I'm still going strong with the movie watching thanks to a new way to watch any movie I want. I just got a new rescue dog, an 8-year-old choclate lab named Mocha who is like my grandma reincarnated. I plan to do a lot of camping, drinking and movie watching this year, so stay tuned!
#101 - Highlander [1986]
Over-the-top, but a true product of the 80's and visually captivating at times. Christopher Lambert is one of the most wooden actors ever, and this is his best role. Sean Connery adds instant class and charm to the mix, while Clancy Brown makes for a sadistically evil villain. The soundtrack by Queen shouldn't work with the subject matter, but it does, really well I might add.
Rating: 8.5/10
#102 - Zoolander 2 [2016]
No one asked for this like they asked for Anchorman 2, but I always had a soft spot for the original. Time has not been kind to this type of goofy humor and because the film insists on remaining silly and random, so many of the jokes fall flat this time around. The cameos are gratuitous and mostly annoying, especially Fred Armisen whose face is CGI'd onto an 11-year-old's body, which is as creepy as it sounds and some douche-cunt named Don Atari whose modern text-speak infuriated me...seriously if I actually met someone like this I would immediately punch them in the fucking face. Other cameos redeem the shitty ones, like Billy Zane and Benedict Cumberbatch.
Fucking Bieber in the beginning? I knew about it and still fucking hated it. However seeing him get machine gunned into Swiss cheese was pretty satisfying. Penelope Cruz is amazingly hot and sexy, but I think she's a horrible actress and just hides it behind her accent and looks. I hate to say it because she has been good in things, but there's something about her delivery and body language that just isn't professional or authentic at all.
I found the spoof commercials to be hilarious, especially "Aqua Vite" which encapsulates what is so wrong with the rest of the movie. Derek and Hansel are behind the times, and their jokes stay stuck there too.
Rating: 4/10
#103 - The Shawshank Redemption [1994]
Stephen King's best non-horror adaptation is a well-written drama that pulls you in with its outstanding characters, period detail and deft direction from Frank Darabont.
Rating: 10/10
#104 - Neon Maniacs [1984]
What a wild & crazy cult classic. It follows this gang of deformed mutants that live under the Golden Gate Bridge who attack people for pleasure. They alternately infiltrate a high school and are only damaged by water. It's crazy, the effects are practically low-budget but awesomely 80's.
Rating: 6.5/10
#105 - The Survivalist [2015]
Castaway-esque, very low budget indie artsy type. Raw performances, kinda like Blue Ruin. Love the organic cinematography and natural feel. Survival is scary.
Rating: 8/10
#106- Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow [2004]
Fantastic throwback film, like The Rocketeer before it. Fast-paced with the perfect 50's adventure vibe. Solid cast, though your mileage may vary depending on your tolerance for Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow and Angelina Jolie. The production design is delightfully campy but slickly noirish, a nifty combination. Major props for nods to many classic films of the past, like King Kong, Mysterious Island, 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea and Sinbad.
Rating: 9/10
#107 - Jumanji [1995]
Awesome movie from my childhood.
Rating: 8/10
#108 - Rambo III [1988]
The law of diminishing returns hits John Rambo hard in his third adventure, this time in Afghanistan. The Middle East setting is one that I hate, not because of the political issues, but because it is visually repugnant and boring. Everything is tan or grey, whether it's the desert, the towns or the costumes, it all runs together.
Rating: 6.5/10
#109 - Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery [1997]
It does come off as a little dated, but it's still pretty funny thanks to a variety of clever and immature gags. Being a James Bond fan makes it much more enjoyable.
Rating: 7.5/10
#110 - Ffolkes aka North Sea Hijack [1979]
One of those movies that just went under the radar. It's your basic 70's hostage/heist movie, but the cast is what makes it interesting. Starring Roger Moore and Anthony Perkins, both playing against-type in order to avoid typecasting. The original title Ffolkes, is weird and confusing, so much so they renamed it North Sea Hijack everywhere outside of the UK.
Rating: 6/10
#111 - Mission: Impossible II [2000]
A guilty pleasure. Narratively, it is by far the weakest but for the action and stunts, it is hard to top Mr. John Woo and his over-the-top, dove-filled slo-mo shots! The motorcycle chase is the highlight for me. Overdone, but knows exactly what it is.
Rating: 7/10
#112 - Dope [2015]
Fantastic and fresh, it smartly subverts cliches while addressing the race issue with objectivity and intelligence. Great soundtrack and love the 90's nostalgia throughout.
Rating: 8.5/10
#113 - Mr. & Mrs. Smith [2005]
Time has been unusually kind to this action-romance, making it much more enjoyable than when it was released amid the Brangelina craze back then. Their chemistry is undeniable and makes the movie more fun by extension. The action and comedy are handled well by director Doug Liman, including a number of creative gunfights, melee combat and a car chase to boot. I liked all the secret agent technology, including Jane's hi-tech headquarters and John's basement armory. The comedy works well, mostly due to Pitt's charm and a bit part by Vince Vaughn when he was still funny.
Rating: 7/10
#114 - Fight Club [1999]
A counterculture masterpiece for Generation X & Y. It brings that generational fear and angst boiling to the surface, saying what we are all afraid to say: "you are not special". Fincher's direction is meticulous and the casting is perfect. This is some of Pitt's best work to date.
Rating: 10/10
#115 - The Bourne Supremacy [2004]
My favorite of the Bourne series is the nail-biting second act, with Bourne being dragged back into his former life and discovering more about his murky past. Karl Urban is the best bad guy Bourne faces, the Terminator-esque Kirill. Good action sequences, including a thrilling car chase that tops the one in The Bourne Identity.
Rating: 8/10
#116 - The Big Lebowski [1998]
Such memorably weird, richly detailed characters. A true western. Love the heavy use of CCR, a personal favorite of mine.
Rating: 10/10
#117 - A Fistful of Dollars [1966]
Date Watched: 3/3/16
The first of Sergio Leone's amazing spaghetti western trilogy, introducing us to the man with no name and Ennio Morricone's amazing score.
