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Reviews
Girl Meets World (2014)
A Great Spin off
Finally! A Disney show that doesn't completely suck! Girl Meets World might not be everything Boy Meets World fans were hoping for, but it certainly isn't too disappointing. The two main friends are basically female versions of Shawn and Cory, which is awesome. We also have adult versions of Shawn and Topanga as the parents, which definitely makes the show worth watching. For kids growing up today who missed out on Boy Meets World, I think this "reboot" will more than make up for that loss. It's got great writing, a good cast of child actors (after all, it's pretty hard to find amazing child actors), and an enjoyable atmosphere. It will be interesting to see what sort of life lessons this show instills on today's kids, and how they compare to the many lessons Boy Meets World taught us growing up. I for one am excited to see where this goes.
10/10 will keep watching.
God's Not Dead (2014)
As A Christian Man I Am Disgusted
My first thoughts after walking out of the theater were absolute horror, disgust, abhorrence, and sadness. The film turned what could possibly have been a good idea -- an atheist professor debating the existence of God with a Christian student -- and made sure to destroy ANY sort of message that could have been gained.
Let's talk about the OBVIOUS and TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE stereotypes presented by the film. We have a lone Muslim character who beats his daughter, an atheist professor who just happens to be the biggest narcissist this side of the Mississippi, an idiotic reporter, the idea that all atheists chose their lifestyle because deep down they hate God, and even more nonsense that I can't fit in this post.
I'll sum up the entire film for those of you who haven't seen it yet: An atheist professor makes his class declare that "God Is Dead" (which is extremely un- professor-like in this day and age, so there's that), and the lone Christian student in his class spends the entire film convincing him that God exists. Then we find out that his professor isn't actually an atheist, he's just mad at God for not saving his wife (or mother? I've already repressed most of this film).
The entire movie is just one giant atheist bash. Zero minds will be changed, and the rest of the world has yet ANOTHER reason to point and label Christianity as a giant pool of judgment and bigotry.
What makes me sad is the fact that this film is far exceeding the box office gains they'd projected to make, which means we'll be seeing even MORE terrible Christian films coming out that continue to preach to the choir and give the world more reason to turn away from the Church.
I can't be the only one sick and tired of this. We haven't had a decent film about the Christian faith since Charlton Heston portrayed Moses in The Ten Commandments. I feel like unless we have serious discussions about the future of Christian film, and boycott these terrible attempts at shaming people into Christianity, then Christian films will continue falling towards this downward spiral into obscurity.
I feel like I'm going crazy as I read yet another "glowing review" praising trash films such as this one, while giving no good reason for a decent filmmaker to put out a solid Christian movie. If that day comes, I'll die a happy man, but until then, can we please stop encouraging this?
The Last Days on Mars (2013)
Prometheus On Mars
OK, so it's not quite as similar to Prometheus as the title suggests, but since I know people will be making obvious comparisons, I'll just leave it like that. The acting is superb, the storyline is great, even though it's already been done before (see Prometheus, Mission To Mars, etc), and oh my gosh, the visuals are STUNNING. Seriously. They're comparable to 2001: A Space Odyssey, Solaris, Gravity, etc. The work that went into the visual effects was probably one of my favorite things about the movie, and one of the main reasons I wanted to see it in the first place. The soundtrack is equally awesome, and adds to the film's tone. If you're looking for something original, you might not find it here. However, if you've an open mind, and enjoy watching films for the storytelling and overall quality, then you've got a winner with The Last Days On Mars.
Note To Future Mars Astronauts:
Don't be too scared by this movie.....or do. ;)
Escape from Tomorrow (2013)
Like a B Movie Version of a David Lynch Film
"What the actual f*ck did I just see?" was the first thing that went through my mind upon finishing this film. Terrible acting, poor cgi, an unbelievable plot (I get it; it's supposed to be out there, but this was waaaaay too far out there), and WEIRD, WEIRD, WEIRD. It was like they'd studied David Lynch's material and then decided to make a B-movie homage. If anything at all, this should be straight-to-television, and not the pay-per-view kind either, but the SyFy channel at best. It's got a freaking awesome title that suggests the film is going to be equally fantastic, but my gosh, if it isn't the biggest letdown aside from various poor book-to-movie adaptations, or the Green Lantern, then I don't know what is. There is literally no amount of money that could make me watch this movie again. If seeing this movie is the difference between getting laid, then call me Steve Carrell, because I'm going to be keeping my v-card. That's my take on this movie. I rest my case.
