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Without Remorse (2021)
All of us are pawns just serving the same king.
56%
Without Remorse is another effort of adapting Tom Clancy's books to the big screen but a forgettable one as the film goes through familiar territories and lacks personality.
Michael B. Jordan as John Kelly is amazing and he can easily transform from a happy family man to a stone cold killer. He brings the needed emotional intensity of his character and expresses the grief and pain for the loss of his wife so conveniently. Beside this, his physical presence helps him to deliver the action scenes. There are moments that feel earned because he has the opportunity to demonstrate all his rage with the best examples of this anger to be the cell sequence and mainly the cruel interrogation of a Russian diplomat where he pours gasoline and sets a car into flames before going inside it.
Stefano Sollima makes a solid effort in the action pieces and knows how to handle the tight spaces. The practical effects elevate the suspense of the whole experience and this is apparent in the plane sequence where the camera is rolling around while the plane is sinking into the deep ocean. The first military sequence is believable with the use of grenades, weapons and smoke and the night vision in the home invasion scene is always a welcome choice. Plus, the detail with the flashlight circling around the floor is very creative. The final shootout is solid where we follow Kelly moving between the floors of an abandoned building. The darker cinematography doesn't help in some places, therefore sometimes undermines the whole effort.
The script is all the over the place and it is a surprise that Taylor Sheridan is a part of this. The dots aren't connected well and the whole conspiracy thing doesn't make sense without further explanation. Furthermore, the dialogue is terrible in some places and the chess analogies are off-putting. Some decisions by the protagonist are questionable such as his choice to get caught after the car interrogation or pretend of being drunk.
The supporting characters are underdeveloped. Jodie Turner Smith is flat and sometimes her effort to impersonate the roughness of military people makes her wooden. Jamie Bell as the bureaucratic douchebag is serviceable but the evolution of his character is so cliche. Guy Pierce shouldn't have been casted at all because it is obvious that he is the actual villain making the twist predictable. And what on earth is Colman Domingo doing in this movie?
Nobody (2021)
Give me the goddamn kitty cat bracelet, mother.....!!!!
73/100
Nobody is a well crafted action thriller and reminiscent of the vigilante B movies of the 80s and 90s. The comparisons with John Wick and The Equalizer areIt's not your skill that's lacking, it's your heart. Obvious as the body count is immense but this film manages to provide a more comedic flavor.
Bob Odenkirk as Hutch Mansell gives a mind-blowing performance and it is such a refreshing change of pace for him. He makes it easy to transform from an indolent man bogged down by the daily and boring routine to a vigilante full of aliveness. His age and his less than intimidating stature makes him a more thrilling action character to watch. It is always welcome to watch an actor try his own stunts giving a more realistic approach to the action pieces.
The tedious life of Hutch is well depicted in the first act and the snappy opening montage represents perfectly his monotonous life. The lifelessness of his character is shown through the behaviour of his closer people. His wife (Connie Nielsen) shows no interest in him mentally and physically, his son (Gage Munroe) has no respect for him and his social surroundings criticize him for not being brave, for not being a man. As a result, his transition to a bloody murderer is an awaking catharsis for him and this craziness gives a satisfaction to the viewer. The use of slow motion in which he burns the villain's operation to the ground or even his own house accompanied by the sounds of Andy Williams and Louis Armstrong respectively couldn't be more accurate and fitting.
However, as regards this transition, the writing is all over the place. The encounter with the main villain happens because of accidental events and isn't connected with the home invasion in the first act. A significant piece of time is spent in order to find the whereabouts of the burglars but this doesn't connect to the main plot anyway. Furthermore, the movie gives glimpses of this world with the introduction of the Barber (Colin Salmon) but isn't enough. Besides this, the film is supposed to be an allegory about addiction but lacks a deeper analysis. In the end our hero succeeds to rekindle his relationship with his family but how is this logical when he actually cedes to his animal instincts?
The movie never takes itself too seriously
and this is apparent from the cartoony tone. The humour is well placed and mainly comes from the mysterious nature of the main character. There are plenty of moments that makes you chuckle such as when a veteran is petrified about the real identity of Hutch or when the secretary of the main villain finds information about our protagonist. Moreover, the exposition about the backstory of our hero isn't abstracting because it is given with a enlightening subtlety. In particular, Hutch defuses his opponents and tries to explain his backstory to them but soon realizes that they are already dead.
The action is frenetic and reaches in the highest level. The bus sequence is top-notch and brings a lot of adrenaline. The action choreography is well crafted with clean shots and few cuts and the song ''I've Gotta be Me'' underlines perfectly his transformation. It is amazing how the action is escalated from a few exchanges between Hutch and some Russians drunks and ends into a bloody mess. The hand-to-hand combat is intense because Hutch dishes out as pain as he takes. He is punched, stabbed and even thrown out of a bus window making the character more vulnerable and for that reason more interesting.
Furthermore, the home invasion sequence is very creative as the protagonist uses his knowledge about his home for his advantage and offers a brutal carnage using multiple weapons, from knives to a baseball bat. After a thrilling car chase, the final action piece offers a different kind of violence as Hutch is turned into Kevin in an adult version of Home Alone with the gun shootout accompanied by deadly traps.
The main villain is generic and bland. Aleksey Serebryakov does his best to have an intimidating presence but he is underwritten as the classic Russian mobster. That being said, he enters the movie with such a style by singing karaoke and also provides some dark humour when he throws a chair towards one of his henchmen.
