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AKB48Fan added 1 item to From The Superb To The Crap - Movies Seen In 2016 list

This has to be one of the most satisfying thrillers I've seen, and I was literally smiling at all the plot twists and the rich narrative, while the film ran. It's basically about a recruitment consultant who makes ends meet by stealing expensive works of art. He meets a guy who has an extremely rare piece of art and steals it, but this chap has ulterior motives and goes on his own little headhunt. The first half of this Norwegian movie is what you would expect from this type of thriller. We meet all the key characters and are treated to an excellent montage of how the paintings are stolen. Its simple stuff, but you need to take heed, because there are lots of intricate plot devices that are pivotal later on. Soon after, we find a man passed out, presumed dead in scar, the film goes bonkers, absolutely edge of the seat stuff, and with every red herring thrown our way, we have a brilliant and clever plot twist or new development. Aksel Hennie as the lead character Roger is excellent with Nikolaj Coaster-Waldau (best known as Jaime Lannister from Game of Thrones) providing a brilliant foil as the man who is tracking Roger down. Overall, Headhunters is one of the best thrillers I have seen in recent years. Don't pass an opportunity to watch it.

7 years, 10 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to From The Superb To The Crap - Movies Seen In 2016 list

Channing Tatum plays Magic Mike, a male stripper who works on roofing projects during the day, while also working towards his own business regarding custom made furniture. Alex Pettyfer plays a new employee at the roofing project whom Mike takes into the club when he quits the day job. When one act is unable to perform, Pettyfer is thrust out to the cheers and delights of women desperate to tuck cash in his boxers. This can be repetitious with a romantic subplot that is all too predictable but the concept works and the ending allows two parties to pursue what they are truly after. Females will enjoy this movie more than males although it is a far cry from Striptease. Tatum once again proves a strong lead as he desires to retire what has made him wealthy so that he may achieve a more honourable career. Pettyfer plays a thief who lives with his sister and gets caught up on drugs with the notion that stripping will pay for it. Cody Horn as his sister is slighted with the cardboard romantic subplot. There is vague references to a job but that is merely a mention. Matthew McConaughey steals scenes as the club organiser who opens the show. Director Steven Soderbergh shows the nightlife of the male stripping world quite nicely. Which it is not all sleazy, most male strippers do it to entertain the customers and for a few male strippers, it is just an job after all. And whether or not you came to see the movie for the chiseled bodies, this tale might just leave you with a different outlook on what it would be like to live as a stripper.

7 years, 10 months ago

AKB48Fan added 2 items to their collection

7 years, 10 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to From The Superb To The Crap - Movies Seen In 2016 list

Being a fan of books by Dean Koontz and knowing nothing about this character he's created, I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. Odd Thomas is a cook who has a unique set of talents passed on to him by his mother, namely the ability to see the dead, as well as demonic creatures whose appearance heralds disastrous events events. As the paranormal goings on reach a climax in his town he is forced to take action to find out what's wrong and essentially prevent the apocalypse. This was a fantastically entertaining movie and had an especially moving ending. The talent on hand are all fantastic: the late Anton Yelchin proving to be a likable hero, Willem Defoe playing against type and doing a fine job and Addison Timlin very much charismatic and lovable as Odd's girlfriend Stormy Llewelyn. All in all, I would recommend this movie to absolutely anyone, whether they've read the books or not. It's a story about love, loyalty, trust and of course ghosts and the evil of which mankind is capable.

7 years, 10 months ago

AKB48Fan rated Focus

 Focus 6/10

7 years, 10 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to From The Superb To The Crap - Movies Seen In 2016 list

This is a heist movie much as we have seen before. Traditionally the likable rogue and his friends throw a big caper, with an inevitable twist at the end. Then of course there is an obligatory flashback scene where it turns out the twist was revealed through tiny hints all through the movie. Focus pretty much follows the format, and it has Will Smith in it who is very likable and easy to watch. This format has been around for a bit so, unless you are new to the caper scene, the movie needs to offer a little more. This doesn't. The highlights of Focus other than the strong performances from the good looking duo of Will Smith and Margot Robbie are the early scenes where we are introduced to the con activities. In the end it suffers a bit from being too self explanatory and taking some crazy twists and turns, but if you are bored you will be entertained for 100 mins.

