stormhawk2021 Reviews

Agent Cody Banks 2: Destination London (2004)

Another nail in the coffin of Frankie's career

[1/10 · 13 August 2023]

What was the reason for the sequel!? The first was bad enough, but well scripted; for other hand, this sequel was abysmal, leaving gaping holes in the connected storyline from the first to this one, and the unlikely action scenes are unbelievably stupid, not to mention the kiddy style used by the bad guys. A spray that knocks you out is the kind of thing I'm talking about. What happened to Natalie Connors from the first film? Well, she is now replaced by Emily (ex-SClub7 member, Hannah Spearritt). The chemistry between Emily and Cody was poor: he is 18-year-old and still in high school, while she's 23 and in college. And Anthony Anderson as Cody's mentor was more distracting than funny. The end of this sequel was very bad: when Derek says goodbye to Cody, leaves an open ending for a possible third sequel that never happened. Way-too Hollywood. Come to think of it, way-too stupid as well. The fact that this sequel it is a film exclusive for kids is no excuse for it being so bad.

P. S.: If anyone thinks that Emily was better than Natalie because her actress has 23-year-old, go to prefer instead a better heroine of the same age: Kazumi Hoshikawa/Five Pink, from the Japanese TV show "Chikyu Sentai Fiveman" (1990). WARNING: This series was the worst in the Super Sentai franchise.

Basic Instinct 2 (2006)

A waste of time

[1/10 · 9 June 2022]

You may notice that so many of the sequels we've covered this week are past their expiration date. By that, I mean the time to make a sequel to Basic Instinct was a few years after that one came out in 1992, not in 2006. Maybe in 1995 or 1996 would have worked. You may also remember that so many of these movies are troubled production. "Basic Instinct 2: Risk Addiction" is no different. MGM had planned this movie to come out in 2000 - still late, but somewhat better - but then decided they had no interest in making the movie. That's when lead actress Sharon Stone filed a lawsuit claiming she was guaranteed at least $14 million for her commitment to the sequel, even if the movie never got made and as much as 15% of gross receipts if the film were released. By 2004, the lawsuit was settled and British director Michael Caton-Jones ("Doc Hollywood" (1991), "The Jackal" (1997), "Memphis Belle" (1990)) got the job and thus, the action had moved from New York to London. He was broke and needed to make a movie, but called making this movie a "poisoned chalice" and said that "It was horrible. And I knew before I started that it wasn't going to be a particularly good film. Which is a very, very painful thing." The movie starts with novelist and possible serial killer Catherine Tramell (Stone) who had moved from San Francisco to London, using the hand of Kevin Franks, a passed out soccer player, to get herself off while speeding through the streets, finally crashing into the Thames river. It was at this point that I began laughing uncontrollably as the athlete gazes upon Tramell like she's some kind of vision and then drowns while she swims away. It turns out that the soccer star was all pilled up and couldn't even move, but Scotland Yard is unable to make any charges stick. But she has to report to court ordered sessions with Dr. Michael Glass (David Morrissey), who she of courses beds and starts writing about for her new novel, a story in which real people all around them are being killed in both prose and real-life ways. Unlike the original movie, which seems to only hint at the fact that Tramell is a killer or can manipulate any man or woman into doing what she wants, in this one it's beyond obvious and there's even a square up reel at the end showing all the murders and how she talked Glass into it. I kind of love the reasons why no man was good enough for this movie. Michael Douglas? Too old. Robert Downey Jr.? Possession charges. Kurt Russell? Didn't want to strip down. Pierce Brosnan? Didn't like the sleaze. Bruce Greenwood? Potential actor strike. Rupert Everett? Calling a pervert who American audiences wouldn't accept by the MGM CEO. And Benjamin Bratt? Sharon Stone didn't think he was a good actor. Let that one set in. Remember when Nigel Tufnel confusingly asked, "What's wrong with being sexy?" I kept hearing that same question throughout this movie but it's just a cavalcade of shocking scenes that by 2006 were no longer shocking. This is the kind of movie that demanded to be made by someone demented, someone willing to tell Sharon Stone that she'd have to dress like a cat and urinate in a litter box on camera or fart into jars and sell them to people if she wanted to shock someone. Instead, her scene of knowingly looking into another man's eyes while engaging in an orgy is positively quaint. It's like finding out your mom's best friend is on Fetlife. You're not all that surprised and you really don't want to know the details or see any pictures, but you can be happy for her and wish her well. Speaking of that, Stone wanted to make a third one and even offered to direct, but I don't think she will because due to the failure of this movie, she (now in her sixties) works in TV series and low-budget films.

