Underwater (2020) Review

Underwater (2020)

Directed by William Eubank

Starring: Kristen Stewart, Vincent Cassel, Jessica Henwick, John Gallagher Jr., Mamoudou Athie, T.J. Miller

Plot Synopsis: (via IMDb)
A crew of oceanic researchers working for a deep sea drilling company try to get to safety after a mysterious earthquake devastates their deepwater research and drilling facility located at the bottom of the Mariana Trench.

My Opinion:

When looking this up I noticed that the writer, Brian Duffield, was also the director of Spontaneous, which I liked a lot. He also wrote Love And Monsters & The Babysitter so he has an interesting list of films. Guess he’s a name to look out for for now! I liked this one a bit less than those but it was still an enjoyable film. I always enjoy these intense deepwater thrillers.

I mentioned in my review for Happiest Season that Kristen Stewart carries this whole movie. She does & she’s good in this but, as some people don’t like her, that may turn them off wanting to watch this as she’s by far the main character and, I’m thinking, in every single scene? Were there any without her? She’s the Ellen Ripley of the deep sea instead of space (but obviously still not nearly as cool as Ripley – no one ever will be). She even runs around in tiny underwear just like Ripley (not sure if that is necessary but I suppose I’d run around in tiny underwear if I had a sexy young body too). This seems a weird role for her after doing so many roles in things such as Personal Shopper. I prefer her in those sort of roles and don’t see her as an action star but she did really well here.

See? Tiny underwear!

I wanted to like this movie a bit more as it’s my type of thing. It’s one of those where I’m not sure why I didn’t like it a bit more. I felt something was missing but can’t for the life of me figure out what. It has good action, pretty good characters (although they all could have used much more development, including Stewart’s), and a cool reason for the earthquake that destroys their underwater facility. I’m staying spoiler-free here as the plot synopsis says nothing about that so I don’t know if it was marketed as a slightly different thing? But it ended up being the type of movie I was hoping for. Hmm. Yeah, all of those things were good. I don’t know – I think it was mainly because we didn’t get to know these characters at all. There are things hinted at, such as with Vincent Cassel’s having a daughter & Stewart having had a boyfriend or fiancé plus we get one couple who are likeable and you want them to survive together but you also don’t know much about them either. It’s one of those movies that dives (ha! dives! because it’s underwater…) straight into the action with no setup of any characters first, which always throws me a bit. And even though the action starts immediately, the movie still takes too long to get to the cool good stuff.

Well, I liked this one just fine. I want to give it a slightly higher rating. I suppose it’s also hurt by the fact that we’ve seen so many films like this & there are better examples of this sort of thing. But Stewart is really good as the movie’s big action hero plus I liked the ending a lot and I’m always picky about movie endings. There’s a great final scene with Stewart. If you’re a big fan of hers, I’d definitely recommend this as I think you’d really enjoy it.

My Rating: 6.5/10

Deadpool 2 (2018) Review

Deadpool 2 (2018)

Directed by David Leitch

Based on Deadpool by Fabian Nicieza & Rob Liefeld

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Morena Baccarin, Julian Dennison, Zazie Beetz, T.J. Miller, Brianna Hildebrand, Jack Kesy

Plot Synopsis: (via IMDb)
Foul-mouthed mutant mercenary Wade Wilson (AKA. Deadpool), brings together a team of fellow mutant rogues to protect a young boy with supernatural abilities from the brutal, time-traveling cyborg, Cable.

My Opinion:

Quick review! I never got around to reviewing this one but I try to review everything I see in the cinema. I don’t have much to say about Deadpool 2. That’s not because it’s bad, though. It was hilarious! I really enjoyed it. But, you know, it’s just more of the same stuff from the first film.

I’m so bored with the straightforward Marvel superhero movies with their formulaic plots, which is why I’ve enjoyed the much needed humor of Deadpool & especially Guardians Of The Galaxy (love those!). Oh, and Ragnarok (love Hemsworth!). Well, to be fair, I liked Infinity War quite a bit. Anyway, Ryan Reynolds is adorable & funny as hell (love his tweets!). I know nothing whatsoever about the Deadpool from comic books but I love the Reynolds version on the big screen. If you liked him in the first film, you’ll like him in this one. As I said, this is more of the same thing.

