Reviews

Love this movie so funny all most peed my pants

Rivals is a British series released on Disney+ on October 18, 2024, based on the novel of the same name by Jilly Cooper. Set in 1986, the plot unfolds in the competitive world of British television, reflecting the excesses and ambitions of the social elite of the time.

The series has been praised for its detailed setting and the complexity of its characters. Critics highlight its ability to capture the atmosphere of the 1980s, from fashion to music, offering an authentic visual experience.

The cast includes David Tennant as Lord Tony Baddingham, Aidan Turner as Declan O'Hara, and Alex Hassell as Rupert Campbell-Black. Their performances have been recognized for adding depth and dynamism to the narrative.

The series has been compared to productions like Downton Abbey and Dynasty for its focus on high-society drama and personal intrigues. With an 8/10 rating in some reviews, it is considered one of the most notable series of late 2024.

In summary, Rivals delivers a mix of drama, romance, and satire set in the opulent 1980s, with polished production and strong performances that make it an attractive option for fans of period dramas.

Back in 2018, a movie came out called DEN OF THIEVES, a fun action movie that’s apparently a lot like HEAT. Starring Gerard Butler as a cop that sometimes crosses lines, and O’Shea Jackson Jr. as a thief who doesn’t kill, I had a lot of fun with it. The weird part is, I just watched it recently on Netflix. I don’t even remember the movie coming out. It feels like it was definitely underrated at the time. Well now 7 years later, we finally have a sequel, DEN OF THIEVES 2: PANTERA. Nicholas “Big Nick” O’Brian (Gerard Butler) is still on the hunt for Donnie Willson (O’Shea Jackson Jr.), who is now embroiled with the Panther Crew in the beautifully nice city Nice, France. After a slipup, Nick finds Donnie and instead of arresting him, he joins Donnie and his crew for their next heist, the steal diamonds from the World Diamond Centre. First, the trailers for this are a little misleading. They make it seem like an action movie like the first when in reality it’s a highly stressful and entertaining heist movie where you never know where people’s loyalties lie. Writer and director Christian Gudegast is back for this one. I appreciate the fact that he doesn’t simply amp up the action and craziness like most sequels do. There is a LOT of planning and details before the heist in this one, where some people might get bored with. A positive aspect this brings is more character moments. What makes this work better than people think is the chemistry between Butler and Jackson. This might sound weird, but their dynamic reminds me of Batman and Joker. They need each other. Cops need criminals to chase. The side characters are more forgettable in this one, other than Jovanna (Evin Ahmad) the leader of the Panther Crew. This movie is surprisingly grounded and doesn’t get too unbelievable except for a couple moments. I was surprised to find out that Butler had a torn ACL the entire time they filmed this. He really puts in the work. It’s also the second January in a row where he’s had a surprisingly good movie release, with last year’s PLANE. DEN OF THIEVES 2: PANTERA is a very solid heist movie that’s almost as good as the original. It’s a little slow to get going and a little long, but I recommend it. I can smell a franchise on the horizon.

Perfect Blue is a film that completely changed my understanding of animation. Before Satoshi Kon, my perception of animation was limited to works like those of Miyazaki. After watching Kon's films, I realized that animation's versatility could present more complex stories with greater room for interpretation. Looking at this film 20 years later, it feels like a prophecy of our century. We are no longer surprised or unfamiliar with issues like stalking, the blurring of public and private life boundaries, and psychological dissociation - almost all of us are managing our virtual personas now. But knowing all this is one thing, breaking free from it is another.

There is no sex or nudity in this film..

In a genre that thrives on creativity, "I Am Number Four" falls flat with its lack of innovation. The alien designs and abilities are uninspired, and the protagonist’s powers are underwhelming. Number Four’s glowing hands are mostly used as glorified flashlights, making him pale in comparison to the more compelling and capable Number Six.

