Sheep Movie Review: The Great Wall (2017)

The Great Wall

Directed By: Yimou Zhang
Written By: Carlo Bernard, Doug Miro, Tony Gilroy
Feb 17, 2017

Cast: Matt Damon, Tian Jing, Pedro Pascal, Willem Dafoe 

Rating: PG-13 (for sequences of fantasy action violence)
Genre: Action & Adventure, Drama, Mystery & Suspense
Runtime: 104 minutes
Studio: Universal Pictures

Starring global superstar Matt Damon and directed by one of the most breathtaking visual stylists of our time, Zhang Yimou (Hero, House of Flying Daggers), Legendary's The Great Wall tells the story of an elite force making a valiant stand for humanity on the world's most iconic structure. The first English-language production for Yimou is the largest film ever shot entirely in China. The Great Wall also stars Jing Tian, Pedro Pascal, Willem Dafoe and Andy Lau.

Went to see this with my husband and 15 year old daughter, and we enjoyed it! Not sure why people are dumping on it...it's a monster killing action movie...and if you are looking for anything else, you'll be disappointed. The cinematography was wonderful, especially the use of color. The scope of some of the scenes is jaw-dropping.

There are humorous one-liners, lots of monster killing, and superhero style fighting. I liked the fact that there was no romance between the hero (Matt Damon) and heroine (Jing Tian). They were just two warriors fighting for their lives.

As a side note: our theater just installed recliners! Now that was an experience...felt like watching the movie at home...next time I want to bring a pillow and blanket :)

This movie definitely shows best on the big screen and if you love action and superhero type movies then you will have fun at this one.

The husband and kid give it 4 Sheep.

I'm a little more critical and give it 3 3/4 "I didn't sign up for this" Sheep.

SharonS

Movie Review: Jason Bourne (2016)

Jason Bourne (2016)
Director: Paul Greengrass
Writers: Paul Greengrass, Christopher Rouse, Robert Ludlum
Stars: Matt Damon, Tommy Lee Jones, Alicia Vikander 
awn out of the shadows.
Rating: PG-13 (for intense sequences of violence and action, and brief strong language)
Genre: Action & Adventure , Drama Jul 29, 2016
Runtime: 123 minutes
Studio: Universal
The CIA's most dangerous former operative is drawn out of hiding to uncover more explosive truths about his past.

Went to see this with my husband (our daughter had no interest in going). Gonna go with the critiques on this movie not being as good as previous Bourne movies. But, it was still an entertaining spy action flick. There was a lot of misdirection so you are wondering who is good and bad, but the big twist was a bit predictable to me.

Jason Bourne (2016) is worth a matinee price if you enjoy this type of movie with big car chases and explosions. You really won't miss much by not seeing it on the big screen.

My husband gives it 4 Sheep

3.75 "I found you" Sheep

SharonS

Hereafter

Hereafter was directed by Clint Eastwood and stars Matt Damon. Really if he's in the movie who cares about anything else. lol If you have seen any other Eastwood films (Mystic River, Million Dollar Baby etc), you know what to expect. To those of you who have not, then expect a heart-wreching drama and tear soaked tissues. Hereafter follows suit. :)

Plot Summary:

A drama centered on three people who are haunted by mortality in different ways. George (Damon) is a blue-collar American who has a special connection to the afterlife. On the other side of the world, Marie (de France), a French journalist, has a near-death experience that shakes her reality. When Marcus (Frankie/George McLaren), a London schoolboy, loses the person closest to him, he desperately needs answers. Each character is on a path in search of the truth and when their lives intersect, it'll forever change what they believe might-or must-exist in the hereafter.

Damon gives another stellar performance as the man who just wants to lead a normal life, but is unable to because of his gift (some may see as a curse). Parts of the film were tapped in San Francisco and my only complaint with that was this: Why the heck did I NOT know about this?! Matt Damon was in SF! *stomping feet* Are you kidding me, that's a hop skip and jump away from me! Dang. :)

Moving on to a few downsides of the film. First is actress Bryce Dallas Howard (Ron Howard's daughter). She was awful. I hated her character. She is annoying, pushy and just all around a gag fest to watch. Not a fan. The second thing that REALLY bugged me was the boom mic that kept popping up in scenes. TWO separate scenes had the boom mic creeping in from the top of the screen. Sorry but with a film that's high budget and has many many people working on editing and such, someone should have caught that. That's just sloppy and lazy if you ask me.

Overall the film was an emotional drama for people who like to watch movies for the art of acting and story telling. Well written and beautifully preformed. Not an action bang bang shoot em up, so it will feel slow to anyone expecting that. Bring tissue for this one.

KD