2018 Movie Reviews

[Jondalar]

I’ve seen a bunch of new movies this year. I go to the theater as much as I can. Since the first half of the year is almost over, Ive decided to post my reviews. So far, there haven’t been really any movies I feel are truely terrible. It’s been a pretty good year so far. My favorite movie is Avengers Infinity War. Saw it 3 times. Also think Incredibles 2 is great.

1. Avengers Infinity War, grade A+ = great movie
2. Incredibles 2, grade A = not as good as the first but still excellent
3. A Quiet Place, grade B+ = smart, innovative
4. Hereditary, grade B = could not predict this movie, appreciated the acting and atmosphere
5. Upgrade, grade A- = very good low budget sci-fi, think Terminator meets Venom
6. Adrift, grade C+ = more love story than action movie, well acted but kinda boring
7. Black Panther, grade B- good leading man, not enough action and weak superhero but I liked entourage
8. Ready Player One, grade B- = think back to the future in a cartoon, there was enough to like but not enough to love
9. Deadpool 2, grade B- = funny, liked new team especially Domino, but didn’t love this
10. Solo: A Star Wars Story, grade C+ = this movie was just kinda there, two great action sequences and that’s that
11. The Florida Project, grade B = touching, sad
12. Rampage, grade C+ = fun, popcorn movie
13. Jurassic World, grade C+ = great special effects but turned into a weird haunted house movie
14. Thoroughbreds, grade C+ = well acted but a bit boring

[Jondalar]

15. The First Purge, grade C = better than I thought it would be, actually some scary moments, but it’s really just slasher movie, not terrible at all

[Jondalar]

16. Ant Man and The Wasp, grade B-, this feels more like an episode of a tv series than it does a sequal, it’s funny, nice, but very forgettable, a lot of people in the audience seemed to really love it, but it’s just a cute little movie. It’s ok.

[Jondalar]

17. Skyscraper, grade C+ =totally unrealistic, but fun, the Rock is starting to look old, it was good to see Neuve Campbell in a hit again. She is a good actress.

[Jondalar]

18. Whitney (Whitney Houston documentary) grade B+ = I feel like I learned about her like the fact that she was molested by a female when she was a kid, and she probably had a sexual relationship with her best friend Robyn. She was also a horrible mother but didn’t know it. She did a lot of drugs with her brothers and her and brothers were shuffled around a lot growing up. She was also bullied. She had her demons and it did lead to drug abuse. Her daughters death was a tragedy.

[Jondalar]

19. Unfriended: Dark Web, grade C- = Not as good as the first, not really scary, but not that terrible. It was decent.

[FuzzyPlum]

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again B+ = A good effort. Some great music and some truly moving moments. Not as good as the first film just because too much of the best music was mined for the first film. Some good creative movie making blending present day with back story. Also, Cher's face is too 'plastic' and off-putting unfortunately. Overall very nice though.

[Jondalar]

Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again B+ = A good effort. Some great music and some truly moving moments. Not as good as the first film just because too much of the best music was mined for the first film. Some good creative movie making blending present day with back story. Also, Cher's face is too 'plastic' and off-putting unfortunately. Overall very nice though.

I never saw this movie because I heard it never had a plot.

[Jondalar]

20. Mission Impossible: Fallout, grade A = this movie is excellent, it’s the 2nd best movie I’ve seen this summer, right behind Avengers Infinity War.

[Feather Blade]

I’ve seen a bunch of new movies this year. I go to the theater as much as I can. Since the first half of the year is almost over, Ive decided to post my reviews. So far, there haven’t been really any movies I feel are truely terrible. It’s been a pretty good year so far. My favorite movie is Avengers Infinity War. Saw it 3 times. Also think Incredibles 2 is great.

1. Avengers Infinity War, grade A+ = great movie
2. Incredibles 2, grade A = not as good as the first but still excellent
3. A Quiet Place, grade B+ = smart, innovative
4. Hereditary, grade B = could not predict this movie, appreciated the acting and atmosphere
5. Upgrade, grade A- = very good low budget sci-fi, think Terminator meets Venom
6. Adrift, grade C+ = more love story than action movie, well acted but kinda boring
7. Black Panther, grade B- good leading man, not enough action and weak superhero but I liked entourage
8. Ready Player One, grade B- = think back to the future in a cartoon, there was enough to like but not enough to love
9. Deadpool 2, grade B- = funny, liked new team especially Domino, but didn’t love this
10. Solo: A Star Wars Story, grade C+ = this movie was just kinda there, two great action sequences and that’s that
11. The Florida Project, grade B = touching, sad
12. Rampage, grade C+ = fun, popcorn movie
13. Jurassic World, grade C+ = great special effects but turned into a weird haunted house movie
14. Thoroughbreds, grade C+ = well acted but a bit boring

I've been waffling on trying this one. Good to know it isn't terrible. Thank you for your insights. Wow! Movies are so expensive these days this represents quite an investment.

