Kingdom II: Far And Away:
It follows a young man who dreams of becoming a general and Ying Zheng, whose goal is unification.
Seems like this was a TV mini-series of sorts, digging into it. A continuation of the first, and I'm assuming the next two movies follow suit. It was very good, intro'd a VERY intriguing new character, who is completely bad-ass, but I fear this character was a one-off, like Darth Maul in the Star Wars franchise, which would make me very sad. Definitely a story with this character (partially explained in this chapter).
I am definitely hooked into this franchise, although I won't finish it until next week, due to Gopher hockey the next two nights. 😉
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.
“September 5”: The story of the kidnapping and murder of 11 Israeli athletes and coaches during the 1972 Olympics in Munich. Told entirely from the angle of the ABC telecast of said event. I thought it was great, but I am definitely not an unbiased viewer. I found it to be almost the same gut punch that it was when I was glued to the TV when it actually happened. Not as sure that a younger viewer would be as emotionally connected as I was.
I still think it was very well done, but I can’t give an objective review.
Time to catch up:
Kingdom 3: The Flame Of Destiny:
It follows Li Xin and Wang Qi as they stand on the battlefield for the first time to fight off an invasion by Zhao, and it also follows Ying Zheng's unknown past.
Kingdom 4: Return Of The Great General:
While Qin continues to fight for the unification of the region, its neighboring country invades Qin from the north.
This saga is indeed intense, as I had mentioned earlier, a LOT is crammed into a short time, relatively. The very intriguing character I referred to for Kingdom 2 is back in both of these, but unfortunately, the full potential was not reached, IMO. The main character, Shin, his story arc moved along quite nicely, and of course the battle scenes/fight scenes are crazy entertaining.
The story does have many openings for more in this franchise, and I would not mind it continuing one bit.
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.
Queen And Slim:
A Black couple's first date takes an unexpected turn when a white police officer pulls them over.
Racial overtones, obviously. A combination of a lot of stupid decisions, and a lot of careless mistakes, plus a lot of biases coming from all angles...
Good movie, but given the issues involved, it will definitely push a few buttons, no matter who you are.
One scene/clip brought out a pure laugh from me: the main characters were at a Black townie bar in the Deep South, and she wanted "bourbon, the expensive kind" and he ordered "bourbon." Bartender pours 3-4 fingers of Blanton's. There was no mention of the name, but the bottle is very recognizable. 😀
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 Renegades:
A team of Navy SEALs discover an underwater treasure of Nazi stolen gold in a Bosnian lake. An updated Kelly's Heroes.
Pretty much every cliche in the book about an armed forces unit doing crazy things in enemy territory, and a good plan goes wrong, but works out in the end. However, it was what I was looking for tonight, just didn't want to think.
That being said, JK Simmons was brilliant in every scene he was in, as the commander of this team. Some classic scene-chewing was delivered with him.
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.
Queen And Slim:
A Black couple's first date takes an unexpected turn when a white police officer pulls them over.Racial overtones, obviously. A combination of a lot of stupid decisions, and a lot of careless mistakes, plus a lot of biases coming from all angles...
Good movie, but given the issues involved, it will definitely push a few buttons, no matter who you are.
One scene/clip brought out a pure laugh from me: the main characters were at a Black townie bar in the Deep South, and she wanted "bourbon, the expensive kind" and he ordered "bourbon." Bartender pours 3-4 fingers of Blanton's. There was no mention of the name, but the bottle is very recognizable. 😀
Im surprised you didn’t mention how good Daniel Kaluuya and Jodie Turner Smith were in this. I’m also a big fan of Bokeem Woodbine. Conversely, Flea is in it for some reason which is never good.
Companion. Highly recommended. That’s about all I can say without giving anything away. RT lists it as a Horror, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Thriller, Mystery which are all accurate.
Started Horizon Chapter 1 (Netflix) last night. Gorgeous Utah vistas if you’re into that on the backdrop of a typical western focused on the movement west, interaction with Native Americans, etc.
Seems so far like a pretty typical of how those stories go though still getting all the characters focus but will post a more full post once I’m done but it’s a long one (run time just a bit over 3 hours).
Apologies if this double posts.
Finally got around to finishing this one.
Horizon, Part 1:Explore the lure of the Old West and how it was won-and lost-through the blood, sweat and tears of many. Spanning the four years of the Civil War, from 1861 to 1865, embark on an emotional journey across a country at war with itself, experienced through the lens of families, friends and foes all attempting to discover what it truly means to be the United States of America.