Killzone 3 (2011)
Great Game, Compelling Story
For starters, this isn't Halo, and this isn't Call of Duty. A lot of players buy this game with preconceptions of what to expect, and end up disappointed. However, if it's going to receive comparisons, then I suppose you could say it resembles CoD in part of its gameplay, but that's where it all ends. Killzone 3 continues the storyline set by the previous games, and introduces some new characters with dynamic personalities and likability. Some you fall in love with, others you hate for most of the game. But that just makes it interesting. The weapons and battles are amazing, and the level of detail to the landscape and graphics is stunning, even by today's standards (though it only came out two years ago). This is the first in the series that I've played, though I've watched my friends play the previous games, and hadn't seen any of Killzone 3's gameplay, so I decided to buy it on a whim. It didn't let me down. It has some really awesome moments, and other instances that'll have you saying "Holy crap" over and over. In anticipation of Killzone 4, which comes out later this year on the PS4, I highly, highly recommend buying K3 on Amazon or somewhere cheap (I got mine for $12). You'll be glad you did. It's a beautiful game that will have you back on the campaign trail over and over (and the multiplayer aspect is pretty sweet too).
Man of Steel (2013)
The Most Epic Movie You'll See This Summer (If Not Of All Time)
Going into the theater, I knew that I would receive greatness, I just didn't know how much greatness. Zack Snyder and Christopher Nolan teaming up was basically like The Avengers in real life; two amazing filmmakers and a world-renowned music composer collaborating on a superhero movie. How could it not succeed? Henry Cavill as Superman was the best choice the casting director could have made. He's got the looks, the build, and the acting chops to take the role and run with it. General Zod was an amazing bad guy, and one of the boss fights (you'll know EXACTLY what I'm talking about) was just superbly choreographed and CGI'd. Honestly, this is the greatest superhero movie ever made. Iron Man had his time on the throne, The Avengers had their time on the throne, and now it's Superman's time. Man of Steel is comparable to Avatar when it comes to the level of 3D realism in the graphics, and I highly recommend viewing it in 3D. It's no longer a gimmick Hollywood stamps on movies to make more money. It genuinely enhances the viewing experience, especially in this case. Russell Crowe and Kevin Costner both do an amazing job as Clark/Kal'el's father, even though they don't have that much screen time, which is expected. Snyder expertly crafted the storyline for the Fall of Krypton, and that entire sequence is powerful to behold. All the other supporting actors/actresses play their parts well, and it was nice to see some fanboy love from Snyder in the casting (Morpheus & Cmdr. Lock from The Matrix, Lt. Gaeta and Carl Agathon from Battlestar Galactica, etc). Run, don't walk, to the movie theater. And do it multiple times. **puts on 3D glasses, heads back into the fray**
Super K (2011)
Hello, Windows Paint Graphics And Blender Rendering
OK, remind me again what film school(if any) this crew graduated from, because I'd like to add it to my Do-Not-Attend list. I'd be akin to forgiving them for the terrible graphics, but not for the boring, confusing, drawn out, strange, and extremely uninteresting storyline. If you're going to make your mark in the filming world, at least try to be a little ambitious, regardless of your budget. And calling this title 'Kiara The Brave' during the same year that 'Brave' came out is a great way to get yourself listed as a ripoff artist. You shouldn't have to fool people into watching your film because they've mistaken it for the real thing. That's a sure sign of poor creativity. I thought I'd give this a chance, because I could certainly do without the fancy graphics had the movie at least held my attention. It did not, and now I'll be placing this film to the back of my memory, hopefully to be forgotten forever. Do not watch this movie unless you're a Prof. at a film school using it as an example of how NOT to make an animated flick.
Largo Winch (2008)
Beautiful and Gripping Film
What a brilliantly designed film! The acting was superb, and the soundtrack really made the movie for me. I loved the plot and all the twists, especially the huge spin at the end. Seriously, this movie was amazing, and keeps you guessing up until the climatic end. It delves into a lot of different mysteries, but doesn't end up doing too much. And the cinematic aspect was breathtaking. There's some very beautiful scenes in this movie, and for those who enjoy panorama's and scenery, Largo Winch is perfect for you. It's an action film, drama, romance, mystery, and thriller all in one package. I tip my hat off to the entire cast and crew involved with this film. You've done an excellent job, and I look forward to future productions from this director.
