Jungle Cruise, by Albert W. Vogt III
My memory is failing me. As I begin this review of Jungle Cruise, I am trying to think of other movies that are based on popular amusement park rides. The only other one that I can think of is The Haunted Mansion (2003), another Disney property like Jungle Cruise. You would not think that something that takes a few minutes to get… Read more “Jungle Cruise, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Tears of the Sun, by Albert W. Vogt III
At the end of Tears of the Sun (2003), there is a quote that is falsely attributed to Edmund Burke. It reads, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” As it turns out, the late eighteenth century English philosopher was loosely taking from one of his country’s predecessors, John Stuart… Read more “Tears of the Sun, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Army of the Dead, by Albert W. Vogt III
Zack Snyder is a hack. If you have not gathered that this is my opinion of his work from reading my reviews of his dumb Justice League films, then let this definitive statement erase any doubts. Alright, I will confess to enjoying 300 (2006). It was original in its style. Unfortunately, Snyder seemed to have fallen in love with slow motion and sepia… Read more “Army of the Dead, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Glory, by Albert W. Vogt III
Please let me know in the comments below, or on social media, if I have mentioned before the fact that I used to be a Civil War reenactor. Given the stigma attached to this small subset of Americans in recent years with the rush to tear down all monuments to the Confederacy, let me make it… Read more “Glory, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Snakes Eyes: G. I. Joe Origins, by Albert W. Vogt III
Call me pleasantly surprised. As I had zero intentions of seeing M. Knight Shyamalan’s Old, I resigned myself to what I assumed would be an eye-roll fest with Snake Eyes: G. I. Joe Origins. I loved the G. I. Joe cartoon growing up, and the enigmatic Snake Eyes was always a favorite. Okay, I just used a few words that are probably… Read more “Snakes Eyes: G. I. Joe Origins, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Deadpool 2, by Albert W. Vogt III
Remember what I said in the review for Deadpool (2016) about the title character (Ryan Reynolds) sort of comparing himself to Jesus? In the early stages of the sequel, in one of many fourth wall breaking moments, Deadpool turns to the camera to explain how the first film is the second-highest box office earning film that is rated… Read more “Deadpool 2, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Deadpool, by Albert W. Vogt III
Before I totally understood what the title character was, I thought Deadpool was cool. In my middle school years was when I first got into comic books, mostly because of the animated X-Men series from the 1990s. Because of that, it was Marvel Comics all the way. I do not know how it came into my possession, but somewhere along… Read more “Deadpool, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Star Wars: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, by Albert W. Vogt III
Is it odd that I have reviewed the Star Wars films, my favorite cinematic franchise of all time, in such a piecemeal fashion? Outside of the original trilogy, perhaps this is somewhat apropos. After all, in the late 1990s, a full sixteen years after Star Wars: Episode VI – The Return of the Jedi (1983) came out, they released Star Wars: Episode… Read more “Star Wars: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Company of Heroes, by Albert W. Vogt III
Perhaps when I was scrolling through Netflix’s offerings a few days ago and landed on Ghosts of War (2020), I was actually looking for Company of Heroes (2013). You know what would be nice of Netflix to do, even though it might end up costing them business? Attach reviews of films to their on-screen menus. Though I doubt they would want The Legionnaire’s… Read more “Company of Heroes, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, by Albert W. Vogt III
When I think about Westerns as a cinematic genre, rarely do I think of any films made in my life time. I will not comment on how long of a stretch of years that is. Regardless, Westerns reached their zenith at a time in our country’s history when we looked to a mythic past for inspiration in… Read more “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Black Widow, by Albert W. Vogt III
Finally, Black Widow arrived. A film that we have been seeing trailers for, what, two years? It seems longer, but that is what the pandemic and lock down did to people. From everything that I read, I thought it would explain some things from Avengers: Infinity War (2018) and Avengers: Endgame (2019). As it stands, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) seems to be at a… Read more “Black Widow, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Star Trek, by Albert W. Vogt III
At no point in my life have I ever called myself a fan of Star Trek. My parents were never into it, and I found Star Warsbefore the USS Enterprise. As I grew up and studied history more, I would have happily read more about the historical ship on which the science fiction one is based than the other way… Read more “Star Trek, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Ghosts of War, by Albert W. Vogt III
