Raging Fire ( 怒火 )

POSITIVES

  • The movie kicks ass with lots of exciting action set pieces. From the gunplay, standoffs, chase sequences, to the martial arts moves. 

  • Story has a kick ass plot premise on this adversarial conflict that should motivate you to see it through to the end. 

  • Donnie Yen kicks ass because Donnie Yen always kicks ass. He's the protagonist you want him to be. 

  • Nicholas Tse kicks ass playing the antagonist. The whole movie is even more interesting because of his side of the story. 

  • Those kick ass stunt work and action choreography are awesome to watch on screen. Fans of the genre should not skip this movie. 

NEGATIVES

  • Familiar plot tropes, cliches, and conveniences here and there keep it from being a fresh and unique experience. 

  • Those unbelievable illogical moments aren't helping either.  

  • Some might be surprised at how violent things can get in this movie. 

  • There were a couple of triumphantly dramatic scenes that were supposed to be inspiring, but it had an element of ridiculousness that kinda diffused that. 

  • Hey movie! Do you know how heavy a duffle bag full of money is? Very heavy. 

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Raging Fire ( 怒火 ) - watched it on HOOPLA

The 355

POSITIVES

  • If you’re looking for a traditionally entertaining spy movie then this one will help past the time. 

  • Action set pieces are solid, and features some good chase sequences.

  • The main draw of this movie are the chemistry, dynamics, and charm of the four leads in Jessica Chastain, Lupita Nyong'o, Diane Kruger, and Penélope Cruz. It’s fun seeing their characters go through this movie, and I legitimately wouldn’t mind seeing more films featuring them. 

  • It’s always enjoyable seeing Jessica Chastain doing physical combat and being badass. 

  • I dug the movie’s conceit of having multicultural characters showcasing many different languages, which includes featuring different world locations. 

NEGATIVES

  • It’s generally unremarkable and probably disposable of a spy action flick, with your familiar plot tropes and cliches. 

  • Certain plot points come off as artificially coincidental and some plot reveals were just too obvious to offer any legitimately fun surprises. 

  • Kinda wished there were more innovative action set pieces. 

  • Fan Bingbing’s character seemed unnaturally included with the group, and a rather underwritten role at that. 

  • The epilogue conclusion comes off as dumb and patronizing. 

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The 355 - watched it IN THEATERS

The Lost Daughter

POSITIVES

  • This film has a compelling narrative and tone that hooks you into the premise. 

  • Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley are amazing in their roles as Leda, who is what I would consider a very unconventional character for a protagonist that we are supposed to sympathize with. 

  • There’s a certain fascination in seeing what Leda is going to do in this movie that might make you curious enough to see things through to the end. 

  • Supporting cast is excellent as well, and adds to the drama and the tension of the premise. Solid work by Dakota Johnson, Ed Harris, Paul Mescal, Dagmara Domińczyk, and more. 

  • Has thought provocative commentaries and themes that I think spouses, parents, and middle aged people might just relate to. 

NEGATIVES

  • Has a gradual somewhat meandering build up into the plot that might make you feel impatient. 

  • There are some frustrating plot points to put up with. 

  • Rude, mean, inconsiderate, annoying people. There's a lot of them in this movie. 

  • Feels like the commentaries in this movie lays it on a little too thick 

  • Ending might not be that satisfying 

loveditenjoyedit LIKED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible

The Lost Daughter - watched it on NETFLIX