Shark Tank (2009)
Terrific Concept And Great Learning Tool
As an entrepreneur myself, I've dealt with investors and VC's, and I can honestly say that the Sharks are a great representation of real-life. They come across as harsh, money-grubbing, and greedy most of the time. But the kicker is that in the world of investing, you have to be this way and more, or else you get railroaded by the guys willing to go the extra mile. Often times I feel the Sharks do a great job of rooting out the good businesses from the ones that likely will crash and burn. I've observed that they'll usually ask for a majority percentage in the company if the presenter is somebody who hasn't really proved themselves in the wide market. To me this is absolutely fair, because the return is that the presenter has the opportunity to work with a partner who's made millions or billions of dollars, and provides a wealth of knowledge and experience. In short, if you're a start-up or recent start-up, you might not want to go on this show, because you'll likely give up more of your company than you want to. If you have a tried and true product, and need extra cash to expand or market yourself, this is a great opportunity. For viewers with interests in business or who want to learn more about business, I highly recommend Shark Tank. It's educational, smart, creative, and ultimately worthy of your time.
Arrow (2012)
A Refreshing Take On The Vigilante Story
I was kind of sketchy when I first heard about this series, considering the terrible job that was done with 'The Cape'. I'm pleased to say that all of my doubts were unfounded. Arrow is a darn good show, and the first Pilot episode is very strong and leaves little confusion behind this vigilante's origins. I felt that the main actor properly conveys a somber and mature attitude in contrast to the description we receive of him as a partying playboy before the shipwreck. The action is intense and not over the top or completely unbelievable. What we're presented with is a young man whose 5 years spent on an island have shaped him up into an agile warrior tasked with cleaning up his city from corruption. I can't wait to see what lies in store through future episodes, and I certainly hope this show delivers the goods. So far, I believe we're in store for some quality television this fall.
Damn! (2011)
Damn Good Job On This One
I remember seeing Jimmy McMillan hit the news a few years back during the Governor race in New York, and I remember that he became quite a hit. And then, just as quickly as he arrived to the popularity scene, he was gone. But like most people, I didn't know the whole story until I saw this documentary on Netflix. Aaron-Fisher Cohen does a brilliant job filming this guy, and Damn! has become one of my new favorite documentaries. This film takes you on an amazing journey alongside a nobody's rise to fame and fortune, while then subsequently documenting his massive ego boost that ultimately ended up being his undoing. As someone in the arts and entertainment business, this film is perfect for when I need a dose of reality to help me remember who I am, and that fame, or the perception of fame, is unimportant. What's important is who you are before you become big, and it's truly unfortunate that Jimmy lost himself. I highly recommend this film. It's a nice little piece that you'll likely watch again and again. I tip my hat off to you, Aaron Cohen, you've done a great job with this movie.
Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn (2012)
This Is How The Halo Movie Should Be Made
A few months ago when the first trailer came out for the web series, "Forward Unto Dawn", I was beside myself with excitement. I watched the trailer an easy 5-10 times, and then periodically checked back to view it again, in case I missed something the first time around. I've been a fan of the Halo series since day one of Halo C.E., and it's been really disappointing to not have a Halo movie I can feel proud of. Since high school, I've followed the hype surrounding the script writing and screenplay mock-ups of a potential Halo film, but they never panned out into anything real. Then, Microsoft and 343 Industries teamed up to create Forward Unto Dawn, and the hype surrounding a Halo movie returned. Only this time it wasn't going to be a movie, but a web series instead. And when it debuted on October 5th, I was one of the few to see it when it was only at 5k views(hipster moment). It was everything I expected and more. Superb acting, gorgeous visuals, a beautiful soundtrack, and the promise to deliver more and more in future episodes. Friday has always been my favorite day of the week, but now I have a reason to love it. Each episode debuts on a Friday, which means all my calls will be held, pizza will be delivered to my couch, and nothing is more important than those 20 minutes of Halo action. No feature length movie just yet? Well, this is the next best thing. If you call yourself a fan of the game, you...will...watch...this. Oh, and before I forget...Axios!!
Last Resort (2012)
This Promises To Deliver Excellence
I just finished watching the very first episode on Hulu tonight, and was quite blown away. This is an action-packed, thought-provoking, intense and extremely well-done show. The level of acting is superb, and the plot offers many twists and turns while leaving the audience with a giant cliffhanger for the next episode to begin answering. Great start to the season, and I absolutely cannot wait for more. If I were in the Navy, I'd want this Captain in charge of my boat, that much is certain. It also begs the question; what would you do in his situation? If you were thrown under the bus by your own nation, how would you react? This is an excellent addition to this fall's television lineup, and judging by the ratings, I'd say that many others agree with me. You can bet I'll be tuning in until the show's conclusion, which hopefully will be a long ways away from now.
