While I enjoyed this movie, there is a technique which is utilized that I absolutely hate: shaky cam. I avoid "found footage" films for this very reason. I can't understand what the shaky camera is all about. Is it to add "tension" to the scene? Is it to give the moviegoer a "you are there" feeling? Is it just artsy-fartsy? I don't know. What I do know is that it really annoys me, and it is used quite a lot in this film. Fortunately, not the entire movie, but nevertheless...
Other than that, this is a nice film. I've known for a long time that the CIA was in up to its ears dealing with arms and drug smuggling over the decades, and this film is about an individual who's was smack dab in the middle of it all during the late 70s and early 80s.
I really don't know how much of this Tom Cruise vehicle was true and how much was Holly wood spin, but the overall effect was quite fun. Cruise has his trademark affability while doing very illegal stuff, and the combination is right on.
I didn't recognize most of the supporting cast, but they all did a great job.
At the end of the film, the government employs a major screw job on one of the characters, and that I believe happened. No doubt.
The insanity of it all is quite a hoot, and this is a worthwhile film to go see.
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
"Kingsman: The Golden Circle" a very nice diversion
I enjoyed this sequel, as I enjoyed the first one. It's not the greatest action flick, but it certainly satisfies those who are into this type of film (Namely me).
Some of the camera work was nicely done. I really enjoyed certain set pieces. The overall production values of the film are great.
My nitpicks are that the protagonist cursed a bit too much for my taste, and Julianne Moore played the antagonist a little too over the top for me. Neither is close to a deal breaker, though.
The action sequences were breaking the laws of physics; however, since this film is definitely poking fun at the spy hero genre, just lie back and enjoy the ride. It reminds me of James Coburn's take on the James Bond movies in his "Our Man Flint" series in the 60s (Which was just as fun. I really like the soundtrack of the first one).
There was a great notable personality who appeared in Kingsman that was quite a surprise. He/she was really funny. I don't want to name the person so that anyone who reads this who hasn't seen it will be pleasantly surprised as well.
I was a little leery of the setting moving to the United States, but it worked for me, at least. I like the mythology of the Kingsman (and Statesman), so I'm looking forward to any additional films that might be made.
All in all, a very fun film!
Some of the camera work was nicely done. I really enjoyed certain set pieces. The overall production values of the film are great.
My nitpicks are that the protagonist cursed a bit too much for my taste, and Julianne Moore played the antagonist a little too over the top for me. Neither is close to a deal breaker, though.
The action sequences were breaking the laws of physics; however, since this film is definitely poking fun at the spy hero genre, just lie back and enjoy the ride. It reminds me of James Coburn's take on the James Bond movies in his "Our Man Flint" series in the 60s (Which was just as fun. I really like the soundtrack of the first one).
There was a great notable personality who appeared in Kingsman that was quite a surprise. He/she was really funny. I don't want to name the person so that anyone who reads this who hasn't seen it will be pleasantly surprised as well.
I was a little leery of the setting moving to the United States, but it worked for me, at least. I like the mythology of the Kingsman (and Statesman), so I'm looking forward to any additional films that might be made.
All in all, a very fun film!
Sunday, September 17, 2017
"Amercian Assassin" is entertaining
I'm a big fan of the Mitch Rapp series authored by Vince Flynn. This movie is an origin piece that was around ninth in the series. It's a good start for people unfamiliar with who Rapp is. Rapp is another member of filmdom's "special agents" fighting for truth, justice and the American Way after he suffers a personal loss.
When I started seeing the trailers for this film, I had doubts about the actor playing Rapp (Dylan O'Brien). He was not at all how I pictured Rapp. I was thinking along the lines of Chris Hemsworth. O'Brien seemed wimpy to me. As the months went by, I came around to accepting him. He does fine with the lead role. His action sequences are well done, and I like his intensity of the character.
Michael Keaton is great as Rapp's mentor. Of course, I really like Keaton in most things he does.
The plot is pretty basic (Terrorist are BAD people), but well handled for me. They certainly left it open for another film. I'm sure everyone involved with the production is thinking "Franchise." We'll see. I'm certainly open to it!
All in all, if you're an action fan like me, you will be fine seeing this movie. If not, Girls Trip is still playing.
When I started seeing the trailers for this film, I had doubts about the actor playing Rapp (Dylan O'Brien). He was not at all how I pictured Rapp. I was thinking along the lines of Chris Hemsworth. O'Brien seemed wimpy to me. As the months went by, I came around to accepting him. He does fine with the lead role. His action sequences are well done, and I like his intensity of the character.