Rating: 10/10
#118 - The Matrix [1999]
Date Watched: 3/4/16
Truly groundbreaking and almost prophetic.
Rating: 10/10
#119 - Machete Kills [2014]
Date Watched: 3/4/16
Exactly what it says on the tin. Schlocky grindhouse flick that get more ridiculous by the minute but is undeniably fun! Just look at Alexa Vega's plump little ass.
Rating: 7/10
#120 - Straight Outta Compton [2015]
Date Watched: 3/5/16
Outstanding, one of the best biopics in years.
Rating: 9.5/10
#121 - London Has Fallen [2016]
Date Watched: 3/6/16
Exactly what I wanted. It ups the stakes like every good sequel should, while also delivering some very impressive action sequences. They are fast-paced, kinetic and exciting. The R rating and Gerard Butler's macho, John McClane inspired performance help elevate it to 90's action level awesome. Loved all the different weapons and gear used by everybody. There's tons of pistols, rifles, explosives, knives and improvised death dealing to satiate action lovers. Perfect one liners and one of the most satisfying "fuck you's" since Commando.
Rating: 7/10
#122 - Resident Evil Extinction [2007]
Date Watched: 3/7/16
Russell Mulcahy takes the reins and infuses the series with a western vibe. The traveling caravan of makeshift vehicles evokes a Mad Max feel. The super zombies are a bit generic looking but the other creatures are cool. Carlos' death is badass.
Rating: 6/10
#123 - Final Destination 3 [2006]
At the time this third entry was underwhelming considering how viciously awesome the second one was. However, the subsequent sequels get progressively worse and less creative so it has aged well and makes for a nice capper to the trilogy. The cast is forgettable except for hottie Mary Elizabeth Windstead and the guy that plays the goth Ian McKinley.
Rating: 7/10
#124 - Batman & Robin [1997]
Horrible writing and a truly ridiculous cast make for one of the most campy and inane superhero movies ever. It does have redeeming value from its vibrant production design and over-the-top nature, but it's been done better in previous and future entries so it's nothing to shake a stick at. Most characters are wasted, especially Bane who is portrayed as a mindless, muscled henchman. Mr. Freeze is a dumb caricature compared to his animated series incarnation, but because he's played by a hamming-it-up-good Schwarzenegger, he gets a pass in my book. His ice puns are incredibly stupid but undeniably hilarious.
Rating: 4.5/10
#125 - U.S. Marshals [1998]
Inferior follow up to The Fugitive but a solid 90's thriller none the less. The cast elevates it, giving Tommy Lee Jones some memorable cohorts, including Robert Downey Jr and having Wesley Snipes, riding his 90s action wave of fame, into an excellent role and performance here. I have fun memories of this, as I saw it on a middle school field trip to Eastpoint movies. It was either this or The Wedding Singer.
Rating 7/10
#126 - Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight [1995]
Double Feature
The better of the two Tales from the Crypt movies. It has some outstanding make-up and practical effects, mostly the demons themselves. It maintains the stylish vibe the HBO show always had, delivering the scares, gore and TABs (titties, ass and bush) in spades.
Rating: 8/10
#127 - Night of the Living Dead [1990]
Double Feature
Tom Savini's remake is nothing too flashy but it gets the job done with a bleak atmosphere and an array of realistic blood and gore effects as expected. Tony Todd gives one of his best performances while Tom Towles chews up the scenery with reckless abandon.
Rating: 7/10
#128 - Octopussy [1983]
Date Watched: 3/12/16
Among 007's worst outings has a tired-looking Roger Moore trying to recover a Faberge egg in the Middle East. It does little well and has a goofy tone just does not work. At one point Moore is painted up like a clown and gets into a chase. I know Moore's adventures were generally lighter after Live and Let Die, but Octopussy is at the bottom of the secret agent barrel. If you want a good Moore Bond, watch The Man With The Golden Gun or The Spy Who Loved Me.
Rating: 4/10
#129 - Pitch Black [2000]
Date Watched: 3/13/16
A white knuckle science fiction horror film, introducing us to Vin Diesel and a terrifying new breed of alien in the form of the winged sonic serpents called Bioraptors. They use echolocation like a bat would to navigate the darkness. I dig the brutal and unpredictable nature of the storyline because any character can bite it at anytime. The arid desert planet is well realized and feels deep, which was explored in the sequels. I dig the faith vs science themes and nifty score by Graeme Revell.
Rating: 8/10
#130 - Nightmare City [1980]
Date Watched: 3/14/16
Before 28 Days Later, the Dawn of the Dead remake and Pontypool, this was the first instance of running zombies I can recall. According to director Umberto Lenzi, the infected are not zombies, but people suffering from some bizarre form of radiation sickness; in essence radioactive zombies. Sadly, it's not quite as cool as it sounds because of the low budget make-up effects. I'd love to see them have glowing eyes or have their bodies give off an eerie green glow. However, they make up for it with their vicious appetite for blood. They slice, dice, bludgeon and bite because they need blood as opposed to brains and/or flesh. So I guess that makes them radioactive zombie-vampires.
Look, this is late 70's/early 80's Italian horror so you should know what to expect. Genre staples Hugo Stiglitz and Mel Ferrer lead the cast. Props to the ghoulish oddball score, unique sets and cliffhanger ending.
Rating: 7/10
#131 - Virus [1999]
Date Watched: 3/15/16
Guilty pleasure that has shades of The Thing and Frankenstein, with a wild setting (an abandoned research ship) to boot. Everyone hates this movie, and it may be schlocky, but it's a gory, creepy good time.
Rating: 7.5/10
#132 - Mosquito [1995]
Date Watched: 3/16/16
Atrocious acting and inconsistent special effects make this creature feature barely tolerable. The only thing saving it is some of the awesome practical effects of the mosquitoes. Their suckers (proboscis) look like green spears and they explode into gooey chunks when killed. It copies from many classic films, Aliens especially, with the mosquito egg sacs and siege attacks in the tunnels. Sadly, it only makes you want to watch those movies instead. There are tons of better creature features worth watching out there, so buyer beware.