Costner's planned 4 part film. Beautiful cinematically but really was blah to me in terms of the watchability. So many story lines and character threads that are just left undeveloped followed by characters doing things or acting certain ways that feel like you're missing background/story to understand why they're doing it and overall is an extremely stereotypic piece. I'll probably watch part 2 to give it its fullest shot, but I usually really enjoy films/shows from this period and was left quite disappointed.
His Three Daughters (2023): This tense, touching and funny portrait of family dynamics follows three estranged sisters as they converge in a New York apartment to care for their ailing father and try to mend their own broken relationship with one another.
Got nominated for a good number of awards and so gave it a try. If you enjoy family dramas (or have lived one), you can probably spot yourself somewhere in this film. The characters overall all are very well developed and I enjoyed the atmosphere/feeling that were developed as you watched the film given it's mostly shot within a small apartment. Enjoyed the acting from pretty much all involved.
Totally aside from the film itself, As somebody in the medical field, was also a little bit of a funny insight into how people view death/dying and felt very real to how people react/talk about that process and what they hear/retain in those moments
Kenshin Himura goes up against pure evil Makoto Shishio who is attempting to overthrow the Meiji government. The fate of the country hangs in the balance as Kenshin Himura takes up the sword that he vowed to never draw again.
I saw part one many years ago, didn't know there were sequels. I guess it goes to part IV.
I think if you watch part one, and continue, you will be hooked. If you watch part one, and shrug, then yeah, don't bother with the rest.
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.
Rurouni Kenshin Part III: The Legend Ends
Shishio has set sail in his ironclad ship to bring down the Meiji government and return Japan to chaos, carrying Kaoru with him. In order to stop him in time, Kenshin trains with his old master to learn his final technique.
I would say the saga ends here. I had forgotten I saw the 4th installment, and it wasn't good. This one was the culmination of the story, very good ending to what should have been a trilogy. Kenshin's character is fully developed and closure was achieved. The choreography of the fight scenes was top-notch, and honestly, that improved in every chapter, and I think that was done on purpose.
Yes, you have to like martial arts and Japanese tradition, but if you do, this epic is a thumbs up in all ways.
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.
Rogue Agent:
The extraordinary and chilling story of career conman Robert Freegard who masqueraded as an MI5 agent and fooled people into going into hiding, and the woman who fell for him, and then brought him down.
"Inspired" by a true story, rather than "based" on a true story, which means more liberties are taken, as to my understanding. Maybe @kelly-red can shed some light?
This guy was smarmy, charming, endearing, all the traits of a scam artist. I will say that the lead actor is kind of a wanna-be Hugh Grant. Many wonder how people fall into scams like this, and this movie does a great job on showing HOW it happens. The victims, no matter how strong-willed, are getting read like a kindergartener's book.
One has to appreciate the art of a talent like that, no matter how despicable. There is a difference between those two feelings. 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.
Ooooh... Just saw that there is a sequel to Ben Affleck's "The Accountant" being released in April. I really enjoyed that first movie and had no idea they were working on a sequel. So I am looking forward to it!!
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Ooooh... Just saw that there is a sequel to Ben Affleck's "The Accountant" being released in April. I really enjoyed that first movie and had no idea they were working on a sequel. So I am looking forward to it!!
Me too. Really liked the first one. Sounds like everyone is back except Anna Kendrick.
Sounds like everyone is back except Anna Kendrick.
Which is think is perfect... Her part of the story is over. But more exploration with the brother and agent over a death is a great move.
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The Gorge. Two highly-trained operatives are appointed to posts in guard towers on opposite sides of a vast and highly classified gorge, protecting the world from a mysterious evil that lurks within. They work together to keep the secret in the gorge.
It was sort of Alien meets zombies meets the Half-Life pc game. We were sufficiently entertained.
I really enjoyed the first one and just saw the trailer for the sequel. Looks promising.Ooooh... Just saw that there is a sequel to Ben Affleck's "The Accountant" being released in April. I really enjoyed that first movie and had no idea they were working on a sequel. So I am looking forward to it!!
Note: Due to inflation dirty deeds will no longer be done dirt cheap.
Trial By Fire:
The tragic and controversial story of Cameron Todd Willingham, who was sentenced to death in Texas for killing his three children even after scientific evidence and expert testimony bolstered his claims of innocence.
Based on a true story. Besides the main arc of the story, what really is the meat is the internal psychological battles of the main character. I think they portrayed that rather well. How does one deal with that hand that is dealt?
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.
Uncle Drew:
An anti-ageist comedy about a man's dream to win the Rucker Classic street ball tournament in Harlem.
