Summer Movie Blog (June 2022-August 2022)

Date: 6/3/2022
Viewed: In Theaters
First Viewing

Note: Since it was announced, I've been looking forward to seeing this film. I had to see this movie on opening weekend because David Cronenberg is one of my top 10 favorite filmmakers of all time. It's so nice to see a film like this being distributed in my local theater rather than some art house theater an hour away from me. It was well worth the wait to see this film. In my opinion, Crimes of the Future is a terrific film. It took me a while to write this review because I needed some time to process my thoughts. The film has a dark, weird, cerebral, and twisted atmosphere to it, similar to Cronenberg's previous works. Rather than being similar to Videodrome (1983) or The Fly (1986), the film reminds me of Dead Ringers (1988) and Crash (1996). Although the lack of extreme blood and gore or transformation moments similar to The Fly is somewhat disappointing, I am nonetheless pleased with how the movie turned out. A film like Crimes of the Future is lucky enough to get made in the first place.

In my opinion, Crimes of the Future successfully blends hard science and body horror. The films tells a compelling story about the next phase in human evolution and how far the human body can be pushed. In the film, humans decided to utilize surgery as a way to get high or feel horny because they could no longer feel pain. It's the kind of movie that will make even the most casual moviegoer wonder, "What the heck is this?" The art direction is fantastic, with surreal set pieces and gritty color palettes. The story and cinematography by Douglas Koch (Last Night) give the sense that the future is bleak and barren. You have a chair and tools in the film that feel as if they were plucked right from H.R. Giger's imagination. Thanks to Howard Shore's (Lord of the Rings) excellent musical score, the film has a very atmospheric feel to it. The music makes the film feel creepier.

The acting is also excellent, with everyone putting forth a solid performance. Viggo Mortensen (Carlito’s Way) and Léa Seydoux (No Time to Die) have great chemistry together on screen. The film contains a social commentary on art house exhibitions and how people's bodies evolve in response to their surroundings. You can use it as a metaphor for reactive evolution, with the planet changing over time. Another aspect of Crimes of the Future that I enjoyed was the constant control of humans and their physical bodies. It's no different in our world, with governments attempting to impose restrictions on what people may and cannot do with their bodies. The film deals with the interaction between humans and technology in the same way that Crash (another Cronenberg film) did. demonstrating how technology have impacted and influenced human history, especially what's going on right now in the twenty-first century.

There are so many things in the movie that I could talk about for hours. Overall, Crimes of the Future is an amazing film. When you have the opportunity, I strongly advise you to see this film.

Date: 6/6/2022
Viewed: Paramount+
First Viewing

Note: Happy Pride Month to everyone. Out of morbid curiosity, I chose to watch this movie on Paramount+ (as of 6/6/2022). I wasn't sure what to expect from this film, but it turned out to be far worse than I had imagine. In my opinion, Stonewall is a terrible film. Given how often people compare Roland Emmerich to Michael Bay because their films are so similar, I'd argue that Stonewall is Roland Emmerich's equivalent to Pearl Harbor (2001). Both films are based on true events that are historically inaccurate and insulting to people who lived at the time.

Even if you ignore the historically inaccurate events and just watch it as a work of fiction, the film is still a total trainwreck. Stonewall is a slow, boring, and uninspired film. The film is two hours long, yet it feels like a five-hour film. I found myself tearing my hair out trying to finish this dumb movie, and I had to pause it several times to multitask because I was so bored. I was hoping that this film would improve over time, but it doesn't. None of the characters are really interesting, and they are all as flat as a piece of wood. The film's main character (played by Jeremy Irvine) is your ordinary runaway seeking to get away from his selfish parents. They genuinely want you to connect with this uninteresting character, despite the fact that you could care less about him. The other characters are bad stereotypes of the LGBTQ+ community. To make matters worse, the movie is essentially one giant white savior movie. They realized that if the film had a more diverse cast, no one would care about it; instead, the film makes you root for the cis white gay man as Stonewall's hero.