Rating: 3.5/10
#133 - Leprechaun 2 [1994]
The goofiest and goriest. These movies are not even slightly scary, so you have to enjoy them as horror-comedies. Let's be honest, leprechauns are not scary, even if they are coming to for their gold, so the campy path was the only logical way a killer leprechaun concept would even work. I'm just surprised it got to six entries and the 4th was the space one.
Rating: 6/10
#134 - Leprechaun 3 [1995]
Leprechaun in Vegas...you can imagine how ridiculous this one gets.
Rating: 5.5/10
#135 - Gods of Egypt [2016]
Date Watched: 3/18/16
Yeesh indeed. Horrible CGI, hammy acting and a confusing, unexplained universe make this flick a mess. What happened to Alex Proyas? There are two things to like here: 1. Cortney Eaton's voluptuous tits popping out of her sexy-ass dress, and 2. The fire-breathing sand snakes that took front and center in the trailer. Can we get a movie about those things? The snakes, not the titties...
Date Watched: 3/18/16
Michele Soavi, Dario Argento's protege, comes into his own with this "sequel" to Demons, a sacrilegious shocker that has evil spirits released from a crypt beneath a church, which terrorize the people trapped inside. The gore is chunky and atmosphere is giallo-esque, with superbly creepy music from Goblin, Keith Emerson and Philip Glass.
Date Watched: 3/19/16
A perky Jennifer Aniston stars in the first entry, which is as goofy as it sounds. As detailed above, these movies work as comedies, so the over the top sequels are superior.
Date Watched: 3/20/16
Adaptation of one of my favorite HP Lovecraft stories "The Colour Out of Space", it doesn't do it justice. It's a slow burn creeper with a few gross out highlights, but mucks up the ending. The makeup effects range from laughable to solid, nothing spectacular.
Date Watched: 3/20/16
Still sweeping and visually stunning but narratively trite compared to Cameron's other works. His films have always had a technical precision to them, but the well-written characters always made up for the sterility. With Avatar, the characters take a backseat to the visual storytelling, which in this case isn't as bad as it normally is.
Date Watched: 3/21/16
While searching for the poster above, I found a forum that labeled this sci-fi thriller as "unwatchable" and "good book, bad movie" without any actual reasons as to why. Then I found Siskel & Ebert's review on At The Movies, and they too despised it because of the special effects and confusing plot. Huh? I saw this movie on PPPV (pirated pay-per-view) back when it came out and really enjoyed it. I had no problems understanding everything that was going on while being simultaneously terrified. I had no idea what would happen next and that was a fun feeling. The concept of fears manifesting themselves, in an isolated deep sea setting, is a recipe for scary shenanigans. That isolation factor, coupled with Elliot Goldenthal's supremely underrated score, reminds me in many ways of The Thing.
This was before I read Crichton's book, which was equally compelling but I have to say I think the movie was better. Blasphemy I know, but the story and scripting is tighter and it makes Crichton's technical writing style much more accessible. The cast helps liven things up too, though Sharon Stone is a waste here. Her character is one-note and contradictory, not to mention annoying and crazy. This is one aspect the novel and movie both nail, yet it was the one thing I wish the filmmakers would've toned down, rewritten or excluded altogether. Siskel & Ebert praised Stone's performance too.
In addition, they deride the special effects, cheap sets, abundance of expository dialogue and lack of resolution - all things I like about the movie. In 1998, CGI was still hit-or-miss but everyone expected Titanic-level quality for every movie regardless of budget. The CGI in Sphere is pretty good for the time, but they tried to do as much as they could practically which I always applaud. The same goes for the talky dialogue, which explains everything quite well throughout the film, while leaving the exact origin of the Sphere a mystery. Everything points to it being an alien object and its in a spacecraft, so what else could it be? Did Ebert want them to bluntly state it is an alien object? The Sphere is basically a MacGuffin to move the plot along
I feel like I'm on a different frequency here because I just don't see hate. It's not perfect by any means, but it does not deserve such a harsh reputation.
Date Watched: 3/22/16
As much flak as I give this 3rd entry, it does attempt to continue the Dark Phoenix saga as well as delve into a mutant cure and its repercussions. It had a few very cool ideas and action sequences, especially Wolverine vs Juggernaut and the end battle with tons of mutant vs mutant action. The effects are good, but it definitely falls into the style over substance category.
Date Watched: 3/22/16
The decadent companion piece to Goodfellas, it lures you in with the glitz and glam of Vegas only to smash you in the face with a baseball bat. Performances are excellent, the production design is fantastic and the soundtrack is phenomenal, a decades-spanning collection of classic blues, rock and soul.
Date Watched: 3/23/16
My personal favorite Eddie Murphy movie that I grew up with. This is arguably Murphy's magnum opus with him portraying seven different characters. Rick Baker's make-up effects are impressive and the comedy is raunchy but quite hilarious. My uncle's 50-year-old gay partner busted out laughing at this film and loved it, something I never thought I would see. It proves that comedy can transcend class barriers. Also the only movie I've ever found Jada Pinkett Smith attractive in.
The 90s was such a unique decade. Any other time, including now, and this movie would not work. But for some reason these type of silly, stupid comedies worked inexplicably well during the 90s.
Date Watched: 3/23/16
One of the best action movies I've ever seen, followed up by an even better action movie. The hand-to-hand fighting of Penchak Silat is mesmerizing.
Date Watched: 3/24/16
BvS is better than Man of Steel and Avengers: Age of Ultron but still suffers from the same problems: a jumbled storyline, a weak script and mind numbing CGI destruction. It's not the train wreck some are proclaiming and does have a few memorable parts, but it's ultimately too serious for its own good. Hopefully Justice League will be more fun.
