list/discuss/rate - your recently watched movies

Archisorcerus wrote: Alien Trespass (US/Canada - 2009): A great homage to the sci-fifties! Definitely a frivolous saturnalia for the fans of the sci-fi of the 50s. 8/10

65 with Adam Driver. An alien (who oddly looks human and speaks English) from 65 million years ago crash lands his spaceship on a dinosaur filled earth. Hmm, yeah right. Anyway Driver is great as always but with this outline the film should be exciting as he, and a cargo passenger recovered from stasis, attempt to get to their escape ship before the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs hits. But it's rather dull. Which is a shame really and a bit of a wasted opportunity. At least it's short - 5/10

Went to the theater for the first time in six years to see the Mario movie. It reaffirmed disinterest in modern cinema. Every film is the same god damn story rehashed over and over again. tbf, this one is a children's film, and it does a phenomenal job at being that, but as a 25 y/o adult... yeah not for me. Also, they used waaayy to much licensed music. I didn't go to the Mario movie to listen to AC/DC or ELO.

If it weren't for the performances from Jack Black and Charlie Day who absolutely added charm to the film and made it worth sitting through, I may have walked out. I genuinely found Jack Black's performance highly entertaining and his whole "jam" scene as Bowser was actually funny (although I rolled my eyes at the adults who laughed at every tiny joke in the film). If I were 3 y/o when this came out, as I was when Shrek came out, I'd probably have liked it just as much I did Shrek when I saw that one in theaters 22 years ago (which is a lot - I still remember the entire film from memory). But all things considered, Ilumination's visuals are stunning and the animation itself is great. Again, a great children's film but not for me. Maybe I should check out some of Jack Black's independent work...

I just wish the plot were more original. Like I haven't seen the whole "underdog saves lifelong partner from certain doom, but he is an outsider and weak, in comes overpowered "strong" woman who becomes his immediate love interest and trains him to save the world, but then he dies, but not really, then he beats evil force in his home world " story a hundred times before. No I'm serious. It's just regurgitated garbage. I've just got to keep remembering it's a children's film so there's really only so much that can be done with the plot. But then again every film I've seen lately, the majority of which are not "children's" films have more or less this rehashed plot. So boring.

Up next, 1982's Heavy Metal. I have one dose of edibles left. I'm gonna get baked and watch the thing. As Don Felder said once live: "If you can remember the movie, you weren't high enough." I'll take on that challenge Mr. Felder. Pr was or Joe Walsh who said that? Eh whatever. It's next :)

Edited by bardberic - April 22 2023 at 01:23

Saw Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Quite dark and disturbing learning of Rocket's past. Special effects were good. Best part for me was when they were listening to music and Adam Warlok said he enjoyed Adrian Belew's solo work and his work in King Crimson.

Marionette (Netherlands/Luxembourg/UK - 2020): A very good European mystery/thriller. Really dramatic. The storyline is made convincing with great directing and acting. 8.5/10

Aguirre, the Wrath Of God (1972) (9.5/10)

The Infernal Machine 2022

Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves - An enjoyable fantasy romp with Chris Pine and Michelle Rodriguez. This must have been a blast to make and it shows with the actors attitudes. Some really funny moments lift it from the normal and enough adventure and thrills to distract from the obvious CGI. I really enjoyed it 8.5/10

Dark Star - John Carpenter's debut is rough around the edges but entertaining enough sci-fi comedy and partial spoof of Kubrick's 2001 (and maybe Dr.Strangelove as well).