Movie Review #8 - "Jedi Junkies" (Documentary - 2010)

Movie Review #8 - "Jedi Junkies" (Documentary - 2010)

Well ... Movie fans ... This is my first review of a documentary ... And I was extremely disappointed with this one ...

On IMDB:  Jedi Junkies (2010)

Benny's Rating:  1 / 10 Tabasco Peppers:

Synopsis:  

Don't worry, it's short.  This documentary filmmaker based out of NYC interviews "Star Wars" fans and collectors about their "obsession" and views about Star Wars.  They tell the stories of fan who are "die-hard" Star Wars fans, Fan Filmmakers, and extreme collectors.

It's a bone-headed look into the world of "Star Wars".

Interviews:

My God, the director didn't have a clue ... The interview several people, most who seem to be on the fringes of normalcy.  Don't get me wrong, I liked the Star Wars movies.  However, some of the "cats" in this documentary would scare me in real life.

One of the collectors has so much Star Wars collectibles that his family sleeps on air mattresses in his house.  I have a major problem with that ... When you take your hard-earned money and spend on collectables instead of a bed, I have an issue with that person.

Please.  It's just a movie.  Some of them are better than others.  But really, dedicating your life to Star Wars seems a lot out there for me ... And I'm pretty out there at times ...

Cinematography:

I don't know what kind of equipment that Director of Photography used, but I think my old Sony Personal Camcorder would have been better.  It's really atrocious in the quality and changing of HD shots to non-HD shots ... 

Overall Recommendations:

Well, I have been to a Star Wars theme-wedding in person.  The couple who got married ROCKED!! The costumes, light sabers, and several wedding attendees dressed up.  It was visually stunning.  So stunning that it was shown on one of the Weddings Shows on TLC.

Please do you self a favor.  Don't watch this.  Hopefully, my friends will post a link to their wedding.  It was way cool.

It's on Netflix if you are really bored and have absolutely nothing to do ...

Movie Review #7 - "Redemption" (2013)

Movie Review #7 - "Redemption" (2013)

On IMDB:  Redemption (2013)

Benny's Rating: 7 / 10 Tabasco Peppers

Synopsis:

A British soldier from the war in Afghanistan becomes down and out and hits bottom.  He meets up with a young girl on the streets and takes care of her.  He's a drunk, loser, and basically "scum of the earth".  Enter Sister Cristina, the nun who feeds the homeless and provides medication for those who want to remain anonymous.

Joey Smith (played by Jason Statham) is the soldier in this 100 minute film.  Joey gets his butt kicked on the street and ends up falling into a gentleman's apartment that is vacant. He finds an ATM card and begins to work himself back into "normalcy".  He gets connected with the Chinese Mafia in London and becomes a bag man.  While this sounds like a typical Statham film, it's not.  He actually acts in it ... More of that later ...

Eventually, the young girl goes missing into a world of slavery (sex slavery).  Joey tries to find her via the Chinese Mafia connection.  The nun, in essence, becomes his human side.  There is compassion, love (in the purest sense), and rage. 

This could almost be a "chick flick" if it wasn't for the typical Statham fighting scenes we have become used to.

The story doesn't have the typical guy from the gutter rises out it to become the hero.  It's actually kind of strange.  You want Joey to succeed, but you know he can't.

Screenwriting:

I was very pleased that the typical Statham movie cliches were not present.  This movie is dark.  It deals with some very difficult subjects.  For example, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Sex Slavery, Human Slavery, Sexuality between the Church and man.  It was really quite impressive and not what I expected.  Was it "Chariots of Fire" or "Ben Hur", probably not.  Better than "The Italian Job" or "Crank" or "The Transporter Series", heck yeah.

Cinematography:

There is nothing in this film that really stood out from others.  There is good use of the overheads and some of the darker shots.  Apart from that, I didn't care for the framing of the rest of the movie.  The shots seemed "convenient" and lighting was too bright in some places and too dark in others.

Acting:

By far, this is one of Statham's best work.  It actually showed that he can act and act very well.  The make-up artist should be commended on the initial scenes with Joey.  That really got me interested.

Sister Cristina played by Agata Buzek was not exactly what I thought or wanted her to be.  Her character was very dimensional.  However, I wish she would have shown a little more facial expression.  Her wardrobe (the nun's habit) and moves were not illustrative enough for me to really care about her.   It wasn't horrible, but I wanted to see more.

