Change Your Image
jljacobi
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Reviews
Despicable Me 4 (2024)
Still fun, but not as fun as the previous films
I wasn't nearly as captivated by this episode as I have been by the other Minions movies. I'd rate it a bit lower than 7, but I feel kindly towards the franchise as a whole.
It's a bit difficult to say exactly why DM4 falls flat. But there's just something off with the pace and energy, especially the first half of the movie.
I'd say the main issue is basically the plot and situations during the first half, which frame the protagonists as less than heroic, entirely too domestic, somewhat incompetent, and rather, I hate to say it--uninteresting.
The villains are flat out boring, and never seem particularly threatening.
Things pick up when Poppy and Gru get together, and the movie ends much better than it starts.
Basically, the writing is just not up to previous efforts. Yup, some sequel-itis has finally crept in.
Regardless, it's a Minions movie so it's a harmless good time. And it is a good time. Just not as good as the others.
Twisters (2024)
Not awful, but too long and still full of Hollywood BS
It's hard to know where to start. The Hollywood tropes are all there, they're just not in your face as with some of the other films coming out of Tinseltown these days. Is subtle better than on full display?
Basically, the movie is about the female lead, Everything revolves around her, and none of the other characters are developed to any satisfying degree. Even the male lead who is far more charismatic than the female, but definitely plays second fiddle in the plot.
I'm sure women who identify with the female lead will like it more. Personally, I could've care less about her angst. The actress just doesn't have the range.
Suspension of disbelief was a tad tricky for me, and ultimately I found myself grating at the numerous plot, scientific, and writing flaws.
In a nutshell. It starts slow with a character I never really grow to care about, picks up when the male lead show up, dips again, gets maudlin, gets stupid and predictable, and ends with the female lead saving the day in ridiculous fashion.
Not the worst movie I've seen, but I'd much rather re-watch the first one. Another great-looking, but inferior sequel by inferior talent.
Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
Some fun, some fan service... No where close to the original or the sequel
First off, Disney Marvel's hands are all over this one. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. It's more subtle, but it's all there.
Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, and a number of cameo appearances save the day, and probably the movie. I have a feeling they had to fight tooth and nail to make this movie as good as it is.
That said, a lot of the humor seems forced, So does a lot of the profanity, of which there is a lot. To the point where I started to find it distracting.
But mainly, the movie is slow in spots--especially the opening, the plot is disjointed, the antagonists aren't menacing in the least, and it's too long.
I'm not saying that I'm sorry I watched it, or that you shouldn't watch it for the bright spots. But I think many people who aren't super Marvel fans will go "That's nice" and promptly forget about it.
In short, it's only "good" in comparison the garbage the Disney Marvel has churned out over the last few years.
The Fall Guy (2024)
Close but no cigar. Weak women win fights, action flick or slow-paced rom-com?
I started this movie three times before I could far enough into it to continue. I enjoyed it overall, but it's very uneven. Largely due to overly long scenes between the romantic leads which suffers from very slow-paced dialog.
This despite an obvious chemistry between the actors. This is a writing/directorial/editing problem. Not acting.
The stunts are great, and a nice throwback to the days when CGI wasn't dominant. A homage as it were, and most welcome in my book.
That said, there are three fight scenes between men and small women that are ridiculous. I don't know what it is with Hollywood, but this has been going on for decades now and probably has something to do with the delusional belief of physical parity plaguing many younger women.
But it really strains at the suspension of disbelief when a 200-pound man gets his ass kicked by a 100-pound woman in prolonged fight that could've ended with one backhand from the man. Stop it for goodness sakes. It's stupid and doesn't pay respect to the real strengths of women.
The movie isn't bad. Indeed, at times it's very entertaining. But it could've been great if this wasn't a Hollywood that suffers from the delusion that if they pander to everyone, they'll actually please everyone.
The Fall Guy certainly wasn't the worst watch I've ever had, but not a movie I'd be inclined to watch again. Unless there's a fan edit that tightens the whole thing up. Please.
Gunless (2010)
Amusing, charming, unexpected...
Just recently found this movie and was most pleasantly surprised. It's mildly political on the gun thing and male behavior, but just, and it never distracts. In other words, you'll likely not care no matter what your stances.