In my opinion, the acting and dialogue are terrible. Not even Ron Perlman (Hellboy 1-2) and Larry Day (Arrival, Night of the Demons 3) can save this film. Instead of being emotional and character-driven, the film comes across as corny, clichéd, and melodramatic. The whole narrative has the vibe of an after-school TV special that would air at 2 PM on a public television channel that no one watches. The film's production values are also terrible. The entire film has a cheap look and feel to it. Stonewall feels like it was created by the Hallmark Channel rather than a film by a filmmaker who is known for producing films with high production values like Independence Day (1996). The only positive aspect of this film that I can point to is Rob Simonsen's (Ghostbusters: Afterlife) decent music score. Aside from that, there are no redeemable qualities in this film. I never imagined the day when Roland Emmerich would make a film that would make 10,000 BC (2008) look like a National Geographic documentary in comparison.

Overall, Stonewall isn't worth your time or money. I strongly advise you to avoid it at all costs. If you want to learn more about the actual Stonewall event, you can watch documentaries about it or read books about it at your local library.

Date: 6/8/2022
Viewed: Amazon Prime
First Viewing

Note: I've been wanting to see this film for quite some time because I love Gregg Araki's work. After watching Stonewall (2015), I was looking for a good LGBTQ+ film to watch to get the bad taste out of my mouth. I had to rent the movie through Amazon Prime in order to see it. For whatever reason, they provided the film in SD rather than HD. It made it more difficult to watch because the movie didn't look great on my TV. It also made it more difficult to watch other parts because they were in SD. Anyways, Kaboom, on the other hand, is a pretty good film in my opinion. However, I didn't enjoy it as much as I did his other films. Maybe I wasn't in the appropriate frame of mind, or the movie didn't connect with me.

Kaboom is a film with a lot of positive aspects. The cinematography in the film is excellent. I enjoyed how vibrant the film was at times. The acting is excellent, and everyone does a terrific job with their performances. The film does a good job of combining comedy, drama, horror, and thriller elements into one film. With its eerie atmosphere and doomsday cult narrative, the film has the sense of a horror thriller. The film almost feels like a David Lynch film at times, with its creepy and surreal moments. The reason I didn't enjoy this picture as much as Gregg Araki's previous works is because I didn't have a strong emotional connection to the plot or the characters.

I thought the film was a little slow at times for a film that is under 90 minutes. Despite the fact that the characters are not poorly written, I did not find them memorable. I felt like the film had several loose ends that were never explained. I also find humor lacking at times. Compared to his prior films, I didn't laugh as much. Having said that, I still enjoyed the film and have no regrets about watching it. Maybe if I watch it again, I'll give it a higher rating. I believe this is a film that merits a second viewing.

Overall, Kaboom is a good film that you should check out.

Date: 6/11/2022
Viewed: HBO Max
Re-watch

Note: I decided to revisit Lethal Weapon because it is its 35th anniversary this year. Lethal Weapon, in my opinion, has aged nicely and remains a fantastic action film. I will keep this review short because I can't say anything new about this film that hasn't been said already. There isn't a single dull moment in the film, which is jam-packed with nonstop action. Martin Riggs (played by Mel Gibson) and Roger Murtaugh (played by Danny Glover) have a fantastic relationship. I always enjoy seeing these two on screen together. Gary Busey (Lost Highway) is amazing in his most iconic movie role as the main villain. Tom Atkins (Night of the Creeps) also has a delightful role in the film that deserves to be mentioned. There isn't much more I can say about Lethal Weapon that hasn't already been said. If you haven't seen it yet, you should.

Date: 6/13/2022
Viewed: Blu-ray
Re-Watch

Note: Since it's Lucio Fulci's birthday today, I've chosen to celebrate by watching Contraband, aka The Smuggler. The Lucio Fulci films that aren't horror, in my opinion, don't garner much attention from other people. I adore his horror flicks just as much as the next guy, but he has also produced other films too. My Cauldron Films Blu-ray from DiabolikDVD arrived just in time for Fulci's birthday. In addition, I've been eager to watch it again because I haven't seen it in the last 20 years. In my opinion, Contraband is a solid grindhouse action movie. It's not high art when compared to mafia movies like The Godfather series or crime action movies like The Getaway, but it's good for what it is.

