Movie Review - John Wick: Chapter 4

Director: Chad Stahelski
Genre: Action/ Crime
Runtime: 169 minutes
Year: 2023
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane, Lance Reddick, Bill Skarsgård, Laurence Fishburne, Clancy Brown, Donnie Yen, Shamier Anderson, Hiroyuki Sanada
 
Description: John Wick (Keanu Reeves) uncovers a path to defeating The high Table. But before he can earn his freedom, Wick must face off against a new enemy with powerful alliances across the globe and forces that turn old friends into foes.

Review: After his fall from the Continental Hotel in New York, it is assumed that John Wick is dead. Unfortunately, for a whole slew of individuals, that assumption turns out incorrect. Especially for The high Table. John Wick is out for revenge to earn back his freedom once and for all, but that battle proves no easy one. As the price on his head seems to rise by the minute, he travels the world in search of his enemies and former friends he can still trust.

It is quite noteworthy that an action film like “John Wick”, made for “only” $ 20 million in 2014, is now on its third sequel and we all still enjoy it. A concept that turned into a very stylish action film franchise. But what is especially noteworthy is the fact that not one of the sequels manages to lose momentum.

The fact that this fourth chapter has been given a runtime of no less than 169 minutes is proof that there is plenty of room in the universe surrounding Keanu Reeves’ John Wick. Less than three hours of stylish violence in a world full of assassins. And this film is all gas, no breaks. Director Chad Stahelski uses mainly actions scenes to stretch that, instead of dialogue. And that way, you hardly feel the almost three hour runtime.

On the quality of the scenes there is little to nothing to complain about. The payoffs are creative and spectacular and a joy to watch. During the Arc de Triomphe scene you’re constantly wondering how they did it. And the one scene in the building, where most of it is shot from the top, is the most amazing scene of the entire film, from a cinematographic point-of-view. However, some viewers might find these actions sequences too long and they go a bit too far at times. To thinking that John Wick is some kind of “über-mensch”, where he survives yet another high fall, kick or blunt to the head.   

This fourth installment again introduces a new character high up on the assassin ladder in the form of Bill Skarsgård (known best for his role as Pennywise in “It”), but it still remains extremely vague exactly how the High Table works and who is at the top of the pyramid. The main villain was kind of a let-down, I didn’t find him very threatening.  

Other cool characters were introduced though. Donnie Yen as the blind assassin Caine, even with it being a little implausible at times for him to fight the way he does, was a welcome character. And the so-called Mr. Nobody and his dog were amazing and in the movie for just the right amount.

“John Wick: Chapter 4” shows that there is still more than enough in store when it comes to John Wick and his battle with the High table. The film has a hefty running time, but I didn’t really feel that because it’s almost non-stop stylish action. The John Wick-series is a very good and solid franchise, because all the movies in it are so good. 

Rating: 4/ 5

00s Movie Review - The Matrix Reloaded

Director: Lana Wachowski, Lily Wachowski
Genre: Action/ Science Fiction/ Thriller
Runtime: 136 minutes
Year: 1999
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Aaliyah, Harold Perrineau Jr., Monica Bellucci, Gloria Foster, Daniel Bernhardt

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2022 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 5: SECOND MOVIE IN A TRILOGY
 
Description: Freedom fighters Neo (Keanu Reeves), Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) and Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) continue to lead to revolt against the Machine Army, unleashing their arsenal of extraordinary skills and weaponry against the systematic forces of repression and exploitation.  

Review: The sequel to the blockbuster “The Matrix” falls far short of the original. Some nice scenes are interspersed with uninteresting scenes that disrupt the rhythm of the film and undermine the story. In 1999, people worldwide were surprised by “The Matrix”, which gathered mostly rave reviews around the world and became a huge success. As a result, more films were made.
At first, the film seems to revolve around the machines’ attack on the city of Zion, with 250,000 human inhabitants who were freed from the Matrix or born on Zion. But actually, that’s not what the film is really about, since you also don’t get to see anything of the actual attack on Zion. This is one of the changes that “The Matrix: Reloaded” makes to the story and characters of the first film, which doesn’t really help the continuity and is also a disappointment to some.  
The film has some really cool scenes, like the fight scene between Neo and Agent Smith and the chase scene.
Overall, the film is not nearly as impressive and surprising as its predecessor. Even though I’m not a fan of the film, I can acknowledge its quality and see clearly that this sequel is okay, but never reaches the lever of the first film.