Despite some dated values and stereotypes, the film offers a surprisingly progressive moment when Laney’s makeover is described as “new, not improved, but different.” It subtly champions individuality while delivering a heartwarming, visually delightful experience. With its 90s charm, gorgeous leads, and a nostalgic soundtrack, it’s the perfect feel-good teen flick.

A lighthearted movie that requires little mental effort, it features a protective bodyguard falling for the President’s daughter. The dynamic between professional duty and a desire for freedom adds emotional depth. Her relationship with the bodyguard symbolizes her yearning for independence rather than genuine love.

The film explores Charlie’s journey of growth, blending external influences with internal enlightenments. From his initial oblivion to his split personality to eventual self-awareness and reconciliation, Charlie’s transformation is a testament to resilience and introspection, making his arc genuinely satisfying.

While there are signs of a first-timer directing, the film surpasses expectations with its suspense and narrative depth. Each character’s motivations are carefully laid out, making the twists feel earned. The moral conclusion feels definitive, presenting an answer that’s as unsettling as it is correct.

A throwback to the gritty, hard-boiled action films of yesteryear, the movie features minimalist dialogue, sharp action sequences, and a dynamic editing style. The protagonist’s relentless determination drives the story, unraveling hidden truths step by step. However, the lack of an explanation for his miraculous recovery feels like a missed opportunity.

A family-friendly action-adventure that’s tightly paced and engaging enough to keep viewers awake. While it includes a few intense moments that might unsettle younger audiences, the film is packed with thrilling sequences and a fitting soundtrack. Despite some exaggerated and illogical scenes, the storyline holds up well, making it a solid pick for a laid-back weekend watch.

The attempt to make the character proportions more realistic ends up making their movements stiff and less visually appealing compared to more stylized designs. The story draws from historical events surrounding the discovery of the New World, but its themes of cultural conflict might not resonate well with younger audiences, who are the primary demographic for animation.

The story is as straightforward as it gets, fitting the mold of a Hollywood assembly-line production. With second-rate stunts and a third-rate script, the film struggles to stand out. A few well-choreographed action sequences provide some relief, but they’re not enough. I even dozed off for 30 minutes in the middle and woke up without missing a beat of the plot.

I had high hopes for this season, only to be met with a protagonist whose naive hero complex drags the story down. His lack of foresight and shallow understanding of human nature leaves the narrative feeling frustratingly aimless, though the show’s dissection of selfishness in human behavior remains compelling.

The story lacks the thrills of a great suspense film, and certain plot points seems rather illogical. For instance, the protagonist’s intuition about the Camry being the kidnapper’s vehicle feels too far-fetched, and the decision for unarmed civilians to confront the kidnappers defies logic, even if urgency is the excuse.

No boyband has ever replicated what One Direction achieved, and likely none ever will. They embodied the epitome of pop music's golden era, a perfect alignment of five individuals destined for success. Unfortunately, the film was released too early, before their truly iconic tracks emerged in later albums. Watching it now, after Liam Payne's tragic passing, evokes bittersweet nostalgia—reminders of their brilliance and the fleeting nature of youth, coupled with the sobering realization that life post-fame hasn’t been kind to them.

The segment covering the protagonist’s pre-Olympics journey feels overly drawn out and could have been condensed. Greater emphasis on her post-victory struggles—highlighting issues like equal pay and the push for professional women’s boxing—would have created a more compelling narrative.

The storyline and characters lack depth, and the costume and set designs are obviously products of the era they were produced in. The predominantly indoor scenes feel stifling, and even the larger set pieces exude theatricality than grandeur. Malcolm McDowell’s chilling gaze and raw malevolence make him a perfect fit for this role of unrestrained cruelty and excess.

Though the trope of breaking a curse through love and magic is predictable, the film executes it with warmth and charm. The enchanting music is a standout, and the modern twist of a brave, kind-hearted girl saving the magical forest takes center stage. The prince plays a smaller role, and the protagonist’s unwavering calm, even after being thrust into a magical world and turned into a swan, is truly refreshing.