Film Reviews - what have you seen lately, what did you think?

gingerlover

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Tv show on Netflix. Manhunt - Ted kazinsky. A show about the hunt for the unibomber. Has a good cast and is pretty good. However with most some of the events never took place. 6/10 if you are out of things to watch and only 8 45 minute episodes.
 

NVGator

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Martian - watched this last night with the wife. Great movie. Really intense at times. Writing was very creative and a little humorous. Special effects were incredible. No boobs. Highly recommend watching.
 

TLB

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Atomic Blond (2017)

Charlize Theron as a cold war spy for MI6 in Berlin as the wall is about to fall. Someone has a list of all the allied agents, including a double agent named "Satchel". Filming is great in colors (greys and blues) and setting (80's grungy urban Berlin), action sequences are also solid as she kicks ass in fights but they don't stretch out so long as to overtake the story - it's still about the spies and finding the list. However, I should point out at around 1:15 into the movie there is an extended hand-to-hand fight between her and a bad guy that runs long....but it is one uncut scene, camera keeps moving and positioning while Theron and the bad guy go back and forth, no stunt double, she's doing it all. And THAT is followed by a short car chase - again, mostly all one shot, camera moving all over, and great car crashes. Overall film is told in flashback, as she is debriefing with MI6, and CIA liason, John Goodman (does a decent job, comes across as you would expect him to). Flashbacks involve the events of chasing the list and the man who held it ("Spyglass"), and an (ex?) MI6 agent who has gone native in East Berlin and knows the people and places for contacts, "David Percival" (played very well by James McAvoy). There develops a question for viewers as to who actually is Satchel - Theron or McAvoy. I won't spoil it, but while it isn't as strong a twist or play out as other films, it does hold up well until the reveal. BUT, following the reveal, the movie gives us an extra 10min of action and story setting us up for a sequel which ought to be pretty good, and a bonus twist. Double-Bonus points for a kicking soundtrack full of memorable late 80's tracks we all recognize, generally dropping in with lyrics to match the current mood of the movie.

There is a nice lesbie scene between Theron and a French agent that starts with lip kisses, then dry humping, then enough boobage to earn points. We even get a follow up bedroom scene with them that doesn't show anything but hints to it. 8/10, recommended. Not an awesome film, but a damn good one that was better than expected.
 

Detroitgator

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Atomic Blond (2017)

Charlize Theron as a cold war spy for MI6 in Berlin as the wall is about to fall. Someone has a list of all the allied agents, including a double agent named "Satchel". Filming is great in colors (greys and blues) and setting (80's grungy urban Berlin), action sequences are also solid as she kicks ass in fights but they don't stretch out so long as to overtake the story - it's still about the spies and finding the list. However, I should point out at around 1:15 into the movie there is an extended hand-to-hand fight between her and a bad guy that runs long....but it is one uncut scene, camera keeps moving and positioning while Theron and the bad guy go back and forth, no stunt double, she's doing it all. And THAT is followed by a short car chase - again, mostly all one shot, camera moving all over, and great car crashes. Overall film is told in flashback, as she is debriefing with MI6, and CIA liason, John Goodman (does a decent job, comes across as you would expect him to). Flashbacks involve the events of chasing the list and the man who held it ("Spyglass"), and an (ex?) MI6 agent who has gone native in East Berlin and knows the people and places for contacts, "David Percival" (played very well by James McAvoy). There develops a question for viewers as to who actually is Satchel - Theron or McAvoy. I won't spoil it, but while it isn't as strong a twist or play out as other films, it does hold up well until the reveal. BUT, following the reveal, the movie gives us an extra 10min of action and story setting us up for a sequel which ought to be pretty good, and a bonus twist. Double-Bonus points for a kicking soundtrack full of memorable late 80's tracks we all recognize, generally dropping in with lyrics to match the current mood of the movie.

