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Reviews
Paycheck (2003)
Pay check movie stretched into a feature film
A relatively larger budget action sci-fi film directed by beloved director John Woo starring Ben Affleck. The premise of this film is intriguing enough with its concepts and ideas but as we got further along, it dragged on and became dull and boring. There were several confusing moments regarding its events and how things have unfolded but in the end, we wonder what the point was. Things felt as if it was the trying to smarter than it actually was. Somewhat of a predictable story, as we knew in the end Ben Affleck would figure out all the clues. However it was somewhat unpredictable in how Uma Thurman did not betray him. Was expecting that to be a twist but that wasn't the case.
Sweetpea (2024)
Intriguing mysteries left on cliffhangers
Having no knowledge of this series prior to watching and hadn't realized it was based on a novel. Watched as a standalone and it is worthy of the watch and certainly better than expected. The first episode to start is relatively quite tame and we don't know where it's heading (which is a good thing) then in its conclusion of the episode, it takes a dark turn. The second episode follows the actions of the opener and expands. The third explores more of the lead victim/ antagonist of Julia (Nicôle Lecky).
The series definitely gets more interesting and engaging from episode four onwards. Episodes four and five are certainly the best. The violence, suspense and mystery turns up a notch. Six is also a solid conclusion ending in a cliffhanger setting up an eventual second season. Though feels slightly rushed.
Overall a very engaging British mini series. For fans of Ella Purnell, this is a must watch simply seeing her speaking in her native tongue as she shows a diverse character exploring her racial expressions and mannerisms. Her character does some bad things but she plays it off in a likeable fashion. The supporting characters were also solid. Nicôle Lecky steals her scenes as Julia as we see great chemistry with her and Ella.
One minor grip is perhaps they could have expanded this mini series as it feels quite short. Six episodes isn't enough, as it left us wanting more. Perhaps they didn't have enough material to make it to 10 episodes (based on the novel) though none the less it's very quick to binge in a day or two. Here's waiting for the inevitable season two.
Highway (2002)
Unusual forgotten road trip film
Relatively a very lesser known and presumably straight to video early 2000's road trip movie starring three well known actors. Considering the talent of these actors involved, this film is ultimately a disappointment. It definitely has the feel to have been something bigger and better than what it turned out but in the end, it is nothing more than a film to pass time and ends up being quite forgettable.
The plot starts off of an incident of Jared Leto getting caught then takes him and Jake Gyllenhaal fleeing on a road simply to escape from the incident. Of course there's a reason for where they were heading but ultimately things simply happen along the way. They then find Selma Blair (presumably a prostitute) outside in the parking lot where stranding along in an argument with somewhere else, where they of course end up taking her up along for the journey.
There's also a subplot revolving around the passing of Kurt Cobain where we don't realize it until it's mentioned. However there are subtle hints regarding the dates in the beginning.
Highway does have some solid moments of fun but in the end it's nothing special, and quite unusual.
The One (2001)
Confusing rushed mess
Released on 2001 and it very much feels reminiscent to several early 2000's cheesy action films that featured fight scenes with rock or heavy metal being played throughout. This film seemed to take bits of the Matrix as well which was a major hit rehearsed only a few years prior. As a film, the story arc and plot sounds interesting and intriguing on paper but as it turned out, it was executed poorly with a rushed story.
The visuals are decent but the story doesn't exactly move at a pace where it explains properly what is occurring. Everything moves very quickly. The story as a whole is just confusing and particularly its ending. Jet Li is the star here and it features Jason Statham (with hair) in one of his earlier roles. Once the end credits rolled, we simply questioned "that's it? It's over?" in disbelief. The One isn't great or even fun, rather boring. Yet it's a film which is of course loved by fans a lot more than critics.