The action scenes are entertaining to watch, and there are some fantastic gruesome moments. The film features a lot of memorable music. It's a lot of fun to listen to Fabio Frizzi's (The Beyond) soundtrack. The film has a gloomy, grimy, and washed-up aesthetic thanks to Sergio Salvati's (City of the Living Dead) cinematography. Although the plot is neither unique nor extraordinary, it is nonetheless entertaining. For you to remain engaged with the story, there is enough action. Contraband succeeds in meeting the audience's expectations. By having fantastic trashy action from start to finish. With the backs of people's skulls being blown off, dead bodies being hurled through windows, people having their intestines flying out, and a person having half their face burned off, the movie is more insane than most gangster movies out there. What else is there to love? I will admit that the movie started out a little slowly for me because I didn't immediately connect with the characters at first.

Overall, Contraband is an entertaining action movie that you should watch.

Date: 6/18/2022
Viewed: Amazon Prime
First Viewing

Note: I've always loved Troma, but up until recently, I had never seen this movie. I knew about it for years, but I never had the chance to watch it. I figured I might as well check it out while it's still Pride Month. I'm glad I watched it because I had a lot of fun with it. In my opinion, Vegas in Space is a good LGBTQ+ film. I adored this film's uniqueness and humor. The movie is a tribute to a number of iconic B movies from the Golden Age of filmmaking. Similar to Forbidden Zone (1980), the movie has a weird and silly vibe. You have scenes that appear to have been taken directly from someone's dreams. It's the kind of movie that's ideal for nighttime graveyard shift viewing. Vegas in Space is self-aware of how ridiculous it is. It has the appearance and atmosphere of a science fiction movie that would be shown in 1950s drive-in theaters.

The set designs are obviously fake and extremely low-budget which is not a bad thing. The humor is hilarious, and the characters are likable. I'm hoping that a Blu-ray version will be released one day. This is a film that needs a good HD remaster. Overall, Vegas in Space is a wacky, entertaining movie that you should check out.

Date: 6/19/2022
Viewed: In theathers
First Viewing

Note: The first Top Gun movie was never really my thing, and this one doesn't seem like my kind of thing either. My family wanted to see this movie for Father's Day in theaters; I wind up seeing it. To be completely honest, I thought this film was surprisingly good. I went into Top Gun 2 with no hopes whatsoever, but I enjoyed myself while watching it. The film has no business being as good as it is. The director of this film also directed Tron: Legacy (another film that was a sequel to an 80s classic) and Top Gun: Maverick, which was better than that film was. In my opinion, Tron: Legacy (2010) was all flash and no substance. Top Gun: Maverick, in contrast, offers a compelling narrative that makes you interested in what's happening. When watching the film, I found myself becoming attached to the characters because they were so well done.

The film's production values are superb, and the performance was also excellent. The film's aesthetics and camera work are amazing. The film does have pacing issues, in my opinion. It took me some time to get interested in what was happening. It runs for more than two hours, and it does seem like a lengthy movie at times. There isn't much more to say about this film than has already been said. Overall, Top Gun: Maverick is worth watching.

Date: 6/19/2022
Viewed: Blu-ray
Re-watch

Note: My Synapse Films Blu-ray from DiabolikDVD just arrived in the mail recently, and I've been wanting to watch this film again for a while now. In my opinion, The Living Dead at Manchester Morgue is still a great classic. I adore the slow-burning atmosphere this film has. Compared to a George A. Romero zombie movie, The Living Dead at Manchester Morgue places more emphasis on the atmosphere. Thanks to the fantastic set designs, the use of fog, and the gritty cinematography, this movie is oozing with gothic horror. The gothic horror atmosphere of the movie is also helped by the film's amazing set design and eerie music. The film's pacing is perfect, with it not being too long or too short. It felt like it was moving at the right pace.

This movie's emphasis on environmental issues is another aspect I admire. I admire how the use of harmful chemicals by humans is having a negative impact on the environment. The zombies are a metaphor for the effects of man made climate change. There is also a message about how the government is scummy for covering up its BS in order to look nice. How timely this movie is in the world we live in is simply astounding. Without giving anything away, the ending was also awesome. The film also features incredible special effects for the gruesome death sequences. I like the primary cast of characters, despite the fact that they are far from perfect. They held my interest in the story, and I found them to be interesting.

Overall, The Living Dead in Manchester Morgue is a fantastic horror film. I highly recommend it.

