Kev's Reviews

Movies are art - paintings in motion. And, as with all art, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. In my opinion, you only need a few simple ingredients to make a good action flick: Good acting, a decent plot, and the cinematography to match. "Casino Royale" is a spectacular example and exceeds expectations by redefining 007, basically stripping him of all the gadgets and portraying him as a man with a license to kill launching into a world of deception. The tension builds and builds and builds as he is simply sitting at a poker game across from his target - who secretly, calculatingly turns the tables on him.  "Mission: Impossible" is relatively similar as Ethan Hunt sets off to find the mole in the IMF, ending in exposing the mole, of course hitting his emotional breaking point when he discovers it's the team leader.  When both movies came out, they were new, exciting, and satisfying. Unfortunately, someone hacked into the M:I and reconciled the DNA of the fil...

As a fan of action-packed films, I recently had the pleasure of re-watching "Mission: Impossible," and I must say that it truly lived up to its reputation as a pulse-pounding espionage thriller. Directed by Brian De Palma and starring Tom Cruise as the charismatic IMF agent Ethan Hunt, the film keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The plot revolves around a covert mission gone awry, leaving Ethan Hunt and his team in a high-stakes race against time to uncover a traitor within their own ranks and prevent the theft of classified information that could have catastrophic global consequences. The intricate web of espionage, double-crosses, and unexpected alliances keep the audience engaged as they try to piece together the puzzle alongside Hunt and his team. Tom Cruise's performance is undeniably a highlight of the film. His dedication to performing his own stunts brings authenticity and intensity to the action sequences that are hard to match. From the ico...

 "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" is a film directed by Quentin Tarantino and was released in 2019. It's a comedy-drama that blends historical events with fictional elements. The film features an ensemble cast and is set in 1969 Los Angeles, against the backdrop of the Manson Family murders and the changing landscape of Hollywood. The 1960s were a rather tumultuous time for America. The Civil Rights Movement, which aimed to end racial segregation and discrimination, had already made substantial progress by 1969. Important legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 had been enacted, but challenges and struggles for equal rights persisted. The Vietnam War was a major focal point of national attention. Opposition to the war grew significantly, leading to protests and demonstrations across the country. The anti-war sentiment reached its peak during this time, with events like the Moratorium to End the War in Vietnam drawing massive crowds. ...

 "Oppenheimer" is a compelling biographical drama that takes audiences on an emotional rollercoaster through the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, a brilliant physicist whose intellect was both a blessing and a curse. Directed by auteur Christopher Nolan, this film delves deep into the intricacies of Oppenheimer's life, focusing on his pivotal role in the development of the nuclear bomb codenamed "The Manhattan Project" during World War II. Set against the backdrop of the tumultuous 1940s, the movie provides an intimate portrayal of Oppenheimer, portrayed masterfully by Cillian Murphy, who developed the atomic bomb to end the war of all wars - not really, but that was the hope-fuel belief at the time. Visually, "Oppenheimer" is a feast for the eyes. The attention to detail in the recreation of the 1940s era is commendable, from the exquisite period costumes to the breathtaking cinematography. The recreation of the Los Alamos National Laboratory and the Tr...

The film's plot picks up after the events of "Spectre" and sees Bond living a tranquil life in Jamaica. However, his peace is short-lived when he is reluctantly pulled back into active service to confront a new and deadly global threat. A mysterious villain with dangerous technology and a personal vendetta becomes Bond's most formidable adversary yet. To save the world from impending doom, Bond must navigate a treacherous path, confront his past, and make difficult choices that challenge his loyalty and the essence of being James Bond. One of the standout elements of "No Time To Die" is its emotional depth and character-driven narrative. Daniel Craig delivers an exceptional performance, showcasing Bond's vulnerability and inner conflict like never before. As the spy who is renowned for his cold demeanor and unshakable resolve, seeing Bond grapple with personal demons adds layers to his character, making him more relatable and human. The supporting cast i...

  "Mission Impossible - Dead Reckoning" is the latest action-packed installment in the renowned Mission Impossible franchise, and it undoubtedly lives up to its legacy of delivering adrenaline-pumping excitement and thrilling espionage. Directed by a seasoned action maestro and starring the charismatic Tom Cruise reprising his role as Ethan Hunt, this film takes audiences on an exhilarating ride from start to finish. The plot of "Dead Reckoning" unfolds with the IMF (Impossible Mission Force) facing their most daunting challenge yet – a powerful and mysterious terrorist organization determined to wreak havoc on the world as he is on the run with a new-age weapon. The third MI movie directed and written by Christopher McQuirie, the film tracks along a boilerplate plot line wrapped in miraculously-pulled-off stunts that brings the panache to this ham-fisted sequel.  Ethan Hunt, alongside his skilled team, must navigate a treacherous path of deception, betrayal, and in...

Upon a famous writer's death, the sophisticated Detective Benoit Blanc ( Daniel Craig) comes to the deceased man's estate to investigate, interviewing dysfunctional relatives of the departed. With a wecb of red harings to sift through, Blanc begins to uncover the entangled truth. "(It's) an entertainment that's as smart, witty, stylish and exhilarating as any movie lover could wish for, " says Joe Morgenstern , Wall Street Journal Top Critic.  Following the whodunit tradition   set forth by Agatha Cristy, Rian Johnson puts a modern spin on the theme, making a smart, witty, Clue-like mystery. In a Fargo-like montage, there's a great deal of shannagans and antidotes with stabs of funny cynicism. "Rian Johnson kept the mood of the movie rather light and seemingly frivolous, " writes FlixChatter Film Blog's Ruth Maramis . "But don't let that fool you, it's suspenseful when it needs to be and so delightfully entertainin...