it makes the show profoundly entertaining. It will keep you watching in marathons, which is a hallmark of a great show in my opinion.

The premise isn't at all enticing in my view, but the execution was done well enough that I endure the repetitiveness of certain character traits and monologues because the surprise humor is just that good.

Best of all, it's available for free on cruchyroll, a Playstation 3 free service (no affiliation or subscription by the author of this review)

Rake (2010–2018)

A cult classic fanfare at least

[10/10 · 13 April 2015]

I find it amazing that good humor, clever quips and sitcom-style resolution can intertwine so harmoniously with the series' progressive storyline. That's not to say the series is faultless, but it throws a bewildering amount of emphasis on higher platitudes of comedy from within the excrement of distasteful satire. Conflicts are mostly grey-area in nature, which leaves the viewer with a mentally obtuse aftertaste that makes enjoying the show so much less a 1 dimensional fest of glut but rather a rewarding experience to boot.

It's a terrific series, leaving me desperately fiending for more after each episode. If you liked Californication for the dialogue more than the sex, you'll love Rake for the same reasons, and you'll not be disappointed in either department.

Rake in a nutshell: Clerks meets David Duchovney in suits with the stage set for silk.