Revolution (2012)
Best. New. Television. Show.
I wish I'd never watched this show when it came out, for one reason only: it's so addicting! Honestly, I count down the days until it becomes available on Hulu again. Very neat concept, albeit not entirely original, but excellent delivery! The actors/actresses are believable and strong, the CGI is realistic, and the atmosphere is spot on. I feel like this could really happen one day, even though it's only on its 3rd episode, but so much has occurred already! Charlie is one tough cookie, Miles is their troubled but fearless "leader", and Norah kicks butt. I wish I'd waited for it to come out on Netflix, so I could sit down and watch the entire season in one sitting, but alas, there's no turning back now. Bravo, J.J. Abrams, bravo. Revolution is a very welcome addition to the 2012 lineup.
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo (2012)
This Is What's Wrong With America
It's become apparent that the reason this pile of crap remains on the air is because their base followers come out of the woodwork(literally) to keep up with Honey Boo Boo's antics. Honestly, was there not a SINGLE TLC executive who looked at the would-be creators of this show and asked them if they were joking?. Because this is purely awful. And not only is it awful, but it insults my intelligence in more ways than I can count. Also, what kind of show needs subtitles for 90% of the footage when the show's characters are all English speaking Americans? That's just mind-blowing to me, but entirely normal if you're a regular TLC subscriber. Every now and then, when commercials for this show come on, a few tears trickle down my cheek. I weep for those who find Honey Boo Boo a good use of their time and/or entertaining in any way. This election year, I hope you join with me, America, in voting NO for more dumb, unintelligent, unoriginal, unfunny, grimace-inducing television shows. Honey Boo Boo should never have seen the light of day. Never.
Guys with Kids (2012)
Funniest New Show On Television
I was lucky enough to download the Pilot ep. for free on my Tablet, and watched the second episode on Hulu. This show is absolutely priceless! Great acting, great writing, and great atmosphere. I honestly haven't laughed this much since....well, it's been awhile. There aren't many great new shows out there, and I've basically been stuck with re-runs until this show came out. I must say, the initial trailers didn't do it justice. If that first episode wasn't free, I likely wouldn't have watched it. But I'm very glad I did, because it's entirely worth it! In this case, DON'T pay any attention to the rating out of ten. Check it out for yourself, you'll be glad you did.
The Cabin in the Woods (2011)
I'll NEVER believe IMDb Reviews Again
I made the awful mistake that so many before me had done. I rented this movie based on IMDb reviews. This is a different kind of horror film, they said. This movie will make you think, they said. No. Absolutely none of the above. In all, there are several hilarious scenes in this movie simply because of the awful makeup, CGI, or unbelievable nature of the plot. There are a few times where you'll loudly remark "Oh, come on! There isn't even that much blood in the human body!" You'll know what I mean IF you watch this film, and I don't recommend that at all. STAY AWAY! 5/10 simply because the acting was decent, and because of Sigourney Weaver.
Blood and Bone (2009)
Good Popcorn Film
I first heard of this film after discovering the full-version someone had uploaded to Youtube. I watched about 2 minutes of it before adding it to my Netflix Queue. Don't expect superb acting, or a great storyline. This is meant to be a film full of fighting, fighting, and more fighting. The best part is that it doesn't disappoint. Especially one of the last fights(you'll know what I'm talking about). While my favorite fighting movie is without a doubt 'Warrior' with Tom Hardy, this one isn't bad. One of the stars whose acting was solid was Eammon Walker as James. I felt that his role outshined all the others, and he was very believable. Seriously, rent this movie, or stream it on Netflix. It's worth it for some of the neat fight sequences.
Lockout (2012)
Not Half Bad If You Realize It's Escape From New York In The Future
First off, I enjoy Guy Pearce as an actor. I first saw him in Memento, and enjoyed his performance in Prometheus. He's solid in Lockout, and even better than Kurt Russell at being the tough good guy, imo. Whereas Russell stayed bitter til the end, Pearce is evenly paced throughout, offering some great one-liners and the "punchline" part was pretty funny. Maggie Grace is a very pretty actress, and she does her part well. I thoroughly enjoyed the soundtrack, and thought it added to the tone. Don't expect an Oscar quality film. In fact, the trailers are pretty honest about what to expect. Explosions, sarcasm, more explosions, tattooed dudes, and complete mayhem. This is a great popcorn film, so enjoy it as such.