Date: 6/24/2022
Viewed: In theathers
First Viewing

Note: SPOILER REVIEW:



Given the poor track record of the most recent Jurassic Park films, I didn't have high expectations coming into this film. My family was interested in going, and I needed anything to take my mind off of the present state of the world that we are in. Not as awful as I anticipated, Jurassic World Dominion was still entertaining. After a terrible day, I needed a trashy film like this. Although this film has a lot of flaws, I found it to be really entertaining to witness non-avian dinosaurs coexist with current animals and people. The dinosaur-related stuff you see is quite neat. I adored the black market scene because the folks displaying various dinosaurs and animals reminded me of the Troll Market in Hellboy 2 (2008). Even though the action scenes are clichéd and go on for too long, they are nonetheless entertaining.

Seeing Alan Grant and Dr. Ellie Sattle again is my favorite part of the film. Dr. Ian Malcolm is also back too. It's like your old band getting back together. For the most part, the special effects are quite good. It's good to see dinosaurs in animatronic form once more, and the CGI is excellent. But occasionally, some of the visuals can seem iffy. The remainder of the film is a total hot mess. Jurassic World Dominion tries a lot of ideas, but none of them are carried out particularly successfully. You have a story about a child being kidnapped that is reminiscent of Taken (2008), as well as one about extinct locusts devouring food reserves that seems to have been lifted directly from The Swarm (1978). The murderous locusts are the main focus of the entire narrative instead of having dinosaurs be the main focus of the story. There were literally millions of better ways to tell the story of people and dinosaurs coexisting in the film. Instead, they made a mess of it. If they wanted to make a movie about using killer bugs to control the world's food supply, then they should have made their own original film instead. Nothing would have changed if you had removed the dinosaurs because their presence had nothing to do with the murderous locusts.

Although the dinosaurs in the movie are cool, they don't seem to have a significant impact on anything. I feel like most of them are just there to be there. At least something is achieved when the Atrociraptors are utilized to produce a significant chase scenario in Malta. Too bad, the soldiers act like idiots by not shooting them when they have the chance. The Giganotosaurus is portrayed in the movie as the new big dinosaur, but it appears only briefly. The Giganotosaurus simply appears and goes. Nothing would have changed if any dinosaur had been given the role. The climactic battle also seems rushed, and a Therizinosaurus (the one with the giant claws) appears out of nowhere to aid the T-Rex in battle with the Giganotosaurus. I also hated the fact that the majority of the dinosaurs lacked names. Without doing your research, you wouldn't know what the majority of these dinosaurs are. A Dimetrodon appears in the movie, but no one bothered to point out that it is not a dinosaur. This would have been a great chance to bring up this misconception since people regularly confuse it with a dinosaur.

Who knows where this franchise will go next, as the film leaves things open. The Jurassic World movies, in my opinion, fall short of what made the original franchise successful in the first place. Hence, I would like to see this series take a break for a bit. When it comes down to it, I do enjoy Jurassic World Dominion as a guilty pleasure. By the end of the day, it's McDonald's for moviegoers. There will soon be a director's cut released, so maybe my opinion will change. I still recommend it to anyone who is a fan of the series. Otherwise, you're better off waiting to rent it instead.

Date: 6/25/2022
Viewed: Paramount+
First Viewing

Note: I have been a fan of Beavis and Butthead since I was a little kid, and I have been anticipating a new Beavis and Butthead film for a long time. When I was a little kid in the mid 90s, one of my favorite memories was watching MTV at my aunt's house because they always had it on. While other kids were watching Barney and Sesame Street, I was watching shows like Liquid Television, The Maxx, Beavis and Butthead, and The Head. The film was totally worth the wait. Although I still like the original Beavis and Butthead movie, I still think the film is hilarious.

There are so many hilarious moments in this film that I couldn't stop laughing. Seeing Beavis and Butthead interact with the 21st century world is my favorite thing about this film. Beavis and Butthead are essentially timeless since they blend in seamlessly with any era in which they are placed. It's incredible how well these two characters from the 1990s blend into the culture of the present without seeming out of place. A multiverse gimmick is also included in the film; thankfully they didn't overuse it. The film does recycle some of the previous humor from the first movie and previous TV episodes, but I didn't mind it that much. Some of the TV show's supporting cast members deserve more than cameos, though. I wanted to see Tom Anderson again in the film. Additionally, I wished it were longer since I think an additional 10-15 minutes would have made the movie more exciting.