In order to spare you the aggravation, I am going to spoil Ghosts of War (2020) right away: what you think is a strange combination of a World War II, er . . . epic (you cannot type high-pitched incredulity) with a straight-up horror flick, is actually a computer simulation for soldiers recovering from being wounded. Why am I doing… Read more “Ghosts of War, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Terminator 2: Judgement Day, by Albert W. Vogt III
Setting aside the theological ramifications of a title like Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991), specifically everything after the colon, such a sobriquet does not make a ton of sense. Then again, had they called it Terminator 2: Stopping Judgement Day, that would have given away the ending. The events in the film also do not have anything to do with… Read more “Terminator 2: Judgement Day, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Pacific Rim, by Albert W. Vogt III
Were you ever a fan of giant monster movies? While recently watching the mess that is Godzilla vs. Kong, my brain cast about for a similar film that I actually enjoyed. There are not many. When I was a child, I loved cartoons like Transformers, and especially Robotech. Actually, with that last one, every few years I go back and re-watch the… Read more “Pacific Rim, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Predator, by Albert W. Vogt III
Speaking of alien invasions, want to see a better movie that handles that same subject better than The Tomorrow War? Well, if you have not seen Predator (1987) already, drop what you are doing and check it out. Actually, they are two very different films, though both deal with extra-terrestrials that come to this planet and are up to no… Read more “Predator, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Fight Club, by Albert W. Vogt III
The first (and apparently second) rule of Fight Club (1999) is that you do not talk about Fight Club. I am guessing I am not the first reviewer, nor probably the last, who will point out that writing about this film breaks that rule(s). Not that I care. Before the other night, I had never seen the movie, a supposed… Read more “Fight Club, by Albert W. Vogt III”
F9: The Fast Saga, by Albert W. Vogt III
It would seem my reactions to things is the stuff of legends. I do not know if this is a blessing or a curse. Whatever it is, it means that I am expressive, or at least more so than my Midwestern, Northern European reserved heritage would suggest. When there was some uproarious comedy coming out in theaters, my… Read more “F9: The Fast Saga, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Minority Report, by Albert W. Vogt III
Raise your hand if you have ever wished you could see the future. If you did not put your appendage up, then why are you being a spoil sport? You are also lying. We have all wanted to know what will happen before it occurs in some form, be they big happenings or little day-to-day decisions into which… Read more “Minority Report, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Town, by Albert W. Vogt III
One of the groups that I focused on when writing my dissertation in order to complete my Ph.D. in American History was the Irish. No other people who came to the United States typified more what those outside of the Church conceived of as what it meant to be a member of the Catholic Faith. … Read more “The Town, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Kill Bill: Vol. 2, by Albert W. Vogt III
Do you know the origins of the “cliffhanger?” Today we are so used to novels and films being given to us in their entirety, but that was not always the case. Famous authors of the nineteenth century, like Charles Dickens, published their material in serial form. Some of the greatest writing known to Western literature… Read more “Kill Bill: Vol. 2, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Kill Bill: Vol. 1, by Albert W. Vogt III
In my review of Inglorious Basterds (2009), I mentioned that there are many classic Quentin Tarantino films that I do not enjoy. This includes the bulk of his early work. It was with Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003) that my opinion changed, at least for a time. I remember seeing early trailers of it and… Read more “Kill Bill: Vol. 1, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Gladiator, by Albert W. Vogt III
Fun fact: I have “SPQR” tattooed on my left arm. True story. If you know your Russell Crowe films, then you know where this is going. If not, then go watch Gladiator (2000). I was quite taken with the film when it came out, so much so that I had the mark of the Roman… Read more “Gladiator, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Braveheart, by Albert W. Vogt III
The brain is one of the most incredible devices that God ever conceived. Admittedly, this statement is fueled by a bit of egotism. I love my brain, and I am thankful for it. But it does some odd things sometimes, and in those moments I talk to it in the third person as if there… Read more “Braveheart, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Last of the Mohicans, by Albert W. Vogt III