[Jondalar]

I've been waffling on trying this one. Good to know it isn't terrible. Thank you for your insights. Wow! Movies are so expensive these days this represents quite an investment.

Thank you.

Some people did not like that movie, but I certainly did. The movie is unpredictable and the plot unfolds in a mysterious way. It’s a movie you can watch several times and get something new out of it each time.

[Jondalar]

21. The Meg, grade C+ guilty pleasure = in the water, this movie works. There are some great action scenes and beautiful visuals. Out of the water, this movie sucks. The acting is horrible and the plot is blah. However, I love shark movies. This movie is a cross between Orca and Deep Blue Sea and if you like those movies, u will probably like this.

[FuzzyPlum]

The Festival: A=
Just got back from watching this film...haven't laughed so much in ages. If anyone is familiar with (and appreciates) The Inbetweeners they'll love this film. It's crude, rude and offensive. Went to see it with my step-son and it was a bit awkward initially. Overall though we both left the cinema p!ssing ourselves with laughter. I won't give anything away... but the bit with Noel Fielding as the superstar DJ will truly live long in my memory. My only criticism is that it felt a bit short- could have done with an extra 20 minutes.
Not sure this will get much of a release outside the UK but if it comes near you and you are okay with lewd juvenile humour you'll like this film.

Edit: PS- I felt it apt to mention there's even a very, very funny Crowded House reference.

[Jondalar]

The Festival: A=
Just got back from watching this film...haven't laughed so much in ages. If anyone is familiar with (and appreciates) The Inbetweeners they'll love this film. It's crude, rude and offensive. Went to see it with my step-son and it was a bit awkward initially. Overall though we both left the cinema p!ssing ourselves with laughter. I won't give anything away... but the bit with Noel Fielding as the superstar DJ will truly live long in my memory. My only criticism is that it felt a bit short- could have done with an extra 20 minutes.
Not sure this will get much of a release outside the UK but if it comes near you and you are okay with lewd juvenile humour you'll like this film.

Edit: PS- I felt it apt to mention there's even a very, very funny Crowded House reference.

I’ve never even heard of this film.

[FuzzyPlum]

I’ve never even heard of this film.


As I said, I don't know whether it will even get much of a release outside the UK. I don't know whether The Inbetweeners is a thing in the US. Its the same sort of crass English humour.

https://www.cineworld.co.uk/xmedia-cw/repo/feats/posters/HO00005441-lg.jpg

[Jondalar]

22. Alpha, grade B = great looking movie, simple story about the first time man and dog become friends, takes place 20,000 years ago, sub titles, reminded me of Clan of the Cave Bear but a much better movie. This is a good movie to take your kids to.

[iamnotafraid]

Sad to say I learned Baby's Lake is no more.

[Jondalar]

Sad to say I learned Baby's Lake is no more.

???????????????? what does this mean

[bombaysaffires]

???????????????? what does this mean

sounds like a Dirty Dancing reference. Baby was the main character. The story took place at a lake resort

[Jondalar]

sounds like a Dirty Dancing reference. Baby was the main character. The story took place at a lake resort

I hated that movie. No one puts Baby in a corner.

[iamnotafraid]

???????????????? what does this mean

The lake dried up 'tis no more.

You know you like that movie. Everyone does.

It was a modern day (then) Elvis' movie.

[DownOnRodeo]

20. Mission Impossible: Fallout, grade A = this movie is excellent, it’s the 2nd best movie I’ve seen this summer, right behind Avengers Infinity War.

I thought M:I Fallout had a LOT of cringeworthy lines/moments but had an amazing pace and LOADS of first-rate, edge-of-your seat action sequences. Basically, your typical BadRobot fare and great bang for buck (just remember to turn off your brain before watching).

[Jondalar]

I thought M:I Fallout had a LOT of cringeworthy lines/moments but had an amazing pace and LOADS of first-rate, edge-of-your seat action sequences. Basically, your typical BadRobot fare and great bang for buck (just remember to turn off your brain before watching).

I agree with your assessment. Loved the action. Here is the weird thing. This was a really good action movie but I have no desire to see it again. Hmmm...

[Jondalar]

23. Searching, grade is C+ = reminded me of a good Lifetime TV movie. I liked it but it felt cheap to me. The ending was tooo convenient.

[Jondalar]

24. The Nun, grade is C+ = the movie is all atmosphere and very little story. Only one good character, Frenchy, and that’s it. Great art direction but a huge missed opportunity. Borrows heavily from Silent Hill, the Haunting, the Exorcist and is not really original. Disappointed but if you love atmosphere. don’t miss this one

[DownOnRodeo]

Re Mamma Mia 2

I never saw this movie because I heard it never had a plot.

I can report back that you heard correctly.

