Doing something a little different today – combining several short movie reviews into a single post. And boy… could they not be more different. V For Vendetta, Revenge of the Ninja and The Break-Up. Let’s get into it.
V For Vendetta (2005)
Another story from comic legend Alan Moore. Watching this movie I couldn’t help see the similarities with Watchmen (a post “bad shit” look at a city) and recognize just how fucked up Moore really must be. Natalie Portman plays a great role here as does Hugo Weaving (though he’s clad the entire movie in a mask so all you’re hearing is his iconic voice). At times this was a very slow flick but that’s to be expected with an adaptation of Moore’s work. What I will say is I was very much “involved” in the story and there was a very large sense of “How is this going to end?” which is what you’d hope for in a flick like this. There’s actually very little action in this movie and with the exception of the final showdown with V nothing really to write home about. That said, if you’re looking for a very cerebral movie and you’re willing to put in the time this was a very enjoyable experience.
V for Vendetta [Blu-ray] [2005] [4K UHD]
Revenge of the Ninja (1983)
After putting together my list of Top 80’s Action Movies I decided to add this to my Netflix queue to see if it was as good as I remembered it. If I’m looking at it as a stand alone movie, it’s absolutely fucking terrible. The dialogue is bad and the plot line is worse. However… I absolutely LOVED watching this one again and stand by keeping it on my list. It brought back so many memories and reminded me why I loved ninja movies as a kid. The action sequences are great (though a little hokey) and the final fight scene which lasts nearly 15 minutes is epic. If you’re a fan of old school ninja movies with tons of weapons and some lip syncing thrown in for good measure you’ll enjoy this one.
Revenge of the Ninja [Combo pack DVD – BLURAY]
The Break-Up (2006)
It’s not often that the wife and I agree on a flick, but based on the previews and the case (Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston) we thought this might be one that would work. And it did… for the first 90 minutes or so and then completely fell apart. When you’re watching one of these types of flicks, you’re waiting for the feel good ending. I’ve said many times that I’m a “movie ending” guy. If the flick is great but the ending sucks the flick sucks. So… in a movie called The Break-Up you’re expecting to see the break up, and then toward the end you’re waiting for the reconciliation. Unfortunately in this one, we’re not given the payoff. What we’re left with is some terribly executed “try to be smart” ending that leaves you completely unsatisfied. Too bad too cause Vince, Jennifer and John Favreau give some outstanding performances. (And guys… if you’re a Jennifer fan this is the best I remember her looking in a LONG time… wow). If you’re looking for some giggles watch the first hour and then turn this shit off.
