Movie Review - Swiss Army Man

Movie: 

Swiss Army Man

Year: 

2016

Genre: 

Comedy ,Drama

What it was about (in > 50 words)

A down & out suicidal man, Hank (Paul Dano) tries to kill himself on a deserted island before he's interrupted by a "dead man" on the beach. Hank names him "Manny" (Daniel Radcliffe). Fortunately, Manny's many hidden talents help bring Hank back to civilization. On their journey, they develop a friendship and discover the joys of being alive.

Anything special/memorable?

It took me quite a while to figure out the title Swiss Army Man, which was obviously referring to Radcliffe's Manny, but he wasn't a soldier or anything remotely militaristic. Then it struck me - he's the human version of the Swiss Army Knife! This was because Manny had so many uses he's just like a Swiss army knife! Hank used Manny as a boat, water collection device, hunting rifle, compass, etc.

Somewhere in the middle, on their way back to civilization, Hank shares his life with Manny and we get to understand his perceived failings as a man. And one of the major motivations to stay alive was his unrequited affections for a woman named Sarah Johnson (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) whom they both see on Hank's mobile phone wallpaper.

 

 There are quite a few funny moments especially the ingenious ways Hank uses Manny as a survival tool.

Some choice words to describe the movie: Weird, Bizarre, Odd, Errr, Strange, Rubbish, What The...?!

Waste/worth the time?

This to me is really quite an original film unlike any other I've ever watched (and as you can surmise, I've watched quite a few...). However, having said that, this film is not for everybody because if you don't have the patience, you may just feel that the movie didn't make any sense and wasn't really going anywhere.

 I would definitely recommend this film to anyone who wants to watch something different - not the run-of-the-mill formulaic Hollywood fluff.

Will I want to watch this film again? Yes (maybe not so soon but definitely yes.)

Movie Review - Spectral

Movie: Spectral

Year: 2016

Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller, Netflix

What it was about (in > 50 words)

US Forces in the Moldovan War encounter what they conclude to be new weapons/invisibility tech
where the enemies are invisible . This is where Dr. Mark Clyne (James Badge Dale) comes in, to develop hyper-spectral gear for the US Troops to counter this new threat.
Anything special/memorable?
I really like this movie - not so much for the action or story but for the introduction of a NEW type of monster. It's not the SAME Werewolves, Vampires, Zombies, Demons or Aliens. They didn't come from another Dimension or Inner Space.

They were man-made (made of Bose-Einstein Condensate - hence earning it a Sci-Fi genre categorization)! It's a cross between spirits of dead soldiers/people in invisible cyborg bodies with super strength & abilities (they took down a tank with their bare hands!)

Waste/worth the time?

It's not for everybody as it does fit into some kind of movie formula and usual tropes.
However, as I said, watch it for the IMHO the 1st ORIGINAL idea in a LONG TIME !
I highly recommend this movie for any Action or Sci-Fi fans.
Will I watch it again?
Definitely YES. Netflix has done it again! Another winner. Good job!

Movie Review - 22 Jump Street

As the new year comes around, I've decided to modify the format of my movie reviews to make them shorter & easier to read. Hope you like it =)

Movie: 22 Jump Street

Year: 2014

Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime

 What it was about (in > 50 words)
It's the SAME 2 losers - Schmidt (Jonah Hill) & Jenko (Channing Tatum) from 21 Jump Street who got lucky and managed to solve a high school narcotics case.
They are now going to do the SAME THING, except that it is now in a college.
Frat parties, jocks, college hijinks (drugs, alchohol and girls) ensue.

Anything special/memorable? 
Nothing - EXCEPT right at the end when Capt Dickson (Ice Cube) gives them their
future assignments in quick flash banners. They made me pay attention and gave me a chuckle.

OK I admit that the character Maya (played by Amber Stevens West) was very pretty and was about the only good thing about the movie besides Channing Tatum. I just hope that being in this movie didn't kill her acting career.

  
 
 
Waste/worth the time? 
No. It's a total waste of time. It's more of the same unfunny antics from 21 Jump Street.

Will I watch it again?

No. Not ever. Not even if it's playing on free TV.