If you love Beavis and Butt-Head, you will probably enjoy this film. If you don't, this film won't be for you.

Date: 6/27/2022
Viewed: Youtube
First Viewing

Note: I found this movie on Letterboxd while browsing for new movies to watch. Not Like Us' premise seems intriguing. Not to mention that Roger Corman is the movie's producer. Despite my best efforts, I found it difficult to enjoy this film. In my opinion, Not Like Us is a boring film. The characters are all unlikeable and uninteresting. The story is filled with filler moments that I could care less about. Even though you have a cast with talented actors like Clint Howard (Apollo 13), Paul Bartel (The Usual Suspects), Joanna Pacula (Tombstone), Peter Onorati (Goodfellas), and Annabelle Gurwitch (Pollock), the acting isn't very good. The film makes a lot of poor attempts to be funny. I probably laughed once during the entire film.

Even though the film isn't good, it still has some positive aspects. I enjoy the film's setting, which attempts to capture the retro appearance of white suburban America during the 1950s and '60s. It has a trashy atmosphere similar to that of other direct-to-video horror movies from the 90s, which I can't help but enjoy. You also have some decent special effects that surprisingly look good. Additionally, Tyler Bates' (Jon Wick 1-4) music is excellent and feels pretty chilling at times. I would not recommend watching Not Like Us unless you have nothing else to do on a rainy day.

Date: 7/4/2022
Viewed: 4K UHD
Re-watch

Note: Given that Starship Troopers is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, I felt like watching it again. Back in the late 1990s, when I was a kid, Starship Troopers was a big deal. I had the toys, watched it countless times on VHS, and even watched the short lived cartoon show on TV. In my first grade classes in late 1997, it was one of the most discussed movies. My friends and I were more interested in discussing Starship Troopers, Alien Resurrection, and the Mortal Kombat 2 movie (which ended up sucking) than something like Flubber. When I was a kid, I had the best of both worlds since I could watch R-rated films, adult animated series, play M-rated video games, read R-rated comic books, while also enjoying E-rated video games and watching cartoons on Nickelodeon, Fox Kids, Cartoon Network, etc. Back on topic, Starship Troopers is still a great movie.

While some of the CGI hasn't held up well over time, the majority of the visuals have. The film looks much better in 4K UHD than it did before. I always enjoy the practical effects in this movie. They still look fantastic on film, even after 25 years. The Arachnids and the other alien bugs are the true stars of the film. The film has a great cast of memorable characters and memorable dialogue. Even though some people didn't enjoy the acting, I thought all the actors did a good job. The film has a ton of action, but it never becomes boring.

Starship Troopers gets dismissed as just another B movie when there's more to the film. One of the best aspects of the film is its satire of US imperialism. It does an excellent job of illustrating how violent and foolish the military can be when engaged in war. This anti-war film demonstrates how violence and war generate fascists. The film uses fascist iconography to suggest that humankind's military deeds pose a threat to humanity's future. I don't believe I can add anything new to what has already been said about Starship Troopers. Go watch it ASAP.

Date: 7/12/2022
Viewed: Shudder
First viewing

Note: Even now, watching and reviewing films leaves me exhausted because I have been doing it for over two years and I would normally watch over 30 movies in one month. Although I currently have no plans to stop using Listal and Letterboxd, I have been spending more of my free time working on other things and dealing with my own mental health. Regardless, let's return to the review. After hearing so many wonderful things about this film, I've been rather keen to see it. After watching it on Shudder, I was utterly blown away. Writing this review was challenging for me because I was at a loss for words. Mad God is genuinely unique, unlike any other film. It might turn out to be one of my favorite movies of the year (being a tie with Everything Everywhere All at Once).