As for the new additions, Zazie Beetz was super cool as Domino and Rob Delaney was super uncool as Peter. They were the best. Josh Brolin was kind of boring, though. I mean, the whole plot in this one was a bit boring. The first film is definitely the better film storywise, although this one may be slightly more funny overall. That’s often the case with the superhero movies, though – I tend to enjoy the origin story more. Oh, the kid was kind of annoying (Julian Dennison – but I suppose he was meant to be annoying). He had funny moments but I far preferred his Hunt For The Wilderpeople character.

Hi Yukio!

Annnnd. That’s it. I don’t have much to say about this film. It’s very fun. It’s very funny. I loved the end credits scenes. There’s very little substance. The only downside with these Deadpool movies, for me, is that they’re kind of “one-time-watchers”. I don’t feel the need to actually watch either of these films again. I know the jokes. I laughed a lot. The first time. I can’t see laughing as much on a re-watch. I can’t explain why but these movies are a bit throwaway for me in a way that the Guardians Of The Galaxy movies aren’t. I’ve already watched those multiple times. But I’ll definitely and very happily watch Deadpool 3. Once. And then 4. Once.

My Rating: 7/10

Ready Player One (2018) Review

Ready Player One (2018)

Directed by Steven Spielberg

Based on Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Starring: Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, Ben Mendelsohn, T.J. Miller, Simon Pegg, Mark Rylance

Plot Synopsis: (via IMDb)
When the creator of a virtual reality world called the OASIS dies, he releases a video in which he challenges all OASIS users to find his Easter Egg, which will give the finder his fortune.

My Opinion:

Where do I start?? I really enjoyed this film and, yes, I really enjoyed this book. I didn’t realize so many people had a problem with the book until reading Twitter these past few months. What the fuck was with all the backlash?! Fucking hell, people. Get a grip. It’s a fun, harmless story that was written for nerds obsessed with 80’s pop culture. Not your kind of thing? Fine. Don’t read the book or watch the movie. Maybe just shut the fuck up and let people reminisce if that’s what makes them happy? I really enjoy Twitter but the self-righteous bullshit is very hard to handle sometimes.

Okay – I’m clearly in a bad mood! I’ll just talk about the movie now. If you’ve read and enjoyed the book, be aware that there are loads of changes. This normally bothers me but I kind of liked it this time. I felt like I was watching a whole new story involving the same characters and it was entertaining to watch & not already know what was going to happen every step of the way. I kind of feel like there are two completely separate Ready Player One stories now and both are enjoyable. I’ll stay spoiler free so won’t go into any details but the biggest things changed (completely!) are the challenges involved in finding each key. Being a big film fan, I loved one of these new challenges and I’m very glad that bit stayed a surprise for me. So try to avoid spoilers and watch this soon if you’re a pop culture nerd like me.

I’ll say this, though – the movie doesn’t stay as true to the “EIGHTIES!!!!” thing as the book. I understand this will have been done to please a more general movie audience but it’s kind of a shame. Don’t get me wrong – there’s still shitloads of 80’s pop culture but it’s not as in-your-face as the book. Which is good in some ways but I still feel that the 80’s kids are being a tiny bit cheated with the film version. And the movie goes more “movie nerd” than “game nerd”, which is definitely more my kind of thing so I’m not complaining. But I think the lovers of classic video games may be a little disappointed at them having a far smaller part in the film.

I’m still trying to sort my thoughts out on this movie. I know this is one where I really should wait a while before writing about it… Is it going to be an all-time favorite Spielberg movie of mine? Probably not but he has so many great ones that it would be hard for him to ever top his classic films. I did do my Top Ten Steven Spielberg Movies HERE and I can say that Ready Player One wouldn’t make it onto that list. But I’ll post an updated list sometime and it will probably make it into the ten since I’d count the Indiana Jones (trilogy!!) as one on my own blog.

