I think this is a good series. It’s a mix of humor, special effects, and a great story. I believe Walton Goggins gives an excellent performance in this series. I really enjoyed it.
I absolutely loved it. To see Fallout in this way was breathtaking, with us seeing post war and pre war Los Angeles as well as a new vault, was already a massive expansion to the Fallout universe. Along with the new characters and the brilliant sound track with our favourite Fallout songs it’s really a dream come true for Fallout fans.
I also feel this is a perfect way for people to be introduced to the Fallout universe which seems to be the case as a flood of new and returning fans have come back to the world of Fallout.
What a cool show! I really enjoyed this. From start to finish, the vibe and mix of humour and despair was a lot of fun. I remember playing the games years and years ago, and from what I can remember they nailed the world. It feels (almost) exactly how I remember it.
The production value is superb and the writing and acting were all top notch. Amazon has been building quite the track record recently with some of these higher profile shows. All I can say is, I can't wait for season 2.
Fallout is definitely worth a view it’s amazing as well as clever. Some people complain about it being woke which isn’t the case, this isn’t Netflix. Can’t wait for season 2!
I absolutely loved this, I was expecting it to be good but not this good probably one of the best adaptations of a game to series I’ve ever seen. It has gore, comedy and other hints from the fallout franchise as well as a great soundtrack. I can’t wait for season 2 to arrive.
**Extremely Bad**
I was recommended by a friend to watch this as a "must-watch," and boy, I fell for his prank.
Eight episodes of lengthy, boring, disjointed torture, which leads nowhere.
I have never played the game or read the lore; therefore, I am not an OG fan. My view is purely based on these eight episodes of mess.
Where to begin? Well, the first episode was boring, but I stayed with the hope that something nice would happen. I wasn’t wrong, as episodes 2 and 3 were really good. They started introducing new characters and developed their personalities. Unfortunately, after that, the writers' and directors' weaknesses started showing up as the story feels really illogical and disjointed.
Bad acting, unnecessary and illogical fights. Need not to mention, I hate this new Hollywood trend (especially Marvel) where they play 1960s music and show fight scenes in slow motion. You can like it for once or twice, but this crap has been shoved down the throat in every movie these days. This series was nauseatingly full of such scenes.
The storyline is so weak, no one knows why people are doing something? The Garfield-eyed protagonist is very annoying and stupid. She is supposed to be looking for her father, but meanwhile, she seems bubbly and cheerful, literally asking someone to have sex with her, unnecessarily spying on a vault people… why???
As if this was not enough, the series gets worse from episode 4 onwards. But this time all the nuts and bolts of this stupid series start coming off, and no one knows what’s happening. They tried to show unnecessary gore, violence, and disgust to give “shock treatment” to their viewers and get some attention, but after some time, even that feels annoying and boring.
I give it 3/10.
P.S. My friend is not responding to my texts. He knows what he did. He is so done!
Woke this, woke that.
**_Fallout_** might just be the greatest sci-fi horror video game adaptation ever made. From the sets to the scores to the scenery and style, there's a clear love for the source material here that shines through the grisly surface. Ella Purnell, Aaron Moten, and Walton Goggins were a perfect trifecta of leads, and each hold their own weight accordingly, and the combination of their stories is flawless enough to complement an already excellent roster of visual and auditory delights.
Top-tier action-apocalypse media that should satisfy fans and newcomers alike, so long as you aren't in it for the wrong reasons. This fits into the franchise as much as any other entry as a standalone series, and has an attention to detail and epic scale, big budget, and high energy that not many works can seem to capture when they go to screen in today's industry. I, for one, am glad this exists. Totally delivered every bit of retro-futuristic dystopian survival drama I needed.
Having played New Vegas and Fallout 4, I'm a huge fan of the Fallout world, so the best thing I could say about this show is that it is Fallout in appearance, tone, and lore. The story is dark, quirky and humorous, taking many twists and turns appropriate to it's source material...basically everything you'd want in any video game adaptation. I loved this season from beginning to the end, and will watch again and continue to watch future seasons (which is guaranteed at this point due to its critical success and that they've just secured 25 million from the California government to make the next season in the state) just as I've played the games over and over again (and will do so until Bethesda releases a new Fallout game).
