tmans713

IMDb member since July 2013
    Lifetime Total
    100+
    IMDb Member
    10 years

Reviews

Glass Onion
(2022)

An object that seems densely layered...
A Netflix Original and sequel to Rian Johnson's Knives Out. After the worlds greatest detective receives an invitation to an eccentric billionaire's murder mystery weekend, the stakes become real as guests begin dying! The cast is fantastic, but Craig's bombastic performance as Benoit Blanc takes the cake for me. The sleek direction and clever script also helps set the tone for this modern whodunit.

Although I do like the rest of the characters, I found the formation of the "Disruptors" a bit unsatisfying. Almost as if Johnson wanted to focus on an eclectic group of people whether or not their backstory made sense. Overall, this story accomplishes what it sets out to do, which is to be an engaging and fun mystery.

1899
(2022)

Wake Up
A Netflix Original series from the creators of Dark. A large immigrant ship heading to America in the late 19th century is lead off course by a distress signal and into a nightmarish reality for all of it's passengers.

It's a thrilling mystery with a suspenseful and unsettling tone throughout. I enjoyed the performances and intimate direction due to the confined setting.

There's a lot to like about this show, but the pacing acts as a double-edge sword for season 1. The show starts slow and then dumps a lot of exposition in the final two episodes which inevitably leads to a cliffhanger ending. It might not be the payoff you're expecting or hoping for, but I would come back for season 2.

The Patient
(2022)

Enjoyable psychological thriller
The Patient is a Hulu Original limited series starring Domhnall Gleeson and Steve Carell. After an accomplished psychotherapist is kidnapped by a conflicted serial killer, he must navigate the hostage situation using his wits and will to survive! There's no getting around the strong lead performances from both Gleeson and Carell. The interactions between their characters are intense and will keep you on the edge of your seat! I think the title is clever because Sam is Alan's patient, and Alan must remain patient while he plots his escape. It's a contained story, but the performances are fantastic and it's an easy psychological thriller to jump into!

The Gray Man
(2022)

Just another Thursday
A Netflix Original about a covert operative who becomes the target of his own organization after he discovers its involvement in shady operations. Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans go head to head in this nonstop action thriller! Ana de Armas and Billy Bob Thornton also play strong supporting roles and are worth a mention. I liked the several large set pieces and well choreographed fights, but the lazy writing and many spy tropes make it pretty predictable. There's a lot of mindless action and violence overall, but the crisp direction, star power and great special effects make it a wildly fun ride.

Lightyear
(2022)

To Infinity and Meh
Buzz Lightyear's origin story and the same movie that ignited Andy's interest in Buzz from Toy Story. The animation is fantastic and I like the premise of a marooned colony trying to science their way home. Unfortunately the writing falls a bit flat and doesn't do the plot or cast any favors. It's an unnecessary addition to the Toy Story universe, but a solid addition to the Pixar library. I don't like that the main villain's identity is kept secret due to his inability to program his robot army to say more than one word. This revelation is yada yadad over so fast that you might think you jumped to hyper speed. Overall, just okay.

Prey
(2022)

I know how to survive
Prey is an offshoot of the Predator franchise in which a Comanche woman and her tribe battles the alien hunter! Amber Midthunder is outstanding, as is her k9 sidekick. I appreciate that she's able to communicate many of her thoughts nonverbally, giving the audience just enough insight to understand her actions. The CGI is potentially overused when it comes to the Predator's features, but overall it's still as lethal and menacing as ever. I would have liked to see a more prolonged buildup to the climactic fight, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. It's an undoubtedly solid entry into the Predator franchise!

The Lost City
(2022)

Don't judge a book by it's cover
An action rom-com about a reclusive writer who is kidnapped by an eccentric billionaire to find an ancient treasure! Bullock and Tatum have great chemistry and comedic timing, but not all of the jokes land. The stakes are pretty low, but it sends a nice message about not judging a book by its cover.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2
(2014)

Good, not great
The sequel to Marc Webb's Amazing Spider-Man has lots of potential but doesn't necessarily follow through. The performances are great and the special effects are next level, but it's also a very "paint-by-numbers" comic book movie. The villains are cliché or shoehorned in, and the writing leaves a lot to be desire. The best thing about it is the non-Hollywood ending, but fans of the genre may disagree.

The Amazing Spider-Man
(2012)

I'm Swingin' Here!
A reboot starring Andrew Garfield, showing us a unique and exciting origin story of the heroic web slinger! Garfield is quirky Peter Parker, but a natural Spider-Man! The cast and acting is great, but I think Marc Webb does an excellent job showing Peter's transition into the masked vigilante. This is quite a different Spider-Man than we've seen before, but fans of the hero will be pleased.

Spider-Man 3
(2007)

My Spider-Sense is tingling!
The final movie in the Raimi trilogy follows Peter Parker as he contends with extraordinary villains, new temptations, and rekindled revenge. The effects and choreography are great. Sam Raimi does an excellent job showcasing the large scale action sequences. Both Venom and the Sandman are strong villains with great moments, but neither is given enough screen time to leave a lasting impact. Overall, it's not the strongest of the series, but it has fantastic action and a climax that fans will appreciate.

Spider-Man 2
(2004)

I believe there's a hero in all of us.
2 years after the events of Spider-Man, Peter struggles to balance his home and hero life. When a new villain threatens the city, Peter must decide which path to take. Raimi does a fantastic job directing the action, especially during the elevated train fight scene! Doc Ock is a cool villain, but I think he could've been fleshed out more. Overall, it's a worthy sequel that sends a positive message about believing in yourself!