Sorry – I know I’ve said very little in this “review”. I’m having to keep things short on the blog lately due to lack of time. Plus I think it’s important to avoid spoilers for this one, making it hard to discuss. Plus… I’m still not entirely sure how I feel about the movie. I thoroughly enjoyed having a new Spielberg sci-fi thrill ride of a film. It was a lot of fun to watch and I’d forgotten it was 2 hours & 20 minutes long as it didn’t feel that way since there’s always so much going on. The characters, though changed slightly, are done as well as they need to be to keep the audience interested in their story and I think Spielberg improved things by focusing even more on their friendship.

Overall, the changes made for the movie were mostly improvements on what I realize isn’t exactly classic American literature. Yes, Spielberg “has done it again!”. I love Spielberg and I love him returning to this style of sci-fi. However, like the 80’s pop culture the story wishes to emulate, this movie will always just feel like a tribute to Spielberg’s best films as opposed to actually being one of his best. I really enjoyed Ready Player One, I’ll definitely watch it again, and I’ll buy it as soon as it’s released on DVD. But I’d still rather watch a genuine classic film from the Eighties instead.

My Rating: 7.5/10

Is There A Scene After The Credits?: No, there’s nothing during or after the credits.

Deadpool (2016) Review

Deadpool (2016)

Directed by Tim Miller

Based on Deadpool by Fabian Nicieza & Rob Liefeld

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, Ed Skrein, T. J. Miller, Gina Carano, Brianna Hildebrand, Stefan Kapičić

Music by Junkie XL

Plot Synopsis: (via IMDB)
A former Special Forces operative turned mercenary is subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopting the alter ego Deadpool.

My Opinion:

Another superhero movie! YAY!!! (I’m saying that sarcastically in my head – I suppose that doesn’t come across in text). Okay – I begin every one of these superhero movie reviews lately by saying “I’m getting a bit superheroed-out“. And I really really am. Deadpool is fun, though. I did a list of My Top Ten Superhero Movies ages ago, which I really should update as I’d most definitely move stuff around (I was too nice to Nolan’s Batman trilogy). I know, however, that since making that list, Guardians Of The Galaxy is now the firm number one for me. Deadpool doesn’t change that but I’d have to say it would probably make the top five. It’s a welcome break from the superhero films that take themselves far too seriously.

I’m not a huge fan of Ryan Reynolds (I had a really hard time choosing his best role for the Movie Reviews 101 Opinion Battle). Well, I can confirm that Deadpool is now by far his best role. His wisecracking smart ass thing worked perfectly. I loved the very adult humor and the dick jokes that were actually pretty funny (as far as dick jokes go). His girlfriend (Morena Baccarin) is a saucy minx making some great dirty jokes right along with him. Plus there are loads of movie references for all us geeky cinephiles and even a JUDY F*%KING BLUME joke especially for ME!!! (Pretty sure I was the only one there who got that one….)

I think the only downside to this film, for me, is that I don’t really see it as a “multiple-watcher”. Once you’ve seen it, you’ve seen it. You’ve heard all the jokes. I’d maybe watch it a second time as there are so many jokes that there’s no way you’d catch them all the first time but beyond that I’d rather just watch a Deadpool sequel with all new wisecracks I haven’t yet heard. I think that’s the nature of comedy, though. Or maybe that’s just me but, personally, very few of my all-time multiple-watcher favorites are comedies. I got a lot of laughs from this one viewing, though.

Sorry this is a short review but I don’t have much to say about this one. I really enjoyed it as far as this genre of movies goes but very few of these movies end up as all-time favorites of mine. This is a movie that’s definitely not for everyone – you’ll either like the humor & violence or you’ll hate it. I just really enjoyed watching a “superhero” movie that has some balls for a change.

My Rating: 7.5/10

Is There A Scene After The Credits? Obviously! At the very end after all the credits. The question is: Is it worth staying for? Well, it certainly was for me! But I’m old so I get and appreciate the reference. However, since starting this blog I have discovered that the younger generation sadly does NOT appreciate what the end credit scene references. So…. It’s up to you if you want to stay but you’ll probably only appreciate it if you’re over 35. I bet you’re curious now… 😉

Big Hero 6 (2014) Review

*I chose an alternate movie poster because I really like it. It’s by artist Kaz Oomori.

