MOVIE REVIEW: Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

RELEASE DATE: June 22nd 2018

RUN TIME: 2 Hours 8 Mins

MPAA RATING: PG-13

FAMILY MOVIE SCALE 4.5

MY IMDB SCALE 9.5

DIRECTOR: J.A Bayonna,

MAIN STARS: Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, Rafe Spall

IMDB Summary
When the island's dormant volcano begins roaring to life, Owen and Claire mount a campaign to rescue the remaining dinosaurs from this extinction-level event.

MY REVIEW:
This sequel was really a true debate on animal rights. The park was destroyed and now the animals are roaming the earth free and wild. And that is another question: Are the dinosaurs monsters or animals. And Ian Malcolm expanded on his quote from the first movie.

"Yeah, yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could that they didn't stop to think if they should."

While Dr. Ian Malcolm never repeated that in this movie, his testimony definitely reminded you of that debate with John Hammond in the Jurassic Park 1993 movie. At first I was disappointed in where all the main Dinosaur action took place, but it totally made since by the end of the movie and truly gave the movie depth in thought of how we look at animals and animal rights. To me what the movie said was if you merge unlimited money and science together, responsibility ends because the  scientist don't know when to stop.  Have you ever done research on what scientist are trying to do right now? I have only googled it and I hope and pray what I read is fake news, but I am sure some of it is true.

I gave this movie a low family rating because it might be to intense for younger viewers, but what is good for your family may not be mine and vise versa. But when you watch this movie focus on the story line and not so much the action, but the action is awesome.

MOVIE REVIEW: Death Note

RELEASE DATE:August 25th 2017

RUN TIME: 1 Hour 41 Mins

MPAA RATING: TV-MA

FAMILY MOVIE SCALE: 5

MY IMDB SCALE: 8.5

DIRECTOR: Adam Wingard

MAIN CAST: Nat Wolf, Lakeith Stanfield, Margaret Qually

IMDB Summary

Death Note is a movie starring Nat Wolff, Lakeith Stanfield, and Margaret Qualley. A high school student named Light Turner discovers a mysterious notebook that has the power to kill anyone whose name is written within its pages, and launches a secret crusade to rid the world of criminals.

MY REVIEW

This was a NETFLIX original film based on the Japanese anime movie, It was non stop action and suspense from the start of the first kill. It had a deep mystery plot and a lot of intense action and unanswered questions. But it was a great movie over all. What I really like about the movie is it did not take long to start the story line.  It is also one of those movies that make you ask what would you do if you had such a power.

MOVIE REVIEW: Dante's Peak

RELEASE DATE: February 7th 1997

RUN TIME: 1 Hour 48 Mins

MPAA RATING: PG-13

FAMILY MOVIE SCALE 7.5

MY IMDB SCALE 8

DIRECTOR: Roger Donaldson

MAIN CAST: Pierce Brosnan, Linda Hamilton, Jamie Renee Smith

IMDB SUMMARY
A vulcanologist arrives at a countryside town recently named the second most desirable place to live in America, and discovers that the long dormant volcano, Dante's Peak, may wake up at any moment.

MY REVIEW

This is a awesome disaster movie for the family. As much as it is about disaster it is about a family and loss. This had a great blend of special effects along with a strong story line. The disaster was not the star but Pierce Brosnan and Linda Hamilton was. Because it was about decisions they had to make for survival and saving people from the doomed town. When I say family I am talking parents and adolescent kids. Once the volcano blows it's top it is non stop action and one disaster after another. Jamie Renee-Smith who played the Mayors Racheal(Linda Hamilton) daughter was a real gem, she was the sunshine during the darkest parts of the movie,

MOVIE REVIEW: James Bond: The World is not Enough

RELEASE DATE: November 19th 1999

RUN TIME 2 hours 8 Min

MPAA RATING: PG-13

FAMILY MOVIE SCALE: 5

MY IMDB SCALE: 7.5

DIRECTOR: Michael Apted

MAIN CAST:Pierce Brosnan, Sophie Marceau, Robert Carlyle

IMDB STORY LINE
James Bond uncovers a nuclear plot when he protects an oil heiress from her former kidnapper, an international terrorist who can't feel pain.

