Shyguy's Movie Reviews and Recommendations

Shyguy222 · 01-18-2012, 02:07 AM

Ok so instead of making a new thread for every movie, I'm going to start a thread that will include them all from now on (feel free to merge some of the others if you wish mOOse or mods).

My reviews are my opinion and I tend to go into a movie with the frame of mind that is required to enjoy it. By that I mean, I know when I'm looking at a more dialogue driven movie and when I'm simply going to watch an action packed thrill ride. I can enjoy a movie like Memento but I can also enjoy a movie like Bad Boys 2.

So check back and I'll try to keep it relatively frequent depending on my costs and how much bandwidth I want to use up

Also if you want a review of a specific movie, let me know, even if it's an older one (Just know I don't see many if any art or indie films)

Edit: If I feel the need to mention a more detailed part of a movie that makes it great I will put it in a spoiler, however I will try to not mention anything that would ruin the point of watching that movie. Therefore you are safest if you have seen the movie but if you are really on the fence you may want to look or simply just ask me any questions.

Upcoming reviews: Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Warrior, Real Steel

Shyguy222 · 01-18-2012, 02:17 AM

Real Steel

This is a movie I just finished and I watched it both because what guy doesn't love giant robots and because it was referred to as the best movie of 2011 that should have sucked but didn't.

And that I have to agree with, because it was really good. The story is familiar (but what movie isn't anymore) but the way it is presented is in a fun and easy to root for manner.

The characters are relatively simple but easily likable (though as with most movies, the child actor can be on the annoying side). But what makes this movie work is the main attraction, the robot fights. Unlike transformers where it was a mass of metal moving, these are actual boxing/full contact fights with unique robots. They built both life sized versions of them as well as cgi conterparts and used actual motion capture of real boxers to map the movements on. All of this adds up to a lot of cool fights with a good story to make it all worth the 2 hour play time.

This is a great movie for anybody 10 and up, there is some language and mature violence dealing with money

mOOse · 01-18-2012, 02:22 AM

this will be fun, i've liked your reviews so far and it's probably a good idea to keep them in one place. i won't merge anything, unless you ask me to.

edit: no star ratings?

Shyguy222 · 01-18-2012, 02:27 AM

Warrior

I think I forgot to review this one because I thought I already had. Wanted to see this one for awhile now as I have become a major Tom Hardy fan (Look for a possible review of a movie called Bronson). I lucked out and in the final week of 2011 it was offered on the PSN for 99 cent rental.

This is a movie I'm shocked has not gotten more awards recognition for some of the performances that were given.

The basic story is about a major MMA tourney and the tale of two brothers who fight to win it. I won't go into anymore detail because you deserve to experience the motivations for both as they are presented. I will just say that the story is much deeper than you would expect and the performances are great at showing the emotions involved.

Nick Nolte is very reserved but wonderful as the father of these men. Tom Hardy gives a performance that most would see as simple and one dimensional but is much more than that. I'm finding I have more respect for actors that show more with their face and bodies than words could and that is what Hardy does here.

Oh and the fights are awesome as well. They are rough and provide the right amount of action in a more dramatic movie than I think most thought.

This is a MUST see and I promise you, if you want to see a man cry, make him watch this.

12941 · 01-18-2012, 02:33 AM

Thanks!
With all the movies coming out (and less and less of my peers watching) I really need a guide to what's worth watching.

Shyguy222 · 01-18-2012, 02:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mOOse

this will be fun, i've liked your reviews so far and it's probably a good idea to keep them in one place. i won't merge anything, unless you ask me to.

edit: no star ratings?

Glad you've liked them and I find stars to be less accurate. I'm more likely to state what kind of audience will enjoy it and whether it's a See it, rent it or skip it type thing.

mOOse · 01-18-2012, 02:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shyguy222

I find stars to be less accurate. I'm more likely to state what kind of audience will enjoy it and whether it's a See it, rent it or skip it type thing.

i give your explanation 4 stars out of 5.

Captain_Fantasy · 01-18-2012, 02:39 AM

This has the makings of an epic thread.

Can others post movie reviews here?

Shyguy222 · 01-18-2012, 02:50 AM

Rise Of the Planet of the Apes[

I will start by stating Andy Serkis derseves an oscar for best supporting actor or lead actor or at the very least a nomination to show him the respect he deserves. Seeing what he has done as Gollum, King Kong and now Ceasar, shows how great an actor he is. He brings these imaginary creatures to life making us forget they are not real and making the other actor's jobs easier.

