Avatar: Fire And Ash (2025)

 

That was a marathon to get through. I feel less connected to each Avatar film that comes out. The storytelling in this one felt tired. The characters aren’t as engaging. Monkey Boy was kind of annoying. I heard there might be two more coming. Don’t really care either way at this point. 

Rating: C

Avatar: The Way Of Water (2022)

 

I rewatched the extended version of the first film just before watching this one. I highly recommend it, because Way Of The Water is a true sequel, with interwoven storylines from the first. 

The return to Nu’vi is another creative adventure. Are there ‘save the planet’ messages in spades? Yes, and I think that’s a good thing. Looking forward to the next film. 

Rating: B

The Adam Project (2022)

 

Time travel movies never make sense; this one included. It’s a bit of child-fantasy fun that will make dads feel guilty about not spending enough time with their kids. 

Rating: C

Vampires Vs. The Bronx (2020)

 

Two guesses what the plot of the movie is. More silly than scary. Things unraveled at the end, sliding my grade below average. 

Rating: C-

Star Trek (2009)

A lunar surfaces' worth of plot holes didn't help this reboot win me over to the franchise.

Rating: C-

Guardians Of The Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)

Flashier and more CGI heavy than the first, which isn’t a compliment. Also it followed the usual superhero narrative where the two big baddies duke it out at the end. I wish there was another way to tell a Marvel story. Sigh.

Rating: C-

Get Over It (2001)

Not bad. Something to pass the time.

Rating: C-

Guess Who (2005)

Bernie Mac was fun to watch when you could understand what he was saying.

Rating: C

The Losers (2010)

Shallow. All sizzle, no flavor. A helicopter full of 25 kids blows up and I, as a viewer, don't really care. A good action film requires depth of character so that you care who lives and who dies. This doesn't have that.

Rating: D+

Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)

A bit silly and loosely put together, but entertaining enough to warrant a single viewing.

Rating: C

Vantage Point (2008)

Like watching an extended episode of Boomtown, but with a bigger budget. Expect to be entertained and not much more.

Rating: C

Out of the Furnace (2013)

Great character development and a full-bodied build-up to what is essentially a revenge flick. Personally, I would have preferred a little less back story and a lot more revenge fueled butt-kicking at the end.

The closing scene didn’t pack quite enough umph to feel satisfying, especially after such a showcase of killer acting. Some great performances—perhaps even nomination worthy. That’s what will stick with you after the credits roll.

Rating: C+

The Terminal (2004)

Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg are a solid combination. You may have to suspend belief with some of the plot points, but that shouldn't stop you from enjoying the film.

Rating: C+

Star Trek: Into Darkness (2013)

I want to write a competent review, but I can’t get that annoying accent out of my head from Chekov’s character. It’s unbearably bad and completely comical. That can’t be what they were going for. Oh, and the movie has all the requisite scenes of our heroes nearly getting shot, speared, exploded, melted, pulverized, etc. It's hard to feel any suspense when everyone's invincible.

On the plus side, it looked and sounded fantastic. There were bits of clever writing throughout, and it was nice to see Sherlock in the starring role of a feature film.

Rating: C

Drumline (2002)

Can't believe how much I enjoyed this movie. Not only did it sound
FANTASTIC on my entertainment system, but it was flawlessly put together for the type of movie it was. Along the same concept of Bring It On, only a better plot, with developed characters, and much more talent. I'll never crack another joke about the marching band. I seriously had a great time watching this movie, and as much as I hate to give good reviews to teen genre movies, I'm forced to give this one a:

Rating: B

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-

Colombiana (2011)

What I expected. An ok action/revenge flick with sequences that could only be made possible on screen. Reminded me of an episode of Nikita.

Rating: C

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

How could what I saw as being a very average, unoriginal, lengthy pirate movie have gotten people so excited... especially the ones who gave this an A+????? Fools!

I've always been a huge fan of Johnny Depp, and I thought he played his role well, but the rest of the movie was a let down for me. I kept getting a "been there, done that" feeling throughout. It seemed like one movie device after another was being thrown at me, including the ol' "I'll marry you to save so and so's life". Blah.

After the first sword fight, I was ready for something new. Instead, it was more and more sword fights, more pirate stereotypes, more regurgitation of every pirate movie ever done, etc. I didn't really have anyone to root for since I didn't care about most of the characters. They were all so poorly developed. They simply

interacted in front of me until the end. The ending had a high cheese factor too. Could have been much better in the hands of a competent director.

Rating: D+

Takers (2010)

For a heist flick with mostly B actors, this was surprisingly good. Lots of action, including a fantastic foot chase scene. Plot held together ok. Acting was decent. It’s the low brow version of The Town. 

Rating: C+