Tom & Jerry Review

 

Tom & Jerry is a live-action/computer animated slapstick comedy based on the iconic cartoons characters of the same name. The movie is produced by Warner Animation Group, Turner Entertainment Co., and The Story Company and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. Tom & Jerry is written by Kevin Costello and directed by Tim Story.

The story is after getting kicked out of their home Tom & Jerry have decided to go their separate ways. Sometime later we see that Jerry has taken residents in a hotel and has been causing trouble for the staff, who are already stressed out because they're helping prepare for the biggest wedding of the century. Soon Tom is hired by the hotel to put a stop to Jerry's mischief. But it seems they may have to put their rivalry aside for a moment when they under cover a conspiracy involving the hotel manager.

Initial Reaction

At first I was debating with myself if I should see/review this movie. Not because I don't like Tom & Jerry I just wasn't all that interested in seeing a movie about them. Hell, I don't even pay any attention to their direct-to-video movies I see on the shelves at either Family Video (which is sadly no longer in Ohio) or at Walmart. It also didn't help that their last theatrical movie to put it lightly wasn't very good. But after sometime I decided to give the movie a shot.

Cons

My real issue with the movie is there really didn't seem to be a balance between Tom & Jerry and the human characters. It almost felt like at one point we had more focus on the human characters than Tom & Jerry and vice versa.

Middle Ground

Speaking of the human characters how are they you might be asking? I think they're fine. Seriously they're okay. I didn't have reasons to fully hate them nor did I have reasons to fully love them. Another mix bag was the song choices. Some scenes where there's a song playing in the background I kind of enjoyed. Then there are other times were it was just odd not bad just weird. Like the end credit song is a rap number...okay I guess.

Pros

One thing I'll give the movie credit for is it's humor. Sure there are some jokes that don't work but for a good portion of the film I found myself laughing. It also helps that unlike the 1992 film we get to see Tom & Jerry's slapstick at work. Another thing to like about the movie is the animation. It's not only very colorful but it's also moves very smoothly. It's very easy on the eyes as well. I should also give them credit for going the animated route with this movie because if they had got full blown live-action I don't think those scene where Tom and Jerry are beating each other up would've gotten a positive feedback. The last thing I'll give Tom & Jerry credit for is I felt as though the filmmakers did a good job doing this hybrid style. No it's not going to be considered an achievement in film like it was with Who Framed Roger Rabbit but they did a fantastic job mashing these two things (animation & live-action) together.

Tom & Jerry isn't a movie that I think should be getting all of the negative press that it's getting. It's just an okay movie and by the end of the day I think that's what we all want if the film isn't 100% amazing. The movie has a good jokes, nice animation, and the hybrid between animation and live-action worked. Some of the songs choices were odd and the human characters are decent at best. The only real issue I had with Tom & Jerry was there really didn't seem to be balance between them and the human characters all that much.

My final rating is Okay.

So yeah, if you're curious about this movie sure watch it. But you don't have to see it right away. Anyhow, that's going to do it for me. Come back on Thursday, March 4th for my A Look Back at review of 1988's Coming to America. Until then enjoy the rest of your day.

A Look Back at Tom & Jerry: The Movie (1992)

 

With the newest Tom & Jerry movie right around the corner I figured I'd review their first theatrical release movie. Sadly, it's not a good first attempt.

Tom and Jerry: The Movie is a 1992 animated musical comedy based on the classic cartoon characters Tom and Jerry. The movie was produced by Turner Entertainment, Live Entertainment, WMG Film, and Film Roman and distributed by Miramax Films. Tom and Jerry: The Movie was written by Dennis Marks and directed by Phil Roman.

The story is things are not looking good for Tom and Jerry. Not only did Tom get left behind by his owners during yet another fight with Jerry but just to make matters worse the house they were living in has been demolished, and now they're both homeless. However they have to put their problems aside to help a little named Robyn and help put a stop to her greedy guardian Pristine Figg and her lawyer Lickboot.

• Negatives

Now let's get the biggest negative out of the way and that's Tom and Jerry talk. Yes, the most iconic silent duo in the history of animation are talking. And I'm talking about like in one of the cartoon shorts where they'll speak only once for a joke no, I'm saying they're speaking in full blown sentences. Why? Why did the filmmakers make this decision? Another issue I take with that is I don't the voice actors they got for Tom & Jerry fit their characters. No I'm not quite sure how I would think a voice for Tom would go but it's not the one that Richard Kind provided. The worst of it is definitely Dana Hill as Jerry. Jerry just sounds WAY TOO YOUNG. Almost like he's no older than I want to say seven.