Date Watched: 3/24/16
A randomized concoction of horror cliches and slimy sleaze courtesy of Troma. Lots of TABs and an impish hand puppet/robot that has no place in a horror movie, even one as cheesy as this one. Atrocious acting, but that's to be expected.
Date Watched: 3/25/16
Amazing animation and a really cool alternate dimension storyline. Creepy visuals and tonally in line with The Nightmare Before Christmas. Reminds me a lot of Psychonauts, one of the greatest games of the sixth generation.
Date Watched: 3/25/16
Tongue in cheek with goofy one-note characters and a cockamamie plot. It apes Aliens too many times, but it does have a few hilarious parts. So bad, it's good.
Date Watched: 3/26/16
Despised by so many for no good reason, this big budget "Mad Max on the water" actioner is a true product of the 90's and an ass-kicking sci-fi adventure. It's over-the-top, fun and undeniably creative with all the post-flood watercraft, technology and living conditions - especially Mariner's Swiss Army Knife Catamaran. Love Dennis Hopper here, who chews the scenery with vigor and spews too many zingers to count. Love the lavish sets and aquatic production design, truly a well thought out world.
Date Watched: 3/26/16
Masterfully made. Technically engrossing with all the futuristic but still realistic weapons (the M41A pulse rifle, Smartgun and flamethrower), vehicles (the APC, the jet carrier and the gun-shaped Sulaco) and technology (the Power Loader, the Weyland-Yutani atmosphere processor and the colonist terraformed LV-426). Cameron based it all on existing technology at the time; clearly an engineer at heart. It makes the world feel so real and lived-in, like Star Wars before it - true science fiction.
He continued to employ ingenious ideas during production, like using mirrors to give the illusion of even more Xenomorphs. I adore James Horner's score, brooding pieces which slowly wrack the nerves. Horner was given only six weeks to score the film, but still managed to craft one of his most indelible works.
Date Watched: 3/26/16
A violent, visual feast for the eyes that nails the Dredd character and delivers a viscerally satisfying experience. Karl Urban is the perfect Dredd, robotic but imposing, Mega City One is well-realized with the mid-size budget (including a bitchin' opening car chase), the music is superb and the themes of justice, vengeance and redemption run deep. I adore this film and am shocked it was a box office bomb. Hopefully we will eventually get another entry.
Date Watched: 3/26/16
Alien meets The Thing underwater. Peter Weller leads a crew of marine geologists who are attacked by a mutating underwater beast. The cast is an interesting mix, especially Daniel Stern as a "badass" named Sixpac and Hector Elizando as not a lawyer or cop. The effects by Stan Winston are delightfully slimy but do seem a bit unfinished. The isolated underwater setting is always a fun one, and does not disappoint here. Disjointed, but a worthy creature feature.
Date Watched: 3/26/16
Underwhelming and rudimentary, I expected this live action retelling of Cinderella to be excellent, given all the praise, but was sad to find a by-the-numbers fairy tale featuring way too much CGI and goofiness to warrant its existence. It feels rushed and incomplete when compared to the Disney version, and adds absolutely nothing worthwhile to the story.
Date Watched: 3/26/16
An exciting slice of 90's awesomeness, featuring still impressive special effects that aren't totally CGI and an excellent ensemble cast. Bill Pullman's POTUS is one of the best movie presidents ever, culminating in his rousing Independence Day speech to rally his troops.
Date Watched: 3/27/16
Alien with exploding bodies. Chunky, operatic gore. Gnarly Goblin score. Giallo-esque at times.
Date Watched: 3/27/16
Awesome. The first successful Marvel movie everyone forgets about. Loved it then, love it now and Blade is still the consummate badass.
Date Watched: 3/27/16
A wonderfully dark adventure for kids from the brilliant Richard Donner. The group of kids is an oddball mix of young future stars and unknowns, but they feel real. One-Eyed Willie's cave is a sight to behold, packed with booby traps and puzzles like a damn video game. The pirate ship lagoon finale is a piece of pure cinematic joy.
Yeesh indeed. Horrible CGI, hammy acting and a confusing, unexplained universe make this flick a mess. What happened to Alex Proyas? There are two things to like here: 1. Cortney Eaton's voluptuous tits popping out of her sexy-ass dress, and 2. The fire-breathing sand snakes that took front and center in the trailer. Can we get a movie about those things? The snakes, not the titties...
Rating: 3/10
#136 - The Church [1989]
Michele Soavi, Dario Argento's protege, comes into his own with this "sequel" to Demons, a sacrilegious shocker that has evil spirits released from a crypt beneath a church, which terrorize the people trapped inside. The gore is chunky and atmosphere is giallo-esque, with superbly creepy music from Goblin, Keith Emerson and Philip Glass.
Rating: 7/10
#137 - Leprechaun [1993]
A perky Jennifer Aniston stars in the first entry, which is as goofy as it sounds. As detailed above, these movies work as comedies, so the over the top sequels are superior.
Rating: 6/10
#138 - The Curse [1987]
Adaptation of one of my favorite HP Lovecraft stories "The Colour Out of Space", it doesn't do it justice. It's a slow burn creeper with a few gross out highlights, but mucks up the ending. The makeup effects range from laughable to solid, nothing spectacular.
Rating: 6/10
#139 - Avatar [2009]
Still sweeping and visually stunning but narratively trite compared to Cameron's other works. His films have always had a technical precision to them, but the well-written characters always made up for the sterility. With Avatar, the characters take a backseat to the visual storytelling, which in this case isn't as bad as it normally is.
Rating: 8.5/10
#140 - Sphere [1998]
While searching for the poster above, I found a forum that labeled this sci-fi thriller as "unwatchable" and "good book, bad movie" without any actual reasons as to why. Then I found Siskel & Ebert's review on At The Movies, and they too despised it because of the special effects and confusing plot. Huh? I saw this movie on PPPV (pirated pay-per-view) back when it came out and really enjoyed it. I had no problems understanding everything that was going on while being simultaneously terrified. I had no idea what would happen next and that was a fun feeling. The concept of fears manifesting themselves, in an isolated deep sea setting, is a recipe for scary shenanigans. That isolation factor, coupled with Elliot Goldenthal's supremely underrated score, reminds me in many ways of The Thing.
