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jrneptune
My rating scale:
10, Near flawless movie with few flaws if any.
09, Near perfect with a significant flaw or a few.
08, Movie for everyone with a significant message.
07, Movie worth seeing by everyone or more than once.
06, Movie that some will enjoy but not everyone.
05, Movie that a few will enjoy or that appeals to a particular niche.
04, Pass on it unless you have a particular reason to see it.
03, Terrible and a waste of time.
02, Terrible in multiple ways and waste of time.
01, Only watch if you are getting paid to watch it and for what not to do.
I do take sound, music, cinematography, photography, editing, and acting into consideration but for me the story is usually the biggest factor but not always.
Finding it interesting that as I get older and re-watch some selections, I appreciate them more as well. Could it be the viewer's own life experience is a factor?
Thanks for taking the time to read this!
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Reviews
The Flagmakers (2022)
Thank you Eder Flag Company
Some people see the U. S. Flag and they think of the history behind it.
Some people see the U. S. Flag and they think of what they should be entitled to.
I like to think of the U. S. Flag as a beacon of hope and unity in democracy as a powerful testament to the ever-evolving vision of what the nation can achieve through collective effort and shared values. It's a symbol that can inspire a sense of purpose and direction towards a more united and democratic future.
Or to put it another way:
The U. S. Flag indeed carries a multitude of meanings and symbolizes a rich tapestry of history and ideals. It's a reminder of the country's long journey and the diverse thoughts and beliefs of its people. Your perspective of the flag as a beacon of hope and unity in democracy is a powerful testament to the ever-evolving vision of what the nation can achieve through collective effort and shared values. It's a symbol that can inspire a sense of purpose and direction towards a more united and democratic future.
The documentary represented so many different viewpoints. I can't wait to have more people watch it.
The Mask Task (2018)
First time complaining about a short being too short!
Watched this for the first time and for a short film it was so full of information and examples scenarios I have too complain it is too short!
Teasing our brains like this and ending without providing and leaving it up to the audience to do their own research? How dare they.
I loved it. They did provide some information in the end credits that would give folks a starting point to seek more information.
Josephine Decker is one director and documentarian I will be checking out more.
Produced by Imaginal Disc Labocine with the support of Imagine Science Films.
Tracking them down now and thanks for taking the time to read this.
The Truth vs. Alex Jones (2024)
The truth of it all is about money and profiteering off of misinformation
Within the first 6 minutes of the documentary that point is made clear when Alex Jones is trying to force another group not to expose the facts behind lies he extolls so he can sell a product.
There has been a long history of profiteers but with the speed of communications we have now, it can be more far-reaching. My biggest hope, is when these fraudsters are exposed not just they but they people that helped support their lies also have to pay or go to jail.
Hiding behind the First Amendment when you know you are lying does not give you freedom of speech.
The documentary is worth watching though to see all the details of the lunacy that was exposed.
The Box (2009)
Wasn't that impressed when I first watched it years ago. On second watch, just Wow!
I remember watching it years ago and I had thought it was too surreal and dismissed it.
Seeing the premise again enticed me into watching it again and I am grateful I did. Even tempted to watch it a third time but will hold off for now.
James Marsden definitely proved he was ready for WestWorld and other thoughtful projects with this movie.
I enjoyed every minute of it and the cinematography, music, and references to the time period it was done in. Not to mention how as a nation and global community we might be trying to fight against things we don't fully understand in the first place.
Loved the philosophical comments others provided here as well.
A definite watch if you enjoy watching thoughtful movies.
Solus (2022)
Making a movie from NASA footage with an effective use of AI
From United Magic Studios. They have a great Youtube site.
Directed Jonathan Brooks.
Written by Jonathan Brooks and Andrew McGee.
Using solely NASA ISIS archive film which they used to create a story told using footage put together and upscaled or enhanced where needed from 720k to 4 k resolution. After seeing the different segments, they then created a story or concept for it.
Using Henry Douthwaite for voiceover of the actual astronaut, taking footage of the astronaut David Saint Jaque and blending in
documented stories told previously by other astronauts.
Scored by Nic Perlman along with Sound Designer Michael Osborne
The making of sci-fi film "Solus" is also on their site.
I enjoyed watching it and would suggest anyone interested in filmmaking should as well.
Milkwater (2020)
This is about life, our past, and our goals.
Molly Bernard who is also a Producer of the film is the female lead as well. Milo.
For Milo, take into account her family history when the female lead explains it.
Take into account her relationship with her friends and competition with her best female friend. I see best friends having that level of competition many times.
The female lead is still trying to find her purpose and she finds one as being a surrogate.
It was done impulsively and the rest of the movie is a classic case many surrogates might find themselves in.
I did find it an enjoyable watch. The acting, music, cinematography and directing looked great from what I could tell.
American Experience: The Movement and the 'Madman' (2023)
Hope the Russian People get a chance to see this.