Another issue with the film is the story mainly focuses on the character of Robyn. She's the real main star of this whole. Sure Tom & Jerry are in this but they're just there. Which is kind of hilarious. Tom & Jerry are guest stars in their own movie.

Speaking of the story it rips off Disney's 1977 film The Rescuers. No for real other than a couple of differences they stole the basic plot. Two animal characters help a little girl put a stop to her greedy aunt's plans to get the money. That's what this movie did folks. It ripped off an underrated Disney film.

What also made this movie bad were the songs. There very forgettable. I mean it when I say after the movie was over I couldn't remember a single song from it. It also doesn't help they come right out of no where. A character would go to speak like a normal person and then BOOM! You're in a musical now!

Now to discuss the villains in the movie...they suck. They're very bland and uninspired, they're whole thing is I'm greedy and I want money. That's it. We get nothing else out of them other than greedy. Not too mention they also have weird names. Aunt "Figg", Mr. "Lickboot", and Dr. "Applecheek".

• Mix

One mix bag is the animation. It is nice enough but I think the filmmakers should've been giving more money that way the animation truly has a cinematic style to it.

• Positives

The only positive I will give the movie is the scenes that are just down right insane. I mean get a load of this GIF I made from a scene where Dr. Applecheek (I will still never get over how odd that name sounds) when he's just simply getting an ice cream cart to ride that way he's part of the chase,

What is with that creepy face?! (🤣). And there are other moments that can be perfectly labeled with WTF. So hey, gotta the film credit for that. At least we'll have some form of entertainment from it.

Tom & Jerry: The Movie is bad. It has no reason for Tom & Jerry to talk, Tom & Jerry aren't the main characters of the movie Robyn is, the story rips off The Rescuers, the musical numbers not only come out of nowhere but are just filler, and our villains are as one-dimensional as they get. The animation is okay. Really they only thing that's saving this movie from me giving my lowest rating is those bizzare and yet somehow entertaining moments.

My final rating is Bad.

So that's all for me. Come back on Saturday, Feb 27th for my review of Tom & Jerry. I'm hoping that that movie will be far better than this one. Until then enjoy the rest of your day.

Seriously, Figg, Lickboot, and Applecheek what kind of names are those?

A Look Back at Close Enough - Season 1

With season two of this show arriving in three days I once again do what I've done with previous shows and that's review the last season.

Close Enough is a adult animated comedy. The show is produced by Cartoon Network Studios and is distributed by WarnerMedia Direct. Close Enough is created by J.G. Quintel.

The story is a young couple named Josh and Emily along with their five year old daughter Candice live in a Los Angeles duplex with their friends who were once married to each other but are now divorced. All of them try to live normal lives but what seems to be a normal day turns into an absolutely crazy adventure in very odd and sci-fi like ways.

• Negatives

I've got nothing to say. Let's move on.

• Mix

Now as for the characters I like them but this season didn't make me fall in love them like Quintel's previous show Regular Show. To be fair this is only the first season so I imagine that'll change when season two comes out. But overall you'll like the characters.

• Positives

One positive thing I'll say about this show is and this is best aspect is how they handle Josh and Emily figure how to handle their current situation. What I mean by that is their both have to adjust to the fact that they've gone from their wild and crazy 20 something days to now being 30 and raising a their five year old daughter. It's something that a lot of people can relate to, in matter of fact I've read and watch people say how they can relate to this part of the show the most.

Another thing that's great about Close Enough is the voice actors. Most like Regular Show Quintel has a great cast. I really enjoyed the voices that everyone gave the characters. No voice sounds like it's gonna get on your nervous or gonna say the actor is doing a bad job.

What I also came to love the show is the humor. Now the show is like Regular Show where things go from normal to insanity. Which isn't a bad thing because it really works for this show. Only this time where as with Regular Show J.G. Quintel really couldn't do anything adult like because that show was airing on Cartoon Network but since this one is airing on HBO Max Quintel takes full advantage and tells whatever adult joke or situation he wants to. And it works, they were plenty of times where I chuckling, laughing, or I laughed really loud.

The last thing I'll give Close Enough credit for is the animation. I'll keep this part short and sweet. Basically if you liked the way Regular Show was drawn and animated then you'll like the way Close Enough is drawn and animated.

