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Added by SwornShadow on 2 Aug 2016 07:00
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2016: Films I've Watched in August

Sort by: Showing 28 items
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Re-Watched 8/31/2016

A sequel that not only matches the excellence of the first film but builds upon the world and characters already established; and what do you get!?!? A film that is basically a Rock and Roll Lazer Show of the greatest proportions :D I didn't know how to fully express how this made me feel so I just said that!

But, seriously everything is upped in Judgment Day. We have Sarah freakin' Connor fully molded into a bonafide badass. We have the very likable young John Connor.

(Oh yeah spoilers if you haven't seen this one what are ya doing!?!? Get to it don't read any further)!

We have Arnold Schwarzenegger returning as a different T-800 and this might possibly be the greatest role he has ever played because like the first Terminator the character is written to showcase acting strengths simple, straight forward, and a mix between child like curiosity and father figure protectiveness.

On top of that we get one of thee greatest action movie villains of all time the T-1000 played fantastically by Robert Patrick! He maintains an appearance and demeanor that is both unassuming and oddly imposing the choice to put him in a police officer's uniform was a great touch as their composure is similar to his; even when he is running he maintains the same collected appearance (which I heard he had to learn to get the role)! His different abilities and tactics from the T-800 show how he is essentially an upgrade and technically (on paper) a superior terminator. The effects for his powers are also fantastic blending CGI with actually physical models and props; the best of both worlds :D

Now some people might say that this film is dated because it uses popular lingo from the early 90's however, even though it is used it almost has a self aware attitude about itself since most of that 90's dialouge is played for laughs with John trying to educate the T-800 which does deliver smiles and laughs.

The action scenes are mind blowing from the actual vehicles they use to the fights and the gun totting awesomeness! But, like the first one this one comes with plenty of raw emotion from the bond between Sarah and John, to the bond the T-800 forms with both of them and ironically enough learns more about what being human is and makes a sacrifice for mankind's future.

That final scene followed by Sarah's chilling yet inspiring words brings tears to my eyes and goosebumps all across my skin to this day. I often feel as though people look down on action movies because they claim they are too simplistic and mindless but in my opinion that simplicity opens doors for audience imagination and interpretation making it anything but mindless and making a genuine connection with the audience that gets them so invested in the first place.

Terminator 2: Judgement Day is one of the greatest sequels, action films, re-watchable, and all around fun to watch films. And I know for a fact that this won't be the last time re-watching this one for me :)
SwornShadow's rating:
People who added this item 58 Average listal rating (38 ratings) 7.8 IMDB Rating 7.6
Duel (1971)
First watched 8/31/2016

They often saw that simple concepts make for the best stories; and I think Duel is the embodiment of taking something basic and translating it into an amazing ride!

There's a reason why this is regarded as one of if not the best made for TV films and that's because the people who worked on this project truly cared about what they were making. Steven Spielberg's camera work and passion for film making really does shine through here. Seriously this has to be one of the best directed films not only from the 70's but films in general. In the hands of someone without much passion or by the books this could have turned into a standard cheap made for TV film but they made use of everything they had for this film.

This is an suspenseful ride that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout at times almost feeling as though I was in the little car trying to escape this unseen madman who can't be reasoned with. If you haven't seen it check it out it is a thrill that you don't want to miss!
SwornShadow's rating:
People who added this item 74 Average listal rating (53 ratings) 4.8 IMDB Rating 5.6
First watched 8/31/2016

A film that is not as bad as I thought it would be but probably would have served better as a direct to DVD or pre order bonus with the game because it does tread on familiar ground in terms of story and character motivations. However, I think long time Ratchet and Clank fans (like myself) will agree that it certainly not that bad when compared to other video game adapted movies. And while the beginning parts drag on a bit too long I believe it picks up as it moves along.

I thought more then a couple of jokes worked in its favor and it did stick to the source material however, that proved to be a double edged sword because while it is good to see a video game film that sticks to its origins and doesn't deviate too much from them at the same time it makes you wish you were playing the game rather then just observing it.

However, if you are new to the Ratchet and Clank a better introduction to the franchise would be playing the re-imagined version on the PS4 or going back and playing the various original games on the PS2 and PS3.
SwornShadow's rating:
People who added this item 4340 Average listal rating (2918 ratings) 6.4 IMDB Rating 7.1
First watched 8/30/2016

A film that certainly has its laugh out loud moments but it's also filled with plenty of awkward moments. Also, I felt that a lot of things that happened to Ben Stiller's character for comedic effect were funny at times but other times it felt like kicking a guy while he's down and passed out.

