americamera
Bio: I'm Taylor, I'm a writer, and I love movies. I was talked into joining this site by a friend who is gnawing at the bit to make fun of my cinematic opinions, but I'm sure he won't be the only one. Come at me, world.
Recent Ratings
Check out americamera's...
| 91 65% | Spotlight (2015) - Rated 02 Mar 2016
"This was the first watch in my post-ceremony attempt to catch up with all of 2015's Oscar nominees and winners, and although I've got seven more movies to see to have a point of reference, this may very well deserve its best picture win. The subject matter is darkly fascinating, and while the direction seems a bit bland at times, each individual performance is powerful enough to overcome this (particularly Ruffalo's, I thought). May re-review this after I've seen all of its competition."
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| 39 11% | Hotel Transylvania (2012) - Rated 14 Jan 2016
"I definitely wanted more from this, that's for sure. With such a charming premise, I feel like it could've done so much better in different hands. It soars above the majority of Sandler's other recent works (which is still not saying much). If you look past the thin script and total lack of characterization, you'll find a really touching story about a father's love for his daughter and late wife. You just have to look really hard. It at least gets brownie points for those adorable bats."
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| 92 72% | Up (2009) - Rated 02 Jun 2015
"Up, of course, is the famed movie that can make even the most stone-hearted cry within the first 10 minutes. I sure did. Pixar cranked out another great picture with Up, and although it's not my personal favorite, it still has plenty to offer. Up is imaginative as always and packed with interesting characters, colorful landscapes, and just the right mix of humor, action, and sentiment. Also, talking dogs? Yes. Always yes."
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| 70 28% | Despicable Me (2010) - Rated 02 Jun 2015
"I wasn't expecting much out of this movie, but it's actually really cute! I love Steve Carrell in pretty much anything, and he does a fantastic job with his villain-with-a-heart-of-gold character here. I'm not a fan of the minions, and this movie gets credit for being the only one in the franchise to not focus solely on their gibbery antics. Gru's development as a father figure to the girls is touching, even if it is a little formulaic. I'd say this is fine; just avoid the sequels."
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| 86 46% | Kung Fu Panda (2008) - Rated 02 Jun 2015
"I'm a huge fan of Dreamworks, and I'd put this one somewhere in the upper tier. I fell in love with the character designs, and the fluidity of the animated martial arts they all display. The story is adorable and has a pretty great message for kids. The villian is actually quite intimidating, and there are some scenes in this movie that are downright beautiful. I wouldn't put it quite on the level of HTTYD or the first couple of Shreks, but it's definitely a good watch."
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| 46 15% | Cloverfield (2008) - Rated 02 Jun 2015
"Remember all the hype around Cloverfield when all that viral marketing first started? I sure do! The trailers showing that incredible shot of the Statue of Liberty's decapitated head crashing into the streets of NYC-- WOW. The weird ARG revolving around Slusho-- COOL. The concept art people drew up to theorize what the monster actually looked like-- INCREDIBLE. The movie itself? Not as thrilling. I wouldn't say it's a bad movie, but it didn't live up to the hype, and it's not worth rewatching."
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| 90 58% | Boogie Nights (1997) - Rated 02 Jun 2015
"I finally got around to watching this when I went on a Phillip Seymour Hoffman binge (RIP), and I'm glad I didn't have anyone around when I did! Pretty sure my parent's wouldn't have appreciated me showing this on the big screen downstairs. The graphic sexual content is of course essential to the plotline, and it's really a heartbreaking story when you get down to it. Don't get me wrong; I've got nothing against sex, but the emptiness all these characters feel is palpable. A very unique drama."
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| 85 43% | Run Lola Run (1998) - Rated 02 Jun 2015
"I watched this in a film studies class back in high school, and I didn't have much experience with foreign films or more experimental genres, so Run Lola Run was an exciting new experience for me. The concept is brilliant, covering a question I'm sure we've all thought about at one point or another-- what would happen if I'd only been there one second earlier? One second later? How would that have affected my destiny? It would be so cool to see more choose-your-own-adventure flicks like this."
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| 54 18% | School of Rock (2003) - Rated 02 Jun 2015
"This is another one of those movies I watched several times as a kid but only because it was one of my brother's favorites. I have nothing against Jack Black, and I do enjoy this movie, but it's not anywhere near one of my favorites. It only has a few memorable moments for me (Miranda Cosgrove screeching out "Memory" is a standout). Otherwise, it's a pretty run of the mill comedy."
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| 90 58% | Iron Man (2008) - Rated 02 Jun 2015
"Iron Man was the first Marvel movie I ever saw, and I had zero expectations about it when I went in. In fact, I was pretty sure I was going to be bored out of my mind. Oh, how wrong I was. Robert Downey, Jr. made me fall in love with both the character and him as an actor. The effects were stellar, the action was compelling, and the humor smattered throughout is exactly the kind of quick wit that I like in these fast-paced movies."
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