Tuesday, September 30, 2025

Prometheus, a film review.

This film is part of the much-acclaimed Alien series, released in 2012, and featuring Charlize Theron & Idris Elba, it is a distinctly dark film, with a subject matter of intergalactic travel, and contact between civilizations. The plot takes a twist when a threat is discovered on a distant planet, and it is not fully understood. The crew discovers "engineers" and things go awry. In true horror fashion, much mayhem occurs, but after several gruesome scenes a ship manages to escape with the coordinates back to Earth. This film carries on in the H.R Geiger influenced Alien genre sci-fi. I generally avoid the horror genre but this film captivated my interest. It breaks convention, and leaves the viewer wondering about our place in the cosmos. I give this film a 5 out of 5.

Monday, September 29, 2025

The Soloist, a film review.

This film features the true story of a homeless schizophrenic man, Nathaniel Ayers & a journalist for the Los Angeles Times, played by Robert Downey Jr. and their relationship after discovering each other on the street. This story is a shining example of rising above adversity and achieving great things despite being given difficult obstacles. Jamie is convincing and Robert is examplory of the best parts of American society, social mobility & hard work being the door to progress. Overall, I give this movie a 5 out of 5. I would recommend it to anyone, as it is quality family entertainment.

The Truman Show, a film review.

This film is a concept comedy about a man, Truman Burbank, played by Jim Carrey of Ace Ventura: Pet Detective fame, who lives in a simulacrum or constructed reality. It is quite interesting as it casts a philosophical light on the movie industry, and the whole notion of acting versus reality as a framework for understanding human consciousness. It casts a bit of a distopian light on contemporary ideals of celebrity and fame but done so tongue-in-cheek as to make it palatable for a wider audience. I very much enjoyed this film, and Jim Carrey was the perfect person to play the role, with his characteristic comic expressionism. He also played in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, which is a gem. Overall, I give this moview a 5 out of 5.

Sunday, September 28, 2025

The Croods, a film review.

The Croods is an animated film about a prehistoric family who aim to survive in the sometimes scary & intimidating habitat of the ancient Earth. The father is nervous about his daughter who meets a boy that discovers a new invention, fire-light which is a major game-changer for the family, who always had retreated to their cave after gathering food. After an earthquake brings about change, and with talk of something "new" coming, they venture forth into unknown territory in search of a new home. A few of the voice actors include Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, & Ryan Reynolds. Overall, I very much enjoyed this film, it has a charm and brings a comic element to delicate subject. I give this fun family film a 4 out of 5.

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Turbo a film review.

This animated film is about a snail that has big dreams about competing in the Indianopolis 500. He is the underdog and works to win the approval of his friends. The comparison of snails to racecars is both curious & unique. There is a subtle reference to the French dish escargot I think that is made, that is tasteful. Turbo develops a crack in his shell before the big race. After practice he learns to control his unusual ability. Overall I very much enjoyed this movie, starring the voice of Ryan Reynolds. I give this family fun film a 5 out of 5.

Friday, September 19, 2025

Peter Rabbit a film review.

This delightful film features a family of rabbits that move into Mr. McGregor's home much to his chagrin. The film features a comical array of comedic and laughable moments while Peter and his Sisters deal with the home owner and his musings to eradicate the mammals. It is done in 3D computer animation, which delivers smooth, life-like images. Overall, I give this film a 5 out of 5 stars, it is quality family entertainment.

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Pokemon XYZ a film review

This film series was available on Netflix. The main character Ash Ketchum is a Pokemon trainer and he battles Pokemon with his main Pokemon Pikachu. The characters are varied and the villains are silly, the action is lively and exciting. And it has a natural kind of theme, the Pokemon I like the best are Quilladon, Squishy, and Darkrai. It is meant for a children's audience but it also entertaining for adults. Overall, I give this series a 5 out of 5. I recommend it to anyone. Squishy is seemingly harmless, until all his cells come together to form a mighty monster.