Spider-Man
(2002)

With great power...
A comic book adaptation from director Sam Raimi, starring Tobey Maguire in the titular role. The acting all around is great, but Willem Dafoe is superb as the Green Goblin! Sam Raimi also deserves his share of the credit for portraying Osborn's decent into madness. Lastly, the score from Danny Elfman somehow manages to outshine every other great thing about this movie! Overall, it's an iconic superhero flick with great performances, blockbuster action, and an emotional story.

The Northman
(2022)

I will avenge you, father, I will save you, mother, I will kill you, Fjölnir!
Robert Eggers latest action-filled epic following a young Viking prince on his quest to avenge his father's murder. It's a familiar story with an aggressively unique presentation. Alexander Skarsgård carries this movie and gives one hell of a performance. The direction and score are also great, but there were character decisions that left me scratching my head. Overall intriguing experience and Skarsgård's performance is well worth your time.

Everything Everywhere All at Once
(2022)

Of all the places I could be, I just want to be here with you.
Hotdog hands down, one of the most creative and well executed movies I've ever seen! Everything from the visual storytelling, to the acing, to the score, to the choreography is a joy to watch! I think the story has the potential to resonate with anyone who can imagine a more exceptional version of themselves. I cried multiple times and can't wait to watch it again!

Forgetting Sarah Marshall
(2008)

I'm here to murder you! (lol)
A rom-com about a distressed musician who takes a vacation to forget about his ex. The cast as a whole is hilarious, but Jason Segel carries this movie in the goofy and endearing way that only he could. Aside from the plot conveniently putting these former lovers at the same resort, the setting is beautiful and it sends a positive message about self-care and taking chances on new experiences.

The Batman
(2022)

I'm Vengeance!
A DC comic book movie from director Matt Reeves, starring Robert Pattinson in the titular role. Pattinson is a natural Batman, but the surrounding cast is equally as great! I enjoyed the score and practical effects, but the nearly 3 hour runtime is slightly daunting. Overall, I think the screen time is balanced well between everyone, but I'm hopeful the sequel will continue to flesh out these characters.

The Proposal
(2009)

Great Cast, Silly Story
A romantic comedy about a pushy publisher who forces her young assistant to marry her to avoid deportation to Canada. Bullock and Reynolds are engaging leads with decent chemistry and good comedic timing. The inciting incident is a bit farfetched, but it does lead to an awkwardly hilarious excursion to Alaska! It is predictable, but the strong acting, funny situations and short runtime make it an enjoyable watch for everyone.

The Adam Project
(2022)

Sometimes it pays to be a nerd.
A Netflix Original following a time traveling pilot who enlists his younger self to help save the future! All the lead performances are great, especially from Walker Scobell who holds his own opposite Ryan Reynolds. The production value, soundtrack, and direction are all top notch. It moves at a brisk pace, fitting in cool visuals and emotional moments when it can, but I think the plot had much more potential.

Goon
(2011)

Everybody loves the soldiers until they come home and stop fighting.
A feel good sports movie starring Seann William Scott as the hard headed and even harder punching hockey enforcer! Scott has never been more likable than in this inspiring true story. It's bloody, harsh, violent and everything else an entertaining hockey experience should be!

Exam
(2009)

Any Questions?
A psychological thriller that takes place during an interview for a mysterious, yet highly sought after corporate position. The story is suspenseful and thought provoking, and the direction from Stuart Hazeldine makes it feel like you are part of the exam! It's a dialogue driven movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat with it's many twists and tone shifts, but also may leave you wanting more by the end.

Birdies
(2022)

Raunchy Golf Comedy
An idie golf comedy about a struggling country club that enlists the help of a Golf Pro to save the business and restore their reputation. This is a feel good movie with heart, charm, and a whole lot of laughs. Very much enjoyed Ryan O'Flanagan and the entire cast's comedic timing. The basic plot and writing might not wow you, but it's an authentic slice of life story that will keep you smiling throughout!

Don't Look Up
(2021)

The Snacks are Free
A sociopolitical satire that shows us how our scientists and elected officials might react to a planet-killing meteor heading towards earth. There are strong parallels between this movie, climate change, and the pandemic. It's a sore subject for many, but there just might be enough humor here to make it bearable. Aside from the funny script is the all-star cast. Jonah Hill and Jennifer Lawrence squabble like siblings, but Leonardo DiCaprio is the glue that holds this wacky movie together. Not for everyone, but I enjoyed it.

The Matrix Resurrections
(2021)

Back to the Matrix!
Lana Wachowski reboots the Matrix franchise and gives us another mind bending story with cool visuals! 60 years after the events of Revolutions, Neo finds himself in a parallel world where "the Matrix" is a video game designed by none other than himself. The performances are good but the plot leans heavily on it's predecessors, and it's missing the magic that made the trilogy so special.

The Matrix Revolutions
(2003)

For Zion!
The final movie in the Matrix trilogy shows us the Battle for Zion and Neo's last ditch effort to save humanity. Neo's fight with Agent Smith in the rain is particularly stunning, and the fantastic score amplifies the intense action sequences! Although I enjoy it, the story ends abruptly, without satisfying closure for the main characters.

The Matrix Reloaded
(2003)

Hmph.. Upgrades
The 2nd movie in the Matrix franchise follows Neo, Trinity, and Morpheus as they continue to lead the revolt against the Machine Army. The Wachowski's are once again able to craft incredibly memorable moments on top of an intriguing story. The CGI struggles to keep up during the infamous "Rubber Neo" fight scene, but overall this sequel is a blast to watch!

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