Rating: 3/ 5

90s Movie Review - The Matrix

Director: Lana Wachowski, Lily Wachowski
Genre: Action/ Science Fiction/ Thriller
Runtime: 136 minutes
Year: 1999
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving, Joe Pantoliano, Anthony Ray Parker, Gloria Foster, Marcus Chong, Juluan Arahanga, Matt Doran, Belinda McGlory, Paul Goddard, Robert Taylor

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2022 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 4: FIRST MOVIE IN A TRILOGY
 
Description: When a beautiful stranger leads computer hacker Neo (Keanu Reeves) to a forbidden underworld, he discovers the shocking truth – the life he know is the elaborate deception of an evil cyber-intelligence.  

Review: The mysterious Morpheus recruits hacker Neo and tries to open his mind to the truths lurking within The Matrix.
Since 1999, “The Matrix” has been seen as an influential film that has left a big impression on the American film industry in terms of action/ special effects. The well-organized action scenes offer clear homage to martial arts films, and the many effects still stand strong after many year.
Despite the fact that this film was made in 1999, the film has passed me by all these years. I had seen bits and pieces, but never saw the entire film.
The concept is engaging, makes you think and contains plenty of philosophical issues appropriate withing the science fiction genre. Carefully, the rules of the world are first explained and revealed to the viewer. This brings endless exposition, but is absolutely necessary. Because it’s all quite complex. Later we focus on the action.
I understand why “The Matrix” has so many fans and is as successful as it is. And I’m happy I finally got around to see it. It will not end up on my favorites lists, because it’s simply not really my cup of tea. Even though I believe it’s a really good movie, I will probably never rewatch it.

Rating: 4/ 5

00s Movie Review - Mystic River

Director: Clint Eastwood
Genre: Drama/ Thriller
Runtime: 137 minutes
Year: 2003
Starring: Sean Penn, Kevin Bacon, Tim Robbins, Laurence Fishburne, Marcia Gay Harden, Laura Linney, Emmy Rossum

Description: With a childhood tragedy that overshadowed their lives, three men (Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, Kevin Bacon) are reunited by circumstance when one has a family tragedy.

Review: How do you recognize a good movie? A tough question if you ask me. But the people who watched “Mystic River” know that this is an example of a very good movie. The film, directed by Clint Eastwood, managed to win several Academy Awards. It might surprise you, because the story isn’t new and the cast isn’t filled with the biggest Hollywood names. “Mystic River” is a very strong movie that deserves every credit it gets.
The movie starts with three kids, Jimmy, Dave and Sean. They are inseparable and like to hang out together on the streets of Boston. Their bond changes when Dave is taken by a strange man, who pretends he’s a cop. When Dave returns he is traumatized. Years later the three friends reunite, when Jimmy’s daughter is found dead. Jimmy wants revenge and wants to find the person responsible.
Like I stated before, the story doesn’t sound that special. And the main characters don’t seem impressive at first either. Kevin Bacon, as Sean, is a cop trying to have a neutral view on the murder case. And Sean Penn, as Jimmy, plays a man with a temper and a criminal past who has bettered his life. Tim Robbins plays the mysterious looking Dave, who is still trying to deal with his childhood trauma. The way it was all executed is true craftsmanship. Clint Eastwood made this movie with lots of precision, love, intensity and integrity, which center the characters and not the story. The plot is done well, but aren’t the center of our attention. Eastwood focuses especially on the  irreparable friendship and what it once was. And with a cast of talented actors it gives us an anguishing movie experience. 
Eastwood gives his actor room to exploit and bring their characters to life. Sean Penn proofs why he is one of the best, what a great performance. Tim Robbins plays a remarkable role as well. His body language and facial expression sometimes tell us more than the actual words that come out of his mouth. His performance is very believable and even thinking about it gives me goose bumps.  Laura Linney and especially Marcia Gay Harden show us that they can stand tall in a movie filled with strong male actors.
“Mystic River” is a beautiful, sensitive character profile about friendship, pain and human shortcomings. Clint Eastwood deliverd one of his best movies and one of my all-time favorites.