Of more importance, the actors are extremely personable, the script and dialog first rate, and the story largely amusing, but with enough serious subtext that it doesn't devolve into farce. Put another way, the humor is palpable, but of the subtle variety.
The scenery is everything that BC is famous for and while some of the characters might seem stereo-typical, these folks did actually exist. And everyone gets in on the humor.
Beyond that, there's tension on two plot points that's eventually resolved in accordance with the tone of the movie.
Finally, this was simply a really good watch of a type of movie that's become increasingly rare over the last decade. Check it out.
The Roast of Tom Brady (2024)
Nice that people aren't hiding what they think, but it's also crude and nasty
To be honest, I had really hard time watching this and fast forwarded through a lot of it. While I appreciate that no topic was sacred for once in this modern world of feigned concern for others feelings, a lot of the comments seemed more mean-spirited than meant to make the guests laugh. And that's what a good roast does, make the subject and guest laugh at themselves and their peccadilloes.
It starts with Kevin Hart dropping f-bombs left and right, for no apparent reason other than to hear himself do so. I don't mind profanity, but geez Louise, this amount was simply juvenile. The kind of swearing you do to get attention when you're an hormonal teenager, not the kind you pepper in for effect as a professional comedian. And he certainly set the tone for the rest of the evening.
There's very little that's clever, and what there is, is buried under the avalanche of crudity and profanity. I won't say I didn't laugh, or like seeing celebrities being made uncomfortable, but in the end I found it all too much and left with far less respect for many of those involved.
You may not agree or care. Taste differs. But I will say that if you favor the Marx Borthers over the Three Stooges, you may want to take a hard pass on this one.
And sure don't let your kids anywhere near it.
Gojira -1.0 (2023)
Best thing I've seen in years. Puts Hollywood to shame.
Subtitles or no, you'll most likely lose yourself in this combination classic monster movie homage, action flick, and extremely human tale. It's a relatively simple but effective story, uncomplicated by modern concerns.
The CG certainly works, but I'm not sure how it won its only Oscar for FX. What it should've won was Best Picture. Not best foreign film, but they whole shebang.
I've seen nothing in years that has come close to touching me as deeply as this movie. And I'm well aware of the Japan's behavior in WWII, which was far from sympathetic. The movie is set in that time period.
The acting is nothing short of fantastic and despite the subtitles, every feeling and thought is conveyed perfectly. You could watch it without subtitles and still know what's going on.
What's missing? All the stupid, unrealistic, delusional, negative crap Hollywood wants to force down your throat these days.
Rare is the movie I want to re-watch these days. I'll certainly watch this one again. Probably many times. Can't wait for the BW version to show up.
Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024)
Forgettable, regrettable...
Right off the bat you can tell that KP4 is not up to snuff. They should have left well enough alone with the enjoyable third installment.
The dialog and pace are amateurish, and the initial premise is yet another male hero must pass on his power to a female under the guise of succession. Another not particularly charismatic female character, as per the norm.
And where are the fantastic five? Geez Louise. The villain isn't particularly worrisome, and in general the movie lacks the heart that made previous efforts memorable.
The kids will likely love it, and stop thinking about it the minute they get finished.
Holly wood is in trouble. They're continually destroying or diminishing their popular characters. I can only assume that this is the work of mediocre artists who want to represent their mediocrity on screen.
A money-grab nothing-burger.
Road House (2024)
Entertaining, but not particularly memorale and where are the babes?
I enjoyed this film, but doesn't come close to recapturing the "magic", or whatever you call what the original had that has made it a classic.
Specifics:
Jake Gyllenhaal is very good, especially considering the dialog he's given, which is generally pretty bland when not copying the original.
Connor McGregor is suitably intimidating, which is partially due to the fact that you know he's an accomplished MMA fighter. He does have that over the top swagger. Not much when talking, but...
Beyond that, only a couple of the bad guys are up to the task, with the main guy and one humorous dude that's worth a laugh or two excepted.
In general the supporting cast is mediocre and forgettable. I only saw this last night, and I have a hard time conjuring up a face beyond Jake and Connor.