This film also has plenty of gross out humor that the Farrelly brothers are famous for but I'd be lying if I said all of them were funny. When they happen to characters who deserve it and one involving someone's hair I think they work however, some just feel like gross out for the sake of gross out.

However, I liked this film a lot more then I thought it would sure it had its flaws in awkwardness and it might have overstayed its welcome a bit too long but I thought it was funny when it counted and Cameron Diaz was very likable and looked fantastic!
SwornShadow's rating:
People who added this item 1127 Average listal rating (853 ratings) 7 IMDB Rating 7.4
First watched 8/30/2016

A film made by guys who understand action movies and what makes them fun and engaging and is reminiscent of those Hong Kong or Japanese action revenge flicks.

Just to see Keanu back in a role that suits him is just so refreshing and seeing him kick ass is just awesome because once the action starts it just keeps coming in all the right ways!
SwornShadow's rating:
People who added this item 5446 Average listal rating (3807 ratings) 7.4 IMDB Rating 8.1
Re-Watched 8/29/2016

Just as exciting and entertaining as ever. A film that still holds up and is able to entertain and engage on such a level that questions that would be raised are pushed to the back of your mind.

This was the role that Schwarzenegger was born for and knows how to show his acting strengths rather then his weaknesses.

Also, seeing Sarah Connor grow into her badass self is great to see and Linda Hamilton does a fantastic job capturing all the right emotions. Michael Biehn also brings a real believable performance as Kyle Reese seriously I feel it in his words he is just fully fused into his character everyone is.

Cameron proves that even with a limited budget you can create an amazing action film that will withstand the test of time.
SwornShadow's rating:
People who added this item 251 Average listal rating (186 ratings) 5.8 IMDB Rating 6.2
First watched 8/29/2016

This is like one of those B movies that has a gimmick centered around a holiday and I liked it a lot :D

I liked the concept all the actors even the kids and they effects and costumes were pretty good too!

Also, an ending that's both heart warming and chilling 0.0 always watching . . . . . .

But, seriously guys Krampus was a lot of fun and actually pretty freaky and exciting in several parts.
SwornShadow's rating:
First watched 8/28/2016

A suspenseful and interesting ride that proves that sometimes you don't need a big location to tell and entertaining story.

And great performances all around from Mary Elizabeth Winstead to John Goodman and John Gallagher Jr.
SwornShadow's rating:
People who added this item 251 Average listal rating (197 ratings) 5.3 IMDB Rating 6
First watched 8/27/2016

Well it is better then the first Purge movie but that isn't saying much considering I gave that film Zero stars XD

But, this one tries to get serious and political and act like it's saying something relevant and profound about America and it's current state and the film suffers for it. They should have stuck to just having mindless over the top fun like in the second film. Hell Rick and Morty did an episode that understood how to do the concept of The Purge correctly by really making fun of itself and not taking things too seriously.

While they bring some new factors to the table in this one such as we learn that people from other countries visit the US on Purge night to participate. Or how there are some people who go out in the Purge and try to help certain people. That's a few examples of several but really they introduce new concepts that raise more eyebrows and questions then providing answers.

I mean it still amazes me how people actually wait until the Purge starts before they start killing if I wanted to kill someone in the Purge I would kill them like 30 minutes or an hour early and then when the Purge starts and the police are shut down I would escape to Canada or something. I know that would work because even if I killed someone an hour early any members of the police wouldn't do anything because they would all be at their homes keeping their families safe.

And get this we see a candidate up for election and she wants to put and end to the Purge . . . . . WHAT!?!?!?

Okay so despite the Purge only going on for a few decades I can imagine that a lot of people would have blocked its passing back when it was on the Senate floor so if these new Founding Fathers have so much power and control how in the hell did they ever let this candidate that would end their plans get on the ballot in the first place!?! Kinda a big miss for guys who want to keep the Purge going. See what happens when you take yourself so seriously movie? You end up creating a world where the very basic premise of your film could not exist.

