Sandra Bullock

Speed(1994)

Great Movie Re-Watch

Speed(1994)

Director:

Jan De Bont

Writer:

Graham Yost

Starring:

Keanu Reeves

Dennis Hopper

Sandra Bullock

Jeff Daniels

Blurb:

A young police officer must prevent a bomb exploding aboard a city bus by keeping its speed above 50 mph.

Thoughts:

Speed is an obvious movie that I would own. I honestly remember where I was the first time I watched it. I was thirteen or fourteen and I watched a TV recording of it on my grandmother’s little 19 inch TV/VCR. The rest of the summer I went around telling people they were crazy, freakin crazy. It wasn’t until I was an adult that I found out that is not exactly what was said there.

At the time I loved the movie because Keanu Reeves was freaking hot. Now I love it because he’s freaking hot and it’s a legitimately good action movie. It’s the first 90s action movie I’ve watched, that I own, that has that 90s action movie feel. If that makes sense.

You’ve got the explosions and the need to not slow down. You’ve got a pretty boy that isn’t too muscular. You’ve got an attractive and capable woman, who does become a damsel in distress at some point. You’ve also got an unsaturated/filtered look at LA. Putting on my old lady hat for a second, but movies nowadays are all about that blue/brown/green filter and I’m over it.

Speed has a psych-out ending, where it comes to what you’d think is the logical conclusion, but nope there’s even more. You get automobiles and trains, maybe we’ll get an airplane in the sequel (you do not, it’s not worth owning, but I still occasionally watch it).

In conclusion, Speed is a great 90s action movie.

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Demolition Man (1993)

The Great Movie Re-Watch

Demolition Man (1993) 

Director: 

Marco Brambilla 

Writers: 

Daniel Waters 

Robert Reneau 

Peter M. Lenkov 

Starring: 

Sylvester Stallone 

Wesley Snipes 

Sandra Bullock 

Nigel Hawthorne 

Blurb: 

A police officer is brought out of suspended animation in prison to pursue an old ultra-violent nemesis who is loose in a non-violent future society. 

Thoughts: 

Demolition Man is one of my favorite movies. I wouldn’t say top ten, but it’s one that I love to go back and watch frequently. It’s so entertaining. You’ve got action, it’s set in the future, and it’s funny. So often, the balance of comedy and action isn’t done well, like in Tango and Cash, but Demolition Man nails it.  

Wesley Snipes is perfectly cast. He nails the manic energy of Simon Phoenix. It was surprising to find out he turned down the role multiple times until the director and a producer visited him on the set of another movie. Stallone also initially turned done the role before he accepted. He wanted Jackie Chan to play Phoenix, but Chan knew better. He’s not a villain.  

We’ve got eleven years yet to reach this “utopian” paradise with no murder where Taco Bell won the franchise wars. I can agree that no murder would be incredible, but I’m not sure if I’m willing to live with everything else. The loss of exchanging bodily fluids would be a big no for me.  

I love how consistent the movie is. Whenever they’re in a building or near tech, they get fined credits anytime one of the characters curses. There is also unique music that plays when Phoenix is on screen. It’s all just so fun.  

Sandra Bullock was another excellent casting choice. She does seem a bit young for Stallone. I’m also side-eyeing him and how quick he is to jump into a relationship with her. His first question when he wakes up is about his wife. The memory that sticks with him the most is her hammering on the block of ice he was jailed in. Yet, a couple of days later, he’s fine to get down with Bullock. My least favorite trope in action movies.  

Last year Stallone said a sequel was in the works. I have no idea what could be done, and I’m hesitant to see what they would do. I find it difficult to believe that they could capture what makes Demolition Man so fun. If it happens, I guess we’ll see. 

Oceans 8 (2018)


Oceans 8 (2018)

Director:

Gary Ross

Starring:

Sandra Bullock

Cate Blanchett

Anne Hathaway

Helena Bonham Carter

Mindy Kaling

Rihanna

Awkwafina

Sarah Paulson

Plot:

Debbie Ocean gathers an all-female crew to attempt an impossible heist at New York City’s yearly Met Gala.

Review:

I’m a fan of the Ocean’s movies, and all the women in this movie, so I was really excited when it came out. After finally getting to see it I’m very happy with how it turned out.

Sandra Bullock is finally out of prison and she has learned all the wrong lessons. Or maybe the right ones, depending on who you are. She knows exactly what she needs to do to pull off the perfect jewel heist and maybe get some revenge in the process.

In true Ocean’s movie style, everyone is beautiful, the setting it ostentatious, and there’s a twist at the end. I loved it, more please.

I would have loved a bit more background on the characters. They were all so interesting. Sadly, I’m not sure if we’re going to get a sequel, which is a huge bummer. Seriously, Hollywood why would you not want to put all these women in another movie together?

4/5

Demolition Man (1993)

demolition-man

Demolition Man (1993)

Director:

Marco Brambilla

Starring:

Sylvester Stallone

Wesley Snipes

Sandra Bullock

Plot:

A police officer is brought out of suspended animation in prison to pursue an old ultra-violent nemesis who is loose in a non-violent future society.

Review:

This is one of my go to movies, something that I’ve watched many times, and I love it. I say this a lot, but they don’t make movies like this anymore. It’s a cheesy action movie but it’s actually thought out. The world is built, there’s all kinds of little details fleshing it out, and the characters are fun. It flows well, it’s violent, and funny. Sure the tech doesn’t make sense but it’s not horrible CG either.

If you haven’t seen Demolition Man I highly recommend.

5/5

Two Weeks Notice (2002)

two-weeks-notice

Two Weeks Notice (2002)

Director:

Marc Lawrence

Starring:

Sandra Bullock

Hugh Grant

Alicia Witt

Plot:

A lawyer decides that she’s used too much like a nanny by her boss, so she walks out on him.

Review:

Sometimes you just feel like watching a romantic comedy and this certainly fits the bill. I love Sandra Bullock. Hugh Grant isn’t so bad himself. This movie ticks all the boxes. Bullock’s character is smart and funny and just the right amount of vulnerable. Grant is an amusing man child that knows when to be an adult.

There’s nothing ground breaking here, but it’s comforting and I like it.

4/5