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AKB48Fan added 1 item to Hit Or Miss? Good Or Bad? 2019 Movies Watched list

Two men and their families escape from East to West Germany in a colourful homemade hot-air balloon. This is a real surprise. Not exactly family entertainment from Disney Studios. There's some violence, lots of tense moments, and a great story which is based on fact. The theme of the movie is determination wins. Never losing sight of their objective, two East German families risk it all, in their daring balloon escape to freedom. The story is both harrowing and heartwarming. John Hurt is good as always. Ovrall, a thrilling story of courage which truly pays homage to all those who succeeded and failed the treacherous journey to West Berlin and freedom.

4 years, 11 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to Hit Or Miss? Good Or Bad? 2019 Movies Watched list

After gunning down a member of the High Table - the shadowy international assassin's guild - legendary hit man John Wick finds himself stripped of the organization's protective services. Now stuck with a $14 million bounty on his head, Wick must fight his way through the streets of New York as he becomes the target of the world's most ruthless killers. The John Wick franchise like Fast and the Furious is one of those franchises you have to grade on the quality of the action rather than the quality of its story. Neither of the first two John Wick movies had a remarkable story, so the John Wick experience is really about enjoying Keanu Reeves doing what he does best in the most creative of ways - killing bad guys. Killing lots of them. If you thought John Wick killed a lot of people in the first two movies, then you're going to need a calculator for this gun-fu ode to Bruce Lee's Game of Death. Disengage your brain for 2 hours and just enjoy this movie for what it is - a non-stop action fest.

4 years, 11 months ago

AKB48Fan added 2 items to their collection

4 years, 11 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to Hit Or Miss? Good Or Bad? 2019 Movies Watched list

Ace detective Harry Goodman goes mysteriously missing, prompting his 21-year-old son, Tim, to find out what happened. Aiding in the investigation is Harry's former Pokémon partner, wise-cracking, adorable super-sleuth Detective Pikachu. Finding that they are uniquely equipped to work together, as Tim is the only human who can talk with Pikachu, they join forces to unravel the tangled mystery. Pokémon is ingrained in 90's pop culture and it's popularity doesn't seem to be diminishing anytime soon. This movie is based on the video game of the same name. Whilst far from perfect, Detective Pikachu is a perfectly fine yet messy adventure. Ryan Reynolds keeps the film afloat with an enjoyable portrayal of the adorable Pikachu, just about salvaging the movie from a rather convoluted storyline with uninteresting characters and a ridiculous plot twist that fails to stick the landing towards the end of an anticlimactic finale. But the true stars of the movie are undoubtably the Pokémon themselves. They're brilliantly brought to life with some pretty impressive CGI, and for the most part, the Pokémon (mainly featuring the classic characters) are utilised quite well. Detective Pikachu is a fun if not pretty forgettable adventure, catered solely for die hard fans of Pokémon, and that's no bad thing at all.

4 years, 11 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to Hit Or Miss? Good Or Bad? 2019 Movies Watched list

Paul Kersey is back in New York with his new fashion-based designer fiancée Olivia Regent and along with her young daughter Chelsea. Kersey has put away his old habits, until Olivia's ex-husband mobster Tommy O'Shea uses her business to run an illegal money laundry scheme and tries to scare her from testifying against him in court. They go one step to far when they disfigure and then later on kill Olivia. This tips Kersey's world up side down and vengeance mode comes kicking back in. The final Death Wish movie is a surprisingly entertaining little crime action/thriller. Though frequently riddled with inept moments (the mobsters unload round after round into walls after their target has jumped out of sight) and plot holes (how is Kersey tracking the bad guys, and since when did he become an explosives expert?), the movie is the most well-developed of the series in terms of character, plot, and pacing. While the plot is essentially a repeat of the previous movies, it contains a confident gloss that lifts it out of exploitation and closer to a mainstream movie - it isn't entirely successful but rooting for Charles Bronson never gets old. A good and satisfying finale to the series.

4 years, 11 months ago

AKB48Fan added 2 items to their collection

4 years, 11 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to Hit Or Miss? Good Or Bad? 2019 Movies Watched list

In 1636, King Injo and his retainers seek refuge in a mountain fortress as Qing dynasty forces from China invade Korea. The situation grows desperate as the king's advisers debate what course to take, while his people suffer and die in the fortress. This movie is based on Korean history in the 17th Century, when China ruled much of the peninsula which in turn was being menaced by the Qing, the forces of Genghis Khan's empire. The story is a little bit overlong and drags in some places but the great battle scenes and the beautiful cinematography more than make up for this shortfall. All in all, this movie points out the futility of war and, a bit unexpectedly, also that life in the end will prevail (just not for everyone).