Overall Recommendation:

If you are looking for the "Fighting Statham" like in the "The Transporter Series" or "Crank Series", you will be very disappointed.  If you are looking for a good film with real acting and the occasional fight scene, you'll like it.  

It's on Netflix (free with your subscription), but I don't recommend this for the youngsters.
 

Movie Review #6 - 3 Idiots (2009)

Movie Review #6 - 3 Idiots (2009)

Before you start, this movie doesn't refer to any of my friends, past, present or future ... If you know, you would know that I truly love a good Bollywood film ... And this is one of them ... It's also one of my favorite films ...

On IMDB:  3 Idiots

Benny's Tabasco Peppers Review:  9 / 10 Tabasco Peppers 

Synopsis:

This is a great story, did I mention that yet?  It's a story about three friends who to college in India and study engineering.  But, that's the real story ... The story begins with a phone call to one (Farhjan) of the 3 Idiots who is on a plane leaving India.  He finds a way to get off the plane (really funny) and goes to get one of the other Idiots (Raju).  Then, 2 of the 3 Idiots meet up at the University who another classmate (Chatur) who's more concerned about how much he has, the trophy wife, etc.  Long story short. the 3rd Idiot is not there ... So, they begin to travel looking for him.

The movie flashes back to their days at the University.  It tells a fantastic story about learning as told through the eyes of "Rancho" (the 3rd Idiot).  Rancho is focused on learning and not the typical Indian ways of old were everything was memorization and no imagination.

The highlights are many as Rancho, Chatur, and the Director of Engineering get into twists and turns.  Chatur is also known as "The Silencer" because he takes so many energy pills and farts a lot of "Silent But Deadly" ...

There is a love interest between Rancho and Pia (The Director of Engineering's daughter).  I don't want to spoil this movie, but let's just say that this movie moves forward in Bollywood cinema for male/female contact (not sex).

Great One-Liners:

While the movie switches back and forth between Hindi and English, there is one line that sticks out.  "Aal izz Well" (in English - "All is Well") ... The line is carried through out the movie and sticks with you (in a good way).

The Negatives:

 Most of my American friends will probably not like subtitles.  It gets a little confusing when the words on the screen in subtitles doesn't match the English that they are speaking. 

Another weak point is some of the music.  Like in any other Bollywood film, there is song and dance.  There is one song (you'll know it) with Pia and Rancho that made me wonder "Who wrote that and why is that in here?"

Of Interest:

Chatur is the antagonist of the film and became quite popular in India.  The interesting thing is that "Chatur" is Omi Vaidya who's from CALIFORNIA.  Before the film, he didn't speak Hindi.  It's evident in the film, but the screenwriter and director play off of that ...

Overall Recommendation:

Rent it.  Buy It.  Borrow It.  It's available for streaming on Amazon (Amazon - 3 Idiots).  I highly recommend it!!!

Movie Review #5 - "Mad About Mambo" (2000)

Movie Review #5 - "Mad About Mambo" (2000)

On IMDB:  "Mad About Mambo"

First question you are probably asking is "Why is Benny reviewing a dance movie when he clearly cannot dance?"

Well, you are absolutely right.   I can't dance.  I don't think the "Lawnmower", "Sprinkler", or the "Gigolo" qualify ... And I'm usually pretty well intoxicated if I am dancing ... So, it's not a pleasant sight to behold.

But, I really have a crush on Keri Russel ... I was again cruising Netflix and came across this.

Benny's Rating:  7 / 10 Tabasco Peppers

Plot Synopsis:  Story takes place in Ireland with a young lad (Danny Mitchell played by William Ash) in the American equivalent of High School.  I have no clue how that works in Ireland.  He is a very talented football (soccer) player who lacks focus.  His favorite team "United" recruits a Brazilian player who is really good.  The Brazilian player states the "rhythm" is the key to his good football skills.  He even comments that they learn to Samba before they can walk.

Enter Keri Russel as Lucy McLoughlin.  Lucy wants to be the best Latin dancer.  Lucy's boyfriend, who Protestant, challenges Danny's Team that all Catholic to a friendly (football match for fun).  During the game, Danny breaks Lucy's boyfriend's foot.  So, Lucy's boyfriend (her dancing partner) is out ...