The plot is simplified in the above summary from imdb.
A kind of loser shoe salesman puts a team of old-ass street legends to win a tourney. It was as silly as it sounds, and better than expected. NBA players of the time (or so) were the roles of the old guys, and all of them were outstanding as their characters. There were a few life lessons in there, of course.
Now, the following sounds weird, but I have found it to be true to a point. This is Black humor. Think Barbershop, think Friday. The reason I say this, is that many years ago, my then-roommate (also white) and I watched Barbershop with his lily-white stepsisters, who had no idea why Barbershop was funny. I'm not even kidding.
There's just a certain...style, delivery, performance to it. It's...different (and I'm not saying that in the stereotypical midwestern way). 😉
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.
Ballerina:
Grieving the loss of a best friend she couldn't protect, an ex-bodyguard sets out to fulfill her dear friend's last wish: sweet revenge.
Korean movie, so you know it's going to get bloody with their standards. Basic "one-man-army" plot, it was okay.
La Dolce Villa:
A successful businessman travels to Italy to stop his daughter from spending all her money to restore an old villa, but Italy has other romantic plans.
Rom-com, Italian style. I actually enjoyed it. It wasn't exactly the meet-cute, but close enough. Add in the parent-letting-child-go aspect, it checked off a LOT of boxes, but wasn't too corny, nor too sappy, so 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.
To Catch A Killer:
An intuitive but troubled police officer is recruited by an FBI expert to stop a relentless shooter who is terrorizing Baltimore.
Loved it. Studying the nuances, and roasting the "way things work," and of course the incompetence of people who know vs who are in charge. The "bosses" are more concerned about image rather than the means and results of catching the killer. They want numbers, not justice (necessarily).
I have a sticker by my computer at work: "To Avoid Injury, Don't Tell Me How To Do My Job."
Same case here, but politics are politics. Image is everything.
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.
Ad Vitum:
After escaping an attempted murder, Franck Lazareff must find his wife Leo, who has been kidnapped by a mysterious group of armed men. He is caught up by his past and plunged into a state affair that is beyond him.
French action movie, it was pretty good. It's the ol' conspiracy theory/frame job type, with car chases and rabbit holes. I thought they put TOO much into the backstory buildup before the action really starts, but one doesn't want all action and no story, so potato/poh-tah-toh.
Good 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.
I've had two patients in the last week while during their procedure the tv series 'Yellowstone' was brought up. Finding out I'm originally form Montana I was asked how real is the show. I haven't really seen any episodes from start to finish. More just clips on YouTube. The area and towns are factual... though the brand your brand on your chest and taking people to the train depot is VERY Hollywood. Not saying rancher's don't brand themselves. I know several ranchers (and farmers who have brands) and have never heard of it or seen it. And taking people to the train depot (deposing of bodies) is also a bit fictional. I'm sure it's happened, but not to the extreme as it's on the tv series. So yes, 'Yellowstone' is factual in ways... but very much drama to make it Hollywood worthy.
Plus, the tv series has hurt the locals with more people moving to Montana and raising property values and pricing out the locals. And one that is true from tv series... Californian's are not wanted in Montana.
Keep your stick on the ice...
A Quiet Place: Day One:
A young woman named Sam finds herself trapped in New York City during the early stages of an invasion by alien creatures with ultra-sensitive hearing.
Good prequel. Something like that hits your world, yes, WTF? Figuring it out, more WTF? The ending, predictable to a point, but that doesn't matter. It's the story.
Cold Blood:
Retired and settled in a forest, Henry is still one of the world's most dangerous and wanted killers. One day, a girl is severely injured in a fall from her sled nearby. She must be taken to a hospital. But that would risk detection.
It has Jean Reno in it, yes, gonna watch it. He basically reprises his role as Leon The Professional (another great movie), my only fault with the movie is that it uses many MacGuffins. One can plug the connections in, but, c'mon, man. More depth than one might think.
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 had two patients in the last week while during their procedure the tv series 'Yellowstone' was brought up. Finding out I'm originally form Montana I was asked how real is the show. I haven't really seen any episodes from start to finish. More just clips on YouTube. The area and towns are factual... though the brand your brand on your chest and taking people to the train depot is VERY Hollywood. Not saying rancher's don't brand themselves. I know several ranchers (and farmers who have brands) and have never heard of it or seen it. And taking people to the train depot (deposing of bodies) is also a bit fictional. I'm sure it's happened, but not to the extreme as it's on the tv series. So yes, 'Yellowstone' is factual in ways... but very much drama to make it Hollywood worthy.
