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2021/12/12 17:40:26
Subject: Re:Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature
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The Daemon Possessing Fulgrim's Body
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Wrath Of Man
Guy Ritchie reunites with Jason Statham to tell the story of "H," a man who applies for work at a security company in the wake of the fatal shooting of 2 guards during an armoured car robbery. Fortunately he proves to be precisely as competent as he needs to be to pass the assessment and gets the job...
First off, this isn't a typical Ritchie film, so anybody expecting one of his signature knockabout London gangsta films with bullets and witticisms flying will be disappointed.
In many ways, it is evocative of a style of thriller that was popular in the 70s and 80s, both in terms of plot and visual style. It feels like something you may have seen Charles Bronson or Clint Eastwood fronting in 1982. Which is in no way a criticism, merely an observation.
Ritchie's style is still there in places ( he wrote the screenplay and produced, as well as directing) chiefly in the signature retrospective storytelling device he uses so frequently, showing you the "now" before going back and explaining how everything got where it is. Statham plays it straighter than he does in something like Crank or The Transporter, but still isn't risking an injury by overstretching. The rest of the key roles are filled out with some really good choices though, which seems to be another Ritchie hallmark.
Overall, the word "solid" keeps coming to mind. Both in terms of the action sequences, which feel weighted and grounded (if muc of the cast had, or underwent, pretty significant firearms training, I wouldn't be surprised) and in terms of the acting, plot, cinematography and pretty much all key aspects.
Ultimately, if you're disposed towards the genre, you're unlikely to feel too cheated by spending time watching it, but there's little here that's going to stay long in the memory.
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2021/12/12 23:08:28
Subject: Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature
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Joined the Military for Authentic Experience
On an Express Elevator to Hell!!
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Kid_Kyoto wrote:For me Alien 3 gets a lot of hate for not even coming close to the Dark Horse Comics Aliens Sequel.
100%. Think also the AvP films dropped the ball on that big time, you had some really great comic stories they could have used.
Also think Alien 3 was disliked because of the nonchalant way in which it killed off the two beloved survivor characters from the second film.
And they cut out the Paul McGann sequences, if you ever want cast-iron evidence of the film creators now knowing what the feth they were doing.
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2021/12/12 23:43:42
Subject: Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature
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Terrifying Doombull
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Jungle Cruise
I was bored, so decided to let it play. I mostly remained bored throughout the film.
It isn't terrible, for what it is. But its 90% recycled from other films and franchises, and they somehow made a less interesting version of Pirates of the Caribbean.
I guess its fine if you're having a social gathering and want a film to run in the background so people who don't want to talk have something to keep them occupied. /shrug
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Efficiency is the highest virtue. |
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2021/12/13 12:02:51
Subject: Re:Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature
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Buttons Should Be Brass, Not Gold!
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Hard Target (1993)
John Woo's first effort in the US, with a proper 18million budget and LOT of ideas. Starring Jean-Claude Van Damme and his hair, the guy from the Mummy and Lance Henriksen. Also: Ted Raimi as "man on street". Is there a list of all of Ted Raimi's cameo appearances? I like the Raimis.
Anyway, what an interesting film. The plot is entirely secondary. JCVD is being hunted by evil people. But the ideas and the shots in this film. Mr.Woo really wanted to make the most of what he's given.
Watch It. It's got to be seen to be believed and it will be a memorable experience. Sadly I watched it on German TV last night, and they butchered the film pretty badly and extreme prejudice.
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2021/12/13 14:00:44
Subject: Re:Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature
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Dakka Veteran
South East London
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I watched The Trip (2021) on Netflix
"A dysfunctional couple head to a remote cabin to reconnect, but each has intentions to kill the other. Before they can carry out their plans, unexpected visitors arrive and they face a greater danger."
This didn't have great reviews but I absolutely loved this.
It's possibly because I have a sick sense of humour and don't mind a bit (or a lot) of gore.
It's not a perfect movie but I can't remember the last time I laughed out loud so much. However, this may not be for everyone.
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"Dig in and wait for Winter" |
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2021/12/13 15:24:01
Subject: Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature
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Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon
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Haven’t watched that, yet. But kinda sounds like Tucker and Dale vs Evil?
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2021/12/13 15:40:19
Subject: Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature
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Battlefield Tourist
MN (Currently in WY)
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300: Rise of an Empire
This makes 300 look like a documentary. They just turn the Snyder/Miller-isms up to 11 and let it rip.