The final scene was quite touching but the rest was absurd. I like to think it might have worked better had it first been developed as an actual stage musical--more effort required to keep the narrative lean and coherent. But alas, it was 'straight to screen' for this tripey sequel.

I did notice that Benny Anderson was listed in the credits (we're talking buried in the credits) as playing all the keyboards and piano on the soundtrack. He's a musician's musician.

[Jondalar]

25. Predator, grade D = this movie is awful. It’s almost a comedy and the plot doesn’t make sense. It’s full of plot holes. I can’t believe this movie actually got made. Don’t waste your money!!!

[Jondalar]

26. Smallfoot, grade C+ = surprisingly this cartoon was boring, it was barely good. Was sort of disappointed.

[Jondalar]

26. Smallfoot, grade C+ = surprisingly this cartoon was boring, it was barely good. Was sort of disappointed.

[Jondalar]

27. A Star Is Born, Grade B = it’s a well directed, good movie. Lady Gaga is actually very impressive and is a natural actress. The problem is the music isn’t that great, it’s 30 minutes too long and I’m not sure I believe the ending. It’s a cross between Love Story and The Rose. I liked it but wanted more.

[FuzzyPlum]

The House with a Clock in it's Walls: B-
Watched this a couple of weeks ago. Not an awful film- just really strange. The trailers suggest its a comedy (and with Jack Black in it that's what you'd expect). However the trailers show every comical moment- and that's it. Overall it really isn't a comedy. In fact, it's pitched at the wrong audience- it's actually quite scary for young kids. Quite entertaining but very odd.

[Jondalar]

The House with a Clock in it's Walls: B-
Watched this a couple of weeks ago. Not an awful film- just really strange. The trailers suggest its a comedy (and with Jack Black in it that's what you'd expect). However the trailers show every comical moment- and that's it. Overall it really isn't a comedy. In fact, it's pitched at the wrong audience- it's actually quite scary for young kids. Quite entertaining but very odd.

Thanks for review. I have no desire to see this film. It look looked to kiddish to me.

[Feather Blade]

26. Smallfoot, grade C+ = surprisingly this cartoon was boring, it was barely good. Was sort of disappointed.

You see such an amazing variety of film types. If you go see it, I am interested to hear what you think of Bad Times at the El Royale. It seems more like something my other half would be interested in, but for some reason I am intrigued by the story.

[FuzzyPlum]

Thanks for review. I have no desire to see this film. It look looked to kiddish to me.


I had no desire really but took my 6 year old daughter- thought it would be right up her street from what we saw on the trailers. As I said though- it turned out there's actually very little humour in it. It was more like a scarier Harry Potter film about wizards and warlocks for 13/14 year olds.

[Jondalar]

You see such an amazing variety of film types. If you go see it, I am interested to hear what you think of Bad Times at the El Royale. It seems more like something my other half would be interested in, but for some reason I am intrigued by the story.

I didn’t see El Royals. Here is the thing. No one I went with wanted to see it. It supposed to be kinda good but repetitive and no one was in a he mood for it. Sorry :( just doesn’t seem that appealing.

[Jondalar]

28. Venom, Grade B- = what a surprise! This movie is getting savaged by critics but I liked it. It’s chalk full of great action scenes. Is it great? no! But it is good. Very 80s and 90s type of superhero movie. I cannot believe this is only getting a 30% approval rating on rotten tomatoes. You may like this.

[Jondalar]

29. Halloween, grade B- = there is a low budget cheapness that works with this movie. It’s not great, but not bad. Not anywhere near as good as the original or Rob Zombie’s remake. There are some plot twists that are totally unbelievable but I liked the performances and some of the kills.

[FuzzyPlum]

Johnny English Strikes Again: C=
Meh

[paleshadow]

29. Halloween, grade B- = there is a low budget cheapness that works with this movie. It’s not great, but not bad. Not anywhere near as good as the original or Rob Zombie’s remake. There are some plot twists that are totally unbelievable but I liked the performances and some of the kills.

I really enjoyed it. I thought it was just as good as the first, and I absolutely hated Rob Zombies vision of it because he took away the mystery and almost made Michael someone you sympathized with. When I watched it I wondered if Laurie had only hugged him when he showed her the baby picture he had of her, would they have gone off someplace and been a happy family? :lol:

So without spoiling the new movie for anyone, do you think they'll do another or that this was it?

[Jondalar]

I really enjoyed it. I thought it was just as good as the first, and I absolutely hated Rob Zombies vision of it because he took away the mystery and almost made Michael someone you sympathized with. When I watched it I wondered if Laurie had only hugged him when he showed her the baby picture he had of her, would they have gone off someplace and been a happy family? :lol:

So without spoiling the new movie for anyone, do you think they'll do another or that this was it?

