Switch Theme:

Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature  [RSS] Share on facebook Share on Twitter Submit to Reddit
»
Author Message
Advert


Forum adverts like this one are shown to any user who is not logged in. Join us by filling out a tiny 3 field form and you will get your own, free, dakka user account which gives a good range of benefits to you:
  • No adverts like this in the forums anymore.
  • Times and dates in your local timezone.
  • Full tracking of what you have read so you can skip to your first unread post, easily see what has changed since you last logged in, and easily see what is new at a glance.
  • Email notifications for threads you want to watch closely.
  • Being a part of the oldest wargaming community on the net.
If you are already a member then feel free to login now.




Made in in
[MOD]
Otiose in a Niche






Hyderabad, India

 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
About to give The Orville a spin, as it’s popped up on Disney+.

Given my deep seated loathing for Seth McFarlane and his god awful smugness, it’s got a real uphill battle to win me over.


It's OK in that "it's an hour before bedtime and I want to watch something inoffensive that might make me smile" sort of way.

 
   
Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






So far it’s pretty tolerable, however I’m still braced for my “any second now, he’s gonna disappear back up his own butt” prejudice to be proven.

Can certainly see why others enjoy it though.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Onto the fourth episode, and it is admittedly pretty good.

I’d expected some sad git humour about the baby in episode 3, but there was none.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2021/09/15 15:12:54


   
Made in us
Legendary Master of the Chapter





SoCal

 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
About to give The Orville a spin, as it’s popped up on Disney+.

Given my deep seated loathing for Seth McFarlane and his god awful smugness, it’s got a real uphill battle to win me over.


The first couple episodes will be rough, but then it starts finding its footing.

   
Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






I’m somewhat more convinced than I was at the beginning.

But as stated, I still await MacFarlane disappearing square up his own arse.

Words can indeed describe my distaste for him, but they’re (justifiably) words not allowed on Dakka.

But so far, so good. Sure his trope is traditionally lazy (it’s Star Trek…..but with swearing!), at least he isn’t getting lazy within this specific trope (unlike Simpsons With Swearing, King of the Hill With Swearing, and Teddie Ruxpin With Swearing).

Don’t get me wrong, I effing love swearing. Swearing amuses me. I just don’t think it’s a career path, and I really wish his earlier works had stayed cancelled the first time.

Sorry. I went off on one. Sincere apologies.

   
Made in gb
Longtime Dakkanaut





Oxfordshire

Gunpowder Milkshake

I made it most of the way through but couldn't finish on account of the film being totally worthless. But that's better than most of the films I've tried to watch this year. It's another film that attempts to be feminist without grasping a single shred of what feminism means. The lead character is less interesting than Captain Marvel (she really is that bad) and the action attempts to be John Wick without the skill (and Wick was repetitively boring nonsense to begin with). Even though it has Karen Gillen, who's performance in the Jumaji films is fantastic, I can't recommend anybody watches this.
   
Made in us
Purposeful Hammerhead Pilot




United States

Since the last time I posted:

How to Train Your Dragon 1+2:
I understand now why this series has 3 entries and multiple tv series (as well as themed land for the theme parks in development.) This is an incredibly heartfelt series about growing up and family and friendship etc. a near-perfect family film franchise.

Shang-Chi:
Marvel didn't skimp on the wire-work in their attempt to mold superheroes into a kung-fu flick. The climax was a bit nonsensical and difficult to follow visually, but I am excited to see where the rest of phase 4 goes for marvel.
   
Made in us
Battlefield Tourist




MN (Currently in WY)

The Midnight Sky

This is a George Clooney vehicle and it does really highlight his skills. That said, the movie is pretty depressing from the word go, and the "big reveal" isn't much of a reveal. The pace is also a bit slow for a lot of viewers.

Samurai Marathon
Interesting set-up, that gets less interesting as the movie goes along. The "climax" is a very poorly paced. However, the fight choreography seems more realistic and less OTT than most samurai films I have seen. I am probably wrong though.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2021/09/18 21:35:19


Support Blood and Spectacles Publishing:
https://www.patreon.com/Bloodandspectaclespublishing 
   
Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






Cabin Fever 2, Spring Fever

Oh gods I wish I wasn’t watching this. But being stoic and fully embracing of my own mistakes, I will see it out.

I really, really wish I hadn’t picked this fight. This is beyond awful. And not even in a vaguely amusing way.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
Seriously. It’s got 14 minutes left to run, and I couldn’t tell you a damn thing about it.

I’ve seen crap films aplenty in my time.

I’ve seen low budget films aplenty in my time.