Rating: 5/ 5

00s Movie Review - TMNT

Director: Kevin Munroe
Genre: Action/ Animation/ Adventure/ Fantasy
Runtime: 87 minutes
Year: 2007
Starring: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Chris Evans, Mako, Kevin Smith, Patrick Stewart, Laurence Fishburne, Ziyi Zhang, Mitchell Whitfield, James Arnold Taylor, Mikey Kelley, Nolan North, John DiMaggio, Paula Mattiolo, Kevin Michael Richardson, Fred Tatasciore

Description: When the world is threatened by an ancient evil, the four adolescent turtles must reunite and overcome their faults in order to stand against it.  

Review: The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles first came to life in 1984, as a comic book. They were a parody of comic book heroes. It became a television series and gained popularity all over the world. They had a bunch of live-action movies in the early 90s, which were fun and in the 10s there were two more live-action movies that were entertaining, but mostly that. In between that, there was “TMNT”. A fully animated movie about the shelled heroes.
In the original cartoons, the turtles are two-dimensional, so it always takes some getting used to seeing them worked in in 3D. This is mostly visible with the people like April O’Neil and Casey Jones. But the turtles look really good and so these the scenery and environment.
The story is god enough, mainly because of the well-developed characters and their relationships. The story development could have been better, but it’s still alright. The story focuses mostly on Leonardo and Raphael. The other two turtles, Donatello and Michelangelo, feel more like side characters here. When they are actually my two favorites of the foursome.  
If you are a fan of the original cartoon series, you will probably like them. At least more than the live-action movies that came out later.

Rating: 3/ 5

Ranking the Franchise - John Wick

I didn’t think I would like “John Wick” when I saw the trailer of the first film. Let alone would I expect to need a full trilogy. I ended up loving “John Wick” and the sequels as well. I rewatched them all over the weekend, so the perfect time to rank the three films in “John Wick” franchise.

3. John Wick (2014)
A good old-fashioned revenge film in which former assassin John Wick goes to war when a bunch of Russian gangsters steal his card and kill his dog. Just after her buried his wife. Stylishly choreographed action scenes are alternated with the necessary cynical humor. But what remains above all is the dreamy New York in which the film takes place: a universe like that of a graphic novel, with a hotel at the center where the entire clientele consists of professional criminals.

2. John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019)
The sequel to the critic’s remarkably well-received “John Wick: Chapter 2” and it means even more life and death battles for assassin John Wick. So even more stabbing, fist fighting and gun fighting. You’d think that it would get old, but director and former stuntman Chad Stahelski keeps up the pace, the battle original and provides occasional dry comedy for relief. And Keanu Reeves (who is in his fifties, whut?) continues to convince as the constantly hunted but indestructible Wick. In this case, bigger is better.

1. John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)
A few days after the events in the first “John Wick” film, the title character wants to take it easy, but is then forced to travel to Rome to commit an assassination attempt on a mob leader. After which all hell breaks loose. Just like in the first film, the violence is exuberant and baroque, tightly choregraphed, with classical architecture in the background, beautifully lit catacombs and other photographic gems. Hardly ever is a sequel better then the original, let alone the second film in a trilogy being the best.

Movie Reviews - John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum

Director: Chad Stahelski
Genre: Action/ Crime
Runtime: 131 minutes
Year: 2019
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Halle Berry, Ian McShane, Laurence Fishburne, Mark Dacascos, Jerome Flynn, Lance Reddick, Angelica Huston

Description: John Wick (Keanu Reeves) is on the run after killing a member of the international assassin’s guild, and with a $14 million price tag on his head, he is the target of hit men and women everywhere.

