John's Reviews
 

• October Sky
• Die Hard
• Star Trek: Nemesis
• Hidalgo
• The Whole Ten Yards
• The Punisher
• The Day After Tomorrow
• The Chronicles of Riddick
• King Arthur
• Road to Perdition
• Spider-Man 2
• The Final Cut
• Sin City
• Memoirs of a Geisha
• Zodiac
• Black Snake Moan
• 300
• Live Free or Die Hard

• Sunshine
• Lust, Caution
• Smart People
• Jackie Chan's First Strike
• Ratatouille
• The Fountain
• X-Men Origins: Wolverine
• The Road
• Predators
• Tron: Legacy

• Spirited Away
• Blade Runner
• Avengers: Endgame

to is good - :up:

to is bad - :down:

Looking forward to reading them. ;)

thx i'm writing one as we speak

it's been a while since i've writen a review please tell me how i could improve

My advice is that you always work on improving your level of patience. When I began writing reviews, I would get tired or bored part way through it, and then rush the ending. Because of that, some of my reviews were short and left some things unsaid. Now that I've been doing it awhile, I have learned that when I get tired, I need to stop for awhile, then come back to it later and do some more. I don't always go through that, but sometimes I do. For example, I've been working on a review for 2001: A Space Odyssey for the better part of this evening. There have been three different times where I was getting anxious and wanted to be done. If I had written it 6 months ago, I would have just accepted anything that came to mind in order to complete it. Yet today, I walked away for awhile and came back to it. I'm actually doing this right now by coming to the forum and replying to your post; I needed a break.

Another thing I would suggest, is to re-read what you've written over and over again as you write it. read it to yourself as if you were speaking it. Note your tone of voice, if it doesn't 'sound right' when you read it like that, then it is written incorrectly. It should flow. I re-read my reviews 50 times as I write them, not the entire thing, but the paragraph that I’m currently writing. I’ll often change wordings or add/subtract commas in the middle of what I’m doing, things like that. Don’t quit doing that until you have nothing more you feel the need to change. A paragraph should have a definite beginning and a satisfying conclusion. Without both of those things, it is a failed attempt. Even though I do all these things, I still find errors and things I think later are rather redundant. It can’t be helped, we’re amateurs.

Watch your sentence lengths, because sometimes two or three sentences could be written a bit differently and actually comprise one better sentence. For example, writing, "Homer’s brother plays football, gets the girls and scholarship to college. Homer has the mine. He doesn’t want it so his new pursuit is rockets." could be re-written as, "Homer's popular brother receives a football scholarship guaranteeing him an escape from the mine that Homer's life seems destined for, but Homer has other idea's; he wants to be a scientist specializing in rocketry." I know that that may seem like a bitch to do, but it really only takes some practice and desire. If you want to write, you need to work at it. Always strive to make your next review better, longer, or easier to read.

But above all, enjoy what you do and don’t let anybody knock the wind out of your sails because they need to put you down in order to make themselves feel better.

thx buddy i really needed to hear that i think thats what happened here although October Sky is a short movie have u seen it? the reason i'm doing this is to improve my english writing skills because i'm failing the classes

Yes, I've seen it, but it's been ages. Hell, I was still happily married at the time, that's how long ago it was. I enjoyed it quite a bit. Good story, well written, and a great cast.

If you want to do better in English, force yourself to quit with all the internet short-cut words. Write everything out instead of saying, "o i c". Use capitals where you're supposed to, it'll be easier making it all second nature if you stay dedicated.

Ah, well, I'm acting like a know it all now, but it just seems that if you want to improve your writing skills, you should be working on it regardless of whether you're at work or play.

Good luck and all that.

You see I'm a ninth grader and ninth graders at my school are lazy bums.
Thanks for the input. Hows my writing like this?

I will be posting the review agian and it will be longer. I've got some great ideas for my description of the movie. Hope you visit back to see my new review. It might take me the rest of the day so exspect it tonight.

Yeah if you take Lord Slayton's advice you can write some really good reviews. The main thing I would say is that because you write in really short sentences, you're review doesn't flow as well as it could if you link a number of sentences in an interesting way like Lord Slayton suggested. :)

Yep. I know that. I'm getting better because my English teacher makes us right four pages about a three page story. That helps me though.

John, how long are you going to keep us waiting http://pages.prodigy.net/rogerlori1/...smileyback.gif

I'm really sorry. As you probably know it's been a while since I've writen a review so I have to take a lot of breaks until I finish tis.

More advice:

Proofread everything. Spelling and word usage = credibility. When someone writes "your" instead of "you're," "were" instead of "where," or "to" instead of "too," readers make judgements about your intelligence.

Now all we need is a review to discuss! ;)

Thanks for the advice personally I think this review is going to be one of my best writings ever.

It's finally here my first good review in my view. Tell me what you think

Movie: October Sky

Rating:

Rank:

This movie is based on the true story of four boys. The four boys are Quentin, Roy Lee, O’Dell and Homer Hickam Jr. they were called the “Rocket Boys”. They lived in a West Virginia town called Coalwood. The movie starts out on October 5, 1957 and Russia has just successfully launched the first man made satellite, Sputnik. The town of Coalwood didn’t care about this milestone, but one boy sees this as an opportunity for a chance at college.

