Reviews by BAMF

I never really wanted to see this one. I hate Will Ferrell and this just didn't garner any interest for me. It does have a pleasant cast otherwise with the likes of Diego Luna, Genesis Rodriguez, Efren Ramirez, and Gael Garcia Bernal.

It is quite obvious a parody of telenovelas and low budget Mexican cinema. It starts off with some Spanish music and a narrator announcing it will be a Mexican film due to this. I did like the Christina Aguilera James Bondy theme song. That was kind of funny. Most of it just tries way too hard to be funny though. It ends up coming up way too short of that. Sure I snickered a few times, but it was more due to stupidity than anything else. It had a few moments of violence I had not expected to see which were probably the only interesting thing here. The twists come out of nowhere and are just ludicrous. I didn't care to stay and watch the end credits scene with Will Ferrell singing.

The performances other than Ferrell (who as bland as expected) were quite good though and humorous. I particularly enjoyed newcomer at the time Genesis Rodriguez as well as the more seasoned Diego Luna and Gael Garcia Bernal.

This is Matt Piedmont's only film and I can see why. This guy shouldn't be making feature length films. Andrew Steele hasn't done too much other than this. Eva Maria Peters is credited for dubbing dialogue which I had no idea was a thing. I am unfamiliar with her other work. It seemed they just tried to hard to make a parody funny and ended up falling flat on their faces.

I really didn't like this film. It just wasn't the kind of humor I agree with. I think it was already killed for me when it was a cast driven by Will Ferrell. If you like Will Ferrell and appreciate the humor then by all means go for it. If otherwise I would recommend avoiding this one.

Initial Thought: I haven't seen this part of the series. I only ever watched the sequels because I had long since lost interest in boxing when MMA came around. I figured I should check this out though. I mean the actors are quite good at least.

Characters/Acting: Ving Rhames was the original George Chambers before Michael Jai White took over in part two. As a boxer yeah he is a great choice, but I can see why they went with Michael for the MMA sequels. Wesley Snipes plays the rival and whenever he is in a movie you get a feeling it's going to be fun. Michael Rooker is even here which is an awesomeness of it's own. It just has a plethora of great actors. The performances are pretty good. They really made George so unlikeable here. I really couldn't find a reason to root for him. He was cocky, picking fights, rude, and overall more unpleasant than the prisoners. I was rooting for Monroe the whole time. He wasn't necessarily a good person, but his persona was way better than Iceman.

Story: A boxing champion gets sent to prison after being accused of rape. A gang leader and resident champion decides to set up a boxing match to determine who is truly the best. It kind of drags a bit throughout. It kind of felt more like a 90s film than 2002. The fight was pretty much the best thing of the movie. Nothing else really matters. Not even the whole reason he is in there seems to get resolved. Anyways I kind of liked the ending.

Directing/Writing: Walter Hill takes on the role of co-writer as well as director. As a writer he has done Aliens, Aliens 3, and The Warriors all of which I highly enjoyed. As a director The Warriors of course was awesome, but Bullet to the Head didn't do much for me. David Giler the other writer here also helped write Aliens and Aliens 3. With all that in mind I'm sure this will be pretty awesome.

Final Thought: This wasn't bad. For the most part though I was kind of bored. It isn't on the same level as the sequels. I probably wouldn't watch this one again. I definitely recommend the sequels though. They are much more intense and fun.

Initial Thought: I have been pondering the idea of this movie for several years. I still to do this day hear about it or see it on lists. So finally I decided to check it out. To hear that this is improvised should make for a truly different experience for this kind of film.

