bensentl Reviews

Coming 2 America (2021)

Painful Money Grab Failure

[2/10 · 25 September 2022]

Many years ago Eddie Murphy and Arsinio Hall starred in the original Coming to America. Is was fun and silly. The characters were well developed and I really enjoyed it. Then 30 years later they brought this sequel to the screen and it is a disappointing mess. They didn't even try. Coming 2 America is a cheap, painful money grab. Just horrible. The barbershop scenes are still the best part and if you enjoyed the those characters you will still enjoy this part of the show. The fun play on McDonalds and McDowells was still pretty cute, but those scenes are only small snippets. Everything else is so disappointingly bad.

The Lost City (2022)

Supposed to be funny. Instead was mostly annoying.

[3/10 · 30 July 2022]

The Lost City tried hard to be funny, but it just didn't work. Sandra Bullock is normally great but the script didn't leave her much to work with as it was not creative (just formulaic). Brad Pitt was in the movie for only a short time. Channing Tatum did his normal basic stuff. They wasted Danielle Radcliffe. Don't waste your time.

RoboWoman (2019)

Root canal bad

[1/10 · 30 January 2022]

Absolutely the worst movie ever made. Just horrible. It reminds me of home videos that fifth graders made with their buddies in the backyard. It is absolute garbage.

The Poison Rose (2019)

Morgan Freeman - I love Morgan Freeman.

[3/10 · 22 April 2021]

After I saw the actors I thought this would be amazing. Morgan Freeman, John Travolta, Brandon Fraser. Well.....it wasn't amazing. I was bored, the movie is very predictable. The acting is poor. The story is disjointed. I don't know what else to say. Very disappointed. I also didn't recognize Brandon Fraser, and had to pause for a second and do a double take. He has changed quite a bit - don't we all?. Anyway save your time and pick a different show to watch.

Movie 43 (2013)

Just offensive and pathetic

[1/10 · 26 August 2019]

This is one of the worst movies I have ever seen. Lowbrow humor with really offensive material aimed at shocking some humor out of the viewer. I can't believe they got so many quality actors to be a part of this disaster. As we say in Minnesota and Wisconsin - Uffda!

Little Women (2018)

Not well done

[3/10 · 2 July 2019]

I love the story of little women and have enjoyed other movie versions of this story. This version just doesn't cut it. I am sure she is a fine actress but Sarah Davenport who plays Jo is absolutely unlikeable. I found the movie contrived, overacted and to be honest hard to watch. I see there is a new version in a year with Meryl Streep and others.....so we shall see. Skip this version.

Godzilla (2014)

Ufdah this is a stinker

[2/10 · 25 December 2015]

SPOILER ALERT

The movie is absolutely terrible and I will give you ten reasons not to see it:

1. You sit through a two hour Godzilla movie and don't see Godzilla for over an hour into the show and even then you only see him for about 20 minutes.

2. The digital art and video graphics are not of high quality.

3, There is no character development and I found myself not caring what happens to any of the main characters.

4. The movie starts out with Brian Cranston which is cool but he is gone after a very short time leaving viewers confused

5. The plot made no sense at all

6. The movie is shot in very dark colors to hide the fact the digital effects are poor

7. It is boring - I was waiting for something to happen and it never does

8. It is terrible

9. It is bad

10. You will be glad when it is over and you never have to watch another second

Red Tails (2012)

Slow

[3/10 · 29 June 2015]

I love the story of the Tuskegee Air Men and was excited for this film to come out. Unfortunately the direction is off, the story never develops well, and you don't really feel any emotional connection with the characters. Despite a solid performance by Cuba Gudding the rest of the acting is sub par. In fact it was so bad it was as if the characters had just read their scripts for the first time and were reciting them without any thought of emotion. There is a love relationship between two characters that is hard to believe. Because of all these flaws I would avoid this movie. There is a better version of this story that was done in the mid 90's. I have watched the earlier film and the story and character development were much more solid making for a much better movie experience. However the fight scenes in the 2012 version are entertaining and they did hold my attention. Nice try and a fun story but the movie wasn't up to Hollywood standards.

After Earth (2013)

Look at my kid!

[4/10 · 2 November 2013]

Dear Mr. Smith,

Maybe you should quit creating films just so you son can be in them. Even though the pursuit of happiness was a decent film, all your son had to do was look cute and play your son. Now that he is older and has to carry bigger roles that stretch his skills, it isn't working.

The sad part is, the thing that makes you a successful actor is your personality. This movie required you to be so stern and cold, and it was a really poor fit for your skill set as well. I hope to see more quality films with you in the leading role in the future. However, if you continue to take roles to help create films for your son you are doing both of you a disservice. Jaden deserves better as well. He clearly would not have earned any of these roles if he wasn't your son.

1991 World Series Atlanta Braves vs Minnesota Twins (1991 Video)

One of the greatest World Series ever.

[10/10 · 1 May 2013]

The Atlanta Braves had finished last in the National League in 1990. The Minnesota Twins had done the same in the American League 1990. Who would have thought that both last place teams in both leagues would go worst to first in the same year.