And finally, I will say to all the reviewers who liked this sequel (who were mostly teenagers in 2006): if BI1 was in San Francisco, BI2 was in the UK...where will be BI3 set? Italy? Russia? Japan? I bet it will be more of the same as the previous ones. And perhaps they can get Kristen Stewart for the role of Catherine Trammell to see if you like her. Bon appetit.

Basic Instinct (1992)

A masterpiece

[9/10 · 7 June 2022]

Director/actor Paul Verhoeven presents one of the most popular erotic thrillers of the 90s Michael Douglas, Wayne Knight, Jeanne Tripplehorn, and Sharon Stone. This was the movie that made Sharon Stone's career: a night of heated passion turns into a blood soaked nightmare when a blonde seductress kills her rock star lover by multiple stabbings. The authorities along with detective Nick Curran who's recently divorced and sober from drugs while also being investigated by Internal Affairs for a shooting find he was a member of the community making big donations. Catharine Tramell, a crime novelist is the prime suspect so how much is she telling the truth or just toying around? She has a reputation for being around ex-cons and delving into sex/drug-fueled experiences. She pulls Nick into a heated relationship but also testing his loyalty to the letter of the law while writing a new novel based on him. More deaths though keep piling up and are somewhat connected to Nick's psychologist Beth. So what's the connection? The film set off protests by members of the gay community when it was released; before it was preceded by months of controversy and hype, became the hot topic around water coolers and in newspaper editorials, and grossed an astonishing $352 million worldwide Heck it was even accused of misogyny and homophobia garnering an NC-17 rating for a brief period of time. Yet Stone is the very image of the 90s-femme fatale dressing up elegantly, smoking, and using her feminine wilds to throw off her male counterparts. There may be something in her childhood that ultimately set her off Douglas' character here is questionable with his methods to find the truth especially when he finds out this woman has a strange fixation on him. Aside from the dialogue being bad in many spots with the acting being stilted as well as a few plot threads Stone and Douglas have such ripe chemistry. This does have some rough edges but Jan de Bont has some good camerawork as well as mixing light and darkness together Jerry Goldsmith's score is unnerving matching those classic Hitchcock neo-noir flicks. No doubt this plot is lurid and problematic but Stone's performance is sizzling and radicalising the sexual politics of a subgenre more often associated with male privilege. Questionable morals yes but the women hold all the cards.

Ghostbusters: Answer the Call (2016)

Who you gonna call? Someone else!

[1/10 · 27 October 2021]

Well, with 5 days to go until Halloween, I want to tell you that weeks ago, I saw this movie on Netflix and switched it to another movie within 5 minutes of it started. It's surely the worst movie I have ever seen.

Unnecessary remake of "Ghostbusters" (1984), the plot is exactly the same and does not bring anything new or good. The original is a small classic that is already part of popular culture, true, it is not a great movie, but it is good enough to have fun and be remembered by several generations (not only to those who saw it in its premiere), his mythical song "Ghostbusters" had quality and everyone knows it. This remake is just a copy where the only difference is that the protagonists are female instead of male (as if that were a significant novelty that justified a remake). It's not entertaining, it's boring, the main actresses aren't funny (Bill Murray, Rick Moranis, Dan Aykroyd and Sigourney Weaver possessed if they were funny), it doesn't have that black humor of the original, it has a childish humor based on falls, screams and farts. Chris Hemsworth doesn't hold a candle to Annie Potts, playing as a ditsy and bespectacled blond male secretary. Has been Thor in the MCU transformed into the male version of Rosemary, the Telephone Operator? (from the 1970's HB cartoon "Hong Kong Phooey"). The photography is bad, the special effects are bad, the dialogue is bad, the jokes are bad, the pacing is bad, the performances are bad, the plot is copied, the remake of the original song is gruesome. Leslie Jones and Kate McKinnon don't even have previous acting experience, Melissa McCarthy is repellent, Kristen Wiig is the only bearable. No one should see it, so they would make movies again and stop producing and releasing cash copies.

PS: In my votes it only allows to put a 1, as very bad, but in reality it does not reach that score, I will have seen thousands of movies, but this one I put in the top 10 of mediocrity. So, how on Earth is this as high as a 6.5? Seems like Sony got some bots or shills to cover themselves.

Su excelencia (1967)

Spectacular political satire

[9/10 · 12 July 2021]

In the last Cantinflas productions we have noticed how the actor didn't miss an opportunity to make scathing criticisms of the underhanded society. This work is considered the most important in this regard, since at the height of the Cold War where the rather political and in some cases the military confrontation between the United States (greens) and the Soviet Union (reds) took place .