Characters/Acting: Most of the actors here weren't actors at the time and even go by the first names in the movie. Among them the only ones I definitely recognize are Alex Frost and John Robinson. The acting is fairly decent given that most of the people here aren't actors. I like that it shows more people are bullied rather than just the shooters. It just shows that some people aren't as influenced by society and have a higher tolerance than others. Some of the characters reactions to things were pretty awful. One guy gets shot and the teacher acts like he must be playing! I mean up until the shooting the performances weren't bad and then bam you suddenly have some shoddy performances. Also why do we have a random named character that pops up ten minutes before it's over? He has no value to the story. He doesn't leave the school and ends up trying to sneak up on of the shooters to immediately get shot. This is literally all he does. I felt some characters really didn't add much to the story. Then again you can't make everyone be a fleshed out character. I wondered what happen to a few characters who had unseen fates. I'm sure it's obvious, but I still kind of wondered.

Story: We see a typical day in a high school. The only thing is that this day will end up going extremely downhill for the students. I have to say this will be a truly heavy watch. This kind of reminds me of a movie called 2:37 where we get to learn about multiple characters and seem some of the same interactions happen from different perspectives. This incorporates the reasoning behind such actions as being the effect of bullying and violent video games. There are a few continuity errors like a seen without a couch suddenly has one moments later. A few things here didn't make a whole lot of sense. People get shot with only exit wounds and not entries. It looks very odd given how much blood is seen. The guns also sound odd and seem to shoot without a flash at some points. Some of this reminds me of a two part episode of Degrassi. The ending was a bit unexpected and then it just goes all ambiguous on you.

Directing/Writing: Gus Van Sant takes this subject head on as the director and writer. I am quite familiar with him as I've enjoyed Good Will Hunting, Milk, and Promised Land. He did however piss me off with that horrible Psycho remake. It tries to be an arthouse approach to a difficult subject. The script is good. The issue is with the effects and make up. If you are going to do a film like this you have to make sure everything isn't going to look or sound awful. It pretty much takes the heaviness away. I sure do hope that the "actors" are the ones who chose their reactions and not what the script asked for. If otherwise shame on you Gus Van Sant.

Final Thought: This is a pretty controversial topic. While the subject here is heavy I didn't think it was executed as well as it could have been. It has quite a few errors throughout. I'm sure if they ironed the whole thing out it could have been amazing. For the subject dealt with I can see why it's been a popular film. The way everything is executed is so poor though. I honestly didn't think it was all that good. It was a huge disappointment. To think this won at Cannes is unbelievable. I don't recommend this at all.

Initial Thought: Now to get the unpleasantness of the previous movie out of my mind I chose this. Who doesn't love a good foodie film. Plus the goddess Helen Mirren is in this.

Characters/Acting: When Helen Mirren is involved nothing else really matters to me haha. The only other familiar face here is Rohan Chand. The acting is quite good. French accents are incroyable (incredible in English). The characters are all interesting. Manish Dayal looks like an Indian version of a few different American actors one being Adrian Grenier. Of course I still found Helen Mirren to be the scene stealer. I'm biased whatever.

Story: It's about an Indian family who moves to France across from a popular French Restaurant and opens their own style of restaurant. I didn't expect this to start the way it did, but it definitely pulls you in. It's kind of like the Romeo & Juliet of restaurant rivalry. The food visuals are amazing and just mouth watering. The ending was alright albeit kind of predictable.

Directing/Writing: This is based off of a book by Richard C. Morais. I'm not familiar with him and it seems to be his only work of note here. Steven Knight has written quite a few well known movies some great and some not. The only other work I have seen of his was Redemption with Jason Statham. Lasse Hallstrom is quite a well known director of which I have only seen Hachiko, Safe Haven, Dear John, and What's Eating Gilbert Grape. All of which are quite good films. I have a feeling I will be far from disappointed.

Final Thought: This was a beautiful foodie film for the whole family. It was interesting to see the various ways of cooking. It's definitely worth a watch if you haven't seen it. Watch it on a full stomach though or you will be wishing you had.

Initial Thought: I don't know why I have waited so long to watch this. All I've heard have been quite promising. Also it's foreign so I expect it shall be quite intense.

