The Protege (2021)

 

There was potential in this Long Kiss Goodnight La Femme Nakita knockoff. The camera angles and crisp sound were top notch. Maggie Q is a genuine badass. Ultimately it was the story itself that became overly convoluted, culminating in a milquetoast finale. Oh well. 

Rating: C-

Live Free Or Die Hard (2007)

For an ancient franchise about an ancient cop, this version holds up pretty well. The plot is ok, if you don't focus too hard. Plenty of good action sequences to keep the heart pounding, and the comic relief ain't bad either. Enjoyed the cameo by Kevin Smith as the nerd hacking master.

Rating: C

Mission: Impossible III (2006)

Phillip Seymor Hoffman excels as the bad guy, transforming himself into a sinister mastermind of evil. I had no doubt he would pull off another fantastic performance. He's one of the best actors around. Cruise keeps it together on screen as well. The plot is pretty good, and the action is great.

Rating: C+

Operation: Endgame (2010)

You’d think with such a strong cast of comedians on board that it would result in at least a mediocre action spoof. Unfortunately, the writing was terrible and they simply had nothing to work with. Barely watchable.

Rating: F+

Priest (2011)

Visually stimulating but intellectually shallow. Not really a vampire movie in any sense of the genre. Reminded me of "Legion", another weak Paul Bettany endeavor.

Rating: D+