4 years, 11 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to Hit Or Miss? Good Or Bad? 2019 Movies Watched list

After the Cold War, a breakaway Russian republic with nuclear warheads becomes a possible worldwide threat. U.S. submarine Capt. Frank Ramsey signs on a relatively green but highly recommended Lt. Cmdr. Ron Hunter to the USS Alabama, which may be the only ship able to stop a possible Armageddon. When Ramsey insists that the Alabama must act aggressively, Hunter, fearing they will start rather than stop a disaster, leads a potential mutiny to stop him. This is a compelling and exciting submarine movie. There isn't an easy bad guy although we're meant to empathize with Denzel Washington's character of Hunter. The pairing of Gene Hackman and Denzel Washington generates a lot of energy and a lot of acting power. They have a great back and forth during the climax. They are backed up by great supporting actors Matt Craven, George Dzundza, Viggo Mortensen, James Gandolfini, and Rocky Carroll. Director Tony Scott delivers a solid thriller.

4 years, 11 months ago

AKB48Fan added 2 items to their collection

4 years, 11 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to Hit Or Miss? Good Or Bad? 2019 Movies Watched list

A former wild child is almost ready to settle down after proposing to his girlfriend, but all of a sudden he must face his past when an old one-night stand arrives with a seven-year-old son she claims is his. This movie has a strong cast featuring the beautiful Anna Friel and the always gruff Philip Davis which all help to make the story work. Andrew Buchan is very likable and evokes real sympathy as the man left in a lose lose situation. Interspersed with some realistic and at times touching drama there are plenty of funny lines. It's one of the movies that gets the balance between drama and comedy spot on. An added bonus is a good soundtrack that fits the movie perfectly. I found this to be a believable and enjoyable movie with a good pay off.

4 years, 11 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to Hit Or Miss? Good Or Bad? 2019 Movies Watched list

It's 1987 and Jenna Rink is having a hellish 13th birthday. Mocked by the local teen queens and their leader Lucy, with her only friend being Matt, the chubby boy next door, Jenna's had enough. If only she were 30, she'd be able to control her life. A whiff of magic dust later, and she fast forwards 17 years where she has a fabulous job editing her favourite magazine and a walk-in wardrobe. Jenna goes through the usual fish-out-of-water schtick, but finds that although she may have achieved her dreams, she's a bitch. Her best friend's now the adult Lucy, while the grown-up Matt doesn't want to talk to her. This movie's plot is not innovative and it's certainly corny, but this chick-flick take on Big and Freaky Friday is charming. Jennifer Garner is suitably wide-eyed and her delight in life is infectious – she's ably supported by Mark Ruffalo as skeptical photographer Matt. I also like that although Jenna struggles in an adult world, she's still able to perform her job, showcasing the talent that she already has as a child. Overall, 13 Going On 30 makes the most of a tired premise to deliver a feel-good movie.

4 years, 11 months ago

AKB48Fan added 2 items to their collection

4 years, 11 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to Hit Or Miss? Good Or Bad? 2019 Movies Watched list

Mike McDermott loses his money in a poker game against Russian gangster Teddy "KGB". Under pressure from his girlfriend, Jo, he promises to quit gambling. This lasts until his friend, Lester "Worm" Murphy, gets out of prison and needs to pay off an old debt. The pair come close to earning the money back but are caught cheating. Then Mike finds out the debt is owed to Teddy and makes one last-ditch effort to beat the Russian. This story is helped by a rich cast, led by the likable Matt Damon. The movie has a surprisingly low-key feel, with many scenes filmed in dim rooms punctuated with hushed dialogue. It's an entertaining movie, but it seems unlikely that the lead character Mike could go through what he goes through and maintain such a sunny disposition and steadfast sense of honour. The dialogue is rife with poker references and inside lingo. If the viewer has no understanding of the game of poker he/she will certainly be lost but it still doesn't take anything away from how good this movie is.

4 years, 11 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to Hit Or Miss? Good Or Bad? 2019 Movies Watched list

A brutal mugging leaves Grey Trace paralyzed in the hospital and his beloved wife dead. A billionaire inventor soon offers Trace a cure - an artificial intelligence implant called STEM that will enhance his body. Now able to walk, Grey finds that he also has superhuman strength and agility - skills he uses to seek revenge against the thugs who destroyed his life. An incredible Australian movie all done on a budget of 5 million dollars. This movie is basically "Robocop" meets "Death Wish", with less satire than the former and more humour than the latter. It's an absolute blast. An unrelenting pace, fantastic fight choreography that doesn't skimp on the gleeful blood and gore, and it's a lot of fun and interesting to look at. Some of the one-liner dialogue as delivered by Logan Marshall-Green who plays the lead character feels a bit forced and the plot isn't exactly clever or unique, but it works perfectly. This is cheap genre filmmaking done right. Definitely a must-see for sci-fi/action fans.