This was before I read Crichton's book, which was equally compelling but I have to say I think the movie was better. Blasphemy I know, but the story and scripting is tighter and it makes Crichton's technical writing style much more accessible. The cast helps liven things up too, though Sharon Stone is a waste here. Her character is one-note and contradictory, not to mention annoying and crazy. This is one aspect the novel and movie both nail, yet it was the one thing I wish the filmmakers would've toned down, rewritten or excluded altogether. Siskel & Ebert praised Stone's performance too.
In addition, they deride the special effects, cheap sets, abundance of expository dialogue and lack of resolution - all things I like about the movie. In 1998, CGI was still hit-or-miss but everyone expected Titanic-level quality for every movie regardless of budget. The CGI in Sphere is pretty good for the time, but they tried to do as much as they could practically which I always applaud. The same goes for the talky dialogue, which explains everything quite well throughout the film, while leaving the exact origin of the Sphere a mystery. Everything points to it being an alien object and its in a spacecraft, so what else could it be? Did Ebert want them to bluntly state it is an alien object? The Sphere is basically a MacGuffin to move the plot along
I feel like I'm on a different frequency here because I just don't see hate. It's not perfect by any means, but it does not deserve such a harsh reputation.
Rating: 8/10
#141 - X-Men III: The Last Stand [2006]
As much flak as I give this 3rd entry, it does attempt to continue the Dark Phoenix saga as well as delve into a mutant cure and its repercussions. It had a few very cool ideas and action sequences, especially Wolverine vs Juggernaut and the end battle with tons of mutant vs mutant action. The effects are good, but it definitely falls into the style over substance category.
Rating: 6.5/10
#142 - Casino [1995]
The decadent companion piece to Goodfellas, it lures you in with the glitz and glam of Vegas only to smash you in the face with a baseball bat. Performances are excellent, the production design is fantastic and the soundtrack is phenomenal, a decades-spanning collection of classic blues, rock and soul.
Rating: 9.5/10
#143 - The Nutty Professor [1996]
My personal favorite Eddie Murphy movie that I grew up with. This is arguably Murphy's magnum opus with him portraying seven different characters. Rick Baker's make-up effects are impressive and the comedy is raunchy but quite hilarious. My uncle's 50-year-old gay partner busted out laughing at this film and loved it, something I never thought I would see. It proves that comedy can transcend class barriers. Also the only movie I've ever found Jada Pinkett Smith attractive in.
The 90s was such a unique decade. Any other time, including now, and this movie would not work. But for some reason these type of silly, stupid comedies worked inexplicably well during the 90s.
Rating: 8/10
#144 - The Raid [2011]
One of the best action movies I've ever seen, followed up by an even better action movie. The hand-to-hand fighting of Penchak Silat is mesmerizing.
Rating: 10/10
#145 - Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice [2016]
BvS is better than Man of Steel and Avengers: Age of Ultron but still suffers from the same problems: a jumbled storyline, a weak script and mind numbing CGI destruction. It's not the train wreck some are proclaiming and does have a few memorable parts, but it's ultimately too serious for its own good. Hopefully Justice League will be more fun.
Rating: 6/10
#146 - Nightmare Weekend [1986]
A randomized concoction of horror cliches and slimy sleaze courtesy of Troma. Lots of TABs and an impish hand puppet/robot that has no place in a horror movie, even one as cheesy as this one. Atrocious acting, but that's to be expected.
Rating: 3/10
#147 - Coraline [2009]
Amazing animation and a really cool alternate dimension storyline. Creepy visuals and tonally in line with The Nightmare Before Christmas. Reminds me a lot of Psychonauts, one of the greatest games of the sixth generation.
Rating: 8.5/10
#148 - Leprechaun 4: In Space [1995]
Tongue in cheek with goofy one-note characters and a cockamamie plot. It apes Aliens too many times, but it does have a few hilarious parts. So bad, it's good.
Rating: 4/10
#149 - Waterworld [1995]
Despised by so many for no good reason, this big budget "Mad Max on the water" actioner is a true product of the 90's and an ass-kicking sci-fi adventure. It's over-the-top, fun and undeniably creative with all the post-flood watercraft, technology and living conditions - especially Mariner's Swiss Army Knife Catamaran. Love Dennis Hopper here, who chews the scenery with vigor and spews too many zingers to count. Love the lavish sets and aquatic production design, truly a well thought out world.
Rating: 9.5/10
#150 - Aliens [1986]
Masterfully made. Technically engrossing with all the futuristic but still realistic weapons (the M41A pulse rifle, Smartgun and flamethrower), vehicles (the APC, the jet carrier and the gun-shaped Sulaco) and technology (the Power Loader, the Weyland-Yutani atmosphere processor and the colonist terraformed LV-426). Cameron based it all on existing technology at the time; clearly an engineer at heart. It makes the world feel so real and lived-in, like Star Wars before it - true science fiction.
He continued to employ ingenious ideas during production, like using mirrors to give the illusion of even more Xenomorphs. I adore James Horner's score, brooding pieces which slowly wrack the nerves. Horner was given only six weeks to score the film, but still managed to craft one of his most indelible works.
Rating: 10/10
#151 - Dredd [2012]
A violent, visual feast for the eyes that nails the Dredd character and delivers a viscerally satisfying experience. Karl Urban is the perfect Dredd, robotic but imposing, Mega City One is well-realized with the mid-size budget (including a bitchin' opening car chase), the music is superb and the themes of justice, vengeance and redemption run deep. I adore this film and am shocked it was a box office bomb. Hopefully we will eventually get another entry.