Review: John Wick is back. His name is a well-known fact within the perfectly choreographed fight scenes and highly stylized décor. The third film in the series, picks up where part two has left us. And it’s a fun ride!
John Wick is trying to find his way through rainy New York. He has a 14 million dollar prize on his head, but that’s what happens when you murder a member of the International Assassin’s Guild. And he did this in the Continental Hotel, which is supposed to be neutral ground. Within this gigantic world, everyone is trying to catch John Wick. And like the manager of the Continental Hotel tells him: “Si vis pacem, para bellum”. Or better, if you want peace, you better prepare for war.
John Wick still fights with the consequences of avenging his dead dog. The location and new characters offer more entertainment then depth and the plot sometimes even feels irrelevant. But, let’s be honest, it never really was relevant. It’s mostly the amazing looking fight scenes that we’re all looking forward too.
These action scenes are all fantastic, original and very well-choreographed. The opponents seem more dangerous, the situations more bizarre and mostly more creative. Even in the first half hour, Wick fights his attackers in a room filled with antique weaponry: old revolvers, muskets and knives. And later he used horses. Every fight had new surprises and each fight is intense.
And in those action scenes we see the best acting as well. Keanu Reeves’ face gives away a lot.
Where the first “John Wick” movie surprised everyone, we didn’t expect to be needing a complete trilogy. But we did and we love it. It’s a very solid and consistent trilogy as well. And I wouldn’t be surprised if the series didn’t end here.

Rating: 4/ 5

Movie Reviews - The Mule

Director: Clint Eastwood
Genre: Drama/ Crime
Runtime: 116 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Clint Eastwood, Alison Eastwood, Dianne Wiest, Taissa Farmiga, Bradley Cooper, Michael Peña, Laurence Fishburne, Andy Garcia, Clifton Collins Jr.

Description: A 90-year-old horticulturist and Korean War veteran (Clint Eastwood) turns drug mule for a Mexican cartel.

Review: Clint Eastwood is almost 90 years old. In “The Mule” he looks vulnerable, but looking at him and listening to him never gets old. It’s like that characteristic look (pursed eyes, raised mouth corner, pained look on his face) has become more intense because of his age. Mumbling, cursing, snarling at the people that cross him, but he never explodes. Eastwood stays cool, even though it’s not like in his Dirty Harry days.
It’s the first time since “Gran Torino”, which marks my favorite Eastwood film, that he signs up for both directing and starring in the film. Walt Kowalski, who he played in “Gran Torino”, and his character in “The Mule”, Earl Stone, have a lot in common. Both conservative, grumpy Korean War veterans who look down at the foreigners in their neighborhoods.
“The Mule” is based on an article in The New York Times. People could read about a 90-year-old American man, that became a drug mule for a Mexican cartel. Eastwood and screenplay writer nick Schenk used this as their inspiration for this story about loyalty, neglect, regret and forgiveness. All these themes get attention and towards the end are finished off nicely. But midway they get lost a little bit and disappear into the background.
In this part of the film, the focus is on Earl Stone’s rides for the Mexican cartel. Because the happenings are repetitive – loading cocaine in the truck, drive it to the destination and deliver it – the makers try to add some variation. And for the most part it works well. But they also added some jokes here and there and they don’t really work. Often racist or sexist.
We have seen a character like Earl Stone very often, but it’s thanks to Eastwood that he becomes somewhat likeable and you get a connection with him anyway.
Eastwood does a lot with a little. Something he is very good at.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

Movie Reviews - Ant-Man and the Wasp

Director: Peyton Reed
Genre: Adventure/ Action
Runtime: 118 minutes
Year: 2018
Starring: Paul Rudd, Evangeline lilly, Michael Douglas, Michael Peña, Walton Goggins, Judy Greer, Bobby Cannavale, 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.