7 years, 10 months ago

AKB48Fan rated The Purge: Election Year

 The Purge: Election Year 7/10

7 years, 10 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to From The Superb To The Crap - Movies Seen In 2016 list

The 3rd installment of The Purge series was the icing on the cake for me that solidified my enjoyment of this trilogy. Since the first came out, I have thoroughly enjoyed the brutality these films presented to the audience and myself. Being possibly the weakest of the three, the first still was memorable for me. With the second, director and writer James DeMonaco broadened the scope, added more plot, and kept the brutality and insanity. Now with the third, the plot hits its climax and the terrifying imagery hits a new high as well as the brutality of the kills and sheer insanity that the purge night brings. I love the character of Frank Grillo and his presence radiates badassery and this movie lets him be just that. Elizabeth Mitchell played a convincing politician driven by passion to end the purge. Yet on the flip side of the coin, The New Founding Fathers are as sadistic as the night they created. Overall, 'The Purge: Election Year' brings back everything I love about this series with its intensity, brutality, and terrifying imagery. For a movie that relies on brutal violence, The Purge does a good job at bringing in a plot that does not feel too forced unlike the first movie where it relied solely on the horror thriller feel of it. If you love movies with violence, profanity, and intense scenes, this is the movie to see. If you love the series, this is the best one to see of the three.

7 years, 10 months ago

AKB48Fan rated RED 2

 RED 2 7/10

7 years, 10 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to From The Superb To The Crap - Movies Seen In 2016 list

Red 2 is a globe trotting adventure that spans across the US and Europe. This movie is the sequel to 2010's Red and it is just as good as the original particularly in its action and spot on comedy. Many of the stars from the first movie return including Bruce Willis, John Malkovich, Helen Mirren, and Mary-Louise Parker. Along with them there are newcomers Catherine Zeta-Jones, Byung-hun Lee, and Anthony Hopkins. The cast really has great chemistry and John Malkovich really delivers particularly in his comedy. Red 2 shines in its action, comedy, and acting. The best part about Red 2 is how it further develops these characters and has fun while doing so. The bottom line is watch this movie if your a fan of the first or have any interest in it as its one fun ride that leaves you satisfied and excited for the next chapter.

7 years, 10 months ago

AKB48Fan rated I'm So Excited!

 I'm So Excited! 6/10

7 years, 10 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to From The Superb To The Crap - Movies Seen In 2016 list

This is an "Airport" disaster movie, set in Pedro Almodovar's world and populated by his trademark characters. The bouncy, brightly coloured, whimsical, animated opening credits put a smile on the audiences' faces, setting the mood for the craziness that's to come. The movie bolts onto the screen with cameos by airline workers, Penelope Cruz and Antonio Banderas, two of the finest actors in Almodovar's repertory. But their cameos are basically an eccentric bit with no relation to the rest of the movie, except as a sign that we are about to be launched on a wild ride. I love that Pedro Almodovar works on films that are unpredictable. He experiments with all kinds of genres. It might not be his best work but if you're a fan of his work I'm sure you'll like this one.

7 years, 10 months ago

AKB48Fan rated The BFG

 The BFG 6/10

7 years, 10 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to From The Superb To The Crap - Movies Seen In 2016 list

The BFG is a fantasy movie directed by the great Steven Spielberg based on the Roald Dahl's book with the same name. The movie tells the story of a young girl living in an orphanage, who, during one night, sees a giant and gets taken by him to Giant Country. Mark Rylance performs the so-called giant via motion-capture, bringing much heart and depth to the role. The young actress playing Sophie, the girl who gets taken by the giant, Ruby Barnhill, is wonderful in her role and shows lot of promise, although sometimes her performance seems to be more aimed at stage theatre rather than the movie screen. Her acting is not bad by any stretch of the imagination however, she is only 12 and in her first major movie role. All things considered, she does a fine job. With this movie, Steven Spielberg goes back to his more kid-friendly type movies, and even though this movie is lovely and will be perfect for children, I feel like the story is not engaging enough at times. The movie has humour, adventure and a batch of lovely characters, but the sometimes dull plot elements and the distracting special effects doesn't make this the best Spielberg movie. It's not a bad movie and you should not skip it, but lower your expectations a tiny bit.