Christopher Lloyd and RZA elevate the material and it is apparent that they are having a lot of fun. They both have moments to shine, especially in the warehouse sequence. I mean who would have thought Loyd with a shotgun at this point of his career!!! However, it would be more interesting for the movie to explore the family dynamic between Hutch and these two in order to understand their bond.
Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins (2021)
It's not your skill that's lacking, it's your heart.
43/100
Snake Eyes is a more subdued and grounded version of the titular character but brings nothing new to the table and it's another average attempt for the G. I Joe franchise.
Henry Golding as Snake Eyes shows flashes of his charisma but the writing of his character is terrible. The attempt of depicting him as an antihero is promising but fails miserably. He is a man motivated only by rage about his father's death and seeks revenge by any means necessary. However, his redemption arc comes way too late, even if he has more than one opportunities to make amends. He could change his mind when the clan learns about his past or when he acknowledges that he is a part of a bigger scheme but his selfishness leads to catastrophic events and the death of good people. As a result, he is an unlikeable protagonist and his portrayal is a disservice to fans.
Andrew Koji as Tommy delivers the strongest performance of the film. His main goal is to inherit the legacy of his family but his rage leads him to the opposite results. He has reasonable motives for whatever he chooses to do, therefore he is sympathetic to the audience. Unfortunately, we will never understand why he believes in Snake Eyes so much. He is constantly repeating that he needs a trustful right hand but his friendship with him is never well established. The reveal that he is Storm Shadow is predictable and the use of this name comes out of thin air.
The illustration of the clan is amazing with the production and costume design being fitting. Despite this, the structure and some rules are weak for an association of this kind. It is a little off-putting that Snakes Eyes is sneaking around whenever he wants and the only character who is suspicious of him is Akiko. Haruka Abe is excellent in her role but the movie doesn't use her character to create more conflict and instead forces her to develop romantic feelings about Snake Eyes. Apart from this, it is questionable why Tommy as the future leader of the clan tries to infiltrate the Yakuza by himself.
The three trials are interesting and it is nice that they test the mind and not the body. Unfortunately, they don't offer anything to main character's growth who takes part in them without a basic training. The most memorable of the three is the cup challenge and Iko Uwais as the Sensei is a such a badass. The second trial showcases the nuanced performance of Peter Mensah as the Blind Master and his character gives the opportunity to the protagonist to learn significant lessons. The third challenge adds fantasy elements but the CGI anacondas don't look realistic.
Samara Weaving as Scarlet is bland and she just comprises a reminder that we are watching an origin story of the J. I. Joe universe. There are glimpses of what she can do regarding the action but this isn't enough. Úrsula Corberó as Baroness is a little cartoonish for the overall tone of the movie but her presence is noticeable. The interaction between them in the final confrontation falls flat and their cooperation is illogical.
It is evident that most of the action sequences are well choreographed and a great deal of effort is put by the actors and the stunt artists but the shaky camera, the close-ups and the constant cuts ruin most of them. The first fight sequence is serviceable but the quick camera movements hampers the viewer to admire a cool moment. Moreover, the editing in the warehouse scene is terrible and the swapping change between the fights of the two main characters lead us to miss pieces of action from both of them. In other worlds, there are moments where we watch one of our heroes to be with ten or twenty Yakuza henchmen and when we get back to the same character, most of the them are already dead!!!
The alley fight sequence is brilliant with neo ninja aesthetic. It is always welcome to watch a sword combat through narrow streets and rainy weather. Despite the cool visuals, the movie once again don't let us enjoy a riveting spectacle between Storm Shadow and his rival. On the other hand, the motorcycle chase scene is the weakest of the film. The nighttime visual choice coupled with the frenetic editing makes it even harder to apprehend what's going on.
As for the final battle, the world epic is far beyond from what we watch in our screen. The ''Jewel of the Sun'' is the MacGuffin of the movie and its use by the main villain, Kenta (Takehiro Kira) is laughable. There are lots of instances where he can destroy the clan but he conveniently does nothing, making him as a result nonthreatening and uninteresting. Furthermore, it is unacceptable to have one of the best action stars of the planet and don't use him properly. Iko Uwais doesn't have the chance to shine because his fighting moments are also undercut by the editing department.
13th (2016)
I Am No Longer Accepting the Things I Can Not Change. I Am Changing the Things I Can Not Accept...
PROS:
~13th starts in a smart way and goes back to the era of slavery pointing out that racial inequalities weren't completely eradicated but relived through different ways until the Civil Right Movement. After the Civil War people of color were presented as murderers or rapists of white women. The reference to the movie ''Birth of Nation'' is on point and the romanticization of KKK is unconceivable to think that existed. Furthermore, the arrest of people of color for labor purposes and the degredation of them into second-class status (Jim Crow laws) are clear examples of their oppression, just with a different approach.
~The racial discriminations, however, were maintained even after the Civil Right Movement. The film depicts perfectly the different ways the governments found in order to lead people of color into prison without causing reactions about the racial inequalities. The biggest example was the laws that were made to deal with the drug plague. It's shocking to learn that the sentence for a crack cocaine possession wasn't the same with the one about powder cocaine, a situation that was harmful only for black people. As a result of these tactics, the incarcerations and the number of people in the prisons were increased, enhancing a general feeling that minorities were subordinate human beings.
