northfacingphotography Reviews

Ghost in the Shell SAC_2045 (2020– )

Beautiful

[9/10 · 24 May 2020]

The animation is awesome. The story is compelling. My only complaint is that it seems like half a season. I loved the other SAC series and this doesn't disappoint. Definitely watch all episodes before judging it.

Doom: Annihilation (2019)

Fun rendition of the game

[8/10 · 21 February 2020]

I dont get the poor reviews. This movie suffers from its budget, but Im reminded of the most recent game. Doom Eternal hasnt arrived at the time Im writing this. It could have been better but I love the game and the movie was closer to it than the big budget movie with The Rock. Just dont expect great acting or character development, that isnt what this is about.

Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (2019)

We liked it

[9/10 · 24 December 2019]

I really don't get the negative press on this movie. There are things with the narrative Od have done differently on both episodes 8 and 9 but Abrams is right, people would complain regardless. My 8 yo said he loved it so thats two thimbs up. Go see it and enjoy.

The Abyss (1989)

A true masterpiece

[10/10 · 12 March 2019]

There are very few movies that I've seen and have felt like I witnesses something truly special. The Abyss was one of those films. I remember going back to the theater over and over (as I was 14 on release) to watch it. Its still just as good. The physical sets, the subs, the lack of CG make it timeless. I know, there is that water tentacle thing and that was bleeding edge for its time. It still looks good. It has been a while, but seeing Aquaman reminded me of some of the beauty that was put in this movie both visually, story telling, and musically. The extended version give the NTI more "teeth" which I enjoyed but the run time was already very long. I can't help but love the casting and the acting along with superb directing. One of the great science fiction movies of all time for what my opinion is worth.

Crank (2006)

Funniest movie I've seen in a while

[9/10 · 25 February 2019]

I laughed my butt off in this movie. It is one of the funniest action comedies I've seen since I watched Deadpool 2. I had little interest in watching it from the previews, but one night I just decided nothing else looked any better. I was pleasantly surprised. It is funny and dark which is what makes me laugh. The script is basically stolen straight from Escape from New York, but what the heck its still good. Don't let the kids watch it for sure. Don't use your brain at all or it will kill it as the writers didn't put much thought into anything past the moment in the movie. Just eat popcorn and laugh.

A Dog's Purpose (2017)

Don't forget the Kleenex

[9/10 · 25 February 2019]

I knew going in to this it was the kind of movie where tears would be shed. Memories of past dogs that were part of the family couldn't help but spill over. My own dog sharing the name Bailey sitting next to me in her own older years. As a movie it shows how Rotten Tomatoes scores aren't always indicative of quality or lack there of. I found it really good. It does deal with a few things I didn't want to have to explain at the moment to my son, but those conversation would have to be had one day. I think the people who didn't like it are cat people. Watch it, get some Kleenex, and be reminded that dogs are much better people than people.

Mortal Engines (2018)

Should have been broke up into 2 movies but decent flick

[8/10 · 25 February 2019]

This movie has its flaws and that shows in many other reviews. It is visually stunning. Based on the novel you can tell that the screenplay took the source material and tried to include too much in 2 hours. It also suffers from the same problem that Valerian had which is actors that portray characters I don't care about at all. The fight sequences (hand to hand) are cliche. The story itself somewhat easy to predict. It did strike me as somewhat original. I know, there are other things like the Dr Who episode where London is on the back of a giant space whale. Cities that eat other cities haven't shown up in western cinema yet (unless I missed something and that can happen). This movie looks so good that had it not come across Aquaman at release I think it would have done better. Certainly it suffers from lazy writing but no one cared because it looks so good. Just know going in to Mortal Engines that you aren't there for the acting or the story but rather state of the art visuals and one kickass bad dude that may or may not be such a bad dude after all. I did eyeroll at the end of his interaction with the main character. Rent don't buy. Watch on netflix or something but do give it a whirl.

Crimson Peak (2015)

Huh?

