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I haven't seen Kill 'Em All (nor do I feel particularly inclined to, since it appears to be mostly set in a near-deserted hospital), but the sequel is a decent film, and a good timewaster that, at slightly under 90 minutes, doesn't outstay its welcome. A substantial improvement over Van Damme's other 2024 project, Darkness of Man, Kill 'Em All 2 has a solid plot with some twists and turns along the way; some settings which are pleasant to look at, given the limitations of the budget; and generally okay action scenes. Van Damme gets a less interesting role than in Darkness of Man, but still delivers what you expect of him. The rest of the cast is competent enough, with the standout being Peter Stormare, playing the guy you love to hate and bringing much-needed flavor to the film. The action is fine. Though it's edited in that quick-cut, tight-shot style of the Taken films, it is actually Van Damme we get to see on the screen for the most part, with stunt doubles being reasonably well hidden. Every once in a while, there is an inspired moment, like Van Damme reloading the gun while lying on the floor in the first action scene, or the projectile which fails to explode in the climactic battle. The main bad guy is suitably slimy, if not particularly memorable, and I like that by the end of the movie, him and each of his henchmen have been clearly established and they all get their moment to shine... as they get killed. As mentioned, the plot is solid, though not without room for improvement. In general, the main changes I would've made in the film would've been to get rid of Van Damme's blatant dubbing in one part of a scene, and cut a certain other scene with the townsfolk near the end of the film, which, while provocative to watch, feels a bit jarring considering the celebratory mood of the scene that comes right after. Of course, the other big improvement would've been to make the film with more money.
Once all is said and done, Kill 'Em All 2 is okay, especially compared to Darkness of Man. It's certainly worth a watch if you're a Van Damme fan, but in my opinion, it still can't match the quality of the European productions he's been involved in as of late, with some truly enjoyable, well-made films like The Bouncer and The Last Mercenary. Here's hoping Le jardinier, directed by the same man behind The Last Mercenary, is another winner for him.
Proves Hollywood can make decent films occasionally, shame this only went straight to streaming in the UK.
I'm looking forward to seeing this today, and Megalopolis. This one particularly looked like a lot of fun, and those two together on screen are always a blast.
You might want to watch Mark Kermodes review of 'Megalopolis' before seeing it! I've never seen such vitriolic hatred of a movie in a long time 😂
I don't let reviews dictate what I watch thankfully but no doubt this one's one of the most divisive films to release in quite some time.
I think you're right on this, @Creasy47 . However, won't stop me from watching it.
After all, this is the man that delivered four masterpieces in a row (GODFATHER I and II, THE CONVERSATION and APOCALYPSE NOW).
I didn't love his output in the 80s, but I liked his steady hand in the 90s. If anything, this latest film will most certainly be an original piece of cinema.
I thought he hates Exorcist 2 the most. He thinks the original Exorcist is the best movie ever made. Another movie he thinks is one of the worst ever is The Deer Hunter. He truly for better or worse, one of the most unique critics out there.
As for Megalopolis, as everyone said above, I am still interested to see it. To think, we could have had it made 20 years ago, but then 9/11 happened. It was apparently a no-show at the movie theater today, sadly. As for the marketing, they should have referenced Coppola’s involvement with The Godfather and maybe even Apocalypse Now. But, this was always going to be a difficult movie to market. I’ll give Coppola credit though, he always seems to take creative risks, in more ways than one. Although the behind the scenes controversy could hurt the film as well. Sexual harassment and whole departments getting randomly fired, both by Coppola, not good. Maybe his dream project should have been just that, a dream. But I’m happy that he came back for one more movie. I imagine that it will be better than Jack.
I don't think he liked it! =))
... that said, from a brief survey of some of the online reviews, opinions don't appear to be as negative.
https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-front-row/megalopolis-is-francis-ford-coppolas-artistic-rejuvenation
Jack-aka-Non-said-he-was-a-bit-of-pompous-jerk-back-then
I know. But that was before the accident. It’s also common in the media world to be a hothead at that age that he was.
The irritating Pesci character (Leo Getz) doesn't feature here which is a relief for viewers and RIggs doesn't get a love interest like the others but there's plenty to get involved with. Always thought the finale was something of a let down, the writers could have included more or tried a different angle but other than that, it's once again good value for a viewing.