"Su Excelencia" shows Cantinflas on another string, putting aside physical humor and concentrating on his infinite verbiage. It is considered the last film of the Golden Age of the Mexican comedian and its merits lie in the crazy dialogues and a much more elaborate plot than expected. Be careful with the final speech, a call in Cantinflas code to end the Cold War that tormented humanity in the 1960s. Similar to the one performed by the mythical Chaplin in "The Great Dictator."

Invaluable material to work with students that will never go out of style.

Colombiana (2011)

"La Femme Nikita" in Latin version

[9/10 · 23 January 2021]

This is a great movie to watch. I really like it. Cataleya is clever, athletic, brave and a tough young woman. I was surprised when she was a little girl, she done athletic things and she used athletic skills to get away from the bad guys that killed her parents. And when she got older she obviously learned more skills. And she knew how to fight. She, handled the bad guys herself. She didn't want the cops to capture them. She wanted to catch and killed them all by herself. And she did! She handled them bad guys, ON HER OWN.

Chappie (2015)

Underrated movie

[9/10 · 19 January 2021]

This is probably the best movie I have seen this last decade. The story is interesting and nicely paced, the special effects are unbelievably realistic and the characters bring a unique story to life through their amazing performances. Chappie is portrayed by Sharlto Copley who absolutely hit the nail on the head as always. Dev Patel portrays Devon Wilson, who is an interesting secondary main character. The addition of Sigourney Weaver and Hugh Jackman upped the ante up even more, as these are amazing actors as well. The rap dup was a mixed bag for a lot of people, which is somewhat understandable, but I think they served their purpose in the movie and that their performances worked out in the movie's favor. By the end of the movie I got pretty attached to Chappie as a character, and I hope that Chappie makes a return one day. I want you to ignore the bad reviews, check the movie out for yourself and make your own review afterwards. You will most likely not be disappointed.

Annie (2014)

A sacrilege to my favorite musical movie

[1/10 · 17 January 2021]

You know what needed to be remade? Annie. But not just any remake. No, it needs to be a modernized, hip hop infused remake that focuses on materialism. Well, if that's exactly what you wanted, that is exactly what you got! The bad thing is, this is exactly what Annie didn't need. The modernized take on Annie follows an orphan who has a chance meeting with a billionaire mayoral candidate, but that meaning changes both of their lives. This remake falls into the category of pointless. The original from 1982 and even the Broadway musical from 1977 are more than enough, and the original can be considered a classic of sorts. Well, the film has been made, so its time to break it down.

For starters, the acting is subpar. The opening scene mocks a redhead and freckled girl representing classic Annie who does a joyful tap dance to rolling eyes in front of a modern classroom. She then gets booted off stage for being "uncool." Enter Will Smith's replacement "Annie" who then takes over and of course the class loves her because she's into hip hop culture and "cool." The child actors are expectedly bad, most of the adults are given nothing to work with, and then there is Cameron Diaz as Ms. Hannigan. There is absolutely no excuse for how horrible she is. She's just too nice, pretty and bubbly to play a heartless woman. It was like she put up a ''bad break-up'' mood to act cruel, and it didn't work. You cannot put a friendly-faced actress to perform as Ms. Hannigan: in the original, Carol Burnett nailed perfectly into the part. This is a poorly written film that bounces around all types of tones, with pacing that moves things quickly until the musical numbers kick in, which feel very out of place and bring things to a screeching halt. Which brings us to the music... The film "modernized" the classic songs by changing the beats of the songs to a faster tempo hip hop beat. If it sounds pointless, its because it is. By the time the credits do roll, there isn't much that sticks in the mind except one insanely horrible performance.

Nothing more to say, if you're gonna make a black Annie, you might as well fully commit and make all the originally white characters, black, just saying. "The Wiz" (1978) it's a good black rendition of "The Wizard of Oz". And don't come with nonsense like racism or anything like that.

PS: If you liked the performance of Cameron Diaz as Ms. Hannigan, go watch "The Mask" instead.

Rocky V (1990)

Worst of the saga

[2/10 · 17 January 2021]

In his fifth installment Rocky makes two deadly mistakes: stop being him, with all the qualities that have characterized him and made him unique, and that the marketing of the saga becomes incredibly bad, with stupid and laughable characters and literally used plots and plumbing. That is insulting intelligence and senses. And that's what this fifth installment does in a very sad way. It isn't understood that there are people who want to redeem it, the truth. One of the really worst movies that has been seen in a long time and one of those that remains just as bad (or worse) as time goes by.

