(also known as Renaissance Man)

Emmy says:
A seriously delightful film. Carried by the dialogue and the actors spectacularly, the simple setting of the army allows the story to come forward. Great dissection of Hamlet, which gives access to Shakespeare for both the students in the film and the audience. 9/10.

Jeff says:
I love, and have always loved, this film. The gimmick of “Shakespeare for dummies” is brilliant, but it’s the background of the characters and the development of their relationships that is truly amazing. I have to wonder what the original idea for the film was – a fish out of water tail, or a character study about why some people join the army and the system failures that lead to some seeing it as their only option? Or is it merely a tale about the power of the right teacher with the right tools to reach you? This film is all of those things, and more. Victory starts here. 10/10.

IMDb

Emmy says:
Loved the 80s outfits. Felt uncomfortable watching most of the characters. The opening sequence and the combat was wonderful, apart from the aerial combat at the end looked off. I don’t appreciate the resolution to all of the characters. In all I’m conflicted. 7/10.

Jeff says:
I don’t understand this movie. Don’t get me wrong – the plot was predictable, the resolution obvious, the visual effects were stunning. What I struggle with is all the whys. Why was it set in the 80s? Why does Wonder Woman turn into Spiderman, Thor and Superman in quick succession? Why does the obvious “we all have to do better” final act leave me bored, and why does it take so long? Why are there so many sequences where I’m left wondering if I missed something (a transition)? Why was there no direct payoff to the opening flashback? I have looked forward to this film since the end of the last one, before this film was even an idea. I’m sad that this is what it ended up being: so many missed opportunities. 6/10.

IMDb

Emmy says:
I’m not sure how I feel about this movie yet. I know I didn’t like any of the characters and felt a bit like I was watching a train wreck. The filming, directing and editing were stunning for the content, and I stayed for the end only to see how it concluded. Wanting to know that must mean it’s not a bad movie, but the characters were so well acted that I didn’t enjoy watching them. 5/10.

Jeff says:
This movie is … a lot. A lot of swearing, a lot of yelling, a lot of dumb decisions by many different characters, and a lot of time spent with very unlikeable people. The acting, however, is top notch. I don’t know that I’m on board the “Adam Sandler’s best role ever” bandwagon, but he was a force in this film. Given the background to how this story came to be, I understand the decisions made in telling this tale, but it was still a lot to take and I’m not sure I could actually recommend it to others. 7/10.

IMDb

Emmy says:
This movie delivers a tightly shot fervid spree of revenge, with very few extraneous scenes. Entertaining with the well choreographed combat and its predictable plot. 7/10.

Jeff says:
Decent story, although somewhat predictable. I did like that there was an in-story reason for her new-found ability to take a lot of damage – something a lot of revenge stories tend to forget. Good effects, and Jennifer Garner is always good in action. 7/10.

IMDb

Emmy says:
Revisiting a movie from my childhood I am pleased to see it entertaining as an adult. The spectacle, costumes, music and premise hold up well. 8/10.

Jeff says:
I can still quote more than 50% of this movie, which says a lot. It’s still fun watching a young Jim Carrey when the schtick was funny and not worn-out. The soundtrack has always been the draw for me, and it still is. Interesting fact: when this came out it was the second highest grossing film based on a comic ever … after the 1978 Superman film. Not hard to see why. 9/10.

IMDb

Emmys says:
The fantastic settings are shot to wonderful effect in this whirlwind of a story. Absolutely love the costumes and characters, and enjoyed discovering the facts with them. Great fun with the breaking of the fourth wall. 9/10.

Jeff says:
Not surprised this is based on the first book in a series … too much setup for there not to be (possible) sequels. I am completely there for them though! Well written and very well acted. There is some surprising darkness and even forthright violence which is more that I would have expected from something that might be considered a “kids” film. Well worth watching. 9/10.

IMDb

Emmy says:
Amazing actors portraying a melange of characters that have a rich interaction with each other. Tidbits of information are sprinkled throughout the narrative that allude to the oddness cultivated by the ten strangers. I found this very enjoyable although slightly jarring at the end. 8/10.

Jeff says:
Definitely worth a watch, mostly for the incredible talent on screen doing a brilliant job. So many “I know that one!” faces in the cast. Unfortunately, a fairly formulaic thriller for the most part – fake-outs and deaths at the predictable beats. The central conceit of the film is telegraphed early for the observant so while the ending didn’t jar for me, it only barely covered the implausibility. 7/10 mostly for the acting.

IMDb

Emmy says:
An outstanding piece of art with strong characters all round. The combat is wonderfully choreographed and shot, without revelling in violence. I’m left wanting the continuation of the story. 10/10.

Jeff says:
What looks like it should be a by-the-numbers action shoot-’em-up is, instead, a somewhat thoughtful exploration of what it means to be these people. There is great action, and it’s as efficient, effective, and brutal as the skills of the protagonists themselves. Once again, I really appreciate when film-makers don’t have to resort to smart people becoming inexplicably dumb in order to hit a plot point. I also appreciate the light touch with flash-backs and exposition. A great movie, I’m keen to see these characters again. 10/10.

IMDb