~The documentary explores the growth industry of prisons and why this condition benefits some groups like CCA (Corrections Corporation of America). It's unbelievable that the criminalization of minor activities was intentional so specific businessmen could profit from the prison labor or the fact that a certain organization of private sector representatives (ALEC) could draft legislation.
~As expected, the media play a significant role for the social inequities against black people using catchy phrases to highlight their crimes. Moreover, police brutality shows that many fights should be given by minorities in order to have a better future. This documentary is a must see film for educational purposes considering the tragic events people of color relive over and over again.
~The songs that are used intermittently are effective enough and the illustration of some words with a bigger font help to highlight some themes. Ava DuVernay chooses clever ways via montages to adress that these problems exist even in the today's society showing the resemblances between the past and now. The interviews of important personalities and activists add more authedicity to the documentary.
CONS:
~The film sometimes plays safely and omits to adress why people of minorities are often led to crime. I believe that it avoids this situation in order not to be misuranderstood or demonised but this is wrong for me. It is known that the biotic level of minorities is inferior to the one of white people. As a result poverty can be a reason for commiting a crime making this action justifiable. In other words, the film could have mentioned that commiting a crime has nothing to do with the race.
~The movie often lacks a more coherent narrative structure considering that the prison system is the one that the film should have focused more. To my point of view, it could have included stories from real prisoners and their experiences.
P.S. The conversation between Ava and Oprah is an interesting companion to this documentary.
Collateral (2004)
YOU KILLED HIM. NO I SHOT HIM, THE BULLETS AND THE FALL KILLED HIM...
PROS:
~Jamie Foxx is Max, a cab driver that dreams creating a limo company and escaping to tropical islands. However, he postpones constantly these plans because of his insecurities and as a result he is stuck to the unmaginative life of the daily routine spending most of his time inside a cab. In other words, he is defined by his failures and not his dreams.
~Tom Cruise is the villain this time and this change is welcome and refreshing. He is Vincent, a contract killer that deals everything with professionalism. He demonstrates apathy when he kills his targets showing that there is a distinction between the brutality of his job and his calm character. The gray suit and the gray hair highlight exactly his disconnection from the rest of the world.
~The conversations inside the cab are very interesting and help to understand better the characters. The two main characters don't become friends but gain a deep understanding of each other as the night goes on. Vincent believes that there is no solidarity in the world and critisizes Max for not taking risks in his life (by starting a new job or talking to the girl). He is actually the voice of Max acting as a small step to fulfil his purposes. The coyote wandering alone in the streets symbolizes the attachment of Max to an environment he doesn't desire and the lack of his evolution.
~The visuals are astonishing and Michael Mann makes the setting of Los Angeles feel like a live character. The big paintings on the walls, the tunnels, the deserted highways and the alleys are viewed after midnight and the panoramic shots illustrate a city that sleeps. The music choices depict perfectly the urban nature of L.A. However, Mann also demonstates masterful work in the action scenes (the club scene and the one in the train are fantastically directed), not forgetting to shock us at the same time (with the body falling from a building).
~Apart from the two main characters, the rest of the cast is solid too. Jada Pinkett Smith has small screen time but the film makes you care for her by showing her vulnerabilities (her anxiety before a big case). Javier Bardem makes a surprising cameo as the cartel leader and his pretentious monologue about trust is fun to watch. Mark Rufallo as the cop shows his acting chops in a movie of his early career.
CONS:
~The film depends on some conveniences. For example, it is almost impossible for the same taxi driver to meet a hitman and the person who this hitman wants to kill at the same night. Furthermore, Cruise's character gets away easily after a car crash and the helicopters that tracked the taxi cab are suddenly disappeared.
The Ninth Gate (1999)
THERE'S NOTHING MORE RELIABLE THAN A MAN WHOSE LOYALTY CAN BE BOUGHT FOR HARD CASH...
PROS:
~The Ninth Gate is a slow burn and atmospheric thriller about the journey of a man towards his darker side. Dean Corso is a selfish and careless human being but at the same time he is intelligent and a seeker of knowledge making him the perfect match for the Devil. He doesn't commit all the sins at once like the other characters but embraces them methodically through his desire and obsession to complete his mission. He starts his quest because of greed at first but doesn't resist in commiting the rest of them later when is needed (he even kills).
~Frank Langella plays Boris Balkan, a intimidating and determined man who wants to solve the riddle and summon the devil inside him. The difference between him and Corso is that the first looses control in his desire to summon the darkness in contrast to the second one who eventually achieves a higher level of enlightenment. Lena Olin is the sexy and seductive Liana Telfer and represents all the stupid people who attempt with their money to approach Lucifer although he is all the time in front of them.
~Emanuelle Seigner as the Girl is in reality the incarnation of Lucifer (or at least his servant). She is mysterious and alluring but also unnoticeable. She wears daily clothes and dirthy green sneakers but there is an underlying sense of evilness in her face. She guides and assists Corso , showing up the most crucial moments and giving him informations that he isn't able to find by himself. For example, she gives him the family name of Liana Telfer and tells him where to find the last ingravation. The film provides obvious hints to the viewer that she has an evil identity because she is the only one with supernatural abilities, her eyes are unnaturally green and her sex scene in the end reveal her deviousness.
