Reels & Brains: A Cinematic Journey Through Time

16 Film Reviews (Letterboxd)

Hey there, film lovers! I’ve got some exciting news—I’ve finally jumped on the Letterboxd train! This year alone, I’ve watched and reviewed 16 films, adding to my grand total of 1,971 movies over my lifetime. I’m thrilled to start sharing my thoughts with you all—reviews (out of 5 🧠’s), clips, trailers, the works. So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and let’s dive into this cinematic journey together!

1. Godzilla Minus One (2023) - 🧠🧠🧠½

Growing up in the 80s, I watched many of the old Godzilla movies. I enjoyed them in my youth. This film felt like a modern day version of those old classic films. It had a nice story that kept me interested and invested in the characters. They also did a great job with the visual effects for having a smaller budget, too. It moves a little slower than an American action film, but watching the cultural differences displayed on film is also enjoyable to observe. Overall, a good monster movie that honored the classic films. Worth watching at least once.

What’s your favorite Godzilla flick—classic or modern—and why?

2. The Man with One Read Shoe (1985) - 🧠🧠½

It's been a long time since I've seen this film. It is not one of Tom Hank's best comedic films, but it is a fun film that shows the corruption and abuse of government. Hanks plays Richard, a sexually repressed musician, who gets caught up in an internal CIA fight for power between the deputy director of the CIA and one of its top agents. Hanks becomes an unknowing pawn in this spy game, and finds love along the way. This movie has a good cast of actors, such as Jim Belushi, Carrie Fisher, Dabney Coleman, and more, who do a good job. It's too bad that they did not have a better script to work with.

Have you seen The Man with One Red Shoe? Did it hit the spy-comedy mark for you?

3. Roxanne (1987) - 🧠🧠🧠

Roxanne is a nice romantic comedy that is a modern retelling of the classic play, "Cyrano de Bergerac". Steve Martin is brilliant. He draws your attention in every scene, even when the beautiful Daryl Hannah shares the screen with him; and, it's not because he sports a very large nose as Fire Chief C.D. Bales, either. Naturally, this film is about a love triangle, but its subplot on the topic of bullying that I found the most entertaining. Three scenes stand out when tackling this subject. Two scenes where Martin stands up to his bullies, and one, where he empathetically connects with a young man experiencing childhood bullying. In that, one could say that the love story is the subplot. This is a film that can be better described as a man who finally learns to love himself by finding his true love.

Roxanne tackles bullying and love—what’s a rom-com subplot that’s stuck with you?

4. The Secret of My Success (1987) - 🧠🧠½

'The Secret of My Success' (1987) is a comedy film starring Michael J. Fox as a young, ambitious man from a small town who moves to New York City to pursue his dream of corporate success. Upon arrival, he quickly learns that breaking into the business world isn’t as easy as he expected. Facing numerous challenges, he devises a clever plan to climb the corporate ladder while juggling personal and professional entanglements. The film blends humor, romance, and satire, offering a lighthearted look at ambition, identity, and the fast-paced world of big business in the 1980s.

This is not one of Fox's best films, but if you're looking for a classic "rags-to-riches" 80's film, this is a good choice. It can be compared to other workplace comedies and "yuppie-era" films like 'Working Girl' (1988) or 'Trading Places' (1983). The film employs fast-paced editing and montage sequences, a signature of 1980s comedies, to reflect the hustle of corporate life. A synth-heavy soundtrack embodies the upbeat, aspirational tone of the era. The film captures 1980s corporate aesthetics (power suits, high-rise offices), reinforcing its satire of the business world. The film is also surprisingly sexually suggestive, thus the PG-13 rating.

How does The Secret of My Success stack up against other 80s workplace comedies in your book?

5. Joe Dirt (2001) - 🧠🧠½

Joe Dirt (2001) is a comedy that’s equal parts absurd and heartwarming, carried by David Spade’s signature deadpan charm. The film follows Joe, a mullet-sporting, down-on-his-luck janitor who embarks on a wild journey to find his parents after being abandoned as a kid. What unfolds is a series of outrageous misadventures, packed with quirky characters, slapstick humor, and a surprising amount of heart beneath its rough-around-the-edges exterior.

Spade plays Joe with a mix of earnestness and obliviousness that makes him oddly endearing, even when the jokes lean into crude or silly territory. The supporting cast—including Christopher Walken, Brittany Daniel, and Dennis Miller—adds to the chaotic energy, each bringing their own flavor to this offbeat road trip. The humor is unapologetically lowbrow, with gags about porta-potties and fireworks that won’t land for everyone, but it’s balanced by a sincerity that keeps you rooting for Joe.

Visually, it’s a time capsule of early 2000s aesthetics—think faded jeans, classic rock vibes, and a grainy, unpolished look. The soundtrack, loaded with tunes like “Sweet Home Alabama,” complements the film’s scrappy, blue-collar spirit. It’s not a cinematic masterpiece, and the pacing can drag at times, but its charm lies in its refusal to take itself seriously.