About as faithful to Herodotus as Herodotus is to the truth.
Record of Ragnarok
Historical humans face Gods of Myth in an arena battle.
Most Animes are 4 episodes of set-up for a 30 second battle. This is the opposite. Too bad the battles are really boring.
On a related note. I have started and not finished a number of animes recently. Some of the tropes made me really wonder about what is going on in Japan. Then, I thought about a number of Western and Chinese movies I have seen, and started to wonder what the Feth is going on in the world!
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This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2021/12/13 15:44:00
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2021/12/13 15:43:58
Subject: Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature
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Dakka Veteran
South East London
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Actually, that's not a bad comparison, although Tucker and Dale is a far superior movie.
But if Tucker and Dale vs Evil did Fargo you kinda get the idea.
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"Dig in and wait for Winter" |
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2021/12/13 15:50:31
Subject: Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature
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[MOD]
Otiose in a Niche
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Easy E wrote:300: Rise of an Empire
About as faithful to Herodotus as Herodotus is to the truth.
I don't know when or how but I hope I can use that line one day.
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2021/12/13 17:28:49
Subject: Re:Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature
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Joined the Military for Authentic Experience
On an Express Elevator to Hell!!
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High Fidelity [2001]
I read the Nick Hornby book many years ago, but somehow have avoided seeing the film over the past 20 years. Wish I had seen it before now! Cracking script, great characters (of course the role that was built for Jack Black) and just an enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours - John Cusack's character is a gak, but a likeable one, and there is a really nice story arc. Was a nice, slow-paced counterpoint to some of the action extravaganzas I have been watching recently.
Sigur wrote:Hard Target (1993)
John Woo's first effort in the US, with a proper 18million budget and LOT of ideas. Starring Jean-Claude Van Damme and his hair, the guy from the Mummy and Lance Henriksen. Also: Ted Raimi as "man on street". Is there a list of all of Ted Raimi's cameo appearances? I like the Raimis.
Anyway, what an interesting film. The plot is entirely secondary. JCVD is being hunted by evil people. But the ideas and the shots in this film. Mr.Woo really wanted to make the most of what he's given.
Watch It. It's got to be seen to be believed and it will be a memorable experience. Sadly I watched it on German TV last night, and they butchered the film pretty badly and extreme prejudice.
Probably one of my favourite John Woo films, definitely one of my favourite JVVD outings (and not just because of the hair). Cracking action sequences, great characters (uncle Gaston!!) good idea for a story and some great lines. I still have the DVD somewhere so need to watch it again!
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2021/12/13 21:02:53
Subject: Re:Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature
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[MOD]
Otiose in a Niche
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Sigur wrote:Hard Target (1993)
John Woo's first effort in the US, with a proper 18million budget and LOT of ideas. Starring Jean-Claude Van Damme and his hair, the guy from the Mummy and Lance Henriksen. Also: Ted Raimi as "man on street". Is there a list of all of Ted Raimi's cameo appearances? I like the Raimis.
Anyway, what an interesting film. The plot is entirely secondary. JCVD is being hunted by evil people. But the ideas and the shots in this film. Mr.Woo really wanted to make the most of what he's given.
Watch It. It's got to be seen to be believed and it will be a memorable experience. Sadly I watched it on German TV last night, and they butchered the film pretty badly and extreme prejudice.
Checking Hard Target now, it's on UK Netflix, don't know about other markets.
Thanks!
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2021/12/13 21:17:30
Subject: Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature
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Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon
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Hard Target influenced me enough that when the 54mm Inquisitor was a game, my Inquisitor had a single round, break barrel Bolter.
And now I know it’s on Netflix, I shall Hoover it up with my eyes.
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2021/12/14 16:15:33
Subject: Re:Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature
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Longtime Dakkanaut
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I watched Jingle All the Way while baking Christmas cookies.
I saw it originally in theaters when I was a kid and enjoyed it then. I may have enjoyed it a little more now. A lot of Sinbad's lines went way over my head as a child. Ted is considerably creepier as an adult.
I don't understand why it got awful reviews back then. At worst, it is a middling 90's child-comedy.
