Outside The Wire:
In the near future, a drone pilot sent into a war zone finds himself paired with a top-secret android officer on a mission to stop a nuclear attack.
Definitely shows the shock of a "drone soldier" versus an on-the-ground soldier, and how things work. Also, a bit of T2 in the mix. Finally, the storyline itself reminded me of a very specific movie, although the setting was quite different. Good movie, makes ya think a bit on what is right or wrong.
Side note: the guy who plays Leo was very familiar, and couldn't place him at first. Then...aww hell, that's Papa Doc from "Eight Mile!" 😀
Spoiler:
(I think I did the spoiler thing correctly) Shoot, I don't think I did...
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Bone Tomahawk:
In the dying days of the old west, an elderly sheriff and his posse set out to rescue their town's doctor from cannibalistic cave dwellers.
This is not the B-Movie that it appears to be. This is a solid western, just with, um, you know, cannibals. Focuses more on the perils of western life; the travel, illness, etc.
I enjoyed the slow burn of the movie, the ruggedness. It's worth your while.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
The Paper:
New York City tabloid editor Henry's faced with tough decisions while he faces several serious life challenges, and a tempting job offer.
ALL-STAR cast, my God. Even the nobodies were somebody. Hectic, chaotic, bullet-paced. Reminded me of something like Network or All The President's Men. All of the acting superb (although dated, due to style, IMO). The decisions that have to be made up until the last minute, and then the cost vs running the issue, etc. Highly recommend.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Land Of Bad:
A US Army special forces unit is ambushed during a mission to retrieve an intelligence asset and their only remaining hope lies with a remote Air Force drone operator assisting them through a brutal 48-hour battle for survival.
Of course the mission goes wrong, otherwise there is no movie! 😉 Snark aside, it is a decent action/drama movie. Love Russell Crowe's character, quite the oddball in his own way. Hemsworth is the newbie that needs to step up, of course, and the humanity in that character...I was rather impressed at the evolution of said character. Standard 2 hour movie, good watch.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Wicked Little Letters:
When people in Littlehampton--including conservative local, Edith--begin receiving letters full of hilarious profanities, the rowdy, Irish migrant, Rose, is charged with the crime. Suspecting that something is amiss, the town's women investigate.
NSFW TRAILER (simply b/c the hilarious profanities have to be heard):
Half comedy, half dark drama with the underlying theme of mental abuse, and what I call "English Properness" which they can shove right up their arrogant arses. 😉
Great movie, though. Rose is hysterical in her frankness and honesty, in particular. Check it out, for sure.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
If that's Olivia Coleman I could watch for her alone. She's a supreme actor.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Will:
Wilfried Wils must survive as an auxiliary policeman during the German occupation of Antwerp.
Belgian movie, so subtitles, and the introductory lines brace you for what's coming, but doesn't really prepare you. About the only thing it hides is the visual details of most of the violence (see also: gore). A very real, brutal, and intelligent movie about the realities of being involved in a war, but not being in a war, if that makes sense. I definitely recommend.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Beekeeper (Prime):
A kind-hearted landlady commits suicide after falling victim to a phishing scam, leading former "Beekeeper" operative Adam Clay to set out on a brutal campaign for revenge upon those responsible.
Jason Statham has 2 kinds of movies:
Certified Badass
Certified Badass (retired) (also see Liam Neeson movies)
This is the latter variety. There is no way to dress this up, someone makes him mad, and he un-retires himself and takes care of his "enemies" in creative ways. Along the way there is a comedic line or two, but definitely a rare case. It's all action and strategery.
And apparently there is not a single kid born to a super rich/powerful adult that is not an a-hole. C'mon, admit it, even Bruce Wayne is kind of an a-hole, just a different sort of a-hole. 😉 Most are the whiny, arrogant, entitled ones, for sure, but the point still stands.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Beekeeper (Prime):
A kind-hearted landlady commits suicide after falling victim to a phishing scam, leading former "Beekeeper" operative Adam Clay to set out on a brutal campaign for revenge upon those responsible.Jason Statham has 2 kinds of movies:
Certified Badass
Certified Badass (retired) (also see Liam Neeson movies)This is the latter variety. There is no way to dress this up, someone makes him mad, and he un-retires himself and takes care of his "enemies" in creative ways. Along the way there is a comedic line or two, but definitely a rare case. It's all action and strategery.
And apparently there is not a single kid born to a super rich/powerful adult that is not an a-hole. C'mon, admit it, even Bruce Wayne is kind of an a-hole, just a different sort of a-hole. 😉 Most are the whiny, arrogant, entitled ones, for sure, but the point still stands.