El chanfle (1979)

One of the best childhood movies

[10/10 · 10 October 2020]

I don't understand how "El Chanfle" is so underrated. It's one of the best films of my childhood and the best Mexican film about soccer and how not to laugh with the actors from the worldwide well-known TV show "Chavo Del 8" such as Chespirito, Ramón Valdéz (Don Ramón), Edgar Vivar (El Señor Barriga) this time on another paper. Rubén Aguirre (Professor Jirafales), María Antonieta De Las Nieves (La Chilindrina), Angelines Fernandez (Doña Clotilde), Carlos Villagrán (Kiko), Florinda Meza (Doña Florinda) and Raúl Chato Padilla (Jaimito El Cartero). It seems to me a very funny and entertaining movie and how to lower its score by working with the entire cast of Chavo Del 8. I loved the movie and it is very enjoyable to watch as a family. A curiosity is that El Chavo in an episode at the theater, says he wants to see the Chanfle movie again, naming this movie when it was released. The best Mexican soccer (and sports) movie.

The Karate Kid Part III (1989)

A big let down

[3/10 · 27 August 2020]

The first was memorable. The second passable although already somewhat reductive. And this third installment is pathetic and certainly unbearable 90% of the footage.

The usual comic is now repeated ad nauseam and in an increasingly silly and cartoonish way: bullies who chase young Daniel until he challenges them in the All Valley Karate championship (it's seen that the tired arch-enemy owner of the dojo of the people didn't have enough with the humiliations that they suffered in the first and second part). The problem is that this time we have more desire for the protagonists to lose (the teacher-pupil relationship is now the most cold, unfriendly and forced. Daniel is in this movie absolutely insufferable (Ralph Macchio is terrible and over-acted), it turns out a pain in the neck and outrageos Daniel with everyone and with the viewer. The protagonist has become an idiot that is the complete opposite of the first film. And Mr. Miyagi (now somewhat unpleasant and with thanks of others' shame with which the script has punished him) he is also, but less so. The sensei is more and more caricatured. It's enough for them to load the charisma of the only thing that sustained the saga!

And it is that in "Karate Kid III" the theme of the challenge and the training is no longer treated with any effort and care. It is as if they had written the script in two days, the actors acted forced or because they were walk on by and John G. Avildsen, who used to recreate in beautiful silhouettes landscapes at sunset with an oriental soundtrack, now performs in the most routine way in the style of the worst 80s cinema in memory. Either of the previous two are treasures when compared to this one (since they treated an innocent story with much more love and humanity both in the script and in the realization).

Anyway, a bore-fest. The story relapses and is degraded with a poor treatment (you can guess the situation that happens the next minute without effort), a very slow pace, an irritating Ralph Macchio performance, lamest jokes and a terrible bad thing of " Ha ha ha!" buffoons. Only the few moments are saved in which Mr. Miyagi distributes hosts as if nothing, the soundtrack and the battle of the end. But that doesn't fix the mess for the rest. This time even Mr. Miyagi can't save the thing.

The best: The soundtrack.

The worst: Daniel (I can't stand him, Mr. Miyagi already shows mental strength knowing more karate than anyone else without hitting him a good host to shut him up). How many times do you say "ISN'T IT GREAT, MR. MIYAGI !? WATCH !!!" During the film?. He is loud, talkative and agitated all the time, as if he were under the influence of speed.

Example of Daniel's dialogue (supposed to be college age) with any character.

Jessica: "I did macaroni and cheese".

Daniel: "Macaroni and cheese? Heyyyyy, you know what I like! I love macaroni and cheese!"

So with whatever the other characters say.

Another of its flaws is its poor and usual script (at the time Daniel and Mr. Miyagi bought the store I thought "why are the really bad bad guys destroying it to give them a warning?". Well, that.

Rocky IV (1985)

Best of the saga

[10/10 · 27 August 2020]

Rocky Balboa is more than a reflection of our willpower; much more than the living portrait of an old boxer, Rocky Marciano, and his superhuman resistance: Rocky is one of the most legitimate, spectacular and even delusional products of this North American factory that seems to have no end.