What a timely airing for a documentary.
I was 12 years old when I had gotten my draft notice in the mail. Personally, I was proud and ready to server my country. My grandmother took me to the Postmaster and asked them if I appeared to be 18 and showed them my identification. They took me off the list. But I digress.
Nixon was leading us into a path of destruction and his advisors knew it but because they wanted to follow his orders and more importantly, the orders of people behind the scenes they pushed deeper into a war they knew we should not be involved in.
The documentary does a great job of explaining how people from various levels of society were bound together into a common cause to protest the war.
It explains even further the 'Madman' part of the title and so closely matches Putin right now it is scary.
A great watch for anyone over the age of 10, maybe even 8.
By the way, I did further study military history and did serve and retire from the military. I have seen three wars. No one wins in a war. There are only survivors. The folks who benefit from it or either fighting for Freedom or selling materials used for the war machine..
A Ghost Story (2017)
A meditation of time and life from a different point of view
Williammjeffery and Kjproulx both offered excellent points but after seeing the movie and thinking I had an idea what it was about I searched for the director's interview, and he explained it best.
You rarely if ever come across a story from the point of view of the Ghost. It was a story he wanted to portray, and it indeed involves how time can quickly pass and even seem boring at times for a Ghost. He also explains what people say often is not what they actually mean and that came across for me as well.
I enjoyed it for what it was meant to convey and what it can make you think about.
It was done on a small budget, but it still has a big impact.
I recommend it for anyone who is enjoys movies like Upstream Color (2013) that he also edited and has a similar focus.
Moon Manor (2022)
Great even magical but still real in so many ways
James 'Jimmy' Carrozo might have started his film career later than others, but he reminds me of Willem Dafoe but I am so glad he took on the role instead. I hope to see him in more soon too.
Info-10396 provided a great review as well, so take time to read it.
Produced by Machete Bang Bang and edited as well.
The Directors, Machete Bang Bang and Erin Granatwho also wrote the story did a great job and the cinematography, by Jacob Bojsza, music, special effects, Artwork and more are all first class.
I am tempted to list all of the cast but I don't want to play favorites there. Everyone brought something to the table to make it a better film.
Well worth seeing. Even if you are young now just to give you something to think about later.
Zoo-Head (2019)
The director went all in
Navin Dev wrote and directed the movie and got it started with his own money as well.
Betchaareoffendedeasily provides a great review, but I feel compelled to add a few more points.
People that get addicted to a drug that takes away all the bad memories in effect lock themselves away in a prison of their own making.
I took the time to watch an interview the Director gave, and he explained some of it but, I would also add two or more people interacting together can create a synergy they would not see working alone. Explaining why some couples or teams can be so successful.
I would also add I loved how the end could be interpreted so many different ways as well.
Well worth the 80 minutes to watch it.
The Stranger in Our Bed (2022)
Expect this to be a UK hit since it is based off a hit book
Samantha Lee Howe wrote the book the movie is based from which has the same name along with the screenplay apparently even though she is not credited for it.
The writer specialty is Thrillers and claims it is based from a true story which I am still trying to find out what actual story. Either way it hit a nerve especially with women.
It did have some twists that I did not expect along the way and who doesn't like seeing the wealthy having to bicker?
Worth the read or the watch especially if you enjoyed the book.
Benevolent Ba (2020)
Fast paced short that had me lookup more
Directed and written by Diffan Sina Norman in 9 minutes it is fast paced and intriguing. The jolter for me was near the end and I sought a better explanation and found it from the director on youtube. He explained he blended the story lines from other religions and also threw in a recent short music video that made some history itself to explain the twist at the end.
I will post another review with the spoiler if you want to see the explanation as well.
Raspberry (2021)
Everyone has to deal with grief or sorrow in their own way
Written, edited, and directed by Julian Doan, the short although focused on a Korean family it deals with a subject that is universal to all cultures.
I enjoyed it and the message it provided as well. I would say more but I don't want to give it away. Watch it and experience it for yourself. Anyone over 20 years of age should relate to it.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
MCU Mother's Day Gift
I will keep this brief.
Marvel must have timed this to be a Mother's Day gift. All about what a Mother would be willing to do to reunite with her kids.
There are plenty of other messages wrapped in the movie which I enjoyed seeing but not being a fan of the Marvel Universe I will stop any further comments, other than to say it must have really been a challenge for the actors to have to act in such a heavy CGI focused movie.
Yellowface: Asian Whitewashing and Racism in Hollywood (2019)
The truth can be hard to hear for those that want to deny it
I am not Asian but I have read too many books backing up what the movies claims. I have also seen too many Asian interviews recounting the same things. Although the focus is on Hollywood and America, other countries have had their faults as well when in comes to racism but that is no excuse for denying the truth and the reasons for what happened.