I like this one, it’s a fun silly romp of brutality.
Note: Due to inflation dirty deeds will no longer be done dirt cheap.
I fully enjoyed it, don't get me wrong. But this is what you're getting into. 
Oppenheimer (Prime)
The story of American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his role in the development of the atomic bomb.
Worth it. All the credentials proven. Of course, I have to nitpick, and some of that artistic stuff at the beginning, Nolan's "visions" for lack of a better word? Meh. Could have cut off about 15 minutes of this 3 hour movie.
Another note, Cillian Murphy, for whatever reason (in his "later years" in the movie) made me think if Michael Keaton in his mannerisms. It was uncanny (again, my opinion, but it was WEIRD).
I kind of disliked the time-jump presentation; it wasn't really a flashback, but it wasn't chronological, it was 3 eras, kinda sorta. But, that's just Nolan...
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
It's like watching a cartoon/Marvel movie. Ignore the impossible to try to make it believable.Twister may be the most unintentionally funny movie ever made.
A billion pieces of scrap metal and tree branches flying through you as you look into it harm free is as real as it gets😂. I have gone back to that movie maybe 2 dozen times though, not really sure what it is about it.
I'm the same that I get sucked into Twister any time I come upon it on TV. The scene that always makes me laugh is at the end when Bill Paxton screams, "these pipes go down 30 feet!" Those would be the shallowest pipes for a farm well ever drilled! Side note...that farmhouse is only 25 miles from my hometown in Iowa.
I am the official Iowa Hawkeye football fan of GPL!
Really enjoyed it. Terrific cast. Agree on the "solid western" view and sincerely, given the remote location and the era, the cannibal aspect isn't that implausible. Not for the faint of heart.Bone Tomahawk:
In the dying days of the old west, an elderly sheriff and his posse set out to rescue their town's doctor from cannibalistic cave dwellers.This is not the B-Movie that it appears to be. This is a solid western, just with, um, you know, cannibals. Focuses more on the perils of western life; the travel, illness, etc.
I enjoyed the slow burn of the movie, the ruggedness. It's worth your while.
I do take issue with the "elderly sheriff" remark. At the time this was filmed, Kurt Russell was my current age, so...nah, never mind. 🤣
For movie summaries in my reviews, I directly lift the description from imdb(dot)com. THEN I opine.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Bob Marley: One Love (Prime)
The story of how reggae icon Bob Marley overcame adversity, and the journey behind his revolutionary music.
Music? Awesome, duh. Acting? Very good, and thank goodness for subtitle options. The phrasing in Jamaican dialect is quite something else, for sure. The presentation of the story? Bland, generic, VH1 Behind The Music. I will admit I went into this with really high expectations, especially after hearing the actors' accents, which were DAMN good (I know the main actor had to learn it, etc, dunno about the others).
It's worth a watch, as overall it is very good. It's just not jaw-dropping great, and I think it really could have been.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
American Fiction (Prime):
A novelist who's fed up with the establishment profiting from Black entertainment uses a pen name to write a book that propels him into the heart of the hypocrisy and madness he claims to disdain.
This is a satire, a drama, and a straight-up comedy all rolled into one. I haven't seen something like this in quite a while. And the ending is DEFINITELY a chef's kiss. Sometimes it's blunt, and sometimes it's subtle, but message delivered. The satire was biting, the drama very heartfelt, and the comedy, mostly dry, but some bold-faced lol-type moments.
Highly recommend.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
I've seen quite a few movies in the last month or so and finally have a chance to write some thoughts.
Trigger Warning (Netflix streaming) Jessica Alba plays a former special ops commando who runs into trouble when she gets home.
Several people commented on how bad this was so I had to see for myself.
It was bad. I didn't buy Jessica Alba as special ops warrior for one second. Very poor casting, dumb story, and overall just a bad movie.
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F Eddie Murphy is back as Axel F. He reunites with his estranged daughter to save a bad guy from being framed.
This movie was very blah. Saw it two weeks ago and barely remember a thing about it. Was good to see John Ashton and Judge Reinhold again but other than that, nothing memorable about it.
Deadpool and Wolverine (in theaters). Deadpool and Wolverine team up to defeat a villain who can destroy historical timelines.
I had high hopes for this but ultimately also found it to be very blah. Instead of Meta it was Meh-ta. The cameos were great and surprising and some of the inside jokes/jabs really landed but overall I think they spent way too much time with the inside jokes and not nearly enough on the story.