If Ivan Drago represents the communist coldness, then Balboa decides to train not with new technologies but using the snow, the mountains, what nature gives us in his favor. If Ivan Drago reveals himself against the politician on duty, and Rocky produces sudden applause in the midst of an environment as "hostile" as that of the Soviet Union, then the message is clear: the future falls on capitalism. 1981, the year in which Hollywood fought against the communist germ, what better way to do it than by using the legend with gloves, born in and for America? Going to the movie itself, away from any political line down, Rocky IV is the frightening and super-inflated dessert fruit that was already looming in the third and second part. The code of the film is notorious: the images are exacerbated, there are remarkable oversizes both in the music and in the action scenes, impeccably shot. Nothing can prevent, not even the imposing presence of the Russian, that triumphalist projection that monopolizes everything. It seems like a negative criticism: because Rocky IV is as transparent in its intentions as it is devastating in its effectiveness. It is a movie as degenerate as it is great from its conception.

Alive (1993)

I'm Alive

[8/10 · 16 August 2020]

Epic in the snow, a true example of human being's improvement, perfectly portrays the spirit of survival, without falling into rough details or easy morbid details. The characters have such charisma that it seems that we are contemplating the authentic survivors of the Andes, the story has great strength and the film perfectly portrays the despair, the emotionality of some moments, the harshness of others...

Highly recommended for every human being who boasts of being one.

Scary Movie (2000)

What are you waiting for?

[9/10 · 16 August 2020]

Creating genre and high school, Scary Movie is presented, one of those films that for some are simple by-products to take teenagers to the movies and that for others become true gems with which they have a very, very good time.

For movie lovers who tend to laugh at supposedly serious horror movies, Scary Movie is a gift, a movie that for most audiences contains bad acting, crazy leads, vulgar humor, and numerous racy scenes, but for the more savvy and Acids will be an absolute parody of the genre, where nothing happens just because, where they know that the more ridiculous the performances and the more crazy jokes are, the more damage is done to what is parodied, which is what in short it is about.

In Scary Movie those who when watching horror movies can be seen to laugh watching their protagonists run and scream, laughing at their ridiculous and more than topical dialogues. Well, in this movie we have it, it is not necessary to imagine, here it is the sequences themselves that are absurd. The main plot and numerous scenes are traced from Scream, but always in a parody tone, and perfectly inserted into the plot we see references to "I Know What You Did Last Summer", "The Blair Witch Project", "The Matrix, or even "Scream 2".

With some jokes better than others, Scary Movie does not have any waste, it contains gags under the gags and the references to horror films of the 90s are multiple. The cast is full of young faces that could well star in any modern horror film but their characters are totally morons who are capable of being scared by phone calls or a clumsy with a mask.

The beginning of a saga that fell precipitously in its sequel and that came back with a fun third part. To see it is to laugh, out-and-out entertainment.

Garfield and Friends (1988–1995)

Entertaining TV series

[10/10 · 16 August 2020]

"Garfield and Friends '' is an unquestionable time of laughter and fun based on the spectacular Jim Davis comic strip. His hilarious, penetrating grace and great charisma make this product a fun and very, very funny cartoon party. Its overflowing optimism and technical originality make it special.

"Garfield and Friends" is a series that consists of everything that is ideal, because it has enormous grace, great beauty, sensitivity and above all, a lot of fun.

Victory (1981)

If the wars were defined in a soccer field

[9/10 · 9 April 2020]

The scarcity of films dealing with football is noteworthy, considering that it is the king of sports, at least in a Europe that is increasingly important when evaluating whether a film ends up being viable or not. The "Goal" trilogy, "Kicking & Screaming", "The Damned United", "Mean Machine" or "Bend It Like Beckham" are some of the examples of feature films about soccer. Possibly the most remembered is Victory, which dates back to 1981, one of the last projects of the double Oscar winner, John Huston (1906-1987), one of the best directors in film history ("The Maltese Falcon", "The African Queen") at a time in his life when he was filming whatever he wanted, hence he dared with the psychological thriller "Phobia" (1980), the musical "Annie" (1982), and in between with this light sports tape which worked, unsurprisingly, better in Europe than in the USA.

Striking is the cast of "Victory", it features a budding American star -Sylvester Stallone-, reputed players -Michael Caine, Max Von Sydow - and retired professional soccer players - Pelé (Brazil), Bobby Moore (England), Osvaldo Ardiles (Argentina), Paul Van Himst (Belgium), Kazimierz Deyna (Poland), among others.

A Nazi prisoner of war camp, the place where Major Karl Von Steiner (Sydow) arrives, looking at the detail of the prisoners' control of the ball. He has an occurrence as the coach incarnates Michael Caine, a football match between the German national team and a combined ally of players who find themselves as prisoners of war. To the Germans the party serves as propaganda, to the allied selection as a possible escape route. By the way, for those who are interested, Stallone is the goalkeeper of the team.

