james-jones180

IMDb member since May 2013
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    IMDb Member
    10 years

Reviews

Bad Boys II
(2003)

Woosah!
Bad Boys II takes everything the last film did and ups it to the next level. The action is fast paced and a lot of fun without being too ridiculous. The comedic pairing of Smith and Lawrence is even better here because of the time that's past to make their relationship feel more authentic. Unfortunately, the film's runtime is also increased by nearly 30 minutes from the previous film and its mostly unnecessary filler moments that feel like they don't have much bearing on the actual plot. Granted a couple of these scenes are fun (we all love that Reggie scene) but most just bring the film to a crawl.

The Usual Suspects
(1995)

Who is Keyzer Soze?
The Usual Suspects is a sharply written, well acted thriller. Each character is given just enough info to keep them interesting without distracting from the plot or slowing down the pace. The non linear narrative keeps the audience on their toes causing them to rethink how things will play out with each tiny reveal. This film is simultaneously simple yet complex which is a difficult feat to pull off but this film does it beautifully.

A personal note: This was my first time watching this film, but I unfortunately knew the twist ending going in. That being said, knowing the ending made this feel more like a second viewing because I was looking for hints and nods towards said ending and the film was just as gripping had I not known the ending. This is a film I look forward to giving repeat viewings to in an effort to find more subtle trinkets of information.

Annabelle Comes Home
(2019)

Scary Night at the Museum
Annabelle Comes Home isn't as strong as the main Conjuring movies, but it's high quality compared to the other spin offs. The horror here doesn't try to make you wet yourselves but it's still done tactfully to give you shivers at times and a jump at others. The characters aren't super deep, but are given enough to keep them from being disposable.

Hitch
(2005)

Will Smith is the Date Doctor
A fairly typical Rom-Com with the usual cliches and story beats one would expect from this sub genre. However, what keeps this film engaging is the on screen chemistry between its 4 lead characters whether it's a romantic moment or a comedic one. Adding to that, the premise itself is really nice and the film as a whole manages to leave you with a good feeling which helps you overlook any tropes or cliches

Bad Boys
(1995)

Bay before Bay went full Bay
As one of Bay's earlier entries to his filmography, Bad Boys has fewer of the typical Bayisms, which is both a blessing and a curse. While the action is not excessively over the top, Bay still attempts some stylizing which is a nice way of saying blurry slo-mo. The characters aren't really well written, particularly the female characters who are written solely to annoy the leads. Those leads however are the film's saving grace as Will Smith and Martin Lawrence play off of each other very well and have good comedic chemistry.

Ghostbusters
(2016)

Don't agree with all the hate
Ghostbusters (2016) is a semi decent film living in the shadow of its predecessor. The acting and humour are definitely hit or miss and could use a bit of improving. However when it comes to the visuals and the action, it's a fun time. Had it been it's own thing, it probably wouldn't have the huge hatred it's garnered.

Abominable
(2019)

A cute fun film
Abominable is a cute, safe playing animation. It has a good message and themes but keeps it at surface level. The animation is fluffy but there are a few beautiful visuals. The adventure is exciting without getting too harrowing and the characters are likeable enough with one or two being a tad grating. Definitely geared towards kids, but there is a bit adults can get out of it as well.

It Chapter Two
(2019)

Time to float...again
Certainly not without its issues, It Chapter Two is a more fun feeling film than its predecessor. While the overall tone of the film is serious, the horror moments surprisingly blend creepy visuals with an almost tongue in cheek tone not unlike a carnival haunted house. Unfortunately, the story beats don't hit a similar blending of tones with some moments being genuinely emotional and others being drawn out a bit too long despite well done performances from all involved including a scene stealing Bill Hader.

Priest
(2011)

Paul Bettany vs Vampires
Priest has some things working for it but more against it. It's clearly going for an Underworld tone but doesn't have the writing strength to carry it beyond the style of that film. While the action here is fun, the bland characters and blander acting make said action feel weightless.

Pokémon: Detective Pikachu
(2019)

A Fun Adventure
Detective Pikachu is a really fun time. There's a good sense of humour, fun action, and a decent mystery. However, there are a few too many twists that do make the narrative feel a tad over complicated. Also, while the leads are likeable enough there are a couple moments where they are a bit grating. Nevertheless, long time Pokémon fans should get plenty out of this film but there's enough of a good story for anyone unfamiliar with the property.

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