There is a nice lesbie scene between Theron and a French agent that starts with lip kisses, then dry humping, then enough boobage to earn points. We even get a follow up bedroom scene with them that doesn't show anything but hints to it. 8/10, recommended. Not an awesome film, but a damn good one that was better than expected.
I really enjoyed it the same way I enjoyed Hanna (and to much lesser extent, first John Wick). I’m a sucker for East Berlin and espionage stuff and i don’t mind suspending reality for an otherwise good/decent story and action (Hanna also has an amazingly long single shot fight scene).

I won’t say anything about the reveal either, but if you watch it again (and it’s worth it) they did a massive cover up scene earlier in the movie to protect the reveal until later that once you know the reveal, the scene I’m talking about could not have happened that way in real life given what we find out... I like going back to look for those “flaws by design” to throw us off.

On the Hanna note, it’s really a classic brothers Grimm’s fairy tale told in a cool, modern way.
 

ThreatMatrix

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Atomic Blond (2017)

Charlize Theron as a cold war spy for MI6 in Berlin as the wall is about to fall. Someone has a list of all the allied agents, including a double agent named "Satchel". Filming is great in colors (greys and blues) and setting (80's grungy urban Berlin), action sequences are also solid as she kicks ass in fights but they don't stretch out so long as to overtake the story - it's still about the spies and finding the list. However, I should point out at around 1:15 into the movie there is an extended hand-to-hand fight between her and a bad guy that runs long....but it is one uncut scene, camera keeps moving and positioning while Theron and the bad guy go back and forth, no stunt double, she's doing it all. And THAT is followed by a short car chase - again, mostly all one shot, camera moving all over, and great car crashes. Overall film is told in flashback, as she is debriefing with MI6, and CIA liason, John Goodman (does a decent job, comes across as you would expect him to). Flashbacks involve the events of chasing the list and the man who held it ("Spyglass"), and an (ex?) MI6 agent who has gone native in East Berlin and knows the people and places for contacts, "David Percival" (played very well by James McAvoy). There develops a question for viewers as to who actually is Satchel - Theron or McAvoy. I won't spoil it, but while it isn't as strong a twist or play out as other films, it does hold up well until the reveal. BUT, following the reveal, the movie gives us an extra 10min of action and story setting us up for a sequel which ought to be pretty good, and a bonus twist. Double-Bonus points for a kicking soundtrack full of memorable late 80's tracks we all recognize, generally dropping in with lyrics to match the current mood of the movie.

There is a nice lesbie scene between Theron and a French agent that starts with lip kisses, then dry humping, then enough boobage to earn points. We even get a follow up bedroom scene with them that doesn't show anything but hints to it. 8/10, recommended. Not an awesome film, but a damn good one that was better than expected.

I did a review earlier and yeah I enjoyed this. It wasn't what i expected from the trailers. That uncut fight scene was very cool.
 

TLB

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Expendables 3

So, you know by the title, this is explosions and cameos with little plot. If that's what you want, WATCH THIS. Story this time is Stallone breaks Wesley Snipes out of prison (schadenfreude on his location?), then retires his team and recruits a new young bunch for a suicide mission against his old partner, Mel Gibson. Things go sideways and the old team comes back to help solve the situation. There, I've spoiled the plot. However, you get in spades the cameos of actors you didn't know you wanted to see in this franchise, several are pleasant surprises, some of the new young group are throwaways while others may come back again. The *best* IMO is Antonio Banderas as a wannabe begging to join up...freaking hilarious. Aside from action (explosions, guns with unlimited bullets, a few thrown knives) you get a healthy sprinkling of delightful one liners and humorous dialogue (old guy talk between Sly and several of the older guys). I figured it was third in the series and apt to be trash milking the name - I was delighted and found my self seriously laughing out loud to many of the scenes and dialogues. Loved it, absolutely maintaining the franchise - you know what you want, and you aren't disappointed with it. Loved it. And it actually did have a plot that kept moving at a decent pace, didn't drag or get absurd really. 8/10 with no boobs (would you really want to see Rhonda Rousey's?)
 