Genuinely great video game adaption that manages to walk the narrow path of capturing the feel of the games (the dark humor), while telling a brand new story that works as a television show and expanding that existing universe.
Walton Goggins is perfectly cast as the worldly ghoul, he is really the star of the show. The other two protagonists are well cast as naives sent out in to the wild, untamed wasteland with the best of intentions balancing out the anti-hero ghoul.
There's the over-the-top violence of the games, and the weirdness is here too. It captures the heart that the later games tried to bring (it lands better here), with the characters who have complex, interesting (and often secret) motivations.
The key themes include the power and greed of corporations (thanks Amazon!), the inevitability of conflict and the dangers of living in a ideological bubble. (The later point obviously lost on the other reviewer here.) That said this isn't aiming to be Oppenheimer.
Most of all this show is simply great fun, highly recommended if you are a fan of the game or never played it.
Its starts with "THE END", which is probably advice I should have heeded and walked away then but well, silly me....
In short, cringe-worthy, woke, overdoses on schmaltz to the point of nausea....a lame story doesn't help, either, nor does the strange, contextually confusing, casting choices....
Special effects are reasonable, sets decent and the music is appropriate but beyond that....???
I managed to watch the first episode and that was more than enough.....
When caring is the bare minimum, you know you have problems and Despicable Me 4 is caring about nothing whatsoever
Felt like it wasn't sure what its own film was trying to accomplish at all.
One minute we're watching gru back in the AVL capturing another infamous villain thats known gru since high school. Only for him to escape and supposedly hunting gru back down in revenge.. which takes only the whole movie to find him.
No joke, its like waiting for Bart or Vector to go after gru but never finding any result till the last 10 minutes. Its a VERY BORING movie. Yes its for children but the first two films I felt like both adults and kids could enjoy it.
Even the minions were meh in this, I usually have some chuckles if not with gru and his kids/family. They felt phoned in as well. Maybe its about time we stop making these yeah?
On a side note gru has a kid who can clearly understand english which tells me hes at least 2-3. Yet his adopted children are still the exact same age? This only works in television cartoon shows I feel like, especially when time has progressed since gru and lucy have been married. Either have the girls grow up too or don't have a baby in the film as if time skipped.
The goofy Minions are on the loose again in “Despicable Me 4,” a lazy sequel that does little more to advance the franchise other than embodying the old adage of “style over substance” to a fault. There is very little here to recommend other than the first class technical achievements (the visuals are stunning, and the direction is better than expected for an animated film), making this installment feel more like a mindless baby sitter rather than a thoughtful exercise in creativity and storytelling.
Former supervillian Gru (voice of Steve Carell) is living the good life with his wife Lucy (voice of Kristen Wiig), his daughters Margo (voice of Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (voice of Dana Gaier), and Agnes (voice of Madison Skyy Polan), and new baby Gru Jr., who proves to be a handful for his daddy. Their peaceful routine is sent into chaos when the evil Maxime Le Mal (voice of Will Ferrell) and his girlfriend Valentina (voice of Sofía Vergara) escape from prison and set their sights on a new nemesis and potential target: Gru. This forces the family to go on the run and assume new identities in the suburbs.
The plot is basic and sounds like it could be a lot of fun with its fish out of water spin. Unfortunately, very little is done with the story. The film bounces back and forth with a lame narrative and cute Minions taking part in a variety of wacky, screwball antics, which may provide a good balance for adults and kids, but nothing about any of it works well. The far too simple and sparse story meanders between uninspired plot points and predictable characters arcs, never quite finding its footing. In other words, the movie is just plain dumb.
The introduction of the Mega Minions is mildly fun and entertaining, but it runs out of steam fast (I fear these characters are going to spin off into what will inevitably be another lackluster film). Everything else is a shallow gimmick as the movie struggles to maintain momentum. At least it’s true to the “Despicable Me” canon, but the film also shows that there’s only so much you can do with these characters and this universe. Move along: there’s nothing original to see here.