Rating: 10/10
#152 - Leviathan [1989]
Alien meets The Thing underwater. Peter Weller leads a crew of marine geologists who are attacked by a mutating underwater beast. The cast is an interesting mix, especially Daniel Stern as a "badass" named Sixpac and Hector Elizando as not a lawyer or cop. The effects by Stan Winston are delightfully slimy but do seem a bit unfinished. The isolated underwater setting is always a fun one, and does not disappoint here. Disjointed, but a worthy creature feature.
Rating: 6.5/10
#153 - Cinderella [2015]
Underwhelming and rudimentary, I expected this live action retelling of Cinderella to be excellent, given all the praise, but was sad to find a by-the-numbers fairy tale featuring way too much CGI and goofiness to warrant its existence. It feels rushed and incomplete when compared to the Disney version, and adds absolutely nothing worthwhile to the story.
Rating: 5/10
#154 - Independence Day [1996]
An exciting slice of 90's awesomeness, featuring still impressive special effects that aren't totally CGI and an excellent ensemble cast. Bill Pullman's POTUS is one of the best movie presidents ever, culminating in his rousing Independence Day speech to rally his troops.
Rating: 9.5/10
#155 - Contamination [1980]
Alien with exploding bodies. Chunky, operatic gore. Gnarly Goblin score. Giallo-esque at times.
Rating: 7/10
#156 - Blade [1998]
Awesome. The first successful Marvel movie everyone forgets about. Loved it then, love it now and Blade is still the consummate badass.
Rating: 10/10
#157 - The Goonies [1985]
A wonderfully dark adventure for kids from the brilliant Richard Donner. The group of kids is an oddball mix of young future stars and unknowns, but they feel real. One-Eyed Willie's cave is a sight to behold, packed with booby traps and puzzles like a damn video game. The pirate ship lagoon finale is a piece of pure cinematic joy.
Rating: 10/10
#158 - 10 Cloverfield Lane [2016]
Date Watched: 3/28/16
Intense, it functions mostly as a character study featuring good performances.
Date Watched: 3/29/16
A lively interesting take on the story. I like the freak show circus beginning, especially with them trying to escape and all of the freaks utilizing their various abilities to try and stop them like knife throwing, breathing fire, etc. Visually very interesting, Gothic but also slick looking. Dug the faith vs. science debate and acting by Andrew West and James McAvoy. McAvoy makes the character fun, playing him as an eccentric but brilliant mad scientist who knows how to have fun. I do enjoy how it serves as a sort of prequel to the 1931 film, showing the characters in their early years. It's clear this was intended as a franchise starter, where they would follow Frankenstein as he created all sorts of creatures and abominations, like the Hammer Horror films of the 60s.
Date Watched: 3/29/16
Outstanding. Every time I watched this, it gets better thematically. Everything is meticulously planned out and the story is flexible enough to accommodate an interesting dual storyline: Is Quaid really a secret agent or is he just acting out his ego trip from ReKall? Watching again, the whole first act sets things up beautifully so either could be true. This blurred reality is my favorite thing about the film and puts you right there with Quaid amid the chaos.
Intense, it functions mostly as a character study featuring good performances.
Rating: 7/10
#159 - Victor Frankenstein [2015]
A lively interesting take on the story. I like the freak show circus beginning, especially with them trying to escape and all of the freaks utilizing their various abilities to try and stop them like knife throwing, breathing fire, etc. Visually very interesting, Gothic but also slick looking. Dug the faith vs. science debate and acting by Andrew West and James McAvoy. McAvoy makes the character fun, playing him as an eccentric but brilliant mad scientist who knows how to have fun. I do enjoy how it serves as a sort of prequel to the 1931 film, showing the characters in their early years. It's clear this was intended as a franchise starter, where they would follow Frankenstein as he created all sorts of creatures and abominations, like the Hammer Horror films of the 60s.
Rating: 6.5/10
#160 - Total Recall [1990]
Outstanding. Every time I watched this, it gets better thematically. Everything is meticulously planned out and the story is flexible enough to accommodate an interesting dual storyline: Is Quaid really a secret agent or is he just acting out his ego trip from ReKall? Watching again, the whole first act sets things up beautifully so either could be true. This blurred reality is my favorite thing about the film and puts you right there with Quaid amid the chaos.
Rating: 10/10
#161 - Navy Seals [1990]
An old school actioner that lacks two things: titties and a memorable bad guy. Every 80's/90's action movie has to have them in order to join the elite ranks of Commando. The cast is good and have that macho charisma all good military teams possess. Bonus points for a ridiculous golfing montage.
Rating: 6.5/10
#162 - The End of the Tour [2015]
Two dudes talking, this appealing drama feels like two friends catching up after a long absence.
Rating: 7/10
#163 - Casper [1995]
Goofy, but an experience for a 10-year-old. The cartoonish look of the ghosts mixed with the gorgeously Gothic mansion (complete with mad scientist lab in the basement) make it a feast for the eyes. However, the human characters are one dimensional and the script is a disheveled mess.
Rating: 6/10
#164 - Mystic Pizza [1988]
I always thought this was some weird movie Julia Roberts did before Pretty Woman, but it's actually a pretty good coming-of-age comedy drama featuring three very good lead performances. Each of the three main female characters has a different type of romance. You've got the sex pot, the rebel and the scholar romantic story lines so it's reaching the widest possible female demographic.
Rating: 6.5/10
#165 - Children of Men [2006]
One of the bleakest but one of the most hopeful films from master storyteller Alfonso Cuaron. It is relentless and keeps you on the edge of your seat, knowing that anyone could be next in this fight for the survival of our hopelessly destructive species.
A superb example of social science-fiction, it paints a grim picture of a seedy, segregated future where humanity is doomed and turning on itself. It pulls you into this desperate world effortlessly, and straps you along for the ride. It raises many questions about human nature that only reinforce its themes of hope. Alfonso Cuaron's direction is astounding, including one of the most complex and technical intricate long takes of all-time. That's not hyperbole.