Almost everything about Mad God is amazing. The imagery, art direction, surrealism, and gloomy atmosphere. Everything about Mad God speaks to me. If I had the talent to make movies, I could easily see myself making this one. The film is jam-packed with surrealism, spooky visuals, and bizarre-looking monsters. Mad God has the impression of what would result if Tim Burton, Shinya Tsukamoto (Tetsuo: The Iron Man), The Quay Brothers (Street of Crocodiles), Jan vankmajer (Alice 1988), and Suehiro Maruo (Midori) worked together to produce a movie that is a living nightmare. While watching Mad God, I experienced the feeling of falling down the rabbit hole and entering a brand-new realm. The weird imagery and gloomy setting will keep you glued to the screen. The stop motion animation is arguably the best stop motion animation I have seen in a long time. I was astounded by the amount of work and attention to detail that went into this film. Mad God feels like a unique movie because it doesn't have any dialogue. The absence of a clear narrative also adds to the film's uniqueness. It enables the audience to interpret events in their own way. There is a ton of symbolism in this that I enjoy deciphering and piecing together.

The only issue I have with Mad God is that the final act of the movie feels a little too dragged out. The baby crying in the film does become really grating pretty quickly too. I have no other criticism of Mad God aside from that. This is a film that you need to see to believe. I highly recommend watching it ASAP.

Date: 7/12/2022
Viewed: Hulu
First viewing

Note: Even though I must say that I'm not a big fan of Bob's Burgers, but I don't mind it. As a casual fan, if it's on Adult Swim, I do watch it. Seeing as it's now available on Hulu (as of 7/14/2022), I thought I might as well check it out. For what it is, The Bob's Burgers Movie is not bad. Everything from the show is present in the film. The film contains humor, and likable characters from the TV show as you would expect. The plot was interesting, and there were a few cool twists that I didn't expect. I enjoyed the family-related scenes with the Belcher family in the film. I even appreciate the character development of Louise Belcher. I did giggle a few times while watching the film, and the animation is not bad either.

The main issue with The Bob's Burgers Movie is that it lacks the feel of a movie meant for a theatrical release. The Bob's Burger movie reminds me of those animated movies based on TV shows from the early-mid 2000s like Recess: School's Out (2001), The Wild Thornberrys Movie (2002), or Teacher's Pet (2004) in that they feel more like extended episodes of the show than a big screen adventure. Some of the film's musical sequences didn't appeal to me. They didn't seem to be extremely memorable or catchy. Having said that, I'm glad I watched it. If you're a fan of the Bob's Burger TV show, you will probably enjoy this film. It's unlikely that you'll enjoy the film if you didn't like the TV show.

Date: 8/19/2022
Viewed: In Theathers
First Viewing

Note: SPOILER REVIEW




Given that I'm still a huge fan of the franchise after more than 20 years, I was excited to see the new Dragon Ball movie. We haven't seen any new Dragon Ball material in about 3–4 years, other than the manga that is still being released. My friends and I went to see the movie in a theater during an IMAX showing. Actually, I liked this movie more than I anticipated. It may not be my favorite Dragon Ball movie, but I still enjoy it a lot. I like it more than Dragon Ball Super: Broly (2018) because I thought there was more to the characters than just fighting. It was great to see different characters receive some attention for once. Since 1994's Dragon Ball Z: Broly-Second Coming (Dragon Ball Z: Two Dangerous People! Super Warriors Can’t Sleep) Gohan has yet to play the lead role in a Dragon Ball film.We get to have more Piccolo story moments as well. Also, the film is basically a superhero story, with Gohan releasing the hero inside him. Goku was never a superhero, so it makes sense for him not to have a major role in the film.

At times, the humor was very hilarious. I also appreciate that they experimented with the animation. I completely forgot that I was watching a CGI movie since it was so stunning. However, you did some minor animation flaws that occasionally seemed off. I enjoy how the Red Ribbion Army is discussed in the story, as well as what happened to them after Goku destroyed them many years ago. I also enjoy that the Red Pharmaceuticals have their own wacky conspiracy theories about the Dragon World. It is really funny to see their own crazy views on the main cast of characters. The two Gamma cyborgs are incredibly cool, with Gamma 2 probably being my personal favorite.

However, there were a few ways the movie could have been better. I think Gamma 1 could have benefited from additional character development. While keeping Gamma 1, they killed off Gamma 2. In comparison to his sibling, Gamma 1 didn't feel like he had as much going for him. I was hoping to see Gohan portray the Great Saiyaman in the Super Hero movie, as it is called "Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero". He never put on the costume for the film. Cell Max served as the movie's final bad guy. Sincerely, I found this character to be quite lame. If they wanted a new version of Cell, that would be fine. He lacks personality, is basically a huge monster, and barely differs in appearance from Cell's second form. Even if it seems nitpicky, I wish they had some references to the manga. The Moro and Granolah sagas, which the film is set after, aren't even addressed. I understand why they chose not to mention it, but I still think they should have.