~The mystery of the film with the three books that share the same name is very interesting. If you pay attention more carefully, you will notice that Corso isn't chosen accidentally by Lucifer and is actually the only one who follows the instructions of the riddle. In other worlds, his mission is secret (to travel in silence), he deals with difficulties but persists (by a long and circuitous route), accepts his death of his friend (to brave the arrows of misfortune), shows no panic with the death of the two collectors who own the other books (and fear neither noose nor fire), commits to his mission until the end (to play the greatest of all games), spares his money immoderately by giving always bribes and tips wherever he goes (and win, foregoing no expense), is determined to succeed by winning the other candidates (is to mock the vicissitudes of Fate), finds the last illustration that was forged and led Balkan to death (and gain at last the key) and as result embrace the Devil (that will unlock the Ninth Gate).
~The slow pace is the device that allows the viewer to savor the richness of the film. Kilar's soundtrack is mesmerising and gives a magnetic feel. Furthermore, the cinematography and the European locations are beautiful.
CONS:
~The fight scenes are poorly executed and unrealistic. It looks like the actors don't even try and sometimes overact. Olin's biting and screaming is a little laughable and Seigner moves too slowly.
~The whole mystical organisation could be explored better. In the end they look like a bunch of morons. Sure, this is the point of the movie but they could be more intimidating for the protagonist.
She's Gotta Have It (1986)
It's Really Abou Control, My Body, My Mind. Who Was Going to Own It? Them? or Me? I'm Not a One-Man Woman. Bottom Line...
PROS:
~The film takes a refreshing and feministic look at a black woman who insists on taking control of her sexuality rather than allowing it to be defined by men. The message is thought-provoking even for today standards because there is a general notion that a man who dates more than one woman isn't something blamable but the opposite leads to disrespectful characterizations against women. Tracy Camilla Johns is perfectly cast as Nola dealing with men who still have traditional ideas about women and their roles. She is just a human being trying to find her way and her desire is to find something to complete her.
~The film succeeds at the same time in giving a male point of view about women. Jamie Overstreet (Tommy Hicks) is a caring and nice guy who has interest in a serious relationship. He pictures Nola as the perfect family woman and can't stand seeing his patience being rewarded. Greer Childs (John Canada Terrell) is obsessed with his physique and has a big idea for himself but in reality he is a caricature of middle-class prudery. He wants to mold Nola and makes disrespectful comments when he doesn't like something in her. There is a scene that highlights his shallowness where he spends a couple of minutes folding his clothes before making sex. Mars Blackmon (played perfectly by Lee himself who reprises his role in a commercial for Nike) is a boyish, mouthed guy with huge glasses and a gold across around his neck. He believes that Nola will never have fun with someone else. In other worlds, each of them sees her as a trophy indicating that they suffer from a lot of insecurities.
~The documentary style and the breaking of fourth wall make the characters more honest and reinforce their personality. The segment with the men wanting to date Nola shows the sexist attitude that men sometimes demonstrate. Furthermore, the black and white is utilized perfectly in the love scenes. In other words, the directorial debut of Spike Lee was groundbreaking and impressive.
~The camera work is beautiful and depicts Brooklyn with a great detail. The jazz score is wonderful and gives jazzy vibes as it is actually orchestrated by his Lee's father.
CONS:
~The dinner scene is very unrealistic. It is kind of awkward that Nola manages to gather all her lovers and there is no point for doing this.
~From my point of view I don't like the ending. It is nice that nobody of the three guys is chosen because they preety much represent male archetypes. I don't obviously criticize Nola for her free sexuality (that's the point of the movie anyway) but she seems like she doesn't learn something from her experiences and she will repeat the same mistakes. It is incomprehensible why Lee chooses to include a rape scene and after have the characters talk to each other like nothing horrible has happened.
~The dancing sequence is a little off-putting and the use of color is useless.
Billy Madison (1995)
I AWARD YOU NO POINTS, AND MAY GOD HAVE MERCY ON YOUR SOUL...
PROS:
~Billy Madison is a goofy and over the top movie but in reality talks about the need of the protagonist to be redeemed. Billy is an over twenty years old man who constantly does stupid things such as to light bags of poop on fire, read nude magazines and use all the time a childish voice. All these things indicate his irresponsibility and immaturity and that his life has taken a sinful path. A penguin often appears in the film and symbolises the lowest point in Billy's life such as his binging drinking in the beginning of the movie or when he stops trying to finish the school because he is framed by his father's colleague.
~The film makes a subtle comment about bullying. Through various funny scenes Billy repeats the mistakes of the past. He makes fun of the little kids when they have difficulty in spelling or hits them in their head with a ball. However, he soon realizes that his actions are horrible so he tries to cover up a kid for pissing his pants or communicates with an old classmate who had a difficult school life because of him (Steve Buschemi is a comedic gold). Moreover, the gag with the high school bully falling from a cliff is hilarious.
~Except from the comedic talent of Sandler, Bradley Whitford as the villain is solid. He is the epitome of evil and has no limits in order to fulfil his purposes. Whitford has his own moments to shine in a lot of over the top scenes such as when he kills his secretary, misbehaves towards little children or can't respond to a question about business ethics. In addition, Frank McDonald and Jim Downey deliver some hilarious one-liners.