“Despicable Me 4” is a lazy movie overall, which is a shame because the technical aspects are so excellent.
By: Louisa Moore / SCREEN ZEALOTS
If it's not sacrilegious to say, I think this franchise is starting to run out of steam - the plot here isn't very original. The family "Gru" have a new child who doesn't much take to his father which only makes matters worse when arch-nemesis "Maxime Le Mal" - who is intent on turning everyone into cockroaches - escapes from custody bent on revenge on the man who put him in jail in the first place. Better safe than sorry, "Silas" relocates the family to a safe house where they have to pretend to fit in with the vacuous tennis club set, but one of that number - the feisty "Poppy" knows the secret and blackmails "Gru" into helping her pinch "Lenny" the badger from under the eyes of the diminutive "Principal Übelschlecht" at his alma mater. This adventure narks the headmistress and when she sees some video of the perpetrators, she's straight on to the phone with "Maxime" who hatches a plan to steal the baby and give him wings! The minions - and the newly formed and enhanced "Super Minions" - still manage to have some fun here as they discover their new home has a vending machine and an endless supply of popcorn, and there is some wit in the dialogue but the story itself is all pretty derivative and the animation looks a little too tired now. What was ground-breaking looks so much less now and the writing and characterisations are nothing special anymore. It does liven up for the last ten minutes, but the previously innovative and enjoyable mix of menace and mayhem has largely gone.
There are so many movies within the Despicable Me franchise that I've lost count of all the storylines in each. While I've never been a big fan of these movies, they at least always felt exciting. However, this fourth installment in the Gru storyline is little more than a dud. The silliness and excitement are there for younger audiences, but the film lacks heart.
One of the main problems with the Despicable Me movies is the tendency to pile on more characters just to add celebrity voices to the cast. This fourth movie is no exception. While the addition of new characters can sometimes breathe fresh life into a franchise, here it feels like a missed opportunity to develop a more heartfelt story. For instance, the introduction of a new, younger female character named Poppy as a heist partner for Gru could have been a chance to add depth. However, it might have been more impactful to see Gru partnering with his oldest daughter, who is now a teenager. This would have added a layer of connection and growth between Gru and his daughter, showcasing his evolving role as a father.
The film also introduces a subplot where some Minions are turned into a superhero team, only to be used in the movie for less than 10 minutes. This subplot feels like a wasted narrative thread that could have added excitement and depth to the story. Additionally, one of the main Minions, Ralph, is stuck on a vending machine for the entirety of the movie, reducing his role to a mere gag. This sidelining of key characters in favor of introducing new ones dilutes the emotional core that could have made the story more engaging.
While my son enjoyed the movie, which makes sense for his age range, it’s important for these films to also entertain the parents who are watching with their children. The earlier movies in the franchise managed to strike a balance between humor for kids and clever moments for adults. This installment, however, feels more like a series of gags strung together rather than a cohesive story with emotional weight.
If there are more films in the Despicable Me series, I believe it’s time to hang it up. However, if the franchise continues, I will wait for streaming to watch them because I am not interested in seeing them in theaters. The magic that made the original films entertaining for a broad audience seems to have faded, and without a significant shift in storytelling, future installments are likely to feel just as lackluster.
It's trash. Don't see it.
**Full review:** https://bit.ly/Grupid
"Despicable Me 4" is a delightful addition to the beloved animated franchise, bringing back the charm and humor that fans adore. Directed by Kyle Balda, the film sees the return of Gru, voiced by Steve Carell, and his mischievous Minions on another entertaining adventure. The movie balances heartwarming moments with laugh-out-loud comedy, introducing fresh characters and creative plot twists. The animation is vibrant and engaging, while the voice cast delivers standout performances. "Despicable Me 4" continues to capture the magic of the series, making it a fun and enjoyable watch for audiences of all ages.