Close Enough is a very good show that I'm so happy that HBO Max picked up and I'm even happier that season two is so close by. It was a great theme of transitioning from your 20s to being in your 30s, great voice work from the cast, good humor, and it's animated nicely. Although while I do like the characters I've haven't gone to love them not yet anyhow but I imagine that'll change when more episodes are released.

My final rating is Great.

Okay everyone that's going to do it for me. Come back on Thursday, Feb 25th for my A Look Back At review of 1992's Tom & Jerry: The Movie. Until then enjoy the rest of your day.

I Care a Lot Review

 

I Care a Lot is a dark comedy thriller movie. The film is produced by STXfilms, Black Bear Pictures, and Crimple Beck and distributed by Netflix. I Care a Lot is written and directed by J Blakeson.

The story is a woman named Marla Grayson makes her living stealing from the elderly by having judges make her their "legal guardian". One day it seems like her routine is going to be a normal way until it turns out to be very different. You see, her latest victim has ties to a very powerful gangster. Now Marla must find a way out of this situation.

Initial Reaction

Now the sole reason I wanted to see this movie was because it's a black comedy (or dark comedy same difference really) and well I love dark humor. I mean look at the some of the movies I reviewed. Black Sheep and Tucker & Dale vs. Evil are two films that can fall into that category.

Cons

One huge issue with the movie is everything that happens to our main characters (Marla and Fran) comes from convenience. I mean it these have to be the luckiest villains ever! For instance not one but two mob assassins try to kill them and they're professionals mind you but I guess when it came to these two their skills just suck now. And stuff like that just keeps happening, sure with movies you gotta suspend your disbelief but you can only do that for so long. Another issue that came is when the film started to want us to view Marla as the hero. Yeah no. This character abuses the elderly and drains them of their money. Just because the mob are now after her and making her life a living hell that doesn't mean I'm gonna feel sympathy for her. Hell you can't even put her into the anti-hero category because she's not doing bad things for a good reason, her reason is I want to be super duper rich. So trying to make me feel bad for her doesn't work because by the end of the day she's still an awful person. The last thing I'll criticize I Care a Lot is the ending. Throughout the entirety of the movie you want to see Marla get her comeuppance but the way they went about was very unsatisfying. Because Marla didn't really lose anything at the end. Her employees don't hate her, there's no protest demanding her to be put on death row, she doesn't lose all of the money she gained, and her reputation isn't destroyed. She essentially got away with every crime she committed.

Middle Ground

Now there are bits of humor spread in this dark comedy and they're fine. And that's the best way to describe the humor. It'll get you a good chuckle and I think that'll work.

Pros

One positive I'll give the movie is Rosamund Pike's performance. She was really great in this, in matter of fact her performance is the only REAL highlight of the entire movie. Another thing I'll give it credit for is despite the story the filmmakers did do a good job making Marla Grayson a good villain. She's the type of character that you'll just hate. Not love to hate you'll just despise this lady. The last thing I'll give I Care a Lot credit for is J Blakeson's directing. He directed a nicely crafted movie even if the writing was bad.

I Care a Lot is a huge letdown. It started off promising enough but soon things just go down hill. What with our main characters not being the smarts of the bunch it's just things are convenient for them or everyone else is kind of dumb, the movie doesn't make us feel for Marla because no matter what she's terrible, and the ending is blows. Humor is alright. The only saving graces were Rosamund Pike's acting, the fact that Marla is actually good villain, and Blakeson's directing isn't bad. But sadly those good to mix things can't save the movie's awful story.

My final rating is Bad.

So that's all for me. Come back on Monday, Feb 22nd for A Look Back at review of season one of Close Enough. Until then enjoy the rest of your day.

Looking Back at the Films of 2020 Part 2 - The Invisible Man & Guns Akimbo

 

Welcome back to another edition of Looking Back at the Films of 2020. Today's movies I'll be giving my thoughts on are The Invisible Man and Guns Akimbo. Let's begin.

Why Didn't I See The Invisible Man?

Now I really wanted to see The Invisible Man especially after watching Leigh Whannell's previous movie before this, Upgrade. But just my luck my theater didn't have a showing and it would've been pointless to make a review because the time it was shown in my theater it was way past it's initial release date.

What is The Invisible Man?