CONS:
~There is an inconsistency in the development of some characters. For instance, Whitford's character puts constantly obstacles to Billy but in the end he blows everything up, something that makes him look very stupid.
~The film is overstuffed with jokes every minute and as a result the humor doesn't always land. The gags with the lady who likes snots, the revelation about the principal's past or the the weirdness of the school bus driver are more awkward rather than funny.
~The romance between Billy and Veronica (played by the charming Bridgette Wilson-Sampras) is forced. It is a little weird that a teacher wants to hook up with a weird man like Billy and her change of mind about him is a little random just for the film to have a romantic element.
~The voice of Sandler when he adopts his immature behavior is irritating. The dinner scene or the one in the bath in the beginning reminds you the quality of his latest filmography and the execution could be surely better.
Full Metal Jacket (1987)
THERE IS NO RACIAL BIGOTRY HERE. HERE, YOU ARE ALL EQUALLY WORTHLESS...
PROS:
~The film depicts the war as a dehumanizing process that turns people into trained killers. The first part takes place in a boot camp and shows the loss of individuality for each soldier. The opening shaving scene points that this individuality will be soon lost. Full Metal Jacket is a true anti-war film that stares straight at the ugliness of war without preaching even a single time.
~Vincent D'Onofrio portrays Pvt. Pyle and this is definitely the best role of his career. In the beginning he looks naive and clumpsy and doesn't take the military lessons seriously, something that leads him into trouble. However, as you move along with his character, you see his horrific transformation into a killing machine and the beating by the other soldiers is a turning moment for him because the only person that he relies on, takes part in his humiliation. His expressions get wilder and he has completely snapped. As a result, this rapid tranformation leads him to a shocking end where he shoots his instructor but also himself.
~R. Lee Emery is tremendous as sergeant Hartman. He is an intimidating force of nature who will do everything to mold these young men into killing machines. He makes unethical comments about their family, undermines their masculinity, slaps them in their face and abuses them verbally. Through humiliation he wants to destroy their ego because this is what makes each one of them unique. He even gives them nicknames to hide their true identity.
~Matthew Modine as Joker is the real protagonist of the movie and his route throughout the movie is interesting as he is the more human character. Joker is a correspondent who is actually unaware of the reality of war. He wears a helmet with the phrase 'Born to Kill' but at the same time he has a button with the peace symbol. He seeks for action but in the end he looses a bit of his innocence when he has to deal with the assassination of a little girl. However, the movie ends with a more optimistic tone as he learns to appreciate the meaning of life.
~The rest of the cast is incredible as well. Adam Baldwin shines as Animal Mother and he represents what Pyle could have been if he was alive. All the soldiers are an example of human degradation and the interview segment shows that they don't know what war is. Furthermore, the way they behave towards the prostitutes is an indication that their dignity has been completely taken away.
~ The production design is impressive and the ravaged and abandoned buildings in the second half create a chaotic atmosphere. The music choices are very fitting, especially the song 'These boots are made for Walking' which leads to the the second half and the final song which is written for children but is used instead as a military anthem.
CONS:
~There is an unfair comparison between the two halfs but the general opinion about the superiority of the first is kind of true. Sure, the two parts complete one another but it is difficult for the impeccable first half to be surpassed, especially when you miss the two stronger performances by Emery an D'Onofrio.
The Stranger (1946)
WHO BUT A NAZI WOULD DENY THAT KARL MARX WAS A GERMAN BECAUSE HE WAS A JEW?
PROS:
~Orson Welles plays perfectly Charles Rankin, a former nazi criminal who tries to hide the cruelties of his past. He captures perfectly the duplicity and later the paranoia of his character with his bright glance. The conversation in the dinner is terrific and he gives keenly his point of view about the the restoration of post-war Germans.
~Loretta Young knocks it out of the park as the wife of Rankin. She is unwilling to accept the truth about her husband at first because she loves him passionately but in the end she realizes that he has no limits and is the pure evil (he even attempts to kill her). Edward G. Robinson is adequate as detective Wilson and knows that he should be several steps ahead of Rankin if he wants to catch him. Billy House as the store keeper stands out and he is the perfect comic relief.
~There are many scenes in the film that create suspense. The anxiety of Rankin's associate in case of being caught (the shot in the photo shop is tremendous) and the long-take shot in the woods where he is assassinated while some boys are wandering over there, are few of them. Furthermore, the clock tower is a great place for the ending of the film.
~Orson Welles does a masterful work from the chair of the director as well. The use of lighting is amazing and specifically the shadow camera angles are terrific showing the hidden and mysterious aspect of Rankin. The scene where Rankin confesses his wife his true identity while his face is half shadowy shows that he is a limitless and unhesitating man. Moreover, Welles makes a bold choice by showing footage from the Holocaust for the first time after the war.
~The use of clock throughtout the movie is a smart choice to heighten the tension. We are closer to the inevitable confrontation with every ticking. The obsession of Rankin with fixing the clock is a subtle metaphor for his desire to control the environment around him. However, in the end he is impaled by an angel artifact of the clock as a contrast to his dark nature.
CONS:
~After a compelling beginning, the plot gets too straightforward. The only question that remains is when the villain will be caught. As a result despite some suspensful sequences the cat and mouse game isn't effective enough.
~There are some desicions that are only made for the sake of advancing the plot. For example, it is questionable why Young's character is offered as a sacrificial lamb just to expose her husband's true identity when other methods could have been used.