"A Quiet Place: Day One" has a central character who is completely believable. Her name is Samira and she is terminally ill and what she is doing makes her appear to be more foolhardy than almost everyone else trapped in New York city on day one. It is not surprising she is looked upon with total incredulity when other people find out what she is attempting to accomplish in the middle of all this frightening chaos which could possibly signal the end of civilisation as we know it. The film somehow manages to successfully create a well balanced whole which doesn't lapse into a damaging split with Samira and Eric on one side of a rapidly expanding gulf and the attacking creatures on the other side with neither combining at any point to create a coherent and satisfying whole. The opposite just happens to be true with the two distinct halves beautifully dovetailing into each other to produce a captivating, exciting, and enjoyable film which is visually sensational and thoroughly worthwhile.
Today, I visited the cinema to watch the film Quiet Place: Day One, anticipating a thrilling and edge-of-your-seat experience. I must admit, the movie did not disappoint. While it may not be a masterpiece, it was enjoyable and engaging enough to warrant multiple viewings with the potential to discover new details each time.
Lupita Nyong'o delivers a stellar performance as the main character, portraying a patient from a hospice center who must fight for her life. She embodies the role with great skill and authenticity.
As for the main character Eric, portrayed by a British actor whose name I am unsure of, his portrayal lacks a bit in the scare factor. In a post-apocalyptic scenario where survival is key, his constant state of fear teetered on the edge of being unrealistic. Nonetheless, he manages to keep the audience invested in his character's journey.
Surprisingly, the cat in the film garners significant screen time and plays a crucial role in the story alongside Lupita's character. While the cat's lack of typical feline behaviors may be confusing, it adds a unique layer to its character and the overall narrative.
The film's setting in New York adds a touch of realism, with references to pizza that tie into the characters' circumstances. The creatures in the movie, reminiscent of those from Stranger Things, are brought to life through impressive CGI and visual effects that enhance the alien invasion storyline.
A notable aspect of the film is the inclusion of an original character from a previous installment, adding depth and continuity to the narrative. Without giving away any spoilers, Quiet Place: Day One is a film that keeps viewers engaged and entertained, making it worth a trip to the theater for multiple viewings.
Lupita Nyong'o has a talent for elevating every film she's in, and her performance in A Quiet Place: Day One is no exception. Alongside Joseph Quinn, she shines brightly in this third installment of the A Quiet Place franchise. This film breathes much-needed life into the series, which has only improved over time.
The first film introduced an interesting concept but didn’t resonate with me long-term. The second film, though bolstered by terrific performances from Cillian Murphy and Emily Blunt, still left me wanting more. A Quiet Place: Day One finally delivers by taking us back to the beginning with a fresh perspective and a change in location that reinvigorates the narrative.
Setting the film in New York City was a brilliant move. The urban backdrop provides a stark contrast to the rural settings of the previous films, adding a new layer of tension and excitement. The urban environment also allows for more complex and dynamic action sequences, which are executed with precision and creativity.
Nyong'o and Quinn’s performances are standout elements. Nyong'o brings depth and intensity to her role, making every scene she's in compelling especially with no dialogue. Her ability to convey fear and determination simultaneously adds significant emotional weight to the film. Quinn complements her perfectly, and their chemistry drives the narrative forward.
The action sequences are meticulously crafted, with each set piece building tension masterfully. The filmmakers’ use of sound—or the lack thereof—remains a powerful tool, enhancing the horror elements and keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
Overall, A Quiet Place: Day One is a well-done horror movie that reinvigorates the franchise. The new setting, coupled with strong performances and expertly crafted action sequences, makes this installment the best yet. Lupita Nyong'o and Joseph Quinn bring new energy to the series, while the change of location to New York City provides a fresh and thrilling backdrop for the story. This film not only stands out within the series but also within the horror genre as a whole.
Unexpectedly, quite dull.
'A Quiet Place: Day One' builds some tension well and features very good sound design, though the story and its characters are a disappointment. I have no issues with Lupita Nyong'o and Joseph Quinn, they try, but Sam and Eric are written quite boringly. I felt like we were missing some major character development for both.
The plot is rather underwhelming. There is some additional meaning in there admittedly, but it's literally one lame objective and then the standard styled exit. It felt whilst watching that the movie had barely any flesh on its bones. The cat stuff is cute, though the obvious lack of true jeopardy for Frodo even hampers that from hitting for real.