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The only way we can ever solve anything is to look in the mirror and find no enemy |
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2021/12/14 16:27:24
Subject: Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature
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Ridin' on a Snotling Pump Wagon
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Jingle all the way is a good film. I’d say it’s a decent slice of satire, with a heart of gold.
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2021/12/15 07:33:06
Subject: Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature
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Waaagh! Ork Warboss
Italy
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I also enjoyed it when I was a kid but never rewatched after that, wow it's 25 years now .
I always loved Schwarzy's comedies though, with Kindergarten Cop being my favorite.
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2021/12/15 08:40:40
Subject: Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature
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Leader of the Sept
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It’s fun, but I think True Lies beats it to that particular title
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Please excuse any spelling errors. I use a tablet frequently and software keyboards are a pain!
Terranwing - w3;d1;l1
51st Dunedinw2;d0;l0
Cadre Coronal Afterglow w1;d0;l0 |
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2021/12/15 10:10:06
Subject: Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature
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Waaagh! Ork Warboss
Italy
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Flinty wrote:It’s fun, but I think True Lies beats it to that particular title
That is an absolute masterpiece but more like an action movie that an actual comedy.
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2021/12/15 13:15:56
Subject: Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature
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Mad Gyrocopter Pilot
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Finally sat down to watch The Green Knight, fantastic film. Clearly a good understanding of the 14th century original tale, great additions to the story to add to the imagery. Cinematically excellent, great use of light and colour. And also an understanding of how folk tales are supposed to be. They change with the telling, that's up to the storyteller to decide what goes into the tale.
Dev Patel is a phenomenal actor, really happy for him, loved him when he was in Skins. Loved the way the used deliberately fantastical architecture of Morgana's castle to make it obvious it was otherworldly.
Shame I waited this long to watch it, wish I could have seen it on the big screen.
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2021/12/16 09:58:54
Subject: Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature
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Joined the Military for Authentic Experience
On an Express Elevator to Hell!!
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It's a great film isn't it. Definitely one that you have to sit down and think about afterwards, but a really well made film.
Blackie wrote: Flinty wrote:It’s fun, but I think True Lies beats it to that particular title
That is an absolute masterpiece but more like an action movie that an actual comedy.
It is, I think in many ways its the ultimate action film. Just the set pieces, the humour, the characters are absolutely brilliant. But it was released at the tail end of those films being really popular, so perhaps isn't given the status it deserved.
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2021/12/16 10:32:46
Subject: Re:Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature
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Buttons Should Be Brass, Not Gold!
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Well, it IS pretty hokey. I won't complain though, it's got Tia Carrere and all. But I understand the notion. To me it feels more like a comedy than an action film as well, although it's got some okay action scenes. Maybe that's due to the time and context though. True Lies very much is a 90s Schwarzenegger film, flanked by Last Action Hero, Jingle all the Way and Junior. And I'd say it's way closer in spirit to those than say Commando.
Either way, genre names are good food for inane internet debate, but not much good for anything else.
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2021/12/17 23:28:36
Subject: Re:Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature
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Longtime Dakkanaut
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The Last Duel
It seems that a bit was made out of how this failed in the cinemas and that shows the public isn't prepared for new and alternative material, which means the audience is to blame for reboots and endless sequals.
Or it could be that the film isn't that good. The best description we could make is that it is "watchable". It gets much better in the second hour when the latter two stories are told, but the first is hampered by Matt Damon's stilted delivery. This may be a deliberate characterisation to show how cold he is, but then the director should have rearranged proceedings so that we didn't have to suffer the discomfort for so long before the film sorts itself out.
Watch it only if it's not going to put you out of your way.
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2021/12/18 02:25:35
Subject: Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature
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Legendary Master of the Chapter
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The ads looked terrible. His weird half-faced helmet also puts the lie to this film being any kind of deep, thoughtful, or better than the average Hollywood history flick.
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2021/12/20 15:23:42
Subject: Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature
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Battlefield Tourist
MN (Currently in WY)
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A Harold and Kumar 3-D Christmas
You get what it says on the tin.
I enjoyed how they made fun of 3D and of course Neal Patrick Harris is evil/hilarious.
Not fun for the whole family and incredibly low-brow.
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2021/12/20 18:24:53
Subject: Re:Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature
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Buttons Should Be Brass, Not Gold!