I have never, ever, seen such a half arsed mess of a film before. And I’ve seen Children Shouldn’t Play With Dead Things, which was both low budget and incompetent.

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2021/09/18 22:02:01


   
Made in us
Secret Force Behind the Rise of the Tau




USA

Candyman

It's pretty good. First Peele film I've really liked since Get Out. It's not super inventive or anything. In most ways, it's kind of a repackaging of the original film that refocuses on the more presently topical racial themes rather than the urban legend angle (though that angle is still there). It's decently thrilling and suspenseful. Endings predictable and kind of... Well I can see the point it's trying to make but the depiction is fairly absurd. Then again the stuff the film is pointing a finger at usually are fairly absurd so maybe I shouldn't be so critical of it. Or maybe I should be critical of it because for a movie in a franchise where the villification of black men is a major theme, making white cops even more gun happy than the audience might be willing to believe can seem like a reflexive backfire of committing the same sin in reverse. Unless that's the point? Not sure. Peele has this habit now where actually parsing what he's specifically trying to say is a mess but at least the movies still good. Mostly the actual set up is just a bit over the top and a much subtler one would seem to have achieved the desired result more effectively.

It does carry a certain chill with its undertones that's very well delivered even if the set up is bombastic.

Not a waste of time. 7/10.

This message was edited 4 times. Last update was at 2021/09/19 07:05:26


   
Made in gb
Executing Exarch





Love and Monsters

YA goes post apoc, harmless enough with some above par cg gribblys (in the daylight, take note Godzilla makers)

Lucifer

Well thank Dad that's over, the last three season have been some of the most hamfisted rubbish made ever fingers crossed everyone involved can go get half decent jobs now, apart from the writers I'm sure there's a special place awaiting them...

"AND YET YOU ACT AS IF THERE IS SOME IDEAL ORDER IN THE WORLD, AS IF THERE IS SOME...SOME RIGHTNESS IN THE UNIVERSE BY WHICH IT MAY BE JUDGED." 
   
Made in us
Purposeful Hammerhead Pilot




United States

The LEGO Movie 2: The Second Part

Not as good as the first. Basically the same film structure. Only this time instead of it being about the son wanting to use his dad's legos. It's about the younger sister who wants to use her dad's/brother's legos, and the brother pushing back against it. I enjoyed it, but I'm a sucker for this kind of humor. My wife just complained that the kids were too old to be playing with lego's in the way shown in the movie. lol.
   
Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






I greatly enjoyed both Lego movies. They’re just….fun. Good, clean, innocent childlike fun.

   
Made in gb
Executing Exarch





 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
I greatly enjoyed both Lego movies. They’re just….fun. Good, clean, innocent childlike fun.


I'll second that and there's a fair chance Lego Batman is the best Batman film

"AND YET YOU ACT AS IF THERE IS SOME IDEAL ORDER IN THE WORLD, AS IF THERE IS SOME...SOME RIGHTNESS IN THE UNIVERSE BY WHICH IT MAY BE JUDGED." 
   
Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






I honestly can’t remember that one.

I know I’ve seen it, and I can tell you I didn’t hate it. Was probably during a depressive episode where the old memory is a bit rubbish.

Oh dear. Will just need to watch it again!

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2021/09/19 17:18:27


   
Made in us
Legendary Master of the Chapter





SoCal

Lego Batman had an “always bet on black” joke. Clearly the best Batman movie since West’s Batman: The Movie.

   
Made in gb
The Daemon Possessing Fulgrim's Body





Devon, UK

 LordofHats wrote:
Candyman
Spoiler:

It's pretty good. First Peele film I've really liked since Get Out. It's not super inventive or anything. In most ways, it's kind of a repackaging of the original film that refocuses on the more presently topical racial themes rather than the urban legend angle (though that angle is still there). It's decently thrilling and suspenseful. Endings predictable and kind of... Well I can see the point it's trying to make but the depiction is fairly absurd. Then again the stuff the film is pointing a finger at usually are fairly absurd so maybe I shouldn't be so critical of it. Or maybe I should be critical of it because for a movie in a franchise where the villification of black men is a major theme, making white cops even more gun happy than the audience might be willing to believe can seem like a reflexive backfire of committing the same sin in reverse. Unless that's the point? Not sure. Peele has this habit now where actually parsing what he's specifically trying to say is a mess but at least the movies still good. Mostly the actual set up is just a bit over the top and a much subtler one would seem to have achieved the desired result more effectively.

It does carry a certain chill with its undertones that's very well delivered even if the set up is bombastic.

Not a waste of time. 7/10.