So ... Danny challenges Lucy to be his dancing partner... There are bumps along the way and ... typical love story.  They fall in love. (Wait, I spoiled the ending).

Acting:  Keri Russel was a 24 years old when this was filmed.  However, she plays the part of the high school girl very well.  Again, I have a crush on her.  So, I  am a lot biased.  William Ash (Danny) does a decent job, but then again, pick your unknown Irish actor and it would have still worked.

The big surprise for me was Brian Cox.  He's been a character actor for years.  You would probably know him from the "Bourne" series.  He plays the older Treadstone Project Leader.  I love his work.  There is a special quality that I really enjoy.

Screenplay:  Different, but the same stupid love triangle romantic comedy/drama.  There aren't any memorable lines to speak of.  It's not that it was bad.  It just wasn't great.  "Notting Hill" and "Love Actually" are good screenplays.  Anything by Cameron Crowe is usually good.  I still enjoyed it.

Cinematography:  Definitely pre-HD days.  There were not any shots that were like "Wow, I'd like to do that".  In my little film making career, I don't think I would borrow a shot from this film.

Overall Recommendations:  It's a feel-good, snuggly, warm in the blanket movie.  If you like Keri Russel at all (Felicity, August Rush), you will probably like it.  I like football (soccer), so I would have liked it anyway.  It's a good cozy film to watch if you have had a bad day.  Also, decently kid-friendly for the 13 years old and above.

Movie Review #4 - "Apollo 18"

Movie Review #4 - "Apollo 18"

First before I start my review, I really love the idea of space and space travel.  When I was a small child, I wanted so badly to be an astronaut.  I love the idea of space travel.  Chartering the unknown seemed like such a fantasy.

Now, I have a niece that works for NASA.  I have been fortunate enough to see some really cool things ... Like the simulator for docking and moving the shuttle arm on the now defunct space shuttle ... Very cool stuff.

I love good movies in space ... "Apollo 13" ... "Serenity" ... "Star Trek" ... "Star Wars" ... "Titan A.E" ... just to name a view ...

So, once again ... cruising Netflix for a movie to watch ... and .. "Bam" ... "Apollo 18"

Benny's Rating:  7 / 10 Tabasco Peppers

On IMDB:  "Apollo 18"

Plot Synopsis:  The U.S. Government has hid the "final" mission to the moon.  The Department of Defense sets up a classified mission to the moon to place detectors in case of a Russian attack.  So ... The journey begins ... The crew flies to the moon like we saw the previous 17 times, except this one was not public.  They land on the moon and set up the detectors. 

When they are exploring, they come upon a Russian spacecraft on the moon ... Then, it begins with the rock collection coming to life, finding a dead Cosmonaut, and eventually everyone dies by the "rock disease".

Acting: Most people are going to hate the acting to be honest.   However, I was completely engaged in the story.  I even stopped playing games on my Nexus Tablet to watch.  The lead actors, Warren Christie as "Ben" ("the main story teller), and Lloyd Owen as "Nate" make the story somewhat believable.  The rest of the characters, even the orbiter pilot, were flat and really undeveloped.

Screenplay:  The premise of the screenplay is really interesting.  The dialog seems appropriate for the story.  However, the "moon rocks" becoming alive.  Really?  That's the best you've got?  That was the big let down.  The rocks eventually turn into these space creatures that really scared the crap out of me.

Cinematography:  Visually stunning.  I really enjoying the shots used for emphasis.  Tight shots of the characters when they were frightened or tense.  Wide shots to show the expansive of space.  The flashbacks to the 1960s in the old Kodak 8mm reels ... Nicely done.

Director:  Gonzalo López-Gallego does an outstanding job here.  I really like the flashbacks shots and the overall feel to the picture.   I really liked how it started out like a typical "spy" movie then turned on a dime to a horror film.  Great work.

Overall Recommendations:  If you are on Netflix and are looking for a decently suspenseful film, I would recommend it.  If you are looking for horror gore and seat of your pants adrenaline rushes, then you will probably be disappointed ... I liked it and hope you do as well.

Movie Review #3 - "Gravity" 

Yes ... Finally a movie still playing in the theatre ...

On IMDB:  "Gravity"

 
Plot Synopsis:  People are working on the Hubble Telescope from the Space Shuttle.  Things go awry and they are blasting by space debris ... Three astronauts are dead and Lt. Matt Kowalski (George Clooney) and Mission Specialist Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock) are floating through space, trying to figure a way home ...