7 years, 10 months ago

AKB48Fan rated Me Before You

 Me Before You 7/10

7 years, 10 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to From The Superb To The Crap - Movies Seen In 2016 list

This movie is getting mixed reviews, but I really enjoyed it. A very bittersweet movie that will leave you feeling happy and sad at the same time. I never read the book that which this movie is based on. But sometimes movies are never as detailed as the books they are based on. A beautifully well made story, it's about a 26 year old woman who finds a job taking care of a young billionaire who is permanently confined to a wheelchair after an accident two years earlier, the use of his arms and legs are gone. I like the chemistry between Sam Claflin and Emilia Clarke, at no point it feels forced. I really bought the affection they feel for one another. At times Clarke's performance feels overly cartoonish, but still good in most of it. Claflin is believable, and the question is how would you feel if you where in his shoes. Overall I thought it was a great thought provoking emotional roller-coaster! Go watch.

7 years, 10 months ago

AKB48Fan rated Van Wilder

 Van Wilder 6/10

7 years, 10 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to From The Superb To The Crap - Movies Seen In 2016 list

This movie is exactly what you expect from the genre: mindless fluff with adolescent jokes, nudity, and lots of gross-out stuff. It is, however, unapologetic about it, and invests a lot to carry things to the extreme, which is what gives it its charm. If you cannot take any of the above and find enjoyment in them, don't waste your time with Van Wilder. If, on the other hand, you like vomit-inducing pranks, beautiful young girls flashing their breasts, and hilarious one-liners galore peppered by a huge dose of stereotypes, you will have one of the most entertaining 95 mins of your life.

7 years, 10 months ago

AKB48Fan rated The Legend of Tarzan

 The Legend of Tarzan 7/10

7 years, 10 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to From The Superb To The Crap - Movies Seen In 2016 list

Anybody expecting to see a Tarzan movie just like those you've seen before will have a nice surprise with this one. The Tarzan of this movie is probably the closest to the character created by Edgar Rice Burroughs. The Legend of Tarzan is a terrific, engaging story, with great characters and pacing and plenty of action, but not so much that it seems like overkill. Director David Yates and company have done a superb job of crafting a good old-fashioned adventure, retaining the look and feel of the Africa of a century ago, and combining it with a plot and theme that is relevant today. The scenery and special effects are first rate. The origin of Tarzan may have been tinkered with a little bit here but it does nothing to detract from the cracking storyline. If you want to see a different and more interesting Tarzan movie go and check it out.

7 years, 10 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to From The Superb To The Crap - Movies Seen In 2016 list

This is a movie that aims to profit off the ongoing trend of female driven comedies, and although successful it may be, the quality of the movie itself is no where near on par with such films like Pitch Perfect and Bridesmaids which I'm sure it tries to aspire to be. The movie is called how to be single but it really is not that great at explaining how to be single. It also doesn't deliver it's message that it's OK to be single that well either. It falls into the basic chick flick formula showing that being single is about sleeping around and finding a man, as the majority of this movie is exactly that. The acting was typical. Every actress plays the same role they have been type casted in and performed many a time before. Dakota Johnson is the weak lead like in 50 Shades and Rebel Wilson manages to get a few laughs as the fat best friend. The movie to me wasn't particularly funny. How To Be Single is a very basic chick flick movie and you wouldn't miss out by skipping it.