As to the babes... I don't know what's up with casting these days, and no disrespect to the actresses, but why are they using 5's and 6's when Hollywood is full of 8's and 9's. Call me shallow, but come on... It's Road House!!
In short this is a decent action flick that has its moments but is held back by typical modern Hollywood nonsense.
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)
Enjoyable, but very long
I enjoyed this movie. But to be honest, I had to watch it in two sittings--it's that long. What is it with Hollywood these days? I know the theater owners can't be happy with the length of movies because they can run as many showings.
That aside, Cruise is his usual charismatic self, as are the supporting actors.
The plot is easy to understand as it's explained via exposition. Several times in fact, as it's that convoluted. The script isn't subtle or clever enough to convey it otherwise. Hollywood apparently thinks their audience are all morons.
Of course, the action is top-notch, and there are some nice comedic moments which provide respite don't detract from the overall gravitas.
At times the drama and pathos seemed forced, but the movie never really stops long enough for it to be more than a temporary issue.
So it's not Gone with the Wind. It's certainly entertaining thanks to the cast and action, which these days is hardly a given for a Hollywood blockbuster.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
A decent watch, but 8 stars?
This movie is generally satisfying, but it's long, it takes quite a while to get going and parts of it seem forced. In short, IMHO it's by far the weakest of the three though still better than anything Marvel has put out since the last Spiderman (which was actually a Sony movie).
The first portion of the movie seemed forced and didn't flow very well. The dialog was pretty weak, the jokes didn't land particularly well, and it jumps all over the place. I was bored and wondered what all the fuss was about. After that, the pace picks up and I started enjoying it.
Good news. Disney's woke BS is minimal, and very subtle when it does rear its head. The acting is first rate across the board, though I think Gunn could've been a bit more convincing than he was. The antagonist nails it.
The bad news--it's definitely longer than it needs to be. Standard for today's Hollywood which seems to have forgotten the beauty of brevity. And it didn't know when to end, which should've been right after the final confrontation. But of course, the MCU has to try and set up characters for spin-offs. Stupid mouse.
In the end, it's definitely far more somber in tone than the previous two, and if you're easily upset by animal cruelty, you might want to skip it.
That said, I enjoyed it and might watch it again in the future. Not in the near future however. I'd rather watch the first one again.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)
Modern Disney at its finest
Take the soul, ruin the hero, add a girl boss. Disney has never done it better.
The first part of the move, oddly enough feels somewhat like a real Indiana Jones movie. Fade to black.
Now Indy is a sad, pathetic shell of himself wallowing in alcohol and self-pity. Just what I wanted to see.
This movie is almost vindictive in tone, trying to bury the past for a future of Phoebe Waller Bridge--one of the most unlikeable characters ever to hit the screen.
Indeed, the only thing that passes for a character arc is that she's not as big an ass at the end as she is in the beginning.
How on earth could anyone enjoy this who saw the first three? I'm sorry I wasted my time and there's no way to unsee it. I desperately wish there were.
Sisu (2022)
Somewhat fantastic, plot holes galore--who cares? It's still great
This movie was just what the doctor ordered after the half-hearted, too cool for school crap I've seen out of Hollywood recently.
Sisu requires a major suspension of disbelief, but the spirit, imagery, and the grizzled but still vital protagonist make it something you'll want to do.
Think of it as kind of a Finnish John Wick with Nazis and gold, and you've got the essence of it.
The acting is generally top notch, and all the characters are believable within Sisu's little universe. The plot moves along and the movie knows when to stop. A good thing when Hollywood these days is stretching every movie well past the point the story requires.
Is it really a nine in terms of craft? No, but I felt like a nine was by the end of the movie. Good job.
Shazam! Fury of the Gods (2023)
Not fantastic, but not bad, and not Disney
Yes, it's formulaic. Yes, it's too long. Yes, the ultimate ending is trite. BUT. I did find it largely entertaining and the messages are pretty much ones that everyone can agree on. Not those of insecure egoists trying to excuse their own crappy lifestyles.
The main characters are personable and well-acted, and while I get a bit tired of the main character's perpetual crisis of worthiness, in the end it all works out.