Characters/Acting: Xavier Samuel is the biggest star for me here. I also kind of recognize the crazy girl. That family was absolutely, pardon my French, fucked up! I swear that girl needs some serious help. The only character I liked was the goth chick. The performances from all were quite top notch except the friend who didn't do much.

Story: The psycho classmate Lola decides to get brutal revenge on Brent who turned her down for prom. It's crazy how we here a beautiful song in a horror movie and then it becomes one of those songs you whenever you hear it makes you uneasy. This has one of those. The gore isn't too often, but when it does it gets quite messy. The friend's story seems a slight bit of out place with the rest of the movie. There are a few really good twists you don't see coming. I thought the ending was quite badass.

Directing/Writing: Sean Byrne is mostly known for short films I haven't seen. He takes on the role of director and writer for his feature length film debut. For some reason he hasn't done a film since this one.

Final Thought: This was a brutal film. It wasn't too excessive with it though. There were a few moments where you go "Wtf is that even possible?". All in all though it was rather enjoyable and unique. If you haven't seen this one yet do so. It's something else though and not for the squeamish of course.

Initial Thought: I was so taken by the feature length film that I had to go back and watch the original.

Characters/Acting: Keith Stanfield is the only actor who is in both. This does have a few other familiar faces like Brad William Henke and Adam Shapiro. The gender roles seem to be reversed for the two main supervisors. Sammy isn't the Sammy from the feature length. In fact his character here is more similar to Luis.

Story: A look at the foster home care system. The set up here is a bit different than the newer version. People are introduced differently as well. A few scenes are mirrored almost the exact same way except shot differently of course. The ending kind of leaves you guessing.

Directing/Writing: After seeing Destin Cretton's feature length version of this I was immediately curious how it all started.

Final Thought: Well that was different. It was quite gloomy and not really anything lightens up the mood. I would have liked more closure about a few things. I guess that's why Cretton remade it as a feature length to flesh it out more. It was still good. It just wasn't what I was expecting.

Initial Thought: This has been on my list for quite awhile. I'm not sure why I haven't watched it just yet. Anyways I've already wasted enough time as it is.

Characters/Acting: There is some young talent in this that are just incredible or fun to watch. The characters are so well written and complex. The performances were so powerful. You wouldn't think some of these kids have barely acted before this. I would say Marcus was my favorite though from everyone.

Story: This is set from the perspective of a supervisor at an at risk foster care home. Things begin to change when there is a new intake that comes when said supervisor begins to struggle with past and future. It starts off like a normal day at the office. The only thing is a normal day at the office here wouldn't be what you think working any other place. This is such a dark yet interesting look behind the scenes of what goes in within foster homes. Despite the serious subject matter dealt with here there are quite a few moments that have a lighter side of the spectrum. This had such a beautiful ending.

Directing/Writing: I haven't seen any of Destin Cretton's other work. This is a feature length version of his short he made from 2008. Destin is quite the storyteller. He puts you in a roller coaster of emotions. You love and hate him for it. This is what new directors should aspire to be like.

Final Thought: That was a really intense and gripping story. I was simply amazed by everything that happened throughout this movie. I could not take my eyes away from the screen. If you haven't seen this yet you really should. There is not a dull moment or performance to be seen.

Initial Thought: I saw the trailer for this quite awhile back. Then it was at a festival in the theater I work at. Finally I have the chance to check it out. It seems to be a different kind of inspirational movie than the sports ones I watched lately.

Characters/Acting: This time George Lopez takes on the role as the teacher who wants to make an interesting difference. We are also accompanied by some other great actors including Marisa Tomei, Alexa Vega, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Esai Morales. The acting here is just incredible especially from the lesser known actors. All the characters were great and unique.

Story: A new teacher takes on a robotics club with a small group of students. They then have to rise up to the challenge albeit having no prior experience. It does seem to take quite a different approach to the usual inspirational film. Wow this movie really takes a toll on your emotions. So many sides stories that happen here are just heartbreaking. The ending was quite good and kind of makes you chuckle.

