What movies did you recently watch?

We're The Millers - 7/10

Really fucking funny. Some really hot scenes, too! SHIT!

 

How lucky that guy was to be casted between Emma Roberts and Jennifer Anniston, dear god.

Didn't feel even nearly the same about the movie itself but those "scenes", yes, yes we can agree.

 

I thought it was some of the better comedic writing I've seen in recent years. The story was ridiculous, but not horrible for a comedy. Nick Offerman being in it made me enjoy it a lot more as well.

 

Danny: Can I get a large black coffee?
Barista: A what?
Danny: Large black coffee.
Barista: Do you mean a venti?
Danny: No, I mean a large.
Barista: Venti is large.
Danny: No, venti is twenty. Large is large. In fact, tall is large and grande is Spanish for large. Venti is the only one that doesn't mean large. It's also the only one that's Italian. Congratulations, you're stupid in three languages.
Barista: A venti is a large coffee.
Danny: Really? Says who? Fellini? Do you accept lira or is it all euros now?

Role Models: 7.5/10

Hilarious.

 

Donnie Yen vs. Thugs​

Special ID - 4/10

In A Nutshell: Clearly, this film had fallen to pieces and was stitched back together with poor direction and care. Ultimately, this is a disastrous missed opportunity for veteran/legend, Donnie Yen.

Martial arts action masters Donnie Yen & Vincent Zhao gear up for their first film together. Til' everything went to hell​

Donnie Yen marks his return to the contemporary action genre with Special ID. Yen takes on the role of Zilong Chen, an undercover police officer deep within the ranks of one of China’s most ruthless underworld gangs. Upping the stakes, as Chen’s undercover comrades are being dealt with, one by one, Chen fears his days are numbered. Now, he must risk everything to take down the organization and reclaim the life he lost when he took on this perilous assignment. As the action mounts, Chen must do everything he can to protect the special identity he wishes he never had before it’s too late.

The hype behind 'Special ID' was immense, considering the performances he displayed in 'SPL'(2005) and 'Flashpoint'(2007). In fact, it began far before the film's final completion. Originally, the film was supposed to feature another prominent player in the action field, Vincent Zhao. However, during production issues arose and accusations were rampant, pitting both Yen and Zhao's behind the scenes parties against eachother. Both stars have since filed lawsuits against one another, and the film was stalled for a brief period of time. Despite bad press, production resumed.

This film was to be action legend Donnie Yen's epic return to the contemporary genre, leaving his recent string of period films in the dust. Unfortunately, the result is a largely missed opportunity. The premise and trailers lead consumers to believe that at the very least they would be leaving the theater with one of the following: a gripping cop thriller that harkens to 'Infernal Affairs'/'The Departed', or a balls to the wall action flick with something new to offer.

The final result of the film is far removed from what the premise and trailers would lead you believe you're in for. At the very least you would think that perhaps the flick would offer up a run-of-the-mill style of execution with a few gripping moments. Hell, with Donnie Yen's track record in terms of action, maybe the action will be insanely cool? The reality is, none of the above would see the light of day in this release.

^Disappointment personified​

'Special ID' fails upon nearly every facet. The score is something out of a high production porno, mixed with some Saturday morning cartoon guitar riffs/melodies. When the action hits, it is surprisingly mundane thanks to director Clarence Fok's lackluster ability to emphasize Yen's style of choreography.



If you've seen the film already. I feel your pain. Now let us wash our eyes with this:

[youtube]NTCBR9cnd7Q[/youtube]​

 

I can't believe it turned out that bad. I've been itching for some foreign films.

 

Videodrome (1983) - 2.5/5 - Didn't really get the film.

 

Same here. A largely missed opportunity as well considering he plays a gangster side for the first time on the big screen. He had a similar role in his 20s for an Asian TV drama, but he reveled in it. Here, he's a goofy carefree individual that lacks presence.

If you're itching for some foreign films, definitely check out the international section of the site and see what interests you! Very reliable and accurate reviews: http://twitchfilm.com/international/asia/reviews/

 

Goon [2012]: 8/10

 

My new co-author wrote an article today about The World's End and Gravity: http://hoppedonpop.com/2013/11/05/the-worlds-end-gravity-invasion-of-the-persona-snatchers/

Enjoy!

 

The Kids Are Alright - 8/10 more than alright

This is not "What movies did your co-author recently watch", dammit!



I'm kidding, I'm kidding.

 

Well I might be seeing Good Will Hunting soon, so I'll be back for that, ya nitpickers.

 

The World's End - 7/10

Surprisingly I never read the synopsis of the movie and had no idea what it was about. I assumed the title was literal based off of the other 2 movies in the bunch, but the first half hour made it seem like it was just going to be a joyride from the past. Those 30 minutes were almost unbearable until the bathroom scene. The dialogue was pretty nifty, but the characters sucked and the story seemed lacking. Then the last 70 minutes was great. Every character became interesting, the action was pretty amazing, and the story picked up nicely. The 30 minute intro just seemed unnecessarily long even if you know the premise beforehand. Overall I really liked it.

 

Gravity: 10/10
Alfonso Cuaron is a freaking genius.

 

The Wolverine (2013) - 2/5 - Better than X-Men: Origins but still not much. The screenplay and storytelling overall was very lazy, the visuals for the most part stick to the utterly boring blue/orange pallet which has been used to death and looks cheap. It had so many moments that I thought held potential but they never took full advantage of any of it. I found 3/4th of it quite boring but enjoyed it when they moved to the last act with the snow-y setting. Overall, I feel like its another wasted opportunity to make a badass Wolverine film.

 

Can anyone hate this movie? Didn't think so!

 

Well apparently my partner at my blog does, so...

And I have no desire to see it. Nothing against the movie itself, just the idea of floating off into space and being lost forever kinda freaks me out.

 

Nebraska - 8/10

 

Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, B-.

Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones, C.

 

I think that's the first time I've seen someone grade them in that order. Idk, It just seems like they got better with each one, IMO.