chukkacabra Reviews

Code 8: Part II (2024)

Part II Leans Into Action More Than Part 1

[6/10 · 4 May 2024]

You will have to watch the first Code 8 to understand the main characters and where Part II starts, but there is a several year gap in between movies. Part II is primarily a drama movie like the first, has more action, and explores corruption within the police.

Most of what I have to say is the same as in my review of the previous film: most of the movie explores a dystopian sci-fi world following the drama and struggle of a protagonist with super powers finding his place.

In terms of overall quality, Part II was equally as interesting and entertaining as the first (for good or for worse), and I would loosely recommend it to sci-fi fans.

Code 8 (2019)

A Shorter Version of Blade Runner (not in plot, just in vibe)

[6/10 · 4 May 2024]

Code 8 seems like a more down to Earth version of Blade Runner (and 2049). It's a dystopian sci-fi film with (barely) super good- and bad- guys. But with those people blending in with society, it doesn't look that different from modern cities.

Code 8, like Blade Runner, isn't a true action movie. It spends most of its time about the drama around the primary protagonist and in-depth views of the previously said dystopian world with sprinkles of action tossed in. And continuing on the Blade Runner comparison, Code 8 was a darker, slow burn type of movie more common in the 80's.

Code 8 was a decent watch and I would lightly recommend it to sci-fi fans, but it's not the kind of movie you've never seen before.

Kung Fu Panda 4 (2024)

Lower Quality, but a bad Kung Fu Panda Movie is Still a Fun Movie

[7/10 · 3 May 2024]

As you can see by the ratings, each Kung Fu Panda has lower ratings than the previous movie. Personally, I rank KFP 4 higher than 2 but lower than 1 and 3. Kung Fu Panda 4 had less going for it than the previous films, and the Furious Five were surely missed, losing some voice actor starpower for older audiences. If you're a parent and have children 6-12 years old, they should love this one just as much as the previous 3 so no worries there. Awkwafina's Zhen was a strong new character, but Viola Davis's The Chameleon was a substandard villain. But the thing about Kung Fu Panda movies is that even the lower quality ones are still a solid watch.

Goodfellas (1990)

An Amazing Movie, Just Not my Type

[5/10 · 3 May 2024]

There is no doubt that Goodfellas is one of the defining movies of the 1900's and arguably considered the greatest gangster movie of all time. BUT, this just isn't my kind of movie. 2 hours and 25 minutes of hushed talks between everybody dressed the same isn't that entertaining. Don't let my rating of Goodfellas effect your viewing experience, but a Biography/Crime/Drama movie isn't setting itself for success. Younger audiences (such as myself) may have trouble appreciating such a beloved film. My parents absolutely love Goodfellas, so people who grew up in the 80's and 90's would enjoy it the most.

Click (2006)

Not as Good as I Hoped it Would be

[6/10 · 3 May 2024]

After watching The Longest Yard just before this, I expected a similar type of movie; it was not. Click is of course a comedy and had its moments, but wasn't as funny as I was expecting. The entire second half of the movie was overly dramatic and felt like it was trying to make a lasting impression on audiences. It was becoming increasingly heartaching and sadder, but that just didn't feel like the direction the movie should have taken. Click was just alright and can't compare to Adam Sandler's better films. I wasn't that impressed, and I would weakly recommend Click to comedy/Adam Sandler fans.

The Longest Yard (2005)

One of Adam Sandler's Best

[7/10 · 3 May 2024]

Just an absolute blast from start to finish. The Longest Yard is one of Adam Sandler's funniest movies, not just because of Adam Sandler but because the supporting cast was just as good. And even if you took away some of the comedy, the plot was entertaining itself. By far my favorite football movie I've ever seen, The Longest Yard was endlessly quotable and especially memorable. The "bad guy" had little screen time or significance in the movie, but he was so fun to hate. There is very little not to like about this movie. This classic is one that all fans of comedy should thoroughly enjoy with little criticism.