Bongwater (1998)
Bizarre slice of life stoner film
Featuring a cast of up-in coming actors at the time in a lesser known stoner indie. This film features a wide ensemble of characters lead by Luke Wilson and Alicia Witt. A majority of these characters are rather unlikeable (specifically Alicia Witt) yet we are simply watching to see where things are going. Her character comes across as someone who is entirely full of herself and feels she's smarter thank everyone else. Instant unlikeable,
The major problem is a lot of random occurrences happen and don't really get tied in the end. Brittany Murphy plays a very ditzy loose woman who Luke Wilson befriends, ultimately getting close with Jack Black, who first appears around an hour into the film.
In the very end, Wilson gets together with Witt was rather questionable and made little sense but they wanted somewhat of a happen ending. Nothing is comedic, clever or witty about this film. Nothing special but it's interesting to see several of these actors/ actresses in their earlier roles.
Independence Day (1996)
Cheesy and heavily over hyped
As a film, the original Independence Day seems to be very highly praised and beloved among fans.
Does Independence Day live up to its hype? Depends on what you were expecting? If you were expecting the kind of film that is a mindless popcorn blockbuster. There's certainly enough fast-paced action, laughs, special effects, stereotype characters, clichés and a loud enough soundtrack. If you were expecting something more Then well, you're most likely to be disappointed.
Really, for such a high-tech special effects movie, this is really an old-fashioned affair: It is, after all, a sci-fi plot line that's almost as old as the genre itself (the earth being invaded by aliens). There's hardly an original concept in this movie's priority.
Judge Dredd (1995)
Cheesy and not fun futuristic comic book adaptation
Having seen the 2012 remake and not thinking too highly of that film as others did. Now viewing this original film. The remake is quite easily better, not only due to its more serious tone but its visuals and story. Judge Dredd feels too comically indent with its poor acting, cheesy one liners and overall atmosphere. It simply isn't a fun entertaining film where it's drags on despite not being long.
The story just isn't engaging enough and is rather boring. Stallone feels entirely miscast where he's trying to hard in being serious and the chemistry with him and Rob Schneider is terrible. Not surprised that this film failed at the box office or it being criticized by critics. Very forgettable.
Ice Cream Man (1995)
Great titular performance by Clint Howard otherwise dull film
This film has somewhat been considered a cult classic of sorts by several people, however overall it isn't great. Although it does seem self aware of what it's intended in being. It's meant to be a horror comedy fantasy of type mainly aimed towards younger audiences. Starring Clint Howard as the creepy deranged ice cream man. The film does have a low budget feel with its kills looking very tame and mainly shown offscreen. The humour aspect isn't funny.
The gross parts are the bugs shown in the ice cream containers and the look inside the truck. It's more in lines of being campy and cheesy and not meant to be taken too serious. It's not scary in a sense but has the feel of an episode of Goosebumps. It's entertaining to a degree but becomes stale and cold.
Tromeo and Juliet (1996)
Typical Troma take on Romeo and Juliet
Considering this is a film from Troma we have a sense as what to expect. These Troma films are certainly a niche and aimed to a certain audience. Most of their humor and within this film, the comedy is simply cringe and forced. This is the typical Troma type humor where everything is over the top, over exaggerated, filled with random scenes of nudity and skin and filled with fake looking gore.
The story is the take on Romeo and Juliet but obviously a parody version as it tried being funny. There were some random and quite gross bizarre scenes including a dream like sequence with Juliet getting pregnant with popcorn and ferrets coming out of her stomach. It drags on quite a bit, where there are some entertainment value as we continue watching but for most part, this cringe humor falls flat. The ending adding twist was simply for shock value to make things further disgusting.
Zandalee (1991)
Lifeless soap opera drama featuring unlikable characters
Apparently this film was released straight to video and we can see why. Certainly one of Nicolas Cage's more forgotten and least know films of his filmography. As a film, it is quite a lifeless and soap opera type from the way it's filmed, to its characters, to the overall tone and story build.