Homer is one of the many unlucky coal miners’ sons whose future is already set for them. Their future is the mine, but Homer wants more, so he tries out for the school’s football team. His failure makes him realize the ever closing truth of his future. Then his popular brother, Jim, receives a football scholarship to the University of West Virginia. This news just makes the truth set in even more; he won’t be one of the lucky few to escape the death grip, the mine has on the town.

When Homer saw Sputnik his hopes were set in a new direction, the field of rocketry. His first attempt at launching a homemade rocket ended up in destroying his mother’s white picket fence. After this unsuccessful attempt at his own rocket, he tries to find out more on rocketry. He starts to look around for information, but his town is interested more in what’s beneath the Earth then what’s above it. This resulted in their goals becoming harder to accomplish and, for the moment, arriving at a dead end.

Homer then has the idea to ask Quentin, the school’s biggest nerd, for help. When Quentin joins the group their hopes ignited. Then they went to Homer’s basement and started building another rocket, following the examples in a book. A problem arises while building the rocket, welding is required. Homer doesn’t know how to weld, but he doesn’t give up. This causes him to ask one of the metal shop workers to teach him. After welding the rocket they, went to fire it off, and it went out of control towards the mine. His dad was the one to find the rocket.

John Hickam, Homer’s dad, was a very arguably man during the movie. Directly following the out of control rocket scene, John came out of his office and picked up the rocket. He then called his son a thief, and a damn menace in front of all the workers. Then he told Homer “Don't you ever let me catch you with these fool things on company property again.” Still Homer persists by walking eight miles to get off company property, but his friends disagree with his idea. Homer then went off in his own direction, but his friends caught up with him again. The mine owned all of the towns land, but it didn’t own a place called Snake Ruth this is where the “rocket boys” went.

Miss Riley, their teacher, helped them by supporting them though all their failed attempts. One of the steel workers had the idea of making the rocket longer. Quentin then said, in an intelligent way, that it was a great idea. After making the bigger rocket they decided to launch it off. When they arrive at Snake Ruth they found out that Jim had told the whole town about the test. This upset the boys because of the fact if it didn’t fly they would be the town’s laughing stock.

Homer set everything up, lit the rocket, and ran back to their block house. They all waited for the fuse to finish and then, Whoosh!! They finally had a success. The whole town cheered, including his brother.

The high school principal had the boys arrested after they had fired off their third rocket. It was believed that they started a fire that brought down a lot of forest. After this the boy’s hopes were broken down to rubble.

Homer told his dad earlier in the movie that he would never go down into the mine. The ironic part is that Homer’s dad is involved in an accident, and he must apply at the mine to keep the house. The rest of the movie is composed of a science fair, more rocket launches, and a bunch of comic relief.

When I first saw the trailer for this movie I thought to myself, what a waste of money. Then when I saw it for the first time I loved it. In the movie the “rocket boys” are going though high school. When I saw this I saw how the boys studied and everything. Then I look at the newer high school based movies and only see guys wanting to get laid. This is a great thing to show to a class of high school students. It would help them to understand that if they want to get to college, work is required.

Personally I thought it was great, except for the fact that some things were altered from the book. When ever I see a movie based on a true story, I like to see a little bit of comedy. This movie has just the right amount of comedy and it has lots of fun for people of any age. It’s also a great reason for the family to get together for the night, and set down for a good old movie. Through out the entire movie, I didn’t feel any boredom at all, like I do with some other true based movies.

Near the end, the movie gets sad, but its ending is one of the happiest I’ve every seen. Another great factor in the music it fits in nicely with the scenes. I would recommend this to families and any one who likes true stories.

This movie is primly composed of comedy and fun for the whole family. You can watch it over and over again, and not get bored, because of the comedy. I would also recommend this to be bought on DVD or VHS. If you every get the chance to watch it, you will remember it forever. It gives you inspiration not to give up in life, when it gets tough.

Tell me what ya'll think and how I can improve.

Thanks for the review, I think it a great first effort, you say your English isn't good, there were a few mistakes but I do think it is a good effort, I think the more experienced boys will give you some great advice, it has made me put this movie on to see list, keep it up. http://pages.prodigy.net/indianahawkeye/newpage26/2.gif

Could you point out the mistakes for me? Thanks for the comments too.

There were a few spelling or punctuation mistakes, e.g. miners' should be miner's

Some of the sentences could have be edited a bit, e.g. the first two sentences could have been made into one and used "the four boys" only once. e.g., This movie is based on a true story of four boys, Quentin, Ray Lee, O'Dell and Homer Hickman Jr, known as the "Rocket Boys".

That's a start, I am not a writer, the others will be-able to help more than me. :dizzy:

Opps I just saw that. I meant to do that with the first two sentences. Thanks. Hey I'm not a writer either, but it was good.