The Great Escape + Rocky + Soccer = Victory. From the first he takes the entire plot and copies the music - from Bill Conti - from the second he has the main actor and an exciting sporting event on which the entire film revolves. The result is a first-rate diversion, a simple story, well told, with a familiar and certainly childish touch - the Nazis are not very bad to say, nor do I know anyone in their right mind who prefers to play the second part of a game football before escaping from a prison camp.

The game, which at the end of the day is what justifies the viewing, belongs to those impossible feats in which everything goes against - the result, the referee -, based on overcoming and teamwork to turn the scoreboard and come out as victorious as can be expected. Achieved, vibrant and well captured by the camera, the rest is the technique and talent of Pelé - great! - and company. Of the worst cast, Sylvester Stallone's footballing skills.

As a curiosity, although it is more a tragedy, Victory is a real fact that has no happy ending at all like the one on the film, quite the contrary, in 1942 part of the Dynamo Kiev team was executed for not letting themselves win against the German team.

Rocky III (1982)

The Eye of the Tiger

[9/10 · 30 January 2020]

It is my favorite of the whole saga, the one that has seen more times why? I guess because it was the first one I saw and I was 13 or 14 years old at the time. Nowadays I think that without being the best one it has much more crumb than what is said, I see a pleasing Rocky a point of retiring, with money, health and an impeccable image. Suddenly a hungry boxer of titles appears whose obsession is to defeat Rocky humiliating him and in a moment what happened a fairy tale becomes a nightmare, losing one of the most important fights and the life of his charismatic coach at the time of his self-esteem and mastery of the situation. Rocky III, contains some of the best moments of the saga (the death of Mick, the two fights with Clubber a great and credible Mr. T, before starring in the TV series "The A-Team") and the background of the story tells us again the rise of Rocky from a new perspective.

The Karate Kid Part II (1986)

Adventures in Okinawa

[9/10 · 30 January 2020]

With all the success that Karate Kid (1984) achieved, it was inevitable that there would not be a second part. And that's how in 1986 this sequel appeared. I have seen negative reviews about this movie, and the truth is that at no time I made a bad movie.

The story of this sequel has similarities to the first part, but that does not mean that they are the same movie. Here we have a change of scenery, from Los Angeles we go to Okinawa (Japan), where Daniel continues his karate learning, and at the same time we know a little more about Mr. Miyagi's past, with all that rivalry he has with Sato. There are new very interesting characters, we also have good fighting again, and in general the film maintains that meaning of overcoming, which was very important in the first part.

It is a worthy sequel, slightly inferior to the original, but still a good movie. And I wish the saga had ended here, because the following sequels were quite mediocre and contributed nothing to the saga.

The Motorcycle Diaries (2004)

Letters of a Journey

[10/10 · 30 January 2020]

Ernesto Guevara wrote a series of letters to his mother about his travels in South America, these and the biography written by Alberto Granado, entitled "Traveling through Latin America with Che" are the basis of the magnificent film that the Brazilian director Walter Salles makes known to us. Of course, if great feats are not narrated, we cannot expect the spectacularity of the film, nor the emptiness that usually characterizes Hollywood; neither should the revolutionaries fool themselves, because at this stage Che is decidedly far from being the idyllic and recognized guerrilla who on the other hand perhaps never was. That is, Che Guevara had the advantage of reading social conditions in his time and deciding on the revolutionary struggle as a solution, through the vanguard of the people, which, as he considered it, were the guerrillas. But while this is true and he had a capacity for command and decision perhaps without peer, he did not stop being human. This is precisely what the tape does not show: a boy who dreams and lives, who rushes, perhaps, to judge, but who has the great historical merit of doing what he believes, of doing well and of being on the side of the town.

Regarding the trip: the greatness of the Latin American continent is such that many of its countries are about twice as large as France, transport and communications are still very poor today, the film is a good test, it is not difficult to travel more of a thousand kilometers in a straight line in most of the South American countries and there are no rail services between them like those in Europe. On the other hand, in spite of being evident that from the sociological point of view the Latin Americans have a unique national identity, the difficulties to move from one country to another are the general rule and it is sometimes easier and cheaper to travel to Europe or United States that among the countries of our region.

The Karate Kid (1984)

Better movie than it seems.

[8/10 · 23 October 2019]

I have always liked this movie, which of course would never be among the 10 best in the history of cinema, at least for its cinematographic values, but the story, despite everything is magnificent, and its director aware of its obvious limitations, transformed a simple and predictable story to satiety, in a beautiful story, perfectly narrated and with messages, which, running the times, come very well to the viewer, more than nothing for the forgotten that we have some concepts ... friendship, faith in oneself and effort, for example.