There is at least a pleasing use of Nina Simone's Feeling Good. Overall, however, this left me feeling extremely meh, unfortunately. I am, it is worth noting, someone who doesn't love the original two movies; though I did like the first flick just about enough.
Great performances. Monster sequences are incredible. Fantastic cinematography. Everyone loves the cat. But the story is beyond dumb and if you can remember anything about Eric apart from him uttering "Okay" seven hundred times then you deserve an award.
Full review: https://bit.ly/Frodont
FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://movieswetextedabout.com/a-quiet-place-day-one-review-where-apocalyptic-horror-meets-inspiring-thematically-rich-character-arcs/
"A Quiet Place: Day One stands out for its thematically rich, complex, universal screenplay, resuming the franchise’s exploration of topics such as the fight for survival, humanity, and the will to live, while enriching the saga with inspirational character arcs around mental, physical, and emotional health.
Michael Sarnoski displays his exceptional ability to create an apocalyptic atmosphere filled with suspense and terror at every turn, ensuring high entertainment value throughout the whole runtime. The notable performances by Lupita Nyong’o, Joseph Quinn, and Alex Wolff significantly elevate the movie, with Nyong’o, in particular, delivering a powerful, intense performance that underscores the importance of finding hope and joy amid despair.
The emphasis on the importance of emotional support animals is the cherry on top that makes this installment a valuable, moving addition to the saga."
Rating: A-
Nothing special. My first and enduring reaction to A Quiet Place Day One.
Perhaps the biggest shortcoming is rather flat, indifferent, cynical characterisations. "Everything is shit...." According to the main character. Perhaps this reflects the New York way of being? Big city rat races and so on? Suffice to say, it doesn't work.
What made the first two films such a success was a family dynamic with people who were close and cared deeply about each other. You could empathise with them, buy into their plight, when faced with an alien other.
Beyond this the horror/actions scenes are alright but again, because the vibe is wrong, the film just feels like its going through the motions. Its been done before yes, so whats this film adding to the equation? As far as I can see, very little.
In summary, a nice idea but the overall set up just doesn't work for me. The results "just another" horror action flick with a few jump scares to keep you on the edge of your seat and little else. If you are going to build on a successful franchise you need to look "hard" at what made those other films such as success and inject something that is original but also taps into those elements, in a meaningful way.
Smart horror films are one movie genre of which not nearly enough offerings are produced. These pictures are proof positive that edgy, spooky stories can be successfully made without having to kill off the cast or engage in spectacles of gratuitous gore. The works of filmmakers like Jordan Peele and Alex Garland exemplify this, as do the three releases in this impressive franchise. And this latest entry is, without a doubt, the best of the lot. “Day One” draws upon the mythology introduced in the series’ first two films, but it takes matters in a new, more insightful direction and does so, ironically, by way of a prequel going back to the origin of this gripping, ongoing saga. What separates this film from what preceded it, however, is that it presents yet another story in the franchise but from an entirely new angle, with new characters, a new setting, and a new, more profound, more nuanced focus. Instead of small-town America, where the first two pictures were set, this offering takes place in New York City, showing what happens when the Big Apple is attacked by the now-familiar aliens that hunt by way of sound as the means for finding their prey – and the measures that surviving humans must take to stay silent to keep from being spotted. The narrative principally follows a terminally ill poet (Lupita Nyong’o) living in hospice care who has become resigned to the fate of her impending death but now seeks to stay alive at all costs, most notably in helping a frightened Englishman living in Gotham (Joseph Quinn) and protecting her beloved (and adorable) comfort cat. These circumstances give her a new purpose at a time when she might have otherwise completely given up hope. In telling this story, the film also examines the perils of having to suddenly adjust to a “new normal” under unpredictable conditions, as well as the need for all of us to pull together in a united front in the wake of these trying circumstances. But there’s more to it than that, including metaphorical themes and symbolic imagery that truly make this more than just a horror film (and even more than just a smart horror movie at that). While it’s true the story meanders somewhat at times, it nevertheless presents viewers with a thoughtful tale, punctuated by excellent camera work, a fine soundtrack and a superb, award-worthy performance by Nyong’o. Even if you haven’t seen the two previous films in this series or have much interest in this genre, writer-director Michael Sarnoski’s second feature outing is well worth your time. It’s a smart, smart, smart film that rises far above what one might typically expect from a horror flick – and one that will leave you with a lot more than just a few good scares upon exiting the theater.