Review: After the big spectacle that is “Avengers: Infinity War”, Marvel studios gives his fans a moment to breath, with the smaller but also important “Ant-Man and the Wasp”. The first film from 2015 was very well received and was a true joy to watch. With director Peyton Reed returning, we get a trusted and very solid sequel with a high tempo and a high entertainment level.
Scott Lang is home on house arrest and his allies Hank and Hope are wanted. But somehow to cross paths again and have to work together. Don’t expect big threats, but a more personal touch and individual life situations that are on the line.
Paul Rudd was already a big surprise as Scott Lang and again he does a great job. But the biggest enrichment in this film is the introduction of The Wasp, portrayed by Evangeline Lilly. Hope is a strong power woman, not afraid to take the lead or to get her hands dirty.
The humor is also what made the first film strong. Again clearly present in the sequel. Especially character Luis, played by Michael Peña. And Langs sassy daughter Cassie.
For an soactacular adventurous action movie, “Ant-Man and the Wasp”is fairly small and that is what Marvel needed right now. And the fans, after all we had to deal with in “Avengers”Infinity War”.
“Ant-Man and the Wasp” eventually doesn’t manage to live up to the first film, but it is a fun time, filled with humor and good characters. I really enjoyed it and it’s a movie I would rewatch.

Rating: 3,5 / 5

10s Movie Review - Predators

Director: Nimród Antal
Genre: Action/ Thriller/ Adventure/ Science Fictions
Runtime: 107 minutes
Year: 2010
Starring: Adrien Brody, Danny Trejo, Topher Grace, Laurence Fishburne, Alice Braga, Walton Goggins, Mahershala Ali

Description: A group of elite warriors parachute into an unfamiliar jungle and are hunted by members of a merciless alien race

Review: In 1987 director John McTiernan made the manly action thriller “Predator”. Here a team of American military men, led by Arnold Schwarzenegger, were dropped in a jungle for a mission and ended up being hunted by a killing machine from outer space. There was a less successful sequel, starring Danny Glover. “Predators” is the second sequel, forgetting all the “Alien Vs. Predator” movies. “Predators” never reaches the level of its original, but much better than the second film.
In 1994 Robert Rodriguez was asked to write a sequel, but that script was set aside for fifteen years. In 2009 two new writers turned it into the script for “Predators and Rodriguez became a producer. Nimrod Antal directs, but if Rodriguez had done it himself, it would probably be even better.
Like the first film, it takes a while before we see the hunting creature. Which is a good choice, it holds the tension. They also choose a non-typical action star lead in Adrien Brody. It’s hard to follow Schwarzenegger. So by picking a star that’s not your typical action hero, makes it fresh and original. And Brody does a fine job.
The action is okay, but never special or original. And some characters are plain annoying or unnecessary. But overall, “Predators” is a good sequel and an entertaining action thriller.

Rating: 3/ 5

10s Movie Review - Passengers

Director: Morten Tyldum
Genre: Drama/ Science Fiction/ Romance/ Fantasy
Runtime: 116 minutes
Year: 2016
Starring: Chris Pratt, Jennifer Lawrence, Michael Sheen, Laurence Fishburne, Andy Garcia

Description: A spacecraft traveling to a distant colony planet and transporting thousands of people has a malfunction in its sleep chambers. As a result, two passengers are awakened 90 years early.

Review: There are always those film projects, that take a long time to make. “Passengers” has been waiting on the shelves, when it was eventually picked up to be directed by Morten Tyldum.