This was Pierce Bronsnan's best Bond film, but not my favorite. In my opinion the writers knew that the Bond films where going to go much darker with the next actor to play Bond. This was another movie transitioning to that Bond roll. We find Bond getting beaten up a bit more then previous Bond movies. We have always seen Bond in a fight, but he was taking more of a beating here. This seemed more darker then Licence to Kill. However the story line was classic Bond. A lot of fast passed action and impossible battles. Bronsnan was at his best, in fact this could be his best film ever but not the Bond film I like him best in nor my favorite Bronsnan movie. However The World is not Enough was a fine addition to the Bond Collection.

MOVIE REVIEW: Underworld Awakening

RELEASE DATE: January 20th 2012

RUN TIME: 1 Hour 28 min

MPAA RATING: R

FAMILY MOVIE SCALE 2

IMDB MOVIE SCALE 9.5

DIRECTORS: Mans Marland, Bjorn Stein

MAIN CAST: Kate Beckinsale, Michael Ealy, India Eisley

IMDB Summary

Vampire death dealer, Selene (Kate Beckinsale) fights to end the eternal war between the Lycan clan and the Vampire faction that betrayed her.

MY REVIEW

I disagree with the IMDB Summary. Selene has always fought to end the war, but this movie is more about survival of her Micheal and her child. However in this sequel she wakes up in captivity. It appears that a new order has taken over the world, but what is scarier is who is in charge.Again Selene finds herself being a reluctant alley with the vampires in fighting the lycans. But her daughter has some surprising talents of her own and turns out to be a trusted alley. However Selene is more alone then ever in this battle.   

MOVIE REVIEW: Exorcist: The Beginning

RELEASE DATE: August 20th 2004

RUN TIME: 1 Hour 54 Mins

MPAA RATING: R

FAMILY MOVIE SCALE: 4.5

MY IMDB MOVIE SCALE: 6.5

DIRECTOR: Renny Harlin

MAIN CAST: Stellan Skarsgard, Izabella Scorupco, James D'Arcy

IMDB Summary

Years before Father Lankester Merrin helped save Regan MacNeil's soul, he first encounters the demon Pazuzu in East Africa. This is the tale of Father Merrin's initial battle with Pazuzu and the rediscovery of his faith.

MY REVIEW

This movie is the origin story of Father Merrin. While it is creepy and does give a chill or two, it is not as intense as the 1973 Exorcist  movie. It gives a history of what how Father Merrin became a exorcist priest. It is the story of how he became a believer in evil. It is his education of what evil can do. When I watched the 1973 I did not understand his confidence when he was fighting the demons that was inside the young girl Regan MacNeil (Linda Blair), In the 1973 movie Max Von Sydow played Father Merrin. But This movie explains FatherThis was a overall good movie and intense in some scenes. But it will not keep you awake like Regan MacNeil did.

MOVIE REVIEW: James Bond: Licence to Kill

RELEASE DATE: July 14th 1989

RUN TIME: 2 Hours 13 Mins

MPAA RATING: PG-13

FAMILY MOVIE SCALE: 5

MY IMDB SCALE: 8.5

DIRECTOR: John Glen

MAIN CAST: Timothy Dalton, Robert Davi, Carey Lowell

IMDB STORY LINE
James Bond goes rogue and sets off to unleash vengeance on a drug lord who tortured his best friend, a C.I.A. Agent, and left him for dead and murdered his bride after he helped capture him.

This was Timothy Dalton's 2nd and last time as James Bond. This is when they started to darken the role of James Bond as he goes rogue in a plot of revenge for his C.I.A friend. In many aspects you can see how this was more like the recent Bond films with Danial Craig. I think Dalton played a better darker Bond then his successor Pierce Bronsnan did. Bronsnan played a great Bond but would have been better between The Late Roger Moore and Dalton. However in a world of contracts and negotiations that most likely would not have happened. Timothy I think however got us ready for a Daniel Craig type Bond. I don't have a problem with any of the men that played Bond, they all had a specific style they brought to the roll.