[7/10 · 12 February 2019]

When I saw the trailer, and knowing the director through his work, I expected a certain kind of movie. I didn't get it. I never felt like it was a horror movie yet it is listed under that genre. Its kind of a period piece, with beautifully shot scenes and a well thought out plot. I just wanted to a horror movie and got Murder on the Orient Express with ghosts. Del Toro can make a beautiful movie. Wasikowska and Hiddleston did a wonderful job. Why am I saying nice things but not just in love with the movie? I wanted a horror movie and didn't get it. Watch it its worth the look. Just know its not scary at all (at least to this human).

28 Days Later (2002)

Something special

[10/10 · 12 February 2019]

There are few movies that I watch and feel like I've seen something truly special. Fight Club, The Matrix, and this one. There are a few other movies that fit that bill, but for an overused genre it is awesome. The acting is great. The idea behind it engaging. The scenic shots make me feel like London has really been hit by zombies. I thought about this movie for a long time and I love how it sucked me in to a world that I want to watch but never visit.

Sinister (I) (2012)

Good but could have been great

[8/10 · 12 February 2019]

This movie starts off and before its halfway over I'm not sure if its like Seven or some supernatural type flick. There is a point at which the answer is obvious. Before that point the movie had the makings for something great. Once the viewer discovers that it is indeed a supernatural being it kind of loses something. I feel like the writer had a hell of script and someone said "lets put the boogie man in it and see what happens." It is scary. The acting is good. There is one scene from the trailer that would have been scary as heck had it not been in the trailer. The opening scene is crazy awesome/horrible. I do wonder why authors always wear sweaters?

Daredevil (2015–2018)

Amazing!

[10/10 · 21 January 2019]

Daredevil is simply one of the best comic translations ever. Season one was a binge almost at once. Season two's introduction of the Punisher made it even better. I can't image (and I'm counting its spin off of the Punisher) being cast any better. Charlie Cox is what I think of when I think of Daredevil now. I've been a fan of Vincent D'Onofrio since I was young. The whole thing shines. The way the fight scenes are choreographed is new, inventive, and a nice mix of different martial arts. D'Onofrio is also great as Kingpin. Do yourself a favor, should you not have seen this, and watch it and its spin off. Personally, I haven't cared for Jessica Jones and Luke Cage's first season was good but fell short of my Spartan Locke expectations. Only Daredevil and its spin off have consistently delivered each episode of each season.

Titans (I) (2018–2023)

Waaaay better than I had ever hoped

[10/10 · 21 January 2019]

I remember passing on this title several times when trying to find something to watch. I needed to pass the time waiting for season two of Punisher and finally decided on the pilot episode. It was beyond my expectations after the trailer. As a huge Batman fan and fan of the DCU comics I've learned to be let down from their on-screen products. This is no let down. The cast is great. Robin is about as total badass as ever brought to the comic pages. There are extended universe characters, who will remain unnamed, that I have always wanted to see. All in all it was a great show. Even the theme song is great. There are nods to some of the John Carpenter like music from Stranger Things (and John Carpenter's movies) throughout. I am also excited that its been renewed as it makes me very angry to enjoy a show and it be cancelled quickly. Do yourself a favor and check it out.

Venom (2018)

Critics might make tasty treats

[8/10 · 8 October 2018]

I was unsure of how a PG-13 version of Venom would work. I would have liked it R rated. I would have hated not being able to take my son as he has loved Venom since he was old enough to know about Spider-Man. He was stoked and I was excited. It was fun. Tom Hardy was a great cast. It was a little formulaic in its script, but what isn't anymore. I can say that waiting for the post-credit scene is worth it for those already initiated in this world. Go see and enjoy.

Lost in Space (2018–2021)

A good continuation to a fun story

[10/10 · 17 April 2018]

I grew up watching reruns of Lost in Space on USA network. I loved it. When I scrolled through the reviews of this, I wondered what people wanted? LIS brings with it the awe of a family being Lost in Space. Space is dangerous. There are parts that have been used in numerous science fiction shows for decades, but who cares? Its fun. Its innocent enough that the cynic in me is quiet and just sits back and watches. It isn't the best science fiction show ever, but it is one that captures what it might be like to be on an alien planet for the first time. Give a couple of episodes a shot and be glad that it didn't try to HBO the story like they did with the new Star Trek TV series. It sticks with its source material in that regard.

