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Reviews
Dexter (2006)
Overall fantastic
I agree with the consensus that the first 2 seasons were the best, but how great were those two? Compare those seasons to Breaking Bad and the latter looks "noobish". Dexter started at an extremely high level, and surely no one should be surprised that the writers were running out of ideas??? Instead of thrashing the series I started to enjoy it for what it was - with its ups and downs (a lot fewer cliffhangers). I wouldn't have let out any of the 8 seasons as each one of them had something integral, though some more than others, to contribute to the character of Dexter Morgan, and the 8th season summed up the whole series pretty well. American Psycho brought us Patrick Bateman. Dexter brought us Dexter Morgan.
Insidious (2010)
Great... yet bad.
When horror films decide to get into the "other side" discussion, they need to be very careful. I've enjoyed films such Sinister and Shutter, because they let spirits be spirits, and don't try to explain the unexplainable. I know many of you liked the fact that Insidious moves us closer to the unknown by trying to visualize the "other side", but to me it backfired. I do however see the idea and vision, and I think the reason why it's been positively reviewed is because of exactly that, so credit should go to Wan. If Insidious should have been successful in its attempt there should have been a waaay more scary monster (than Darth Maul), a stronger build up (the viewer should have asked him/herself more questions regarding the plot, before it was all spilled to us in a 3 minute monologue) and there should have been stronger acting performances. There is still one horror movie above anyone else (A tale of two sisters) and Insidious does not change that. It is however a refreshing attempt, with its moments, hence 6 out of 10.
Bænken (2000)
Coherence wanted..
The movie is worth watching due to the acting of Jesper Christensen, who was rewarded greatly afterwards for his performance. Also smaller parts by Jens Albinus and Lars Brygmann are worth noticing.
The film lacks the simple ingredient: coherence, which is partially down to the terrible acting by Stine Holm Joensen (the daughter). And due her importance to the story this ruins a lot, especially the credibility of her character.
She also coincidentally moves in right next to her alcoholic father whom she hasn't seen for 19 years which doesn't exactly give the start of the film nor the storyline a lot of credibility either.
The development of the alcoholic Kaj might seem realistic from an objective point of view but because the actions preceding this development are non effectual you lose faith in the story. It is the sudden reoccurring of his daughter that ruins his daily routines and makes him act out of nature. Everything that happens to him throughout the movie is down to his daughter and grandson, the transition between father and daughter is therefore very important but unfortunately Stine Holm Joensen isn't convincing. The story has potential and could have been very great, especially considering the simplicity and originality of the film. BUT as successful an approach this might seem it also harms the film because it adds pressure and emphasis on the storyline and the acting, which the film simply isn't strong enough to carry. I actually laughed more than I was moved (mostly down to some really funny and clever lines) but I wasn't moved at times when I was supposed to. I didn't like the music of the film either. The red thread of it was confusing; Should one; cry, laugh, be excited? The film is recommendable of course - Not everyone would share my critical views, and the amazing acting, after all, from Jesper Christensen is worth watching. Too many mistakes though (acting, story/plot)in important scenes and sequences is enough to ruin it, for me at least. 5 1/2 out of 10
Inception (2010)
Even better??
As I have just recently seen this film my review is to be seen in the light of immense hype and huge expectations. Nonetheless the film delivers - It is, without a doubt, a really good film. The first half of the film I liked very much as we're introduced to the "world" and we're being presented to a task, that at the time may seem very intangible - This makes sure constant tension, along with our focus, is kept. But.. 3/4 into the film, after the plan to win Fischer over on their site, is revealed, the film hits a static period. On each dream level they have to keep projections out of their way, avoid getting killed and set up for the next "kick". The many "jumps" between the different dream levels seem irrelevant to the story, and ruin an otherwise naturally free flowing movie where you are constantly being forced to think ahead. This is, however, the only weak point in the film cause as the 4th level (Limbo) is added the film takes you right back to the edge of your seat. - How this was also connected to the ending (open ended) really made the movie to me.
I don't think we should make this film more complex than it is - Actually, now that we get it, I'd would like to see it pushed to an even higher level of complexity. Instead of the many lines explaining and confirming the rules/laws of Inception, let the viewers guess even more. The plot and idea behind this movie is phenomenal but sharpen the edges a bit more and we'll have an even bigger masterpiece. Think of a sequel that, really, challenges your beliefs in; what is reality?!
Gran Torino (2008)
Fantastic film, but missing some ingredients...
This movie had, in my eyes, the potential to be a classic and in the top 100 films of all time but certain unlucky factors led it in the opposite direction. The old grumpy war veteran is a stereotype we can all relate to and I think no one could have played the part better than Clint. Simple things such as the way he moved and the way he looked at people were priceless. I felt early on that this was a character-changing-film, which is always tough because you constantly have to make the audience believe in the characters development. The contrast between Clint's family and the Chinese family was used in a very convincing way and I especially liked the way Sue was used in Clint's transformation. As mentioned this film could have been a timeless classic but there were things that I didn't like and things I felt missed. First of all there was the acting or failing of the same, led on by Tao, who didn't do a very good job. Also the tall black guy in the gang early on was horrible. But what this film lacked the most, was its failure to keep up the tension between Clint and the gang. Clearly Clint's last act of his life was to confront this group. Perhaps a scene where the Chinese gang threatens Tao on his life so that we, the viewers, understand that there is nothing standing in the way between Clint and the showdown. I rate this film 9 for the many details, the story telling, the compassion for Clint and the development of his character but only 6 for how the action unfolded.
Revolutionary Road (2008)
Wow...
When I first heard of the film I was told to await one of the best female performances ever seen, so my expectations for Kate Winslet were, of course, enormous. But after the film had ended I was in awe, she out blew my expectations! and that is, for me, very very rare. What makes this film so fantastic is the details and the acting, which I have never seen so sincere in my life. Mendes must be given huge credit for letting the development of the characters happen in a continuous way, so that you never lose faith in your characters. His many descriptions of norms of society and the ways of implementing them in the movie are amazing as well. Truly one of the best directed films I've seen. The film represents themes seen in every day life and is timeless in its actuality. Anyone who has ever stopped to think about the life they are living and planning to live MUST see this film.