The CGI is decent, the scenes tight even if there are too many of them, and overall, it's one of the better DC efforts in my book.
AND, it's not full of the garbage that Disney is selling these days. Yup. Merely good is now the new entertaining because of the Mouse House. That's the 7th star.
As with many movies these days, I think it would've been much better with a half hour of pointlessness removed.
Glory (1989)
How can Glory be a 7.8 with so many less worthy films scoring higher?
First off, while obviously dramatized, this is basically a true story. Cold Harbor, the climactic battle of the film was the slaughter that finally convinced U. S. Grant that frontal assaults were worse than useless. Never again did the Union try to storm fortified positions. On purpose at any rate.
The story of the first black combat units in the Union army is done well, though as usual with Hollywood it's an amalgam of events that happened to numerous units. It never overplays its hand though. Okay, maybe occasionally... Hence the 9.
The portrayal of the conflict is generally first-rate and historically accurate for the most part. More than anything, you'll find yourself rooting for the protagonists and moved by the ultimate outcome.
Well-acted, well-directed, well-written and miles better than most of the garbage you get from Hollywood these days.
Devotion (2022)
Great true story, too long, too visually oppressive
As my father was a USMC aviator who flew in Korea, I've been aware of this story since I was little. It's a great story of true friendship.
I must say that I loved the accurate portrayal of the aircraft involved and for the most part, the physics. Hardly any of that "speed it up to make it more exciting" crap. The action isn't 100% accurate, but artistic license. I'm not 100% sure, but I don't think either was involved in the minimal downing of Migs by Corsairs. I loved the ADs which is what my father flew.
The biggest problems with the movie are the length and the color. There's a lot of needless domestic interaction. For some reason they were trying to hammer home that Jessie Brown was a good man. Of course he was, but we don't need so many scenes to prove it.
I'll give them credit though. The film handles the race thing with understated elegance for the most part, though it would've been more effective with less of the personal battle.
And what is it these days with Hollywood? Do they think Krakatoa had erupted at the time and that people lived in the dark in their own homes in the 50's??? The world sported the same bright palette back then as it does now. Midway chose the same thing. Somber without need.
I suppose they figure serious subject matter requires a dark palette. No it doesn't. Use the story and stop with the post-production trickery.
If you look at pictures of the battle of the Chosin reservoir, you'll notice that it's not nearly as dark as portrayed.
Regardless, you'd have to be devoid of feeling not to feel the story's impact.
A good film, but suffering from Hollywood's current addictions to length and dark palettes.
Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
Everything is a joke, but nothing is funny...
This movie is a farce and the main character is rendered as a buffoon. I had heard bad things about this but I didn't think it could possibly be this bad.
Christian Bale is great and most of the acting is fine. But what they're being asked to do is just complete nonsense. The plot makes almost no sense, and even when it starts to, another stupid or tasteless joke pops up to ruin the mood and flow.
About the only redeeming factor could be some of the visuals. But Thor's costume is ridiculous and the CGI for Natalie Portman is weird.
I could go on, but just ready yourself for disappointment if you're looking for any sort of depth or intelligent design. Truly a bad film.
Serenity (2005)
Different feel from a very good TV show
I liked this movie, which I actually first saw long before I saw the TV series. I distinctly remember that feeling of not quite having the whole picture as far as the characters are concerned.
There are relationships that fans of the TV show would know all about, but are merely implied or jumped into for much of the movie. I would say this was Whedon's biggest challenge, balancing the movie between the needs of first time viewers and long time fans. I'll give him maybe a B minus on that.
A couple of characters change personalities as well, not necessarily for the better in my book. A couple also kick the bucket. I wasn't invested the first time I saw the movie, but after seeing the TV show I have to wonder why and I can also see why fans were so consternated.
Just as a movie, without the TV show as reference, it holds together and makes sense. It's also pretty lively, nicely paced, and the Jos Whedon humor (which I truly like) shows through.
Lawrence of Arabia it ain't, but it's a good time with memorable characters.
When all is said and done, however, I like the TV show (Firefly - one season only) far better.