You might want to mention the cast and their performance. ;)

I was planning on doing that but I thought it would take up on the beginning of the review. I'm going to do it from now on though along with the director, producers, and the release date.

this is a good review of an excellent movie, but it could use a little fixing up...

there are punctuation mistakes and run on sentences i can help you with this if you want although i am an amateur writer..i do write stories and fanfiction..just let me know

Not bad for your first interview. You shouldn't really have a "mini" scene by scene of the movie in your review. That took up like 75% of it.

What do you mean? I'm lost. By the way my next review will be Hollywood Homicide. I'm hoping it will be a bit better.

This is quite a transformation from your earlier attempt, John. I commend you for your enthusiasm and dedication for improvement. I know that it must have been a bit of hard work to completely revamp your writing style and come up with something that is easily ten times better than what you have done before. Congratulations on your very valiant attempt.

With that said, I would recommend that you print a copy of your review for your English teacher to proofread. I’m sure that if you were to show the same level of desire to your teacher, that he or she would be more than willing to help you with your grammar, punctuation, and composition. You do have some misspellings and poor choices of punctuation in your review, but most of us here at MoFo have varying degrees of difficulty with that very issue. We might not be the best choice to help you with that.

Another point is what jrs mentioned. With the exception of your final four paragraphs, your review is one large play by play of the film. Hell, I personally have that problem from time to time. Yet, in reality, writing a review like that is taking the easy way out. It ceases to be a review and instead becomes a narrative for the film’s plot. In order to make a true review that belongs solely to you, you need to find your voice. What I mean by that is this; you need to find a way to express your feelings about the different elements of a film. How did the acting rate? Was the story complex, believable, emotional, or flippant? How were the visuals, e.g. the cinematography or special effects? Was the music used to its best ability, or did it not fit the theme of the story? When you figure these things out, write about them. Try not to fall into the trap of giving away the entire story, people like to be surprised and don’t want to know everything that happens in the film. So you need to write about the other elements I described to you. Then polish it off with a bit of you. “This film is important/fun/terrible because ________” Does any of this make sense?

Just remember, we are all amateur writers here. Some are exceptionally talented like Holden Pike, The Silver Bullet, and Yoda, while others of us have our own strengths and weaknesses. We all want to write better than we do. We all find fault with our work. We all love it when people take the time to read it and say ‘good job’.

Good job, John.

Thanks so much guys!! Including you LordSlaytan! I really needed all of what ya'll said. By the way good idea on the Englis teacher thing. I would give it to him but he's a little bit mean. Hell he's a lot mean. Anyway thanks for all the support. I'm going to brush up big time from now on. I hope my next review meets the standards ya'll have set up.

There are no standards to meet, just do your best. There is also kindness in the world, John Boy. :)

Thanks for the comment! I also appreciate the help and will take it.

They is also going to be a change it the movie I will be reviewing next. My dad returned it a week early, we rented it. The reason I can't write about it is because I can't remember a thing because it was so damn funny. I laughed the whole time.

I'm trying to decide what movie to review next. What do you think? Star Trek: Nemesis, Mr. Nice Guy, Mona Lisa Smile, or Die Hard.

Also, Slayer that is the standard I'm talking about doing your best. Thanks for all the pats on the backs. What do you mean by there is kindness in the world.

I'd like to see you write a review for your favorite theater franchise which is Die Hard.

My comment was an innocuous statement meaning nothing other than your reviews don’t have to be perfect in order for people here to commend you on them.

You know what's really funny? I never saw Die Hard when it came out in theaters. I first saw it one TV and went out the same day and bought all 3 of movies. Lol. Well I'd love to write a Die Hard review for ya'll. I know what the title will be A Die Hard Review About Die Hard From A Die Hard Fan Lol. Na I'm just kidding. Well I'm going to go get started on the review. I got to go watch it now. Lol. I could do it from memory, but where's the fun in that.

Of that, I'm sure. You were busy sucking on mama's titty at the time. :)

Actually I was 6 years old when it came out. Whats very funny is I know the whole movie by heart.

LMAO

You're one crazy MF ;)

Hey we were all at one point busy sucking on our mom's ****. You want to hear something funny my mom said I was to lazy.

Die Hard was released in 1988, you were born in 1989...you were six?

Really I thought it was released a little bit later? Opps my mistake. Lol.

Hey guys sorry it took so long but I had to find my voice. I think it's really good. Tell me what you all think.

This is a better effort, a few grammer errors, keep up the good work. :D

Agian could you please point out the errors.

Umm Errrr......Memorably should be memorable, I am not good at this :rolleyes:

I am not a professional editor or all that gifted with English myself, but I pointed out the glaring grammatical errors that I could see for you anyway (since you asked :)). You wrote it from a more personal perspective than your last one, good job.

Thanks guys I thought it was really good.

Hey what's up with the _____ in certain places? And another question how do you get the text to wrap around the picture?

I really have no problems with your reviews. You're spelling and grammar doesn't really bother me because we all make mistakes and we later learn to do better.

Movie: Die Hard
Rating:
Rank:
Director: John McTiernan
Cast: Bruce Willis
Alan Rickman
Bonnie Bedelia
Reginald VelJohnson

We all know what makes Christmas memorable; a bit of eggnog, a roaring fire, and a beautiful snow fall. It's a little bit different with New York officer John McClane though. His idea of Christmas is being trapped in a forty-story building with a handful of German terrorists.