When I use films in my history courses, it is not without trepidation. Hollywood, more often than not, gets the past wrong. And yet, so many people look at historically based movies and believe that is what “really happened.” No. A thousand times, no. Hence, when one of them makes it into my classroom (though… Read more “The Last of the Mohicans, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Maverick, by Albert W. Vogt III
It would appear that I am on somewhat of a Mel Gibson kick, lately. When I watched The Professor and the Madman (2019), it had nothing to do with him being in it. I encountered a movie based on a book I enjoyed and wanted to see it. Still, watching it got me thinking about… Read more “Maverick, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Enemy at the Gates, by Albert W. Vogt III
Rounding out my recent war film kick is 2001’s Enemy at the Gates. Yes, I watched it on Memorial Day, and no, it does not deal with the United States. It does focus on a conflict the United States was in at the time it is set, World War II. Does that count? It should… Read more “Enemy at the Gates, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Courage Under Fire, by Albert W. Vogt III
Since this past weekend was Memorial Day, I went on a little bit of a war film kick. Most of the big ones I have covered, such as Saving Private Ryan (1998). One who has made somewhat of a career out of making movies focusing on the clash of cinematic armies is director Edward Zwick. … Read more “Courage Under Fire, by Albert W. Vogt III”
A Quiet Place II, by Cameron J. Czaja
After I saw A Quiet Place back in 2018, I fell in love with it right away. As a movie lover, I enjoyed it for how they played with the horror genre by making a somewhat silent film in a tension filled setting. As a Catholic, however, I enjoyed it for being a pro-life and… Read more “A Quiet Place II, by Cameron J. Czaja”
Skyfall, by Albert W. Vogt III
I never understood the rage against the Daniel Craig portrayal of James Bond. I suppose that when you are dealing with one of the most iconic characters in cinematic history, nothing you do is going to satisfy a fan base that has been built over decades. One thing we never seem to remember about the… Read more “Skyfall, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Highwaymen, by Albert W. Vogt III
Given how terrible was Army of the Dead, and many other Netflix offerings, I had been avoiding a film that I would normally watch without hesitation. I am a sucker for movies set during the 1930s, and The Highwaymen (2019) fits neatly into this category. Many a night had gone by with me scrolling through… Read more “The Highwaymen, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Matrix Revolutions, by Albert W. Vogt III
And now for the supposed conclusion to the stupid Matrix trilogy, called The Matrix Revolutions (2003) for some reason. Throughout this last installment there is a lot of talk about change and doing things differently, but we never actually see it. We are just told, as we were in The Matrix Reloaded (2003), that the… Read more “The Matrix Revolutions, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Matrix Reloaded, by Albert W. Vogt III
When we left off with The Matrix (1999), it was with Neo (Keanu Reeves) telling the titular alternate reality that he was going to be freeing more people from their mechanical enslavement. After a four year hiatus, we got The Matrix Reloaded (2003). Very little is said about what Neo, Trinity (Carrie-Ann Moss), and Morpheus… Read more “The Matrix Reloaded, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Matrix, by Albert W. Vogt III
It was inevitable that I would get around to the generation defining film that is The Matrix (1999). I do not mean to sound hyperbolic, but it is fair to call it “generation defining.” It pioneered film techniques and story telling methods that were new at the time and have stuck with us to this… Read more “The Matrix, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Great Escape, by Albert W. Vogt III
When I reviewed The Sound of Music (1965), I mentioned how it was a film that my mom forced my sister and I to watch when we were in middle school. One movie that she liked that she never had to convince me to see was The Great Escape (1963). Now, my mom is no… Read more “The Great Escape, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Basic, by Albert W. Vogt III
Sometimes films can be too cute, or clever for their own good. They have an idea, a good one, and then they begin twisting and turning it in different directions. There are those out there who know of such movies and think they are the greatest thing since Citizen Kane (1941). Look, it is hard… Read more “Basic, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Quantum of Solace, by Albert W. Vogt III
When I reviewed Casino Royale (2006), I put it out there that Daniel Craig is my favorite James Bond. No offense to the Sean Connerys (may he rest in peace), Roger Moores (may he also rest in peace), or Pierce Brosnans of the world, but I think Daniel Craig is great. At the end of… Read more “Quantum of Solace, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Those Who Wish Me Dead, by Albert W. Vogt III