Detroitgator

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12 Strong

So, I was invited by the Hurlburt boys to a special screening of this in FWB yesterday.

It’s a near complete fabrication of the real story and there’s bad blood about that. Other than that, it’s as entertaining as any modern war movie... JB gave the people the movie they wanted, not needed. These movies are now just updated westerns.

Now, if you want to watch an excellent film on what actually happened with the actual guys, find Legion of Brothers... it is excellent.
 
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TheDouglas78

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Expendables 3

So, you know by the title, this is explosions and cameos with little plot. If that's what you want, WATCH THIS. Story this time is Stallone breaks Wesley Snipes out of prison (schadenfreude on his location?), then retires his team and recruits a new young bunch for a suicide mission against his old partner, Mel Gibson. Things go sideways and the old team comes back to help solve the situation. There, I've spoiled the plot. However, you get in spades the cameos of actors you didn't know you wanted to see in this franchise, several are pleasant surprises, some of the new young group are throwaways while others may come back again. The *best* IMO is Antonio Banderas as a wannabe begging to join up...freaking hilarious. Aside from action (explosions, guns with unlimited bullets, a few thrown knives) you get a healthy sprinkling of delightful one liners and humorous dialogue (old guy talk between Sly and several of the older guys). I figured it was third in the series and apt to be trash milking the name - I was delighted and found my self seriously laughing out loud to many of the scenes and dialogues. Loved it, absolutely maintaining the franchise - you know what you want, and you aren't disappointed with it. Loved it. And it actually did have a plot that kept moving at a decent pace, didn't drag or get absurd really. 8/10 with no boobs (would you really want to see Rhonda Rousey's?)

Mel Gibson was excellent in that character, his monologue in the van is pretty damn good.
 

Gatordiddy

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Saw ...
"The Informant!"
True story of an Archer Daniels Midland exec who turned whistleblower back in the '90s.
Good cast and Matt Damon was believable...
No boobs, 6.5/10

And..

"Loving"
True story of an interracial couple back in Virginia around 1958 who wanted to get married.
It was illegal in Virginia at the time so they drove up to D.C. and got married.
then all hell breaks loose when they get back to southern Virginia.
Great understated acting in this one...no boobs either.
8.5 out of 10

"Zootopia"
Had to watch an animated film - so I chose this one.
I really liked the story line...great voices too. Loved the scene at the DMV.
8/10

These have been reviewed in here before but I finally got around to seeing both 'Hidden Figures' and 'Hacksaw Ridge'.
THOROUGHLY enjoyed both movies.
 

ThreatMatrix

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Saw ...
"The Informant!"
True story of an Archer Daniels Midland exec who turned whistleblower back in the '90s.
Good cast and Matt Damon was believable...
No boobs, 6.5/10

And..

"Loving"
True story of an interracial couple back in Virginia around 1958 who wanted to get married.
It was illegal in Virginia at the time so they drove up to D.C. and got married.
then all hell breaks loose when they get back to southern Virginia.
Great understated acting in this one...no boobs either.
8.5 out of 10

"Zootopia"
Had to watch an animated film - so I chose this one.
I really liked the story line...great voices too. Loved the scene at the DMV.
8/10

These have been reviewed in here before but I finally got around to seeing both 'Hidden Figures' and 'Hacksaw Ridge'.
THOROUGHLY enjoyed both movies.

Sooo Zootopia, boobs?
 

Swamp Donkey

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12 Strong- cool flick but it isn't drama. If you are expecting that, you may feel shortchanged. No one has super powers, there isn't a lot of soap opera drama about wives banging each other's husbands etc. There won't be any exciting plot twists and super antiheros who cheat death multiple times.

I don't know how true it is to the actual story, though the names seem correct. I do know Dostrum in particular isn't a nice dude. Some of the scenes got hollywooded no doubt, "I have to get closer to get a better grid coordinate for the B52s".... uhhhh.... whatever.