The film starts with an introduction to the Avalon, a spacecraft traveling to a distant colony planet and transporting thousands of people in order to start a new civilization. The people are all in hibernation. As a malfunction, two of the passengers wake up 90 years early.
The first act of the film is the most impressive. It sets an intriguing atmosphere. We meet Jim and Aurora and how they are trying to deal with the fact that they woke up 90 years too early. How they explore the ship. Especially Chris Pratt gets a lot of room to develop his character. And the opening also has amazing special effects. After the first plot twist, it all fades a little bit.
There is supposed to be an emotion spectrum. Themes like loneliness and romance have a lot of potential here. But Jim and especially Aurora are a bit too superficial as characters to make this combination of drama and romance work to the fullest. And although Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence are two of the most beloved actors working today, the two don’t have the on screen chemistry we were all hoping for. Pratt’s character gets a bit more substance, because of his solo scenes at the start of the film. But Lawrence’s character misses that. They perform great, very solid, don’t get me wrong. But I expected them to be better together.
On paper, “Passengers” had everything to become a hit. The fantastic actors, the visuals and an interesting story. It all feels a bit mediocre, pretty predictable and without the chemistry we hoped for. A fun popcorn film, certainly not bad, but it could have been so much more.

Rating: 3 / 5

80s Movie Review - The Color Purple

Director: Steven Spielberg
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 147 minutes
Year: 1985
Starring: Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover, Oprah Winfrey, Laurence Fishburne

Description: A black Southern woman struggles to find her identity after suffering abuse from her father and others over four decades.

Review: Right after “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom”, director Steven Spielberg turned into a different direction, by adapting the novel “The Color Purple” to film. It was nominated for eleven Academy Awards, but won none.
We follow the story of Celie, a young black Southern woman. She has to deal with an abusive father. She gives birth to two of his children, whom he then takes away from her. Celie is forced into marrying a much older brute and she is separated from her sister. The one person she loves more than anything.
When you look at the synopsis, the story can easily go into too much sentiment an become overly dramatic. Spielberg manages to dose the drama, making it dramatic but not too sentimental.
It surprising to see Whoopi Goldberg, who was a stand-up comedian before this, in such a strong performance. This is her best role to date. The same goes for Oprah Winfrey, as the broken Sofia. Really strong as well.
It’s not Steven Spielberg’s best movie, but it’s a movie worth mentioning and viewing.

Rating: 4 / 5

10s Movie Review - John Wick: Chapter 2

Director: Chad Stahelski
Genre: Action/ Crime/ Thriller
Runtime: 122 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane, Peter Stormare, Ruby Rose, Laurence Fishburne, John Leguizamo, Peter Serafinowicz, Bridget Moynahan, Common

Description: After returning to the criminal underworld to repay a debt, John Wick (Keanu Reeves) discovers that a large bounty has been put on his life.

Review: It doesn’t happen often and it’s always a big task: sequel that is better than the original. “John Wick” excelled in its simplicity: gangsters angering a hitman, hitman takes revenge and kills them all. And when a sequel is made, they always screw it up by making it more complex. But “John Wick: Chapter 2” is even better! Who would have thought that?
John Wick is an interesting character. The Continental Hotel from part one, was begging for some more insight. And that’s what we get. The Continental Hotel is the dream location for every hitman.
When John Wick thinks he is done with his life as a hitman, an old ‘acquaintance’ of his knocks on his door: Santino D’Antonio. An old pact makes for John Wick to once again set his retirement aside.
The set up is simple, but because D’Antonio is also a member of the Continental Hotel, they have to deal with the rules of the accommodation.
This movie is all about the action and, like in the first one, this element is phenomenal. The gunfire scenes are almost epic, they keep you invested at all times.
All in all, “John Wick: Chapter 2” is better than the first film. What I didn’t expect when I started watching it. Just as I didn’t expect “John Wick” to be any good.

Rating: 4,5 / 5

100 Movie Challenge 2017 - # 113: Boyz n the Hood

Director: John Singleton
Genre: Drama Crime
Runtime: 107 minutes
Year: 1991
Starring: Ice Cube, Cuba Gooding Jr., Morris Chestnut, Laurence Fishburne, Angela Bassett, Regina King

Description: Follows the lives of three young males (Ice Cube, Cuba Gooding Jr., Morris Chestnut) living in the Crenshaw ghetto of Los Angeles, dissecting questions of race, relationships, violence and future prospects.