~There are also some editing issues. For example, the detective's dream is an unfitting way to move the plot forward.
The Color Purple (1985)
I'M POOR, BLACK, I MAY EVEN BE UGLY, BUT DEAR GOD, I'M HERE! I'M HERE!
PROS:
~Whoopi Goldberg portrays brilliantly Celie, a human being who needs and deserves love. Celie is a woman with a lost identity followed by her defiance in reclaiming the life she lost. Through her character the film depicts the problems of sexism, oppression and systematic abuse. The song of Shug for her or when she dresses like her are a few moments of happiness through a harsh and unfair world. For all these reasons, you root for her when she stands up against Albert.
~The first act of the movie is the best part of the film despite the rough scenes. We see through a couple scenes a woman who is raped and impergrated by her father, gives birth in a dirty barn, forced to marry an older man that constanly beats her and uses her as his slave by cooking and providing for his children. The separation between the sisters is a heartrending moment and makes their reunification in the end emotionally touching.
~The rest of the cast is fantastic. Donald Glover as the cruel husband, Albert is awesome and you feel disguise for him because he treats his wife like property. Oprah Winfrey gives a powerful performance as Sofia and you feel her pain when she is treated like garbage and doesn't even have the time to be with her children in Christmas. Margaret Avery as Shug is a woman who is an inspiration to Celie and shows that a sinner can have a soul too.
~Spielberg challenged himself here after his successful blockbusters and his direction is subtle and beautiful. The transition from the sisters playing in the purple fields to the leather belt hanging in the bed is a nice way to prepare the audience for what is coming. Besides this, the music score by Quincy Jones is wonderful and enhances perfectly the dramatic tension.
CONS:
~The film succumbs to many conveniences and doesn't escape from the typical holywood standards. The happy closure of Shug is poorly executed and her singing sequence in the end is awkward. Furthermore , the remorse of Albert by helping the two sisters to connect again is very unrealistic.
~Another problem of the film is its continuity. After the shocking first act and the attachment to the two sisters, the movie forgets this storyline until the end. In other worlds, you are immersed into the film because of their strong connection and suddenly the movie puts you into other subplots that don't grab you in the same level.
~The tone of the movie is incoherent in some parts and the humor doesn't work among the serious subjects. For example, the slapstick humor around the character of Harpo is unfitting and the scene with the white lady surrounding by some black men is a bit silly. Also, it is weird that the abuser is played as a joke character in some scenes.
The Hunt (2020)
WHAT PEOPLE BELIEVE I'M HUNTING HUMAN BEINGS AT MY MANOR?
PROS:
~The film is a satire that includes both sides of the political spectrum. It points out how extreme some people can be with their ideologies. The commentary about the internet trolls and the conspiracy theories are on point.
~The stronger political comment of the film is about a specific group of liberals who are the supposed villains of the movie. There are many people (mainly wealthy) who constantly talk about the the poor and the minorities with such a passion but in reality they do nothing. They are the same people who are the most passionate supporters of the woke culture but at the same time they demonstrate their privileges whenever they have the chance. The flashback conversation is an indicative example of these behaviors (the comment about the black dude is perfect). Other examples of this pretentiousness is the dialogue between the old couple in the store or the scene where the elite hunters are all together. The dialogue in these scenes is on the nose and cheesy but that's the point of a satire.
~Betty Gilpin is awesome as the main protagonist. She is a badass , her comedic timing is on point and her facial expressions are perfect.
~Apart from the political messages, the movie works as a guilty pleasure and doesn't take itself very seriously. There is a lot of gore and brutality. The blowup of the characters of Roberts and Hartwell is creative and the disorientation about the protagonist is interesting.
~The film makes some bold decisions about the fate of some recognisable actors. The first act is so entertaining and you have no idea who is going to live or die. As a result Emma Roberts, Iken Barinholtz and Justin Hartley is among the most familiar names that have an unexpected end.
~The fight in the end is well choreographed and the wide shots make it more effective.
CONS:
~There is obviously a hesitation from the filmmakers to cross the line in some parts. The film is too safe in its attempt not to offend anyone and makes general comments. The film should be edgier and sharper and not take the easy path. The film could have choosen the supposed liberal superiority or the conservative ignorance and sticked with one behavior until the end. It is strange why this film was postponed because there isn't actually a controversy.
~In the final act there is a revelation about the ideology of Gilpin's character. It's a wasted opportunity that the film never explores the reaction of Swank's character and her possible fault about the true beliefs of her opponent.
~It's questionable why the character of Hillary Swank isn't shown until the final act.
The Age of Innocence (1993)
JUST TELL HER I'M OLD-FASHIONED. THAT SHOULD BE ENOUGH...
PROS:
~Daniel Day Lewis shines playing Newland Archer whose struggle between his passion and his duty are constantly on the verge of devouring him. He feels the oppression by the social structures and in the face of Ellen sees the embodiment of a more bohemian lifestyle. In the end the social obstacles are gone and his wife is dead but realizes that a possible reunification with Ellen is a nostalgic fantasy.
~Michelle Pfeiffer as Ellen is outstanding here (what a woman!!!). Her character is an unconventional woman who doesn't always keeps up with the social rules of the era. She doesn't care if she gets a divorce, she criticizes her surroundings, she doesn't hide from men in the social events and she smokes in front of Newland.
