Hello new readers and veteran PStC fans! I’ve been recruited to add my own perspective on recently released movies, and I’m happy to share my thoughts, all without giving away any content that might ruin your experience. I can’t promise that I’ll see every movie, and I can safely say, I tend to focus on the bad ones (in my opinion), because those are typically the ones people will want to know just how bad they are, but won’t want to spend the money on. I’m here to take that bullet for you. That doesn’t mean I won’t watch popular or fun movies, however, so fear not. This isn’t 100% sarcasm or snark (I actually took a class, one time!). Now without further ado…
From the deepest ocean to the deepest reaches of space, I saw Poseidon Adventure and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2
When I set out this weekend to watch movies, I didn’t know it would become this. But I’m glad it did. Starting with Poseidon Adventure, I had woefully and incorrectly mis-remembered the ride at Disney World from my childhood. After checking out the trailer, I realized my horrible mistake thinking that 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea was the same movie. I couldn’t have been happier to be wrong. I have to say, it’s jarring to see Leslie Nielson on screen and not cracking one joke.
At no point in this movie did I think to myself “this seems a bit much”, which is saying a lot for what is, effectively, a disaster movie. It lacks the scale of disaster movies today, but really, that seems more to it’s benefit. The threat is much more imminent and feels more believable. The cast delivered at every turn, and I had almost forgotten about Ernest Borgnine, until this movie. Larger than life and animated, he was a great counter off of Gene Hackman who can devour scenes whole. Their energy was 11/10 at every turn and I really found myself wanting to look for flaws and unable to find them. For the time it was set, the practical effects were very impressive, and the camera work was simply superb. If you, like me, have never seen it until now, I highly recommend you treat yourself.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2 is an absolute ride from start to finish. The last movie was, arguably, the most comic book worthy adaptation of any CBM that’s come out to date, and Vol 2 did not disappoint. It felt more animated and flashier than ever. The screwball antics of GotG is highlighted by almost constant humor, with a few serious moments, which is exactly what it needed. It stands apart from all of the other Marvel movies for this reason (though not this reason alone), due to its relentless humor. It just keeps coming and there were few points where I was not laughing out loud. It’s plain and simply a very fun movie with beautiful visuals and a decent story tucked away. There was a lot of Fast and the Furious-esque “muh family” involved, and I can’t say if it was intentional or if it was poking at the trope, but it didn’t keep the movie from losing its lightning pace. If you want to turn your brain off and just enjoy life for a while, I can’t recommend it enough. Also, 10 Million Cameos; the credits weren’t just star-studded, they were practically diamond encrusted.
All in all, it was a good weekend for movies. Adjusted for inflation, I give Poseidon Adventure an 8/10. It’s just solid acting with a brilliant cast. Guardians of the Galaxy vol 2 breaks slightly from typical comic movie tradition and just ratchets up the fun-factor, a welcome reprieve from constant escalating threats, granting it a nice 7/10.