The darker plot was a excellent transition from the previous Bond by Dalton The Living Daylights Because you saw a more lighthearted Bond to a Bond filled with vengeance in Licence to Kill. Bond was hurt and upset and wanted justice at any cost. He did not care about the rules. Much like Daniel Craig but not the same as Craig.

This is my Favorite of the Bond films That Dalton was in and in my top five Bond films. But I really do like all the bond films. 

MOVIE REVIEW: Underworld: Rise of the Lycans

RELEASE DATE: January 23rd 2009

RUN TIME 1 Hour 32 Mins

MPAA RATING: R

FAMILY MOVIE SCALE 2

IMDB SCALE: 9.5

DIRECTOR: Patrick Tatopoulos

MAIN CAST: Rhona Mitra, Michael Sheen

IMDB Summary

An origins story centered on the centuries-old feud between the race of aristocratic vampires and their onetime slaves, the Lycans

MY REVIEW

The first time I watched this I was disappointed because for some reason I was unaware that it was a origins story, and I was not happy when I left the theater, but it grew on me. I really do like this story, it is a excellent origins story. I have watched it many times on Blue Ray. I missed Kate Beckinsale but Rhona Mitra did a excellent job as Sonja who was Viktor's daughter. I really liked how they blended a love story in all this carnage. This made all five movies blend together. It told the history of the coven and of the Lycans.  

NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY: The Staircase Part II EPISODES 9-13

PART I OF MY REVIEW

I know that Micheal Peterson may seem strange and weird to some people, but he is a fictional writer and he is not perfect but he is human. After watching the last 4 episodes of the series I truly feel and believe in my opinion that he is innocent. His wife's sisters where not interested in justice, they are still in disbelief and mourning the loss of their sister. I cringed when I heard them speak. I did not hear anything but revenge. They where not interested in all evidence that was plied against Peterson. They just wanted to serve revenge on anyone and Micheal Peterson was locked in their sights, his lawyer David Rudolf fought hard and long for him, and I believe he was disgusted just as Peterson was at the justice system.

Just because he was bi-sexual does not make him a murderer. It was a freak accident, a horrible freak accident. People that believe that he is guilty are not listening  and don't care to listen. At one time Peterson had money so it was put the rich person in jail.

I don't blame Micheal Peterson for taking the plea deal, I would not trust the system anymore and would just want to end it as soon as possible. Just get it over and move on as best as I could and enjoy the rest of my days in peace if possible.


Micheal Peterson, if you are reading this ,I hope you have many long and joy filled days ahead of you.

MOVIE REVIEW: 47 Meters Down

RELEASE DATE: June 16th 2017

RUN TIME 1 Hour 29 Mins

MPAA RATING: R

FAMILY MOVIE SCALE 4

IMDB SCALE: 7

DIRECTOR: Johannes Roberts

MAIN CAST: Mandy Moore, Claire Holt, Matthew Modine

IMDB  Summary

47 Metres Down is a movie starring Mandy Moore, Claire Holt, and Matthew Modine. Two sisters vacationing in Mexico are trapped in a shark cage at the bottom of the ocean. With less than an hour of oxygen left and great white sharks circling nearby, they must fight to survive.

MY REVIEW

This movie started out very slow, I was ready to turn NETFLIX off, then things got better slowly. Then in another few mins I was hooked. I wanted to see more people get eaten by the sharks and I was disappointed leading up to the end. But it did fit the story line. It was a good shark movie but over all a bit to slow for me but enough to keep me hanging on. The disappointments had nothing to do with the acting, all my dislikes came from the directing and writing. However saying that, this would still be a good movie to add to my shark collection of Blue Rays from a discount shelf. But I would buy it. 