Big Hero 6 (2014)

Directed by Don Hall & Chris Williams

Starring:
Ryan Potter
Scott Adsit
Daniel Henney
T. J. Miller
Jamie Chung
Damon Wayans, Jr.
Génesis Rodríguez
James Cromwell
Maya Rudolph

Running time: 102 minutes

Plot Synopsis: (via IMDB)
The special bond that develops between plus-sized inflatable robot Baymax, and prodigy Hiro Hamada, who team up with a group of friends to form a band of high-tech heroes.

My Opinion:

I was lucky enough to catch a preview of this the other weekend! It’s still not out fully until the end of January in the UK…

Since Disney has given us some great films in recent years (such as Frozen & Wreck-It Ralph), I had pretty high hopes for Big Hero 6. Luckily, it lived up to my expectations. I still think Frozen is the best one overall as far as the long-term impact it will have (think of all the five-year-old girls who worship Frozen – they’ll still feel the same way about the movie as they grow up). I can’t help but keep comparing Big Hero 6 to Wreck-It Ralph in my mind as they’re the more “boy” ones and I’m still not sure which one I like more. I think Big Hero 6 has the better overall story and you really can’t beat the character of Baymax (how many people now want their own Baymax?! I know I do!). 🙂 However, the entire concept of Wreck-It Ralph probably gives that movie a slight edge over Big Hero 6 for me. I don’t think the story was executed quite as well as in Big Hero 6 but it really was a brilliant idea for a story and created a more interesting “world”.

The best thing about Big Hero 6, for me, is definitely Baymax the healthcare robot. His “personality” and the sweet relationship that develops between him & main character Hiro Hamada reminded me in a way of The Iron Giant (which is a very good thing). Why are there so many lovable robots in movies?! By the way, I was planning to post a “Top Ten Robots In Movies” list after this movie but I may now wait until I’ve seen Ex Machina, which I’m hoping will be amazing. Will Baymax be on the list? Hmm… Maybe! 😉 But my top two will NEVER change…

We get some slightly predictable but heartwarming moments with Baymax as well as some very funny ones. I wasn’t expecting a ton of humor but there are a couple of hilarious bits with Baymax that made me look over at the hubby & smile – I love when that happens as I don’t find that many movies funny. I also really liked Hiro’s brother’s group of misfit friends (including the geeky “stoner” type – I always love the “stoner” types!). I think the characters in this were really strong for a kids’ film, even down to the brothers’ aunt who doesn’t have a huge role. The relationships work really well and the story, although somewhat disappointingly predictable, is very strong. It’s certainly one that can (and you totally know WILL) have a sequel or two and I’d happily watch them.

Summary:

Big Hero 6 is another great film from Disney that’s just as enjoyable for adults and teenagers as well young kids. It’s also just a really good superhero film full stop (or “period” to my American buddies). Being dragged to movies for kids all the time, I really do appreciate ones such as these where I’M just as excited about seeing them. This has GREAT characters and it’s funny and it has some kick-ass action as well as all the heartwarming (and heartbreaking) moments you expect from a Disney film. The story is a little predictable but people need to remember that it’s a movie for kids and kids won’t have seen loads of superhero movies so the story won’t be predictable to them. I’d have to say that, although I think The Incredibles is a better film as far as kids’ superhero films go, I kind of enjoyed Big Hero 6 even more. The Incredibles has no Baymax. *fistbump!*

My Rating: 8/10

Scene After The Credits?: Oh yes! I often forget to add this to my reviews even though I always stay to see if there’s a bit at the end. YES! There’s a scene after the credits that I think is very worth staying for, especially if you’re a comic book/superhero geek. Also…

Feast:

Almost forgot to mention this great short before the film. It’s adorable! I loved it. And it almost brought a tear to my eye when I realized what the “solution” was going to be at the end. Definitely arrive on time so that you can see this short beforehand as well.