Because the movie only cost 10 million to make and it made about 80 million in its opening weekend, I’m sure there will be some type of sequel. Jamie Lee had a deal where she gets a chunk of the profits. I’m sure once she sees the paycheck, she will sign on. It’s also good for women over 55 to be able to open a movie.

[Jondalar]

Johnny English Strikes Again: C=
Meh

Never heard of it.

[Feather Blade]

I didn’t see El Royals. Here is the thing. No one I went with wanted to see it. It supposed to be kinda good but repetitive and no one was in a he mood for it. Sorry :( just doesn’t seem that appealing.

Thanks for your thoughts anyway. We may give it a try. We'll see.

[FuzzyPlum]

Bohemian Rhapsody: A-
Just watched this- I thought it was really, really good. The performances by each of the four principle actors were fantastic- they absolutely nailed the nuances of the respective band members (and surely Rami Malek's portrayal of Freddie Mercury may warrant an Academy Award nomination). The star of this film is the music itself though, culminating in Queen's full 1985 performance at Live Aid. This film wasn't perfect; I don't want to watch it again in a hurry but I do want to break out a number of the Queen albums. Also, there seemed to be several frustrating inaccuracies with timelines that were obviously played around with in order to suit the overall narrative and ensure the running time fitted. This came across as a bit disingenuous for a music biopic closely produced by the remaining band members themselves.
Overall though, a damned fine movie that served to reminded me of how great a Fleetwood Mac biopic could one day be.
Edit: PS- I should have mentioned there's a lot of humour in this film. Though at times it deals with 'difficult' themes, the overall tone of the film is quite light.

[FuzzyPlum]

Never heard of it.

Its the third film in a series of James Bond parodies by Rowan Atkinson (Black Adder, Mr Bean). You haven't missed much.

[Jondalar]

Bohemian Rhapsody: A-
Just watched this- I thought it was really, really good. The performances by each of the four principle actors were fantastic- they absolutely nailed the nuances of the respective band members (and surely Rami Malek's portrayal of Freddie Mercury may warrant an Academy Award nomination). The star of this film is the music itself though, culminating in Queen's full 1985 performance at Live Aid. This film wasn't perfect; I don't want to watch it again in a hurry but I do want to break out a number of the Queen albums. Also, there seemed to be several frustrating inaccuracies with timelines that were obviously played around with in order to suit the overall narrative and ensure the running time fitted. This came across as a bit disingenuous for a music biopic closely produced by the remaining band members themselves.
Overall though, a damned fine movie that served to reminded me of how great a Fleetwood Mac biopic could one day be.

I cannot wait to see this film.

[TrueFaith77]

I cannot wait to see this film.

It looks awful. The record producer in the commercial saying "we can't have a 6-minute song" -- in the 70s???!!! :lol:

phony

Bryan Singer has never made a watchable film.

And that actor is freaky looking and too short for the role.

[FuzzyPlum]

It looks awful. The record producer in the commercial saying "we can't have a 6-minute song" -- in the 70s???!!! :lol:

phony

Bryan Singer has never made a watchable film.

And that actor is freaky looking and too short for the role.


The record producer is played by Mike Myers in a very comedic cameo. Yes, in the 70's it was (as it always has been) difficult to get radio airplay for long songs. Though it was a prime example of the prog rock of that time, generally prog rock bands such as Yes, Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull, ELP etc, tended to focus more on album releases rather than single songs. Queen found it difficult to convince their record company to release the song and had to rely on the support of eccentric English DJ Kenny Everett.

I can't say I've watched any other Bryan Singer films except The Usual Suspects. That was a pretty brilliant film. That said, its difficult to determine how much of this was Bryan Singer and how much was Dexter Fletcher who took over part-way through.

Rami Malek was great for the role of Freddie Mercury and was only just a tiny bit shorter than Freddie in real life. Freddie was 5ft 10''
He was freaky looking???? Freddie Mercury didn't exactly blend into a crowd :confused:

[Jondalar]

It looks awful. The record producer in the commercial saying "we can't have a 6-minute song" -- in the 70s???!!! :lol:

phony

Bryan Singer has never made a watchable film.

And that actor is freaky looking and too short for the role.

Are you know kidding?Xmen 2 is the best X men film and he directed it.

[Feather Blade]

We did make it out to see Bad Times at the El Royale. I enjoyed it. Somewhere between a B+ and an A- maybe? Lots of twists and turns, some shocking moments, a little bit of mystery as to which historical figure a certain object pertains to... It was one of those movies that you have to discuss with your fellow attendees for a bit afterwards. Everyone had theories about certain issues. The fact that the location was based on the famous Cal Neva resort (once owned by Frank Sinatra) added a little bit of interest as well. I wouldn't want to lead anyone wrong, but I liked it.