The Invisible Man is a sci-fi horror film loosely based on H.G. Wells' 1897 novel of the same name. The movie was produced by Universal Pictures, Blumhouse Productions, Goalpost Pictures, and Nervous Tick Productions and distributed by Universal Pictures. The Invisible Man was written and directed by Leigh Whannell. The story is a woman named Cecilia Kass is stuck in a abusive relationship with her boyfriend. One day she just couldn't take it anymore and leaves him, then she hears the news that he committed suicide and believes she's finally free. However a series of events starts happening to her all related to her former boyfriend. Is she just going insane or is he back from beyond the grave?

My Thoughts

The Good: One thing to praise the film for is Elisabeth Moss' performance. She hit it right out of the park with this. Not only did she do a fantastic job with the scenes of her acting like an abusive victim but during a good portion of the film she also did a great job acting like a woman who's possibly losing her sanity. Speaking of the whole abuse thing, I really think Leigh did a good with that. Because he not only touched upon the physically aspect but also the verbally and manipulative side as well. And what that can do to a person mentally. Another thing that made the movie a must watch was how it's a good modernization of the classic Invisible Man story. It's almost the same thing but instead of taking place wherever the book does (I forgot to look that up my bad) it's in 2020. The final thing I'll praise the movie and its it's best aspect of all of them is the suspense. I'm not over exaggerating when I said this movie was nerve wracking. Because throughout the movie you're trying to figure where he is to the point where you're being quiet just so maybe you can hear him coming. And what that part of the movie so great was no only did the filmmakers avoid jump scares but Whannell kept tricking you and/or make you second guess because he was also toying with what direction the camera is pointing at.

The Bad: I've got nothing for this one.

The Okay: Nothing to say here.

Final Verdict: A Must Watch.

Why Didn't I See Guns Akimbo?

The reason why I didn't get to see Guns Akimbo was because by the time I discovered this it was far too late to make a review. This movie came in Feb but I didn't discover it until later on in May. And I was disappointed in myself because just by going off the trailer it seemed like it was going to be a very fun movie.

What is Guns Akimbo?

Guns Akimbo is a New Zealand action comedy movie. The film was produced by Occupant Entertainment, Four Knights Film, Maze Pictures, Cutting Edge, The Electric Shadow Company, Umedia, Ingenious Media, WS Fimproduktion, Deutscher Filmforderfonds, FilmFernsehFonds Bayern, and Hyperion Entertainment and New Zealand Film Commission and distributed by Madman Entertainment. Guns Akimbo was written and directed by Jason Lei Howden. The story is Miles Lee Harris was just an ordinary computer programmer. One day he was doing his usual hobby of trolling people online but this time there is a price to pay. Miles insulted a group called Skizam, an organization that turns murder into entertainment. They force him to play their game by bolting two guns to both of his hands. Now Miles must fight to survive.

My Thoughts

The Good: One thing I liked about the movie was Daniel Radcliffe's acting. He really made the character of Miles a pretty cool guy, and those moments where you feel sorry for his character I thought he did great with that as well. Another thing I loved was the dark humor. I wasn't expecting to laugh as much as I did but I thought that was. I think my favorite moment was when a henchmen tried to attack Miles with a spork. Remember, Miles has guns bolted to his hand. What also made that movie a fun watch was the action. The action for this was crazy, bloody, gory, over the top, and I loved every bit of it. Seriously, other than Radcliffe's performance the action is probably one of the best things about Guns Akimbo. The last thing I'll give the movie credit for is James Lei Howden's directing. I don't know if he directed anything before this but whatever he comes up with next I'll give it a watch. Because I kind of liked his style. It's dark, grungy, and it's got an edge to it.  

The Bad: I got nothing.

The Okay: One of the two grey areas I had with this movie is the villain Riktor. He's fine. He's definitely got the psychopath thing going on but he really needed more of a story attached to him. Sure he has history with one of the characters but it still felt like maybe a tiny bit more could've been put to him. The other mix bag was the character of Nix. She's 50/50 in my opinion, on one hand she's a decent character on other she can get pretty annoying.

Final Verdict: Good.

Okay everyone. I'm all done here. Come back on Saturday, Feb 20th for my review of the new Netflix movie, I Care a Lot. Until then enjoy the rest of your day.

Judas and the Black Messiah Review

 

Judas and the Black Messiah is a biographical drama movie. The film is produced by MACRO, Participant, and Bron Creative and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. Judas and the Black Messiah is written by Shaka King, Will Berson, Kenny Lucas, and Keith Lucas and directed by Shaka King.