The character of Zandalee is rather unlikable and she makes poor decisions in cheating on her husband. As she simply comes across as oblivious, spoiled and rather like a diva. We simply don't care to root for her. Cage's character is a loner painter to who she has the affair with, and he overacts in several scenes. The husband is the most likeable and level headed of the three yet his character is the most boring and he suffers the worst in the end where he becomes rather unhinged.
In the end, this film just has a depressing tone but isn't exactly predictable to a degree. The very ending is rather strange and further more depressing, and rather foolish on the part of Zandelee. A very forgettable film.
The Hotel New Hampshire (1984)
Rather bizarre fiction of a fantasy state
Having not read the original source material and not knowing anything based upon the film, watched upon judging solely on its own merits. It is a very bizarre and strange film with a lot of odd and unusual occurrences happening throughout. It is somewhat reminiscent to the Royal Tenebaums to a degree but here this film is much more fantasy driven. Things definitely feel that they weren't real or everything is a dream. The characters don't act like real people.
Then this weird family dynamic between both the lead brother (Rob Lowe) and sister (Jodie Foster) where seemingly no one finds outs. Was waiting for a scene in the end where they get caught or they confess, yet nothing occurred. The youngest sister apparently commits randomly. And of course a lot of bear costumes which we are to believe is the mascot of the hotel. This is a bizarre drama and not a comedy where it drags on for too long. Perhaps the novel was better.
Revenge of the Cheerleaders (1976)
Unclear motive of revenge
After watching the previous two films in the series and noticing a difference between the prior two, this third and final film is more similar to the original than the second. Here the plot is more silly and feels like several scenes of skits simply sketched together.
The main plot revolves around these cheerleaders doing several unwarranted mean spirited things, such as stealing drugs and substances from a class of students then putting these substances in the nurses food container, ultimately leading to the students and teachers being over the top drugged. It wasn't exactly clear why these cheerleaders behaved the way they did, as they came across as divas or bullies. Also later there's a scene where three of them attack a police officer (in a comical way) as two of them were wandering nude, then they steal his car.
There are several comical and cringe random dance scenes. Felt as if there were dancing than cheerleading by the cheerleaders. The other difference here, is it features a group of basketball players instead of football players.
This film didn't have as much skin or soft core scenes as the original but certainly more than its predecessor. Although it wasn't all the cheerleaders showing skin, about three of them. This film simply wasn't funny and very much drags on. The final 15 minutes felt bizarre and different. Could have been edited.
The Swinging Cheerleaders (1974)
More on the serious side of the Cheerleading franchise
As opposed to the original film in this series, this follow up definitely is less of a raunchy silly sexploitation comedy and more of a thoughtful drama. With an entirely new cast, there are the occasional silliness but nothing is really humorous. The acting is noticeably more serious, better overall and more drama is included. The women characters have more morals, are more mature and aren't as sex craved. A lot more realism where this takes place with college level students opposed to high schoolers in the original.
Even though, this is a lot less wild and explicit which may slightly be bizarre considering this is college and not high school. There is more focus on a plot and less focus on scenes of skin and soft core-like scenes for the sake of it.
The ending of the film ends rather ubruptly with the football game still being played yet we simply see the credits roll. We then hear an announcer mentioning the game but not speaking on its conclusion. Which was rather bizarre that they didn't conclude the actual game finishing that was presented earlier in being very important.
As a film overall, it's better than the original since the tone is more serious and realistic. Not nearly as raunchy which can see why people prefer the original. Still nothing really special. One time watch.
The Cheerleaders (1973)
Extremely over the top raunchy silliness
Released in 1973, now over 50 years ago and as we can see, a lot has change within the times. Apparently this was a modest franchise with three total films. Described as a comedy but it is possibly closer to soft core. We understand the 1970's and its use of explicit and over the top nudity and brief sex scenes. There is plenty scattered throughout. The plot is obviously very simple and essentially makes all the cheerleaders look sex obsessed and very easy. While the men look desperate and creepy (especially the janitor).