[Jondalar]

We did make it out to see Bad Times at the El Royale. I enjoyed it. Somewhere between a B+ and an A- maybe? Lots of twists and turns, some shocking moments, a little bit of mystery as to which historical figure a certain object pertains to... It was one of those movies that you have to discuss with your fellow attendees for a bit afterwards. Everyone had theories about certain issues. The fact that the location was based on the famous Cal Neva resort (once owned by Frank Sinatra) added a little bit of interest as well. I wouldn't want to lead anyone wrong, but I liked it.

Was it repetitive?

[Feather Blade]

Was it repetitive?

No, I didn't get that out of it.

[TrueFaith77]

Are you know kidding?Xmen 2 is the best X men film and he directed it.

That's not exactly saying much :laugh:

(though catch my review of X-Men 2 in my book The Community of Desire -- available at lulu.com)

[Jondalar]

30. Suspiria, grade B- = warning; you probably won’t like this movie. It’s a pretentious art house film and a very long one. If there is one word to describe it it is ALOOF. Nothing about it is obvious except for the striking visuals. It feels like we are eavesdropping into conversations and that is how we learn about the plot. The ending, like the plot, isn’t easy to understand.

If you are a fan of the original 1977 film, which is a classic, it doesn’t have that much in common in with it, except little plot pieces here and there. The 1977 movie is a lot more enjoyable than this film, but this film may be more interesting in the long run. If you are a fan Of the Three Mother’s Trilogy, this movie is more like Suspiria’s sequals Inferno and Mother of Tears, which are less obvious and full of symbolism. In fact, this movie does feel like a Dario Argento film, just not his best one, the original Suspiria.

That being said, this movie feels Fresh and different than anything out there and I left the theater thinking I had seen something new- a cold, hollow, visually striking, interesting horror film with absolutely no heart. Nothing quite like it.

(I'm experimenting with youtube.)

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b-1fCLsCZoE" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Jondalar]

31. Bohemian Rhapsody, grade C- or maybe a D + = I had high hopes for this movie buts it’s a big disappointment. The movie just falls flat. It’s not directed very well but the actors try hard. The movie �� s very forgettable. Enough said.

(I'm experimenting with youtube. Trying to decide what I want to do with my channel. I figure I see soo many movies. Maybe post a few reviews.)

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bMbTJPawam4" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[DownOnRodeo]

31. Bohemian Rhapsody, grade C- or maybe a D + = I had high hopes for this movie buts it’s a big disappointment. The movie just falls flat. It’s not directed very well but the actors try hard. The movie 🎥 s very forgettable. Enough said.

Thanks for confirming what I suspected from the trailer.
Came across as nothing more than a telemovie.
A well-made documentary or some sort of concept film based on the musical would have been a better move, presumably. I thought Brian May had more artistic sense than that; but after all the development hell, maybe the final product is far from his initial vision.

[Jondalar]

Thanks for confirming what I suspected from the trailer.
Came across as nothing more than a telemovie.
A well-made documentary or some sort of concept film based on the musical would have been a better move, presumably. I thought Brian May had more artistic sense than that; but after all the development hell, maybe the final product is far from his initial vision.

It felt like every scene was staged and fake and seemed like a made for tv movie.

[Feather Blade]

Thanks for confirming what I suspected from the trailer.
Came across as nothing more than a telemovie.
A well-made documentary or some sort of concept film based on the musical would have been a better move, presumably. I thought Brian May had more artistic sense than that; but after all the development hell, maybe the final product is far from his initial vision.

Someone told me recently that they had heard an interview with Brian May where he said his vision for the project was to have Freddie die halfway through the movie and have the rest be about what Queen did afterwards. Sounded like Brian wanted much less focus on Freddie but lost that battle.

[David]

That being said, this movie feels Fresh and different than anything out there and I left the theater thinking I had seen something new- a cold, hollow, visually striking, interesting horror film with absolutely no heart. Nothing quite like it.

(I'm experimenting with youtube.) Good job, Jondalar. You're thoughtful. I've been curious about this remake. I'm not a giallo aficionado, but Bava's Blood and Black Lace is great.

[FuzzyPlum]

31. Bohemian Rhapsody, grade C- or maybe a D + = I had high hopes for this movie buts it’s a big disappointment. The movie just falls flat. It’s not directed very well but the actors try hard. The movie �� s very forgettable. Enough said.

(I'm experimenting with youtube. Trying to decide what I want to do with my channel. I figure I see soo many movies. Maybe post a few reviews.)

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bMbTJPawam4" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>


Each to their own. I enjoyed this very much. I know what you mean when you refer to it being a 'Made for TV biopic', but I think that's largely down to some of the British tongue in cheek humour they've deliberately built into this movie. Perhaps it doesn't translate that well to American audiences. When I watched it here in the UK there was a big round of applause at the end. I think the issue is this isn't a film about Freddie Mercury...its a film about Queen. It's made by the remaining members and perhaps that serves to sanitize things a bit. It's in their interests to open up a new group of people to Queen's music and I think its a good film for people who don't really know them very well.
In terms of cinematography... I don't know what you were watching for the last 30 minutes. For me, that whole Live Aid section was incredible.