Review: “Boyz n the Hood” is John Singleton’s Hollywood break. He shows us the life in black ghetto’s. Because of this sad situation in the backstreets, African Americans have no prospects whatsoever. Violence and crime is the only way to get money and respect for many young kids.
The film starts with a group of friends that grow up to be young adults. For under privileged kids it isn’t easy to get a good education or even a job.
Young Tre manages to escape the criminal life, due to his idealistic dad. For his friends Doughboy and Ricky it’s a little harder. Doughboy has a gang and has been in and out of jail a couple of times. His brother Ricky is a young father and is trying to get a scholarship for a good college. In “Boyz n the Hood” we see the lives of these three boys.
The acting is pure, war and sincere. Every character is portrayed in a very convincing way. The film has become a heart breaking portrait of the other side of society. Besides the violent scenes in the film, it really tries to tell us something. It has a very strong message.
“Boyz n the Hood” is an impressive film.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 90: Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice

Director: Zack Snyder
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Fantasy/ Science Fiction
Runtime: 151 minutes
Year: 2016
Starring: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Jesse Eisenberg, Diane Lane, Jeremy Irons, Laurence Fishburne, Holly Hunter, Gal Gadot, Scoot McNairy, Lauren Cohan, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Kevin Costner

Description: Fearing that the actions of Superman (Henry Cavill) are left unchecked, Batman (Ben Affleck) takes on the Man of Steel, while the world wrestles with what kind of a hero it really needs.

Review: Let’s be honest: the DC comics is a little behind on Marvel when it comes to their movies. Marvel had their standalone films for Iron Man, The Hulk, Thor and Captain America and eventually teamed them up in “Avengers”. DC Comics is now bringing Superman and Batman together, two of the biggest superheroes ever.
Bruce Wayne saw his building for Wayne Enterprises fall and many people died because of it. This battle was fought by Superman and ever since then Bruce wants justice. Superman is still loved by people, but also hated by many others.
The character of Superman feels dynamic and human. Henry Cavill carries this role very well. Ben Affleck plays Batman for the first time. He is an excellent Bruce Wayne, but he didn’t completely convince me as Batman. And I don’t know if it’s just me, but his voice as Batman really annoyed me. We are introduced to Wonder Woman, who doesn’t really get a lot of screen time. But what we get is good. Jesse Eisenberg is a good villain.
“Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice” is the spectacle that we were promised. And it’s visual very stylish. This film has hardly any humor in it, it’s a very dark and serious film. But the movie feels a little but messy at some points. And the emotional climax is overshadowed by the promise of a Justice League film.

Rating: 3/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 65: The Signal

Director: William Eubank
Genre: Science Fiction/ Thriller
Runtime: 97 minutes
Year: 2014
Starring: Brenton Thwaites, Olivia Cooke, Beau Knapp, Lin Shaye, Laurence Fishburne

Description: On a road trip, Nic (Brenton Thwaites) Haley (Olivia Cooke) and Jonah (Beau Knapp) are drawn to an isolated area by a computer genius. When everything suddenly goes dark, Nic regains consciousness - only to find himself in a waking nightmare.

Review: When looking at the poster, you see it’s a Sci-fi film. But other then that, I had no idea what to expect. That it turned out to be such a fantastic film, I never would have hoped. With a small budget (4 million dollars) they did a lot more than many big blockbuster science fiction films.
With “The Signal” you have no idea what is going on for a long time. You share the feeling with Nic: in the dark, looking for the truth, desperation. Nic was on a roadtrip with his girlfriend Haley and friend Jonah. On their way they come in contact with a hacker, Nomad, who got them in trouble before. The decide to trace the signal. Later Nic wakes up in a research centre and people walking around in white suites.
It’s better not to tell you more about the film. You should go into this film with minimal information. Because the budget is low, the film isn’t depending on CGI or special effects. It’s the story. And the film is perfectly balanced. It’s mysterious, visually good looking, surprising.
A great sci-fi film that will keep your attention even with its simplicity and sober feel.