John McClane has been a police office for 11 years and his wife, Holly McClane, has moved to Los Angeles. John takes a 3,000-mile trip to spend time with his wife and kids for Christmas. When he arrives, the building is empty except for guard, and the thirtieth floor. While everyone celebrates, terrorist’s seize the building without anyone knowing and take the party hostage, but McClane escapes. His wife is also one of the hostages. This is when he makes his stand.

The plot in this movie is suspenseful, fast paced, and filled with lots of gun action. Think of a hardcore James Bond. There’s also a lot of dramatic irony that keeps you on the edge of your seat. This movie has everything a great movie needs drama, comedy, and gun fights.

The acting is some of the best I have ever seen, especially Alan Rickman, considering that this was the first major film Rickman stared in. He portrayed his role as the smart bad guy, Hans Gruber, wonderfully. I was almost convinced that he was an actual bad guy. Throughout the entire movie Hans seemed to have the entire plan already plotted from beginning to end in his head. Rickman has gone down in my book as one of the best actors to portray a villain.

Then you have Bruce Willis, another good actor, playing John McClane. I personally think that this is one of his best leading roles. Willis was probably the best pick by the director. He brings that extra bit of comic relief to the movie that other actors lack. A couple of times in the movie I was rolling around on the floor laughing. He’s one of the better actors for action movies.

Starring as Holly McClane, John’s wife, Bonnie Bedelia was a great pick. Her portrayal just seems like the kind of woman McClane would marry. The character she portrays changes greatly near the end of the movie. To tell you the truth there’s not much too say about Holly McClane.

The actor Reginald VelJohnson stars as L.A.P.D officer Al Powell who helps McClane out from outside the building. Powell is the friend we wish we all had; the kind of guy you can depend on when you’re in deep trouble. His role in the storyline is helping McClane out mentally.

Everybody probably knows by now I’m a true Die Hard fanatic. I just love it. The acting is great, the story line is perfect, and Willis’ comic relief is hilarious. There was only one bad thing about this movie; the arrogant reporter. This movie is always going to be a 5 out 5 in my book. This is definitely a must see movie for any true action film lover. I would recommend this to anyone who loves action, comedy, and truly great actors. Seeing as it has already been in theaters, you can only see it on VHS or DVD. I would recommend that you rent this movie or catch it sometime on TV. If you would like to take my word for it, I would recommend you buy this because it’s worth the movie. Movies like this show that one man can make a difference. As the great John McClane would say: Yippe Kiyya Motherf*****.

Could I have everyone's attention please. My next review will be on one of my favorite Star Trek movies; Star Trek: Nemesis.

What do you think though?

I have no problems with them either, but he asks for help.

Those are omitted words or sentences.

I just ask because I like to have corrected reviews. Thanks for all of ya'lls help.

I enjoyed reading your October Sky and Die Hard review. Let me start out by saying that I saw October Sky a long time ago and I enjoyed the movie. I remember seeing Homer and his father not having such a good relationship because his dad thought the rocket idea was ridiculous. No support from anyone except from his teacher and his friends. The ending was wonderful. Homer's dad is present to see his son's rocket launch into the sky.

As for Die Hard, its a good action movie. It's one of the films that made Bruce Willis famous. This is also a movie that I haven't seen in a while. But when I do have a chance, I'll rent it when I go to my local video store.

Click on the title to see trailer.
 

Star Trek: Nemesis

"A Generation’s Final Journey Begins”


Movie: Star Trek: Nemesis

Rating:

Rank:

Director: Stuart Baird

Release Date: December 13, 2002

Cast: Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn, Marina Sirtis, Gates McFadden, and Tom Hardy

The crew of the Enterprise are back in this action packed sci-fi adventure entitled, Star Trek: Nemesis. The film starts out with the crew celebrating, Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis) and William Riker’s (Jonathan Frakes) marriage. After the party, the crew heads for the couple’s “just married” party. While in root the crew picks up a signal that gives proof of there being an android on Remus. Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) would like to check it out. After diverting coarse he gets an assignment from Star Fleet. The Romulans new leader, Shinzon (Tom Hardy) wants peace and Jean-Luc is assigned as the Federation’s emissary. When they arrive they find out a shocking secret, Jean-Luc has been cloned. After finding out this out the crew of the Enterprise sets off, in this action packed flick, as they start another journey that may be their last.

This chapter of the Star Trek generation is one of the best since, Wrath of Khan. It has some great similarities from Wrath of Khan: a great villain, good acting, good plot, dramatic irony, and a wonderful friendship.

The first time I was watching this movie I noticed three actors were playing their roles wonderfully. The first one that came too mind was, Tom Hardy as Shinzon. He portrayed his role of villain wonderfully and I give him two thumbs up for his portrayal. He adds an extra bit of evilness to the movie that most novice actors can’t do. At the same time he is able to fool you into thinking he might actually be good. At first I just thought he’d be some amateur actor that wouldn’t be worth the part. I’m unable to decide who should be number the second best so the next two are tied.