Plus, the tv series has hurt the locals with more people moving to Montana and raising property values and pricing out the locals. And one that is true from tv series... Californian's are not wanted in Montana.
I wonder if people from Texas get asked how accurate “land man” is. I haven’t seen Yellowstone, I feel like the 1% who hasn’t or been to Vegas. I recently just finished watching land man’s inaugural season and it’s the best thing I’ve seen on a tv. I’m so hooked and cannot wait for season 2. Billy Bob Thornton couldn’t have played that role any better. I thought the producer really nailed it with the entire cast.
Aloha!
With no foul play being suspected, both of them and the dog all found, I'd have to guess Carbon Monoxide
B1G refs... corrupt, or just incompetent?
Thats tragic. Wonderful actor, had some incredible roles.
'29, '40, '74, '76, '79, '02, & '03
GPL's Resident Cabin Enthusiast & Cadets Hockey Fan
One of my all time favorite movies… Hoosiers.
Keep your stick on the ice...
Phenomenal actor.
Popeye Doyle is one of my all time favorite movies characters.
“When your best friend is the son of God, you get tired of losing every argument.”
― Christopher Moore, Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
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He was fantastic in so many roles - French Connection, Reds, Superman, Hoosiers, Mississippi Burner, The Unforgiven, Royal Tenenbaums...
Because of his age he hasn’t participated in many Hollywood things recently. But my friends in the business are all commenting on what a genuinely nice guy he was. Never rude to crew, a real professional in his work, funny.
Yes, that sounds like CM poisoning. Tragic.
Note: Due to inflation dirty deeds will no longer be done dirt cheap.
We watched 'Hoosiers' almost every pregame from District's to Divisional's to State and eventually winning State my Jr year ('93) in high school. We joked about some of the story lines and quotes in the movie being very similar to out run for State. Knocking off 4 of the top 7 teams in the State (we hovered around 8-10 to out of the top 10 all season)... Winning semi's at State in a last second buzzer beater... Getting hot at the right time... Having the best player in the State with several key roll players... Having pretty whole town follow the bus to the tourney games. Though in Montana most schools don't ride in yellow schools buses. You ride in coach buses painted your school colors... lol!!!
The memories are fading, but it never hurts to sit and reminisce.
Keep your stick on the ice...
Red One:
After Santa Claus is kidnapped, the North Pole's Head of Security must team up with a notorious hacker in a globe-trotting, action-packed mission to save Christmas.
First off, I knew I recognized the actress who played Gryla (The Christmas Witch) from SOMEWHERE. HOLY CRAP, she was Sally Draper from Mad Men. WTF.
Okay, now on to business. What a great modern take on the mythology of Santa. It has the same basic elements with cynics and believers and what have you, it's just updated. With action, of course, (see one of my faves, "Violent Night"). I do like that they add the other part of Christmas lore, the dark side, if you will.
JK Simmons as Santa? Hilarious. The Rock, well, being The Rock, but hey, it works. Chris Evans playing an A-Hole, typical. The sum is greater than the parts, though, in this one. Very much worth seeing.
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.
This Gene Hackman, wife and dog deaths are a bit interesting. According to the sheriff, they have been deceased for some time, Gene Hackman was found lying in the mud room, his wife was found lying a bathroom and the dog was found in a closet. No signs of a gas leak or carbon monoxide. And 2 other dogs were found alive on the property.
Keep your stick on the ice...
And a space heater that appears to have been knocked over close to the wife, with the dead dog being only feet away from her, both she and Gene looking to have each rapidly collapsed on the floor (she had some bottle of pills open that scattered on the counter, his sunglasses were on the floor by his body). Still sounds like CO poisoning to me, that can get you really fast.
B1G refs... corrupt, or just incompetent?
The few movies that I closely associate Gene Hackman with are Uncommon Valor, Unforgiven, and The Firm. Outside of Unforgiven I bet most people wouldn't put the other two movies in their top 10 of favorite Hackman roles but I do. I honestly can't think of a movie he was in that I didn't enjoy and I think that says more about his career that anything else.
I am the official Iowa Hawkeye football fan of GPL!
The maintenance staff said they havent seen the couple in a couple weeks... she may have been dead for a couple weeks as well... the space heater of fallen when she hit the ground... was dog was found healthy inside and another found healthy outside... And it's not a small house they lived in... 12,688 sq ft.
Keep your stick on the ice...