And, not everything is in technical perfection or special effects, this film is narrated in the old way, manipulating, by irregular pieces, the excellent script (which has it) and takes us to the center of the story constantly, Well, if there is something worthwhile, it is the excellent chemistry between the two protagonists (I do not understand the Oscar nomination as a supporting actor of Pat Morita, if he is almost as protagonist as Ralph Macchio, he even eclipses him in practically all the scenes that are together, and of course Oscar's role, rarely can you see a character so well defined and interpreted, despite the doubles of Japanese in fights, just a detail).

It is true that the film weighs the years, more than anything for its aesthetics, but anyway, in my humble opinion, it has become a classic of the 80s, along with other films of the time such as "Ghostbusters", "Night of fear "and" Back to the future ", and at the base of many of our adolescent memories, which are viewed with sympathy from a distance in time.

I recognize that the end is spectacular, although predictable, if anyone has seen the third part of the series "Karate kid 3", you may agree with me that the end of the sequel, with its poses and practices of "katas" and the Miyagi arenga to Daniel head on the ground, it is much more emotional and spectacular than the end of the original, it is only an appreciation ... and not much more to say, I think it is better film than some think and I think the Note awarded, in general, is quite poor.

The love story is constantly staying as an alternative story to the main axis of the story, it contributes little, but hey, you know, the feminine touch "pinkish" makes the film more commercial and attracts the most romantic audience ... you know, As for the producers, and especially the Americans, the greatest number of public and of all species must be attracted.

Ah ... we see how violence and bullying has not only always existed, but also has risen in tone and violence, transforming what is shown in the film into a fairy tale compared to the current savages that are committed in our classrooms

Rocky II (1979)

Pretty similar to the first one, but it maintains the quality very well

[8/10 · 14 August 2019]

Although the decline is noticeable and in the background the plot is like the first film, but with another ending (which from the first one of his achievements seemed to me that) is developed in a slightly different way so that it is saved If it doesn't look like a "autoplagium", some characters evolve, especially I would highlight Mickey and Apollo, which for me are the sauce of this movie, one for asking Rocky to take this fight much more seriously and Apollo, because no He wants to win, he wants to convince.

In the case of Adrian, Paulie and Rocky are more or less in the same line, which has merit being three characters that are not stereotypes at all. There are small errors, such as the impact of the first film is already lost or there are some scenes that have extended more than the account, such as when Rocky works on something he does not like and we see him doing the same things.

Anyway it is a more than worthy sequel, and if you have wanted more with the first installment you will like how continuity is respected.

Point Break (1991)

Vaya con Dios

[10/10 · 13 August 2019]

Action cinema designed to entertain, no doubt. But of excellent invoice! A very original script, in a fast-paced movie that departs from the usual canons of the genre. A film that can be considered a testimony of an era, and a precursor to aesthetics and way of life based on extreme sports and activities. All seasoned with a particular philosophy of the life of some very particular bank robbers that ends up attracting the very cop played by Keanu Reeves.

Kathryn Bigelow's directorial debut, James Cameron's hand shows in the action scenes. The film manages to attract the attention of the viewer at all times, and does not abuse special effects and various explosions like so many others to achieve it. It has very good moments of action, without any doubt. But the original and very well developed plot plot has enough appeal to keep our attention. Unstoppable the delirious scenes of the robberies with the band members disguised as presidents. Good work of the entire repertoire, which would highlight the magnificent interpretation made by veteran Gary Busey of the tanned policeman in a thousand battles, and his peculiar relationship with the brilliant rookie Reeves. Patrick Swayze is perfect in a custom-made surfer guru role. And with the Red Hot Chili Peppers making extras one can imagine where the soundtrack shots go, powerful rock for addicts to strong emotions.

Entertainment of the good, a small classic of action cinema. Good waves!

The Hunt for Red October (1990)

From Russia with love

[10/10 · 2 May 2019]

"The Hunt for Red October" is another adaptation of Tom Clancy's novels starring actor Jack Ryan. In the mid-eighties, during the Cold War, the Soviets developed an undetectable submarine for their enemies by a new propulsion system. The command of this new submarine will have Captain Ramius, a legend among the captains of these ships, who, far from following their orders, will develop their own plans giving rise to a mythical hunt.

