The Hippopotamus
(2017)

Seen on Netflix August, 2017

Really weird, a little sad and with a very British sense of humor, The Hippopotamus is definitely worth its watch time. Roger Allam, as Ted Wallace, make this movie soar. His performance takes what could be a one-act play into a funny and focused adventure on what it means to be human in a world that fantasizes about superheroes and miracles.

The Defenders

Season 1  Episodes 1-8

Netflix – August 2017

This series gets off to a slow start, but picks up in interest and intensity by episode 3. While Iron Fist was the weakest series of Netflix’s Marvel show group, (which includes Daredevil, Jessica Jones and Luke Cage), when mixed with the other characters, Danny Rand/Iron Fist becomes both humorous and watchable (as of episode 3). Making this series 8 episodes instead of 13 plus, encourages the action and dialogue to be stronger and better executed. The strength of this series is the interaction of the characters. While there are the requisite explosions and martial arts’ fights, most of the characters (hero or villain) ironically become more human through conversation. Soundtrack was done well, except for the hip-hop music played in the last major battle. The lighting was dim, probably to emphasize the subterranean location, but this choice made it hard to follow the action.

While the primary and supporting cast were well portrayed. There was one standout, Sigourney Weaver (as Alexandra Reid).  She was a villain more evil and more menacing than any Marvel/DC character in monster mode.

I recommend this series as a binge watch, as it becomes more cinematic and intense than when watched in 8 separate viewings.

Thoughts before seeing the movie Annabelle: Creation (2017)

Not a horror fan, but am getting persuaded to see this movie. My problem with many horror movies is the jump scare usage. I jump in my daily life at sudden noises, so there is no economic (or entertainment) incentive in paying for a movie crammed full of jump scares. BTW, great graphic tee!

Regarding:

You're Using Rotten Tomatoes Wrong!

 

ScreenJunkies News 

Published on Aug 13, 2017

Is Rotten Tomatoes really ruining the movie industry? Dan Murrell breaks down the system behind the controversial movie site and the one important thing that no one is talking about!

Thanks for the reminder about paying attention to the Rotten Tomatoes average score feature. I do use the rotten/fresh % far more often, but I also read the (top) critics' full reviews (reading the reviews for The Emoji Movie was a joy) and watch multiple movie review channels on You Tube. However, in the PRE-Rotten Tomatoes era, didn't movie companies often print critics' positive reviews on posters and advertisements? The only difference now, is whether the reviews are good or bad, technology has increased the speed and widened the distribution of this information.

The Glass Castle (2017)


Biography drama by Jeannette Wallis

I am not seeing this film.


I have been puzzled by this film's trailer.  I read the book by Jeannette Wallis.  My impression was that the parents' attitudes and treatment of the children amounted to abuse or at best, neglect. Thr film's trailer looked upbeat and cheery. Most likely, I will not see The Glass Castle in a theater.  If it makes it to Netflix or Amazon Prime (more likely due to recent Disney news), I will give it a try.

The Emoji Movie
(2017)


I have NOT seen this movie, nor do I intend to.  Someday if it streams on Amazon Prime or Netflix (am currently a member of both), I might see it.  After all, I made it through about 1/2 of The Angry Birds movie.  Anyway, this is what I posted on YouTube  (The Black Nerd channel). The reviewer seemed so depressed and so unhappy after watching The Emoji Movie:


We all appreciate your sacrifice and hopefully you will emerge from this sad period with hope for our future. However this movie has produced (in reviews/reactions) more comedy, irony and sarcasm than a whole season of SNL.


Perhaps, NSA, CIA and other dark ops organizations might find this film a useful addition to their interrogation techniques handbook.



I was excited about the release of The Emoji Movie. Not for the movie, but for the creative, hysterical, nasty and out-there reviews it would generate. So I was not disappointed in either expectation. The movie was bad and the reviews were funny. However I would love to hear reviews from the target audience ( 9 - 12 year olds).