Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)

A bit of fantasy fun that never allows the viewer to become fully invested. The peril didn’t feel very real, and so evading it didn’t feel that satisfying. 

Rating: C

Fast & Furious (2009)

Like a moth to the flame, I return to this franchise knowing I'm going to fry my brain. The original cast is back together for some car chases and explosions. Terrible plot filled with holes. Dialogue sucked. Acting was mediocre at best. What did I expect?

Rating: D-

Girlfight (2000)

Loved this at Sundance when it first premiered. Such a fantastic film.  Do yourself a favor and go rent it now. This is Michelle Rodriguez's debut acting role, and it's amazing.

Rating: A

Turbo (2013)

Mildly entertaining cartoon about a supercharged snail racing in the Indy 500, so yeah, it was based on a true story.

Rating: D+

Furious 7 (2015)

See my reviews for the last 3 or 4 films in this ridiculous franchise.

Rating: D

S.W.A.T. (2003)

A fun action movie. Nice development, plotline, action, suspense, etc. Solid cast and direction. A good time.

Rating: C+

Fast & Furious 6 (2013)

It doesn’t look like they are going to stop making these, and I’m as much to blame as anyone. I’ve seen the first 5. I can’t help myself. This latest installment breaks all laws of physics, depicting action sequences that not even a highly Caffeinated teenage boys would believe. I watch these films to see what a 100+ million dollar budget looks like when it’s spattered across the screen. None of it will make sense, but it’s pretty to look at.

Rating: C-

Machete (2010)

I was excited about this picture ever since I heard they were making a feature length film based on the fake movie trailer that aired during Grindhouse. The posters alone will wet your appetite. Pretty great cast, including the beyond beautiful Jessica Alba. Michelle Rodriguez doesn't look too shabby either. It's nice seeing Danny Trejo snag a leading role for a change.

Plenty of gratuitous violence and mayhem. You just have to laugh when 3 heads hit the floor after a single machete swipe. I felt the film lost focus towards the end. Also, there were too many unnecessary bit players taking up screen time. Lindsey Lohan's character made little sense. I shouldn't be surprised that it didn't live up to my expectations.

Rating: C

Resident Evil (2002)

This movie made me spill my ginger ale all over me and the couch. Some scenes really jump out at you. The story and acting were ok. Not a bad action movie, but not great either.

Rating: C

Avatar (2009)

Visually, it's unlike anything we've ever seen before. I saw it in 2D, as I'm yet to be convinced 3D makes the viewing experience better. Life in the new world James Cameron creates is fun and interesting. Certainly more exciting than the unplugged world within the film. Acting and story outside of Pandora are bland and wooden. Go see Avatar for what's over the rainbow, not below it.

Rating: B-

Battle: Los Angeles (2011)

A solid humans versus aliens action flick. It follows the traditional formula set by Independence Day and so many others, so don’t expect any surprises. The high quality production and competent cast elevate this above the likes of Skyline. It looks and sounds great, especially on Blu-Ray. When you rent this, you get exactly what you expected. Enjoy.

Rating: C+

The Fast and the Furious (2001)

What a sweet ride! I could almost feel the wind whipping through my hair as I reached for the seat belt that wasn't there. If only "Gone in 60 Seconds" had half as much intensity as this movie did, it might have not sucked so bad.

The plot is much deeper than the previews let on, which plays nicely around the fantastic action. Some of the best car racing/chase scenes I've ever seen. I loved the direction, the way they captured the pure adrenaline of sitting behind the wheel of one of those tweaked out cars. Glad I saw it in a nice theater. Just a fun movie.

Rating: B