recent product reviews
Kick-Ass 2 (2013)
Same formula as the original, a bit more explicit this time. Moretz is growing up but still good. Taylor-Johnson has been working out, hasn’t he? Carrey’s a nice addition, though he’s in that awkward zone between not too funny and not too dramatic.
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Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973)
The whole thing is getting a bit old, with stories getting thinner and masks getting cheaper. A good time to end the series. The crying Caesar statue at the end was a bit much. I find Darden unappealing. Certainly no need for that many close-ups of his face.
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Best of the Best (1989)
An implementation of the Rocky/Karate Kid formula, but it’s pretty lousy. A ragtag collection of B and C actors. Roberts is awful.
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A Very Brady Sequel (1996)
Once again, amazingly faithful to the original series. This parody really works. Glad whole cast came back. Gary Cole as Mike is fabulously deadpan. Matheson isn’t so great, though. Or at least the writing for him isn’t so funny.
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Clear History (2013)
Just like Curb Your Enthusiasm. Lots of improv and a few funny moments, but some of it seems a bit forced. This one was made for TV, but I wonder if it’s possible to make a big commercial movie in which every scene is mostly improvised. Has that ever been…
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The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (2013)
Kind of fun. Stiller’s comedy always has a bit of heart in it.
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The Bourne Legacy (2012)
The whole thing has a very James Bond feel, only instead of the hero acting on official government business, this hero is evading his own government. There’s a certain polish and international quality that reminds me of 2006’s Casino Royale. Interesting that Daniel Craig visited his wife Rachel Weisz during…
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Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)
Poorly shot and edited, and the ape masks/prosthetics/makeup are starting to look a bit cheap. Architecture and hairstyles and sideburns give it away as a 70’s movie. I wonder if there’s ever been a period piece made that doesn’t give away the era in which it was produced through it’s…
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Under the Sea 3D (2009)
Beautiful photography and great 3D effects. How are these sea creatures not afraid of what must be a hulking camera? Carrey’s pretty good and flashes a hint of his trademark humor. I wonder how funny he could make a documentary like this if given free reign. The environmental message a…
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Miracle (2004)
Disney did a pretty good job with this one. Some dramatic liberties were taken, but the film properly honors the memory of Brooks and team. Has Disney made any other historical dramas? Carefully shot, with great sets and costumes, muted colors, old feel film stock, and good hockey action. This…
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I'm a photographer, web developer, travel enthusiast, and movie buff living in Alexandria, Virginia, USA.In the summer of 1993, I started writing reviews for every movie I saw and haven't looked back. I'm up to 2,387 reviews now. This makes me cool or a complete dork, depending on your perspective.
Some of these reviews contain spoilers, so if that bothers you, don't read!
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