elliott78212 Reviews

Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies (2023)

It works, evenvwhen it shouldn't, Fantastic!!!

[10/10 · 19 May 2023]

For every quirky needy twisted geek or name an oddball in school this one's for you. In everyway this series charms its way into your heart. The wit, the musical numbers, delivered by a cast with so much chemistry the science guy can't even figure out. Sure there are things thar feel out of place for the time period but the truth is thaey aren't. A black female Juliet, A girl in the auto workshop, these things feel present and why shouldn't they and wait til you get the school election results. This show is at the right time in our society today in poodle skirts and bebop hair. It's addictive and I look forward to every episode keep it coming keep it fresh. Highly recommended.

The Batman (2022)

Batman Detective Excellent Perfect

[10/10 · 19 April 2022]

It's rare to say a film is perfect. We watched with friends and family all different ages and when it was over everyone said the same thing "the Best Batman Movie Ever" . For those old enough to remember Batman Detective Comics it's true to form done in a hybrid film noir style like the great detective films of the past. The pacing and atmosphere is palpable brooding and the music keeps you on the razors edge. The Cinematography brings all these elements together and under Matt Reeves direction this new Gotham pays tribute to other iterations while becoming it's own world. The actors all play thier parts with total commitment to this new vision.

Karen (I) (2021)

Terrible

[1/10 · 19 October 2021]

Takes an issue worthy of discussion and illumination in film ad makes it a meme. There is no character development each scene is a piece of a reaction it's just awful. So many stereotypes, hot button words and no on depth reflection.

Infinite (2021)

Good Action Popcorn Flick

[7/10 · 14 September 2021]

Sometimes you really wish a movie was shorter, in this case you want more. The story feels disjointed yet full of potential, did footage end up edited out on the cutting room floor? Considering the cast and notable director I have to think so. The opening sequence is so thrilling Dylan O'Brian was great and it was signature Antione Fuqua you expect. Many of the action set pieces are just amazing. It's to bad the story execution falters. I still think it's worth the watch enjoyable popcorn cruncher.

Impostor (2001)

Wow! Fast paced, good cast, see it

[10/10 · 6 September 2021]

So this premiered on HBOMAX this week and I remembered wanting to see it 20yrs ago. I'm a fan of Philip K. Dick movies and so awesome they posted the Director's Cut. Gary Fleder directed Kiss the Girls and here he brings that pacing that just keeps the story moving, good ensemble cast and action. The budget at the time may have caused certain corners to be cut but overall the visual effects are on Par with 2001. The film Was delayed 2 yrs due to 9/11. This kept me up till the end. I really liked it there are some moments just fantastically excited with style. No spoilers watch to the very end. Nominated for Best SCI-FI at Fantaspora.

Lisey's Story (2021)

Mysterious Atmospheric Surreal Nightmare

[7/10 · 30 August 2021]

I never read the book and maybe that's a good thing. 3 episodes in, I'm completely hooked it's weird but so beautifully shot there are scenes so sumptuous brooding and dark it makes you want to understand. The relationship between a writer and his wife of just a few short years. She learns about her husband's past through a series of clues he left behind. Meanwhile she is menaced by a super fan as her own subling suffers a mental break. It all comes together as you get closer to the end. There are shocking scenes of brutality juxtaposed with these fantastic colorful dreamlike states. Stephen King wrote the screenplay himself this is not often a good thing but Pablo Larrain deftly directs this mini-series every episode and he does so with satisfying results. Julianne Moore gives one of her best performances.i gave it a 7 out of 10 because I think editing out an hour could have made it better and improved the pace.

Chapelwaite (2021– )

Eerie Chilling Gothic Thriller

[9/10 · 30 August 2021]

19 minutes in you can already feel the atmosphere sucking you into another world filled with smoke and shadows. The pacing is near perfect giving you time to absorb it all from the period costumes to the well made sets pieces. Adrien Brody delivers one if his finest performances as a widowed father with 3 children to raise. The darkness just below the surface in every scene is palpable. Considering the source material is thin and mainly a series of letters. The writers and Producers have done an excellent and believable job creating Preachers Corner and its inhabitants. This a true and faithful Stephen King adaptation. It feels like him and if you watch the original Mini-Series from 1979 of Salems Lot of which this is a prequel the both have that same pace and tone. Be prepared have your popcorn and blanket. As of August 27 there are 4 episodes available on demand. This may be the best mini series to date by EPIX.

The Stand (2020–2021)

Thoroughly Enjoyable if a bit disjointed

[7/10 · 28 June 2021]

Stephen King is the most adapted to film Amercan novelists, not always successfully. Thanks to a well acted and written mini-series in the 1990s it had a lot to live up to. Succeeding in the visual and special FX, some performances, yet failed with a disjointed timeline. There is nothing here that can't be fixed with a re-edit. Truth be told the final 4 episodes are pretty good. I waited to write this review on purpose. When I watched it during its premiere I like others was disappointed. It's mow been several months and binge watched last night. I can say now that overall it's above average, some scenes will haunt you. The actor playing Harold Lauter gives us an amazing performance adding new complexity to his character. Maybe the other caveat is that it could have been one episode longer, if you read the book it's quite long. Stephen King rewrote the ending much like he did for Doctor Sleep. Please give this a chance it's worth it.

Dragonslayer (1981)

The Best Dragon themed Film Ever

[8/10 · 25 March 2021]

There is so much love for this at the time under appreciated film. I'm 57 now and I still get that Awe as the full dragon is revealed. The realness & detail is amazing. The story stays focused its a tale of a dragon menacing a small township and a King who has not treated his villagers fairly. A time when superstition and magic existed. With stunning Special FX by Academy Award Winning LucasFilms ILM, Dennis Murren, Phil Tippet, Chris Walas each who would leave LucasFilms to head thier own studio fx companies. A soundtrack that matches the ton and tenor of the tale. Cinematography that highlights the beauty of the hillside in contrast to the darkness of the Dragons presence. A true cult classic film by todays standards would be rated PG-13

The Midnight Sky (2020)

Poignant Moving Sci-Fi Drama

[8/10 · 27 December 2020]

This one day will be considered a classic. It's thought provoking, poignant and not just another sci-fi adventure its darn near Art. George Clooney paces the film in such a way that draws you into thier world. There is a message in the film many may not get the first time around. Many moments of excitement when you least likely expect it. I realky enjoyed it and on my second viewing loved it.

Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)

Fantastic Retro Style Story Driven Tale

[10/10 · 27 December 2020]

If you were expecting a cookie cutter comic book movie head over to Marvel/Disney. This was an excellent movie don't believe all the haters. In the first film we see Diana as Wonder Woman. In WW84 we get to see Wonder Woman as Diana Prince. It begins with the reveal of her new brightly colored Costume reminescent of Linda Carters. This felt like one of those 4 part comic grapgic novels a story where not every bad guy is an alien or super vilian and how good people can change. I really loved it I'm 57yrs old and my niece 40 also loved it and she can be very harsh. So give it a chance. Read the positive reviews on IMDB because I think some of these negatives are based on issues HBOMAX had on premiere day.

It (I) (2017)

Solid Scary Creepy Comedy Drama its Perfect

[10/10 · 7 September 2019]

As a fan of the original mini series and having read the book years ago I can tell you this movie is a Perfect Adaptation of the first half. The chemistry of the young cast goes a long way to making us care about them, they give strong performances. Skarsgard embodies a completely different and creepier scarier Pennywise that will turn your hair white. I was screaming and jumping and freaking out and I loved every minute of it best King adaptation in ages. Best part you can still watch the original and appreciate it they are different takes on the same story.

It Chapter Two (2019)

10 Spectacular Scary and Frightening

[10/10 · 7 September 2019]

It's hard to top yourself But Andy Muschietti did thanks to a team of filmmakers actors and great makeup FX. He directed deftly and made Chapter 2 so different from the first and it should be they are grown ups now. We screamed we laughed we jumped I'm 56 yrs old my niece is 40 we loved it. Don't listen to the bad reviews it moves fast for the length and after all its a huge book to bring to the screen. We did watch Chapter 1 just before heading to the theater so for us it was nearly 6 hrs long with a driving and snack bar intermission as we got to our seats.

It (1990)

one of the best that hasn't aged well

[8/10 · 26 August 2017]

The good Tim Curry delivers an excellent menacing performance as do the younger cast. Ironically the later half of the mini series captures the late 80's yuppie professional so well which also dates the film. Many of my favorite moments are with the younger cast, perfectly capturing the feel of the book, the relationships and wonder of being a kid in an earlier time. There are eerie moments, where clearly the adults completely ignore what's happening to their kids, an interesting part of the plot. You relate to these kids their acting is so much better than their adult counterparts,and they have real chemistry. Then the second half lacks so much of that yet Pennywise still manages to make your skin crawl. The cast us made up of popular television actors of the time it's easy to see why they were cast it's just to bad they didn't have the connection the kids did. The last thing that kinda kiss the finale is the poor interpretation of what Pennywise really is and after a 3hr20 minutes it does affect your overall impression. I still recommend seeing IT and reading the book. Very enjoyable a few creepy moments, one liners that stay with you, you'll never look at balloons the same way.

Abattoir (2016)

Atmospheric, we'll paced and Creepy

[8/10 · 13 December 2016]

I admit to being a fan of Mr.Bousman and I have always found his style interesting from camera angles to getting the most bang for his buck on limited budgets. Abattoir is perhaps one of his most stylish, from the cinematography to the shading. I kept having this feeling it was an X-file eerie, engrossing visceral. If you watch 11/11, The Barrens and this ft his film there is no doubt he has become a true master of horror. I think you should see this film the technical aspects are a real accomplishment. Lynn Shays has become a horror staple but she always delivers memorable performances and does so again with a strange love hate schizo lady that will surely creep you out.

I, Frankenstein (2014)

Visually Stylish 3D Sci-fi Action Fun

[7/10 · 28 September 2016]

Aaron Eckhart gives a competent performance,the film picks up where as The creature is laying his creator to rest. We are thrust into modern day and there are Gargoyles and Demons at war. Bill Nighy leads a group of Demons masquerading as humans. Miranda Otto you'll remember front Lord of the Rings leads the Gargoyles. The film has a unique premise, very slick stylish visual FX and lots of action if you can see it in 3D it's even better. I found it very entertaining, fun and though there are some story and dialogue issues it's easily better than average with a huge budget, a good cast that also includes Jai Courteney from Terminator Genisys, Mahesh Jadu of Marco Polo. If your a fan of Underworld or Resident Evil you should enjoy this the Gargoyle Transformations and Demon deaths are well done and I thought very original. It's never gonna be A 10 buts it's easily a 7 worth seeing great way to pass a rainy day or sleepless night

Dead Rising: Endgame (2016)

Feels Like A TV Movie

[7/10 · 20 June 2016]

Picking up 2 years after the events in Wachtower, Chase has been discredited, trying to redeem himself continues his investigation aided by new allies. Television series veteran director Pat Williams infuses better pacing. Stylish camera shots, yet somehow it never rises above that feeling of a TV movie of the week. Jesse Metcalfe shows of his action hero chops taking on faster moving Zombies. Billy Zane is wasted as a evil Scientist his scenes are few. Throughout there's this feeling that something is missing, in some ways it's better than the first in other ways it fails overall it's still above your acreage zombie movie. I might need to watch it again, I gave the first an 8 giving this sequel a 7 mainly because it the only improvement is in style and pacing.

Ladyhawke (1985)

some films age beautifully

[7/10 · 7 June 2016]

Let me start with the bad, the score it doesn't fit the time but I'm sure some studio head thought we need this to appeal to younger audiences of the time. Vittorio Storraro Cinematography is stunning, lush colors, locations, no CGI here my friends. The castles and mountains to the costumes and villages just take you back in time adding to this fine, fun, fantasy. Michelle Pfeiffer youth and beauty, Matthew Brodericks awkwardness are all well played throughout,to be honest he's quite funny. Rutger Hauer has always had mixed success be here his presence is fitting, rent it online or watch it in rerun you won't be disappointed they don't make films like this anymore and when they try so filled with CGI they don't have the organic immersive feeling this Romantic Fantasy Adventure delivers.

X-Men: Apocalypse (2016)

WOW!!! X-Men Perfection

[10/10 · 27 May 2016]

Wow!!! What writer Chris Claremont did for the Xmen comic in the 80's Director Writer Brian Singer is doing for the Xmen film franchise this movie brings us full circle even through the altered time line after Days of Future Past back to the first Xmen film only now that the time line was altered do we see the true repercussion. That's saying a lot people get twisted with timeline alterations but this connects things from all the movies and of course from First Class to Apocalypse. More than that it gives more foundation to what we see when Logan returns to the mansion after Future Past to find Phoenix and Cyclops alive and more than that go back to the first film and remember Xavier knew things about Logan. When timelines are altered somethings stay the same but play out differently like Mystique working in the Danger Room make note of the Sentinels from the first movie to the newest perfect example of timeline alterations yet stay the same. Brian Singer is a Genius. OH Yeah go see it omg its so good critics be damned Long Live the Phoenix.

Gods of Egypt (2016)

Bathed in Light, Love & Stylish 3D Adventure

[8/10 · 26 May 2016]

Gerard Butler as a Villains and he chews it up ever so subtly. Nicholas Coaster-Waldau plays his part with equal measure neither actor trying to out do one another. There are really touching and funny bits here and there in fact the thing about this movie as opposed to let's say Wrath of the Titans no one ever over acts and Alex Proyas maneuvers through this visually beautiful film with the same ease as smoothness of a knife cutting butter gently thoughtfully and it works. You will grow to love Beck, to admire Hathor, without warning you'll find yourself cheering on the hero and it all happens so subtly. A fresh in film in a time of Bombastic loud Super hero movies Alex Proyas there is a third Act to his Directing career and abilities adding a new layer to his talent we have all come to love. No its not Dark City or I Robot but it is bathed in light, love, beauty something unexpected from what he's done Before I like it a lot. The 3D is done with care and restraint but no less impact full when it should be see it.

10.0 Earthquake (2014)

Dude...Dude?

[4/10 · 25 May 2015]

I love disaster flicks often I work from home and just put them on my streaming playlist to fill the silent void as I work. I have discovered a few hidden gems using this practice, however this is not a gem, dude its a dud. David Chokachi is a decent actor wasted in this below average snooze fest. I've become accustomed to the works of the Asylum,UFO Films ,and Cinetel,enter now Marisa Films, what are these Tax Shelters? Remember back in the day low budget movies that actually tried to live up to the big guys, not anymore cheap special FX no attempt to make a quality production just sell it to one of the hundreds of worldwide TV channels and break even. Your not missing anything by not swing this movie.

Seventh Son (I) (2014)

3D Fun Action Packed Fantasy Romp

[7/10 · 1 May 2015]

We Really Enjoyed this movie as fans of Clash of the Titans, Dragonslayer and Lord of the Rings, this sword & sorcery adventures this one has It all. Competent acting from a well known and likable ensemble cast, Julianne Moore chews up her scenes with delight as the villainess, while Jeff Bridges delivers some great lines and the atmosphere beautiful misty fantasy like cinematography combine to bring us this classic styled matinée popcorn movie.I wasn't aware of its production history and it takes nothing away from enjoying it for what it is a well made fun filled fantasy action adventure beautifully shot in truly eye-popping 3D. Just see it I may even buy it movies made like this are rare and it won't take 3 days to watch like the Hobbit Trilogy.

Altar (2014)

Gothic Ghost Story

[7/10 · 23 April 2015]

Nick Willing best known for his epic TV Mini-Series like Nederland and Tin Man, takes us on a different journey out on the mores. Just when you thought the days of atmospheric storytelling had given way to shaky cameras and CGI comes this chilling tale it grabs you draws you in gently with strange often inexplicable behavior from Mathew Moline. Eerie noises fill the quiet architecture and landscape. Olivia Williams delivers a strong performance as the wife and mother and its through her you find yourself saying don't open that door, don't walk in the dark, you will find some genuine scares. Reminiscent of classics like The Haunting, Ghost Story and more recently the Woman in Black. Crappy, atmospheric, chilling, well paced, directed with finesse and style, captivating yet chilling camera angles Mr. Willing has won many Emmy's for his writing and directing here he shows the ability to create engaging mature Gothic horror for adults. I gave it a 7.

Daredevil (2015–2018)

Dull Lackluster Poor Execution

[5/10 · 10 April 2015]

I have to admit my expectations were not high but the really fell below the bar. No chemistry with the cast,everyone trying to hard, it's painful to watch. Dialogue bad, jokes not funny,so many terrible bits of bad guy dialogue it begins to sound repetitive blah blah blah let's get him.Sadly 2 good likable actresses are wasted in this production,Rosario Dawson is cringe worthy repeating her lines,Deborah Ann Wohl of True Blood feels unnatural in her role like they forced me to hang out with this guy and laugh make funnies. Worst of all the lead is ineffectual,you feel nothing for his monotone delivered lines,poorly executed unexciting fight scenes. Netflix may have come in hot but Daredevil lands cold,no sizzle you just don't care about anyone,no atmosphere, poor sound design,awful crummy cinematography, equally bad visuals.See the Ben Affleck Extended Cut by Steve Johnson it's far superior, That's All.

Blood Monkey (2006 Video)

Average in every-way

[5/10 · 24 October 2014]

Matt Ryan star of the new Constantine TV series and F. Murray Abraham in a SyFy creature of the week while this has some better production values, well known TV director and an Oscar winning actor it also has a not so great script several poorly talented actors but to my surprise watched start to finish its a little slow getting started , passable entertainment for a late night or rainy day. When compared to some of the more recent films on SyFy its better than many. Shot on location in Thailand not some cheesy set or awful CGI. Average acting, so so storytelling, same goes for direction, beautiful jungle location, lacking suspense or many scares but better than watching wallpaper dry.