Masterminds (2015)

It made me laugh

[9/10 · 10 April 2018]

I don't know if I happen to just have different taste in things, but I can't honestly believe the reviews were as bad as they are. I thought it fit the bill as a comedy. It made me laugh. Comedy is such a subjective thing anyway. There isn't a lot of high-brow humor. That's okay. I loved the ladies in Ghostbusters and they're all here except McCarthy. Zack and Owen are fun also. It didn't make me laugh like The Hangover or Borat, but seriously most "comedies" that are targeted for the masses make me want to to stab myself. If you liked NTSF:SD:SUV, Rick and Morty, Children's Hospital or other things along those lines, I think this will do you just fine. I'll take my South Park to whatever canned laughter show any day of the week and this fits that bill.

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets (2017)

What happened Luc?

[6/10 · 25 January 2018]

I love most of the director's previous projects. The problems with the film are a mix between casting and script. The general idea was interesting. The alien designs are outstanding. If you compared it to The Fifth Element, since its another Luc Besson film, what made that movie kills this one. I think the similar seen with Rhianna like the Diva in Fifth Element was welcome. The rest of it was just meh. I wanted to punch Valerian multiple times for being a prick and he's one of the main protagonist. For a pet project I'd have expected more. Parts of it I thought I'd see Jar Jar Binks walking through the background. It was a pretty movie though.

Ghost in the Shell (2017)

I wanted a 10 but it was pretty good

[7/10 · 25 January 2018]

Having been a long time fan of both anime and the source material I was excited and nervous when its development started. It was absolutely beautiful in its settings and character designs. No one can deny that it is visually on par with or exceeds the best Hollywood has put out. I found the adaptation stalling in places. Where the filmmaker seemed to expect drama to build it seemed, to me, that it stalled. Some of the fight scenes with the Major were amazing. I just wish the story was more compelling in its translation. The lesson should be that if Hollywood would just adapt the source material without trying to make it all things to all people the movie would find its audience. By watering down the story, it just makes it meh to the uninitiated and alienates the long time fans.

Bright (I) (2017)

I can't believe this cost 90M to make

[6/10 · 25 January 2018]

I can't believe this movie cost 90 million bucks. That's the figure I've seen going around, so if that figure is wrong forgive me. This movie has been made before. Its called Alien Nation. It was a movie, then a TV show, then a series of made for TV movies. The non-human partner just changed from pure science fiction to fantasy. Bright wasn't horrible and I'll watch the sequel when it comes out, but it was also not great. I like Will Smith usually. He might play the same character every time, but the movies are usually fun at the very least. The visuals seemed akin to something of a lower budgeted movie. This thing clocked it at well over what Deadpool cost and Deadpool at least showed that a great flick doesn't have to cost 200 million. I think Netflix missed the mark on this and it would have benefited from the longer narrative of a long-form serialized show in contrast to a movie.

The Punisher (2017–2019)

Well written but not for a younger audience

[10/10 · 11 December 2017]

I have enjoyed most of the Marvel Netflix series. In Daredevil season 2 part of the side story involves meeting Frank Castle. I don't know if that is a spoiler but the box is checked just in case. I am very familiar with the comics and find people who "demand" it to be just like the comics difficult to deal with because there are different versions and years of source material to accommodate. This Punisher seems to fit well into the TV universe that Marvel and Netflix have created. I found the characters engaging and the use of characters like Karen Page welcome. It has been my favorite of the non Daredevil shows. Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, and Iron Fist all seemed lacking to me yet I did enjoy them. The Defenders was good but not Punisher good. This isn't for a younger audience but for adults this is a great narrative of a tragic vigilante that just wanted justice. Jon Bernthal was a perfect cast for this role and I can believe and relate to the character the way he portrays him. The previous film versions lacked that. I hope they keep Punisher in the rotation for new series.

