Movie

Good Morning, Vietnam (1987)

Good Morning Vietnam

Good Morning, Vietnam (1987)

Director:

Barry Levinson

Starring:

Robin Williams

Forest Whitaker

Tung Thanh Tran

Plot:

An unorthodox and irreverent DJ begins to shake up things when he is assigned to the US Armed Services Radio station in Vietnam.

Review:

I’ve known about this movie, of course, and seen parts on television, but it wasn’t until Netflix added it that I was finally able to watch.

The Vietnam war is such a tragic part of history, both what happened during and after. I thought this movie did a great job showing that tragedy and Robin Williams portrayal was perfect.

I did think the parts with his “romance” were a little weird, but it’s probably just me. I knew when the kid got him out of the cantina that something was going to happen, but I still couldn’t help but feel Williams’ shock at seeing first hand the horror of war.

This was the first Williams film I’ve watch since his passing and it made the movie that much sadder. I couldn’t see him without feeling his loss.

4.5/5

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)

The Amazing Spider-Man 2

The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014)

Director:

Marc Webb

Starring:

Andrew Garfield

Emma Stone

Jamie Foxx

Plot:

When atrocities threaten New York, Spider-Man must protect the citizens of New York and his loved ones before New York’s heart befalls into tragedy.

Review:

Ok so hospitals and airports, places like that, have generators that would kick in when the grid goes down. They’re independent of the electrical grid, at least that’s my understanding of it. So I call bullshit on that part of the movie.

I knew what happened to Gwen Stacey, Emma Stone, from the comics, but I was surprised that the movie went that direction. I hope they wait until the end of the next movie to introduce Mary Jane, at the earliest. He needs to mourn and not jump into his next relationship.

I liked this one less than the last. It seemed to channel too much angsty teen and that’s one of my biggest pet peeves.

Jamie Fox’s character was so pathetic you couldn’t help but feel sorry for him. Sadly he never became an amazing supper villain. In the end he was just following Harry’s orders. I know it could be argued that they were in a partnership but it didn’t feel that way.

I’ll watch the next installment but I’m not going to see it in theaters.

2.5/5

Draft Day (2014)

Draft Day

Draft Day (2014)

Director:

Ivan Reitman

Starring:

Kevin Costner

Chadwick Boseman

Jennifer Garner

Plot:

At the NFL Draft, general manager Sonny Weaver has the opportunity to rebuild his team when he trades for the number one pick. He must decide what he’s willing to sacrifice on a life-changing day for a few hundred young men with NFL dreams.

Review:

I don’t like to watch sports. For some reason people think it’s because I don’t understand them. That’s not the case. I’ve played my share of sports and spent a lot of time watching them while growing up. There are just other things I’d rather be doing with my time. Like watching sports movies.

Draft Day is a side of football that I’m not too familiar with and I loved all the strategy, planning, and relationships behind everything. I really felt for Kevin Costner’s character. Finds out his woman is pregnant while he’s having to deal with everyone screaming at him because they don’t trust his decisions. Poor guy.

Jennifer Garner seemed a bit young to be in a relationship with Kevin Costner but oh well. Her character was a nice strong female. The only female character pretty much, except for his overbearing mother.

I liked this side of sports. I would recommend this movie.

4/5

John Wick (2014)

John Wick

John Wick (2014)

Director:

David Leitch, Chad Stahelski

Starring:

Keanu Reeves

Michael Nyqvist

Alfie Allen

Plot:

An ex-hitman comes out of retirement to track down the gangsters that took everything from him.

Review:

I really wish there were more action movies like this one. It had some flaws but they were minor and they bothered me less than the flaws of other action movies.

Never go see an action movie for its story. I’ve said that before but it bears repeating. The plot was cliche but the conflict was created quickly and once it began we had few breaks in action.

The world that was created was actually really interesting and I’d like to see more of it. There was a hotel that was a sanctuary and no one could be attacked while there. People were paid in solid gold coins, and if you had bodies to dispose of you called in a dinner party. I thought it was fun.

I really liked how the movies was shot. There was no shaky cam, which is the bane of my existence. There weren’t too many quick cuts, and you saw the action that was going on. With all the hype and positive reviews for this movie I really hope more movies imitate how it was shot.

Action wise I could have done without the wrestling moves. Wallowing on the ground choking people is just not my thing. Other than that really liked it.

4.25/5

They Came Together (2014)

They Came Together

They Came Together (2014)

Director:

David Wain

Starring:

Paul Rudd

Amy Poehler

Cobie Smulders

Plot:

When Joel and Molly meet, it’s hate at first sight: his big Corporate Candy Company threatens to shut down her quirky indie shop. Plus, Joel is hung up on his sexy ex. But amazingly, they fall in love, until they break up about two thirds of the way through.

Reviews:

Within the first five minutes I was laughing so hard I snorted. This movie was hilarious. It’s a not so subtle riff on romantic comedies. It’s not as over the top as Date Movie, which makes it perfect.

I lost track of the times I laughed so hard I almost cried. Such a hilarious movie. Really the only negative was that it was too long. By the end I was ready for it to be over. It was funny but there’s only so long you can take it.

If you like Wet Hot American Summer then you’ll love this movie. If you love romantic comedies than you could potentially like it, depends on if you’re able to laugh when all the tropes are pointed out.

4/5