Feherty (2011)
Fantastic Show!!!
Mr. Feherty, if you read this review, know that myself and many, many fellow golfers love your show! It's witty, informative, and very classy. I enjoy the multitude of interviews and other interactions you have with golfers and the like, and your many adventures. My only regret is that this show was not thought of years ago! I hope this show continues in its deliverance of entertainment and golf world news. Once again, thank you for being a unique light among trash television shows and dramas.
Bravo, Mr.Feherty, bravo indeed.
10/10
Snow White and the Huntsman (2012)
Worth it
I must say, when I first heard the news that there was going to be a Snow White live-action film, I had a good laugh. When I heard that Kristen Stewart was going to play Snow White, I had an even bigger laugh. But when I saw the trailer, I stopped laughing. And then I watched the movie, and knew I had to write a review. This film is not going to win many(if any) awards, nor will it be a favorite this year, but it is entirely a good movie. Stunning visual effects, many great landscape shots, good acting, great action, and a believable storyline. This is not the Disney film you are used to, but a much grittier and more mature take on the original tale. You should not take your children to this film, nor should the intense nature of the film scare you off. I enjoyed it from start to finish, and I think many people will too.
The Land Before Time IV: Journey Through the Mists (1996)
Second Best of The Entire Series
As a child, I loved this film! I didn't like any of the others besides the first one, and my opinion stands 10 years later. There was something magical about this one, and I still remember all of the exciting and fantastic elements that made this my second favorite. The first one had some scary moments(for a kid, that is) but this one was much more upbeat and friendly. It will always have a special place in my heart, and my children's hearts as well. I can't believe the people who've panned this film! You need to re-live your childhoods again, or lighten up!
10/10
Battleship (2012)
Not All It Was Hyped Up To Be, But Still Awesome
The trailers made this look epic, and the casting for Battleship was great. Now comes the 'but' part of this review. It wasn't what I expected. I wanted more fighting, more aliens, and more acting. The movie was fabulous until the halfway point, when everything died down and took a much slower pace. All-in-all, this was a good action movie with some laughs thrown in to lighten the mood. There wasn't anything overly graphic, so it's a decent family flick. There were elements of '24'(along with several actors from the hit show) and since this was in part a Hasbro movie, it had a Transformers feel. I give it a 7/10 rating.
Religulous (2008)
Religulous is Ridiculous
First of all, I must state that I am a Christian, but in keeping an open mind, I decided to try(key word being "try") to watch this film, and I just couldn't. Not because he was fueling any doubts I may have, or offering anything important that might upset me. In fact, this movie offers nothing of real value to anyone; atheist, believer, undecided, etc. There really is nothing to gain from this film besides an unrelenting desire from the pit of your stomach to take back the time you wasted in front of the screen listening to this man throw words, phrases, and ideas that he doesn't have a clue about at the audience. The vast majority of this film is Bill Maher taking a verse in the Bible and twisting it to his advantage. He takes everything out of context, and makes it sound like something completely different, when in reality it has a logical reason to it. He exaggerates Christian beliefs and traditions to make them sound totally absurd, and he confuses the audience into thinking that symbolic traditions are actual, and literal beliefs, when they are the complete opposite. Another thing he did to "spice up" the film and truly sell it, was to take video clips, sound bites, and interviews with religious fanatics and make it seem like every Christian is like this. It's just not true, and it's very typical Hollywood. Don't waste your time on this one. You want to see Christians vs Atheists? Youtube search Richard Dawkins debates. The man has a brilliant mind, and he's open to dialogue with Creation scientists, such as John Lennox(Prof. at Oxford where Dawkins teaches) and others. Save your money and time; skip this film, and I guarantee you won't regret it.
Jessie (2011)
Poorly written and pull-my-hair-out boring.
Disney has had some great shows . . . and some giant flops. This is the latter. It's poorly written with many re-used jokes that have been done over and over already, the timing is off, and they just aren't funny. The acting is mediocre, and some of the more "serious" lines had me laughing at the amateur delivery. The actress who plays Jessie is just annoying, and the rest of the characters just don't mesh. It feels like they're trying too hard to act, and it's not natural by any means. Unless it's the only channel you get, and it's the only show on at the time, you're going to want to skip this one. It's a bigger waste of time than trying to watch an Adam Sandler movie.