Ricky Stanicky (2024)

Unimpressive, Moderately Interesting; John Cena was solid

[7/10 · 3 May 2024]

I watched Ricky Stanicky because it was the new thing out, but it isn't the kind of movie I would pay or plan to watch. The movie was formulaic, and most of the plot points were predictable. Zac Efron was solid, but his supporting friends were somewhat funny but mostly forgettable. John Cena was the real star of the movie, and Ricky Stanicky would be a poor movie all together if 99% of other actors played the character. His acting was surprisingly memorable and truly elevated the movie to the ok comedy tier. In the third act, the trailer made it look like it would be dark and shady, but it wasn't. The last 30-45 minutes was essentially ok, alright, fine, oh that's nice, and there's the credits. Ricky Stanicky isn't a terrible movie to watch, just don't have high expectations.

Argylle (2024)

Misleading Trailer; Gets Better on Second Viewing

[7/10 · 3 May 2024]

At the beginning of Argylle, I was a little unclear on what was happening, so let me clean it up before you watch it. Bryce Dallas Howard and Sam Rockwell's characters live in the "real world" of the movie, where BDH fantasizes about Henry Cavill as agent Argylle in an imaginary world (unfortunately, Henry Cavill doesn't get much screen time).

When I was first watching Argylle, I was a little disappointing (the oil skating scene was hard to watch). But luckily, it was the kind of movie that grows on you and gets much better on your second viewing. My biggest knock on it was the 2 hour 19 minute runtime. There was a lot of dry time, and the film felt overly extended. Argylle is a true popcorn movie with its highs, but more lows than most people would prefer.

The Interview (II) (2014)

Tone Didn't Match Casting

[7/10 · 3 May 2024]

Considering its stars are James Franco and Seth Rogen, I wasn't a big fan of the kind of serious tone the film took on. And Randall Park cast as Kim Jong Un? The Interview should've changed the tone to stomach-aching laughs from start to finish. The comedy portion of The Interview was there, but it took a backseat to the tone I mentioned earlier. But James and Seth did great together and both had strong performances. It was engaging with enough tension and suspense to keep it interesting. And not to spoil the ending, but it felt reminiscent of Inglourious Basterds. I liked The Interview, but there is a lot of wasted potential.

Pineapple Express (2008)

Stoner Comedy at its Finest

[7/10 · 28 April 2024]

If you're high, then welcome to your new favorite movie. Seth Rogen is one of my favorite comedy actors, and even though I liked Pineapple Express, it's not one of my favorites. Naturally it was funny, but not the stomach-aching kind I've come to expect. This movie is the epitome of stoner comedy, making it a cult classic so not everybody will find it interesting or that funny. But it is memorable, quotable, and introduced me to Eddy Grant's Electric Avenue. It is an incredibly stupid concept that was executed as good as it could. I truly enjoyed Pineapple Express, but I was left wanting more.

This Is the End (2013)

Glorious Absurdity

[7/10 · 28 April 2024]

I know I was in for a treat when I saw a comedy-studded cast playing themselves. I mean, just look at it. It started slow, then in very, very, very quickly turned ludicrous. I loved This Is the End, but it might possibly have one of the craziest plots of any comedy ever made. The bulk of the movie consists of the tension between the characters rising as they try to find a way to survive the apocalypse. After an hour of jokes and plot twists, you make it to the end thinking "Wtf were the writers and directors thinking? Give me more." As long as you don't get hung up on the details, This Is the End is unforgettably enjoyable.

The Jewel of the Nile (1985)

A Most Disappointing Sequel

[5/10 · 28 April 2024]

After Romancing the Stone became a successful mini cult classic, The Jewel of the Nile felt more like a rushed cash-and-grab sequel. I didn't like the Egyptian setting, the humor wasn't what it once was, it lacked originality, a lot of it was forgettable, it's attempts to go bigger on action fell up short, and I didn't care for the change in dynamic between Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner's characters. At least Danny DeVito kind of held down the fort on his smaller end. For as good as the first one is, The Jewel of the Nile is a most disappointing sequel I couldn't blame you for skipping..

Romancing the Stone (1984)

Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner's Best Collaboration

[7/10 · 25 April 2024]

Just in general, I like modern movies and comedies more than 80's versions because of style and quality, but Romancing the Stone is one of my favorite 80's comedies. It had the right amount of action to make it interesting but not so much that it disrupted the pacing. The romance was of decent quality, and the adventure was fun. Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner were great together and would lead to 2 more movies in the same decade, but Romancing the Stone was my favorite of the 3. And not to forget Danny DeVito was in all 3, and he was naturally hilarious in his limited screen time, but didn't hog the movie. Romancing the Stone is one of my favorite 80's comedies, and I highly recommend all enjoyers of comedy check it out.

Con Air (1997)

A Surprisingly Good 90's Action Movie

[7/10 · 23 April 2024]

I haven't watched much of Nicolas Cage, but I know enough about his career to know that this is one of his best action movies and movies in general.

Even though action classics from the 80's and 90's are loved, I personally like more recent action movies more. Considering Con Air came out in 1997, it far surpassed my expectations.

I felt bad for Cameron Poe and was anxious just waiting for him to get back to his family. Cyrus "The Virus" was a solid villain with a strong crew that makes you dying to know "how does Cameron Poe walk out of this alive?" Con Air is a good action movie, and unless you're super nit-picky, you are most likely to enjoy it very much.

Anyone But You (2023)

Nothing Special to Hold on to or Take Away

[6/10 · 24 March 2024]

The only reason I watched Anyone But You was because I have slowly come to appreciate Glen Powell. I wasn't expecting much, and I Didn't get much. Just imagine all of the standard rom-com tropes and you will surely be able to spot each one throughout the film. A spark on a first date, the breakup, and the back and forth will-they-won't-they until they come together in the end. "Spoiler" alert, if you didn't already see that coming. I don't know why I gave it a 6, but that's just what it felt like. Anyone But You had its share of good moments, but if Glen Powell or rom-coms aren't your thing, then there isn't much for you here.

The War of the Roses (1989)

A Dark Comedy + Deep Descent Into Madness

[6/10 · 24 March 2024]

The War of the Roses had its laughs, but it did not feel like a comedy. It begins simply enough, with 2 people falling in love and spending several years developing their relationship. But the last 90ish minutes is how the relationship turns sour and the 2 slowly become crazier and madder minute by minute. What made The War of the Roses stand out was how convincing Michael Douglass and Kathleen Turner were, and how every action felt reasonable in the moment but was increasingly absurd when you took a step back to observe. The reason why I gave it a 6 was because it wasn't the most fun movie watch, but it was really good, even more intriguing, and I suggest you watch it too.

Pixels (2015)

Typical Adam Sandler Comedy, Atypical Action

[7/10 · 24 March 2024]

If you've watched multiple Adam Sandler movies, the humor is nothing that you wouldn't expect. But the action based around the premise of Pixels is ludicrous. Aliens attacking Earth in the form of video game characters? Come on, only Adam Sandler can do that and still make it a good watch. The idea of Kevin James playing president of the US furthers my point, and I had no idea Peter Dinklage was like that. There were some moments/scenes that felt kind of rough/dry, but Pixels is a very unique film that was executed well. This is not meant to be looked through a critical lens, so just enjoy it for what it is: stupid that makes you want more.

Grown Ups 2 (2013)

What I Wished the First Grown Ups Would be Like

[7/10 · 24 March 2024]

I knew from the get-go that this one would be different - for the better. Grown Ups 2 completely discarded the dramatic undertone of the first movie and went all in on its outrageous, inappropriate, and childish humor. Grown Ups 2 embraced "boys will be boys" as the cast abandoned all logical constructs of quality film making and created this beautiful masterpiece in the process. I kind of sugarcoated it as it wasn't THAT good (otherwise it would be an 8/10), but it is one of the better comedies of the decade. I loved Grown Ups 2, and anyone else who likes Adam Sandler will be adding a new movie into your top 10. Favorite Sandler films.

Grown Ups (I) (2010)

All-Star Cast Could Have Been Used Better

[6/10 · 24 March 2024]

Grown Ups was unusual about how funny it was while taking on a dramatic tone. The way it was directed, the music, the tone of the characters, and some of the dialogue was consistent with a boring drama, but still was packed full of laughs from start to finish. I wasn't the biggest fan of it and I found the movie overall kind of boring. Grown Ups was funny but lacked excitement or the ability to hold my attention. I was expecting some more outrageous, inappropriate, and stupid giggles that for the most part just weren't there. Grown Ups is solid, but for me it was a misfire. If you have a more mature sense of humor, I see no reason why you wouldn't enjoy this movie.

That's My Boy (2012)

2 of my Favorite On-Screen Comedians did not Disappoint

[7/10 · 4 March 2024]

Adam Sandler and Andy Samberg? You know That's My Boy is gonna be a banger. It is outrageously funny, and the plot wasn't terrible. Adam Sandler was so cringe yet everybody loved him, and Andy Samberg was being completely rational yet being constantly booed. Their chemistry is amazing and you can tell the two of them are best friends off camera. That's My Boy is not a drama, and its attempts merely became generic comedy tropes. The beginning focused around young Donny was wild, and some of the most unusual slapstick content I've seen. The only reason you're watching That's My Boy is for the 2 comedians, so don't try to expect Shakespeare.

Riddick (2013)

David Twohy and the Wheats got it done right

[8/10 · 4 March 2024]

I have nothing but good things to say about Riddick. The first 30-35 minutes by himself were my favorite in the franchise, and I became affectionate to his pet alien killer wolf dog (despite the visuals not being amazing). And when they brought in the 2 ships, all the characters were distinguishable and didn't become waste of space. Riddick dominating the screen with a small cast was how it always should have been. Those scorpion-like aliens were creepy by themselves and then shocking in large numbers. Riddick the movie mimicked Pitch Black between the storm and the eclipse respectively. Riddick was really good, and I hope you have a similar viewing experience.

The Chronicles of Riddick (2004)

Glad Vin Diesel got his own Riddick spinoff

[6/10 · 3 March 2024]

Riddick was a very mysterious character in Pitch Black, and his Chronicles fortunately provided answers but unfortunately made Pitch Black slightly less mysterious. The Necromangers were decent antagonists, but an army just wasn't the correct choice for a Riddick enemy. The Lord Marshal was that singular enemy. For over half of the movie, Riddick was on another planet, which gave us the short but great "teacup" scene. The visual effects were decent, nothing revolutionary, but the action was a step above 80's classics. The Chronicles of Riddick could have been better, but I was not disappointed when I finished.

Kick-Ass 2 (2013)

FIrst is Overrated, Second is Underrated

[7/10 · 3 March 2024]

I don't have much opinions about Kick-Ass 2 or things that I have to say about it. Mindy took the loss of her dad hard; expected and no surprise. Jim Carrey is unrecognizable as Colonel Stars & Stripes, but that helps explain why I liked the character so much. John Leguizamo was enjoyable in his limited screen time. Red Mist wasn't a good villain and just felt like a moody teen who wants his stolen race car back. Kick-Ass 2 was more drama centered, and the protagonists spent a lot more time unmasked. The action sequences were of equal quality and intensity as the first. But the overall stakes felt lower, and the emotion felt a little more forced.

Kick-Ass (2010)

OK, but didn't wow me like it did 590K people

[7/10 · 3 March 2024]

Superheroes with powers is an original idea, but the movie didn't overly impress me. A 7.6/10 with 590 thousand reviews is abnormally high, and I just didn't get it. There was no over the top visuals or effects, a simple plot, not a lot of drama, the stereotypical simple but nothing memorable movie. Nicolas Cage as Big Daddy felt like a batman Mr. Miyagi to Taylor-Johnson's Kick-Ass. Mark Strong is once again a bad guy in a superhero movie, and it played it solidly but wasn't convincing enough to scare me like in other roles. I didn't dislike (after all I gave it a 7) but Kick-Ass didn't seem like all that. Hopefully, you will enjoy it more than me.

Horrible Bosses 2 (2014)

Solid Sequel, But Tried a Little Too Hard

[7/10 · 3 March 2024]

Horrible Bosses 2 definitely got off to a less impressive start than the original. It was still hilarious, but the content underneath the humor felt lacking. This time around they are the horrible bosses achieved unsurprisingly by their ignorance. Christopher Waltz was detestable, and Chris Pine was your worst enemy, then your best friend, rinse and repeat. The next hour of the film is based on a single kidnap attempt and the last half hour is a single ransom drop/exchange, so a lot more time is spent on less crimes than the first. The cons I mentioned earlier continued, as Horrible Bosses 2 became increasingly average. HB 2 wasn't as memorable or original as the first, but it provides quality slapstick humor.