I think you've been far too generous. Jordan Peele is not Clive Barker and it shows in nearly every frame. It lacks any of the haunting, dream-like qualities of the original, it abandons any sense of nuance for clumsy good/bad caricatures and the whole thing is littered with redundant characters and characters who are obviously there just to be victims or exposition bots.

The running time is very similar to the original, spend your time watching that one again. 4/10.

We find comfort among those who agree with us - growth among those who don't. - Frank Howard Clark

The wise man doubts often, and changes his mind; the fool is obstinate, and doubts not; he knows all things but his own ignorance.

The correct statement of individual rights is that everyone has the right to an opinion, but crucially, that opinion can be roundly ignored and even made fun of, particularly if it is demonstrably nonsense!” Professor Brian Cox

Ask me about
Barnstaple Slayers Club 
   
Made in at
Buttons Should Be Brass, Not Gold!





Vienna, Austria

 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
I greatly enjoyed both Lego movies. They’re just….fun. Good, clean, innocent childlike fun.


....with a huuuuuge corporate whiff about it. But I have to admit that the first one was alright-ish. In parts. I also dislike Will Ferrell in most things.

   
Made in gb
Joined the Military for Authentic Experience





On an Express Elevator to Hell!!

That's disappointing about Candyman I was looking forward to that.

Watched the new Suicide Squad and have to give it a 9/10/

Has got James Gunn's signature all over it, tremendous fun and really enjoyed it.

I would say probably my favourite of the DC films, even though it didn't actually feel like a DC film (which I guess tells you something).

Epic 30K&40K! A new players guide, contributors welcome https://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/751316.page
Small but perfectly formed! A Great Crusade Epic 6mm project: https://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/694411.page

 
   
Made in gb
The Daemon Possessing Fulgrim's Body





Devon, UK

 Pacific wrote:
That's disappointing about Candyman I was looking forward to that.


Hey, just my opinion, LoH obviously felt much better disposed towards it, you may too.

But that said, I could have ranted much longer if I wasn't trying to respect the "mini" aspect of the thread.

We find comfort among those who agree with us - growth among those who don't. - Frank Howard Clark

The wise man doubts often, and changes his mind; the fool is obstinate, and doubts not; he knows all things but his own ignorance.

The correct statement of individual rights is that everyone has the right to an opinion, but crucially, that opinion can be roundly ignored and even made fun of, particularly if it is demonstrably nonsense!” Professor Brian Cox

Ask me about
Barnstaple Slayers Club 
   
Made in us
Secret Force Behind the Rise of the Tau




USA

I don't think Azreal's opinion is invalid honestly.

A lot of what they point out is stuff I'd qualify as part of the repackaging. The first film leaned heavily into urban legend and folklore and definitely had that fairy tale element to it. The new movie lacks most of that. I do not disagree.

The new movie instead takes a more... I'm trying to find the best way to put it. The best I can come up with is grounded approach. It's a movie that leans far more into the racial tension element in the original but places that element front and center and makes it the focus. In turn, the urban legend element is still there but less prominent and the fairy tale tone is basically abandoned in lieu of more visceral horror.

I still think it's good, but it is a different movie from the original and people who want more of the original very well might not enjoy the new one. I'm not surprised that someone who values the original for what it was would be disappointed or put off. At the same time, we're not exactly swimming in good horror these days and Candyman is probably one of the better films we'll get this year if only because the bar is so low so often.

This message was edited 3 times. Last update was at 2021/09/22 01:59:44


   
Made in at
Buttons Should Be Brass, Not Gold!





Vienna, Austria

The Barbarians (1987)

Finally got to see that one. It's really good fun. Two funny barbarians, a very, very charming lady helping them out, a weird, rambling plot, a woefully underfunded dragon, clowns.
It's one of these great fantasy worlds in which everything can be solved by strength. There is magic, but it's for girls and it works as magic should

Solid fantasy, put on film by late Cannon Films.

Watch It. You have to. They don't make'em like this. They never did, and that's okay. But it's one of the films you gotta watch, just so you get all the avatars and gifs and so on. Media literacy canon.

   
Made in us
Legendary Master of the Chapter





SoCal

Is that the one with the twins?

   
Made in at
Buttons Should Be Brass, Not Gold!





Vienna, Austria

 BobtheInquisitor wrote:
Is that the one with the twins?


yup

   
Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






Howl

British Werewolf flick from 2015. I was kinda dimly aware of it, but wasn’t properly on my radar.

It’s really quite enjoyable! Bunch of people trapped on a train, besieged by Werewolves. Definitely give it a spin, especially if you enjoyed Dog Soldiers.