[Jondalar]

Each to their own. I enjoyed this very much. I know what you mean when you refer to it being a 'Made for TV biopic', but I think that's largely down to some of the British tongue in cheek humour they've deliberately built into this movie. Perhaps it doesn't translate that well to American audiences. When I watched it here in the UK there was a big round of applause at the end. I think the issue is this isn't a film about Freddie Mercury...its a film about Queen. It's made by the remaining members and perhaps that serves to sanitize things a bit. It's in their interests to open up a new group of people to Queen's music and I think its a good film for people who don't really know them very well.
In terms of cinematography... I don't know what you were watching for the last 30 minutes. For me, that whole Live Aid section was incredible.

There was applause from some members of the audience in my theater too, but like you said, to each their own. This movie felt staged and fake. I liked the stadium scene too but it was out of place and came out of nowhere.

[Jondalar]

32. First Reformed, grade B = the environmental movement meets religion. Highly unusual indi movie that is really a character study of a priest going through life changing events. Very small movie but memorable and well acted.

[Jondalar]

33. Overlord, grade B- = this is really a war movie that turns into a zombie movie. It’s good but not great. It needed a few more scares, but it’s a movie that is done well. The acting is good. Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russel son, Wyatt stars in it.

[Jondalar]

34. Boy Erased, grade C + = don’t send your homosexual child to a camp to be turned straight. Ummmm, duh! 99.9999% of the population knows this already, but that is what this movie is about.

Ok, so great message but what about the movie. Very boring. The only thing I can compare this to is Girl Interrupted and that movie is a lot better than this. The boys at this camp are not as well defined and there is not a strong antagonist like Angelina Joli in this movie. It’s just blah. We don’t get to know the kids in this camp. Big disappointment.

[DownOnRodeo]

34. Boy Erased, grade C + = don’t send your homosexual child to a camp to be turned straight. Ummmm, duh! 99.9999% of the population knows this already, but that is what this movie is about.

Well... if you mean the population of the US, a running gag on late night is that the current Vice President isn't aware of this, and he must be indicative of an element of the population greater than 0.0000001%!

[Jondalar]

Well... if you mean the population of the US, a running gag on late night is that the current Vice President isn't aware of this, and he must be indicative of an element of the population greater than 0.0000001%!

Well then they need to make a better movie than this. This movie is snorsville. It's totally boring and it's only getting good reviews because of its message, not because it's actually good.

[Jondalar]

35. Widows, grade B = good movie, it’s sort of a revenge movie with lots of twists. Not sure all the twists worked but thought the actresses were great in it.

[Jondalar]

36. Spider-man, into the Spider Verse, grade A = great cartoon, just as good as the Incredibles 2. The animation is unique but works. One of the best movies I’ve seen all year. Loved it!

[Feather Blade]

Anyone been to see Aquaman yet? With the exception of Wonder Woman I tend to favor what Marvel has done over DC, but I was intrigued by this one.

[Jondalar]

Anyone been to see Aquaman yet? With the exception of Wonder Woman I tend to favor what Marvel has done over DC, but I was intrigued by this one.

I will see it this weekend. I held off because of the crowds.

[Jondalar]

37. Bumblebee, grade B+ = this is the only Transformer movie I ever liked, it’s pure Disney, if you have kids, this is a movie can feel comfortable taken them too. It’s very good.

[Jondalar]

38. The Favourite, grade A = it’s excellent. It’s about Queen Ann and two people basically competing to be her best friend. It’s a Dark Comedy and one of the best movies of the year. It’s totally original. Nothing like it.

[Jondalar]

39. Aquaman, grade B - = I will say this movie is not for everyone, half like and half don’t, it’s pure spectacle. It’s a beautiful movie with good acting and special effects. However, the story suffers because they cram too much in it. If you want to see this movie see it on the big screen. It’s not near as good as Wonder Woman, but they really tried on this one. It’s an underwater Star Wars.

[DownOnRodeo]

Thanks for the positive review of The Favorite. Good to know that there's something out there worth seeing!

I ended up at the cinema and there was absolutely nothing worth seeing (if you think the holiday movies in the US are paltry fare, try Japan...another DragonBall anime, anyone?), so I ended up making do with Bohemian Rhapsody. Its pace made it tolerable (as did the very Freddie large cup of beer I was drinking (one of the good things about cinemas in Japan)), but the whole movie played like an airbrushed collection of clockwork hagiography written by a team of record label lawyers, solely designed to market the Queen and Freddie brands to as wide an audience as possible.

