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Reviews
Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
Cinema is not dead!
Full disclosure - I love aviation, and I also love cinema.
I used to love being excited to see what films were upcoming at the cinema, but now there is very rarely anything I feel warrants my time or money because of the state that cinema has become. Top Gun Maverick single handedly restored my faith.
This film does not succumb to Hollywood "pressure", which I will not go into. The flight sequences are real. The actors feel the G forces for real and it shows (so to anyone who says they are "aviation experts" and s**t on this film then they are clearly missing the point). It pays homage to the original with a goosebump inducing opening sequence. The acting is phenomenal by absolutely everyone in the film. The flight sequences are draw dropping. The cinematography is mesmerising. The plot, whilst yes may be predictable and "inspired" by a popular trench run still really hits home as a breath of fresh air amidst the drivel that is churned out by Hollywood these days. It got me excited, it made my draw drop at the aviation, and it made me cry.
Yes - Mav wouldn't have survived a Mach 10 ejection. Yes he would have been fired from the navy for insubordination years ago, but this is a fictional film, not a documentary on the US navy. It is a film with so much dedication and respect put into it that these minor points don't matter. This is a film, not a propaganda piece, not a message on how you should live your life, but pure joyous entertainment at its highest level, which I can't recommend enough. It really does deserve the hype.
Think what you will of Tom Cruise but the man clearly works his ass off and it really shows in this film. He has my respect. He wanted this film to be released at cinemas rather than wait for a quick cash grab and go straight to streaming. This was 100% the correct choice as it's a feast for the senses (the numbers don't lie).
Please please feel the need if you haven't already. Feel the need..... for speed!
Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989)
Kirk's Nexus Dream
If you watch this film as intended i.e the sequel to IV and prequel to VI (best Star Trek film) then it's utter crap. If however you pretend that STV takes place when Kirk is in the nexus during ST Generations then it makes perfect sense and is an enjoyable watch!
Middle aged Kirk climbs a mountain with no gear.
Kirk drinks with, sings with, and laughs with his friends.
Kirk wrestles a 3 breasted cat lady.
Uhura dances naked with fans.
Kirk finds and outwits god.
It's Kirk's ultimate nexus fantasy!
Tengoku to jigoku (1963)
Masterpiece
Words aren't enough to explain how good this film is. It is simply one of the greatest films ever made!
El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie (2019)
An Honest Review
Like many people, I believe that breaking bad is the best tv series of all time. Much of this credit goes to Vince Gilligan who is meticulous for detail and placing strands that eventually weave together to form a brilliantly coherent story with no stray threads. This is the main reason why I am so disappointed in El Camino:
With Gilligan's eye for detail, why on earth didn't he tell the actors to try to get in the same shape they were in 6 years ago? Nobody is shaming anybody for their body image, but all the comments regarding "continuity" are well founded when we are so used to masterful story telling and world building from Vince. It is distracting and takes you out of the moment.
The writing is also not at the level we are used to - we are made to believe that Robert Forster's (RIP) character was a true professional by insisting that Jessie pay the full amount due. I'm fine with that, BUT if you want to portray the character in this way, why on earth would he leave the vehicle that he uses to smuggle away the state's most wanted criminals in plain view at his place of business?? It makes no sense and is out of character! However, the real reason he asked for the full amount of money was so we could see Jessie have a wild west duel with a welder for some reason..... What happened with the writing here???
Aaron Paul's acting was very good, but I'm sorry the whole thing felt like it was made solely for the money. I understand that the reason why people work is for money (writer's, directors etc), but you should at least stick to your vision and not rush these things for a quick paycheck.
Hercules in New York (1970)
You have struck Hercules!!!!
I have given this movie a vote of 1. This is because I have voted using the same criteria for all of my other votes. This truly is a terrible film if somebody sits down and takes it seriously. However, the majority of people who watch this film watch it for its comic value. This is not a film that you laugh at because it contains good jokes or satire, this is a film that you laugh at! It is so cheaply made and the cheesiest thing ever! The highlight of the film is definitely when Hercules (Arnie) dukes it out with a "600 pound Grizzly bear". Hmmmmmm, well this grizzly bear must be a kick boxing one because i swear he puts up his guard ready to take on the mighty Hercules! Other highlights include the traffic noises and aeroplane noises in the heavenly land of Olympus! Oh and when a god that can fly chooses to ride in a helicopter, classic! I recommend that this film be watched if you fancy a right good laugh or you are seriously drunk!