MOVIE REVIEW: Hereditary

RELEASE DATE: June 8th 2018

RUN TIME 2 Hours 7 Mins

MPAA RATING: R

FAMILY MOVIE SCALE: 3

IMDB SCALE:7.5

DIRECTOR: Ari Aster

MAIN CAST: Toni Collette, Milly Shapiro, Gabriel Byrne

IMDB Summary
After the family matriarch passes away, a grieving family is haunted by tragic and disturbing occurrences, and begin to unravel dark secrets.

MY REVIEW

For the first half hour I was bored to death with the movie, then a event took place and I was engaged totally. After that scary things started to happen and I was tensed up. It would get slow and then scare you half to death. Some parts I thought where over acting and it had to much unnecessary drama. I felt the director or actors was trying to hard to bring emotion into a situation. But when they did that, something would shock you. There was some laughable moments that would kill the scare, but I was pretty much tensed up while watching the movie and especially as it built up to the end. Over all it was a good movie and it reminds of a day when Hollywood did not use big budget special effects to scare you to death because it was more about the story. 

NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY: The Staircase (Episodes 1-8)

RELEASE DATE June 8th 2018

DIRECTOR:  Jean-Xavier de Lestrade

IMDB SUMMARY:
American novelist, Michael Peterson, who was convicted of murdering his wife in 2003, is granted a new trial in 2017.

POSSIBLE SPOLIERS

I have watched the first 8 episodes of the series and I have been back and forth of my opinion, and as of episode 7 I believe he is innocent. While Michael Peterson seems a bit odd, lets remember that he is or was a novelist and a successful one at that. You have to have a imagination to write good novels. I am sure your mind has to go places that we can not imagine except when we are reading novels of great writers. 

I watched as the defense prepped and worked the trial. I truly believe they where working a uphill battle. After the OJ Simpson murder trial in 1995, I feel courtrooms around America made celebrities the enemy, and they felt forced to find celebrities guilty after the OJ Circus with Judge Lance Ito and both sides of the prosecution and defense. I believe OJ was guilty but that was a messed up trial.

And lets be clear, I am not found of  celebrities right now because of what seems to be a strong hatred of President Trump. I really support and like President Trump. But that does not mean that celebrities are all dangerous to the country, maybe some, but not all. We all have strong opinions and dark secrets and fantasies, but that does not make a person a murderer. But that is what the prosecution used to build the case.

I do not believe in the evidence that the prosecution presented, I really thought it was weak, but the judge in my opinion played favoritism to the Prosecution and a wrong verdict was delivered.
In episode 6 "The Prosecution's revenge you started to witness the defense facing the reality  that they where going to lose.

I have only watched the first 8 episodes, so I am not sure how I will feel after I watch the last 5 episodes, when the case is reopened after Michael spent a few years in jail and reaches a plea deal. So watch for part to of this post.

NETFLIX DOCUMENTARY: The Keepers

DATE OF RELEASE: May 19th 2017

RUN TIME: 7 Parts 7 Hours 12 Min

MPAA RATING: TV-MA

NOT FOR FAMILY VIEWING

IMDB SCALE: 10

DIRECTOR: Ryan White

IMDB Summary:
A seven-part docuseries about the unsolved murder of a nun and the horrific secrets and pain that linger nearly five decades after her death.

This Docuseries is not only sad but disturbing to your very soul.This makes the mafia or any organized crime look mild in comparison in what was done to these ladies starting with Sister Cathy.

This is what started all the investigations into the Catholic Church and Diocese of abuse. Cathy Cesnik was murdered back in late 1969. And to this day according to the series, the authorities including Baltimore, Maryland Police, the Justice Department, The FBI, and especially the Catholic Church have unreleased documents on what happened but will not release the information even under the 1967 Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). When you watch each episode you are troubled that any organization could have such power to hide a crime. It is beyond disturbing. The allegations of abuse had to be going on long before Sister Cathy's Murder, but still we have no answers just investigations that go nowhere. When watching this series it makes you hurt, not only for Sister Cathy but for our entire Justice System because you will be able to see and follow what is wrong. 

It is one thing for Law Officials and Civil Authorities to prosecute a case and lose, but to have them completely ignore it is unforgivable, disgusting and a complete disregard of justice that they are sworn to serve and protect.     