The Emoji Movie (2017)

Not as bad as I feared

[7/10 · 14 August 2017]

I expected to wanted to run riot in the theater stabbing and cursing the movie my dictator of a six year old forced on me. I had agreed to let him choose the movie we went to see and hoped eagerly that the reviews of both critics and viewers were wrong. It wasn't horrible. Don't get me wrong it wasn't great either, but it could have been much worse. The plot is very thin, but the theme of making "real friends" instead of relying on Facebook or Twitter was subtle but nice. Being yourself instead of changing to make everyone happy was nice also. Patrick Stewart yelling "Red Alert!" was all I needed and a part of me clapped, my hands. I don't think it was a horrid piece of poop that everyone seems to be describing it. It contains the obligatory poop and fart jokes most kids movies require. The animation isn't great, but its good enough. It'd be a good rental more so than a trip to the movies. Puppy, the Hotel Transylvania short, was a nice bonus and my son loves that series. It was funny to me. Enjoy with reasonable expectations.

Æon Flux (2005)

I like it just fine

[9/10 · 8 August 2017]

There are times when I see a movie and read reviews and question if I just have horrible taste in movies. I really enjoyed it. There are problems with it, but what movie doesn't have an issue here or there. I loved the MTV version. I own copies of both the animated and live action. This is a fun science fiction romp that has a twist on the recycled material that seems so prevalent in Hollywood these days (and then also). I thought the acting was decent and the visual effects were pretty good and don't seem horribly dated twelve years later. I think people should disregard the critics on this and check it out if they haven't.

RoboCop (1987)

I need a movie that goes really fast and gets really s+#&ty gas mileage.

[10/10 · 8 August 2017]

For a movie that is 30 years old, the social commentary is still great. Its got commercials for fake futuristic products, the fun of crazy action sequences, and one of my all-time favorite robots/droids in ED- 209. ED-209 is great and I wish someone made a small one that really interacted with you without telling me it was going to shoot me then actually shooting me. I don't need toys that murder. Peter Weller is great and the supporting cast is equally astounding. In watching this with the commentary I was shocked at how much thought went in to each scene. My only concern would be how violent and hard-R rated it is. I will have to wait until my children are at least 5 to watch it (just kidding).

The Blood of Heroes (1989)

More realistic than most sports movies

[9/10 · 5 August 2017]

I'm reviewing this based on my opinion of it as a high school kid. That's when I originally saw it and repeated viewings haven't changed my opinion. I have always liked Rutger Hauer and Vincent D'Onofrio. I love just about everything about the movie in its simple butt-stomping game and story. Its a sports movie with Mad Max as the background. I'm surprised that the RT score is so low, but I think most fans of this kind of genre will like it.

Cars 3 (2017)

Enjoyable for all ages

[8/10 · 19 June 2017]

I have a general love for animation, but I usually let my child dictate opinions on these type movies. He loved it. I liked it. The animation itself was beautiful to behold. I saw it at a drive-in which is evening more impressive because it wasn't the best screen. I was amazed at what Pixar is able to do with their animation. The pavement and water looked awesome. The story was decent. There was a "twist" of sorts at the end that I thought was cute. All in all it was a decent addition to the Cars line up. The kids will enjoy it. I enjoyed some of the humor. Its not funny like Archer, but I wouldn't let my six year old watch Archer either. Have some popcorn and enjoy.

Battleship (2012)

Explosions, aliens, and lack of any realism like many summer blockbusters

[7/10 · 30 May 2017]

There are things about this movie that are genuinely fun and even original. There is also a lot of stuff that seems like a Michael Bay movie. I don't want to include any spoilers and most of my issues with the movie have a gigantic neon sign flashing that says "foreshadowing" on each scene that will come up later. There are also some editing issues where the people that made it seemed like they get to the climax and said, "screw it lets go home early." With all that and a bunch of impossible movie science its still fun. My six year old liked it enough. The alien weapons were somewhat original. I have always liked naval vessels of all kinds. Were it an option 6.5 stars would be more appropriate, but I rounded up.