The story is it's the late 1960's and criminal William O'Neal (aka Bill) has yet again been captured by the cops. However, William gets a surprise when the FBI gives him an assignment. They want him to join the Black Panther Party and give them information on not only the group but their chairman, Fred Hampton.

Initial Reaction

Now at first I had no intention of seeing and/or reviewing this movie. But after doing some thinking I decided to give it a shot. I'm mean I'm always willing to watch movies that aren't related to superheroes or any other form of comic book movies.

Cons

My only real complaint is there really didn't seem like a balance between Bill's story and Fred's story. A matter of fact it's almost feels more like a Fred Hampton's movie, which is weird because I do believe the marketing was centered around Bill.

Middle Ground

I've got nothing to say. Let's move on.

Pros

One thing to praise the film for is the performances from Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanfield. They were both spectacular in this whether they were on their own, sharing a scene together, delivering their lines, or having to go by body language. Another thing to praise the film for is Shaka King's directing. Now I am not familiar with his work but after watching this movie I do want to go back and see what else he did. What I also liked about Judas and the Black Messiah the pacing. This is 2 hours and 6 minutes long and yet, it didn't really feel that way. For a majority of the film it just goes by. What also made this a great film was the cinematography. Not only was nicely done but it really made the film look and feel like we were in the late 60s. The last thing I'll give the movie credit for is how intense it is. And that's what I think is the best way to describe the movie intense.

Judas and the Black Messiah is pretty good. Kaluuya and Lakeith give amazing performances, King did a fantastic job directing, the pacing was on point for a good portion of the film, the cinematography was good, and I really liked the intensity of it all. My only real issue is there really should've been a balance between Bill and Fred.

My final rating is Great

Okay everyone I'm all done here. Come back on Thursday, Jan 18th for part two of Looking Back at the Films of 2020. Until then enjoy the rest of your day.

Willy's Wonderland Review

 

Willy's Wonderland is an action horror comedy movie. The film is produced by Saturn Films, JD Entertainment, Landafar Entertainment, Landmark Studio Group, and Foresight Unlimited and distributed by Screen Media Films. Willy's Wonderland is written by G.O. Parsons and directed by Kevin Lewis.

The story is a quiet drifter's car breaks down in the remote town of Hayesville, Nevada. The drifter agrees to take a job as a night-shift janitor for the once successful Willy's Wonderland. Night comes and everything seems normal until the animatronics start trying to kill him. Now it's a fight for survival until the sun rises.

Initial Reaction

At first I was going to skip out on this movie because at that time all I saw was the title, then my mind changed when I heard Nicolas Cage was going to star in it, then my I was fully on board on seeing this when I read the synopsis. Then my excitement grew to another level I can't even describe when the trailer was released. After watching that it looks like this was going to be an insane movie and I was all for that.

Cons

My only real complaint is the stupid decisions the teenagers make. I know I should've expected that given this is a B-movie but come on, when you're fully aware that the animatronics are out to kill people it's best NOT to split and it's also a good idea NOT to go have sex.

Middle Ground

The only mix bag for me was the supporting characters. Now characters such as Liv and Sheriff Lund I thought they had a good bit of backstory to them. Everyone else either ranged from okay to you don't care.

Pros

Now to talk about the main selling point that being Nicolas Cage. I gotta say for someone who doesn't say anything in this Cage did a really good job. He really had to go by facial expressions and body language and I thought he did. Sure I can understand people wanting him to say something insane or go over the top but, that would've ruined the "silent drifter" thing the filmmakers were going for. Another thing I liked about it was the action. You truly get pumped up and are waiting in anticipation for Cage to beat the ever living sh*t outta Willy and his band. What also makes Willy's Wonderland were the practical effects. The crew that did them did a fantastic job with everything. From character designs, to when machines get ripped apart, to when humans get killed. It was a nice thing for this movie to have and I'm thankful they went that route as suppose to make everything CGI. The last thing I'll give the film credit for is it's use of humor. I mean I was expecting a couple of laughs here and there but, there's a lot of humourous moments throughout the whole movie. I loved the running gag they had where after Cage kills one of the animatronics he just goes right back to cleaning like nothing ever happened.

Willy's Wonderland's biggest issue is dumb teenager decision making. And the grey area is the supporting characters. However, the movie makes up for this with a good performance from its main star, awesome fight scenes, great/bloody practical effects, and having those dark comedy moments.