Directing/Writing: Apparently this is based on an article (of all things) written by Joshua Davis. This is Elissa Matsueda's only credited written work so far. Sean McNamara usually directs movies aimed at young women like Soul Surfer, Raise Your Voice, and Bratz. Two of which I admit to seeing because I don't care. It's nice to see him changing it up a bit.

Final Thought: It was quite different than your typical inspirational film. It kind of made me think of my wife and how she can't get here until the government approves her. It's so hard being away from her so I really connect with some of these characters. To think this was all based off of a magazine article is an interesting thing to make a true story from. I suggest checking this one out.

Initial Thought: Here we have another culture clashing inspirational sports movie. The trailers looked fairly decent. I guess I must be in the mood for these right now. This is another Disney one as well.

Characters/Acting: This time Kevin Costner leads the group to victory. His character seems to stereotype in this though. I find all the characters here to be quite interesting. I need someone in my life like Jim White to push me past the limits I have. Danny's character kind of inspires me as I feel the same way he does. I just wish I had the drive he does. One thing I had an issue with is that Carlos Pratts is 28 years old playing a young teenager. He looks his age and it's hard to take him seriously as anything less. Other than that I really think him and the rest of the cast are incredible.

Story: A coach teaches a group of athletes how to become cross country champions. Ah this is one of those sports movies that deals somewhat with gang violence. I thought at times it reminded me of Unbroken with the Olympics part of that story. There are some great moments throughout the entire thing. The ending was excellent. I liked seeing the real runners and coach at the very end. It was also intriguing to learn about their lives after running. This story was truly incredible and inspirational. It may have been somewhat cliche, but really when it's based on a true story there isn't much you can do about that.

Directing/Writing: The director here Niki Caro also wrote and directed Whale Rider which was an amazing film. This took three writers to make. One of the writers Christopher Cleveland also did Glory Road which was pretty good. Bettina Gilois also worked on Glory Road. This is Grant Thompson's writing debut.

Final Thought: It does have it's cliches as usual for this kind of thing. I do wish for once that things are really good from the get go and maybe something happens later that changes things until the resolve. I thought this was a pretty touching film. It probably gave me the boost I needed to get myself pushing towards my goals. This film truly inspires you to want to do better. I absolutely loved it and definitely recommend it.

Initial Thought: When I heard this was being made I was so upset. They found a way to keep Lin Shaye in the series yet again. I will hope this is the last movie or at least the last time we see that obnoxious actress again. Other than that it doesn't look amazing, but hey when you are invited for free there can be no complaints.

Characters/Acting: Specs and Tucker return of course and since this is a prequel so does Elise unfortunately. Dermot Mulroney is an awesome new addition though. I swear Stefanie Scott looks just like Emily VanCamp. The little brother doesn't get much notice here. For someone who isn't afraid Elise is very jump. The designs of the ghosts were pretty awesome specifically the faceless woman. What was the point of the son. He was literally in only three scenes and did like one thing just to have a reason to introduce Specs and Tucker.

Story: This is a prequel to the first Insidious. It's basically an origin story for Elise (sighs). James Wan's scene kind of seems to mirror him casting for movies. I'm sure he is nicer than the character he plays though who can tell. Okay this is pretty intense and has some great jump scares throughout. The ending was a bit silly.

Directing/Writing: Leigh Whannell takes on the role of writer and director here with James Wan making a cameo as an actor. This is his directorial debut. He has on the other hand written several of James Wan's films including the first three Saw films, the short Saw film, Dead Silence, and the first two Insidious films. As a writer I find him to be pretty good.

Final Thought: For the most part the scares and story was pretty good. The only real problem I had was all the Elise stuff which is practically the whole movie. She is just not all that interesting to me. Besides her I kind of enjoyed this one. The scares, the ghosts, and the other cast were worth it. I'm sure though if you like these movies and Elise this will strike your fancy.