Twisters Glen Powell plays a You Tube superstar who chases tornadoes. Daisy Edgar-Jones plays a meteorologist who has a special skill to predict tornadoes who gave up chasing them after a tragedy. Eventually they both end up on different teams chasing storms during an outbreak in Oklahoma.
This was easily my favorite movie of the 4 that list here. Just overall very entertaining. Funny, thrilling, with some emotional scenes too. I definitely recommend.
AK-47 Kalashnikov (Prime)
Wounded as a tank driver in 1941 during World War II, Mikhail Timofeyevich Kalashnikov sees the latest Soviet machine gun fail. As he's also an inventor, he starts making improvements and in 1947 ends up creating the AK-47 assault rifle.
First off, over-dubbed. UGH. HATE THAT. That being said, solid movie, from what I have checked only minor mistakes that really have no impact on the story. Given between this and the Uzi... (now, I admit, I may be talking out of my rear), top 2 famous/reliable/etc guns of all time...I would recommend.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Five Nights At Freddy's (Prime)
A troubled security guard begins working at Freddy Fazbear's Pizza. During his first night on the job, he realizes that the night shift won't be so easy to get through. Pretty soon he will unveil what actually happened at Freddy's.
If you're a child of the 80s, this may be really effing creepy.
Otherwise, it's a tad creepy, very much a cross between serious drama and simple horror. No gore or anything, a bloody handprint at most. Kind of reminds me of Midsommar, in a way; sounds weird, until you see this.
I went in with serious doubts, and ended up thinking it was okay, so I'd give this a thumbs up.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Tarot:
When a group of friends recklessly violates the sacred rule of Tarot readings, they unknowingly unleash an unspeakable evil trapped within the cursed cards. One by one, they come face to face with fate and end up in a race against death.
Lots of shadows, mysterious figures in the background, and a crap-ton of jump-scares. Overall, it was alright. The subject matter is way more interesting than the execution of the plot, but it was still a decent movie.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Downtown Owl:
Based on the novel by Chuck Klosterman, Downtown Owl is a sparkle dark Reagan Era comedy set in the fictional town of Owl, North Dakota in the leading days up to the region's blizzard.
Took me a second to realize that THIS was the movie Ed Harris was making in and around St Paul at the time.
Starts off as a quirky comedy, then gradually gets darker in nature, much more drama. I got what they were trying to do, but they took an odd way of doing it. Could have been more balanced throughout the movie, instead of doing it in parts.
I was interested due to Ed Harris, and the somewhat local nature aspect, but overall, it's a coin-flip movie.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
The Union:
Mike, a down-to earth construction worker, is thrust into the world of super spies and secret agents when his high school sweetheart, Roxanne, recruits him on a high-stakes U.S. intelligence mission.
Mark Wahlberg, Halle Berry, AND JK Simmons? And the dude that was Luke Cage? Sold.
Standard action/comedy, many of the lines are cheese, but some good ones buried in there. The standard red herrings, where if you've seen enough of these, you'll figure it out. However, still entertaining, perfect for a popcorn movie. The chemistry between the 3 main characters is splendid. Obviously suspend some belief...they're trying to hide at some point, but make no effort to change appearance (esp Halle, a Black woman with a funky blonde dye/half shaved head hairdo? Yeah, kinda stands out). 😉
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Mountain Queen: The Summits Of Lhakpa Sherpa:
A single mother working as a dishwasher who has another life as record-breaking mountain climber.
At age 48 or so, she had climbed Mt Everest 10 times. WTF. Great documentary. Lots of real footage, and just letting her tell her story. Definitely a rough life, but her determination...amazing. Recommend
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
The Hard Way:
After learning his brother died on a mission in Romania, a former soldier teams up with two allies to hunt down a mysterious enemy and exact revenge.
A re-hash of Black Dynamite, where Michael Jai White also is the lead. Difference is, no comedy. Not intentional, anyway. So it's your standard B-Movie in the genre of "action/drama." Meh. I could have done better with my time, but also not better with my time.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Things Heard And Seen:
Catherine moves from Manhattan to Chosen after her husband George procures a job teaching at a nearby college. She soon comes to sense a sinister darkness lurking both in the walls of the ramshackle property - and in her marriage.
Starts off as a classic haunted house story, then goes philosophical on the bit. It works, but not what was expected after watching the first half-hour. Well done, taut, a little artsy at the end, but not smarmy.
Side note: you could obviously tell that the casting director wanted a Hugh Grant/Jaime Pressly wanna-be couple as the main characters. To me it was rather obvious. Just sayin'.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Jackpot! (Prime)
In the near future, a 'Grand Lottery' has been newly established in California - the catch: kill the winner before sundown to legally claim their multi-billion dollar jackpot.
Stars Awkwafina and John Cena, so there is your first clue that this is a goofball comedy (because, honestly, that plot could have gone 100% in the other direction with different actors). I thought it was funny, lots of action, of course. One-liners galore, of course. And cliches, of course. Great weekend night movie, just sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
The Tender Bar (Prime):
A boy growing up on Long Island seeks out father figures among the patrons at his uncle's bar.
Directed by Clooney, and Affleck in it? Sure. Affleck was outstanding in his blue-collar-wisdom role; this a great coming of age, memoir, choose whatever word movie. I dunno what Affleck is like in real life, but I imagine this role was a nod to his roots. The movie seems really authentic, nothing is overly dramatic/Hollywood-ized, or popcorn-y, it's just life. Sometimes that is interesting enough. Seeing how other people live, if one's never been to or lived in that part of the country.
Definitely take it in, and enjoy.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Logan Lucky:
Two brothers attempt to pull off a heist during a NASCAR race in North Carolina.
My first thought watching this, is that it is a Redneck Ocean's Eleven (which actually was referenced later on in the movie). Great cast, some good comedic goings-on, and actually a decent plan for the heist. I thought it was entertaining, and definitely glad I found it.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
I am convinced that Rube is talking to himself in this thread 98% of the time.
I asked a few months ago, maybe longer, if anyone reads these posts, and I got feedback, so *shrug*?
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
I am convinced that Rube is talking to himself in this thread 98% of the time.
I wish I could get into movies like Rube. Just have never been a big movie theater person and I’m clueless to Netflix… lol!!!
That being said I went to ‘The Forge’ tonight with my wife and 2 youngest kids. A good movie on mentorship and discipleship.
Keep your stick on the ice...
I just do things...
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
I read all of his movie posts and appreciate the mini-reviews. I don't comment back much, but I do view some of the movies.
Mumbling to myself...;)
An American Crime:
The true story of suburban housewife Gertrude Baniszewski, who kept a teenage girl locked in the basement of her Indiana home during the 1960s.
This will be filed under Great Movie I Will Never Watch Again:
The true story of suburban housewife Gertrude Baniszewski, who kept a teenage girl locked in the basement of her Indiana home during the 1960s.
Elliot/Ellen Page, and more importantly, Catherine Keener star in this. I understand Keener's character's reasoning, but it's just SO WRONG. My God, it's disturbing. The stuff the family did under her discipline...*shudder*
The movie did state that the "flashbacks" are an interpretation, but all court testimony was the actual testimony/transcripts.
If you can stomach it, and I was rather sickened by it, go ahead. Two other movies that I can think of, off the top of my head in this category, are "Kids" and "Requiem For A Dream (Director's Cut)."
If I ever decide to watch "Schindler's List," that would prob be another I would never watch again.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
I watched Kevin Costner's Horizons Part 1 the other night to see if it is worth the hype he has put behind it and to see if it was a good reason for him to walk from Yellowstone.
It was good but it is a three hour character and plot development for future Horizon's movies for sure. I don't know how else to describe the movie other than it was good but I wouldn't say I thoroughly enjoyed watching it. I don't really feel like I would watch it again other than to refresh my memory before watching Part 2 which I think comes out later this year.
I knew going into it that Costner is a main character but not the pivotal character in the movie so that isn't what seems underwhelming to me. I really can't put my finger on why I feel this way about the movie. I was really hoping for something on the level of Dances with Wolves, Tombstone, or Unforgiven (the three best westerns released in the last three decades IMO).
I hope that future parts to Horizon's will reward viewers for sitting through the first part.
I am the official Iowa Hawkeye football fan of GPL!
Rube despite the subject matter, I wouldn't put Schindler's anywhere near the shock and awe of Requiem.
Rube despite the subject matter, I wouldn't put Schindler's anywhere near the shock and awe of Requiem.
Someone suggested this (as a joke) as a date movie, and I didn't know anything about it. Yeah... she never talked to me after that. Can't say I blame her.
After seeing that, I wondered if they should just cut the D.A.R.E. program and just show kids this movie in like 7th or 8th grade.
It is burned in my memory. Honestly, that movie is one of the reasons I am afraid to take any painkillers I get prescribed. I haven't taken anything more than Tylenol/Advil in probably 20 years.