The central plot within the final thirty minutes is extremely unrealistic and simply far fetched. First, why exactly were the cheerleaders so obsessed with having their football team win? Why did they care so much? Also how were the able to successfully track down the opposing players and sleep with them? A lot of their actions (especially the movie theater scene or car mechanic shop scene) felt forced and 'rapey'. The way it plays out feels like it was meant to be comical and logic just doesn't apply. Because how is it that they were able to sleep with the entire opposing team the night before and that was enough for the players to be tired and unable to play the football game? Simply not realistic and was too silly to take serious.
There's a rather lengthy orgy- like explicit scene near the end where the cheerleaders have a sleep over at the lead Jeannie (Stephanie Fondue) house, with the football players essentially coming over. More nudity in this scene than expected. The players are successful since one of the cheerleader was distracting the lead's father by sleeping with him. Was this purposeful for a distraction or was she simply that desperate and craved?
Also earlier in the film, a cringe shower scene with Jeannie escaping the players in the room with them seemingly trying to chase, grab and hold her. Wasn't funny, felt more disturbing than anything.
Another borderline rape scene with Jeannie's friend and two biker members at an outdoor like event. The friend attacks the guy with him seemingly taking her clothing off and forcing him on her until she eventually goes along with it. We assumed it was the same for Jeannie- then her father unknowingly appears and catches her. Following scene, she tells her friend, she didn't get why her father was upset. Her character was simply too ditzy and rather air headed and easily to be taken advantage of.
Overall this movie just isn't funny or clever but we understand its selling point isn't for any logic in the plot. It's for the abundance of skin, and in that aspect it delivers. It really shows how drastically times have changed.
My Tutor (1983)
Male teen fantasy type film
Released in 1983 where apparently a lot of these type of teen comedies were prevalent, where there has certainly been a long change since an over 40 years later. This film plays out essentially as the male teen type fantasy where he's a rich student, looking to get into college and essentially things come easy for him. Considering his father hires a tutor for him to pass a French exam, it was certainly clear where the story was heading and how things would ultimately unfold.
As a film it is quite unrealistic how unprofessional the tutor was for engaging in the relationship with Bobby. Also with her swimming nude in the pool? It's as if she wanted him or anyone to spy on her. As no point did she feel any guilt about sleeping with him considering he was still a minor as she was essentially grooming him.
The ending reveal twist was rather bizarre as it shows why she wasn't exactly punished by the father. As a film, it starts off as a raunchy teen film then settles into a romantic comedy. Nothing special. Several explicit scenes of the tutor Terry.
Butterfly (1981)
Complicated and predictable twist
Instantly from reading the plot description and after watching roughly ten minutes of the film, it was very apparent this would turn out to be a film with an obvious twist for the sake of shocking its audiences. There are too several little hints that Jess wasn't actually the father of the lead actress (Pia Zadora) Kady. As we were watching, we were waiting for the eventual reveal which does come with the final thirty minutes of so. Then the finale takes quite a while at a lengthy court scene.
However, we had assumed that Kady knew Jess wasn't her father and that she was playing the part and pretending he was simply to lure him into stealing his cash and expenses. As it turned out, she didn't know he wasn't her real father (she was shocked at the reveal in the court scene like everyone else) and she was not conning him. A better twist would have been to had made everything she did a con- would have made her character more unlikeable. However since it's based on a novel or sorts (of which has no prior knowledge of), it wouldn't have been done like that.
The film isn't as bad as lead to believe, and the story is quite intriguing enough to keep watching. The acting by Jess was easily the best of the film. Pia wasn't as bad as those claims but not great either.
Felicity (1978)
Fairytale like coming of age story
With no knowledge of what to expect from this film but reading the plot description and having somewhat of an idea, it was certainly more explicit than it presented itself as. There is very much a plot but perhaps a lot more explicit and nude scenes than ought to be. It is very much a coming of age film with the lead title character of Felicity having a very quick sexual awakening.