My final rating is Good

Well, I'm done here. Come back on Monday, Jan 15th for my review of Judas and the Black Messiah. Until then enjoy the rest of your day.

Cinematic Disasters - Gigli

 

Gigli is a 2003 comedy film. The movie was produced by Revolution Studios, Columbia Pictures, Casey Silver Productions, and City Light Films and distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing. Gigli was written and directed by Martin Brest.

The story is Gigli is order to kidnap the younger brother of a powerful federal prosecutor. However things don't go according to plan and because of that Gigli's boss sends in Rickie. But another problem starts to rear it's ugly head as Gigli begins to start falling in love with Rickie which can be seen as a hazard to their job.

My Thoughts

So our movie really gets going when Gigli enters a mental hospital (because the guy (Brian) he's suppose to kidnap is mentally challenged) and just simply takes Brian with no problem whatsoever. I mean it. This is probably the easiest abduction in cinema history. Especially since there was no security or anything. Why isn't there security here though? This is a place for the mentally challenged and yet no officers or anything.

Later on Gigli and Brian are at Gigli's apartment and a couple of minutes later we're introduced to Rickie (I'll get into her character later) and she tells Gigli that she's here because Gigli "f*cked up". How? I mean it, how did he screw this up? Nobody was paying attention to what Gigli was doing with Brian, there were no security guards, and despite Brian's small outburst it wasn't enough to cause a scene. So how did Gigli screw up?! It's never explained what he did wrong. Like I wrote down previously it was probably the easier abduction in cinema history.

Then Gigli calls Louis (his boss) to explain why Rickie is here. And Louis says he doesn't trust Gigli and that he f*cked up. Once again I ask, HOW DID HE SCREW UP?! And another thing, Louis gave Gigli the job in the first place. So if he didn't trust him why did he give him the job then? I believe we're only 16 minutes into the movie and already nothing makes any sense.

So now we have a scene of Rickie talking about her reputation. Which much like how Gigli supposedly screwed up it's never explained. We have no idea what her reputation even is. Sure given the smallest details about a criminal's job can work by they went about it ALL wrong.

By the way, read this bit of dialogue that actually from the movie,

"If by some fuckin' miracle long shot you haven't heard of my reputation let me tell you who the fuck I am! I am fuckin' Sultan of Slick, Sadie! I am the rule of fuckin' cool! You wanna be a gangster? You wanna be a thug? You sit at my fuckin' feet and gather the pearls that emanate forth from me! Because I'm the fuckin' original, straight-first-foremost, pimp-mack, fuckin hustler, original gangster's gangster!"

Yes. That's real. All of that was a real line that Ben Affleck said. And I don't if was suppose to be funny in an intentionally way or unintentionally way. Either way it's not a very good line. I mean "original gangster's gangster"?

Then later on Christopher Walken comes into the picture and it starts off boring.....but then this happens.

I've convinced myself that wasn't part of the script. I genuinely think Christopher Walken just really wanted some pie that day. Either way it's probably the only good scene in the entire film.

Then Gigli and Rickie decide to take Brian out to eat somewhere but they can't have him dressed the way he is because someone might recognize him. So this means that have to disguise him, and the disguise is so brilliant. I mean a hoodie, a leather jacket, a hat, AND A PAIR OF SUNGLASSES. Yep, nobody will be able to know it's him now.

Now around what I want to say was the 47 minute mark on this movie I came to realize something, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez have no chemistry in this movie. Which is something truly amazing because around this time they were dating. How can two people be dating, start in a movie together, and not have any chemistry? I don't understand that.

Later Gigli gets a call from his mom about something (I forgot what is was) and guess what? This scene is ultimately pointless! It's not funny, it's not engaging, and most of all it doesn't advance the plot any further.

Speaking of terrible scenes, Jennifer Lopez does yoga and talks about sex and yet somehow despite it being Jennifer Lopez it's not hot. I got hand it to the filmmakers, that takes actually talent. I mean it folks, to take a beautiful woman write down a scene where she's doing yoga/talk about sex and make it boring is a real talent.

Then we cut to a scene where Gigli gets a call from Louise saying he has to cut off Brian's thumb and this makes Gigli sick. Why? He still remembers he's a gangster right? Did he not think he was going to have to do something gruesome in this line of work?