4 years, 11 months ago

AKB48Fan added 2 items to their collection

4 years, 11 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to Hit Or Miss? Good Or Bad? 2019 Movies Watched list

This tells the real-life story of three men whose brave act turned them into heroes during a high-speed railway ride. In the early evening of August 21, 2015, the world watched in stunned silence as the media reported a thwarted terrorist attack on Thalys train #9364 bound for Paris. This movie is a biographical thriller that feels like it was not needed or there was not much of a source material to even adapt that event into a movie. It follows the three American friends Spencer Stone, Anthony Sadler, and Alek Skarlatos after having different paths with their lives. Most of the movie is the backstory of the friends from childhood with the actual terrorist event on the train perhaps only taking 10 mins towards the end. For anyone looking for action or thrills and suspense will be left disappointed. As for the acting, a lot have said it isn't that good but then again the three real life heroes who star in the movie are not actors so you have to take that into consideration. It's disappointing that Clint Eastwood took the helm as director as I always love his movies but this one I'm afraid is a big miss.

4 years, 11 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to Hit Or Miss? Good Or Bad? 2019 Movies Watched list

Apostasy is the low-budget feature debut of writer/director Daniel Kokotajlo and it tells the story of a breakdown in the relationship between a single mother and her eldest daughter when she falls pregnant. The family are devout members of Jehovah's Witness. The daughter leaves the religion with the younger daughter and the mother refusing to leave, committing themselves more and more to its practices, even as they come to question some of its dogma. This is an interesting movie. It shows a realistic portrayal of the insulated life of a Jehovah Witness and the control they live under. The pain of isolation from family and community when one no longer wishes to be known as one of them. This is the reality for the thousands of Witnesses who have left. It's quite an eye opener for somebody who is curious about the religion as most people only know them from the occasional annoyance when they come knocking on your door to spout their crap. It's a fairly slow paced movie, no dramatic music or particularly shocking scenes, Just an overall feeling of the emotional prison these women are in and how terrifying a test of faith can be. The cast are fantastic particularly Siobhan Finneran. A worthwhile watch.

4 years, 11 months ago

AKB48Fan added 2 items to their collection

4 years, 11 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to Hit Or Miss? Good Or Bad? 2019 Movies Watched list

Set during the mid 70's after the last day of school, a group of high schoolers proceed to raise some hell and get drunk or high. Meanwhile the incoming freshmen try to avoid being hazed by the seniors. Director and writer Richard Linklater gives a well-developed depiction of life in America during the mid 70's with a focus around high school, growing up and making important decisions about what to do and how to live life. With a killer soundtrack as well, the result is more about evoking nostalgia and showing those too young to know what life was like. The characters are fun and easy to spot (by stereotype sometimes) and identify with. The plot is just one giant misadventure involving alcohol, marijuana, high school hazing and a variety of "rebellious" activity. The young cast has Ben Affleck, Matthew McCounaughy and Parker Posey before they hit the big time in their careers. Overall, this is just a fun movie to watch as you get to see what takes place between various friends.

4 years, 11 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to Hit Or Miss? Good Or Bad? 2019 Movies Watched list

After air traffic controller Jack Chester loses a plane (it's covered on his screen by a fly), he's told to take a break. Jack books his family into a plush resort in Florida, but it turns out that their lodgings are in a hut by the beach, and that's as good as the vacation gets. An early comedy vehicle for John Candy in what was his first leading role. He comes across affably as the parent whose determination to please his family usually ends in disaster. The movie loses marks in the script and story department because it's so thin and obvious. We've seen variations on this basic concept time and again, and the writers and director Carl Reiner make no attempts to freshen up the familiar material. The first half of the movie delivers most on the laughs but as soon as the sailing plot takes hold in the second half a lot of the comedy dries up which is a shame. It's one of those movies that you'll watch, you smile at from time to time, and then you'll forget.

4 years, 11 months ago

AKB48Fan added 2 items to their collection

4 years, 11 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to Hit Or Miss? Good Or Bad? 2019 Movies Watched list

An exiled Chinese general who protects the Silk Road with his men offers shelter to a renegade Roman Captain and his legion, then becomes involved in the soldier's dispute with Rome's villainous consul Tiberius. This tries very hard to be an epic historical war movie with its grand production and Hollywood stars but it tries too hard to please viewers with an inept script and poor direction that the movie becomes unoriginal, even to the point of cringe-worthy. For the setting and costumes, the movie puts a lot of effort to the point it looks flamboyant and it almost looks like a high profile video game set. Each character has their distinct look which is quite appealing to showcase diversity. Choreography is fine as well. The fights are engaging with many details in movement, meticulous array of gimmick and different fighting style. The pacing of the movie is a bit off and it runs a good 20 mins too long. The three main stars in Jackie Chan, John Cusack and Adrien Brody perform well in their roles. As long as you don't expect too much from this movie, chances are you'll enjoy it.