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I'll admit that Harold and Kumar is one of my favourite films to just watch over and over. It's fun, it's silly, it's got a heart to it. Never managed to watch the sequel beyond the first 10 minutes or so though.
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2021/12/20 18:58:38
Subject: Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature
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Battlefield Tourist
MN (Currently in WY)
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You should watch Harold and Kumar go to Guantanamo Bay
The scene with Harold's dad and the Korean translator is worth the price of admission alone.
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Support Blood and Spectacles Publishing:
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2021/12/20 19:07:46
Subject: Re:Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature
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The Daemon Possessing Fulgrim's Body
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Ron's Gone Wrong.
Imagine Alexa and a Roomba had a baby, and it spent a lot of its formative years with its Uncle Baymax. The result may look something like the B-bot, the new social media connected companion from global mega corporation "Bubble."
Barney, a socially awkward boy from an odd family, is the only kid in school not to own a B-bot, until his dad, realising how unhappy this makes him, manages to skip the 3 month waiting list by getting a bot with slightly damaged packaging from a delivery driver as a last minute birthday present...
Firstly, for a kids film this is long. Nearly 2 hours in fact, and I just don't think it has the magic of the best of Pixar or DreamWorks to carry they for younger kids.
That aside, it struck me how similar this film is to ET, so many plot points are either the same or echo those from that film it can't be coincidence. Swap Ron the robot for the alien, the government for a global mega corporation and the parallels are undeniable.
Drawing comparisons with a movie that commonly challenges the top of greatest movies ever charts certainly isn't an outright negative, but sadly, while charming enough, RGW never troubles those same heady heights.
Ron is endearing enough a creation to carry the early scenes, but the jokes are more "smile quietly" than "laugh out loud." The viewer is repeatedly smacked in the face with the "subtext" around screens and social media being bad and no substitute for good old fashioned person to person contact, which, alongside the common "be yourself" and "our differences are to be celebrated" themes means that the film isn't really saying or teaching its audience anything new.
All that said, endearing robot retells the story of ET with a dash of heist movie and the occasional fart joke is never going to be the worst way you can spend your time, it just lacks some of the magic that really could have elevated it alongside some of the all time greats.
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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 |
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2021/12/20 19:45:55
Subject: Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature
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Leader of the Sept
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We just watched Ron as well. Agreed in all points. It’s a nice film, but the allegory isn’t subtle
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Please excuse any spelling errors. I use a tablet frequently and software keyboards are a pain!
Terranwing - w3;d1;l1
51st Dunedinw2;d0;l0
Cadre Coronal Afterglow w1;d0;l0 |
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2021/12/20 21:47:03
Subject: Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature
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Buttons Should Be Brass, Not Gold!
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Easy E wrote:You should watch Harold and Kumar go to Guantanamo Bay
The scene with Harold's dad and the Korean translator is worth the price of admission alone.
Yeah, that one's the sequel I mentioned which I couldn't get past the ~10 minutes mark on. Maybe some day...
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2021/12/21 16:09:41
Subject: Re:Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature
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Longtime Dakkanaut
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Spiderman 3
Just watched it and I have to consider that my review is shaded by the experience being awful.
I'm ambivalent of the MCU as a whole but love the Spiderman movies. I think the first is a good super hero origin movie that effectively used its tie ins to the larger franchise while remaining focused. The second was a teen comedy trip adventure. Both had excellent bad guys.
Spiderman 3 is, at heart, an MCU movie. If you love the franchise, if you want more MCU, then this is the movie for you. If you are less won over by hype and franchise continuity then this is just a good movie. It's close to the top of the good movie pile, but it doesn't break into the great tier.
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2021/12/21 16:11:23
Subject: Mini-Movie Reviews- What You Are Watching.... in Miniature
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Battlefield Tourist
MN (Currently in WY)
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Zoey's Extraordinary Christmas
I guess this is a special based on an existing TV series; Zoey's Extraordinary Play List. I did not know that before we started watching it.
The main conceit is that the main character can experience other people's emotions via song and dance numbers. It is a "unique" form of empathy/mind reading.
In addition, this character's father recently died after a long bout with a debilitating illness. Her song and dance mind reading allowed them to still have a relationship up to his death.
All sorts of shenanigan's ensue, but it is just an extra long, Christmas themed episode of the TV show. If you all ready like the show.... great, you will like this. For everyone else? I think you could do a lot worse, but it is skippable.
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