Patrick Stewart, acting as Jean-Luc for his fourth time, is a great pick. His older age makes the characters seem smarter. Since this is his fourth time portraying, Captain of the Enterprise, I have grown use to the characters wise decisions and reckless behaviors. Since he’s a veteran actor, he gives the cast a more professional look.

The final actor, who I would like to give credit to, is Brent Spiner as Data. He is the greatest pick for this role. Personally I thought he had the hardest role to portray because, he had to have no emotions what so ever. Imagine not laughing or anything else for about a week. That’s how tough it must have been. Since I was use to him playing as, Data, I really wouldn’t know if anyone could do it better. I also believe that he’s the only person that looks good with the silver skin fashion. I can’t really imagine some other actor, like Bruce Willis, having silver skin.

This Star Trek film has a much better plot then some of the other ones I’ve seen, not as well as Wrath of Khan though. I was on the edge if my seat for suspenseful two hours. A couple of times I yelled “No don’t do that. It’s a trap.” Believe it or not, I actually said those out loud. That’s how much you’re hooked when you watch it. After seeing it, twenty times, I still find myself muttering “No don’t.” Not only is this film suspenseful it’s touching. Seeing Data and Jean-Luc creating a stronger friendship was one of the highlights of the movie for me. All though this movie has its strong points, it does have a few weak ones.


When I saw the trailer for this film, I was hooked. There are only really two reasons why. One of them is the fact that I’m a very big Star Trek fan. The other one is just that it looked good. I personally think it’s the latter of the two though.

Once it came out I was at movies for the first day it was showing. I was amazed at how good the movie really was. I loved everything about the film except, the ending. It was one of the saddest endings for a Star Trek film I’ve seen. I was shocked at how sudden it happened. Once it happened you were most likely thinking “No that’s impossible.” That’s all I’m going to say about that. Even though it has a sad ending I still believe it to be a great film.

I highly recommend that you rent this movie. Don’t buy it before you see it. The reason I say this is that if you’re not a Star Trek fan it’s one of those movies you would want to rent before you buy. Even though I said this you can trust my opinion, on how good this movie is, and buy it. If you’re not one of sci-fi guys then you should stay far away from this one. If you are one of those guys you’ll be highly disappointed. I really don’t have that much more to say about this movie because; I don’t think there’s anything bad that you can really say. I hope that you take my opinions to thought as you make ,yet another, trip the rental store.

Finally
 

Finally after a long effort, I finished my Star Trek: Nemesis review. I also slacked off a bit but, that's beside the point. Tell me what you think.

By the way you guys can call me Matt or Matthew, if you want to. Heck if you want to, you can call me Bubba.

Oh and another thing. I got one of my English teachers to proof-read my reviews and she said "Bring anything you do on the side and I'll check it."

So I won't need any feed back on proof-reading. Thanks for the help though. Ya'll are great.

One more thing by the way. I'm going on spring break this coming week. Heck yeah, no school. I hope to get at least one review in but I'm going to shoot for two. I'm going to the movies all week. Boo Ya. Well I better get ready last day of school is almost over just three more hours.

You meant "site", not "side". And "feedback" is one word, unless you meant you didn't want to get back any feed for your chickens and such. Guess you didn't give this little post to anyone to proof-read, huh?

Lol. I was in a hurry. Sorry. What did you think of the review?

Did she proofread your Star Trek review?

Not yet. Why do you ask?

After seeing Hidalgo on Sat. I decided I'd write a review on it. Well here you go hasn't been proofread yet but, I feel more confident in my writing skills now. Tell me what you all think. Man, writing reviews is fun. I hope to see The Whole Ten Yards tomorrow. If I do I'll post a review by the end of this week. Also, I hope to see The Punisher on Fri. and if I do I'll be posting a review for it this weekend.

Click title to see trailer
 

“Unbridled. Unbroken. Unbeaten."

Movie: Hidalgo

Rating:

Rank:

Director: Joe Johnston

Release Date: 2004

Cast: Viggo Mortensen and J.K. Simmons

This movie is based on the true story of the long distance racer Frank Hopkins (Viggo Mortensen) and his horse, Hidalgo. This movie is funny and energetic but, it could be been better. It has some very good graphics and a good plot but, with out good acting and character evolvement, this movie doesn’t do to good by me.

The movie starts out in a snow covered forest in the 1880s and Hopkins is in a long distance race, which he’s almost finished with. Then it shows his component and him racing to the finish line, which is a town. Once Hopkins arrives he’s given a letter to deliver to Wounded Knee. He then witnesses an awful experience and he later joins a Buffalo Bill circus. After one of his shows an Arabian man challenges him to a 3,000 mile race across the Middle East. At first he declines but, his employer, Buffalo Bill Cody (J.K. Simmons), tells him to go and uphold his horse’s great name. After being encouraged by his employer, fellow co-workers, and his horse he decides to go.

If you go to this movie expecting a great flick with lots of action, you’ll be highly disappointed. It’s good, don’t get me wrong, but I expected a lot more out of this film then I got. It’s got action, humor, and some visual effects but, the acting isn’t that great. It starts out slow but, it eventually picks up. Near the end it starts to drag out, making it seem much longer then it actually is and Hopkins never really had any character evolvement.