~The chemistry between Lewis and Pfeiffer is tremendous. The way they glance each other in the more intimate scenes and the silence and desperation in their eyes are the highlight of the film.
~Wynona Rider as May Welland is fantastic. She seems as a naive and innocent woman and follows the rules and traditions of the society. However, deep down she understands her husband and succeeds in keeping him close to her.
~The strongest element of the film is the depiction of the upper class in 1870. Martin Scorsese draws constantly parallels between the people and the paintings or theatrical performances indicating that this society is staged and pretentious. A lot of desicions are affected by families that have better prestige and respectable people who loose their fortune, can be confronted with mockery later. Even a visit to a new associate is defined by his profession and identity.
~Scorsese makes a detailed presentation of the upper class and his close-ups on the jewelries, the furnishings, the clothes and the food introduces and immerses the viewer into this pretentious world. The camera often moves beautifully to show the big aristocratic houses which are occasionally the center of crowded events.
~The music score is mesmerising. It is haunting when it should reinforce the romantic tension or gentle when it should show the customs and behaviors of aristocracy.
CONS:
~The narration by Joanne Woodward is distracting. She tells unnecessary details for the customs of the wealthy people or the feelings of some characters but at the same time we obviously see all of these things on the screen.
~Another annoying decision is when the characters stare straight into the camera and read their letters directly to the audience breaking as a result the fourth wall.
~The film could be trimmed down some minutes because the story is very simple for this running time. The erotic tension is established preety easily by the two protagonists and as a result a few scenes feel unnecessary (I'm not usually into romantic dramas so maybe I feel the length of the movie because of this).
Hugo (2011)
IF YOU EVER WONDER WHERE YOUR DREAMS COME FROM, LOOK AROUND... THIS IS WHERE THEY'RE MADE...
PROS:
~The movie is a love letter to early cinema. It is for the people who love cinema and their desire to learn the process of how a movie is made. Hugo actually pays homage to the first movies ever created and how these affected the subsequent creators (the train scene from the movie 'Arrival of a Train at La Ciotat' by the Lummiere brothers is an early version of the 3-D technique). It tells the amazing story of pioneer filmmaker Georges Melies (Ben Kinglsey) and the flashback scene about his accomplishments (especially the movie 'A Trip to the Moon') is captivating and magical.
~Asa Butterfield is decent as young Hugo, a curious young boy determined to survive in a hard and cold world. Chloe Grace Moretz brilliantly portrays a bright, energetic Isabelle. Both of them makes you feel like a kid again when your thoughts were more imaginative and you always looked for an adventure. The movie is actually a reflection of Scorsese's childhood.
~The film points out that creative people sometimes need a push in the back from someone else in order to realise what they're worth. Ben Kingsley gives the best performance in the whole movie. This push is also obvious through the secondary characters such as the one played Sasha Baron Cohen who has feelings for a certain woman (played by Emily Mortimer) but his insecurities keeps him away.
~Martin Scorsese shines as always from the chair of the director. The opening track shot with the camera panning over Paris and ending to the train station is breathtaking. The production design is monumental and especially the detail in the clock tower with the metallic gears and the clockwork is remarkable. Furthermore, the costumes and the music capture perfectly the era of 1930s.
CONS:
~It isn't clear where the film is aimed at. It is supposed to be a child's adventure but eventually this adventure is quickly pushed to the background for more educational themes. As a result, elements like the slapstick humor -mostly in the beginning- are totally unfitting.
~The subplots of the movie aren't interesting enough. The secondary characters are entertaining but the overall film feels incoherent at times because of them. For example, what is the point of Hugo's chasing by the Cohen's character?
~There are some moments -the more dramatic ones- where the acting by Butterfield and Moretz is wooden.
Fantasy Island (2020)
Fantasies Rarely Play out As You or I Might Expect. but They Always Play out Exactly as They Should...
PROS:
~Maggie Q. makes a respectable effort as a desperate woman who desires the life she never had. Sure, her storyline is kind of cliche but you feel for her through the film. Besides this, the interaction between Lucy Hale and Portia Doubleday is an interesting aspect of the movie to a certain extent.
CONS:
~The mystery element of the island isn't properly explained. Only one fantasy is supposed to be satisfied but some characters conveniently break the rules. Furthermore, why do the different fantasies intersect each other and what are the overall qualities of the island?
~The ending twist makes no sense and you question everything you have watched. It's proven that Lucy Hale's character is the actual villain but she looks surprised when she arrives on the island. There is one torture scene specifically where at first she thinks that the kidnapped woman (Portia Doubleday) in front of her is fake but then shockingly realizes that everything is real. The revelation that all the other guests are responsible for the death of her tinder boyfriend is weird, not to mention that it is impossible to find that all these people were present the night of the tragic event.
~The subplot of Austin Stowell's character is laughable. At some point he has the opportunity to be together with his dead father (Mike Vogel) but for some reason when the latter takes a different path -to be with his son- he is criticized by his son for not being a hero.
~The jokes don't land for the most part. Jimmy O. Yang and Ryan Hansen play two brothers who are very stereotypical and deliver some cringeworthy lines. In other words, they are a strong example of the overall dialogue of the movie which is terrible (why do they keep repeating that they are beloved brothers?). Moreover, the decision of the first one to stay on the island instead of his brother (who has died during the movie) is nonsensical and the fun service that is given to the viewers of the old Tv series related with him is forced.