The cinematography is awesome, with the jump-cuts, splitscreen, time-lapse, etc. I haven't seen any other films directed/edited like that one was. Any the acting was great, Ellen Burstyn was phenomenal.
Feed me Sarah! Feed me!
Man... that movie was... impactful? haunting? terrifying? beautiful? horrific? all at the same time.
Rube despite the subject matter, I wouldn't put Schindler's anywhere near the shock and awe of Requiem.
With Schindler's, I wouldn't consider that shock and awe. It's just that grim, dark reminder of what happened.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Jackpot! (Prime)
In the near future, a 'Grand Lottery' has been newly established in California - the catch: kill the winner before sundown to legally claim their multi-billion dollar jackpot.
Stars Awkwafina and John Cena, so there is your first clue that this is a goofball comedy (because, honestly, that plot could have gone 100% in the other direction with different actors). I thought it was funny, lots of action, of course. One-liners galore, of course. And cliches, of course. Great weekend night movie, just sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.
Absolutely loved this movie, great weekend dranksin good time, Aquafina kills it and Cena is always good. The fight scenes are also great which makes for such a fun romp.
Get A Job:
After college, Will is having problems getting a good, lasting job, as are his roomies, his girlfriend, and his just-fired dad.
Miles Teller, Anna Kendrick, and Brian Cranston? Plus some cameos? I dunno how I missed this one. Great general comedy with a touch of satire. The comedy is screwball, the satire is subtle. It was a nice balance between the two styles. Every time it started to become zany, the satire swooped in to balance it out. I'd rank it slightly above a Saturday Afternoon Time Killer.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Rube despite the subject matter, I wouldn't put Schindler's anywhere near the shock and awe of Requiem.
With Schindler's, I wouldn't consider that shock and awe. It's just that grim, dark reminder of what happened.
However you describe it, it's not presented in any way shape or form like Requiem. It's dark material to be sure, but it's skillfully and honorably portrayed.
Blood Ties:
Two brothers on either side of the law face off over organized crime in Brooklyn during the 1970s.
Great cast, led by Clive Owen (main reason my interest was piqued). Lots of moral dilemmas, deep in character development, or rather, why the characters are why they are. Gritty, and even though it was made in 2013/set in 1974, the film style was definitely 70s style, which added to the authenticity of this fictional movie. I really enjoyed it, and was pleased at the characters all realizing their own flaws.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Hope Solo Vs US Soccer:
"She got pegged the 'bad girl of soccer', but she doesn't go out quietly." Loved ones share candid stories about the iconic goalie in this documentary.
FTR, I was a Hope fanboy, until some things happened. Informative doc, but it is very one-sided in Hope's favor. I will give credit in Hope owning up to a couple things, but overall, she plays the "not her fault" narrative, and I'm shaking my head (hence the I was a fanboy notice). I get she was a victim in some things, but man, own up to what you did, how you stirred the pot.
She is a legend in the soccer world, HOFer hands down, but...a very flawed individual.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
I don't know her story beyond what she did as a player. What kinds of things didn't she own up to?
I went from We Are Marshall (2006) to Top Gun Maverick opening weekend (2022) w/o stepping inside a movie theater. And in the last 3 months I've been 5 movies... Unsung Hero (June), Inside Out 2 (July), The Forge (last week), You Gotta Believe (yesterday) and Reagan (tonight).
I would rank them...
1) Reagan
2) Unsung Hero
3) You Gotta Believe
4) The Forge
5) Inside Out 2 (and it's not a bad movie)
Keep your stick on the ice...
I don't know her story beyond what she did as a player. What kinds of things didn't she own up to?
Some domestic assault issues, the lawsuit against US Soccer wasn't fully transparent in the doc. I don't want to paint her as the bad guy, but at least accept your share of the blame.
The following wasn't even mentioned, not even in passing:
On March 31, 2022, Solo was arrested for driving while intoxicated, resisting arrest and misdemeanor child abuse. Her two-year-old twins were in her car when she was arrested in a Walmart parking lot in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.[181] Solo pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated, and charges for resisting arrest and child abuse were dismissed.
When you tell somebody somethin', it depends on what part of the United States you're standin' in... as to just how dumb you are.
Was she asked about the criminal issues you mentioned (domestic assault and driving drunk)? If she was and dismissed criticism then I agree that's not a good look.
As for the lawsuit I didn't know any of the details so I did a short search. Looks like she lost 'solo', but a collective similar suit filed by other players won. She took a stand and imho nothing wrong with that. But agree to disagree. 🍻
https://justwomenssports.com/reads/hope-solo-uswnt-equal-pay-settlement-objection/