My wife wanted to watch this lifetime tv movie. First the acting is surprisingly good and secondly unlike most of the lifetime films where men are evil this time its a creepy mother who is the evil one. based on a true story its about a mother who hates the guy her daughter marries (in spite of him being a good guy) and tries to eventually hire a hitman to kill him.
Overall the mother (played by mrs ceaver from growing pains) is creepy and over the top as these films go but an enjoyable over the top.
These films tend to be over the top but yeah really a lot of fun again i am happy because there is a clear cut good guy who wants to be happy with his family
Movies 2024
1. Jaws
2. Jaws 2
3. Jaws 3-d
4. Mother knows best
5. Casino royale 1954
6. My cousin vinny
7. When harry met sally
8. Bob marley one love
Deadpool and Wolverine 4K Very silly and funny film it is the most I have laughed at a new movie release in a very long time, it does have some poignant moments that work well to balance the lunacy. Being a big fan of the Fox Marvel Universe I loved this, even though I knew some of the cameos I still popped.
We really enjoyed this psychological-thriller that takes place in a unique time in American history: the deadly dust storms of 1930s Oklahoma.
Sarah Paulson stars and executive produces. She and her team did one helluva job. And the two young women who played Paulson's daughters were/are off the chart talents.
A Few Good Men Very enjoyable because of great acting from Cruise and Nicholson.
I took advantage of me buying the Showa Era collection to watch the first of the movies I haven't watched yet. Yes, it's weird, what with all those anime cartoons and psychedelic dances. And there's a WTF moments for the ages her :
And of course, Godzilla was trying to emulate Gamera by putting a Kenny in the movie. But Godzilla Vs. Hedorah is more serious than you could think, with his green aesop. Let's not forget that Japan had had a bad experience with pollution a few years before (Minamata, anyone ?). In those days, people were starting to wake uàp about the consequences of unrestrained industry. Plus, the movie offers some very disturbing scenes, like the effects of the acid mist. And Hedorah is a really cool monster, with a great design. Even if I find the last fight lacking somehow, it's still a good movie, better than All Monsters Attack (but anything would be better than that, right ?)
Directors Jean Pierre Jeunet and Marc Caro, follow up the fabulous 'Delicatessen' with another surreal fantasy adventure! A crazed scientist called Krank (Daniel Emilfork) dispatches his cyclops goons to kidnap children so he can hook them up to a machine to steal their dreams! A circus strongman ( the great Ron Perlman) teams up with a wily little orphan to rescue his little brother who becomes one of the kidnapped. Stunning visuals as you expect from this Director duo, with dazzling cinematography from Darius Khondji (Se7en) quirky characters ( the villainess conjoined twins are a disturbing highlight!) and bizarre strange nightmarish scenes ( If you love Santa, you'll be scarred for life from the opening sequence!) Its not quite up to the heights of 'Delicatessen', but quirky delight all the same!
One of the best films I've seen this year! Never heard of it in my life until it randomly appeared in one of the lists on Tubi. Absolute fantastical masterpiece, this one.
The movie is one thing, but that image made me laugh so hard, my wife was worried about my mental condition. :-D
You should check out 'Delicatessen', @Creasy47 !
Love that movie. Jean Pierre Jeunet is more famous for 'Amelie',(2001) and he directed the fourth 'Alien: Resurrection' and he did a movie called 'Micmacs' (2009) which in my mind is the film the 'Mission: Impossible' movies should be more like!
Added it to my Watchlist. Many thanks! I see Dominique Pinon is in that one too, so he must've really loved collaborating with him.
Not bad at all, even if it features the third most WTF Godzilla moment :
And I swear to you, that's exactly what happens ! Great scenes of destructions, a well-designed monster, a good plot, no Kenny, what's not to like ?
Godzilla vs. Hedorah is one of those you either “love it or hate it” kind of films. I happen to absolutely love it and it is one of my favorite Showa era Godzilla films. And apparently it is a film loved by many people as well. Film critic Roger Ebert, director Adam Wingard, and actor Nicolas Cage have all cited it as among their favorite Godzilla films.
In a way that is hard to describe for folks that aren’t fans of the series, Godzilla vs. Hedorah does an excellent job at evoking the spirit of the original film; maybe more than any other Showa era movie due to its strong environmental message. In addition, I’ve always liked the James Bond like opening credits. SAVE THE EARTH indeed!
In the US the film was released in 1972 as Godzilla vs. The Smog Monster and the opening theme was re-written with English lyrics by AIP’s Guy Hemric and vocalist Adryan Russ. Criterion’s box set, unfortunately, does not include the US version. But that is what YouTube is for.