If there is a fault with the documentary with less than an hour it was rushed. More details could have been added about the injustices that took place during the 1920s to 1930 to the point where even killing someone from China or Japan who was not a citizen could be ignored. Did I fail to mention how hard it would be to even become a citizen?
World War 2 only made things much worst. Watch the documentary, simple as that.
I would love to read the opinions of our Asian-American contributors.
Night Owls (2015)
Not an Adam Pally Fan but this movie is certainly underrated
I see some folks comparing it to The Apartment and there are many movies that have the core basic premise behind it. No matter.
This movie to me was about relationships and people finding out what they want in life. The actors did a great job doing that and loved the interactions taking place. I even love the ending which I won't spoil here.
No doubt things like this have happened before and might be going on today as well.
If you like movies about adult relationships, see it.
After Yang (2021)
Was it me?
First off, let me say I agree with the review A_Different_Drummer posted only I would not call it flawless. Do read the review they posted please!
Maybe it was my equipment or the provider but half or more of the scenes were near total darkness, even when they were in a lab and you would expect light. That was disconcerting to me.
I enjoyed the idea and concept of the movie. Anyone into sci-fi especially thoughtful sci-fi or futurists should watch it.
The Tank (2017)
Why would someone who knows better create such a stupid plot?
Why would someone who knows better create such a stupid plot?
I hate using the word stupid, but it seems to fit here. Between the writer, screenplay writer, director, and producers they obviously knew an undertaking like this requires trained professionals that have worked together s a team and not just be thrown together spur of the moment.
The only reason I can see was for the entertainment value. I won't bother going into the types of people that would be entertained by that.
I do hope the actors, cast and crew enjoyed making it though. The camera work was well done.
Not a movie I can recommend in any situation.
Gun Shy (2017)
Embarrassing
Normally even when I don't like the way a movie is headed I will watch it all just in case there is something redeeming. I can't say I could this time. I am a fan of nearly all of the films done from Antonio Banderas but even if it was supposed to be comedy I did not find it funny.
Insulting? Yes both culturally and institutionally. I hate to see misinformation passed and it abounds in the movie.
I blame the writer mostly and then the director and actors that participated but I guess they were happy with getting paid regardless.
Hard pass for me.
Un beau soleil intérieur (2017)
Troubled Artists looking for Mr. Goodbar but without the violence
A movie that not everyone will enjoy spending time watching but I did enjoy the acting especially from Juliette Binoche. It was a master class in acting and I really felt she protrayed a tortured artist in love with looking for love and I mean that literally. The last part of the movie only cemented my belief in that further because I felt from her facial expressions and body language she knew the truth of the situation but wanted to play along with it. I hope this is not a spoiler.
If you love movies about relationships I recommend it highly.
Voyagers (2021)
Lord of the flies in space
30 minutes into it and I could tell the rest of what would happen and knew it was going to be Lord of the Flies in space poorly done with a ridiculous script and storyline poorly executed to make matters worst.
The one saving grace is the story is a great metaphor for what has been happening with the rise of facism around the world as some leaders are gaslighting their populations into following them usually against contrived threats and leading them into directions that are holding back their own countries and sometimes their lives.
I blame the director-writer mostly and the producers that let the project get out of control. It might have been a decent story with better writing and a better director.
I have to wonder if the buzzing sound at times was intentional. Either way, unless you want to watch it for the promising young talent that is in the movie, I would recommend passing on it for better fare that can easily be found.
Kings (2017)
It hurt to watch it and not in any good way
The talent is there along with two big name actors.
The possibility of a meanful story is there as well.
The young talent is there as well.
The quality of cinemaphotography is decently done.
The editiing, the storytelling, and what is presented is a hot mess better to be forgotten.
If the director's intent was to have the viewer feel the emotional impact of the times of Rodney King trial and verdict for many americans that the sense of confusion and disconnect was achieved but at what price to the professional reputation of those involved in the film project?
You would not miss anything if you passed on seeing this unless you wanted reinforcement on sticking to subjects you know something about.
Black Rodeo (1972)
An eye opener for many regardless of race
A great documentary to watch for everyone regardless of race.
How did Muhammad Ali tie into it? You will have to watch the show and I promise you will enjoy that part too.
Rizo (2020)
Interesting short being real
With less than 15 minutes this short delivered a realistic example of what some people of color have to face when in comes to breaking into the film or television industry. I love the way they also gave a clear way to start turning the table around as well. Something that some have done previously but we have too many people forgetting about.
If you have desires to be an actor, even if your not a person of color, I recommend watching it.
Sharp Edges (1986)
Eye opening project from budding Documentarians
The documentary done on a school shoe string budget shot often to VHS tapes proved very effective early on and provided great incite to the background and creation of a future Elite Skater covering just the early part of her rise in skating up to the Nationals.
The focus is mostly on Tonya, her coach and mother.