4 years, 11 months ago

AKB48Fan rated Evelyn

 Evelyn 7/10

4 years, 11 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to Hit Or Miss? Good Or Bad? 2019 Movies Watched list

Film-maker Orlando von Einsiedel turns the camera on his own family in this documentary and the wounds that remains from his 22-year-old schizophrenic brother Evelyn's suicide in 2004. The family go on rambles in the country where Evelyn liked to go such as Scotland, the Lake District and Sussex. During the course of these walks, each family member talks about how the suicide has affected them and to discuss feelings that's been bottled up for so long. It feels like the viewer is intruding into a family's private chat. It's a movie full of pain and the difficulty of showing emotion to family, and it’s all very British – partly for this inability to overcome a stiff upper lip when faced with grief. The cinematography showing the various locations is superb. It's an interesting documentary and a moving one about a family's loss.

4 years, 11 months ago

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4 years, 11 months ago

AKB48Fan rated Aces High

 Aces High 7/10

4 years, 11 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to Hit Or Miss? Good Or Bad? 2019 Movies Watched list

Patriotic young pilots straight out of college lost their lives in literally a few days time in the Air Corps during WWI, due to their inexperience and the stress of this new kind of battle. Squadron Leader Gresham has the unwelcome task of leading the 76th Squadron and also visiting colleges to drum up recruits, all the while knowing he's inviting them to an almost certain death. A very good but depressing movie. Malcolm McDowell is subdued in his performance as Gresham and seems to come out of his cocoon only at the end. This is necessary, I think, for his character to survive in the surroundings of constant tragedy. Peter Firth is naive in the extreme, and this is probably a correct portrayal of a green recruit in WWI, where there was no frame of reference for how dangerous those early airplanes were. The movie shows the viewer just how little the commanders valued the lives of their men by sending them out unprepared and inexperienced, and that they know after one group of fliers is decimated, there is always a fresh batch of innocent boys to take their place. A well done movie with a firm anti-war message.

4 years, 11 months ago

AKB48Fan rated White Water Summer

 White Water Summer 6/10

4 years, 11 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to Hit Or Miss? Good Or Bad? 2019 Movies Watched list

An experienced wilderness guide, Vic leads a group of teenagers from the city on their first big outdoor adventure. One of the boys, the sheltered and defiant Alan, resents Vic's tough attempts at teaching them life lessons and clashes with him. After tensions have built up between Vic and his young charges, he is injured in an incident and needs their help so that they all can survive the ordeal and make it back to civilisation. This is a great coming of age tale. The story is told in some sort of flashback, with Sean Astin making comments right into the camera, and then picking up back in the wilderness with him looking a couple years younger. The explanation on that is the movie went unreleased for 2 years and I guess they thought it would be interesting for an older Astin to add commentary on his trek a couple years later. It comes off OK. This movie has a lot of good things going for it. The photography is really beautiful, filmed mostly in New Zealand locations. The music is pretty good too. The big draw is probably the cast, with the obvious audience appeals of Sean Astin and Kevin Bacon. Definitely a good 80's teen flick to catch if you get a chance.

4 years, 11 months ago

AKB48Fan added 1 item to Hit Or Miss? Good Or Bad? 2019 Movies Watched list

Dr. Nicholas arrives at the insane asylum run by the eminent Professor Tremayne to hear his absolutely bizarre theories as to how four of his patients ended up there. This Amicus horror anthology is rather silly but still enjoyable. The first story deals with a boy who has invisible tiger as a friend with his parents not believing him until huge claw marks start appearing on doors of their house. It's a pretty decent story. The second tale is about a man who has bought an old picture and a penny farthing bike. The picture has an effect on the man making him want to ride the bike which takes him back to Victorian times. I didn't think this story was rather good to be honest. The third is the strangest story of them all and has a man who falls in love with a tree that's fallen down and disposes of his wife!! The final odd tale is probably the best and has a dinner being served at a house with the guests not knowing that it's human flesh that they're eating. There's one last twist in this movie before it ends though. The cast perform well with Donald Pleasance and a young Mary Tamm (of Dr Who) making appearances. It's not the best Amicus anthology movie but still worth watching for the weirdness of it all.

4 years, 11 months ago