Reacher (2022)
Started out well, goes too long, meanders and panders
I enjoyed to the first couple of episodes, but then things started to get convoluted, repetitive, and laden with lots of unnecessary digressive and unnecessary exposition.
After a while, the world-wise banter, know-it-all banter from each and every protagonist started to wear on me. Speaking of which, just how many protagonists do you need? Big hint: Not this many. Try one and a sidekick who doesn't have to be "equal".
The acting is generally strong, and the action well done, so I'll blame the writing and the fact that it's eight or so hours long. It should've been four hours max. Less is more.
Not a bad watch in the grand scheme, but not nearly as good as it might've been. Or as I'd hoped it would be.
Michiel de Ruyter (2015)
Enjoyable, well-acted, and a nice if not particularly accurate synopsis
I quite enjoyed this film. Especially as it tackles a little discussed but fascinating period of history, and a segment of the age of fighting sail that's rarely discussed.
De Ruyter was a fascinating character and this film seems to get most of the stuff right, though they ignore the fact that he had two wives over the period on question. Dramatic license. This is evident in other areas as well.
What it also brings to life is just how brutal and bloody the struggle for power can become, even in "civilized" countries. Something we should all keep in mind these days with political polarization blossoming.
Apocalypse: Hitler attaque à l'Ouest (2021)
Stunning and rarely seen footage
This series is the best look at WWII in Europe I've found. And by a goodly margin.
I've studied WWII all my life and much of the film footage is new to me.
The information is overwhelmingly accurate according to the latest research, the approach as even-handed as possible given the sensitivity of the subject matter and both civilian and military matters are covered.
It's hard to find much else to say. Everyone should watch this. And I mean everyone. Even if you have no interest in WWII, it shows just how badly things can spiral out of control.
The Last Frontier (1955)
Kind of quirky... And why Victor Mature was a star
This movie is surprisingly gritty for a '50's western. Infidelity, drunkenness, questioning the meaning...
And Victor Mature. There are just some people who grab your attention on screen, and while he hams it up a bit, he's charismatic.
In fact the entire cast is top-notch. James Whitmore, a barely recognizable Anne Bancroft, etc. Before I knew it was Robert Preston, I was saying "That kind of looks like Robert Preston". Not the kind of role he became famous for.
The scenery is eye-catching, the plot moves along and it's just a generally interesting movie of the kind they used to make. Much better than I was expecting.
Hustle (2022)
Classic story, nice treatment from Sandler
I go back and forth with Adam Sandler. He's personable as all get out, but his taste level varies wildly. I also get the feeling that he does movies about certain subjects just so I can hang out with the people that fit. In this case that would be a bunch of NBA legends, etc.
But this movie is largely a forth. It's tightly done, humorous without being dumb, dramatic without being morose, and generally just a nice, rewarding way to spend a couple of hours.
All the actors are great, the Philly references are right on, and it's touching in spots.
Good job Adam! I might've gone 8 stars, but for a couple of little PG jokes that make the movie a tad less suitable for kids.
Last Seen Alive (2022)
Better than I was thinking...
This movie has a distinct "shot on an iPhone" look, so it took a few minutes to get past that. But Butler is an interesting actor to watch, and after a few minutes he earns his keep by lifting you out of that.
Somewhat unpredictable (not always), generally well-acted, and a little off-kilter. Makes for a more interesting couple of hours than you might expect given the slow start.
A couple of awkward scenes, but better overall than a lot of big budget stuff. Reminded me slightly of the Cohen brothers. Yes, I just said that.
Kudos to all involved. A very pleasant surprise.
Lancaster (2022)
Excellent, well-balanced
Love seeing the interviews with old-timers, as well as the new footage of a Lancaster flying in various historical locations. I also liked that the film highlights some of the less famous exploits along with those that caught the public eye.
There's not a ton of technical detail about the bomber, though they do cover its Manchester progenitor and how it came about.
The film covers the controversial aspects of the bombing campaign without losing sight of the realities of the time, or failing to honor the men who risked life and limb to fly the missions.
Only roughly 4 out of 10 survived the experience unscathed, making it one the most dangerous things you could do during the war.
Extremely well done. A must for any one with the slightest interest and it would benefit just about anyone.