It's been said about William Holden that he wasn't always in good movies but he never gave a bad performance. I'd put Hackman in that category. The guy was flat out believable in every role, not least his campy cameo performance in Young Frankenstein. I also liked him in No Way Out.The few movies that I closely associate Gene Hackman with are Uncommon Valor, Unforgiven, and The Firm. Outside of Unforgiven I bet most people wouldn't put the other two movies in their top 10 of favorite Hackman roles but I do. I honestly can't think of a movie he was in that I didn't enjoy and I think that says more about his career that anything else.
The Poseidon adventure and Mississippi burning are my two favorites of Gene. Sad story r.i.p.
What Doesn't Kill You:
Two childhood friends from South Boston turn to crime as a way to get by, ultimately causing a strain in their personal lives and their friendship.
Ruffalo and Hawke? Bonus Amanda Peet? D'ok!
Gritty movie, It shows the perils, the intelligence AND the stupidity of the life. Shows the rewards and the scars. I really enjoyed it, and while not Oscar worthy or anything, it is above your average 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.
Cell 211 (Spanish movie):
The story of two men on different sides of a prison riot -- the inmate leading the rebellion and the young guard trapped in the revolt, who poses as a prisoner in a desperate attempt to survive the ordeal.
Very good movie. You can see the wheels turning between the two main characters, trying to play mental chess, and all of the supporting characters on either side of the brewing conflict. Very raw, very real. I would definitely recommend it for a drama 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.
Aftermath:
A returning war veteran, stricken with PTSD, unwittingly gets trapped with his teenage sister on Boston's Tobin Memorial Bridge as a heavily weaponized group of ex-military revolutionists take everyone hostage.
Decent storyline, and the potential to maximize it, but alas, delves into some bad acting and some bad writing. For example, the police chief sees a helicopter get hit hard, sees it crash, and then on the radio, "Get me the status of that chopper." Really? Thankfully, the plot is good enough to save the movie a little bit, although it's still a popcorn movie (nothing wrong with that).
Contraataque (Counterstrike on Netflix, Mexican movie):
Five friends shopping at US/Mexico border face sicario hitmen, but the targets are actually Murciélagos (special forces, similar to Army Rangers/Navy Seals/Green Berets, etc)
A better action movie than Aftermath, but they do use the trope of cartel violence, etc. Much more realistic violence, also. In Aftermath, these supposed special forces soldiers can't hit the hero in a wide open space with a full automatic. In Contraataque, it's a lot of pure precision in non-sniper mode.
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.
Gene Hackman’s wife died of Hantavirus around a week prior to Hackman dying from Alzheimer’s and heart disease.
Hantavirus is crazy. You don’t hear people dying from it much in the US. Mostly people cleaning old barns or well houses I know of. And to live in a house suffering from Alzheimer’s with a dead spouse, just goes to show how Alzheimer’s has an affects to mind so much.
Keep your stick on the ice...
So sad to think that he went a week with his wife dead, and he likely didn't even really understand it. If I had to guess, she probably helped him to remember to take medications, and when she died, he never even knew it, but stopped taking what he needed to.Gene Hackman’s wife died of Hantavirus around a week prior to Hackman dying from Alzheimer’s and heart disease.
Hantavirus is crazy. You don’t hear people dying from it much in the US. Mostly people cleaning old barns or well houses I know of. And to live in a house suffering from Alzheimer’s with a dead spouse, just goes to show how Alzheimer’s has an affects to mind so much.
B1G refs... corrupt, or just incompetent?
That, and when she died, he probably realized it at first, but didn't know what to do, and/or forgot about it moments later. Horribly tragic story. 🙁
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 is truly sad… still puzzles me about the Hantavirus. Like I said, it’s not common and don’t hear about much here in the US. I know when I worked summers in natural gas distribution. When we would go out and clean the well houses. We never swept them, for an extra safety step we just power washed them and watch all the mice piling out… lol. I stomped one 100’s of mice over the summer and gophers to… lol!!!
Keep your stick on the ice...
Not that surprising in that area. As nightmare fuel for the record, yersinia pestis (the black plague) is also endemic to that part of the country.It is truly sad… still puzzles me about the Hantavirus. Like I said, it’s not common and don’t hear about much here in the US.
B1G refs... corrupt, or just incompetent?
Not that surprising in that area. As nightmare fuel for the record, yersinia pestis (the black plague) is also endemic to that part of the country.It is truly sad… still puzzles me about the Hantavirus. Like I said, it’s not common and don’t hear about much here in the US.
Common in the SW. Guessing climate has a factor.
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 CDC reported 864 cases of Hantavirus in the US between 1993-2022.
Keep your stick on the ice...