As for the movie I will admit that when I first saw they were making this movie, I laughed and thought it would be a joke. I now admit I was wrong and they definitely made the right decisions on how to bring back this franchise.

The story is well done and ultimately it is more a story of how we treat animals and what their response would be if they gained the level of thinking we enjoy (and abuse). While in many senses this is a summer blockbuster movie for entertainment mostly, it is very easy to take away deeper messages about science, ethics, our animal kin, and our reactions to situations.

Ceasar, the main chimpanzee, is a great character and we follow him through his life and progression in intelligence. Andy Serkis truly brings him to life and allows us to know what Ceasar really is thinking and more importantly feeling.

This is a good start to the rebooted franchise and I look forward to seeing where they take it next. This is a recommended watch for just about anyone.

Shyguy222 · 01-18-2012, 02:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain_Fantasy

This has the makings of an epic thread.

Can others post movie reviews here?

You're more than welcome to chime in with your opinion of the movies discussed and I'll allow reviews of movies I haven't done yet.

I just figured I'd make a mega thread for myself since I do this alot

Shyguy222 · 01-18-2012, 03:05 AM

Upcoming Reviews: some older and animated ones
Batman: Year One, Batman: Under the red hood, Zombieland.

Shyguy222 · 02-27-2012, 03:06 PM

Batman Year One

One of the newest animated movies from DC, Batman Year One is a must see for any big fan of Batman, who like me, hasn't actually read the source graphic novel. Nearly all complaints about it, are that it is basically a movie illustration of the graphic novel, done nearly page for page and word for word, meaning nothing new for those who have already read it.

This is a good movie with a very interesting perspective, seeing as it is more about Jim Gordon than it is Batman. It shows the rise of both these characters to what most know them as and I enjoyed it. The voice acting is good but Kevin Conroy will always be animated Batman, so it does baffle me when he is not used.

Batman: Under the Red Hood

I think this is my favourite of the animated Batman movies because it is just so much more adult and gritty. The story is fantastic and it explores the debate that has surrounded Batman for years when it comes to his ONE rule.

The animation is great, action is fun and the voice work is excellent (despite lacking Conroy and Hamill).

I can't really review this without spoiling the pleasure of watching it. Again I had never read the comics, so keep that in mind.

Shyguy222 · 02-27-2012, 03:11 PM

This is still one of my favourite zombie movies. I remember going to the theatres the opening weekend with a bunch of friends from school and none of us really knowing what to expect.

The movie provides a different take on the Zombie apocalypse with less despair and destruction and much more comedy. This doesn't mean it is all light hearted but it's definitely less doom and gloom.

You quickly embrace the characters even though you are given very little personal info, including none but one of their real names.

Woody Harrelson bounced back to fame with his role and illustrated his comedic chops to a T with a great sprinkle of his Badass.

So if for some reason you missed this one, I highly recommend seeing it. It provides, suspense, horror, and comedy in a perfect balance.

Shyguy222 · 02-27-2012, 03:25 PM

Safe House

Saw this one last night and it was pretty sweet. A great action movie in the more grounded world of movies like the Bourne movies. Meaning more hand to hand and people get actually hurt, than Die Hard, one man army, over the top.

Washington delivers another solid performance as a type of character he excels at. He plays a rogue CIA agent who is the best they've ever had and Washington easily exudes the calm, confident and extremely dangerous demeanor of his charactor.

This is likely the best movie Reynolds has done and hopefully will allow him to get the exposure to do more serious movies like it. He is completely believable as a very skilled but green CIA agent who is quickly thrown into a situation a million times bigger than he could have ever expected. He does a wonderful job of playing someone who is incredibly driven and capable but is also in shock of the world he now a part of.

Action scenes are great with a shaky field not quite as bad as the Bourne trilogy. A car chase scene is definitely a highlight of the movie and the undertones of the plot are quite disturbing and truly echo Washington's character of Frost, in who is bad and who is good and do such things even exist.

Highly recommend this one.

As a side note, I love it when there is only 2 other people in the theatre with me. I feel like it's a private screening because I get the perfect seat and not a single person is around or in front of me.

Shyguy222 · 04-03-2012, 03:15 PM

21 Jump Street

When I first heard about this movie I thought it was going to be another failed attempt at rehashing a successful tv show. I admit I was wrong.