Later Rickie's girlfriend shows and have a couple minutes of arguing she decides to try to commit suicide. No seriously.....that's how that scene ends. She comes to Gigli's apartment, argues, and then tries to kill herself. I mean....wow, that scene escalated quickly.

So they later take her to the hospital and then we learn that Rickie also doesn't want to cut off Brian's finger. Which shocked me beyond comprehension! I mean remember folks, Rickie's the one with the "reputation".

After Rickie and Gigli find a way to NOT cut off Brian's thumb and trick their boss we later go back to Gigli's apartment and get taste of this absolutely sexy dialogue.

What? You're saying that wasn't sexy? That wasn't arousing? That this line in no way got you hot?!

Well give yourself a pat on the back then cause you're a very smart individual.

So afterwards Gigli and Rickie get a call from Louise saying their boss wants to talk with them about the whole thumb thing. And we find out that their boss is played by Al Pacino, and I gotta give credit where it's due. Al's trying but sadly even he can't do anything for this movie. Which should tell ya something. If both Christopher Walken (despite he's amazing pie moment) and Al Pacino can't do anything for your movie it's doomed. Simply as that.

Thankfully after that scene we're nearing the end of the movie! So you would thank that means the last couple of minutes of just going to breeze on by right? WELL YOU'RE WRONG! The pacing of these final moments are dreadful! It just keeps going and going and going and going and GOING! It almost feels like no matter what the movie will never end!

Now some people have called this "The worst movie ever made" I wouldn't call it that but, it's definitely terrible. What with our main stars having next to no chemistry, a story that makes no sense, unlikable characters, terrible comedy, even worst dialogue (seriously "original gangster's gangster"?), a lot of scenes that go nowhere, and despite only being 2 hours and a minute long it somehow feels longer than that.

My final rating is Destroy It!

Well thank the lord this review is over. I mean it sitting through this film almost felt like a chore. Back anyhow come back on Saturday, Jan 13th for my review of the newest Nicolas Cage flick, Willy's Wonderland. Until then enjoy the rest of your day.

Classic Film Night - Taxi Driver

 

Taxi Driver is a 1976 psychological thriller movie. The film was produced by Bill/Phillips Productions and Italo/Judeo Productions and distributed by Columbia Pictures. Taxi Driver was written by Paul Schrader and directed by Martin Scorsese.

The story is a disturbed loner named Travis Bickle takes a job as a New York cabbie. Over the nights Travis becomes more and more detached from reality and things only get worse when we meets campaign worker Betsy and 12 year old prostitute Iris. After those encounters Travis has become obsessed with wanting to assassinate the presidential candidate and saving Iris.

My Thoughts

One thing that made the movie an all time classic is Robert De Niro's performance. I don't know what I can say about his acting in this film that hasn't already been said? The guy just hits it out of the park with this role and the performance has earned it's place as being one of the examples of the best acting seen in cinema.

What also makes Taxi Driver a amazing flick is Martin Scorsese's directing. Now yes he deserves credit for everything that appeared on the camera. But what I especially give praise to his directing he the way he was able to accomplish some beautiful and gritty shots. The movie budget was so tight that not only did the actors have to take pay cuts but they couldn't even afford to light up a couple of street lights, they had to wait for New York to light itself up. And yet despite all of those set backs Scorsese STILL gave us an amazing film.

Another to give praise to the film is the dialogue. Yes we have the classic "You talkin' to me?" line but there's also other great bits too. Such as "I think someone should just take this city and just...just flush it down the f*ckin' toilet" and "You're in Hell, and You're gonna die in a Hell, just like the rest of 'em". And many other greats lines such as those.

The other thing that makes Taxi Driver one of the greats is the tone/feel of the film. The tone is very dark and cynical which makes sense given that our main character is exactly like that. But when watching the movie you can almost feel how grimy New York is.

The last thing I'll praise the movie for is the ending. What I love about it is there's many ways to look it. Even though yes Martin Scorsese did give an answer of what it all meant. But it's still fun to figure out what you or somebody else thought of it.

Taxi Driver has earned ever bit of praise it gets. Robert De Niro was fantastic, Martin Scorsese's directing for the film is great despite some problems behind the scenes, the tone & feel of the movie was one of the many highlights, and the ending is something interesting.

My final rating is A Must Watch

Okay everyone, I'm finished with this review. Come back on Thursday Jan 11th for my Cinematic Disaster review of Gigli. Until then enjoy the rest of your day.