One of the worst elements of the movie is the acting. It’s alright but, it should be better. There’s only one actor that I believe to have done well and that was Simmons. He doesn’t have a very big or great part, but he does portray it nicely. Mortensen is a good actor but, in this role, he doesn’t do too well. In my opinion the horse acted better than Viggo. Viggo just doesn’t have the ability, in my opinion, to play as a good old fashion cowboy. He could at least give a better effort or give the character a little more humor. Besides the acting, everything else in this movie is good.

I personally think this movie is best seen at home, on DVD, and not in the theatre but, if you like true stories, you might want to check this out. If you and your family have a free weekend you might want to go and see this, seeing as this is a great family flick.

I personally think that this movie got a little too much hype then it needed. I may be wrong but, when I saw the trailer I expected this movie to be a little more action packed. It has action, just not enough to keep you hooked. When you get close to the end of this movie it drags on and you start wondering if it’s going to ever end. It has a beautiful ending and some good music, I just disliked the acting everything else is good. I personally think you should what till this movie comes out on DVD but, if you have a empty weekend you want to fill then I recommend you check this out.

Good job! I can tell your level of effort has, at the very least, tripled. Keep writing, you're getting better -n- better!

It's improving because this is fun to do. I'm on spring break and I have nonething to do so here I am. I'm going to see The Whole Ten Yards today or The Ladykillers. I expect to put a review up for one of them soon. Maybe today or tomorrow if I'm lucky.

The Ladykillers is rated R. Will you be going with an adult?

I went to The Whole Ten Yards today with my mom, she promised me a couple of trips to the movies this spring break.

Yes I would be. Can't even get there with out an adult. Man I can't wait till I'm 17. I'll be able to drive and go to rated R movies by myself.

Click title to see trailer
 

“They missed each other. This time, their aim is better.”

Movie: The Whole Ten Yards

Rating:

Rank:

Director: Howard Deutch

Release Date: 2004

Cast: Bruce Willis, Matthew Perry, Amanda Peet, Kevin Pollak, and Natasha Henstridge

The gang’s back in this hilarious sequel to, The Whole Nine Yards. In the opening scene it displays Jimmy Tudeski (Bruce Willis), who’s a hitman, at his worse. He’s been in hiding for two years and the results of this are that he’s gone just a little nuts. Instead of killing and breaking the law he’s; cooking, cleaning, and just acting like Martha Stewart. This new Jimmy is upsetting his wife Jill, also a hitman, who just wants to shoot someone.

Then the movie switches over to Nicholas Oseransky (Matthew Perry), who’s now even more paranoid than before. When his wife, Cynthia (Natasha Henstridge), is kidnapped by Lazlo (Kevin Pollak), he goes to Jimmy for help but, he’s surprised when he’s unwelcome at Jimmy’s new home in Mexico. In the first 15 minutes you’re already laughing at how funny Bruce Willis’s character turns out to be.

This movie keeps you laughing from the beginning to end which, in my opinion, is hard to do now a days. It has a very weird plot, which has a couple of twists by the way, and a great cast that acts well. Bruce’s role in this movie is a little eccentric but, it’s hilarious and I personally think this is one of his better roles in a comedy.

You then have Matthew Perry who’s the best actor to portray his role of, guy who’s fearful of everything and anything. His character is paranoid beyond all belief and Matthew just seems like the type of guy that would be paranoid. I haven’t seen many movies with Matthew in them but, this one is by far my favorite. Both of the actors above portray their roles very well and get two thumbs up from me.

Kevin Pollak is at his funniest playing as Lazlo, who’s a crime lord just released from prison, I would have to say he’s the actor that played his role perfectly. Everything he says will crack you up a little bit too almost dieing from laughter. For example, instead of saying “F***” he says “Fouke”. Some of the crazy things he does can only be seen not described, seeing as they’re hilarious. Not only is his character funny, he’s mad at Jimmy and wants revenge and through out the whole movie Lazlo tries to get Jimmy with is comical plans.

This movie gets two thumbs up by me but, that’s probably because my mouth was hurting from laughter, I’m a sucker for comedies. I loved it from beginning to end but, it did have the flaw of having too much laughter. I know what you are thinking, “Too much laughter”, but the reason I say this there’s actually a little bit of seriousness to the end of this movie but, they keep throwing funny stuff at you not allowing you actually feel for the character.

I recommend this movie to people who love comedies and have seen The Whole Nine Yards. The reason I say you should see that movie first is because you can get more out of the movie, comedy wise, then if you don’t. Since I know what’s going on, I have a lot more laughs then people who haven’t seen the prequel. If you stop by the rental store, pick up The Whole Nine Yards and watch it before you see the sequel. It will make you experience the movie much better.

excellent review..thanks for the tip..now i really can't wait to see this

God I hated that piece of claptrap. :sick:

I'm not mad about your opinion, everyone has one, I would just like to know "What does that mean? I mean, what did you not like about it?"

