The Mule (2018)

 

Clint Eastwood plays an old codger who apparently has no qualms about earning a few extra bucks as a drug mule for a cartel. He likes to sing along to old tunes on the radio and bang young prostitutes. It’s a family film. 

Rating: C

The Mustang (2019)

The film has a silent strength which carries the viewer to the end despite a heavy tone. 

Rating: C+

Malibu’s Most Wanted (2003)

Mindless fun. The outlandish plot doesn't get in the way of the enjoyment.

Rating: C

The Purge: Anarchy (2014)

Don’t watch with your mom. This is some violent stuff. On par with the first Purge.

Rating: C

Harsh Times (2005)

It's like going on a long car trip with a bunch of losers. You feel trapped, but there's nowhere to escape to. You keep waiting for something good to happen, but it never does. It's just a long, pointless, frustrating ride. Do yourself a favor and don't get in the car.

Rating: F

The Animal (2001)

This went downhill very quick. Started dozing off midway.

Rating: D-

Crank (2006)

Jason Statham and the concept were fine. The director's unique shooting style was also very appropriate. It's the writers that ruined this movie. Implausible plot points and disjointed scenes pulled me away from the action. I felt a much better movie could have been made with a more polished script.

Rating: D+

Furious 7 (2015)

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

Rating: D

Training Day (2001)

Oscar worthy performances from both Denzel and Ethan. Gritty film that launched some Terrific TV dramas featuring dirty cops. (ie: The Shield) 

Rating: B+

Bruce Almighty (2003)

A half-decent script spoiled again by the overacting style of Jim Carey. He's unable to separate normal roles from over-the- top ones. He attempts to vamp up every scene where no vamping is required. I don't think he can help it.

Rating: D

Street Kings (2008)

It's hard to impress audiences these days with a dirty cop thriller, what with The Departed, Training Day, and F/X's The Shield. How do you live up to those? You got to give Street Kings props for making a worthy effort. Things start out a bit convoluted, but improve as the film progresses.

Rating: C+

The Bucket List (2007)

If I had a few months to live, I'd want to go out the same way. Only, odds are I wouldn't have a rich benefactor. Which means I'd most likely bring along all my credit cards and max them out before I kicked it. What I'm trying to say is I relate to the characters in the film and enjoyed the movie. It's predictable, but sometimes that's all you want.

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