If you have been wondering what Angelina Jolie has been up to lately, apparently she had been getting back to her action, er, roots. I hesitate to describe her early career as such because one of my earliest cinematic memories of her is Hackers (1995). There are some exciting moments in it, but they mostly… Read more “Those Who Wish Me Dead, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, by Albert W. Vogt III
My love for Star Wars began at an early age. I watched the original trilogy so many times that I had them memorized. My favorite of them, as I have indicated in other reviews, is Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980). However, it and the rest of the billion dollars franchise would not have been possible without the… Read more “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Departed, by Albert W. Vogt III
Being a practicing Catholic who is serious about their Faith is not without its pitfalls today. In the past few decades, the Church has been under siege to a degree with accusations, confirmed and alleged, of sexual abuse by priests. You can view it as fair or not (I do not), but priests these days… Read more “The Departed, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Wrath of Man, by Cameron J. Czaja
It was just months ago that I was excited for the first Friday of May because it was going to be the day that Black Widow was finally going to be released. The reason I used past tense in that last sentence is because, like a lot of films this past year, it was once… Read more “Wrath of Man, by Cameron J. Czaja”
The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day, by Albert W. Vogt III
There are a few movies that have the kind of following that does not warrant an immediate sequel, but is big enough to get one at some indeterminate point in the future. This is true for The Boondock Saints (1999). It was a film that appealed to a certain group of people, but is a… Read more “The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse, by Albert W. Vogt III
Stop me if you have heard this one before: man with a “certain set of skills,” using the Taken parlance, whose family is killed, gets revenge on everyone who he feels responsible. While the drawn out Liam Neeson franchise is not exactly about that particular theme, like that series of films Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse… Read more “Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Excalibur, by Albert W. Vogt III
There is a vague memory somewhere in my recollections of high school of seeing Excalibur (1981) in class as a freshman in high school. If you are at all familiar with this film (and there is no reason why you should be), then you will know how worrisome of a concept that would be because… Read more “Excalibur, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Crow: City of Angels, by Albert W. Vogt III
Why could they not just let The Crow (1994) franchise die with poor Brandon Lee? You would think that the death of the legendary Bruce Lee’s son on the set of that film might be enough for them to rethink making more entries. But, no, they kept on going. And The Crow: City of Angels… Read more “The Crow: City of Angels, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Mortal Kombat (2021), by Albert W. Vogt III
You can hardly have existed in the 1990s without hearing the title of today’s movie being shouted. Mortal Kombat (1995), the film version of one of the most controversial video games to ever be released, starts out with that phrase, followed by its earwig techno music. As a teenager, these were the sounds that haunted parents. When… Read more “Mortal Kombat (2021), by Albert W. Vogt III”
Spawn, by Albert W. Vogt III
Have you ever looked at the Mona Lisa by Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci and wanted to draw a mustache on it? Have you listened to a perfectly formed symphony by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and felt like it could be improved by blaring police sirens? Have you pondered a potential threat to all existence on… Read more “Spawn, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Voyagers, by Albert W. Vogt III
Teenagers, am I right? That is pretty much the only reason why Voyagers is not the best movie. If you can ignore the fact that the overwhelming majority of the main characters are in their late teens, then there are some pretty deep themes at work. It actually gets at the meaning of life, albeit… Read more “Voyagers, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Bad Boys II, by Albert W. Vogt III
Sigh. Bad Boys II (2003). I am not going to have the same kind of summary for Bad Boys II as I usually provide. In the main, there is no difference between it and its predecessor. There is another crime boss, this time the Cuban Hector Juan Carlos “Johnny” Tapia (Jordi Mollà), again trying to… Read more “Bad Boys II, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Bad Boys, by Albert W. Vogt III
What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say the name Michael Bay? If you have some working knowledge of cinema, or American culture in general, that word would be explosions. For Captain Pyrotechnics (my own invention), film seems to be an excuse to blow things up. He has made a career… Read more “Bad Boys, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Godzilla vs. Kong, by Albert W. Vogt III
There are times when I watch a movie and I think, “Were there prerequisite readings I was supposed to complete before viewing this stuff?” I cannot take full credit for that thought. I got it from an episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000. And you know that whenever something conjures that great show about riffing… Read more “Godzilla vs. Kong, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008), by Albert W. Vogt III
There is a saying that bigger is not always better. I can think of few movies where that is more applicable to than the 2008 remake of The Day the Earth Stood Still. With its 1951 forerunner, there was a certain charm to its campiness and simplicity. Premiering as the Cold War was still relatively new, its message of… Read more “The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008), by Albert W. Vogt III”
Nobody, by Albert W. Vogt III
For movie enthusiasts, one of the myriad of annoying aspects of of the COVID-19 lockdown was how so many titles kept getting pushed back. When theaters began reopening, the thin offerings often came with the same trailers. Ever hear of Save Yourselves! (2020)? I barely remember it, though I do recall enjoying it. So while… Read more “Nobody, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Zack Snyder’s Justice League, by Albert W. Vogt III
You might look at the title of this review and say, “Wait, did not my favorite Catholic movie review blog already cover this film?” If so, thank you for making this your favorite Catholic movie review blog! And also, yes, in a way. If you care to read a discussion of the joke that is… Read more “Zack Snyder’s Justice League, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Operation Finale, by Albert W. Vogt III
When I noticed that Operation Finale (2018) was on Netflix, I began wracking my brain. Given how The Legionnaire has reviewed most big movies that have come out in the past couple of years, I was initially incredulous as to how this one was left out from being on the blog. It is also a… Read more “Operation Finale, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Underwater, by Albert W. Vogt III
Ah, the heady days of the pre-COVID-19 world. It was a time when you went to the theater and, unless you already had a choice in mind, you had to actually make a decision. When Cameron came aboard, as I mentioned yesterday, it became a matter of splitting between two new releases every week. And while this was… Read more “Underwater, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Chaos Walking, by Albert W. Vogt III
Of the main characters from the original Star Wars trilogy, outside of Harrison Ford, how many different movies can you name in which they have appeared, much less had a starring role? I will give you a moment to Google. . . . Back? I am sure you found some films, but how many had… Read more “Chaos Walking, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Forsaken, by Albert W. Vogt III
There have not been too many Westerns reviewed for The Legionnaire. Off hand, I cannot think of a single one. I have no good reason for that beyond mere oversight, I suppose. It is a sub-genre of film that has never particularly interested me as they tend to be formulaic. Today’s film, Forsaken (2015), is… Read more “Forsaken, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Suicide Squad, by Albert W. Vogt III
In previous reviews I mentioned how when I see an awful movie, particularly modern ones, I come up with fanciful explanations as to why it was so bad. I am sure they bear no resemblance whatsoever to the truth. Incompetence is real, and given the size of so many Hollywood productions it is expected that… Read more “Suicide Squad, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Mortal Kombat, by Albert W. Vogt III
You can hardly have existed in the 1990s without hearing the title of today’s movie being shouted. Mortal Kombat (1995), the film version of one of the most controversial video games to ever be released, starts out with that phrase, followed by its earwig techno music. As a teenager, these were the sounds that haunted… Read more “Mortal Kombat, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Supergirl, by Albert W. Vogt III
Please note, this is the 1984 version of Supergirl. As I understand it based on the random information that floats my way on a daily basis, the Linda Lee/Kora Zor-El (Helen Slater) character in the film is not all that close to the original DC Comics material. However, that is the least of the problems… Read more “Supergirl, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Gangs of New York, by Albert W. Vogt III
Movies like Gangs of New York (2002) are why I wrote my dissertation, although I did not talk about it within those 239 pages. Before I go any further, know that this is going to be a history heavy review. You see, Catholics in this country have had a hard time. The attitudes towards the… Read more “Gangs of New York, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Ghost and the Darkness, by Albert W. Vogt III
If you lived in the Tampa Bay area in the late 1990s like I did, then Busch Gardens Tampa was the place to be. The first time I went was for a high school field trip. Our physics teacher expected us to ride the roller coasters and record the effects of g-forces, acceleration, and other… Read more “The Ghost and the Darkness, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Crow, by Albert W. Vogt III
There are certain movies out there at certain times of your life that are spoken of in hushed tones as if they are legends. I never saw The Crow (1994) before yesterday, but it was one such movie as I went through my teenage years in the 1990s. At first, I knew nothing about it.… Read more “The Crow, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, by Albert W. Vogt III
In my review of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), I mentioned my love of the 1977 cartoon version of The Hobbit. At least that is how I remember feeling about it. I had not seen it in roughly fifteen years when The Fellowship of the Ring premiered, but my… Read more “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, by Albert W. Vogt III”
X-Men: Apocalypse, by Albert W. Vogt III
There is a scene in X-Men: Apocalypse (2016) when En Sabah Nur (Oscar Isaac), known more familiarly by the villainous sobriquet in the title, reemerges from his millenniums long slumber to an avalanche of stone and other masonry. There is a group of people fleeing in panic. Seeing this, the old man I live with… Read more “X-Men: Apocalypse, by Albert W. Vogt III”
X-Men: Days of Future Past, by Albert W. Vogt III
When C-3PO (Anthony Daniels) remarks to R2-D2 (Kenny Baker) in Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983) “Here we go again,” it comes as a new set adventures are about to begin. The line is also meant to evince in the viewer the weight of all they had been through not only… Read more “X-Men: Days of Future Past, by Albert W. Vogt III”
X-Men: First Class, by Albert W. Vogt III
Perhaps because the cast of the first X-Men was getting older, but for whatever reason the heads at Marvel decided to bring in a new wave of comic book mutants to the big screen. They also did this in the middle of laying out the grand plan that is the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). By… Read more “X-Men: First Class, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Outside the Wire, by Albert W. Vogt III
Technically what will follow is a fan request. It is not on any of The Legionnaire‘s social media lists, but I watched Outside the Wire last night. I have another endeavor that I hope to start up soon, also regarding film, with another friend. Stay tuned for more details. He had requested that I see… Read more “Outside the Wire, by Albert W. Vogt III”
X-Men: The Last Stand, by Albert W. Vogt III
Everything has to be a trilogy these day, I guess. Then again, is it accurate to refer to a movie like X-Men: The Last Stand that was made in 2006 as “these days?” Where is the line between now and then? Anyway, if there is a popular franchise out there, you can bet your bottom… Read more “X-Men: The Last Stand, by Albert W. Vogt III”
X2: X-Men United, by Albert W. Vogt III
One of my favorite comic book characters is Kurt Wagner, more widely known as Nightcrawler. My interest in him started with the early 1990s X-Men arcade game. It was always better when you could get a group of people together to play it because that made defeating the legions of sentinels easier. Yet playing with… Read more “X2: X-Men United, by Albert W. Vogt III”
X-Men, by Albert W. Vogt III
At some point in my youth I became interested in Marvel comics. I do not recall exactly what was the trigger. There were vague references to certain characters among my earliest memories. The old The Incredible Hulk television show was in reruns when I was a child, and every kid knew about Spiderman. But I… Read more “X-Men, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Waterloo, by Albert W. Vogt III
Since it was my birthday yesterday, I hope you, my dear readers, will indulge me this little review. I have discussed in various other posts how I came to love history. To briefly recap, my dad would tell me about Napoleon’s campaigns. I also loved films from an early age, which should be fairly obvious.… Read more “Waterloo, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Bad Times at the El Royale, by Albert W. Vogt III
The mind is an incredible gift from God. Cognition can lead us to some lofty heights. My academic career is evidence of this fact. It can also be our worst enemy, telling us something is real when there is no evidence of it. This is why we have therapy. In a more positive light, it… Read more “Bad Times at the El Royale, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc, by Albert W. Vogt III
My apologies to any of you that have been waiting on a review from The Legionnaire for a film you requested. You have our assurances that they will be seen and covered. However, when I saw how St. Joan of Arc was portrayed in Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989), it got me thinking about… Read more “The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Mask, by Albert W. Vogt III
In the 1990s, Jim Carey was at the height of his career. I barely remember him from his In Living Color days. That show was among others, like The Simpsons, that my mom would not let my sister and I watch. There were performances Carey reprised on In Living Color that trickled down to a… Read more “The Mask, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Marksman, by Albert W. Vogt III
Oh, look, it is Winter. Must be time for another Liam Neeson film. Last Fall, it was Honest Thief (2020), an eminently forgettable movie. Not bad. Just not good, or memorable for any reason whatsoever. If you have seen any of the films Neeson has done since playing Qui-Gon Jinn in Star Wars: Episode I… Read more “The Marksman, by Albert W. Vogt III”
3 Ninjas, by Albert W. Vogt III
As I said a number of times during my slog through the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles trilogy, when you watch movies you thought were cool as an eight years old, the experience as an adult is not the same. I remember seeing 3 Ninjas (1992) when I was a kid. I did not recall anything… Read more “3 Ninjas, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III, by Albert W. Vogt III
While watching the early 1990s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles trilogy over the past few days, a series of inexplicable choices emerges. For example, why did they decide to have Casey Jones (Elias Koteas) in the first installment, not bring him back for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze (1991), only to… Read more “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze, by Albert W. Vogt III
If you have not yet noticed, there is a “III” suffix at the end of my name. When I was born, my parents and grandparents had a small debate over what they were going to call me. My paternal grandfather went by “Al,” and they called my dad “Albie,” though he goes by “Al” now.… Read more “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze, by Albert W. Vogt III”
News of the World, by Albert W. Vogt III
Last weekend I had a choice to make: either Wonder Woman 1984 (2020) or News of the World (2020). I did the superhero movie first because I figured it would garner more attention. Given the number of people I saw in the theater, I suspect I was right. Still, even though it was not quite… Read more “News of the World, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, by Albert W. Vogt III
Every New Year’s Eve for well over a decade, I have gathered with some of my closest friends and their steadily growing family to have a Harry Potter movie marathon. With eight movies covering seven books, we can never get all of them seen in one day, but we enjoy putting them on and passing the… Read more “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, by Albert W. Vogt III
I do not consider the recent reboot of the famous humanoid, be-shelled martial artists, beginning in 2014, to be the real Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Nor really would be the 1990 movie under examination today. If you were a kid in the 1980s like me, you will remember the way the cartoon version seemingly invaded… Read more “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Wonder Woman 1984, by Albert W. Vogt III
Finally, Wonder Woman 1984 has arrived. I never knock anyone for taking any precautions they feel necessary during these times, but it was nice to see a nearly full theater for what I am sure was supposed to be a summer blockbuster. There were two empty seats next to me, but otherwise my row, and… Read more “Wonder Woman 1984, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2, by Albert W. Vogt III
We pick up Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2 (2015) six years after the events of Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009). Nothing has changed, and hence no need, really, for an introduction. Go read the review of the first one to orient yourself to what is going on. Paul Blart (Kevin James) is still working as… Read more “Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Paul Blart: Mall Cop, by Albert W. Vogt III
Sigh. Asking your fans for movie suggestions is both a blessing and a curse. Sometimes you get hidden gems, like The Lunchbox (2013). But then you have friends who, as they say in the British Isles, like to “take the piss,” and they want you to look at films like Paul Blart: Mall Cop (2009).… Read more “Paul Blart: Mall Cop, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Monster Hunter, by Albert W. Vogt III
What do you get when you combine Mad Max with a little bit of Lord of the Rings, as well as some giant monsters and a hint of the American military industrial complex? There are some out there that would say to themselves that such a mix would be something they would want to see.… Read more “Monster Hunter, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Perfect Storm, by Albert W. Vogt III