MOVIE REVIEW: Underworld Evolution

RELEASE DATE: January 20th 2006

RUN TIME: 1 Hour 46 mins

MPAA RATING: R

FAMILY MOVIE SCALE: 2

IMDB SCALE: 9.5

DIRECTOR: Len Wiseman

MAIN CAST: Kate Beckinsale, Scott Speedman, Bill Nighy

This was one of the best sequels in movie history in that it did not try to make it better then before but continue where it left off from the first movie. Therefore making the history of the movie franchise stronger and richer. it's called Evolution and it did evolve. What I can't understand is why Micheal was such a horrible fighter. He always took a beating and Selene came to the rescue. Yes he did help her a few times but she was the one that got him out of tight spots more then he did her.  They pumped up Micheal as a hero but Selene was clearly a better fighter. But this was a great movie no matter who the better hero was.

MOVIE REVIEW: James Bond: Moonraker

RELEASE DATE: June 29th 1979

RUN TIME: 2 Hour 6 min

MPAA Rating: PG

DIRECTOR: Lewis Gilbert

MAIN CAST: Roger Moore, Lois Chiles, Michael, Lonsdale

IMDB Story Line
James Bond investigates the mid-air theft of a space shuttle, and discovers a plot to commit global genocide.

This is one of my all time favorite Bond movies, it did very well at the box office. The special effects at the time of release where top notch. However if you watch it today with all the recent James Bond, Marvel, Star Wars movies and other big budget movies you might cringe a little. Still Bond delivers a fast paced action movie and saves the world from disaster again. With the concept of using the space shuttles, Bond takes our imagination to the possibility of living in space, not on a planet, but in a totally man made environment. This movie does that in the short term future. I remember seeing this at the theater when it first come out, it was a real treat.

My Theories on The Walking Dead After Rick Grimes

If They do not end The Walking Dead in Season 9 or 10 after Rick Grims and Maggie leaves, here are some thoughts on what could happen.

So in the season 8 finale we find Negan laid up in bed recovering from a slit to his throat from Rick only to have Rick save him. Rick and Michonne then tell him how it's gonna be when he gets better.

Now if Negan somehow escapes and kills Rick, I am sure somehow he will die, Someone will kill him, I am sure of it. But what if he is truly rehabilitated and Dwight kills Rick and Negan Kills Dwight and gains the groups support and they rebuild Alexandria until the next disaster unfolds.

what if Negan dies, Daryl and Maggie take over they leave Alexandria for whatever is next but Michonne makes her exit? I don't see Michonne staying on much longer because Danai Gurira is getting bigger roles in Hollywood and is now a part of the Marvel universe, so who knows what is next for her. And with Rick Gone, her story is over

But wait! Maggie can not be a part of any take over because she is leaving soon. Is it possible that in a crazy plot twist that she would kill Negan after he would kill Rick? Or What if she kills Rick and Negan Kills her then him and Daryl would fight it out to takeover the group.

Because of all these possibilities, I just don't see the show lasting with out Rick Grimes and Maggie Green. While Daryl Dixon is a strong part of the show, I just don't see him as a leader. He is too rebellious. However what if Carol Peletier took over? She could fill all the gaps and after all, she can make decisions that Rick never could. Carol knows how to feed kids cookies and make them look at the flowers. And if a deadly virus breaks out, she will get rid of the sick and burn the bodies

I am not saying it's impossible for the show to go on, but it's going to take real creative story writing to keep it going.

MOVIE REVIEW: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

RELEASE DATE: June 4th 2004

RUN TIME: 2 Hours 22 Min

MPAA Rating PG

FAMILY MOVIE SCALE 10

DIRECTOR: Alfonso Cuaron

MAIN CAST: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint,

IMDB Story Line
It's Harry's third year at Hogwarts; not only does he have a new "Defense Against the Dark Arts" teacher, but there is also trouble brewing. Convicted murderer Sirius Black has escaped the Wizards' Prison and is coming after Harry.