O by the way, is it with a passion? Lol.

I have been dying to see this for a long time. An excellent review John!!!! I will be catching this ASAP!
Much better than Dolph Lundgren :laugh:

Thanks for the comments guys. I'm going back to school in a couple of days so, I won't be writing as many reviews. I hope to get one out every week.

WOW, I saw The Punisher late Thursday night, and I couldn't disagree more! It's a horrible excuse for a movie, even just a dumb action movie. It's just plain bad. And what's worse than that: it's painfully dull. I give it a generous grade of D+.

But hey, diff'rent Strokes, Mr. Drummond! I guess it's true what they say: one man's horrible waste of time is another boy's masterpiece.

Yup, I guess so. The next thing you know you'll say something I don't like and I'll be able to return the favor. Lol.

Ummm....Why didn't you like it? Just want to know you're real reasons

Thanks for the review man, I have waiting to see this movie for months now, and i am glad someone likes it. I understand that alot of critics have been attacking this movie, but from what I have seen in the previews, and my love of the character (one of Marvel's best IMO), and the fact that Travolta is such a good bad guy, and Jane looks like he pulls the part off well...sufice(sp?) to say, that I can't wait to see this movie. I was worried after reading some bad rviews, but after yours, my faith is restored, thank you:)

The Whole Ten Yards - I hated it because the first one was a forgettable film and there was absolutely no point in making an even more unfunny sequel. Stupid premise, dumb acting, and boring as hell.

The Punisher - Boring, dull, too little action, rediculous oversights, overkill, lack of character depth, depresssing, and slow as hell.

Like 'em all you want to, I'm not attacking you, Johnny Boy, your reviews are fantastimondo! Yet, your tastes and mine are polar opposites.

I gave my real reasons above. But I'll be happy to elaborate.

First of all, it doesn't do ***** to follow the character from the comic books, other than the very basics of his origin. But OK, that wouldn't be completely unforgiveable if they wrote an interesting script around the shell of that character, or barring something interesting at least had some fun with it. They didn't do either. It isn't interesting in the least bit, ploddingly along to every single cliche in the '80s-action movie book, with gunfights and car chases that seem like they were choreographed in a frippin' "T.J. Hooker" episode. The unfortunately requisite corny Schwarzenegger-type one-liners were unbelieveably flat or forced. I hoped that maybe with an R-rating, they would have some fun with stylized graphic violence. But alas, while there are a couple clever 'kills' in the movie, you may well be dozing when they finally appear, and that's hardly anything to pin your cinematic hopes on. The so-called comic relief forced into the flick by the fat fella who lost "Last Comic Standing" and the kid with all the piercings was hack stuff on loan from a fifth-rate sitcom on The WB. Only slightly less forced was the supposed new romance in his life with Rebecca Rominj-soon-not-to-be-Stamos, which was pointless and, like just about everything else in this excuse for a flick, poorly developed (if developed at all). Travolta does his same 'bad guy' thing from those godawful John Woo movies and such, inducing more yawns than anything at this point. Thomas Jane is fine in the lead, but he has absolutely zip to do for two hours. But maybe worst of all, despite a loud soundtrack and music video-style editing, The Punisher is dull, dull, dull. Bottom line: hack script, hack direction, cheesy acting, and absolutely nothing new to offer even in a forgiving turn-your-brain-off mode. At all.

But other than that, I really liked it!

As I said, a generous grade of D+. I wouldn't even recommend it as a rental, much less at movie theater ticket prices (not even a matinee). Maybe in a year or so, when it's on HBO at 2:00am or on Cinemax, maybe have the TV on then while you're focused on something else. Maybe.

Nice reviews, John. I'd like to know how you set it up, with the pictures beside the text... eh, nevermind. It all goes together perfectly, I look forward to seeing more. :D

Well done John…. welcome to the club... :D

Well done, your writing has vastly improved over the last few weeks, and although I don't agree with everything you write, I do appreciate your reviews. ;D

That's who made it sticky. Well thanks.

I know that a couple of you out there don't agree with my choices in good movies but, take this into consideration; I'm 14, I'm easy to please when it comes to movies, I really like comedy and action films.

Another thing, I was a little upset with my writing on my last review so, I'll be rewriting it with a completely different writing style. One reason I didn't think it was good was I rushed it. Thanks for the comments, good and bad. The bad ones make me work harder when writing my reviews. My goal is to, by this summer, write a review in under 500 words.

Im going to see The Punisher tomorrow! Good review! :)

You'll like it. Check back tomorrow for my revised review.

The Punisher Revised. Click title to see the trailer
 

The Punisher

“The punishment begins.”

Movie: The Punisher

Rating:

Rank:

Director: Jonathan Hensleigh

Release: April 16, 2004

Cast: Thomas Jane, John Travolta, Laura Harring, Rebecca Romijn-Stamos, and Will Patton

I would first like to say, “Wow!” I might just have a new favorite action hero. I love a lot of things in this film but, not everything. In my opinion this is the best Marvel comic turned movie, so far.