Joe Dirt is a cult classic for a reason—it’s a goofy, feel-good romp that doesn’t pretend to be anything it’s not. If you’re in the mood for lighthearted absurdity with a touch of underdog resilience, it’s worth a watch. Just don’t expect subtlety or sophistication—this one’s all about the ride.

Joe Dirt—cult classic or cringe-fest? Where do you land?

6. Battleship (2012) - 🧠🧠🧠½

I walked into Battleship (2012) with zero expectations, and to my delight, I found myself thoroughly entertained. This Navy-themed action flick takes the classic board game and cleverly weaves its mechanics into the plot in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Rihanna shines as a tough, believable petty officer, bringing grit and charisma to the screen. The film delivers high-energy thrills, impressive visuals, and a satisfying dose of naval warfare that fans of the genre will appreciate. If you’re into movies that celebrate the Navy with a popcorn blockbuster twist, Battleship is well worth a watch. Bravo Zulu to the team for pulling this off!

Did Battleship sink or swim for you as a blockbuster? Any standout moments?

7. Gran Turismo (2023) - 🧠🧠🧠🧠

Gran Turismo (2023) is a slick, adrenaline-pumping ride with stunning racing scenes and a classic underdog story. It’s a bit clichéd and brand-heavy, but the cast and visuals deliver. A fun 4/5 for car fans or a quick thrill.

Gran Turismo fans—what’s your go-to racing flick or game?

8. The Fall Guy (2024) - 🧠🧠🧠½

The Fall Guy delivers a solid remake that blends nostalgia with high-octane thrills, earning a respectable 3.5 out of 5 brains. For someone like me, who grew up glued to the TV show, this film scratches that itch for action-packed escapism while offering a fresh take. The first act stumbles a bit with pacing issues—feeling a tad uneven as it sets the stage—but hang in there. Once the movie hits its stride, it’s a wild ride. The action sequences are a standout, packed with jaw-dropping stunts that honor the spirit of the original while dialing up the intensity for today’s audience. And that climactic ending? It’s a payoff that ties everything together with a satisfying bang, easily overshadowing those early hiccups. If you’re a fan of the classic series or just love a good adrenaline rush, The Fall Guy is worth the ticket. It’s not flawless, but it’s a whole lot of fun.

Are you a Fall Guy TV show vet? How does the remake hold up for you?

Since I am a fan of the old TV show that ran from 1981 to 1986, I will also share a couple of the show’s intros and outros. The Fall Guy TV show is still an enjoyable program to watch today.

9. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023) - 🧠🧠🧠½

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves rolls the dice and lands a charming 3.5 out of 5 brains. This fantasy romp brings the iconic tabletop game to life with a mix of witty humor, inventive action, and a cast that clearly enjoys the adventure. The film kicks off with a lighthearted energy that hooks you in, though it occasionally wobbles as it juggles its sprawling world-building and ensemble. Still, it finds its footing with clever nods to the game’s lore—perfect for fans—while staying accessible to newcomers. The action shines with creative set pieces that feel like a campaign come to life, and the chemistry among the ragtag crew keeps things breezy and fun. It’s not a critical hit every moment, but the heart and spectacle make it a delightful quest worth joining. If you’re up for a playful escape, this one’s got plenty of magic to spare.

Dungeons & Dragons—did it capture the game’s vibe? What’s your dream D&D movie moment?

10. Appleseed (1988) - 🧠🧠

Appleseed scrapes by with 2 out of 5 brains, a mixed bag of stunning visuals and a story that struggles to find its footing. Clocking in at a brisk 66 minutes, this anime has all the hallmarks of a cult classic but stumbles hard with pacing issues that drag it down. The narrative feels disjointed, failing to build stakes that pull you in or make you care about what’s unfolding. The theme—something about humanity and technology, maybe?—gets lost in a muddled mess, leaving you scratching your head more than nodding along. That said, the animated action pops off the screen with cool, dynamic sequences, and the art itself is a feast for the eyes, showcasing that late ‘80s anime flair. It’s far from perfect, but if you’re an anime fan, it’s worth a one-time watch just to soak in the visuals. Don’t expect a masterpiece—just a quick, flawed curiosity.

11. Jujutsu Kaisen 0 (2021) - 🧠🧠½

Jujutsu Kaisen 0 lands at a middling 2.5 out of 5 brains, a film that’s a bit of a slow burn with a payoff that almost makes up for its flaws. As someone new to the Jujutsu Kaisen world, I found the pacing uneven—dragging through the early stretches and leaving me restless before finally hitting its stride in the third act. That’s where the movie wakes up, delivering a burst of energy with some flashy moments and what I’ve heard is fan service, with characters popping in to spice things up. Not having seen the TV show (which I hear is the real gem), I wasn’t in on the hype, but the film’s late-game rally left me curious enough to check it out. The animation is slick, and there’s potential here, but it feels like this prequel leans too hard on fans already being invested. For a newbie like me, it’s a decent but flawed intro—worth a look if you’re open to diving into the series afterward.