The only thing I kinda liked was the film's portrayal of my generation the spoiled self entitled millennials and I liked them in the sense that they got killed because they were gonna kill this guy because he stopped them from stealing a candy bar from his store. Believe it or not but I have met people my age with that kind of mentality that the world owes you everything and if you don't give it to them you deserve to die. The idea of people with that mindset makes me sick. I can only hope this somehow gets a message across to people who think like that in the sense that nothing good will come from that mentality.

So while it doesn't follow the first one's boring route it doesn't quite get to the levels of enjoyment of the second one as their own rules took me out of the movie's world.

But, if you liked it I'm glad you saw something in it that I didn't :)
SwornShadow's rating:
People who added this item 515 Average listal rating (379 ratings) 6.7 IMDB Rating 7.1
First watched in the theater 8/25/2016

A really solid thrill ride and a really fantastic performance by Stephen Lang as The Blind Man. While I thought this film was really good especially that lights out scene I think I might have a few more issues with the film then most others. Now they didn't ruin the film for me but the more I think about them the more they itch my mind.

So I figure I should address them here: first I had like zero sympathy for these kids I mean they try to give Rocky motivation and reason as to why she steals from people but it felt weak to me and the other guys one has a Dad who apparently has a successful business so he isn't too bad off it seems and the other is just a wanna be gangster so them deciding to rob a people especially a freakin' blind guy is repulsive!!! I mean I know we are going to find out that this guy is a monster so we the audience hate him more but our main characters didn't know that going in! In fact it seemed Rocky prioritized robbing him rather then her friend's lives so I found myself rooting for Lang most of the time XD until a certain part where he went too far o.o

(spoilers after this point) Look for the parenthesis at the bottom to see where the spoiler end. You have been warned.....



So we find out that Lang's daughter got killed by this girl from a rich family and she got off scotch free while Lang got a cash settlement. So as revenge and justice in his eyes he kidnaps the girl and impregnates her with his sperm via a Turkey Baster with the intention that she gives him a new daughter and when he accidentally kills her he intends to do the same to Rocky. Yeah this was the point I stopped rooting for Lang after finding that piece of information out.

But, that made me scratch my head a bit if the girl came from a rich family then wouldn't they suspect Lang as being involved with her disappearance unless it happened so recently that they didn't know she was missing yet. Also, I was confused because it seemed like the way he was talking he was going to let them go after they gave birth but I don't know how that would work since they would go right to the police after and then he would most likely end up in jail and his new child would be taken by the state so probably the only way to get away with it would be to kill them shortly after the birth but whatever I am thinking too much.

(SPOILERS END HERE)


Really those are my only major issues with the film but they don't take away from the suspense I felt throughout the entire run time. I was entertained, I was scared, and at times I even did hold my breath. This is certainly worth a watch :)
SwornShadow's rating:
People who added this item 2592 Average listal rating (1876 ratings) 7.3 IMDB Rating 7.8
Predator (1987)
Re-Watched in the theater 8/23/2016

I was lucky enough to catch this in my local theater as a flash back event and man does it still pack a punch of fun :D

It was so refreshing to see an action movie on the big screen that didn't rely on CGI to make movie magic but a fantastic all star cast and practical effects.

Bottom line guys Predator is not a generic action flick from the 80's it is a tense thrill ride filled with a can of kick ass that will keep you entertained, laughing, and on the edge of your seat from start to finish :D
SwornShadow's rating:
People who added this item 281 Average listal rating (213 ratings) 3.9 IMDB Rating 5.7
First watched 8/22/2016

This movie made me cringe every other second.

There are so many characters and subplots they all fade into the background. It's all just noise and colors.

The dialogue and modern reference jokes are tired, obnoxious, and immature. And some too strange and violent: you have Scrat's skin coming off due to gravity and his skeleton putting it back on and his teeth from the top of his mouth getting pulled out and down into his lower mouth due to gravity; it's not funny it is just painful and torturous. Which is a shame usually Scrat's Looney tunes-esque antics are the highlight of each Ice Age film.

They threw any rules they had out the window because they ran out of ideas so now things happen in this movie just because.

When our characters get to Geotopia things pick up and new character Brooke (voiced by Jessie J) is a breathe of fresh air among all these mean spirited annoying characters due to her positive energy and performance. But, that isn't enough to save this wreck.