Everything felt as it, it occurred quite quickly and very easy for Felicity. Where at an instance she was raped by her older driver yet didn't seem to care, notice or tell her friend. The sceneries of Hong Kong look well and are nicely shot. The way she randomly met the love interest in the end was rather odd yet plausible. Right place at the right time type of incident. A lot of the film is quite predictable with the change of an innocent young naive teenager (said to be 17) transformed to very eager craved. The film is very close to soft core but it's presented in a rather art house way.
Clipped (2024)
Provides further thoughtful analysis
Perhaps this real life portrayal mini series has cane out a little later than it should have. The events happened in 2014 and now over 10 years later, we are having this series showing further details. This is being said simply because the interest to this story isn't nearly as high or anticipated currently as it would have had this had been several years ago.
However as a show, it does provide a lot of things in which people who were following the story at the time, are already familiar. Mainly the basics. Most of the newer knowledge dealt with the character of V. Stiviano who is a primary character as it delves into her life further and her role to everything.
The acting from the leads are definitely worthy of watching. The subject matter is definitely serious and overall was engaging in watching and remembering its events. The finale episode was rather anticlimactic and ended somewhat abruptly. Slightly disappointing.
Best episode: Episode 3.
Worst episode: Episode 4.
Death Game (1977)
Bizarre over the top home invasion thriller
Being known as the original film- from its Eli Roth remake in 2015, Death Game has somewhat became a cult classic. Its plot is very simple and straightforward. There are no general twists.
We know instantly the two leading women are manipulating and are eventually going to torture the lead rich wealthy man- George. What wasn't exactly explained in the film is detail and background information on both women. Such as how did they know George was going to be alone at that time? How much of him did they really know of him? They must have known he was wealthy considering their actions yet nothing was shown or truly explained in the end.
The climax was the kill scene with the food delivery person. Then throwing him in the large fish tank was rather intriguing,
Even with its over the top nature and flaws it is a short runtime film and relatively entertaining seeing these psycho women have their way with George. Their over the top acting psycho and unhinged was rather entertaining se they carried the film. One notable disruption is their apparent ages of the characters. It was revealed they were minor teenagers (15 & 17 respectively- yet looked far older). It wasn't realistic considering them looking a lot older. They simply should have just made the characters both over eighteen for realism but it's clear they were set at those ages for the jailbait angle.
At a point within the finale, things somewhat get bland and start to drag. Essentially the entire film is them torturing and teasing him for the sake of it. Surprised the ending wasn't more gruesome involving George- they simply left his house and kept him alive. Also, the nature of the hourglass in the finale was rather confusing.
People may not enjoy the remake Knock Knock, however if you enjoy this film better, it isn't drastically superior like many fans claim. If anything this is rather overrated.
Virgin Witch (1971)
Dull tame witch craft horror
With no expectations of what to expect from this film but seeing how it was described as a horror thriller, expected some scenes of suspense, thrills or overall mystery. However it is far slower paced and very slow moving. There is a lot more skin shown scattered throughout the film than expected but no real explicit scenes. It's clear it was a driving point to attract the audience but in general the nudity was bland and after that the story wasn't engaging enough. Should have been more focus on an intriguing and engaging plot and more use of witchcraft and spells. Do not know as to why watched.
Baise-moi (2000)
Graphic shock value French film
With no knowledge of this film prior, had no expectations. From seeing several reviews and its parental guidance, understood relatively the film was established in being. Released in 2000 as it feels quite low budget. The acting isn't very believable nor is the directing. Of course the main shock value is due to its unsimulated explicit scenes and its random graphic violence (although the violence looks roughly fake and cheesy).
The two lead women were former adult actresses so it explains the unsimulated scenes. We are simply just watching them go from place to place abusing men for sex and killing random people with guns. It's quite bizarre how places they went to didn't have better security and how they were able to get away with what they did for as long as it occurred. The film is relatively very short as it does feel so.