Take the scene early in the film where the pre-Freddie band's lead singer quits on them. If the film had a shred of raw realism, the remaining band members would no doubt have been swearing and kicking the car tires and all the rest, or at least had upset/worried expressions on their faces, but instead, the audience knows that Freddie will be walking around the corner in a matter of second--and from the look on the other band members faces, they know it as well. "Oh no, our lead singer has left--whatever will we do now?" (big knowing wink to camera)

If the same filmmakers made a movie about Fleetwood Mac, it would have scenes like this:

Stevie: I'm breaking up with you, Lindsey.
Lindsey: Oh, so you're just going to, like... go your own way? (Close-up on dawning look of inspiration. Cut to next day in studio)
Lindsey: Hey guys, listen to this new song I have!
(Plays demo tape. Perfect album recording of GYOW fills the studio. Stevie pulls an old top hat out of a box.)
Stevie: And I just found this hat!

Christine: Well, that's a wrap on recording.
Mick: Yes. Now all we need is a name for this great new album of hits.
John: What are you two whispering about over there? Are you spreading... rumours?
(Mick gives Christine a knowing smile. John gives Lindsey a smug grin. Lindsey raises eyebrows knowingly at Stevie. Stevie puts her foot up on a small stool and lifts her shawl back in a dramatic pose.)

[Jondalar]

Thanks for the positive review of The Favorite. Good to know that there's something out there worth seeing!

I ended up at the cinema and there was absolutely nothing worth seeing (if you think the holiday movies in the US are paltry fare, try Japan...another DragonBall anime, anyone?), so I ended up making do with Bohemian Rhapsody. Its pace made it tolerable (as did the very Freddie large cup of beer I was drinking (one of the good things about cinemas in Japan)), but the whole movie played like an airbrushed collection of clockwork hagiography written by a team of record label lawyers, solely designed to market the Queen and Freddie brands to as wide an audience as possible.

Take the scene early in the film where the pre-Freddie band's lead singer quits on them. If the film had a shred of raw realism, the remaining band members would no doubt have been swearing and kicking the car tires and all the rest, or at least had upset/worried expressions on their faces, but instead, the audience knows that Freddie will be walking around the corner in a matter of second--and from the look on the other band members faces, they know it as well. "Oh no, our lead singer has left--whatever will we do now?" (big knowing wink to camera)

If the same filmmakers made a movie about Fleetwood Mac, it would have scenes like this:

Stevie: I'm breaking up with you, Lindsey.
Lindsey: Oh, so you're just going to, like... go your own way? (Close-up on dawning look of inspiration. Cut to next day in studio)
Lindsey: Hey guys, listen to this new song I have!
(Plays demo tape. Perfect album recording of GYOW fills the studio. Stevie pulls an old top hat out of a box.)
Stevie: And I just found this hat!

Christine: Well, that's a wrap on recording.
Mick: Yes. Now all we need is a name for this great new album of hits.
John: What are you two whispering about over there? Are you spreading... rumours?
(Mick gives Christine a knowing smile. John gives Lindsey a smug grin. Lindsey raises eyebrows knowingly at Stevie. Stevie puts her foot up on a small stool and lifts her shawl back in a dramatic pose.)

I didn’t like that movie either. Everything felt fake and staged.

[Jondalar]

40. Annihilation, grade A- = great sci-fi flick that basically stars all women, buy or rent, it’s worth it, a bunch of military women go into the jungle to investigate a strange event.

[Macfan4life]

Anyone see Bird Box?
I thought it was pretty good. Very similar movie like The Happening many years ago.

[Jondalar]

Anyone see Bird Box?
I thought it was pretty good. Very similar movie like The Happening many years ago.

It’s not in theaters. I think it’s just on Netflix.

[Macfan4life]

It’s not in theaters. I think it’s just on Netflix.
Yes its only on Netflix but making a fortune. Over 50 million downloaded the movie which was an all time record. The buzz is all over the internet which will probably put the movie 75 million.

[lovethemac1]

Anyone see Bird Box?
I thought it was pretty good. Very similar movie like The Happening many years ago.

I really thought it was good. I'm not a fan of horror, but this was more thriller and suspense. Reminded me of "A Quiet Place," along those lines.

Made for some very interesting discussions around the dinner table with my young adult children who had some totally different takes on parts of the story.

[Macfan4life]

I really thought it was good. I'm not a fan of horror, but this was more thriller and suspense. Reminded me of "A Quiet Place," along those lines.

Made for some very interesting discussions around the dinner table with my young adult children who had some totally different takes on parts of the story.
Yes, it was a combination of A Quiet Place and The Happening.

[Jondalar]

41. Ben is Back, grade B+ = this is a good movie about the impact of drug abuse on a family. Throughout the movie Julie Roberts has to stop her son played by Lucas Hedges from relapsing. If you want to see a good family drama go see youthis one. It will pull you in. Best performance by Julia Roberts ever.