Michael Keaton is great as Rapp's mentor. Of course, I really like Keaton in most things he does.
The plot is pretty basic (Terrorist are BAD people), but well handled for me. They certainly left it open for another film. I'm sure everyone involved with the production is thinking "Franchise." We'll see. I'm certainly open to it!
All in all, if you're an action fan like me, you will be fine seeing this movie. If not, Girls Trip is still playing.
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
"Girls Trip" a successful journey
I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by this film. I really wasn't expecting much out of it, but it succeeded in winning me over.
It's an R rated comedy about four BFFs in high school who drift apart for five years and decide to get back together for a trip to New Orleans. As in all these buddy comedies, hilarity ensues, then conflict followed by reconciliation. It getting there that's makes or breaks a film.
This one succeeded for me. I like the fact that the humor was very adult. Most film companies are so worried about getting young teenagers in the seats that the prevailing rating is PG-13 for this kind of film. I have to say a couple of the scatological gags were a bit over the top for me. I didn't find them particularly funny, but, overall, there were some great laughs.
Kudos to the four leads. They worked together very well. Particular praise goes to Tiffany Haddish as the no-nonsense-in-your-face friend. She was terrific. If the reader is curious, the other women in the cast are Regina Hall, Queen Latifah and Jada Pinkett Smith. I hadn't realized how short Smith is. According to IMDb, she's five feet tall.
Of course, there was the standard lesson learned be true to yourself message at the end, and in this case, it was very heartfelt and something we can all take to heart. Though I admit I think the message was geared toward women. But men can apply it to themselves as well.
It's an R rated comedy about four BFFs in high school who drift apart for five years and decide to get back together for a trip to New Orleans. As in all these buddy comedies, hilarity ensues, then conflict followed by reconciliation. It getting there that's makes or breaks a film.
This one succeeded for me. I like the fact that the humor was very adult. Most film companies are so worried about getting young teenagers in the seats that the prevailing rating is PG-13 for this kind of film. I have to say a couple of the scatological gags were a bit over the top for me. I didn't find them particularly funny, but, overall, there were some great laughs.
Kudos to the four leads. They worked together very well. Particular praise goes to Tiffany Haddish as the no-nonsense-in-your-face friend. She was terrific. If the reader is curious, the other women in the cast are Regina Hall, Queen Latifah and Jada Pinkett Smith. I hadn't realized how short Smith is. According to IMDb, she's five feet tall.
Of course, there was the standard lesson learned be true to yourself message at the end, and in this case, it was very heartfelt and something we can all take to heart. Though I admit I think the message was geared toward women. But men can apply it to themselves as well.
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
"27 Meters Down" floats my boat
I was going to pass seeing 27 Meters Down at the theater, but since I have Movie Pass, I thought I'd check it out. While it's not a great movie, I was pleasantly surprised by it, and isn't that what movie going is all about?
Sure, it will never be considered a great movie, but it did its job for me. The movie had a few good tense moments and the leads were sympathetic. Nothing like being trapped in a shark cage at the bottom of the ocean with great white sharks cruising about.
I did feel that the ending was a bit confusing, or at least I missed a couple of things. No matter.
The film has been successful enough that a sequel has been ordered entitled 28 Meters Down. I'm not sure if it will involve the same characters or another sad lot will be trapped one meter deeper than these characters.
This is a total non sequitur, but shouldn't the U.S. join the rest of the world and embrace the metric system?
Sure, it will never be considered a great movie, but it did its job for me. The movie had a few good tense moments and the leads were sympathetic. Nothing like being trapped in a shark cage at the bottom of the ocean with great white sharks cruising about.
I did feel that the ending was a bit confusing, or at least I missed a couple of things. No matter.
The film has been successful enough that a sequel has been ordered entitled 28 Meters Down. I'm not sure if it will involve the same characters or another sad lot will be trapped one meter deeper than these characters.
This is a total non sequitur, but shouldn't the U.S. join the rest of the world and embrace the metric system?
Friday, September 8, 2017
Movie-a-day for only $9.95/mo.
This is really cool. About three weeks ago, a company named "Movie Pass" announced that for only $9.95 a month, you can see a one movie a day every day (They lowered the price from $50/mo.). That's it. For just $9.95 a month.
Well, since I'm retired and walking to two nearby theaters quite frequently, this is manna from Heaven for me. I actually didn't quite believe it. How on Earth can they sustain this?
