Covenant (2023)

 

It’s pretty impressive how quickly this got made considering we only left Afghanistan a few years ago. A tense war drama that, while staying politically neutral, still gives the military an obligatory handjob in order to film their toys. 

Rating: C+

Jarhead (2005)

If I wasn't interested in joining the armed forces before, I certainly am not interested now. Sadly, I believe this film gives a fairly accurate portrayal of the crappy life a soldier endures. It's like a frat house with high powered weapons. No thanks Uncle Sam. 

Rating: C

Okja (2017)

I’m glad they figured out a way to make this film, and in such a bizarre way. The message from the storytelling was as impactful as Forks Over Knives or Food Inc. A good reminder for those of us trying in some way to make the world a better place.

Rating: B+

The Good Girl (2002)

Quirky, dark comedy about the life of a drug store clerk in a dull town who is unhappy with everything around her. When an odd new clerk enters her life, things begin to spin out of control. Solid indie cast makes it worth checking out.

Rating: C+

Everest (2015)

I’ve never understood the lunacy of wanting to climb Mt. Everest. Then again, I run ultramarathons, and people say the same thing about long distance runners. I get the sense of accomplishment that comes from doing something hard, but the risk of life is just too great to be worth it.

The movie itself does a good job of walking the casual viewer through what it’s like to prepare for and hike Mt. Everest. The story is compelling and a bit depressing.

Rating: C+

Proof (2005)

An engaging drama about mathematics, losing your mind, and uncomfortable romance. I liked it.

Rating: C+

Southpaw (2015)

As a viewer, I feel like I’m supposed to like and root for Jake Gyllenhaal’s character. However, he’s such an asshole, I can’t help but feel he’s getting what he deserves.

And then there’s the matter of no police investigation after his wife is murdered. The cops asked him a few questions and called it a day.

The movie is kind of a downer. I found his relationship with his daughter, especially in the aftermath of the shooting, to be annoying. Even his comeback training was depressing.

He supposedly went undefeated and defended the belt multiple times, and he’s only now learning defense? Didn’t make sense.  Later he struggles through a charity exhibition fight against a nobody. He was an undefeated world title holder for crying out loud.

Some kid named Hoppy who had 2 minutes of screen time gets killed off screen and we are supposed to get emotional about it? No. The film is sloppily put together with unlikable charters doing things that don’t make sense. The whole project was mishandled by Fuqua.

Rating: D-

Nightcrawler (2014)

Jake Gyllnhall appears to be playing a socially retarded thief turned freelance videographer. He has a complete lack of emotion, a photographic memory, and an aptitude to learn quickly. That’s not all. He’s a nasty perfectionist with lofty expectations of himself and those he works with. The film is dark. Dark as night. Jake’s character is not likeable in the least. That’s a bitter pill for the viewer to swallow.

Rating: C

Bubble Boy (2001)

A lot of fun. Really funny and one of those road movies that you somehow get sucked into, even if the premise is bad, like Joe Dirt. 

Rating: C+

The Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)

Not as terrible as I was expecting, which isn't exactly a stellar review. It held my attention, for the most part. I've seen worse.

Rating: D

The Day After Tomorrow (2004)

I had fun watching this, despite the over-the-top premise. I'm a sucker for end-of-the-world disaster flicks.

Rating: C+

Moonlight Mile (2002)

Great performances and script. A sometimes moody film, however, it had plenty of humorous moments to keep you from becoming totally depressed.

Rating: B-

End Of Watch (2012)

More and more I find myself determining whether a movie is good or not based on how it measures up to my favorite television shows. Hopefully it gives me something more than a good episode of TV.

End of Watch is reminiscent of Southland, a fantastic cop show. Both make use of different camera styles and angles to bring the viewer into the action. The plot isn’t readily apparent. It sneaks up on you through slowly intertwining subplots. A nice companion piece to the directors other film—Training Day.

Rating: B-

Donnie Darko (2001)

I really liked how this film was put together, but after multiple viewings, I'm still not confident I fully understand it. I have a love/hate relationship with time travel movies. The mood, tone, and sound of the film is fantastic. Jake is a fine actor. I like this movie but I want to love it.

Rating: B-

Zodiac (2007)

Half of Hollywood shows up in this docu-thriller by David Fincher. I
wasn't familiar with the history behind these killings, so I didn't know what was coming. Well written screenplay based on the material
available. It's not a movie you'll run out to see again, but it's certainly worth seeing once.

Rating: C+

Source Code (2011)

Entertaining despite the plethora of plot holes. I’m pretty sure the ending is impossible, scientifically or otherwise. I like my sci-fi with a bit more plausibility.

Rating: C

Homegrown (1998)

A more serious action/drama oriented pot movie, as opposed to the usual comedic fare that we usually get. (Cheech and Chong, Half Baked, etc). Billy Bob Thornton and Hank Azaria were both fun to watch. Entertaining movie.

Rating: C