Rating: 4,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 42: Event Horizon

Director: Paul W.S. Anderson

Genre: Thriller/ Science Fiction/ Horror

Runtime: 96 minutes

Year: 1997

Starring: Sam Neill, Laurence Fishburne, Kathleen Quinlan, Joely Richardson, Richard T. Jones, Jake Noseworthy, Jason Isaacs, Sean Pertwee, Peter Marinker, Holley Chant, Barclay Wright, Noah Huntley Robert Jezek

Description: A rescue crew investigates a spaceship that disappeared into a black hole and has now returned...with someone or something new on-board.

Review: “Event Horizon” is a movie that might surprise the naive viewer. Because the story isn’t complicated and looks like a space movie without any inspiration, that we already have a dozen of. A research team is send into space to find a spaceship that has disappeared. They succeed, but soon they discover an evil force.

“Event Horizon” wasn’t received well by critics. They said it was a cheap mix of “Alien” and “Hellraiser”. And off course there are similarities. The empty, sinister hallways of the spaceship and the constant threat. And also the bloody images. But still it’s not a just a copy of those films.

Fact that director Andersons made a good movie with “Event Horizon” is the dark way of telling the story from beginning till end. It grabs you and compels you. The build-up of the tension is very strong. It takes some time for it to become exciting. The climax is pretty gory and not for the weak stomach.

Laurence Fishburne and Sam Neill are the big names in the movie. Both gentlemen manage to give away a solid performance. The other actors don’t really impress, but are good enough to make the movie believable.

“Event Horizon” is a lurid and sometimes eerie movie, that surprises. Surely a movie for every science fiction fan.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 4: Mission: Impossible 3

Director: J.J. Abrams

Genre: Action/ Thriller

Runtime: 125 minutes

Year: 2006

Starring: Tom Cruise, Ving Rhames, Keri Russell, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Laurence Fishburne, Billy Crudup, Simon Pegg, Michelle Monaghan, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Maggie Q, Eddie Marsan

Description: Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) comes face to face with a dangerous and sadistic arms dealer while trying to keep his identity secret in order to protect his girlfriend (Michelle Monaghan).

Review: Ethan Hunt is sent on another mission. The task sounds simple: save one of their own after being held captive. But it’s a lot more complicated and it leads Hunt and his team to Germany, the Vatican, Virginia and Shanghai.

The raw but perfectly calculated action is probably the best thing about “Mission: Impossible 3”. The intrigues and the bond between Hunt and his team members Luther, Declan and Zhen are also very strong. I love the way how the team manages to outsmart everyone, by dodging cameras, blowing up Ferraris and disguising as their enemy. Hunt’s personal life is a little less interesting though.

Like the first two films, the cast is strong. Off course Tom Cruise and Ving Rhames do great. But Philip Seymour is very convincing as the bad guy. And Simon Pegg, who always manages to add cynicism and dry humor to his scenes.

“Mission: Impossible 3” is a great action thriller, a wonderful addition to the series.

Rating: 4/ 5

Another winning wallpaper

I entered another CSI wallpaper challenge. This time the theme was "Teamwork". I made two wallpapers and this is my winner:



I decided to make one for the crossover episodes, where the three CSI teams work together. Obviously people liked it, because they voted for my wallpaper. If you also like, feel free to use it on your own computer.

Raymond Langston: APPROVED

Yesterday I saw the first episode of CSI with Laurence Fishburne as CSI Raymond Langston. In the US they allready aired a long time ago, but here in the Netherlands it happened may 4th. I have to say, I liked Ray from the start. I really enjoyed the scene he had with Nick, where he's trying to find out which powder to use to lift the prints on the doorknob. I thought Hodges was a little arrogant. Like Ray has to impress him. Hodges constantly tryed to show off to Grissom and he's a mayor suck up. Didn't like his attitude at all!.
So to make a long story short, I like dr. Raymond Langston. I'm looking forward to the next storyline and how his character developes.