This created one of the greatest World Series ever. Seven awesome games. Three extra inning games. The tomahawk chop and the minor controversy for Jane Fonda. Kent Hrbeck pulling Ron Gant the bag on first. chuck Knoblauch and Greg Gagne tricking Lonnie Smith with the phantom double play.

Best moment of all had to be Kirby Puckett's walk off homer in game six....." And we'll see ya tomorrow night!"

Finally it came down to the gutsy pitching of Jack Morris who out dueled John Smoltz for a tenth inning victory. Possible one of the greatest World Series ever won by the might Minnesota Twins! Check out the video.

Game Change (2012 TV Movie)

Spot On

[10/10 · 26 April 2013]

I am amazed at the posters who are coming on to review this movie and claiming that the movie is propaganda and full of lies. This movie is amazingly accurate.

Both Steve Schmidt and Nicole Wallace, the two senior advisors to Mcain and Palin have both come out and stated it was spot on. Schmidt has said there are moments in the film that were almost verbatim, and it is amazingly accurate. Wallace said it was so true to life it gave her chills.

This is an excellent movie. Sarah Palin was totally unprepared to run for this office and I think the movie does a good job showing how unfair this process really was for her and her family.

Watch it and you will be amazed. Great movie.

All I Want for Christmas (2007 TV Movie)

All I want for Christmas

[2/10 · 30 December 2012]

All I want for Christmas is not a good movie. There are many of these cheesy Hallmark Christmas movies out during the holidays. Most of them are totally predictable and follow the same format. This movie does exactly that, however, you will know exactly what will happen three minutes into the show. The character development is weak, the love relationships are not believable, the little kid is annoying and rude, just a bad bad movie. Save yourself some time and watch the movie Dear Santa. Exact same premise (lead character works in a soup kitchen and the child is trying to set up their parent with a spouse for the holiday). The only difference is that Dear Santa is a predictable yet fun Hallmark like Christmas movie, and All I want for Christmas is not fun in any way.

Courageous (I) (2011)

slow, slow, slow

[1/10 · 11 February 2012]

I saw this movie with my family and we were really looking forward to seeing it. We have enjoyed the movies that this particular church group has produced in the past. The football movie is decent (granted I love any sports movie), and the movie Fireproof was very good. That being said, this movie just didn't cut it. I think that perhaps the producers have gone to the well too often trying to produce the same bible message too often and didn't develop this story very well. Let's be honest, great message about fathers stepping up to the plate and taking responsibility for their families and being the religious leaders of their home......great message, but that doesn't make the movie good. It is so slow and lags for long periods. It is choppy as the story line just doesn't move from one scene to the next very well. Best way to put it......boring.

I look forward to seeing the movie flywheel that they produced a few years ago. I know it will have a wholesome and positive religious message.....I want that in movies for my family.....but I also don't want to be put to sleep by a movie that just isn't very good. Sorry guys.

Couples Retreat (2009)

Just Dreadful

[4/10 · 20 February 2010]

I just don't know what to think about Vince Vaughn. I enjoyed both Old School and Wedding Crashers. However, he was really a second fiddle in both movies. I don't think he can carry a movie. Take for instance The Break Up or Four Christmas'....both of these movies have the same feel as Couples Retreat. Dreadful.

Couples Retreat just isn't funny. The character development is non existent. It's so bad, you don't even really like any of the whiny characters in the film. There are canned comedy situations linked together by brooding, depressed, complaining couples who are all totally dysfunctional. Not funny dysfunctional in a Clark Griswold way, just dysfunctional in an annoying way that makes you pray for the movie to end.

The best way to put this is that the movie is uncomfortable. You are waiting for things to turn for the better and for the movie to pick up but it just doesn't. Try a root canal instead, it would be more enjoyable.

Save your time and read a book or watch some TV.

The Spirit (2008)

Ouch

[3/10 · 1 January 2009]

This is going to be a bit harsh, but I hated this movie. It was downright terrible. A waste of two hours.

I was surprised, because I usually like comic book, campy style movies. Unfortunately, this movie just didn't deliver.

The Nazi scene was hard to watch, the writing was poor, and there was no chemistry between the actors. Even Samuel Jackson (who is always pretty entertaining) didn't bring much to this film.

I did feel that some of the special effects were pretty decent and there were a few funny jokes (one on Star Trek that got a lot of laughs in the theatre).

The costumes of many of the female characters will also capture the attention of many of the younger male viewers (a bit revealing to say the least). Other than that, don't waste your money.

Possibly an OK rental movie.

No Reservations (2007)

Absolute Snore fest

[1/10 · 24 February 2008]

This movie was an absolute snore fest. It is boring, it went no where, it is terrible.

If you have a hard time sleeping, watch this movie and you will be out in five minutes.

My wife picked this out as a weekend video. Fifteen minutes into the movie, I was waiting for it to move forward and for something to take hold. It never did, just more and more of the same.