Rating: 10/10
#166 - Repo Man [1984]
Definitely has a western feel. I was obsessed with this movie in college for a short while because it was so strange, unlike anything I had seen up until then. It is definitely a unique look at punk culture and the underbelly of society. Good soundtrack.
Rating: 8/10
#167 - 300 [2007]
Testosterone filled war film featuring bloody action and badassery galore. It spawned many catchphrases and memes.
Rating: 8.5/10
#168 - Leon: The Professional [1994]
Excellent, it is the story about Leon & Mathilda, a hitman and an orphaned girl who become a family unit because they need each other. This remains Luc Besson's best film thanks to the exceptional cast, patient storytelling and gut-check action. This should not be missed.
Rating: 10/10
#169 - The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen [2003]
Everyone hates this but it is a cool adventure set during the turn of the century. It ain't Shakespeare, but you could do a lot worse when it comes to team-up movies. The action is fun, the technology is awesome and the pacing keeps things light and quick.
Rating: 6/10
OPENING DAY 4/4/16 - O's defeat Twins 3-2 in a walk-off!
#170 - Stir of Echoes [1999]
An unnerving, claustrophobic ghost story from screenwriter David Koepp, his best work in my opinion. Kevin Bacon stars as a man who becomes receptive to a female ghost haunting his home after being hypnotized at a party. There's something special in how this film presents its characters, a blue color family just trying to make it in Chicago. Their young son can communicate with spirits, much like Haley Joel "I see dead people" Osment in The Sixth Sense released about a month prior, but it has the same effect. I wonder if there was any executive meddling to include more of the kid given The Sixth Sense's success. Bacon's wife is played by the eternal MILF Kathryn Erbe, who is rocking the late 90's slightly goth/Wicca look that I always had a thing for thanks to Charmed (hey, those witches were smokin' hot).
It's efficient but also takes its time; there's almost no fat to trim. The scares are still effective and the hypnosis sequences are an avant-garde highlight. Highly recommended.
Rating: 9/10
#171 - The Outing aka The Lamp [1987]
A lot of wasted potential here. This preceded Wishmaster by 10 years and could've been an 80's classic. An evil genie trapped in a lamp is released on the unsuspecting staff and the teens who, in a brilliant decision, decided to stay the night in the museum. Think an R-rated Night at the Museum. Sadly, most of the kills are off-screen, which is awful for an 80's horror flick plus the special effects look like crap. It does redeem itself with plenty of TABs of all shapes and sizes, but it can't save this mess of a movie.
Rating: 5/10
#172 - Hail Caesar [2016]
Hail Caesar is an amusing look at Golden Age of Hollywood, but like most Coen Brothers comedies not starring a Lebowski, it loses its way in the third act making it feel disjointed. As expected, the period detail for 50's Hollywood is superb, making you feel like you're walking around the studio backlots with Eddie Mannix himself. Josh Brolin plays Mannix, the production head of Capitol Pictures and a fixer who keeps his famous clients out of the papers when they do something stupid, illegal, or both.
Rating: 7/10
#173 - Pride and Prejudice and Zombies [2016]
An unusual mix of pomp and pulp, this zombie movie might be a mess but it embraces its ridiculousness and has its moments.
Rating: _/10
#174 - Stake Land [2010]
Bleak and unrelenting, but starkly powerful in its own way. The struggle and interaction between the characters is realistic and heavy.
Rating: 7.5/10
#175 - Resident Evil: Retribution [2011]
A video game in film form, complete with different levels and types of biohazards like the Executioner, the Las Plagas, uber lickers, and plain ol' T-virus zombies.
Rating: 6.5/10
#176 - The Hateful Eight [2015]
QTs second western has so many similarities to The Thing besides the score, visually and thematically. Kurt Russell, the frigid, isolated setting, the paranoia, "someone here ain't who he appears to be".
Rating: 9.5/10
#177 - Hardcore Henry [2016]
Date Watched: 4/9/16
The film version of a first person shooter, this is a gleefully insane action flick on steroids. Told entirely from the first person perspective, it follows Henry, a cyborg creation who escapes his makers and must rescue his wife from their clutches. The big bad is a telekinetic albino madman who has his own private army. Helping Henry along is Sharto Copley as Jimmy and his many avatars. This idea is awesome because it allows Sharto Copley to play 10 different characters all name Jimmy each with their own unique life and personality like a constable, a punk rocker, a Frank Sinatra crooner, a military sniper and a scientist.
Rating: 7/10
-
#178 - Die Hard With A Vengeance [1995]
Date Watched: 4/9/16
Rating:
#179 - The Sinful Dwarf [1973]
Date Watched: 4/9/16
Rating:
#180 - Demons 2 [1986]
Date Watched: 4/10/16
Rating:
#181 - The Man From U.N.C.L.E. [2015]
Date Watched: 4/10/16
Rating:
#182 - The Phantom [1994]
Date Watched: 4/11/16
Rating:
#183 - The Hallow
Date Watched: 4/13/16
A terrific creature feature.
Rating: 7.5/10
#184 - Midnight Special [2016]
Date Watched: 4/16/16
A Spielberg-esque sci-fi drama following a young boy with Godlike powers on the run with his dad from police and a fanatical religious cult. Jeff Nichols patient filmmaking style elevates the genre material, allowing us a more human drama. The ending is a doozy.
Rating: 7.5/10
-
#185 - Hush [2016]
Date Watched: 4/17/16
Fresh take on a tired concept, Mike Flanagan's Hush, much like his previous film Oculus, is another sterling addition to the horror genre. The home invasion angle has been done to death since 2007's The Strangers so to have one that still delivers the thrills and chills is great. You would think having the main girl be deaf would be a hindrance but it actually makes it more frightening because it adds another isolation factor. Unmasking the killer early also defies genre clichés.
Rating: 7/10
-
#186 - The Faculty [1998]
Date Watched: 4/18/16
Love this flick. Many nods to classic horror films and the sci-fi invasion angle is nifty. Dig the cast a lot.