An interview with Adryan Russ from 2018: https://vantagepointinterviews.com/2018/06/20/save-the-earth-vocalist-adryan-russ-reflects-on-godzilla-vs-the-smog-monster/#:~:text=Adryan Russ is a prolific singer/songwriter who has written
♫…It's up to us to make a choice
We know what it's worth to save the Earth
Come raise your voice
Save the Earth! (Save the Earth)
Save the Earth! (Save the Earth)
See the evil problem around us
Save the Earth! (Save the Earth)
Save the Earth! (Save the Earth)
And the solution: stop pollution… ♫
And at sometime recently (2022?) actress / singer Keiko Mari reprised the original song (“Give Back the Sun"!) on Japanese television.
As for the film, the story (as you probably know) is that Toho producer Tomoyuki Tanaka hated it (and specifically “that” scene) so much that he told first time director Yoshimitsu Banno that he would never be allowed to direct another Godzilla film ever again. And of course, he didn’t. Feelings must have mellowed over the years, however, since (from what I’ve recalled reading) Toho didn’t really object during his failed attempted to secure funding for a sequel. And those US contacts eventually led Banno being credited as the “executive producer” for the Legendary Pictures Monsterverse films – even though he died in 2017.
As for the "speech ballons" of "Godzilla vs. Gigan", they're even more WTF in the English dub of the film! =))
PS: A one-hour conversation between Ishiro Honda and Yoshimitsu Banno from 1990 is posted on the Criterion Channel and is probably one of the bonus features contained in the box-set. I need to check.
V/H/S/Beyond
I've been obsessed with the V/H/S franchise since its debut in 2012. From the moment I watched the first film, I was hooked. For those unfamiliar with the series, it's essentially a collection of horror and sci-fi short films presented in a "found footage" style, with each segment directed by a different filmmaker. What sets this franchise apart is that while the stories share a common format, they aren't connected by an overarching narrative, which keeps things unpredictable and fresh. It's a bit like Black Mirror, but with a raw, found-footage aesthetic that adds to the tension and immersive experience.
The first two films, V/H/S (2012) and V/H/S/2 (2013), are by far my favorites. Especially the second one-it truly stands out in terms of creativity and execution. While V/H/S: Viral was just okay, V/H/S/94 and V/H/S/99 weren't as strong, but they still managed to be entertaining. As for V/H/S/85, I found it disappointing overall, though the "Ambrosia" segment was a highlight.
Last night, I watched V/H/S/Beyond, and while I was initially skeptical, it completely exceeded my expectations! It reminded me of the first two films in the series, which was a pleasant surprise. I loved nearly all the segments, except for "Stowaway." That one just didn't work for me because the visuals were too chaotic, and it was hard to make out what was happening. But apart from that, the rest of the shorts were solid, especially "Stork" and "Dream Girl." I was especially impressed with how they ventured into new territory by including an Indian short film within the V/H/S universe. It was refreshing and made me excited for future installments-I'd love to see the series explore more stories from East Asia or the Middle East.
Overall, V/H/S/Beyond wasn't perfect, but it was definitely enjoyable and worth watching. I highly recommend the entire V/H/S franchise to any horror or sci-fi fan. It's a unique anthology series where you never know what you're going to get, and that's what makes it so special!
Strange Darling
For me, the decision to tell the story out of chronological order didn't add much. It wasn't poorly executed, but I'm not sure it made the narrative more compelling. Perhaps it helped set up a bait-and-switch regarding the true villain, but beyond that, I'm undecided.
I also would have liked more depth to her character. She was essentially just portrayed as "bad," without much insight into her motivations or background.
On the other hand, the sound design and score were phenomenal. They perfectly captured the tone and elevated the movie into a fun, edge-of-your-seat thriller.
Willa Fitzgerald's performance might be my favorite of the year. The final scene, where she's in the passenger seat, repeatedly reaching for a gun that isn't there, was brilliant. It felt like a subtle nod to Charlie Chaplin-her solemn yet goofy shrug after realizing the gun is gone was such a unique touch. That moment was incredible, and the last five minutes of the movie were a perfect 10/10.
Once Upon a Tme in the West 4K absolutely amazing, one of the greatest films ever made.
Along side 2001 this is the most influential film in modern cinema IMO.
Henry Fonda Talks about his casting in Once Upon A Time in the West
Gran Torino excellent film, I can't imagine any other actor in this role.