It does show a part of the Astan war that so many people didnt even realize occurred. Those operations were critical to quickly destabilizing the Taliban. It was one of our biggest victories in modern history and the textbook use for special forces. At there heart they are leaders, instructors, and advisors, not Johnny Rambo commandos.


 
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gingerlover

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Valerian - it’s a turn your brain off science fiction film. Not the best if the genre but for some reason I enjoyed it for what it was. The effects almost felt 90s at times. 5/10 and a popcorn flick. Better than expected but not great.
 

gingerlover

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The Fate and the Furious - drive cars really fast and save the world. I have vaguely paid attention to this series since I’m not a street racing guy. However the last few have shifted more to a spy type missions. It’s got the rock, statham, Theron, Kurt Russell and all the car guys. Basically vin diesel goes rogue on a mission and they have to stop the lady he works for (Theron). They even recruit a criminal to help (Statham). Helen Mirren even shows up. Of course they have to save the world by driving cars really fast, but the motives make sense.

This is another popcorn flick, but is entertaining. Most seem to look like they had fun. Vin Diesel still is t a great actor but his movies make a gazillion dollars and they made the rock look like a super human. I would say this is more in line with a typical action/spy movie than a racing film. Turn off your brain and enjoy a 6/10 movie. If your looking for a winery Oscar performance this is t for you.
 

ThreatMatrix

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Valerian - it’s a turn your brain off science fiction film. Not the best if the genre but for some reason I enjoyed it for what it was. The effects almost felt 90s at times. 5/10 and a popcorn flick. Better than expected but not great.
I enjoyed it a lot. Pure escapism. It was a fun movie and I got a kick out of the Major Tom opening montage. Plus Cara Delevingne is immensely easy to look at for two hours.
 

Detroitgator

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I enjoyed it a lot. Pure escapism. It was a fun movie and I got a kick out of the Major Tom opening montage. Plus Cara Delevingne is immensely easy to look at for two hours.
I’m a Luc Besson fan and I know this was a passion project for him but I stayed away from it. Will give it a whirl.
 

Swamp Donkey

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12 Strong

It’s a near complete fabrication of the real story and there’s bad blood about that.
Which parts? That 559 was first (when Im pretty sure there were multiple teams)? That they werent aware theyd be riding horses? I know they trained for it in country and at K2.

That hilarious cavalry charge at the end? That was the most obviously hollywooded part... but I guess I assumed that would be obvious.

Or do you just mean the B team commander, who was portrayed as an ass etc?

I still think it is a good flick, especially for those who didnt know anything like this took place, which is most people.

I will look for your other recommendation.
 

Detroitgator

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Which parts? That 559 was first (when Im pretty sure there were multiple teams)? That they werent aware theyd be riding horses? I know they trained for it in country and at K2.

That hilarious cavalry charge at the end? That was the most obviously hollywooded part... but I guess I assumed that would be obvious.

Or do you just mean the B team commander, who was portrayed as an ass etc?

I still think it is a good flick, especially for those who didnt know anything like this took place, which is most people.

I will look for your other recommendation.
I think it’s worth watching and I’ll see it again, but it’s Hollywood history and it bothers me when we start thinking of these versions are as “close enough” given that so few ever read anything anymore.
 

Swamp Donkey

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I think it’s worth watching and I’ll see it again, but it’s Hollywood history and it bothers me when we start thinking of these versions are as “close enough” given that so few ever read anything anymore.
Yeah..... but it ISNT the history channel. They are always going to insist on a cavalry charge w everyone shooting from the hip and assault rifles with neverending ammunition.
 

Detroitgator

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Yeah..... but it ISNT the history channel. They are always going to insist on a cavalry charge w everyone shooting from the hip and assault rifles with neverending ammunition.
I know, it’s about money, but they really shorted Dostum and the Afghans in this, and 595 as well. There’s good reason why not a single name of the actual members of 595 is used in the movie and it has nothing to do with OPSEC or personal security... hell, “595” is never even said in the movie while 555 is.
 
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