This was definitely one of the funniest movies I've seen in a while. Mostly because like the Scream movies, the writing was very aware of itself and was not afraid to make fun of the basic premise. Whether that was the rehashing of old materials and trying to pass it off as new or what school and kids are like today vs back then.

The story was fun, character's were very likable and the comedy hit what it was targeting. Add in some great cameos and you have a very successful reboot sequel (you'll understand that once you've seen it).

I think that while the movie makes me feel extrememly old (the cops finish highschool in 2005, 2 years after me) it helps that I can still remember what Highschool was like around that time. It made some of the jokes a lot funnier simply because I could agree with them.

If you're looking for a lot of laughs as well as some great action, I highly recommend this movie.

mOOse · 04-03-2012, 03:27 PM

zombieland = awesome. completely agree with your review.

i found 21 jump street disappointing, maybe because i heard it was good already and thus had high expectations. i thought the humor was juvenile, and it also didn't help that the cinema was full of teenagers, bursting out in laughter every time they said "balls".

Shyguy222 · 04-03-2012, 03:34 PM

When a movie makes me want to go out and buy the book trilogy, I'd say it was good. And that's exactly what this movie made me want to do. Partly because I know how much more a book is fleshed out and would enjoy reading all the details that couldn't make it into the movie. Partly because I can't wait for the next movie and want to see what happens next.

This movie lived up to the hype of being great but I must warn you that if you think this is an action movie, it is not. While possessing plenty of action and exciting/tense moments, (most of which happen in the final hour of the 2 and a half hour long movie) it is mostly about character interaction and watching the choices made. Meaning you have to actually pay attention and look more for the underlying messages.

I enjoy this type of movie because it brings a lot to question. Add in the fact that this type of "entertainment" has been ever present in human history click to show and Government being in control of everything and this movie could cause a lot of people (especially young people) to look at our society and actually challenge the plan.

It was one of the more moving aspects of the movie. Just how much control would people tolerate and would people really be willing to submit to this level just to maintain some sort of peace and stability?

Jennifer Lawrence is great as Katmiss and easily pulls off the caring but completely capable character.

If I could add anything to the movie it would be a simple explanation of what happens to the Tributes if they were to simply not compete. click to show

hechtor31 · 04-03-2012, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shyguy222

Rise Of the Planet of the Apes[

I will start by stating Andy Serkis derseves an oscar for best supporting actor or lead actor or at the very least a nomination to show him the respect he deserves. Seeing what he has done as Gollum, King Kong and now Ceasar, shows how great an actor he is. He brings these imaginary creatures to life making us forget they are not real and making the other actor's jobs easier.

As for the movie I will admit that when I first saw they were making this movie, I laughed and thought it would be a joke. I now admit I was wrong and they definitely made the right decisions on how to bring back this franchise.

The story is well done and ultimately it is more a story of how we treat animals and what their response would be if they gained the level of thinking we enjoy (and abuse). While in many senses this is a summer blockbuster movie for entertainment mostly, it is very easy to take away deeper messages about science, ethics, our animal kin, and our reactions to situations.

Ceasar, the main chimpanzee, is a great character and we follow him through his life and progression in intelligence. Andy Serkis truly brings him to life and allows us to know what Ceasar really is thinking and more importantly feeling.

This is a good start to the rebooted franchise and I look forward to seeing where they take it next. This is a recommended watch for just about anyone.

I heartily agree. I wasn't sure how good it would be until I saw it. Can't wait for the next one. I like how they inserted little easter eggs from the original series, hinting at what's coming next (the spaceship getting lost, for instance)

BillyNoReps · 04-03-2012, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shyguy222

Rise Of the Planet of the Apes

As I understand it, the astronauts left Earth and came back into the future without aging. How is this possible?

Shyguy222 · 04-03-2012, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillyNoReps

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shyguy222

Rise Of the Planet of the Apes

As I understand it, the astronauts left Earth and came back into the future without aging. How is this possible?

That's the planet of the apes movie, either with charelton heston or mark whalberg depending on your preference. Rise is meant as a reboot to that franchise and is stating what happens to earth while they are in space.

And It happened because the ship went through a black hole and essentially time traveled or simply froze in time, depending on your view. Therefore the earth they appeared on instantaneously for them, was actually many many years into the future.