7 years, 10 months ago

AKB48Fan added 2 items to their collection

7 years, 10 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to From The Superb To The Crap - Movies Seen In 2016 list

High Rise is a movie about the social class system and hierarchy within a tower block and how it all comes crumbling down. Although the movie is visually intriguing, the same cannot be said for the plot and it's progression. This movie is a thriller that will have you firmly in your seat, not balancing on it's edge. The script was rather uninteresting, as your mind may easily wonder from the events taking place. The protagonist Robert Laing was well cast and well played by Tom Hiddleston, Richard Wilder was absolutely perfect being played by Luke Evans and the rest of the supporting cast seemed about right. Overall, the movie is visually beautiful with its slo mo suicide scene and it's 70's sideburns and whatnot. If only the plot was more engaging and edge-of-your-seat it have been great.

7 years, 10 months ago

AKB48Fan rated The Shallows

 The Shallows 8/10

7 years, 10 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to From The Superb To The Crap - Movies Seen In 2016 list

The most terrifying shark movie since Jaws! At only 85 minutes, this movie absolutely makes the most of that run-time and its 17 million dollar budget and delivers a tense, gripping, stress inducing movie that will constantly keep you on the edge of your seat. Blake Lively is on her way to stardom, as she carries this entire movie and is able to act without speaking, which is insanely hard to do. You care about her and you want her character to survive. The shark is absolutely frightening and the way Lively is able to not only face off against this shark, but how she is able to make the most over her situation while being under-prepared was not only intelligent, but believable. The story is simple, straight forward, believable and so genuinely crafted, stylishly executed, and not a single scene is wasted. The Shallows is the biggest surprise of the year, with gripping tension, a career performance from Blake Lively, beautiful scenery, an amazing story of will and survival and one big, mean, scary shark. Do not miss this.

7 years, 10 months ago

AKB48Fan rated Independence Day: Resurgence

 Independence Day: Resurgence 6/10

7 years, 10 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to From The Superb To The Crap - Movies Seen In 2016 list

Predictable, but entertaining. Worth a watch. It is-what it is. Just as the first one, it is a bit cheesy, however it is just what i expected: sci-fi action, space ships and aliens. Starts out a bit slow but the story and action picks up quickly. They brought back quite a few original actors from the first one and added some new big names also. The storyline has a lot of the ingredients for a much more interesting movie but doesn't seem to know it - the way that alien technology has impacted human life is barely touched upon, there's mention of the effect that the aliens have had on people's minds but it's never expanded upon, and some interesting clues to the invaders' culture are laid out but go completely underdeveloped. Perhaps if the astoundingly pointless sub-plot involved Jeff Goldblum's dad had been dropped then there might have been a bit more time to insert something of substance. If you liked the first ID4 chances are you'll like this one as well. There are hints near the end of another sequel.

7 years, 10 months ago

AKB48Fan rated Elstree 1976

 Elstree 1976 6/10

7 years, 10 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to From The Superb To The Crap - Movies Seen In 2016 list

This documentary takes a nostalgic look back at the stories of 10 individuals whose acting jobs during the summer of 1976 forever changed their lives. No one knew it at the time, but this American Sci-Fi project they were hired for would go on to be one of the highest grossing franchises in the history of cinema. While none of these actors has found worldwide success in film or had their life cut tragically short, Elstree 1976 is a touching story about their common brush with fame as pioneers in the Star Wars universe. If you're a fan of the 1977 classic, you will love this movie. If you're not a big fan, but appreciate a great character driven documentary, this would also be for you. There is enough here to keep everyone happy as we travel back a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…

7 years, 10 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to From The Superb To The Crap - Movies Seen In 2016 list

Blair Witch 2 was an obvious cash-in on the success of the first movie. The movie makes no attempt at hiding it either, as that fact is the motivation of the characters! In this movie's universe, "The Blair Witch Project" was an actual recording, not a movie. Intrigued and curious, various tourists come to the area where it was shot to find out more. The movie centers around a small circle of tourists visiting the area. As for the plot, there hardly is one. A circle of clueless tourists stay in a house in the woods and some weird stuff happens. Anything that's supposed to be scary isn't (at least not to me). Just as an example: near the beginning of the film, there's this huge tree in the woods. The tourists come back to it later and it's not there anymore. Phantom tree! But if you know the motivation behind this sequel, you know what to expect. It's a ridiculous attempt at crowd pleasing. Don't bother with it.

7 years, 10 months ago