From the first five minutes this movie engages, its powerful and unforgettable start will give way to a sea chase of great tension. The protagonists, Ryan (played by Alec Baldwin) and Ramius (Sean Connery) alternate the action between the Soviet and American sides. Very remarkable is the role of Connery, who masterfully interprets Captain Ramius eclipsing the other actors with much. The plot is very well mounted, with turns in the plot and an ending that, despite being predictable, the film deserves it. Regarding special effects, to be a film of 1990, the action scenes between the submarines are very successful, besides showing a great technical deployment (air carriers, helicopters, etc.).

In short, a great action movie and probably the best actor, Ryan (although the replacement of Baldwin by Harrison Ford in the following films is a factor to be taken into account, none will be as good as THFRO).

Flatliners (1990)

Young people on the verge of death

[8/10 · 4 March 2019]

As underappreciated as this movie gets, Flatliners is the example of what this movie really is. There's a new film of Flatliners has come out four months ago and it's not well received by audience giving it bad reviews thinking that it's god-awful. Not to say that the original is overlooked it's because it has flaws that are noticeable which is something I know about. I would that the original is much better than the remake. I know that the original has flaws that I didn't know of but that doesn't mean the movie is bad, it's just overlooked by everyone. There's some good cast in this and that's including Kiefer Sutherland. He plays the leader of the vampire's from The Lost Boys directed by Joel Schumacher. In this one, he plays a medical student named Nelson Wright and he has four classmates. There's Rachel Manus played by Julia Roberts, Dave Labraccio played by Kevin Bacon, Joey Hurley played by Alec Baldwin's brother, William Baldwin and Randy Steckle played by Oliver Platt. They're both responsible for the bad things they did in the past. Nelson Wright is responsible for the death of the kid called Billy Mahoney cause he was bullying him and after years of Billy's death Nelson has nightmares about Billy beaten him up. Rachel Manus feels responsible for her father's death and feels horrible about it. David Labraccio feels bad about making fun of a little girl called Winnie Hicks. Joey Hurley is haunted by the video tapes of women sleeping with him afraid that his girlfriend might leave him. And ask for Randy Steckle, he doesn't do anything at all. All he does is doing what he does best no matter what so ever. Now all they gotta do is go to the medical bed to face their past of what they did. The cinematography is great and it's so similar to The Lost Boys. I mean when you look at it, it shows people wearing Halloween costumes dancing and partying, looking at the beautiful views from the islands and yes, it's directed by Joel Schumacher. He makes cinematography look like 80's style. Billy Mahoney who is bullied by Nelson years ago bullies Nelson throughout the movie is the scenes where I can't stop laughing because of his reactions. Like the scene where Billy spits on Nelson's face and he screams and funny for me though he has nightmares like I said in the beginning. There's one full scene that I legitimately remember is the scene where Winnie Hicks calling David names on the train. Once again looking back at The 100 Greatest Insults in Movies on YouTube and whilst I'm watching Flatliners now and remember the scene I said "Oh God, I know this." That would be quite hilarious. I also finding it funny that five characters had to say "1,000, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, 5,000, breathe." multiple times to make that someone is alive or dead. Flatliners is not only one of Joel Schumacher's overlooked films but some of his most underappreciated. It may be one of the weaker films but I can't help but getting thrilled by this. Joel directed some of his memorable films like The Lost Boys, Falling Down, Phone Booth which I haven't seen these two yet and The Phantom of the Opera. If you are a fan of Joel Schumacher like I do, maybe check this one out. If you are a huge fan of The Lost Boys like me then I would suggest watching these two movies starring Kiefer Sutherland with your friends and have a good time and get thrilled. Now I know the remake is been badly executed but I haven't seen it yet and I know that Kiefer Sutherland is in it. If you're not getting bored watching "The Lost Boys" and "Flatliners" then I would say that every day is not a good day to die.

Poltergeist (1982)

One of my favorite horror movies ever.

[9/10 · 4 March 2019]

Poltergeist represents horror at it's top form in the early 80's. It's not the best horror movie out there, but it definitely deserves it's high praise. Relying on the cast and practical effects to drive this ridiculous story, "Poltergeist" becomes far more impressive than it should be. I loved Poltergeist almost to the point that it has become one of my favourite horror films, however, I am not too much of a fan of how off-the-rails it goes towards the end of the film. I liked leaving everything to my imagination. I jumped, felt the pain, and I was scared for the parents in this film. Every good element that a horror film should have is present here. With a great cast, a lovable and insane premise, everything about this film just feels right, as far as this genre goes. "Poltergeist" is one hell of a thrilling horror flick that I can watch anytime. Highly recommended to the horror junkies.