MY REVIEW
The story really starts to get darker, with a accused escaped murder know as Sirius Black, but it gets really twisted and dark by the end of the movie and this is where your really start to wonder what side Professor Snape is on. Harry, Hermione and Ron stay close to each other and start to really depend on themselves and each other as the story gets darker. The big noticeable difference is this is where Michael Gambon takes the role of Albus Dumbledore from the late Richard Harris. I really liked Harris in the role of Dumbledore, But I have to hand it to Gambon for taking it over and making the role his own. I really liked seeing the scary Dementors in full scale action, They where creepy in a awesome way. Also for the first time we seen The Marauders Map. That would be a awesome tool to have when you really want to be nosy. The end of the movie really sets you up for the rest of the movies.

MOVIE REVIEW: Underworld

RELEASE DATE: September 19th 2003

RUN TIME: 2 Hours 1 min

MPAA RATING: R

FAMILY MOVIE SCALE: 2

MY IMDB SCALE 9.5

DIRECTOR: Len Wiseman

MAIN CAST: Kate Beckinsale,  Scott Speedman, Shane Brolly

IMDB STORY LINE:

Selene, a vampire warrior, is entrenched in a conflict between vampires and werewolves, while falling in love with Michael, a human who is sought by werewolves for unknown reasons.

I have seen many Vampire and Werewolf stories and movies, but I really enjoyed this modern age look at the genre. It was set in current time, but it felt like a classic. The dark colors made it feel and look like a classic black and white horror film. It had it's own history which was expanded on in the four sequels. The action and fighting was spectacular. I really liked the history and story line that was created in this movie. There was no good or bad guys, only Selene, you wanted her to win, and you was not sure who was on her side. The war was brutal but almost poetic. It was a great movie to see on the big screen.

MOVIE REVIEW: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

RELEASE DATE: November 15th 2002

RUN TIME: 2 Hours and 41 min

MPAA RATING PG-13

FAMILY MOVIE SCALE: 10

DIRECTOR: Chris Columbus

MAIN CAST: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson

IMDB Story Line

Harry ignores warnings not to return to Hogwarts, only to find the school plagued by a series of mysterious attacks and a strange voice haunting him.

The 2nd installment of the Harry Potter story still finds Harry stuck at the Dursley's trying to get to Hogwarts, and making matters worse for Harry is the House Elf Dobby. But as always his friends find a way to help him. The story starts to go a little dark with the introduction of Draco's Malfoy Father Lucius. year two starts the path to the darker parts of the Harry Potter legacy but still holds on strong to the fantasy of children. Harry learns more then what he is taught in class with the help of Ron and Hermione. Again the Quidditch games takes a detour for a fast pace thrill ride. That was really a treat in 3D Digital sound, The Chamber of Secrets has a few secrets for Harry that he did not know about himself

                                      

MOVIE REVIEW: James Bond: The Living Daylights

RELEASE DATE: July 31st 1987

RUN TIME: 2 Hours 10 Min

MPAA RATING: PG-13

FAMILY MOVIE SCALE: 5

IMDB SCALE: 7.5

DIRECTOR: John Glen

MAIN CAST: Timothy Dalton, Maryam d'Abo, Michael G Wilson

IMDB Story Line
James Bond is living on the edge to stop an evil arms dealer from starting another world war. Bond crosses all seven continents in order to stop the evil Whitaker and General Koskov.

REVIEW
I thought that Timothy Dalton made a great James Bond and really liked his approach to being 007. In my opinion this is where the 007 role started to transition to the 007 we have now in Daniel Craig. Starting with Living Daylights I believe we saw Bond in more believable dangerous situations, it was a bit more intense and less flirting behavior but the leading lady still had a major role to play. I always thought that before Living Day lights there was more of a SY-FY edge. However one of my favorite James Bond films with Pierce Bronsnan crossed that line a major way in "Die Another Day". However the danger was more harsh and believable even in that one. Living Daylights started a new trend in Bond movies but still held on to all the standards of the movies before with the carefree lifestyle and kill anyone when necessary and the gadgets did not disappoint.