darkdragon8987 Reviews

Dolan's Cadillac (2009)

A very pained man plots a most artistic, original revenge, after his wife is killed by a mobster.

[10/10 · 7 March 2010]

This movie totally rocks!! Especially for all of you who fell in love with Christian Slater's performance in "Heather's". He has this "face" that just cannot be duplicated- the eyes, that grin, the eyebrows, the wicked voice. But he never could really grasp that perfection again. Oh, he was GREAT in "Murder in the First"; GOOD in "Untamed Heart", "Hard Rain", "Broken Arrow", and "True Romance"; OKAY in "The Contender", "Young Guns 2", "Robin Hood"; and although "Pump Up the Volume" was a little weird, it was actually enjoyable. My point is, after "Heathers", it took Slater 22 YEARS to again reach that perfect character. He (being the bad guy), performed his BEST acting ,since "Heathers", in this movie. Very memorable performance. And the perfect role for him. Then there's Wes Bentley- mostly known for his "dark" roles ( I mean, look at that face, those eyes- he just screams those types of roles!). But after great performances in movies like "Ghost Rider", "American Beauty", "Soul Survivors", "The Ungodly", and "P2", you will be pleasantly surprised with Wes' role in this movie. He's a man in pain, after losing his wife to a killer, yet he's kind of hard to figure out. Yeah, he's gonna go after the guy for revenge, but it's his methods that kind of confuse you. You're actually completely unsure of Wes' full intentions until THE very end of the movie. If you're a smoker, you'll want to go for a smoke, if you're not, you might want a cigarette anyway! The cool thing about the movie as a whole is, the fact that there's not fifty characters running around , to keep up with. Just a handful of great performances from beginning to end. And the movie does us the favor of going straight from the beginning to the end, without a lot of bullshit, stalling, or boring periods of time to endure. I couldn't think of anything that I would change, or add to this movie. It was moving, exciting, sad, eerie, unpredictable, and definitely original. No, I haven't read the book, and I don't intend to- I haven't had a movie "grip" me in this way in a long time, and I don't want to chance altering that. I have to add, that Al Sapienza, who I had NEVER heard of in my life, was also excellent in this movie. He has a certain "it" factor going on, and he played his role well.( Nice on the eyes, as well). My opinion: If you like a good thriller (not horror), with continuous entertainment from beginning to the end, then you have got to check out this movie. ( Especially those of you, like me, that have been desperately waiting for Christian Slater to "push" that "bar" again- HE FINALLY DID IT!! GAVE IT 100%!!). Enjoy.

Criminal Minds (2005– )

The sexiest cast ever assembled for a crime show

[10/10 · 4 February 2010]

I've always enjoyed crime/drama shows on TV. My favorite for the longest time was CSI: The original. It was like the first time ever a team had been put together to do a show, but actually had to do their homework first. It was the first of it's kind, that, as you watched it, you actually felt like these were GENUINE forensic scientists!! Very impressive. I never missed a show. But then, a new show came along called "Criminal Minds". Well, the previews caught my eyes at first, and then I started recognizing different faces, like Shemar Moore (HOT!!), Joe Mantegna,, and Thomas Gibson. That was enough for me to mark my calendar! I don't remember when the pilot aired, but I was on it! Of course, "Rossi" didn't come into the show until later, but even the original supervisor,(sorry, his name escapes me right now), was excellent. That very first show finally gave me hope, that there could actually be shows that made their casts appear completely professional- as if you were watching a real doc. episode, as opposed to your average "Oh, yeah, right, like that could happen in real life!". You know what I'm talking about. Aside from all of that, I had never watched a show where there wasn't at least ONE character I just couldn't stomach- especially females. This cast clicked from the beginning, and is far from quitting. The funny thing is, there's this Matthew Gray Gubler out of no where, who kind of seemed odd at first, but then I began to realize that he had a certain sex appeal to him( me being a 45-yr old female!). He started to be my favorite character, but I admit that just looking at "Morgan" was a treat Then there's this "Hotch"-very distant, but very handsome!! And I found that the female characters seemed to blend in, rather than just being thrown on the show as "eye-candy", as so many producers do. This is not the case at all. In every single episode, they each have a job to do, and they work that job as if they ACTUALLY WORKED for the FBI!! This show never fails to interest you, keep you watching until the end, and you can not NOT like any of these characters. And, my God, look at "Rossi" at his age! Still sexy as hell. "Garcia", of course, always seems to break the ice w/ her humor, but kicks butt on those computers too!! What I've noticed the most in the last season,though, is that, in the beginning, "Dr. Reid" always seemed pale, sickly,nerdy, and in bad need of a hair cut! Well, he's grown up, I guess- he is extremely HOT w/ that longer hair, he gained weight, and he looks healthy- yummy!! So, I have a most favorite show that nothing else in this world could take me away from come Wed. nights. This show rocks- has everything. A totally compatible cast and an original,edge of your seat (almost) episode every single week. It's "real", it's suitable for a fairly wide-open fan range, and it just never seems to get "old", like most shows do after a couple of years. I hope "Criminal Minds" is around for a very long time. If you've never watched it, and you enjoy realistic(sometime's downright gross stuff),crime dramas w/ a LOT of action, then you owe it to yourself to check out this show- I promise you won't regret it!! I guess I owe my biggest thanks to the writers of the show- Whoever you are: Thank you, thank you, thank you!! You should get an award, or at least a nod at a nomination when it comes to all of these hyped- up award shows. Best cast ensemble?? DUH!! How about some nods for best acting? Well, you'll always have my vote, and I would like to think that there are a lot of other people out there that agree with me. If so, show some love- send in some comments!1

Trauma (2009–2010)

sexy, exciting, original new drama!

[29 September 2009]

This is the first Fall in a long time where I'm actually marking my calender not to miss some excellent new shows!I only had a handful of shows that I looked forward to every week (prime-time). Now there's at least five more that I've added to my list. To the point- The first time I ever saw Cliff Curtis at all, was in the latest Die Hard. He pops out of nowhere, and yet had this instant "it" factor about him. Never heard of him, or saw him again. Then I noticed during the new ads for "Trauma", that he would be part of the cast. So, that is why, even though I love "Lie To Me", something told me to check this show, and BOY, I'm glad I did! "Rabbit" makes the show, in my opinion, but I also found myself feeling the pains and emotions of all the actors. It started out with a bang, and left me in awe. "Trauma" has realistic dramatic situations, as well as sex, comedy, REAL pain (emotional), "edge of your seat" wows all around, and compassion. I see this show going very far, and I CANNOT WAIT until next week's episode! (Kudos to the female actors- they were superb!). Good luck NBC- so far you've won me over with "Trauma", AND "Mercy". Looks like this Fall will be a lot more entertaining than the last few. (Don't forget: We also have great new shows from CBS, ABC, and FOX- so here's HAPPY WATCHING!! P.S. For those of you that may think this is just another "medical drama", you're wrong. It's all about original ideas, as well as the cast as a whole- give it a shot! Thank You- Darkdragon8987

Fast & Furious (2009)

As thrilling as the first movie, but w/ dramatic, original plot, AND: THE ORIGINAL PLAYERS are back!!

[10/10 · 29 July 2009]

Fourth in a franchise- wow. What are the chances that sequels ever amount to squat? (maybe 50/50). Although the first movie was all about cars, booze, and women (but a GREAT movie w/ a kick-ass cast); the second movie had basically the same plot, but with new characters- also a good watch though; Tokyo Drift started to show weakness, and what I thought would be the end of the run. Well, here comes Fast and Furious- fourth of the franchise, and I had doubts: The movie starts with the thrilling action right away (as did the first), but takes a turn in a different direction. The main key, was getting all of THE original players back. Then, adding a new twist: BIG emotional issues (like tissue-box). This was not about car racing (muscle cars, big engines)- although enough to enjoy, but instead, this time the movie focuses more on revenge, broken hearts, and dramatic scenes- as opposed to racing for money/titles, fighting, and general b.s.. The turn-around of events in this movie, is what made it THE best of the "four"- in my opinion. The producers HAD to make SOME kind of changes, or the franchise would surely go out on a very sour note. If you just want fast cars, nitro boosts, and fast women, skip this one. But if you're ready for some original scripting, and having your heartstrings tugged,watch it! I give this movie a 10! Also,it's been 5 years since Dom and Brian hooked up- the maturity really shows on both sides. (And there are some really cool new "bad" guys, too!)Will there be a fifth?.....???????

The Marine (2006)

I f you like a LOT of explosions, and "gun-happy" bad guys, you'll enjoy this. Lots of action, but not the highest quality.

[25 July 2009]

So, I had watched "12 Rounds", was impressed by John Cena, and, as promised, went back to pick up his previous "thriller","The Marine". Again, this movie started out with a bang, and kept them coming. But, there was not as much of Cena, as opposed to a group of thieves, that didn't think twice about killing a cop. "Morgan", the one black member of the posse kept me laughing- every time he opened his mouth, it was something funny. There were some puns taken from other movies, that you either got, or you didn't- but I'm not a spoiler. I agree with an earlier user's comment : "that John Cena has definitely improved his acting skills from "The Marine" to "12 Rounds"". And considering the fact that he is , first, a wrestler, I have to admit, I was impressed with both attempts (he's no Seagal or Staitham), but he is watchable. I think a lot of his downfall may be the actors surrounding him- I think they hold him back- they are not that great. It would be great to throw Mr. Cena in a movie with an A-list actor, and see how he fares. I think he would hold his own, and be a lot more favorable to other producers/directors/etc.. It was the fast car chases, and many explosions (w/ John always flying through the air), that kept me watching. He DID make the movie, even if it was only a "6 out 0f 10 star) movie for me. I wish Mr. Cena the best of luck in feature endeavors- he could be a Bruce Willis!

12 Rounds (2009)

"Bad guy seeks revenge against cop movie", but with original tricks and ideas

[9/10 · 13 July 2009]

I have to admit: I have picked up this movie to rent at least five times, and put it back. I kept thinking "JOHN CENA?- another wrestler trying to follow in THE ROCK'S shadow? (impossible!)". And then I would read the other cast, and think- "No big name actors, a wrestler- how could this be any good?". But the previews were intriguing and I had basically seen all of the other action movies (my favorite), at this store, so I grabbed "12 Rounds". WOW!! I was actually very wrong on this one. It was "edge of your seat "action from the very beginning, to the end. I would compare it to the Die Hard movies. But the interesting thing about this movie w/ barely seen actors, was the fact that it had very original ideas- things I can't say w/o spoiling. But things that made you go "WOW- that was cool, and different. And as it turned out, (other than Molly), the acting throughout was very watchable. Turns out, that John Cena is a great action character, and I would not hesitate to watch his next movie (I missed "The Marine"- will have to check it out). To get to the point: If you love action movies that jump start from the beginning- give this one a shot- I guarantee that you will love it!(And I apologize for doubting Mr. Cena, but he's still no "ROCK"!!

Killshot (2008)

A great cast that keeps you in suspense throughout the movie..

[10/10 · 8 July 2009]

I rented this movie on the sole basis that Thomas Jane was in it, and Joseph-Gorden Levitt is a dead wringer for Heath Ledgar. I wasn't interested in Mickey Rourke, and I dislike Diane Lane. But boy was I was surprised went I got home and watched it! Mickey Rourke absolutely controlled the movie! His performance was perfect. Of course, the rest of the cast was great- Levitt added the comedy. I am now looking forward to more movies with Mr. Rourke- He's definitely proved his comeback- at least to me. I hope he receives some kind of "nods" for this role. He's aged- but hey, you know what they say?! I will go back and rent some of his older movies, just to catch up and compare.

Five Fingers (2006)

A fresh new,original thriller- a nail-biter!

[10/10 · 8 July 2009]

I just want to make sure that everyone who DID watch this movie, realized as I did, that Ryan Phillipe has done a lot of maturing. I haven't seen a lot of his work- last I recall was something with Susan Sarandon and Kieren Culkin-IGBY GOES DOWN?? Anyway, I was extremely impressed with Ryan's performance in this movie. Although Laurence was also great, I think this is Ryan's best performance ever- I hope it leads to better roles for him. I think he should at least get a nod at some kind of award. (I realize it's an older movie- I don't know if he had any affect on any previous nominations). Anyway, I hope that this is a taste of the NEW matured Ryan Phillip- I look forward, and will watch future films!