Rating: 8/10
-
#187 - The Running Man [1988]
Date Watched: 4/18/16
This film has always had an oddball feel to it for me. Seeing Arnold run around in the orange crush jumpsuit seems silly, as well as all the crap leading up to his capture and entry into the game. It isn't exactly faithful to King's novel, so why not just start it off with Arnold agreeing to participate and just add more crazy Hunters to the mix. The Hunters themselves leave a lot to be desired, coming off as goofy especially Dynamo. It's still entertaining and surprisingly relevant today with all the reality TV out there. Not Arnold's best, but not his worst either.
Rating: 6/10
-
#188 - The Mummy Returns [2001]
Date Watched: 4/18/16
Rip-roaring adventure that never lets up. This may be silly and over-the-top, but it is SO MUCH FUN. The globetrotting adventure mimics Indiana Jones as best it can, with numerous wild setpieces including a mummy chase through the streets of London and a wall of sentient water. The CGI is bad, especially on the Scorpion King in the finale.
Rating: 6/10
-
#189 - Pineapple Express
Date Watched: 4/19/16
Rating
#190 - Pee-Wee's Big Holiday [2016]
Date Watched: 4/20/16
#191 - Seven
Date Watched: 4/20/16
#192 - Nosferatu The Vampyre [1979]
Date Watched: 4/24/16
Surreal and haunting, Herzog's retelling of the 1922 horror classic is like a brooding nightmare.
#193 - The Revenant [2015]
Date Watched: 4/24/16
#194 - Ex Machina [2015]
Date Watched: 4/24/16
#195 - City of Lost Children [1995]
Date Watched: 4/27/16
#196 - The Fly [1986]
Date Watched: 4/27/16
#197 - A.I. Artifical Intelligence [2001]
Date Watched: 4/27/16
#198 - Snowpiercer [2014]
Date Watched: 4/28/16
#199 - Krampus
Date Watched: 4/29/16
#200 - Spawn
Date Watched: 4/30/16
Date Watched: 4/9/16
The film version of a first person shooter, this is a gleefully insane action flick on steroids. Told entirely from the first person perspective, it follows Henry, a cyborg creation who escapes his makers and must rescue his wife from their clutches. The big bad is a telekinetic albino madman who has his own private army. Helping Henry along is Sharto Copley as Jimmy and his many avatars. This idea is awesome because it allows Sharto Copley to play 10 different characters all name Jimmy each with their own unique life and personality like a constable, a punk rocker, a Frank Sinatra crooner, a military sniper and a scientist.
Rating: 7/10
-
#178 - Die Hard With A Vengeance [1995]
Date Watched: 4/9/16
Rating:
#179 - The Sinful Dwarf [1973]
Date Watched: 4/9/16
Rating:
#180 - Demons 2 [1986]
Date Watched: 4/10/16
Rating:
#181 - The Man From U.N.C.L.E. [2015]
Date Watched: 4/10/16
Rating:
#182 - The Phantom [1994]
Date Watched: 4/11/16
Rating:
#183 - The Hallow
Date Watched: 4/13/16
A terrific creature feature.
Rating: 7.5/10
#184 - Midnight Special [2016]
Date Watched: 4/16/16
A Spielberg-esque sci-fi drama following a young boy with Godlike powers on the run with his dad from police and a fanatical religious cult. Jeff Nichols patient filmmaking style elevates the genre material, allowing us a more human drama. The ending is a doozy.
Rating: 7.5/10
-
#185 - Hush [2016]
Date Watched: 4/17/16
Fresh take on a tired concept, Mike Flanagan's Hush, much like his previous film Oculus, is another sterling addition to the horror genre. The home invasion angle has been done to death since 2007's The Strangers so to have one that still delivers the thrills and chills is great. You would think having the main girl be deaf would be a hindrance but it actually makes it more frightening because it adds another isolation factor. Unmasking the killer early also defies genre clichés.
Rating: 7/10
-
#186 - The Faculty [1998]
Date Watched: 4/18/16
Love this flick. Many nods to classic horror films and the sci-fi invasion angle is nifty. Dig the cast a lot.
Rating: 8/10
-
#187 - The Running Man [1988]
Date Watched: 4/18/16
This film has always had an oddball feel to it for me. Seeing Arnold run around in the orange crush jumpsuit seems silly, as well as all the crap leading up to his capture and entry into the game. It isn't exactly faithful to King's novel, so why not just start it off with Arnold agreeing to participate and just add more crazy Hunters to the mix. The Hunters themselves leave a lot to be desired, coming off as goofy especially Dynamo. It's still entertaining and surprisingly relevant today with all the reality TV out there. Not Arnold's best, but not his worst either.
Rating: 6/10
-
#188 - The Mummy Returns [2001]
Date Watched: 4/18/16
Rip-roaring adventure that never lets up. This may be silly and over-the-top, but it is SO MUCH FUN. The globetrotting adventure mimics Indiana Jones as best it can, with numerous wild setpieces including a mummy chase through the streets of London and a wall of sentient water. The CGI is bad, especially on the Scorpion King in the finale.
Rating: 6/10
-
#189 - Pineapple Express
Date Watched: 4/19/16
Rating
#190 - Pee-Wee's Big Holiday [2016]
Date Watched: 4/20/16
#191 - Seven
Date Watched: 4/20/16
#192 - Nosferatu The Vampyre [1979]
Date Watched: 4/24/16
Surreal and haunting, Herzog's retelling of the 1922 horror classic is like a brooding nightmare.
#193 - The Revenant [2015]
Date Watched: 4/24/16
#194 - Ex Machina [2015]
Date Watched: 4/24/16
#195 - City of Lost Children [1995]
Date Watched: 4/27/16
#196 - The Fly [1986]
Date Watched: 4/27/16
#197 - A.I. Artifical Intelligence [2001]
Date Watched: 4/27/16
#198 - Snowpiercer [2014]
Date Watched: 4/28/16
#199 - Krampus
Date Watched: 4/29/16
#200 - Spawn
Date Watched: 4/30/16
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