12. Rampage (2018) - 🧠🧠

Rampage claws its way to a shaky 2 out of 5 brains, a film that takes a simple arcade game and tries to smash it into something bigger—only to stumble along the way. I went in curious about how they’d stretch a button-mashing premise into a full story, and while they do weave a narrative out of the chaos, it’s as predictable as a quarter dropping into the machine. Monster movies are tough to nail, and this one doesn’t quite stick the landing—right down to an ending you can see coming from a mile away. Dwayne Johnson, as always, brings his charisma and keeps things watchable, but even his megawatt charm can’t lift a script that feels thin and formulaic. The action’s loud and the creatures are wild, but it’s a shame Johnson didn’t have more meaty material to wrestle with. If you’re in it for mindless destruction, it’s passable—just don’t expect a game-changer.

13. Little Nicky (2000) - 🧠½

Little Nicky scrapes by with a measly 1.5 out of 5 brains, proving that even Adam Sandler can’t always hit the mark. This fish-out-of-water comedy about Satan’s awkward son flounders from the start, never quite finding its footing in a sea of goofy gags that mostly fall flat. It’s far from Sandler’s finest—lacking the charm or punch of his better flicks. The cameos, though, are a bright spot, popping up like little surprises that briefly perk things up, but they’re not enough to pull this mess out of hell. The product placement—especially that glaring Popeyes chicken plug—feels shoved in your face, less subtle than a pitchfork to the skull. On the plus side, the soundtrack rocks, delivering some killer tunes that almost make you forget the slog. If you’re a Sandler diehard, you might tolerate it; otherwise, it’s a hard pass. Who wants Popeyes after this? Not me.

14. Asterix & Obelix: The Middle Kingdom (2023) - 🧠🧠

Asterix & Obelix: The Middle Kingdom earns a lukewarm 2 out of 5 brains, a live-action throwback that hits some nostalgic notes but doesn’t quite potion up a knockout. The film does an impressive job translating the beloved cartoon into flesh and blood, whisking me back to my childhood days glued to the antics of these Gaulish heroes. Visually, it’s a treat—like flipping through an old comic book. But the pacing wobbles, stumbling through stretches that feel offbeat and sluggish. As a historian, I chuckled at the slew of clever history jokes sprinkled throughout—they’re a highlight for anyone who geeks out over the past. Yet, as a buddy flick, it misses the mark; the chemistry between Asterix and Obelix doesn’t spark like it should. The action sequences deliver some punchy fun, and the Romans ham it up enough to earn a few laughs, but it’s all forgettable by the next sunrise. A decent trip down memory lane, but it won’t linger in the annals of my mind.

15. The Wizard (1989) - 🧠🧠🧠

The Wizard is a nostalgic time capsule that earns a solid 3 out of 5 brains. For anyone craving a trip back to the 80s, this film delivers in spades—arcade games, Nintendo’s iconic Power Glove, and kids roaming free with minimal supervision paint a vivid picture of the era. From riding in pickup truck beds to using pay phones and metal lunchboxes, it’s a love letter to a time long since gone. The rocking 80s soundtrack amplifies the vibe, while teenage romance and family trauma add heart. Fred Savage and Christian Slater shine, with Will Seltzer’s creepy Putnam stealing scenes as the antagonist. Blink and you’ll miss a young Tobey Maguire in the mix. Nintendo fans will itch to play, and Universal Studios buffs get a rare 80s peek. The $50,000 prize—over $126,000 today—ups the stakes. It’s a wild look at how much youth could get away with back then, making it a quintessential 80s cry worth revisiting.

16. The Punisher (1989) - 🧠🧠½

The Punisher (1989) lands at 2.5 out of 5 brains as a quintessential 80s action flick. Before Marvel superheroes ruled the box office, this film brought Frank Castle to life in a gritty, pre-MCU era. It leans hard into classic action tropes, delivering a straightforward revenge tale that fans of the genre will recognize instantly. Dolph Lundgren’s brooding presence is a highlight—if you’re a fan, it’s worth a watch for him alone. Where it stumbles is depth; the film misses a chance to make us care about Frank’s family before their demise or show who he was before becoming the dark antihero. A little more heart could’ve pushed it higher, but for 80s action buffs, it’s still a solid, no-frills ride.

Which film from this list are you most tempted to watch (or rewatch) and why?

Well, folks, that’s a wrap on this reel-spinning roundup! From Godzilla’s roar to Joe Dirt’s mullet, I’ve loved sharing these cinematic slices with you. Stick around—there’s plenty more popcorn-worthy reviews coming your way as I dig into my 1,971-film vault. Until next time, keep the projector rolling and let me know what you think of these flicks in the comments. Lights out, brains on!