Overall, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is a fun film and I do recommend it to fans of the franchise. If you never liked the franchise, this film is not for you.

Date: 8/26/2022
Viewed: In Theathers
Re-watch

Note: My friends were looking for a movie to watch on Friday night, and we found the first Borat film on HBO Max (as of 8/26/2022). I haven't seen this movie since it was released on DVD, but I remember it being a big deal at the time. Almost everyone in my high school would frequently quote it to one another. There isn't much more I can say about this film than has already been said. I'll therefore keep it brief. The first Borat film was just as hilarious as I had remembered. I still found myself laughing uncontrollably when I watched it again. I think the film is pretty creative in how most scenes in the film were unscripted. It makes the film very funny at times, seeing everyone's reactions. The film is also shot very well, and it now feels like a time capsule of the mid 2000s when you see the characters walking around NYC in 2006.

However, you do have some dumb jokes that do feel repetitive and cringy at times. Other than that, I don't have anything else to say about the film that hasn't been said already. In case you were wondering, I have seen the sequel and I prefer it to the first one. Overall, Borat is still a pretty funny film. I do recommend it if you're curious.

Date: 8/27/2022
Viewed: TubiTV
Re-watch

Note: On this lazy Sunday afternoon, I decided to pass off time by watching Evil Toons. I hadn't seen this movie in 20 years, so I was interested to see if it still stands up. Although Evil Toons isn't a terrible film, I think it could have been better. I enjoy how the film essentially represents what would happen if Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988) and the Evil Dead (1981) were to combine. I wish the film had a bigger budget because it has a really cool concept. The film hardly features the evil demonic toon monster, which spends the most of its time taking over other people's bodies. It becomes less Roger Rabbit and more Nights of the Demons (1988) instead.

The characters in the film are nothing special and I didn't care much about them. David Carradine (Kill Bill 1-2) and Dick Miller (Gremlins 1-2) are the best characters in the film, and they don't have much screen time. Even though the other actors in the film aren't very talented, you can see they tried their best. At least, you have a cool minor role from Don Dowe (Tales from the Hood). Evil Toons' pacing is not very good because not a lot happens for the majority of the movie. It takes over 30 minutes for something interesting to happen. Evil Toons may not be a good film, it does have some impressive qualities. The animated scenes with the evil demon toon monster are not bad for a small budget film. If the film had a bigger budget, they probably have feature more of it. I enjoy the eerie haunted house atmosphere created by the use of low lighting, fog, and cobwebs. There were also a few funny moments that made me laugh.

Overall, Evil Toons is an average film at best. I only recommend it if you're curious.

Date: 8/29/2022
Viewed: TubiTV
First viewing

Note: I've had this film on my watch list for more than a year, so I made the decision to watch it today. Even though I had heard negative reviews for this film, I was nonetheless curious to see it. To be honest, this film is pretty lousy. The Dead Ones' interesting plot revolves around a a school shooting and has the potential to be amazing for a horror film. With this premise, there are countless possibilities. Unfortunately, this film falls flat. The Dead Ones has bland characters, slow pacing, awful acting, and terrible dialogue in my opinion. For a film that is 73 minutes long, it felt like it took over 2 hours to finish. I wanted to turn this film off because of how boring it was. I could care less about any of the characters or what was going on in the story.

The Dead Ones want to be the Jacob's Ladder (1990) of this generation, dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder and having characters battle to distinguish between reality and their painful nightmares. Jacob's Ladder does a way better job with story and characters than this film does. The acting and dialogue are painful to watch. The dialogue feels like it was written by an edgy 16-year-old who tried to match Quentin Tarantino's style by cramming in as many f-bombs and slurs as possible. Even though I truly wanted to stop watching this stupid movie, I kept holding out hope that something good would happen in The Dead Ones. The film does contain some good gruesome kills, and I really appreciate the usage of practical blood. There were some scenes that made me laugh for all the wrong reasons. That's about it when it comes to positive things about this film.

Even though I've endured many worse movies, The Dead Ones is still a really terrible film. I strongly advise avoiding it.