[Jondalar]

42. If Beale Street Could Talk, grade B+ = modern film noir, it’s about how black men go to jail unfairly and leave their woman knocked up and alone. It’s told in the guise of a love story. This movie had me until the very end. I didn’t find the ending of the movie satisfying or I would of given it a higher. Still, I really liked this movie.

[button-lip]

Each to their own. I enjoyed this very much. I know what you mean when you refer to it being a 'Made for TV biopic', but I think that's largely down to some of the British tongue in cheek humour they've deliberately built into this movie. Perhaps it doesn't translate that well to American audiences. When I watched it here in the UK there was a big round of applause at the end. I think the issue is this isn't a film about Freddie Mercury...its a film about Queen. It's made by the remaining members and perhaps that serves to sanitize things a bit. It's in their interests to open up a new group of people to Queen's music and I think its a good film for people who don't really know them very well.
In terms of cinematography... I don't know what you were watching for the last 30 minutes. For me, that whole Live Aid section was incredible.

Yeah, Americans were never in love with Queen, so it's understandable they don't get the movie because they don't know very much about Queen, Freddie and the rest of the band. Just to think the "last scene was out of place" shows how little you know about their history.

After all the initial negative review from critics, the movie is still showing at some theaters after two months since its release and have already won some awards. :shrug::shrug:

In addition, they have already sold out two MSG in one week (more then FM :rolleyes:) for their next American tour, so they indeed gained new fans after this film.

Live Aid was probably the biggest concert ever made. It was just not "some concert scene at the end of the film", like I read here. It still gives me chills, and they recreated it perfectly.

[Jondalar]

Yeah, Americans were never in love with Queen, so it's understandable they don't get the movie because they don't know very much about Queen, Freddie and the rest of the band. Just to think the "last scene was out of place" shows how little you know about their history.

After all the initial negative review from critics, the movie is still showing at some theaters after two months since its release and have already won some awards. :shrug::shrug:

In addition, they have already sold out two MSG in one week (more then FM :rolleyes:) for their next American tour, so they indeed gained new fans after this film.

Live Aid was probably the biggest concert ever made. It was just not "some concert scene at the end of the film", like I read here. It still gives me chills, and they recreated it perfectly.

I love Queen. I just thought the movie wasn’t very good.

[button-lip]

I love Queen. I just thought the movie wasn’t very good.

My post wasn't directed only at you. But Live Aid was a major event in music history, and Queen was an essential part of its success. Any Queen fan know that.
I think they recreated it perfectly. And people in the audience are actually Queen fans. So for any of us that scene is special and emotional. Because of what that event meant in Queen story and because we know all those people are not just actors but fans.

I don't know what some people that went to see the movie expected. Freddie dying? :shrug: Every major moment of Queen's life was covered. Until Live Aid. Actually Freddie found out a couple of years later that he had AIDS. But of course it had to be part of the movie. There are inaccuracies, I agree, but you can't have everything.

[FuzzyPlum]

So...Academy Awards? Unfortunately I've seen very few of the major contenders this year so its difficult for me to pass comment. I've heard Christian Bale is quite good in the Dick Cheney film and Olivia Coleman is good in The Favourite. Might they be strong contenders? I wouldn't rule out A Star Is Born picking up a small handful but I'm not sure it will sweep all the major categories.

I predicted a nomination for Rami Malek. I think the Oscars will be very different to the Globes but he must have a decent chance. Whatever people think about Bohemian Rhapsody I thought he did a great acting job in that role.

On another point- I thought they were going to introduce a new 'Popular movie' category. I've just read that's not going to happen. When did that idea get shelved? That must have passed me by.

[button-lip]

I think the Oscars will be very different to the Globes

Of course they are. They put together drama and comedy in the same category for each actor and movie.

[FuzzyPlum]

Of course they are. They put together drama and comedy in the same category for each actor and movie.

Oh yes. I just meant they are sometimes an indicator of which films will be successful at the Oscars. Sometimes they aren't a good indicator.

[button-lip]

Oh yes. I just meant they are sometimes an indicator of which films will be successful at the Oscars. Sometimes they aren't a good indicator.

I think Rami Malek has a good chance. Better than Christian Bale, IMO.

But Vice has probably better chances than BoRap. Not in my opinion but the critics destroyed BoRap so that will probably have some influence on voters.

The rest of the winners will probably be pretty much the same as GG.

[Jondalar]

I think Rami Malek has a good chance. Better than Christian Bale, IMO.

But Vice has probably better chances than BoRap. Not in my opinion but the critics destroyed BoRap so that will probably have some influence on voters.

The rest of the winners will probably be pretty much the same as GG.

I don’t watch the Oscars or other Hollywood award shows.

[Jondalar]

Best Movies of 2018
1. Avengers Infinity Wars
2. The Favourite
3. Mission Impossible
4. The Incredibles 2
5. Spider man into the Spider Verse
6. Annihilation
7. Upgrade
8. Heredity
9. A Quiet Place
10. Whitney