I don't want to say more ... because I'll spoil the movie ...

Benny's Rating: 8 / 10 Tabasco Peppers

Cinematography:  I went to see this movie in IMAX 3D.  It was INCREDIBLE.  Yes, it's a lot of CGI.  Yes, it's not really the mechanics of space.  But ... WOW ... Stunning shots ... I love the wide shots they used for isolation, vastness of space, beauty of space, etc.  The tight shots of the characters were perfectly timed.  It was visually stunning ...

The bad part about the 3D experience is the stupid gimmick ... Pens floating in space, Marvin the Martian Figure ... Really?  Was that really needed? 

The tears rolling off of Sandra Bullock's face, then floating were eye-catching and really impressive ...

While I couldn't find the company name of the Special Effects, Set Builders, 3D Designers, etc., there is a long list of people who did the work ... And it was worth seeing this.

Acting:  Going into this, I had very low expectations of both Clooney and Bullock, especially Bullock.  Sandra Bullock as an astronaut?  I don't think so.  But ... She really did an excellent job.  I didn't see any of her previous roles show in this movie.  She's such a pro and did a fantastic job.

Clooney was so-so ... I like Georgie-boy, but he seemed again like "Danny Ocean" from "Ocean's Eleven"... He seemed a little too comical for the part ... He's a good actor and all, but I didn't like his approach. 

Others ... Well .. There are none.  Voices from Houston's Command Center ...  Dead astronauts ... Not much ...

Bullock carried this film and did a great job with it.

There's a good back story with her character that I wish they would have spent a little more time, not only developing, but closing the pieces of what they put out ...

Screenplay:  Different for a change.  And good different.  It was a drama filmed in space.  Not a space movie so much.  And the acting backed it up.

The pace was perfect as far as I am concerned.

Overall Recommendations:  Go see it.  Is it worth the $17 US that I paid to see it in IMAX 3D?  Debatable.  I have a problem spending more than $10 US on a film.  Period.  However, I'd like to see it again.

This one you will want to see in the theatre.  It will not be a good film to watch at home.  The visuals are stunning, the acting is good, and the conclusion brought home a certain faith in humanity that I didn't expect to feel.

One last thing ... After I left the theatre, I was actually a little wobbly in the legs ... That's how good the special effects, 3D, and overall cinematography was ...

Movie Review #2 - "The Last Days of Disco"

On IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/find?q=The+Last+Days+of+Disco&s=all

Before you start, I got lost on Netflix.  Again, I tried to find the "right" movie to review ...

Benny's Rating: 1 / 10 Tabasco Peppers

Plot: (I'm really stretching here).  Two girls and a bunch of guys go dancing and somewhat explore their feelings, sexuality, drugs, etc.  Mostly, dancing and long boring diatribes about college ramblings, friendship, (yawn) ...

Why did you review this?:  I really like disco music in the '70s and early '80s ... I am a horrible dancer, but back then most of us were ... The casting for this movie seemed pretty interesting ... Kate Beckinsale (Sarah from Serendipity), Robert Sean Leonard (Wilson from House), Michael Weatherly (Tony from NCIS) ...

I thought ... Well, I like Kate ... I loved the "Wilson" character on "House" ... Robert Sean Leonard is also in a movie I like called "Driven" ... And my wife loves NCIS, so I have become fond of Michael Weatherly ...

The good:  Not a whole lot ... Some of the music was good ... done.

The bad:  The entire screenplay.  Whit Stillman ... On my GOD! ... While I like manicured dialog and good camera angles, I got completely lost when I spent several minutes listening to a conversation about "Lady and The Tramp" and its relationship to feminism.   I wanted to stick a pencil in my ear and burst my eardrums... Yes, both of them ...

Then, towards the end of the movie, Random Male Character gives a 60 second monolog about the era of disco and how they were apart of such a great movement.  Not only was it corny, but it was also extremely overacted. 

Overall Recommendation:  Don't ... Don't click the "Watch Movie" on Netflix for "The Last Days of Disco" ... Please ... Save your 113 minutes for a good nap, ironing shirts, or cleaning the cat box ... I guarantee more enjoyment than watching this .... Even though Kate Beckinsale is in the movie ...