This would probably have been better as a direct to DVD film. But, that's just my opinion.
SwornShadow's rating:
People who added this item 129 Average listal rating (79 ratings) 7 IMDB Rating 7.2
First watched 8/22/2016

An interesting take on the afterlife blended with some solid comedy and drama with a nice uplifting message certainly worth a watch :)

Also, I found Brook's and Streep's characters to be very likable!
SwornShadow's rating:
People who added this item 1243 Average listal rating (865 ratings) 6.6 IMDB Rating 7.3
Galaxy Quest (1999)
Re-Watched 8/22/2016

Ah, childhood memories. Discovering a film while your parents are asleep that you probably shouldn't have been watching :D

But, seriously I did see this one at the ripe age of 10 or 11 if I recall correctly I liked it and had fun but as you can guess the jokes and satire went over my head XD primarily because I had never seen or heard of Star Trek at that point in my life. Now I am not a hardcore Trek fan but I do enjoy quite a few of there properties now that I have grown up and seeing it again now that I have more knowledge about what it was spoofing does it hold up?

I would say yeah it does in fact I found the experience to be pretty funny, exciting, and at times even serious!?!? O.O

The whole idea of a cast similar to that of the original Star Trek tv show finding themselves thrown into interstellar conflict aiding real aliens and fighting a serious alien menace is just a great premise in general and I felt as though the execution was pretty solid.

I know I might be in the minority on this but I found the Thermians as a charming and at times adorable group of aliens in their admiration for the tv stars and their childlike innocence. But, I could understand how some might find them awkward XD

At the same time I feel like the whole cast gave great performances especially Tim Allen, Alan Rickman, Sigourney Weaver and Sam Rockwell. So I had a lot of fun with this movie in fact I wouldn't mind if they did a follow up to this film but instead spoof the new series of films and work in a plot where the cast of Galaxy Quest passes off the torch to the new group while butting heads and they have to help solve another interstellar conflict! Sadly Alan Rickman wouldn't be able to join them :'( RIP but I feel like they could do an excellent tribute to him while working his unfortunate passing into the plot and it would coincide directly to the real life passing of Leonard Nimoy who his character spoofed also you could get Wil Wheaton on board as an overzealous fan who hates the casting of the new crew especially that really young guy (look it up he has expressed interest) but look at me getting off track XD

Bottom line I still really like Galaxy Quest check it out and see for yourself :)
SwornShadow's rating:
People who added this item 489 Average listal rating (340 ratings) 6.9 IMDB Rating 7.1
First watched in the theater 8/21/2016

While it this series continues to deviate from the original intentions and ideas that Gene had for it this time I feel as though they are trying to become their own thing and in most cases I think it works.

I don't know if I have stated this before but I have always loved the casting of the new Star Trek movies (except for a certain someone in the 2nd one but no time for that now) I feel as though the crew of the Enterprise really bring and capture the personalities and dynamics of these characters.

And new comers to the franchise Sofia Boutella as Jaylah and Idris Elba as Krall are no exception either they gave some stellar performances!

So while the new franchise is more action packed then previous installments I feel like it is hitting it's stride and discovering what it really wants to be and the end result is a solid, action, thrill ride, where everyone gets to shine and show their stuff!

Also, Leonard Nimoy and Anton Yelchin both of you rest easy you won't be forgotten; thank you for everything :')
SwornShadow's rating:
People who added this item 936 Average listal rating (635 ratings) 6.3 IMDB Rating 6.8
Re-Watched 8/19/2016

Winding down at the end of the day there's nothing quite like Beavis and Butt-Head that just allows you to kick back. And in their movie outing it still holds up as being a solid funny film that follows our two brain dead heroes across America it might be immature at times but man does it still make me laugh when it counts XD

Also, gotta love Bruce Willis and Demi Moore's roles in this film as well :D
SwornShadow's rating:
First watched in the theater 8/19/2016

Beautiful animation, creative character designs, and it comes with a story that deals with more mature and darker themes then most animated films today.

Laika does it again by bringing us this fantasy adventure film that might tread on familiar ground but entertains and sucks you in. While managing to balance light hearted comedy with darker tonal shifts without being too jarring.

In a time where 3D CG films dominate animated films it is so refreshing to see Kubo and the Two Strings because it really is art brought to life and doesn't feel the need to play it safe or latch onto common humor that executives think kids will like.