I’m not a really big fan of the comic but; this movie isn’t a disappointment for me. I’ve also not seen the original punisher but, from what I’ve heard, it’s not that good anyway. When I saw the trailer for this film I was expecting a movie with so much action it’ll blow your brains out, but the scenes can be a little dull at times. I will admit after seeing this film more than once I’ve decided it’s not the best that could’ve been done but, it’s still good.

Howard Saint, a rich and powerful man, (John Travolta) is mad at Frank Castle, ex-FBI agent, (Thomas Jane) for his son’s death at a weapon’s bust. In retaliation to this, Mrs. Saint orders for Castle’s entire family to be killed at their family reunion in Puerto Rico. Everything goes well in this plan except, Castle isn’t killed and Howard’s men don’t know it. After 6 months of recuperating, from his wounds, he starts a journey to give punishment and nothing will stop him.

Howard Saint is angry, cruel, and unforgiving, who better to play this role then John Travolta. Travolta can act as the bad guy so well now a days, I don’t even question if he should do the role. His acting style is unlike anyone else’s I’ve seen when it comes to the bad guy. I don’t see anything wrong with his acting; it’s perfect in my view.

Once I heard Thomas Jane was going to be playing Castle, I had my doubts about his physical fitness and ability to act. I’ve only seen him in two other movies and he wasn’t that good. He’s not the best choice for Castle and his acting’s ok; personally I would have chosen Hugh Jackman because, he just fits the role better and has a better acting style.

I enjoy this film but, I will admit it can be a little dull at sometimes. One reason is the actors weren’t up to scratch; the only actor that really did their role well is, of course, John Travolta. Thomas Jane is ok but, I would have gotten Hugh Jackman to play Frank Castle. Jane’s style is a bit different but, it’s ok.

When the movie gets to the end, you’ll finally get into it. The ending scenes are the best because it wraps up everything Frank Castle planned and in the last few minutes the background is the sun setting which looks beautiful. This may not be the best movie all around but, it’s got its moments.

If you’re the kind of person that loves action films then I’d suggest this movie to you. This film’s good, no doubt about that, but, if Hugh Jackman would have played Castle it would be a lot better. When it comes to action movies this isn’t quite the best but, when it comes to the Marvel movies, this is the best for now.

Nice review. I just saw The Punisher this evening and it's a sweet kiskass movie. :randy:
I don't consider it to be "just an action flick"....that would be kind of stretching it there. Jane gave a hell of a performance with Travolta as an excellent vicious gangster/villian. I personally can't picture Jackman as Punisher, he doesn't well........fit the part at all. (Sorry) Hey, that's just my opinion I guess. ;)

I think you've improved on the old Punisher review a lot. Good Job! :)

I'll second that. http://pages.prodigy.net/hauxfan/Signs/Group_4/29.gif

Hey man,

Nice work this time around. Just for fun, you should read through all your reviews to see how much improvement you have made in the past few weeks.

Good job!

_S

I did and I see I've improved a lot.

Hey jrs. Everyone has an opinion.

Thanks for all the comments guys. I might get a review out for Mystery, Alaska some time this week. Thanks again for the comments.

Well, now you've seen the movie twice and the rank is dropping. Just watch it two more times, knock off a couple more stars, re-post the review with a http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...ilies/star.gifhttp://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...ilies/star.gif OUT OF http://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...ilies/star.gifhttp://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...ilies/star.gifhttp://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...ilies/star.gifhttp://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...ilies/star.gifhttp://www.hometheaterforum.com/htfo...ilies/star.gif rating, and I'll know you've really come of age.
;)

BTW, I think the tagline in the advertising should be altered to read "The Punsihment Begins...on any audience unfortunate enough to sit through this dud."

I logged on to Ebert & Roeper's site last night in order to hear what they thought about it. Ebert says dud, Roeper really, really, liked it.

I never liked that guy. I'd rather hear a psychic telling what Siskel thought from beyond the grave. I really miss that guy. :(

Ya, sure.

Isnt that the hockey movie with Russell Crowe? I would like for you to do a review on Seven Samurai to get a younger critical perspective on the movie.

Yes it is. Well, it'll probably be awhile till I will get around to it. I got to find it to watch it. Expect my review on Mystery, Alaska sometime the end of the week.

I thought you've seen it.

Now John, don't feel intimidated by Holden, keep writing reviews, when I look at some of the movies I loved when I was 14, I think, what was I thinking, it happens to all of us, so you are normal, I think :goof:

I used to like Sylvester Stallone and Van Damme movies :)

I meant Seven Samurai. Yes, I have seen Mystery, Alaska but, it's been about 4 years and I can't remember a thing about it.

I liked to post a couple of things. First, I'm writing a review for Kill Bill Vol.1. Second, all of those who have seen October Sky know that Homer's dad wasn't really helpful. Well, I just read the book The Rocket Boys, the movie was based off the book by Homer, and his dad was really helpful. Third, I've sprained my wrist and it hurts like hell and it's slowing me down a lot. Some examples; typing, writing, chores, typing, working, typing. :laugh: I think that's it.

Hope your wrist gets better soon. http://pages.prodigy.net/indianahawk...wpage14/16.gif :yup: