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Reviews
Rebel Ridge (2024)
As 2020's thrillers go, this is way up there among the best
Wow. What's just happened? It is one of the most modern thriller rides I've seen in recent years with excellent performances. The main protagonist - Aaron Pierre -, an unknown entity to me, plays it perfectly cool with the occasional bursts when needed. It also helps that he has blueish-greenish eyes, making the movie somehow even more intense. I adore the camera work, it's classic, and there is no bullsh@t 'home video' style recording, thanks to God. It is a classic noir in that sense, the pictures are clear, moody, and cool, as well as the participants, making Don Johnson an excellent supervillain in one of his later incarnations.
Murder at 1600 (1997)
A proper, well crafted political thriller
It might not be 'All the Presidents Men', 'The Day of the Jackal' or 'Three Days of the Condor' but, nonetheless, a fairly good account as political thrillers go. It is - in my opinion - much better than it has received credit for. The story is good as well as the performances, with Daniel Benzali (the Secret Service chief) is outstanding in every sense. With superb score and the occasional visual gems (cleaning the floor, for example), it is a joyful watch. There are also some twists and turns you wouldn't expect. The production value is category A, not that of a blockbuster's but very close to it. Good entertainment.
The Killer (2024)
So the pigeons are flying again...
I don't know how many action clichés John Woo made and then piled up during his carrier, but I guess a lot. This picture is really like mocking himself. Probably, rather than maybe, he is. Well, it is a remake of his own film, once considered pioneer of modern action movies, but it does nothing original at all. Rather, it delivers basically the same but with much less intensity, commitment and flair. The soul of the original is absent. There is no fire in it, just ember - to say the least. The characters are good but apparently most of them are restricted, blocked even, to show raw emotions (with the exception of Cantona). It is a weak remake, as they usually are.
The Big Empty (2003)
It is exactly what it says in the title
One word: poor. Three words: extremely, very poor. It is hard to comprehend why this picture was ever made. It is even more hard to fathom that who, it their right mind, would bankroll a total garbage like this. Jesus. It doesn't make any sense at all. Whatsoever. Ugh. Avoid it if you can. The story starts out well then, at about one third of it, it gets derailed to nowhere. Mystery, thriller, sci-fi - my ass. The final scene is so bad, I couldn't believe it. Seriously? I think, this movie tried to be like a Coen brothers film, failing - I would say spectacularly, but no, just - badly. Jon Favreau at its lowest.
Don't Look Now (1973)
Incoherent and haphazard, what's the fuss all about?!
How this movie became a "classic" is beyond me. It has, in my opinion, a confusing story which doesn't make any sense, goes nowhere, and ends up exactly there: nowhere. It doesn't give you understanding but rather puzzledness and an uncomfortable feeling of chaos. There is no satisfaction here, just perplexity. If that was the point then it achieved its purpose. Then again, who the hell, in their right mind, want to see a sh@t like that? At least the director was persistent by making it with the occasional shaky camerawork, just to make sure it is as bad as it can be. One of the worst movie I have ever encountered. Not recommended. Only if you want to know how not to make a film.
Evil (2019)
Started out really well then went down in the toilet
It is really sad to witness how a TV series goes down from being exciting an thoughtfully supernatural to total bonkers. The first two seasons gave you something to think about then it was seriously derailed by the third, when devil-like figures popped up as real life characters. It fast became a joke. A bad one. How the writers have screwed up this series so comprehensively is beyond my understanding. Especially with lovable protagonists, intriguing story, and mystery lurking all around. Series 3 was a sever disappointment, yet here we are at series 4, which has become utterly stupid and unwatchable. I've reached the point at s04e04 when I am not following this bullsh@t any more.
Twister (1996)
Extraordinary ride and spectacle even today
This movie is a rare breed, one that just defies its age. Even though it was made some 28 years ago, it certainly feels like it has just been made for this year's summer blockbuster season. Only the mobile phones used here betray that it is from a different era. The CGI is so good, so jaw dropping, you easily forget that all together during the breakneck adventure ride. Which this film is all about. The subplot is quite weak, full of clichés, both the love interests and the villain part, yet the movie doesn't suffer much of them, given the extraordinary content. It is - in my opinion - arguably one of the best action flicks of the 90's, one that haven't aged at all. Highly recommended for an entertaining weekend watch.
The Parallax View (1974)
Despite all the hype, severely disappointing
There are several factors that make this political thriller bellow par. First of all, the script. The original idea had been well established by the time it came out, you might even say for thousands of years, yet it did little favor to itself by being long, tedious, and emotionally uneventful.
The second factor is the directing. It followed the script without ever stirring it up, not even slightly. There is no 'hoo!', 'haa!' or tense quiet at any of the scenes.
Which brings us down to acting. No one is passionate here at all, with the exception of Paula Prentiss, who somehow, with her short cameo, becomes the most believable figure of the story. Warren Beatty is totally indifferent, who basically doesn't give a fu@k about anything (not to mention the project itself). A very bad turn of him. Rottentomatoes rates him high in this film. Bullsh@t.
Well. Positives. The score is outstanding. Michael Small makes something truly amazing, bringing up a fundamentally failed project to watchable level. His music the only one that creates some suspense here. And a memorable one at that. The camerawork is also good, yet nothing over the Hollywood A standard.
If this movie was a warm up for the director to make All the President's Men, it was a week effort. But hey. How that project turned out.
Hit Man (2023)
Good, yet somehow far from great
It is a good movie for a lazy Saturday evening, entertaining enough to keep your attention throughout and go to bed with a half-smiled satisfaction. Nothing less, nothing more. A lukewarm experience.
It's even, consistent, but never warms up to 30 C degrees or over. I guess that was intentional given the real life implications of the story. It might have been more exciting at times, even frantic in certain scenes, but it wasn't. What a pity.
From a movie making point of view, it is almost impeccable. Good direction, simple but effective camerawork, good score and editing, and most of all, superb acting makes it a good and quite joyful watch.
If you look for a light entertainment, there you go. You can leave your brains at home. No worries.
Civil War (2024)
Shocking yet overly human, unfortunately for our species
Sometimes, it is still a mystery to me how we ended up where we are now. We shouldn't have, yet here we are in a technologically super advanced stage in our terms. We have created huge civilizations, incredibly complex cities and states, a global economy lately. How is that possible when we are so animal like, always starving for new territories and killing anything that is in our way, most notably our own species for it? I think it is overproduction, we make more humans that we kill off. And the rest who remain keep carrying the torch of knowledge to make things better. That's a fact, otherwise we wouldn't be here. Some would argue that wars and diseases - hence killing and dying - that keep our numbers in check. That may be true. But killing each other or let the sick die cannot be a human solution. Cooperation is: figuring out how to progress together.
This movie is a stark reminder of how not to handle an armed conflict between humans - and how they do anyway.
Gojira -1.0 (2023)
Badly inaccurate yet thoroughly entertaining wit its dramatic touch
Warships, new innovations of killing, civil cooperation at this scale outside the defeated Japanese government, seriously? That could never have happened. The US was so aware of the threat Japan held as a defeated enemy, that they didn't even approved they self defense until 1952. It is in 1954, that the JMSDF was formally created as the naval branch of the Japanese Self-Defense Force (JSDF), following the passage of the 1954 Self-Defense Forces Law. So, historically, this is BS on a grand scale. However, from a dramatic point of view, it is compelling and well acted all around. Lest not forget that this is a fantasy, so bite if you want. But don't forget: it is just your entertainment only.
Secrets of the Octopus (2024)
Breathtaking. Amazing pictures combined with a cool and accomplished narration
It is so BBC-like, it is hard to believe it wasn't made by the BBC's nature department. The camerawork is outstanding in every sense but that's just half of the story. How it develops, from part to part, is also sensational. Whoever wrote the narration was on top of his/her game, and definitely took well good notes of how it is done properly. Paul Rudd follows suit and does an "Attenborough": a measured, lovable, cool and occasionally funny narration perfectly in sync with the emerging pictures. No lurid BS here which poisons modern documentaries so often these days. It is by far the best non BBC made documentary for years. Well done. A footnote for Paul: Whenever you are struggling with an A-lister BS, you are always welcome here.
Oppenheimer (2023)
Exceptional
Oh my, how I was wrong. For the first time, I dismissed this movie, feeling it was all about Oppenheimer whining about what he had done. It is not about that at all.
When I went to watch it to my local "Cinema City" in August last year, the sound was way too loud, and the air condition system was out of order, so I sat there boiling in my own skin for the whole movie. It is a good lesson for me, not to watch anything in unacceptable conditions / wrong environment.
After I had given it a try again - for Oscar reasons -, I found myself utterly amazed. It was not Oppenheimer who was whining, but me. This movie is probably the best of Cristopher Nolan, the reality of it is staggering, takes the breath away.
Cliffhanger (1993)
Spectacular cinematography makes it one of the best action movies of the 90's
Wow. What a spectacle. Alex Thomson - the director of photography - made some incredible, I would even say, iconic pictures for this movie, that took my breath away. In that case, this movie should definitely have won an Oscar. The vision, the lights, how he uses focus and zoom are outstanding in every sense. It is arguably one of the most spectacular film I have ever seen. Enter Stallone, back to his 'sorry for myself, almost crying' best, a character he perfected in Rocky, with an unconventional heist story, it is an outstanding action flick. Well oiled direction, editing and the score also makes it well above average.
Firestorm (1998)
A thoroughly entertaining feature with some really stupid detail
So, you are running through the fire in your normal clothes, baseball cap, no protecting gear whatsoever except the helmet on Scott Glenn, yet you don't catch fire at all. Good luck with that. That opening scene is so ridiculous, it is hard to put into words. Yet the movie emerges from that 'shock' quite well, making a story itself, characters you can relate to, and also a villain worth the thrill. The special effects are quite good, so is the acting, you never have the feeling it is a cheep project. Also, the musical and editing department did well. It may be a B movie in Hollywood terms, but in that category it is top notch.
Angel Eyes (2001)
Extremely gooey but somehow watchable with a very bad aftertaste
Really? So, after years of domestic abuse, we should just give a blind eye over it in the name of what... 'love'? 'Love' meaning 'I love you' when I pleased but beat the living sh@t out of you when I am not? Forgiveness is a powerful thing, but that kind of behavior should never been forgiven. That is unforgivable. One can get over it, as one should, but forgive, no. Especially not like this picture depicted, making peace with it in the name of family 'balance'. There is no balance in abuse at all. I was severely disappointed with JLo's video massage at the end. That is exactly what one does when one wants to hide something, sweeping it under the rug. Booo. I wonder how the screenwriter's and the director's childhood turned out.
About Fate (2022)
The lowest point in Emma Roberts carrier so far. She is (supposed to be) so much better than this utterly dreadful rubbish
My-oh-my. It is really difficult to put into words, how bad this is. Emma Roberts, a fine actress of her own right, running round like a headless chicken using a high pitched voice so annoying, my fifteen year old daughter would be severely ashamed using it. Hi-hi-hi is OK at that age, but this? To be honest, I reached 53 minutes of this horror of a 'romantic comedy' when I held up my white flag. I couldn't bear it any more. Then, being as persistent as I am, watched it all the way - to not avail. This picture shouldn't have been made. It was however, setting the lowest standard for the 2020's.
Palm Springs (2020)
An absolute joy with Tarantinoesque twists and turns, but thoroughly original in its own right
I think this movie set an incredible high standard for the 2020s romantic comedy scene, just like its predecessor, Groundhog Day, did in the 1990s. The not-so-original idea is the same, but how they unfold it is completely different and unique. The story goes into many unexpected places, yet keeps you in the 'loop', until 'all hell breaks loose'. The production value is high, and the actors are just a joy to watch, especially the main protagonists, played by Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti. J. K. Simmons is also fantastic, but that's the usual standard for him (one of the best character actors ever to grace the big screen). If you think about romantic comedy, this is the one to watch, with plenty of laughs and also some poignant moments. Well, you won't cry your heart out, rather you will be on a ride with a lot of fun.
Anyone But You (2023)
Full of clichés and overly sexualized, with the occasional sharp dialogs and a bit of fun
It is a far cry from a good romantic comedy - I am a male -, but it has its moments, mostly some short, funnily spiteful encounters between the two protagonists. Otherwise, it is just one cliché after another we have already seen hundreds of times before. What is really striking is the way the movie presents its main characters, both of whom are shown half of their screen time half, or fully naked: the male with his considerable abs and the female with his equally considerable - at least covered - breasts and rotund back. In one scene, they even grab each other plainly (for the purpose of fooling other characters that they are together), but not us (me). Make no mistake: I am not a prude. Sex is a vital part of our adult lives, but really? There is no any reason to show them like that from the story's point of view. Well, only if you are a filmmaker, thinking that's how you may please more your audience. Cheap decision. One that shows the obvious weakness of the project. It is a kind of movie you may watch once, but hard to recall the real story even days later, other than nice abs, fine tits, and beautiful scenery. The end credits, unfortunately, ruins it even further: way too ridiculous.
American Fiction (2023)
Excellent: complex, full of hidden, floating, and open emotions about our 21th century society grappling with human differences and race
First of all, congratulations for Cord Jefferson and his efforts making this movie. It is one of the best I have seen in a long while about how we can behave concerning social differences, prejudice of race, and emotional situations as humans.
Second, just for the record, I have no connection with any of the filmmakers or anyone involved in the project.
Third. All that said, while it is an extremely challenging watch, it manages to keep one hooked, keeps the story flowing from start to finish with surprising ease. I have never felt bored at any point or felt the need of a bathroom or cigarette break. In that sense, it has to do with the screenplay and the direction. Also, with the actors. They are all on top of their game, especially the protagonist, Jeffrey Wright, and Sterling K. Brown, the latter occasionally stealing the show.
The end is out for debate, but I guess that is exactly how it was intended to be.
Enough said. This is an AAA+ movie for generations to come.
Argylle (2024)
Way over the top, but thoroughly entertaining with Sam Rockwell stealing the show
Sam Rockwell just does what he usually does: outplays everyone around him in any movie he is in. This one is not an exception. Although the project is headed by Henry Cavill, he is just a footnote after all. The real stars are the man forementioned, and Bryce Dallas Howard (who is not in her best form, if you know what I mean). The story is fine for readers and fantasy lovers, but way far-fetched for viewers accustomed to reality. But, hey! Who cares? IMO, it is a project aiming to brake us away from our everyday bad and forget all of that for two hours. It is silly, no brain cells needed. Just have fun and enjoy the ride.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2024)
Overstays its welcome
Way too much. The sixth episode basically unwatchable. Until that point, it was going nicely, but then, suddenly, it became a soap opera, like a 34.987 episode Mexican series my mom wouldn't even give a f@ck about. To be honest, it hit me so hard at that point that I didn't follow the story afterwards. I am not interested in people whining and yammering. No, thank you. So, I did not finish it and I'm afraid I won't ever. I think this series went in a wrong way, as so did the original movie, trying to make everyday stuff out of the extraordinary. People being spies and killing people don't sit in your living room let alone having kids.
Masters of the Air (2024)
Tame, lame, extremely slowly built
There can be no questions about the production value of this production. It is outstanding. But that is the least you would expect from a 'blockbuster' tv series these days. However, for a start, the title sequence is so sentimental, so gooey, it makes you feel like: 'please don't'. So is the score: full of big symphonic vibes, way over reality, like unicorns flying over the rainbow. In the following story, there is mild tension at best, not like people are going to fly to their death. It is all smooth and well bedded according to the series. One deep-toned, throaty voice doesn't make it serious, neither a man crying out 'woohoo' on a plane's wing. After two episodes, it is a big disappointment.
Role Play (2024)
Weak effort fluctuating between boring and entertaining
An uneven script, uncertain directing, and bad casting let this picture down badly. It is a shame, really. Kaley Cuoco, however I don't like her, does a great job as so does David Oyelowo to convince us about a story barely believable. But casting Connie Nielsen as the villain is a very bad joke. It's like casting Sir David Attenborough as Lex Luthor. Her pure physical presence contradicts that. I guess it's the director fault to accept her as the villain in the first place. Then, he rightly proves himself unable to bring out the 'beast' of her, which is understandable. She is nothing like that. The camerawork is OK, so is the score, but otherwise it's just another film you will forget almost instantly after watching. As I said earlier, it's a shame. Waste of talent.
Echo (2023)
Easily the best Marvel series ever made
It is so well above average, hard to comprehend. All of the previous series was about fighting and whining emotions about how things could have been, may have been, should have been. This one is different: it grabs the bull by its horns from the get-go, and tell a straightforward story from start to finish. There are some retrospective moments - few, to say the least -, but otherwise it leads you straight to the point. Meanwhile, it generates more emotions than 8 dramas, 10 romantic comedies, and 12 arthouse projects combined. I am not a fan of superhero movies - to be honest, I despise them - but this project is outstanding in every sense. For me, this is the best of Marvel no doubt about that.