On top of that it has a message that so many ca relate to no matter who you are; loss. We have all lost someone at some point in our lives but still carry them in our hearts. Executed perfectly in this film that it caused my eyes to go glassy and then drip tears. This is the animated film that everyone should see and support because animation deserves to have diversity in the market because it fosters creativity. I can't stress this enough GO AND SUPPORT THIS FILM if you care about animation in any form or capacity :)
SwornShadow's rating:
People who added this item 394 Average listal rating (286 ratings) 5.7 IMDB Rating 5.6
First watched 8/14/2016

Certainly a sequel that turns up the wacky factor a bit when compared to the first Texas Chainsaw Massacre (the original certainly had wacky moments but those were mostly to the advantage of maintaining a creepy tone). While here it is more wacky for the sense of being wacky. However, there is fun to be had in this film if you go in prepared for that difference in tone. The villains (including Leatherface) while being as I said a bit more wacky still manage to deliver memorable performances and the final act gives us a great environment for where everything concludes. Our leading lady while annoying at times I still found likable and was rooting for her to live (a big plus over a lot of horror films today) and let me just say Dennis Hooper is FREAKIN' AWESOME in this movie I dare not try to put it into words you have to experience it! So while part of me wanted to pick this movie apart another part of me enjoyed this ride for what it was to me; a guilty pleasure. Check it out and see for yourself!
SwornShadow's rating:
People who added this item 2324 Average listal rating (1510 ratings) 7.7 IMDB Rating 7.8
First watched 8/14/2016

An excellent gangster film of the prohibition days with the entire cast giving fantastic performances especially Sean Connery. A breathe of fresh air that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
SwornShadow's rating:
People who added this item 1541 Average listal rating (1035 ratings) 7.2 IMDB Rating 7.5
The Town (2010)
First watched 8/13/2016

A solid thrill ride that warrants several viewings in the future and certainly has quite a bit of raw emotion in its characters and storytelling.
SwornShadow's rating:
People who added this item 558 Average listal rating (421 ratings) 5.4 IMDB Rating 6.1
First watched in the theater 8/11/2016

My thoughts on Sausage Party :D (spoiler free as always unless it was in the trailer then it is fair game)!

The short answer: Brightly animated, jokes both visual and verbal come a mile a minute, pulls NO PUNCHES, you will be offended, you will be grossed out, but you will laugh your a$$ off XD go see this movie!

Oh and I know that you guys are smart cookies :3 but if you were thinking of bringing your kids, nieces, nephews, etc. to this thing DON'T!!! IT IS NOT A KIDS MOVIE!?!?!? I am dead serious....... o-o oh but if you are too young to get into this movie just tell your folks it's the latest from Pixar/Dreamworks :D no no don't do that....... but only if you really want to ;D

The long answer: Sausage Party if the latest haze of smoke from the drug enhanced minds of Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, and their usual crew; that is a bit of a spoof on the Pixar/Dreamworks animated films (The opening song is composed by Alan Menken even :D yeah the guy behind the songs from The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin just to name a few :D)!

It tells the tale of Frank the Hot Dog voiced by Seth Rogen and Brenda the Bun voiced by the lovely and funny Kristen Wiig and their adventure in their society that is the supermarket Shopwells. They live in a world where every food item views humans as Gods and to be selected to leave the store is a great honor because "The Great Beyond" awaits them. However, Frank and Brenda find themselves stranded in the supermarket and trying to find their way back to their aisle in hopes of being "chosen" again while unraveling the truth of what happens when food leaves the store and meeting some colorful characters along the way :D

And when I mean colorful I mean this film covered it's bases and effectively makes fun of I think every single race in the book (Irish, German, Native American, Black, Asian, Latino, Muslim, Jewish; I might have missed some) several religions and several communities and to tell you the truth; with how serious, depressing, and for lack of a better term PC the world has become in recent years this was a breath of fresh air that was just the laugh I needed XD

Was I offended and think they went too far sometimes; yes. Did I find some jokes more crude and disgusting then funny; yes. Is it immature; yes. But, those things didn't ruin the movie for me because they went all the way with their humor. My philosophy is that you make fun of everyone; or no one at all and that there is a time and place for humor and a time and place for no humor (but a movie is sometimes the perfect place for humor; it's escapism) and this film understands that. So the fact that some parts got to me showed that it worked; at least from my point of view :3

So if you are someone who is offended easily, doesn't like sex humor, crude humor, swearing humor, immature humor, you will probably have a bad time with this feature film :3 but the fact that we live in a time where an animated R film is possible is fantastic because there hasn't been one is a while (yeah there are more look them up I dare you o_o).

But, to wrap up guys Sausage Party is a brightly animated spoof on the typical Pixar/Dreamworks formula (think Toy Story but with food) fused with a stoner comedy, whose creativity comes from it's gloves off offensive jokes and great visual gags, and strangely has a few messages that might just ring true and resonate with some folks :3 Also, the last third act of this film might go TOO FAR like REALLLLY TOO FAR. I thought they would stop at some point; but NO they keep going and going and it gets MORE and MORE CRAZZZZY; I was stunned, horrified, confused, and laughing all at the same time XD the fact that last third is in this movie just might be worth the price of admission alone!

So for this wild ride I liked it better then expected and I gotta be honest I'm gonna give Sausage Party 41/2 stars out of 5.

As always thank you guys so much for reading my silly reviews it really brings a smile to my face to know you took the time to at least hear my opinion :) I look forward to doing more of these and who knows if enough people request something I might just have to see it ;)
SwornShadow's rating:
People who added this item 1382 Average listal rating (920 ratings) 7 IMDB Rating 7.6
The Abyss (1989)
First watched 8/8/2016

A different kind of outing from James Cameron that might overstay its welcome a bit but draws you back in with its veil of mystery and very solid performances with a good amount of thrills and turns along the way.
SwornShadow's rating:
People who added this item 1096 Average listal rating (782 ratings) 7 IMDB Rating 7.5
First watched 8/8/2016

A comedy that actually might be just as relevant in its message today as it was back in '83. With hilarious and likable performances from Murphy, Aykroyd, and Curtis this is a classic comedy that deserves to be remembered.
SwornShadow's rating:
People who added this item 2989 Average listal rating (1949 ratings) 6.2 IMDB Rating 6.7
First watched 8/7/2016

At times fun and at other times a bit silly Final Destination is enough fun in its premise to keep you entertained.
SwornShadow's rating:
People who added this item 1104 Average listal rating (798 ratings) 5.1 IMDB Rating 5.9
Suicide Squad (2016)
First watched in the theater 8/5/2016

My thoughts on Suicide Squad :3 (and as always this is spoiler free unless it was in the trailer then it is fair game so read freely)!

The short answer: I gotta disagree with the critics on this one I had fun so go and see this flick :D

The long answer: Suicide Squad is the latest film from the DC Expanded Universe brought to us by director David Ayer who you might remember from his writing credits on Training Day and the The Fast and Furious and his directing credits from Fury and the excellent End of Watch. Suicide Squad is a film that assembles several villains through a covert branch of the government due to rising concern over meta human occurrences and they want some fire power in their arsenal if the next Superman isn't a friend.

My favorite aspects of this film included Will Smith as Deadshot who brings that likable personality of his to the role. Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn who is having a blast and brings a lot of energy to everyone's favorite ant-heroine. Viola Davis as Amanda Waller who really captures her imposing government presence. Jai Courtney as Captain Boomerang and holy mother of God guys Jai Courtney finally plays a character that proves he actually has a personality :D good for him!

And even the characters that didn't get a ton of attention such as El Diablo, Killer Croc, Enchantress, Katana, Slipknot, and The Joker were cast and played well. (Well I might need to see Jared Leto's Joker some more before I can fully gauge how much I like him compared to the other Jokers before him; let me explain).

Now this film isn't without some draw backs first the editing is pretty choppy especially when a fast paced scene is taking place so if you blink you might miss what just happened. However, when slower and calmer scenes are taking place the editing is much more smooth and natural. They also utilize this editing for some of the characterization where they literally list off bullet points of who these characters are but it is done more for comedic effect so it works it that regard.
However, as I mentioned before how some characters don't get a ton of attention well The Joker falls into that category. The trailers might lead you to believe he is the main villain in this movie when actually the scenes in the trailer are the majority of his appearances so I think some fans will be disappointed with that aspect but it didn't hurt the movie at least for me.

No the real big bad of the film I won't spoil but I will say that while I'm not opposed to this person being the villain the way the story pushed them into the villain role was rather jarring and more for the sake of the plot rather then natural story telling so that aspect bothered me a bit.

For the other characters to get their backstories and characterizations to fit in this 2 hour film that show a bit of everyone and some get more as the film moves on. However, some you are given the bare bones description of who they are but I feel as though most of these were fine while a little clunky introductions to this expanded universe so there wasn't a character in this film that I didn't want to see more of in the future so that aspect is a plus :)

But, I really feel like DC is learning from their mistakes and showed that you can still have a dark toned film while still having humor and fun in it. Because they added some much needed color and personality to this film. The casting choices and their performances were great. The soundtrack is awesome :D Do all the jokes land; no. But, quite a few of them do. Is the plot a little simple; yes. But, going along for the ride with this characters makes it worth it. Do the powers that be try to make some characters "edgy" and end up trying a bit too hard in their actions and appearances; yes. But, the performances really help to look past any nit picking issues like that. At least for my taste :3

To wrap up guys Suicide Squad is a ton of summer blockbuster super(anti) hero fun. Will Smith and Margot Robbie really steal the show. The other characters are solid and fun and I would really like to see more of them. Especially Jared Leto as The Joker. In fact I'm all behind the idea for a Suicide Squad 2 (hopefully the sequel will be rated R this is the Suicide Squad after all :D). The action is great. The jokes (mostly work). While it has some editing and pacing issues it still provides some great popcorn fun :)

I'm gonna give Suicide Squad 3.5 stars out of 5 :D

Thank you guys so much for your positive support and taking the time to read this. And be sure to stick around for a mid credit scene (the one after the colorful credits not the black and white credits) for a character exchange that promises bigger things on the horizon :)
SwornShadow's rating:
People who added this item 307 Average listal rating (199 ratings) 7.2 IMDB Rating 7.7
First watched 8/5/2016

An animated film that every parent with a child should see at least once I feel like this is one that will really stick with them as they grow up and come to understand the meanings and symbolism behind this production.

Also, have to gives props to the animators for blending the different styles together; very refreshing :) and credit to the voice cast who are able to deliver performances that really connect with the raw emotions and dreams of audience members.

I feel like I can't fully articulate and do this film justice go see it for yourself it is worth it!
SwornShadow's rating:
People who added this item 2065 Average listal rating (1353 ratings) 7.8 IMDB Rating 8
Re-Watched in the theater 8/2/2016

My face was slapped with a permanent grin when I saw this film would be shown at my local theater for a flashback event. I already loved Akira when I first watched it after buying it from a closing sale from Blockbuster; seems so long ago XD

But, seeing it again on the big screen brought a whole new level of appreciation towards this anime film. Its retro, its animation is gritty and stylistic (a style from the 80's and 90's I wish studios today would try to recapture when making new anime properties),its funny, its weird in the right ways, its action, story, and characters are engaging, and the soundtrack is fantastic it really immerses you in Neo-Tokyo.

The English dub cast in my opinion also does a great job capturing the emotions and inflections of the characters. Bottom line guys you should check out Akira if you haven't already because you will see why it was so vital and integral in perking public interest in North America in the genre that is anime. Also, if you have the option or chance to see it on the big screen go for it because it only enhances the experience.

Also, as a side note I am aware that a manga of Akira exists and while they adapted a sizable portion into this film there is apparently a lot more story to be told in the manga if you are interested in checking it out I know I am :)
SwornShadow's rating:
People who added this item 1262 Average listal rating (748 ratings) 7.5 IMDB Rating 7.7
Porco Rosso (1992)
First watched 8/1/2016

I'm a sucker for Miyazaki movies and this isn't one I grew up with so I didn't know what I was going to think of it but I loved it!

It is certainly different from most Miyazaki works because our main character is a middle aged man (er pig) instead of the usual young main character heroines that Miyazaki has in his films.

This is a much more grounded story as well because it seems to be set in a fictional setting that is the closest to the real world that being pre-World War II Europe. But, I think all these details work in its favor.

This is a film that doesn't talk down to it's core audience that being children (a common trend in Miyazaki's works) it doesn't just give you all the answers it makes you think and ponder if two individual's really did get together or not (there are little clues that tell more) and I love that. I love it when a film doesn't feel obligated to play all the cards in its hand.

I found this to be a funny, heart warming, beautifully animated, and at times even inspiring and uplifting tale that I am positive will ring true with many others :)
SwornShadow's rating:

Voters of this movie list - View all
PulpRomanStepan_KantBml93the giraffexolmis Georginikathy
Alright! A new month a new list! As always aiming to see films that have been on my plan to watch list for a while and hopefully catch some in the theater :D and give a few thoughts on each :3

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