Of course, I enrolled in the program. The debit card I had to use would be delivered by mail in about a week. After a week, I got an email from the company explaining that due to popular demand (No kidding!), I wouldn't get the card for another two weeks.
I got the card a week later. It even has a MasterCard logo in the corner. The next day, I walked to one of my theaters and tried it out. You have to download the company's app to get started. I launched the app and was asked to give the last four digits of the card. Once that was done, I got a list of movie theaters participating in the program that were in my vicinity (All theaters around my residence are participating) .
Since I was standing in a particular theater, I chose that one. A list of the movies available appeared, and I chose the film (Logan Lucky for a second viewing) and the time. I touched on the button and was taken to a "Confirm" page. I touched the "Confirm" button, and voila! The amount of the ticket was loaded onto the card. I went to the theater's kiosk, swiped the card at the appropriate time and out popped the receipts! Easy-peasy!
Two days later, I went to the other theater I walk to and used it again (The Hitman's Bodyguard for a second viewing). Right now, I've already covered my monthly fee, plus I'm $2.50 ahead. I'm looking forward to utilizing the card two-three times next week.
A word of note: the card is not good for IMAX or 3D movies. Probably special engagements as well.
I really don't understand the business model for this thing, but I'm certainly going to enjoy using their services until they fold (I hope they don't). This is going to be fun!
Well, since I'm retired and walking to two nearby theaters quite frequently, this is manna from Heaven for me. I actually didn't quite believe it. How on Earth can they sustain this?
Of course, I enrolled in the program. The debit card I had to use would be delivered by mail in about a week. After a week, I got an email from the company explaining that due to popular demand (No kidding!), I wouldn't get the card for another two weeks.
I got the card a week later. It even has a MasterCard logo in the corner. The next day, I walked to one of my theaters and tried it out. You have to download the company's app to get started. I launched the app and was asked to give the last four digits of the card. Once that was done, I got a list of movie theaters participating in the program that were in my vicinity (All theaters around my residence are participating) .
Since I was standing in a particular theater, I chose that one. A list of the movies available appeared, and I chose the film (Logan Lucky for a second viewing) and the time. I touched on the button and was taken to a "Confirm" page. I touched the "Confirm" button, and voila! The amount of the ticket was loaded onto the card. I went to the theater's kiosk, swiped the card at the appropriate time and out popped the receipts! Easy-peasy!
Two days later, I went to the other theater I walk to and used it again (The Hitman's Bodyguard for a second viewing). Right now, I've already covered my monthly fee, plus I'm $2.50 ahead. I'm looking forward to utilizing the card two-three times next week.
A word of note: the card is not good for IMAX or 3D movies. Probably special engagements as well.
I really don't understand the business model for this thing, but I'm certainly going to enjoy using their services until they fold (I hope they don't). This is going to be fun!
Monday, September 4, 2017
UCLA football comeback one for the ages
Yesterday, I watched the UCAL/Texas A&M football game on TV with my cousin. I am Bruin fan and have been all my life.
Sad to say they Bruins were totally hapless for the entire first half and were on the losing end of a 38-10 score. We were so disgusted we quit watching and turned to other TV entertainment. A little while later (I don't recall how much time), my cousin's mother-in-law called to express her wonderment at the UCLA comeback. My cousin and I looked at each other in disbelief. No frakking way!
Fortunately, my cousin was recording it, so we got to watch the incredible second half comeback with the final score being 45-44. Amazing! The greatest comeback in Bruin history and the second greatest comeback in college football history. Wow!
Obviously, the moral of the story is to never give up on your team. You never know what can happen. Unfortunately, I'm sure that down the road I will be giving up on my Bruins when they're losing badly. I'm such a jerk...
Sad to say they Bruins were totally hapless for the entire first half and were on the losing end of a 38-10 score. We were so disgusted we quit watching and turned to other TV entertainment. A little while later (I don't recall how much time), my cousin's mother-in-law called to express her wonderment at the UCLA comeback. My cousin and I looked at each other in disbelief. No frakking way!
Fortunately, my cousin was recording it, so we got to watch the incredible second half comeback with the final score being 45-44. Amazing! The greatest comeback in Bruin history and the second greatest comeback in college football history. Wow!
Obviously, the moral of the story is to never give up on your team. You never know what can happen. Unfortunately, I'm sure that down the road I will be giving up on my Bruins when they're losing badly. I'm such a jerk...
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