"Sam" (Lupita Nyong'o) is living at a residential home when a group of them take a day out to the big city. She only agrees to go if she can have pizza, but that opportunity is soon kiboshed when their minder "Reuben" (Alex Wolff) tries to herd them back home after a city-wide alert is called. Things are falling from the sky - and these things are hungry. With carnage ensuing, she and her cat manage to find refuge in the theatre they were attending but with even the slightest of sounds attracting their foes, she realises that heading to Harlem for a Pepperoni from Patsy's might be her best option. Walking silently, she encounters the dazed "Eric" (Joseph Quinn) who has come from the UK to study law in the USA and has ended up with much more than he bargained for. Initially reluctant, she agrees to walk with him and gradually a bond develops as the environment gradually and dangerously disintegrates before them. Luckily, the monsters can't swim - so perhaps they can try to make it to the water? Obviously there's not a great deal of dialogue here, so the accumulating sense of (limited) menace is built by two actors who are adequate but who don't really have enough to work with to make this stand out. As ever, the lengths people will go to to save their pets astonishes me. Danger everywhere and yet both feel the need to risk life and limb for a moggy! Bizarre. It's difficult at the best of times to get much traction from prequels, and Michael Sarnoski doesn't really manage to develop the characters or the story beyond this ninety minutes of stand alone cinema that really has little to do with the other, far better, films from earlier in this strand. It's watchable enough, but nothing remarkable. Pity.
Watching this film, I couldn't shake the feeling that the script was written by AI. The story, themes, and dialogue all feel utterly soulless. The lifeless acting only compounds the problem, making the entire experience miserable.
The story lacks any genuine emotion or creativity. It's as if the writers followed a formula without injecting any passion or originality into the script. The central conflict, which should be gripping and engaging, instead feels generic and uninspired.
The dialogue is another significant issue. It’s stilted and unnatural, failing to convey any real depth or nuance. Characters speak in clichés and empty platitudes, making it hard to believe in their struggles or motivations.
The acting is equally disappointing. The cast delivers their lines with the enthusiasm of kids forced to do chores, contributing to the film's lifeless feel. This lack of energy and commitment can be attributed to both the actors and the director.
Comparing this film to Roger Corman's infamous Fantastic Four movie might seem harsh, but it's a fitting analogy. Both films suffer from poor execution and a lack of soul. However, this film arguably fares worse due to its complete absence of engaging elements. To salvage such a project, the filmmakers would need to infuse genuine emotion into the script and inspire more compelling performances from the cast.
This film is a prime example of how not to craft a sci-fi narrative. Its soulless script, lifeless acting, and overall lack of direction make it a difficult watch. Audiences deserve more than a formulaic, uninspired story; they deserve a film that engages and excites on every level.
Great movie. I loved the cast, and how much action there was. Great job MARVEL studios! 😀
I had no expectations goin into this movie... but it still managed to let me down.
A clear statement on just how bad this movie really was.
It was trash on so many levels, I don't know where to start... Casting was trash, acting was trash, dialogue was trash, directing was trash, premise was trash, plot holes big enough to pass a small planet through, and to top it of, the ending was mind blowingly ridiculous.
Not to mention that her super powers were embarrassing.
What was going through their minds [the people that decided to release this piece of trash].
FULL SPOILER-FREE REVIEW @ https://leakedcinema.com/en/movie/634492/MadameWeb
We come to this place... for magic.
We come to the theater to laugh, to cry, to care.
Because we need that, all of us:
that indescribable feeling we get when the lights begin to dim,
and we go somewhere we've never been before;
not just entertained, but somehow reborn.... together.
Dazzling images, on a huge silver screen.
Sound that I can feel.
Somehow, heartbreak feels good in a place like this.
Our heroes feel like the best part of us,
and stories feel perfect and powerful.
Because here...
> They are. the editing in this is enough to kill a small victorian child