A little over a month ago, Florida was hit by Tropical Storm Eta. It made landfall on the Gulf Coast a little north of the little home in which I reside on the coast. As somebody who has lived in Florida for some time, you learn to take storms in a measured way. What I… Read more “The Perfect Storm, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Night of the Living Dead, by Albert W. Vogt
Like our review of The Ring (2002), apologies for this seasonally mistimed review of the film that launched George Romero’s zombie franchise: Night of the Living Dead (1968). Not that I am complaining. For months I cast about trying to choose which movie to watch. I soon realized that my tastes are somewhat eclectic, but… Read more “Night of the Living Dead, by Albert W. Vogt”
The Usual Suspects, by Albert W. Vogt III
For those dedicated fans of The Usual Suspects (1995), there is nothing bad you can so about the film. Still, I am not sure why would would ever watch it a second time. I saw it once years ago, but before this I learned the big secret about the film that makes it kind of… Read more “The Usual Suspects, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Incredibles, by Albert W. Vogt III
Have you ever had an identity crisis? Maybe you have worked hard in crafting one way of life for yourself, only to have unforeseen events impel you to adopt another one? As this is the Advent season, one of the themes that you find throughout the readings is the need for preparation. 1 Thessalonians 5:2… Read more “The Incredibles, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Vanguard, by Albert W. Vogt III
With movie studios hesitant to release films due to COVID, and yet theaters needing to show movies to justify their existence, it has all led to an odd Fall and early Winter for cinema. It does not bode well for the rumored Christmas release for Wonder Woman 1984, especially for us die hards who enjoy… Read more “Vanguard, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Pearl Harbor, by Albert W. Vogt III
The movie Pearl Harbor (2001) should not be called “Pearl Harbor.” My annoyance with this film stems not so much from historical inaccuracies (though there are plenty of those), and more from its length and pacing. I get that a film typically does not launch into its proposed subject matter right away. Characters need to… Read more “Pearl Harbor, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Train to Busan, by Albert W. Vogt III
Today is Thanksgiving, and at Mass this morning during the homily the priest reminded us of how it is “right and just,” as the prayer goes, to give thanks. It is a call to reverence God in all situations, no matter how terrible. With 2020 going the way it has, it is even more important… Read more “Train to Busan, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Tombstone, by Albert W. Vogt III
Ah, the Western. I think this review of Tombstone (1993) might be the first of its kind in the nearly 300 movies The Legionnaire has covered. Some of the more classic films in cinematic history have been Cowboy Dramas, and if that is not a typical way of referring to Westerns remember that you read… Read more “Tombstone, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Top Gun, by Albert W. Vogt III
When I was a wee lad in the 1980s, our family bought a Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). That was its official title, after all. We were super excited, but perhaps no one more so than my mother, who, while my sister and I were at school, mastered Super Mario Brothers. She was the first one to beat it in… Read more “Top Gun, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Charlie’s Angels, by Albert W. Vogt III
We were all immature once. Some of us still are, perhaps. As Ecclesiastes 3:1 states, “There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens.” What that means, basically, is that we all go through phases, even ones where we willingly watch films like Charlie’s Angels (2000). I have… Read more “Charlie’s Angels, by Albert W. Vogt III”
The Running Man, by Albert W. Vogt III
There was a sizable, Austrian weight-lifter turned Hollywood actor turned California governor turned actor again hole in my cinema viewing known as The Running Man (1987). I filled that hole last night. What did I think of the movie? Uh. . . . The Running Man is a movie that is ahead of its time… Read more “The Running Man, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Honest Thief, by Albert W. Vogt III
I keep going to the theater on the weekends hoping that maybe it will finally be the weekend some big time movie will be there for me. Since cinemas have reopened near me, this has not been the case, with the exception of Tenet. Since then, though, it has been a series of openings with… Read more “Honest Thief, by Albert W. Vogt III”
Bloodsport, by Albert W. Vogt III
If you were born in the 1980s like I was, and you were a kid that was into action films, then Jean-Claude Van Damme was the man. Stereotypically speaking, many guys see doing the splits as painful and somehow not athletic. Van Damme made it look cool. He was also able to bridge the gap of martial arts… Read more “Bloodsport, by Albert W. Vogt III”