The chemistry between the characters never develops, and the love story is hard to believe. I was shocked at how bad the movie was with some of the quality actors in the film. I did think that the little girl who played Zoe was great. She has been in several films and is a great little actor.

Don't waste your time, it is horrible.

There's Something About Mary (1998)

The ending is absolutely horrible.

[3/10 · 2 February 2008]

This movie starts out very funny. The bathroom zipper scene is a gut buster. Ben Stiller's pre-date prep scene is extremely funny.

Matt Dillon's attempts to pick up Mary, especially when trying to fit in and making comments about his job and hobbies is very funny. The lamp/dog scene is also hilarious.

The "hair gel" scene is crazy funny. Chris Elliot also offers some good laughs.

The rest of this movie is at times over the top and out of control.

The ending of this movie is so stupid and terrible it can't be explained in words. It is absolutely wretched. It will make you nauseous and queasy. The movie just dies in it's own stupidity at the end and will leave you frustrated and angry.

Plus we have to put up with Brett Farve, who can't act his way out of a paper bag. Seriously, he is even worse than the end of this movie.

So if you want some great laughs, watch the first hour and then turn it off, because the ending is absolute garbage.

Bee Movie (2007)

Expected more, received even less

[3/10 · 8 November 2007]

I went to this movie with my family last week. I was told by a friend that it was great, and I have always been a fan of movies like Toy Story, Bugs Life, etc.

I am also a fan of Jerry Seinfeld, so I really had some expectations good expectations for this movie.

This move was funny in a few places and started out stronger than it ended. In fact the last 30 minutes are painful to sit through.

The sad part is that they took a great idea, and a strong opening and lost it in silly court room scenes that weren't funny, a Rose Bowl heist that was made no sense, and ended with nothing more than a political message on living green.

It is evident that this is not an "A" movie, or even a "B" movie. I would say that it is like a "C-" to "D+" movie at best.

Save your money and rent it, watch the first 45 minutes, then call it a day.

The Sandlot (1993)

Oh to be a kid again!

[10/10 · 17 August 2006]

I loved this movie. I saw it with my son when he was about two at the theater. We went back to see it again two days later. In addition, we watch this movie at least once a year. Anyone who grew up playing baseball knows a kid who matches each character in this film. It is an excellent story, clean for kids, and enjoyable for adults. The main character is named Scotty Smalls, who moves to a new neighborhood, and is not very athletic. He quickly meets the guys and receives a less than warm welcome. However, Benny the Jet Rodriguez takes Smalls under his wing, teaches him about baseball and helps Scotty overcome some of his issues. Benny tackles some of his own fears, and the sandlot gang has several crazy adventures. I recommend you go rent it today, even if you have seen it before.

Disney's Halloween Treat (1984 Video)

Overall a good viewing experience

[7/10 · 5 September 2005]

I enjoyed this video with my children. I really like some of the old Disney footage with Pluto and Donald Duck. There are some older classic bits in the video. Kids may find that it moves too slow, compared to the way cartoons move so quickly now, etc. But it is still a lot of fun. The movie does a nice job using the concept of a jack-o-lantern as the MC. The jack-o-lantern takes you on a trip through history of old Disney villains. The old Headless Horseman video is worth the price of rental or your viewing time by itself. There are a few spots that may be scary for little kids. But for the most part, I think your entire family would enjoy the movie. Try If you are a fan of the old classic Disney animation, you will really enjoy this movie.

When Good Ghouls Go Bad (2001 TV Movie)

This movie starts out really fun, slows in the middle, but makes a comeback in the end.

[10/10 · 5 September 2005]

Growing up in a small town in the Great Lakes Region, made this movie a lot of fun, as I was reminded of fun times in my hometown around Halloween. This is a movie dominated by Christopher Lloyd, who takes over the minute his character is introduced. If you enjoy this actor in movies like Back to the Future or his time on the classic TV show Taxi, you will probably enjoy this movie also. Lloyd's character is a bit eccentric, and the interaction between he and his Grandson makes for a lot of laughs. There is also the classic big bully, picking on the underdog little kid, who must overcome his fears in the end. The movie starts to drag about 30 minutes into it, but when the zombies, spooks and ghouls come out to play, the fun kicks back into gear. I strongly recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys sitting with the kids and watching a fairly wholesome family show.

The Last Halloween (1991 TV Movie)

This is a very fun video.

[10/10 · 5 September 2005]

I first watched this video with my son when he was about two years old. I found the video to be a lot of fun for both parents and children. Kids will enjoy the cartoon characters that are very well done (Hannah/Barbara), and the story line is somewhat predictable, but still entertaining. Parents will enjoy the story too, as it will bring back many old memories of trick or treating as a kid, running away from spooks, staying out and having a blast. It also features some old TV actors from the late 80's and 90's. Rea Perlman from Cheers plays the villain and the guy who played Bull from Night Court is her henchman like servant. You will enjoy this video, especially if you grew up in a small town where people had to pull together to get things done, etc. I highly recommend the video and hope that it will come out on DVD or be shown on TV once again.