   
Made in us
Terrifying Doombull




My Little Pony the Next Generation (aka, MLP the Movie 2021, Netflix)

This was an odd one. The CGI animation struck me as a mistake the when they first showed it off, but its far more expressive than I expected.

Overall, its a bit cliche in some respects (intro is framing the story from the main character's childhood, for example), in others, it just chucks cliches out and... doesn't really replace them with anything.

It builds on the previous series (Friendship is Magic) but its basically 'legends from a long, long time ago' when all the different ponies were friends but no one (but a dad and his kid) believes that anymore. Instead they live racially segregated and tell horrible stories about kidnapping, mind control and for some reason, an oddly prevalent cannibalism. 'But why though?' is left unanswered for a sequel series..

Obviously, this is all nonsense, and the main character wants to make friends with other types of ponies, and does. Meanwhile, the film presents several possible antagonists (based around the idea that differences are to be feared), despite not needing one (or wanting one, given the story arc- it seems to have one because children's movies have to have one) and the second story arc becomes all about restoring magic to everyone.
Spoiler:
And this is where it trips, as the message 'if at first you don't succeed, give up and go home, and find the very, very obvious mcguffin at your house, where everyone will conveniently assemble for an unrelated (but extremely telegraphed) resolution' is not very satisfying.


It isn't a bad film, especially for the kiddos, but its a bit heavy handed in its themes (bad cop goes full Kim Jong for no explicable reason in the background, but is still largely a pathetic goofball rather than a proper antagonist), and the story logic jumps several steps, and the main character's actions at the climax seem out of wack
Spoiler:
Sunny just giving up seems utterly bizarre, since her life's goal was about the desire to make friends, which succeeds, not restoring magic, which she never knew about and doesn't seem to affect earth ponies anyway


You can also spot the edits at times. For example, once they get to unicorn town (and emo unicorns are bizarrely adorable), there's clearly supposed to be a internal party conflict about priorities (relaxing with friends or getting on with the mission) but suddenly there is a hard cut to a musical number.

If you've got younger kids, this is probably going to be an inevitable part of your life. Its set up like a Disney movie (and they brought in Sofia Carson from Disney's Descendents, which helps it feel like a disney movie).

It touches on modern social issues in a kid friendly way, but beyond 'embrace differences rather than reject them' its pretty inoffensive and not particularly preachy. If anything, its too cautious and quiet in that regard- other than the Angry Mob song (which sounds like a cover of an Offspring song), but even that is generic and more amusing than serious commentary.

The characters are probably the best aspect (and I can see the fanfic writers already gearing up), especially the unicorn teashop owner who scams people in competitive games of rubik's cube solving and dance dance revolution.
-----

Verdict:
Its fun, but beyond being a vehicle for the next generation of shows and toys, its not particularly exceptional (or hold together particularly well).

This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2021/09/25 16:59:39


Efficiency is the highest virtue. 
   
Made in us
Member of the Ethereal Council






I'm about to say something that will be a blast from the past but.
I just watched My Little Pony A New Generation on Netflix.
They pretty much TNGed it with a new cast but set in the same world loong after the last cartoon.
I loved it. A few hiccups here and there but I felt so genuine that I don't feel alot of movie hit nowadays.
Looking forward to the show In a year

5000pts 6000pts 3000pts
 
   
Made in it
Waaagh! Ork Warboss




Italy

Free Guy: a perfect mix between GTA, The Truman Show, Ready Player One and Wreck It Ralph. Starring the worst living actor. Very mediocre movie overall with nice visual effects though.

 
   
Made in at
Buttons Should Be Brass, Not Gold!





Vienna, Austria

Aye, that very much sounds like what I thought this film would be.

I started watching a tv show called Superstore on Netflix. Very, very interesting. Not since the very early Simpsons I've seen such people-friendly thing in a US sitcom (or tv show in general). This is a pretty overblown sentence, but it came to my mind last night. Very similar vibes. Rather neat.
Now I wanna see a similar sitcom sat in an Amazon warehouse.

This message was edited 3 times. Last update was at 2021/09/28 12:22:21


   
Made in gb
Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon






No Time To Die

It’s genuinely good. Really good.

   
Made in in
[MOD]
Otiose in a Niche






Hyderabad, India

 Turnip Jedi wrote:
 Mad Doc Grotsnik wrote:
I greatly enjoyed both Lego movies. They’re just….fun. Good, clean, innocent childlike fun.


I'll second that and there's a fair chance Lego Batman is the best Batman film


You mean best since Batman '66 right?

 
   
 
Forum Index » Geek Media
Go to: