Director: John Francis Daley, Jonathan Goldstein
Genre: Comedy
Runtime: 100 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Jason Bateman, Rachel McAdams, Billy Magnussen, Kyle Chandler, Jesse Plemmons, Michael C. Hall, Danny Huston, Chelsea Peretti
Description: A group of friends who meet regularly for game nights find themselves entangled in a real-life mystery when the shady brother of one of them is seemingly kidnapped by dangerous gangsters.
Review: Two months after “Jumanji”, we get another fulm about dangerous games. But “Game Night” is not a blockbuster that has extravagant sets and special effects, but a satire mocking over-the-top action movies.
“Game Night” opens with Max and Annie meeting. They are both very competitive and love games. And game night is a regular thing in their lives. It’s basically just innocent games of Monopoly, Life, Charades and Scrabble. When Max’ brother Brooks joins them, he insist on hosting a game night himself. He thought of a murder mystery. But this game turns into a real kidnapping situation.
“Game Night” is at its best when Max and Annie are constantly trying to over throw everyone. Jason Bateman has played the role before, but it’s Rachel McAdams that steal the show. She doesn’t do this kind of comedy often, so it’s a real breath of fresh air. She is already one of my favorite actresses and I loved her in “Game Night”.
There is an element of surprise, which at one point they take a bit too far. But the camera techniques they use are really cool. And the jokes are sharp and quick. It sometimes has a hard time finding a balance.
“Game Night” is a fun comedy, that has Rachel McAdams and Jesse Plemons as its stars. It’s probably not a comedy classic, but it’s definitely a fun night.
Rating: 4 / 5
zaterdag 30 juni 2018
woensdag 27 juni 2018
90s Movie Review - Tremors
Director: Ron Underwood
Genre: Action/ Comedy/ Horror/ Thriller
Runtime: 95 minutes
Year: 1990
Starring: Kevin Bacon, Fred Ward, Finn Carter, Michael Gross, Reba McEntire, Charlotte Stewart, Tony Genaro, Ariana Richards, Richard Marcus, Victor Wong, Sunshine Parker, Michael Dan Wagner, Conrad Bachmann, Bibi Besch
Description: Natives of a small isolated town defend themselves against strange underground creatures which are killing them one by one.
Review: Don’t you just love monster movies? In “Tremors” the danger comes from graboids, some kind of giant, hungry worm that lives underground of the little town called Perfection.
At the start of the movie, we see people attack and die by the graboids. And we also meet the characters who have to deal with these creatures. The best part of the film is how it manages to combine action, tension, horror and humor all together. You are curious to what is happening, but it takes some time to really see the monsters. And the film has tempo. Because the character aren’t really safe anywhere, the tension is continuous. The graboids are fast and strong and find their victims due to the tremors of the ground.
As stated before, there is humor in this film. Throughout the entire film.
Kevin Bacon and Fred Ward, not particularly known for their humor, proof that they have a comedic talent. And Michael Gross is probably the funniest part of the film.
The effects are pretty good, especially when you hardly see any computer techniques being used.
“Tremors” is a great example of an exciting movie, that doesn’t lose its tension because of the huge dose of humor. For me, “Tremors” is always a joy to watch.
Rating: 4 / 5
Genre: Action/ Comedy/ Horror/ Thriller
Runtime: 95 minutes
Year: 1990
Starring: Kevin Bacon, Fred Ward, Finn Carter, Michael Gross, Reba McEntire, Charlotte Stewart, Tony Genaro, Ariana Richards, Richard Marcus, Victor Wong, Sunshine Parker, Michael Dan Wagner, Conrad Bachmann, Bibi Besch
Description: Natives of a small isolated town defend themselves against strange underground creatures which are killing them one by one.
Review: Don’t you just love monster movies? In “Tremors” the danger comes from graboids, some kind of giant, hungry worm that lives underground of the little town called Perfection.
At the start of the movie, we see people attack and die by the graboids. And we also meet the characters who have to deal with these creatures. The best part of the film is how it manages to combine action, tension, horror and humor all together. You are curious to what is happening, but it takes some time to really see the monsters. And the film has tempo. Because the character aren’t really safe anywhere, the tension is continuous. The graboids are fast and strong and find their victims due to the tremors of the ground.
As stated before, there is humor in this film. Throughout the entire film.
Kevin Bacon and Fred Ward, not particularly known for their humor, proof that they have a comedic talent. And Michael Gross is probably the funniest part of the film.
The effects are pretty good, especially when you hardly see any computer techniques being used.
“Tremors” is a great example of an exciting movie, that doesn’t lose its tension because of the huge dose of humor. For me, “Tremors” is always a joy to watch.
Rating: 4 / 5
90s Movie Review - Deep Blue Sea
Director: Renny Harlin
Genre: Action/ Horror/ Thriller
Runtime: 105 minutes
Year: 1999
Starring: Thomas Jane, Saffron Burrows, LL Cool J, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Rapaport, Stellan Skarsgård, Jacqueline McKenzie, Aida Turturro
Description: Searching for a cure to Alzheimer's disease a group of scientists on an isolated research facility become the bait as a trio of intelligent sharks fight back.
Review: When it comes to shark movies, “Jaws” is the only masterpiece out there. “Deep Blue Sea” is one of the better shark films, but don’t pay any attention to the logics. Turn off your brain and just watch it, it’s a lot of fun.
While trying to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, a group of scientist is working on a laboratory in the middle of the ocean and testing on sharks. This makes the sharks smarter. And more unpredictable and dangerous. Soon the people in the lab are the hunted ones.
The makers did find some inspiration with “Jaws”, but also “Jurassic Park”. The film is fast paced and entertaining from beginning till end. And it’s not as predictable as you would think, because it’s quite surprising who will die and who won’t.
Not all the actors are that good, it’s mostly the men who shine. Thomas Jane is the hero of the story, as Carter Blake, a diver with a dark past. Samuel L. Jackson hardly ever disappoints and he even has an unforgettable speech in this film. Unforgettable for so many reasons. LL Cool J has a fun supporting role, as the cook. Both Saffron Burrows and Michael Rapaport only show us how annoying their characters are.
The special effects are pretty good, sometimes it’s too obvious it’s a computer animated shark. But all in all “Deep Blue Sea” is not one of those terrible shark movies. It’s fun and entertaining, with some surprise elements here and there and enough excitement for a fun movie night.
Rating: 3,5/ 5
Genre: Action/ Horror/ Thriller
Runtime: 105 minutes
Year: 1999
Starring: Thomas Jane, Saffron Burrows, LL Cool J, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Rapaport, Stellan Skarsgård, Jacqueline McKenzie, Aida Turturro
Description: Searching for a cure to Alzheimer's disease a group of scientists on an isolated research facility become the bait as a trio of intelligent sharks fight back.
Review: When it comes to shark movies, “Jaws” is the only masterpiece out there. “Deep Blue Sea” is one of the better shark films, but don’t pay any attention to the logics. Turn off your brain and just watch it, it’s a lot of fun.
While trying to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease, a group of scientist is working on a laboratory in the middle of the ocean and testing on sharks. This makes the sharks smarter. And more unpredictable and dangerous. Soon the people in the lab are the hunted ones.
The makers did find some inspiration with “Jaws”, but also “Jurassic Park”. The film is fast paced and entertaining from beginning till end. And it’s not as predictable as you would think, because it’s quite surprising who will die and who won’t.
Not all the actors are that good, it’s mostly the men who shine. Thomas Jane is the hero of the story, as Carter Blake, a diver with a dark past. Samuel L. Jackson hardly ever disappoints and he even has an unforgettable speech in this film. Unforgettable for so many reasons. LL Cool J has a fun supporting role, as the cook. Both Saffron Burrows and Michael Rapaport only show us how annoying their characters are.
The special effects are pretty good, sometimes it’s too obvious it’s a computer animated shark. But all in all “Deep Blue Sea” is not one of those terrible shark movies. It’s fun and entertaining, with some surprise elements here and there and enough excitement for a fun movie night.
Rating: 3,5/ 5
dinsdag 26 juni 2018
80s Movie Review - Jaws: The Revenge
Director: Joseph Sargent
Genre: Horror/ Thriller
Runtime: 89 minutes
Year: 1987
Starring: Lorraine Gary, Michael Caine, Mario van Peebles, Lance Guest, Karen Young
Description: Chief Brody's widow (Lorraine Gary) believes that her family is deliberately being targeted by another shark in search of revenge.
Review: In this series of shark films, the original “Jaws” is the best and will probably never be topped. They just get worse. And to be honest, “Jaws: The Revenge” is one of the worst movies I ever saw.
The plot for the third film was already pretty dumb, but there is no logic at all here. We again follow the Brody family. When one of the sons of the family gets killed by a shark, Ellen knows for sure that the shark is out for revenge. Because her now deceased husband Martin killed two sharks. Ellen flees to her other son who lives in the Bahama’s, where the shark follows her (!!!) and has is out for her and her family.
This plot is ridiculous. Sharks aren’t vengeful and they sure as hell don’t follow people across the globe. And Ellen somehow has a telekenetic connection with this shark, because whenever the shark is near or doing something, Ellen ‘feels it’. And she also has flashbacks of Martin dealing with the shark, but she was never present during those happenings. So how can she see them?
Michael Caine is even in this film. I mean Michael ‘freakin’ Caine. He is probably the best part of this film! He plays Ellen’s love interest, but that’s really not something you want to see in a shark movie.
But the shark is not that great either. He looks so fake and does weird things. He even ‘stands up’ in the water, while roaring. Sharks don’t roar!!! And when the boat hits it, the shark explodes. How? I’m not a science nerd, but even I know that a shark can’t explode by hitting it with a sailboat.
This film has absolutely no respect for the masterpiece “Jaws”. It’s a monstrosity. One of the worst movies ever made.
Rating: 0,5 / 5
Genre: Horror/ Thriller
Runtime: 89 minutes
Year: 1987
Starring: Lorraine Gary, Michael Caine, Mario van Peebles, Lance Guest, Karen Young
Description: Chief Brody's widow (Lorraine Gary) believes that her family is deliberately being targeted by another shark in search of revenge.
Review: In this series of shark films, the original “Jaws” is the best and will probably never be topped. They just get worse. And to be honest, “Jaws: The Revenge” is one of the worst movies I ever saw.
The plot for the third film was already pretty dumb, but there is no logic at all here. We again follow the Brody family. When one of the sons of the family gets killed by a shark, Ellen knows for sure that the shark is out for revenge. Because her now deceased husband Martin killed two sharks. Ellen flees to her other son who lives in the Bahama’s, where the shark follows her (!!!) and has is out for her and her family.
This plot is ridiculous. Sharks aren’t vengeful and they sure as hell don’t follow people across the globe. And Ellen somehow has a telekenetic connection with this shark, because whenever the shark is near or doing something, Ellen ‘feels it’. And she also has flashbacks of Martin dealing with the shark, but she was never present during those happenings. So how can she see them?
Michael Caine is even in this film. I mean Michael ‘freakin’ Caine. He is probably the best part of this film! He plays Ellen’s love interest, but that’s really not something you want to see in a shark movie.
But the shark is not that great either. He looks so fake and does weird things. He even ‘stands up’ in the water, while roaring. Sharks don’t roar!!! And when the boat hits it, the shark explodes. How? I’m not a science nerd, but even I know that a shark can’t explode by hitting it with a sailboat.
This film has absolutely no respect for the masterpiece “Jaws”. It’s a monstrosity. One of the worst movies ever made.
Rating: 0,5 / 5
00s Movie Review - Jurassic Park 3
Director: Joe Johnston
Genre: Action/ Adventure
Runtime: 92 minutes
Year: 2001
Starring: Sam Neill, William H. Macy, Téa Leoni, Alessandro Nivola, Trevor Morgan, Michael Jeter, Laura Dern
Description: A decidedly odd couple (William H. Macy, Téa Leoni) with ulterior motives convince Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill) to go to Isla Sorna (the second InGen dinosaur lab.), resulting in an unexpected landing...and unexpected new inhabitants on the island.
Review: “Jurassic Park III” was probably made for commercial reasons, but didn’t manage to get Steven Spielberg to direct. The first two movies where a huge success, but in my opinion “Jurassic Park III” isn’t as bad as everyone says.
The third part isn’t based on Michael Crichton’s book. You can see that, because “Jurassic Park III” isn’t as original. Joe Johnston is the director of the film and it’s very different from the original movies.
At the end of “The Lost World: Jurassic Park” you get a glimpse of the Pterosaur, as a teaser for the sequel. This flying dinosaur has a big role in the third installment. A fan favorite, the Tyrannosaur Rex, has a small role and is hardly in the movie. He had to make place for the Spinosaurus. And off course the Velociraptors are present, but they look different from the previous movies. Because of paleontological research the looks of the raptors were adjusted.
Aside from the new dinosaurs, the story is a copy of the other movies. People end up on the dino island, they have to run from them, some are eaten and some live. When the characters are introduced, it’s already clear who will make it and who won’t.
Sam Neill returns as the beloved character Dr. Alan Grant. And Laure Dern, as Dr. Ellie Satler, also has a small role. William H. Macy, who is an excellent character actor, is added, but he never seems to feel comfortable in the movie. And Téa Leon, as the ex-wife, only has to be hysterical.
The movie looks good and the action scenes are solid. That’s because of Johnston. He had very big shoes to fill and he did an excellent job when it comes to the visuals.
Overall is “Jurassic Park III” definitely not the best in the series, but still very entertaining.
Rating: 3/ 5
Genre: Action/ Adventure
Runtime: 92 minutes
Year: 2001
Starring: Sam Neill, William H. Macy, Téa Leoni, Alessandro Nivola, Trevor Morgan, Michael Jeter, Laura Dern
Description: A decidedly odd couple (William H. Macy, Téa Leoni) with ulterior motives convince Dr. Alan Grant (Sam Neill) to go to Isla Sorna (the second InGen dinosaur lab.), resulting in an unexpected landing...and unexpected new inhabitants on the island.
Review: “Jurassic Park III” was probably made for commercial reasons, but didn’t manage to get Steven Spielberg to direct. The first two movies where a huge success, but in my opinion “Jurassic Park III” isn’t as bad as everyone says.
The third part isn’t based on Michael Crichton’s book. You can see that, because “Jurassic Park III” isn’t as original. Joe Johnston is the director of the film and it’s very different from the original movies.
At the end of “The Lost World: Jurassic Park” you get a glimpse of the Pterosaur, as a teaser for the sequel. This flying dinosaur has a big role in the third installment. A fan favorite, the Tyrannosaur Rex, has a small role and is hardly in the movie. He had to make place for the Spinosaurus. And off course the Velociraptors are present, but they look different from the previous movies. Because of paleontological research the looks of the raptors were adjusted.
Aside from the new dinosaurs, the story is a copy of the other movies. People end up on the dino island, they have to run from them, some are eaten and some live. When the characters are introduced, it’s already clear who will make it and who won’t.
Sam Neill returns as the beloved character Dr. Alan Grant. And Laure Dern, as Dr. Ellie Satler, also has a small role. William H. Macy, who is an excellent character actor, is added, but he never seems to feel comfortable in the movie. And Téa Leon, as the ex-wife, only has to be hysterical.
The movie looks good and the action scenes are solid. That’s because of Johnston. He had very big shoes to fill and he did an excellent job when it comes to the visuals.
Overall is “Jurassic Park III” definitely not the best in the series, but still very entertaining.
Rating: 3/ 5
zondag 24 juni 2018
Movie Reviews - The Florida Project
Director: Sean Baker
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 115 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Brooklynn Prince, Christopher Rivera, Aiden Malik, Grandma Stacy, Valeria Cotto, Edward Pagan, Bria Vinaite, Patti Wiley, Jasineia Ramos, Willem Dafoe, Rosa Medina Perez, Mela Murder, Krystal Nicole Watts, Sandy Kane, Jim R. Coleman
Description: Set over one summer, the film follows precocious six-year-old Moonee (Brooklynn Prince) as she courts mischief and adventure with her ragtag playmates and bonds with her rebellious but caring mother (Bria Vinaite), all while living in the shadows of Walt Disney World.
Review: Director Sean Baker broke through with the film “Tangerine” las year. A film fully filmed with an IPhone. He proved that you don’t need a big budget to create a good film. He was named one of the biggest talents and we should keep an eye on him. And with that, there was extra pressure on him when “The Florida Project” was released.
We meet several residents of a motel, called the Magic Castle, which is just outside Disney World. They are all trying to keep their heads above water. Six-year-old Moonee and her friends don’t seem to realize that, that they are on the bottom of the social ladder. They spend the days on the streets, asking money for ice cream and teasing people. But the grown ups no longer dream of a better life. Moonees mother Halley sells perfume to tourists, but realizes that’s not enough.
We also meet the owner of the motel, Bobby. A likeable man who has the unthankful task to chase the residents for rent money. Even though he is pretty strict, he can’t help to have a weakness for the children. He tries everything to protect them.
Baker decided to show this world of inequality fro the perspective of the children. Often he chooses lower camera angles, to keep the camera with Moonee. A lot of the blanks you can fill in yourself, which makes you more involved. It’s not a story divided in three acts, but like life it just goes forward. We see glimpses of the character’s lives and the choices they make in this time period. De location is chosen perfectly. Knowing that just a few block away, richer families are having the time of their lives in Disney World, makes Moonee’s situation even harder to watch.
The style Baker shows, feels almost like a documentary. Also because of the natural performances by the actors. Brooklynn Prince is really strong as Moonee. A lot of dimension in this tiny girl, which makes her role beautiful. But Willem Dafoe is the adult that steals the show.
“The Florida Project” is a surprising and lively film. No clichés, it’s pure and authentic. Not a movie filled with exciting happenings, but a great look at society. Without any morals.
Rating: 4 / 5
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 115 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Brooklynn Prince, Christopher Rivera, Aiden Malik, Grandma Stacy, Valeria Cotto, Edward Pagan, Bria Vinaite, Patti Wiley, Jasineia Ramos, Willem Dafoe, Rosa Medina Perez, Mela Murder, Krystal Nicole Watts, Sandy Kane, Jim R. Coleman
Description: Set over one summer, the film follows precocious six-year-old Moonee (Brooklynn Prince) as she courts mischief and adventure with her ragtag playmates and bonds with her rebellious but caring mother (Bria Vinaite), all while living in the shadows of Walt Disney World.
Review: Director Sean Baker broke through with the film “Tangerine” las year. A film fully filmed with an IPhone. He proved that you don’t need a big budget to create a good film. He was named one of the biggest talents and we should keep an eye on him. And with that, there was extra pressure on him when “The Florida Project” was released.
We meet several residents of a motel, called the Magic Castle, which is just outside Disney World. They are all trying to keep their heads above water. Six-year-old Moonee and her friends don’t seem to realize that, that they are on the bottom of the social ladder. They spend the days on the streets, asking money for ice cream and teasing people. But the grown ups no longer dream of a better life. Moonees mother Halley sells perfume to tourists, but realizes that’s not enough.
We also meet the owner of the motel, Bobby. A likeable man who has the unthankful task to chase the residents for rent money. Even though he is pretty strict, he can’t help to have a weakness for the children. He tries everything to protect them.
Baker decided to show this world of inequality fro the perspective of the children. Often he chooses lower camera angles, to keep the camera with Moonee. A lot of the blanks you can fill in yourself, which makes you more involved. It’s not a story divided in three acts, but like life it just goes forward. We see glimpses of the character’s lives and the choices they make in this time period. De location is chosen perfectly. Knowing that just a few block away, richer families are having the time of their lives in Disney World, makes Moonee’s situation even harder to watch.
The style Baker shows, feels almost like a documentary. Also because of the natural performances by the actors. Brooklynn Prince is really strong as Moonee. A lot of dimension in this tiny girl, which makes her role beautiful. But Willem Dafoe is the adult that steals the show.
“The Florida Project” is a surprising and lively film. No clichés, it’s pure and authentic. Not a movie filled with exciting happenings, but a great look at society. Without any morals.
Rating: 4 / 5
vrijdag 22 juni 2018
Movie Reviews - Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom
Director: J.A. Bayona
Genre: Action/ Adventure
Runtime: 128 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Ted Levine, Jeff Goldblum, Toby Jones, Rafe Spall, BD Wong, James Cromwell
Description: When the island's dormant volcano begins roaring to life, Owen (Chris Pratt) and Claire (Bryce Dallas howard) mount a campaign to rescue the remaining dinosaurs from this extinction-level event.
Review: The dinosaurs that were left behind when the Jurassic World theme park went bad, need to be saved. The islands volcano is about to erupt and Owen and Claire decide to go back. But naïve business men also send an over ambitious hunter to the island.
“Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” is the sequel to “Jurassic World, the way “The Lost World: Jurassic Park” was a sequel to “Jurassic Park”. And you can see that a lot of it is the same. But director J.A. Bayona decided to have only a few scenes in the jungle and take the rest of the film to the city. Which is basically the last scenes from “The Lost World: Jurassic Park” stretched to film length. But from that point the film gets more original.
“Jurassic World” got mixed reviews. Especially the fans of “Jurassic Park” were really brutal. I’m also a huge fan, it’s THE movie that made me the movie geek I am now. But I watched “Jurassic World” as a separate film, not comparing it with the orinal master piece. And I really liked “Jurassic World”. And I also liked “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom”. But less, because it reused a lot of elements from the previous films and the characters don’t really have any development. I like Owen and Claire, apart and together, but there is no development whatsoever.
Seeing Jeff Goldblum was off course great and he might be the greatest character ever created for the franchise (no, he IS).
“Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” shines because of the great visuals and its high entertainment value. And Chris Pratt as an action hero with the right amount of humor. But the best moments and quotes were ‘borrowed’ from the earlier films.
Rating: 3,5 / 5
Genre: Action/ Adventure
Runtime: 128 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Ted Levine, Jeff Goldblum, Toby Jones, Rafe Spall, BD Wong, James Cromwell
Description: When the island's dormant volcano begins roaring to life, Owen (Chris Pratt) and Claire (Bryce Dallas howard) mount a campaign to rescue the remaining dinosaurs from this extinction-level event.
Review: The dinosaurs that were left behind when the Jurassic World theme park went bad, need to be saved. The islands volcano is about to erupt and Owen and Claire decide to go back. But naïve business men also send an over ambitious hunter to the island.
“Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” is the sequel to “Jurassic World, the way “The Lost World: Jurassic Park” was a sequel to “Jurassic Park”. And you can see that a lot of it is the same. But director J.A. Bayona decided to have only a few scenes in the jungle and take the rest of the film to the city. Which is basically the last scenes from “The Lost World: Jurassic Park” stretched to film length. But from that point the film gets more original.
“Jurassic World” got mixed reviews. Especially the fans of “Jurassic Park” were really brutal. I’m also a huge fan, it’s THE movie that made me the movie geek I am now. But I watched “Jurassic World” as a separate film, not comparing it with the orinal master piece. And I really liked “Jurassic World”. And I also liked “Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom”. But less, because it reused a lot of elements from the previous films and the characters don’t really have any development. I like Owen and Claire, apart and together, but there is no development whatsoever.
Seeing Jeff Goldblum was off course great and he might be the greatest character ever created for the franchise (no, he IS).
“Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom” shines because of the great visuals and its high entertainment value. And Chris Pratt as an action hero with the right amount of humor. But the best moments and quotes were ‘borrowed’ from the earlier films.
Rating: 3,5 / 5
dinsdag 19 juni 2018
90s Movie Review - The Lost World: Jurassic Park
Director: Steven Spielberg
Genre: Adventure/ Action
Runtime: 129 minutes
Year: 1997
Starring: Jeff Goldblum, Julianne Moore, Vince Vaughn, Pete Postlethwaite, Richard Attenborough, Peter Stormare
Description: A research team is sent to the Jurassic Park Site B island to study the dinosaurs there while another team approaches with another agenda.
Review: After the enormous hit “Jurassic Park” in 1993, Steven Spielberg decided to make a sequel the audience was waiting for. Although the character dies in the first book by Michael Crichton, in “The Lost World: Jurassic Park” it’s Ian Malcolm who saves the day.
Off course the sequel isn’t as original, because the first was so groundbreaking and it amazed everyone. But it’s not just a copy either. John Hammond is concerned about the dinosaurs and tells Ian there is a second island. Malcolm’s girlfriend Sarah is already there to study the behavior of the dinosaurs, so Ian has to go back himself. He is accompanied by documentary maker Nick van Owen and gadget guy Eddie Carr. And Ian’s daughter Kelly also joins them, when she sneaks on the boat. What they don’t know is that the company InGen Is trying to capture the dinosaurs to bring them to San Diego.
To make “The Lost World: Jurassic Park” a little bit more surprising the makers decided to add two adult Tyrannosauruses and a baby. And there are more bad guys in the form of people working for InGen. There are also more deaths en they are bigger than ever.
Jeff Goldblum is, like the first, the best element of the film. The other characters aren’t as interesting as the first. Off course the special effects are again great. Fantastic visuals, that will blow your mind.
“The Lost World: Jurassic Park” builds up the tension, has strong action sequences, great visual effects. Although it never lives up to its prequel, “The Lost World: Jurassic Park” is a joy to watch.
Rating: 4,5/ 5
Genre: Adventure/ Action
Runtime: 129 minutes
Year: 1997
Starring: Jeff Goldblum, Julianne Moore, Vince Vaughn, Pete Postlethwaite, Richard Attenborough, Peter Stormare
Description: A research team is sent to the Jurassic Park Site B island to study the dinosaurs there while another team approaches with another agenda.
Review: After the enormous hit “Jurassic Park” in 1993, Steven Spielberg decided to make a sequel the audience was waiting for. Although the character dies in the first book by Michael Crichton, in “The Lost World: Jurassic Park” it’s Ian Malcolm who saves the day.
Off course the sequel isn’t as original, because the first was so groundbreaking and it amazed everyone. But it’s not just a copy either. John Hammond is concerned about the dinosaurs and tells Ian there is a second island. Malcolm’s girlfriend Sarah is already there to study the behavior of the dinosaurs, so Ian has to go back himself. He is accompanied by documentary maker Nick van Owen and gadget guy Eddie Carr. And Ian’s daughter Kelly also joins them, when she sneaks on the boat. What they don’t know is that the company InGen Is trying to capture the dinosaurs to bring them to San Diego.
To make “The Lost World: Jurassic Park” a little bit more surprising the makers decided to add two adult Tyrannosauruses and a baby. And there are more bad guys in the form of people working for InGen. There are also more deaths en they are bigger than ever.
Jeff Goldblum is, like the first, the best element of the film. The other characters aren’t as interesting as the first. Off course the special effects are again great. Fantastic visuals, that will blow your mind.
“The Lost World: Jurassic Park” builds up the tension, has strong action sequences, great visual effects. Although it never lives up to its prequel, “The Lost World: Jurassic Park” is a joy to watch.
Rating: 4,5/ 5
maandag 18 juni 2018
Movies to Look Forward to - July 2018
It's time for the summer movies, but there is not a lot to look forward to in July. Here is what I think will be worth your time.
July 5th – Adrift
Director: Baltasar Kormákur
Starring: Shailene Woodley, Sam Claflin
Description: Based on the true story of survival, a young couple's (Shailene Woodley, Sam Claflin) chance encounter leads them first to love, and then on the adventure of a lifetime as they face one of the most catastrophic hurricanes in recorded history.
July 5th – Sicario: Day of the Soldado
Director: Stefano Sollima
Starring: Benicio Del Toro, Josh Brolin, Matthew Modine
Description: The drug war on the US-Mexico border has escalated as the cartels have begun trafficking terrorists across the US border. To fight the war, federal agent Matt Graver re-teams with the mercurial Alejandro.
July 18th – Ant-Man and the Wasp
Director: Peyton Reed
Starring: Paul Ridd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, Michaael Peña, Judy Greer, Walton Goggins, Michelle Pfeiffer, Laurence Fishburne
Description: As Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) balances being both a Super Hero and a father, Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) and Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) present an urgent new mission that finds the Ant-Man fighting alongside The Wasp to uncover secrets from their past.
July 5th – Adrift
Director: Baltasar Kormákur
Starring: Shailene Woodley, Sam Claflin
Description: Based on the true story of survival, a young couple's (Shailene Woodley, Sam Claflin) chance encounter leads them first to love, and then on the adventure of a lifetime as they face one of the most catastrophic hurricanes in recorded history.
July 5th – Sicario: Day of the Soldado
Director: Stefano Sollima
Starring: Benicio Del Toro, Josh Brolin, Matthew Modine
Description: The drug war on the US-Mexico border has escalated as the cartels have begun trafficking terrorists across the US border. To fight the war, federal agent Matt Graver re-teams with the mercurial Alejandro.
July 18th – Ant-Man and the Wasp
Director: Peyton Reed
Starring: Paul Ridd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, Michaael Peña, Judy Greer, Walton Goggins, Michelle Pfeiffer, Laurence Fishburne
Description: As Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) balances being both a Super Hero and a father, Hope van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) and Dr. Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) present an urgent new mission that finds the Ant-Man fighting alongside The Wasp to uncover secrets from their past.
Movie Reviews - Annihilation
Director: Alex Garland
Genre: Adventure/ Drama/ Thriller/ Science Fiction
Runtime: 125 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Natalie Portman, Oscar Isaac, Benedict Wong, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Tessa Thompson, Gina Rodriguez
Description: A biologist (Natalie Portman) signs up for a dangerous, secret expedition into a mysterious zone where the laws of nature don't apply.
Review: It’s a new development for Netflix. It doesn’t only create its own films and TV shows, but also buys international distribution rights from the US. “The Cloverfield Paradox” was one that many viewers questioned. But “Annihilation” is different; Netflix bought a quality film.
“Annihilation” is the second film for director Alex Garland, who also made “Ex Machina” in 2014. This movie took a look at artificial intelligence and the place of humans on the evolutionary ladder. This second film also does that. “Annihilation” is based on the book with the same title, by Jeff Vandermeer. But Garland was mostly inspired by it and didn’t create an adaptation.
The film follows a strange phenomenon. Nearby a lighthouse, a meteor has hit the earth and it causes a bizarre happening, called the Shimmer. The area expands and knows a lot of mysteries. No answers, just questions. Expeditions send into the shimmer never return.
Lena is one of the people risking her life going into the shimmer, together with four other women. As soon as they reach the zone, everything goes wrong. Not only have they forgotten entering it and setting up camp, but they also start questioning each other. And what about the mutated creatures inside the Shimmer? “Annihilation” doesn’t give us a lot of answers, but raises mainly questions.
“Annihilation” feels uneasy. Just like the characters, you realize something is wrong inside the Shimmer. And any moment could be your last.
Visually it’s a beautiful film. And the cast is strong, especially Natalie Portman and Jennifer Jason Leigh. But it’s also an intelligent film, which makes it a film not suitable for a broad audience. But hopefully the Netflix platform will reach a more mainstream audience, because it’s worth watching. Because quality deserves a big audience.
Rating: 4,5 / 5
Genre: Adventure/ Drama/ Thriller/ Science Fiction
Runtime: 125 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Natalie Portman, Oscar Isaac, Benedict Wong, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Tessa Thompson, Gina Rodriguez
Description: A biologist (Natalie Portman) signs up for a dangerous, secret expedition into a mysterious zone where the laws of nature don't apply.
Review: It’s a new development for Netflix. It doesn’t only create its own films and TV shows, but also buys international distribution rights from the US. “The Cloverfield Paradox” was one that many viewers questioned. But “Annihilation” is different; Netflix bought a quality film.
“Annihilation” is the second film for director Alex Garland, who also made “Ex Machina” in 2014. This movie took a look at artificial intelligence and the place of humans on the evolutionary ladder. This second film also does that. “Annihilation” is based on the book with the same title, by Jeff Vandermeer. But Garland was mostly inspired by it and didn’t create an adaptation.
The film follows a strange phenomenon. Nearby a lighthouse, a meteor has hit the earth and it causes a bizarre happening, called the Shimmer. The area expands and knows a lot of mysteries. No answers, just questions. Expeditions send into the shimmer never return.
Lena is one of the people risking her life going into the shimmer, together with four other women. As soon as they reach the zone, everything goes wrong. Not only have they forgotten entering it and setting up camp, but they also start questioning each other. And what about the mutated creatures inside the Shimmer? “Annihilation” doesn’t give us a lot of answers, but raises mainly questions.
“Annihilation” feels uneasy. Just like the characters, you realize something is wrong inside the Shimmer. And any moment could be your last.
Visually it’s a beautiful film. And the cast is strong, especially Natalie Portman and Jennifer Jason Leigh. But it’s also an intelligent film, which makes it a film not suitable for a broad audience. But hopefully the Netflix platform will reach a more mainstream audience, because it’s worth watching. Because quality deserves a big audience.
Rating: 4,5 / 5
zondag 17 juni 2018
Movie Reviews - 12 Strong
Director: Nicolai Fuglsig
Genre: Drama/ Action
Runtime: 129 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Michael Shannon, Michael Peña, Rob Riggle, William Fichtner, Elsa Pataky
Description: We follow the first Special Forces team deployed to Afghanistan after 9/11; under the leadership of a new captain (Chris Hemsworth), the team must work with an Afghan warlord to take down the Taliban.
Review: Twelve soldiers, riding horses and carrying machine guns. They take on tanks and rocket launchers. It looks like fiction, but it’s based on a true story. Based on the book “Horse Soldiers”, it tells the story of a special mission: a small American team of soldiers infiltrates Afghanistan to start an attack on the Taliban, right after 9/11.
Chris Hemsworth convinces as the ambitious and optimistic soldier Mitch Nelson. While America is mourning the tragic attack on the WTC, Nelson is stuck behind a desk and feels he needs to do something. What follows is an unbelievable story of a team of twelve soldiers fighting against the Taliban. Nelson has to work with general Dostum in Afghanistan. He is realistic, cynical and a completely different soldier. The bond between Nelson and Dostum is very interesting to watch. But the focus is on the spectacle. Which is a bit of a shame.
Most of the film is action. Good looking action and sometimes very spectacular. But nothing looks very artistic and it all looks like a compilations of dusty sand clouds and explosions.
Besides Hemsworth, there is the always strong and solid Michael Shannon. Who wasn’t given a lot to do, but he stands his ground. It’s an amazing true story, but director Nicolai Fuglsig played it safe and sometimes it feels predictable.
Rating: 3/ 5
Genre: Drama/ Action
Runtime: 129 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Michael Shannon, Michael Peña, Rob Riggle, William Fichtner, Elsa Pataky
Description: We follow the first Special Forces team deployed to Afghanistan after 9/11; under the leadership of a new captain (Chris Hemsworth), the team must work with an Afghan warlord to take down the Taliban.
Review: Twelve soldiers, riding horses and carrying machine guns. They take on tanks and rocket launchers. It looks like fiction, but it’s based on a true story. Based on the book “Horse Soldiers”, it tells the story of a special mission: a small American team of soldiers infiltrates Afghanistan to start an attack on the Taliban, right after 9/11.
Chris Hemsworth convinces as the ambitious and optimistic soldier Mitch Nelson. While America is mourning the tragic attack on the WTC, Nelson is stuck behind a desk and feels he needs to do something. What follows is an unbelievable story of a team of twelve soldiers fighting against the Taliban. Nelson has to work with general Dostum in Afghanistan. He is realistic, cynical and a completely different soldier. The bond between Nelson and Dostum is very interesting to watch. But the focus is on the spectacle. Which is a bit of a shame.
Most of the film is action. Good looking action and sometimes very spectacular. But nothing looks very artistic and it all looks like a compilations of dusty sand clouds and explosions.
Besides Hemsworth, there is the always strong and solid Michael Shannon. Who wasn’t given a lot to do, but he stands his ground. It’s an amazing true story, but director Nicolai Fuglsig played it safe and sometimes it feels predictable.
Rating: 3/ 5
woensdag 13 juni 2018
Movie Reviews - Deadpool 2
Director: David Leitch
Genre: Action
Runtime: 120 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Morena Baccaring, T.J. Miller, Terry Crews, Eddie Marsan, Julian Denisson
Description: Foul-mouthed mutant mercenary Wade Wilson,AKA. Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds), brings together a team of fellow mutant rogues to protect a young boy with supernatural abilities from the brutal, time-traveling cyborg, Cable (Josh Brolin).
Review: In 2016 “Deadpool” surprised us all, it was an instant hit. And the genius marketing campagne helped too. Obviously there had to be a sequel. A big challenge for director David Leitch and creative brain Ryan Reynolds, especially trying to find an original angle. And that without becoming a recycled version of the first film.
In his new mission, Deadpool has to protect Russell. A teenager struggling with his abilities and who is hunted by futuristic soldier Cable.
Like the first film, there is harsh satire and bloody action. This made the original film so fresh, because it wasn’t made kid friendly. “Deadpool 2” has this too. With a lot of winks to other Marvel films, DC and even Ryan Reynolds’ previous work.
I can understand that the humor in “Deadpool 2” is not for everyone and a lot is pop culture references. I love this kind of humor. It’s sharp, clever, sarcastic and it mocks itself. Sometimes they go a little too far, a bit over the top. But never enough to make it annoying.
“Deadpool 2” is surely not better than or as good as the first. But it’s super entertaining, funny, action packed and one hell of a wild ride.
Rating: 4 / 5
Genre: Action
Runtime: 120 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Morena Baccaring, T.J. Miller, Terry Crews, Eddie Marsan, Julian Denisson
Description: Foul-mouthed mutant mercenary Wade Wilson,AKA. Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds), brings together a team of fellow mutant rogues to protect a young boy with supernatural abilities from the brutal, time-traveling cyborg, Cable (Josh Brolin).
Review: In 2016 “Deadpool” surprised us all, it was an instant hit. And the genius marketing campagne helped too. Obviously there had to be a sequel. A big challenge for director David Leitch and creative brain Ryan Reynolds, especially trying to find an original angle. And that without becoming a recycled version of the first film.
In his new mission, Deadpool has to protect Russell. A teenager struggling with his abilities and who is hunted by futuristic soldier Cable.
Like the first film, there is harsh satire and bloody action. This made the original film so fresh, because it wasn’t made kid friendly. “Deadpool 2” has this too. With a lot of winks to other Marvel films, DC and even Ryan Reynolds’ previous work.
I can understand that the humor in “Deadpool 2” is not for everyone and a lot is pop culture references. I love this kind of humor. It’s sharp, clever, sarcastic and it mocks itself. Sometimes they go a little too far, a bit over the top. But never enough to make it annoying.
“Deadpool 2” is surely not better than or as good as the first. But it’s super entertaining, funny, action packed and one hell of a wild ride.
Rating: 4 / 5
dinsdag 12 juni 2018
Oldies Movie Review - Jaws
Director: Steven Spielberg
Genre: Horror/ Thriller
Runtime: 124 minutes
Year: 1975
Starring: Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, Robert Shaw, Lorraine Gary, Murray Hamilton, Carl Gottlieb, Jeffrey Kramer, Susan Backlinie, Jonathan Filley, Ted Grossman, Chris Rebello, Jay Mello, Lee Fierro, Jeffrey Voorhees, Craig Kingsbury, Robert Nevin, Peter Benchley
Description: When a gigantic great white shark begins to menace the small island community of Amity, a police chief (Roy Scheider), a marine scientist (Richard Dreyfuss) and grizzled fisherman (Robert Shaw) set out to stop it.
Review: “Jaws” is a perfect adventure film, that is now a classic and one of the most successful films in movie history. “Jaws” had an enormous impact and it still holds up.
The movie is based on the book by Peter Benchley, that was a bestseller in 1973. In the book the small town Amity is ravaged by a series of shark attacks. Producers David Brown and Richard Zanuck thought it would make a great movie and the then 27-year-old Steven Spielberg was hired to direct.
“Jaws” follows three men, very different from each other, that try to hunt down the giant shark that causes all the trouble in Amity. First we have police chief Martin Brody, a New Yorker who was tired of all the violence in the big city. Now he is stationed in the small town of Amity, in New England. When a shark starts taking victims, Brody wants the beaches to be closed, but it’s summer season and the mayor doesn’t want all the tourists to leave. Brody gets help from oceanographer and shark expert Matt Hooper, who also doesn’t manage to convince the mayor. When more victims are claimed, the rough and harsh fisherman Quint is hired as well. The three of them try to catch and kill the shark.
Filled with suspense, humor, good acting and unforgettable music, “Jaws” should be on everyone’s “must-see” list. And in everyone’s collection. The film has an amazing buildup, where you see the actual shark when you’re about 45 minutes in. The element of not showing the shark, makes it even scarier and it will make you think twice about swimming in the ocean for a while. Even though the movie is from the 70s, and the effects are dated, “Jaws” still manages to give you the chills and scare you every single time. It holds up, even with those effects.
“Jaws” won three Academy Awards: montage, sound and music. That music, by John Williams, is one of the most recognizable themes in movie history. Even people who haven’t seen “Jaws” recognize it.
Let’s forget there were tree sequels (the second was acceptable, the rest is just terrible). “Jaws” is an ultimate classic, an enjoyable view every time.
Rating: 5/ 5
Genre: Horror/ Thriller
Runtime: 124 minutes
Year: 1975
Starring: Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfuss, Robert Shaw, Lorraine Gary, Murray Hamilton, Carl Gottlieb, Jeffrey Kramer, Susan Backlinie, Jonathan Filley, Ted Grossman, Chris Rebello, Jay Mello, Lee Fierro, Jeffrey Voorhees, Craig Kingsbury, Robert Nevin, Peter Benchley
Description: When a gigantic great white shark begins to menace the small island community of Amity, a police chief (Roy Scheider), a marine scientist (Richard Dreyfuss) and grizzled fisherman (Robert Shaw) set out to stop it.
Review: “Jaws” is a perfect adventure film, that is now a classic and one of the most successful films in movie history. “Jaws” had an enormous impact and it still holds up.
The movie is based on the book by Peter Benchley, that was a bestseller in 1973. In the book the small town Amity is ravaged by a series of shark attacks. Producers David Brown and Richard Zanuck thought it would make a great movie and the then 27-year-old Steven Spielberg was hired to direct.
“Jaws” follows three men, very different from each other, that try to hunt down the giant shark that causes all the trouble in Amity. First we have police chief Martin Brody, a New Yorker who was tired of all the violence in the big city. Now he is stationed in the small town of Amity, in New England. When a shark starts taking victims, Brody wants the beaches to be closed, but it’s summer season and the mayor doesn’t want all the tourists to leave. Brody gets help from oceanographer and shark expert Matt Hooper, who also doesn’t manage to convince the mayor. When more victims are claimed, the rough and harsh fisherman Quint is hired as well. The three of them try to catch and kill the shark.
Filled with suspense, humor, good acting and unforgettable music, “Jaws” should be on everyone’s “must-see” list. And in everyone’s collection. The film has an amazing buildup, where you see the actual shark when you’re about 45 minutes in. The element of not showing the shark, makes it even scarier and it will make you think twice about swimming in the ocean for a while. Even though the movie is from the 70s, and the effects are dated, “Jaws” still manages to give you the chills and scare you every single time. It holds up, even with those effects.
“Jaws” won three Academy Awards: montage, sound and music. That music, by John Williams, is one of the most recognizable themes in movie history. Even people who haven’t seen “Jaws” recognize it.
Let’s forget there were tree sequels (the second was acceptable, the rest is just terrible). “Jaws” is an ultimate classic, an enjoyable view every time.
Rating: 5/ 5
90s Movie Review - Jurassic Park
Director: Steven Spielberg
Genre: Adventure/ Action
Runtime: 127 minutes
Year: 1993
Starring: Sam Neill, Jeff Goldblum, Laura Dern, Richard Attenborough, Samuel L. Jackson, Wayne Knight
Description: During a preview tour, a dinosaur theme park suffers a major power breakdown that allows its cloned dinosaur exhibits to run amok.
Review: Author Michael Crichton wrote a book called Jurassic Park, which became an enormous bestseller in 1990. And Steven Spielberg wanted to turn it into film. And how! When the movie was released, everyone was amazed by the realistic looking dinosaurs. But that was in the ‘90s. Nowadays it still manages to amaze me. Spielberg used digital effects and old-fashioned animatronics to give the dinosaurs that authentic look. With that we see the Tyrannosaurus Rex and Velociraptor parade our screens and give us a few big scares.
The story centers John Hammond, who found a way to clone dinosaurs and build a theme park around them. After a few incidents, the investors get nervous and Hammond invites some experts to test the park: Paleontologist Dr. Alan Grant, paleobotanist Dr. Ellie Sattler and mathematician Ian Malcolm. Off course things don’t go according to plan.
Sam Neill plays hero Alan Grant and Laura Dern portrays Ellie Sattler, but it’s Jeff Goldblum who gets all the good lines. He is the only one who is really worried about the cloning. He might come off as annoying, but he’s the best character in the film.
The movie is filled with amazing effects and exciting scenes. The kitchen scene is memorable, but the most epic one is the T-Rex outbreak. Far out the best scene ever. Everything is perfected in the detail and this movie will never bore me. This is one of those films that, after watching it, you immediately want to rewatch it. Some people might complain about the lack of character development, but the dinosaurs are the real stars here. “Jurassic Park” is a great movie, that everyone should see at least once. If you don’t you haven’t lived.
A spectacular movie, which keeps your adrenaline pumping and is a true thrill ride.
Rating: 5/ 5
Genre: Adventure/ Action
Runtime: 127 minutes
Year: 1993
Starring: Sam Neill, Jeff Goldblum, Laura Dern, Richard Attenborough, Samuel L. Jackson, Wayne Knight
Description: During a preview tour, a dinosaur theme park suffers a major power breakdown that allows its cloned dinosaur exhibits to run amok.
Review: Author Michael Crichton wrote a book called Jurassic Park, which became an enormous bestseller in 1990. And Steven Spielberg wanted to turn it into film. And how! When the movie was released, everyone was amazed by the realistic looking dinosaurs. But that was in the ‘90s. Nowadays it still manages to amaze me. Spielberg used digital effects and old-fashioned animatronics to give the dinosaurs that authentic look. With that we see the Tyrannosaurus Rex and Velociraptor parade our screens and give us a few big scares.
The story centers John Hammond, who found a way to clone dinosaurs and build a theme park around them. After a few incidents, the investors get nervous and Hammond invites some experts to test the park: Paleontologist Dr. Alan Grant, paleobotanist Dr. Ellie Sattler and mathematician Ian Malcolm. Off course things don’t go according to plan.
Sam Neill plays hero Alan Grant and Laura Dern portrays Ellie Sattler, but it’s Jeff Goldblum who gets all the good lines. He is the only one who is really worried about the cloning. He might come off as annoying, but he’s the best character in the film.
The movie is filled with amazing effects and exciting scenes. The kitchen scene is memorable, but the most epic one is the T-Rex outbreak. Far out the best scene ever. Everything is perfected in the detail and this movie will never bore me. This is one of those films that, after watching it, you immediately want to rewatch it. Some people might complain about the lack of character development, but the dinosaurs are the real stars here. “Jurassic Park” is a great movie, that everyone should see at least once. If you don’t you haven’t lived.
A spectacular movie, which keeps your adrenaline pumping and is a true thrill ride.
Rating: 5/ 5