Hot Times (1974)
Unfunny adult version of the Archie comics
Assumed this was more so of a raunchy sex comedy similar to Porky's, however it is far more gratuitous with its explicit scenes and is closer to a soft core film than a teen sex feature film. More skin shown than expected, as it starts from the start.
As a plot, it is very simply and silly. About Archie being overly eager and desperate in trying to score, where we see him go from one unfunny scene to another. What people nay have found funny or comedic back then has certainly changed in today's day and age. Nothing was generally funny, more so juvenile and severely forced.
Several instances, we see Archie manage to be involved in situations such as hiding in the cheerleaders' locker room after a basketball game, where were see the women undress then have their showers, ending up on a set of an adult film (with Ronnie), to even going on the rooftop to spy on his sister in the bathroom. Then somehow in the end at New Years Time Square, he lucks out and gets with another woman where she offers to take him to her house. Bizarre ending with him passing out in the elevator.
Overall the film is relatively short enough but it's clear the skin scenes are thrown in to distract us from the fact the film isn't very good. It's a parody but without any laughs.
Debbie Does Dallas Part II (1981)
Unlike the original
We see as to why the original film is considered a classic in the adult world and towards that genre of films- it had a different spark to it where the controversy somewhat made the film feel better overall yet also had a certain feel good charm.
This sequel now seemingly loses its charm in which made the original stand out and feels like any other typical adult film. Nothing is really funny and situations are more serious and so is the tone.
There is certainly more of Debbie here as she's in roughly four explicit scenes. Her acting of course isn't the strongest but she seems less shy and is showing off a lot more. From the first jail cell scene, to the threesome with two other women to the scene with Ron Jeremy, to the concluding dream-like scene with the trucker (played by the coach in the original film).
We understand the main purpose of these films but speaking from a film standpoint, its plot is rather thin, is silly and simply isn't engaging. After the opening roughly ten minutes, it feels like constant "explicit" scene after one another. Including one with two women with red and black lighting while Debbie spies over them, which felt like it went on for far too long.
Fraternity Demon (1992)
Troma low budget fantasy comedy
With no expectations of this film but expected some entertaining qualities, it played out as a lot of these lower budget films from the 1990's do. The plot is very simple and basic and doesn't provide any thrills or twists. Everything is played out in a quite serious tone but also some comedic effect. However nothing is essentially funny.
Lead by Trixxie Bowie (whom hasn't appeared in anything else- clearly wasn't exactly an actress) as the title Sex demon, does a solid enough job and does have screen presence as she was the best thing about the film.
It plays out like a softcore- though there are roughly three brief explicit scenes- with Trixxie appearing in two. A major plot point is around halfway was a band with a lead singer essentially playing music throughout the rest of the film. She is certainly eye candy and depending on your taste of music, you may find it enjoyable. Otherwise the film is cheesy but there was some sense of entertainment if having no expectations.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
An art gallery of a film
After the first movie and seeing how highly praised from both critics and fans, this follow up sequel was certainly heavily anticipated as expected. Both films are great in the true sense. This follow up does do certain things slightly different but is quite unique in its own sense.
The visuals are just as great, if not more diverse. Where it feels like an art gallery turned into a film. Where we are watching and it seems too much to notice but as we continue watching, we notice every little detail that seemingly went into the film's animation and artwork.
The conclusion is of course left off at a cliffhanger where not many people expected with an ending that doesn't definitely end. Which only brought up further excitement for the third film.
Several highlights, including the chase scene with Miles trying to leave that universe with the other Spider-man all seemingly chasing him on the moving sub at train. The different animations and textures of the work in this scene is outstanding as a whole.
The story is more mysterious this time around where the final twenty minutes were incredibly intriguing and left the viewers wanting more. Seeing how Miles accidentally transported into the wrong universe with him slowly realizing it was quite engaging.
The villain of Spot was a unique touch added in. Preferably most aren't aware of his creation but he definitely brought something different.
As a whole very well done. The third film will certainly be heavily anticipated as pressure going forward will only increase.