~Michael Pena is totally miscast here. He is more softer than he's supposed to be and the behavior of the others towards him in the end is laughable after all those things he has done to them. Michael Rooker's presence is almost nonexistent and it's a pity that the film doesn't use him more.
~The film lacks the horror element. There are a few jump scares that aren't effective and the zombie-like creatures are uninteresting. In addition, random sea snakes are thrown into the mix in order to possibly forget the expository writing.
Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (2004)
SCOOBY.. DOOBY...DO...
PROS:
~The characterization of our beloved heroes is better distributed here than the first installment. Daphne questions her role in the team although she is more intelligent and dynamic than before (her fight scenes are entertaining). Fred takes more seriously the role of the leader and Vilma thinks that the best way not to be rejected is a change in her personality. Shaggy and Scooby become the unexpected heroes in their attempt to be better detectives and prove that they can be useful in their own way. Sarah Michelle Gellar, Freddie Prince Jr., Linda Cardellini and Matthew Lillard are more comfortable with their roles in this second installment (Lillard is born to play Shaggy).
~The film is more closer to the cartoon shows. The design of the monsters is pretty imaginative and it is fantastic that many of them are familiar and bring a connection to the Tv series. Furthermore, the whole 'unmask the masked figure' is played beautifully and along with the chase scenes make you realize why these characters are unforgettable.
~There are many delightful segments that make you chuckle. The tranformation of Shaggy and Scooby into a muscular guy and the Tazmanian Devil respectively, their dancing sequence and the scene with the fans of every member are very funny segments. Furthermore, there are some details that give the movie meta vibes such as the T-shirt of Daphne with herself. As a result it is expected from viewers not to take this film seriously but instead as a guilty pleasure.
~The movie makes a criticism about the way the media pesents some news. It is so easy for someone in one moment to be glorified and in the next to gain a bad reputation. In other words, it is a usual phenomenon a statement to be misrepresented for the interest of someone else.
CONS:
~The slapstick humor exists to an exhausting extent indicating a desperation for cheap laughs. Moreover, the fart jokes are far too many and annoying.
~The secondary characters are wasted here. Tim Blake Nelson and Peter Boyle have small screen time and their past could be explored better. Alicia Silverstone is... well Alicia Silverstone and despite the revelation in the end about her character, she offers nothing special to the film. In addition, Seth Green's character is only used as a romantic sidekick for Vilma and the movie fails to trick us into thinking that he is the bad guy.
~Although the CGI of Scoob is improved over the fist movie, the effects are sloppy again. This has a negative effect on the film considering the fact that this time the story is completely based on the presence of big monsters.
The Half of It (2020)
GRAVITY IS MATTER'S RESPONSE TO LONELINESS...
PROS:
~Leah Lewis is brilliant as Ellie and many teenagers will indetify with her anxieties and insecurities. She is someone who believes that knows everything about love but eventually realizes there is more to be explored. Her sexuality is, of course, a big part of her character arc and is portrayed really realistically.
~Daniel Diemer as Paul steals every scene he is into. He is more than a goofy character and his friendship with Ellie is the best aspect of the movie. Furthermore, his interaction with Ellie's father is believable and the bond they create is so freaking good. Also, the letter that he initially attempted to write to Aster and the dinner scene are the funnier segments of the film and his overall awkwardness towards her is something to empathize with.
~The film captures perfectly the problems that minorities can deal with. In this case, the protagonist is an Asian teenager who lives in a small community and struggles to be intergrated among her peers. However, the most indicative character for the exploration of this theme is her father who has difficulties into finding a decent job because of his ethnicity despite his good resume.
~The ending stays away from a stereotypical resolution and the film prefers to be more a coming of age story rather than a typical teen drama. It's an ending where the protagonist learns eventually to express her emotions and embraces the reality of who she is.
CONS:
~Aster is an underdeveloped character and the portrayal by the attractive Alexxis Lemire isn't enough for the exploration of the character. Moreover, the fact that she already has a boyfriend but she begins dating another guy doesn't fall in line with the kindness of her personality.
~The film doesn't avoid some cliches of the genre. The whole 'stalk your crush to learn more about her' is annoying and the way that Ellie wins over her classmates (the song sequence) is unrealistic. But the scene that makes you cringe is the one in the church.
~Some secondary characters are written in an irritating way. Aster's boyfriend is supposed to be boastful but is way over the top here. In addition, Paul shows homophobia in a specific scene but a few minutes later everything is okay.
~The dialogue is overstuffed with philosophical references. Sure, the two main girls are passionate about literature but the film feels pretentious and unrealistic at times.
War of the Worlds (2005)
WHAT IS IT? IS IT TERRORISTS?
PROS:
~The best element of the film is the tension that is created through various scenes. The first appearance of the aliens from the ground and the following chaotic situation is a foreshadowing of the intimidating entity that will be revealed. Furthermore, the panicked people, the collapsing buildings, the damaged airplane, the scene aboard the ferry and the hide-and-seek in the basement are intense and show the desperation that people can be found into from one moment to the next.
~The film is a commentary of how an invasion of any kind could affect the humans. The scene where the family drives through a crowd of desperate people indicates the fear and the anxiety. On this other hand, Tom Cruise's character shows that everyone would do their best in order to protect their family. Furthermore, the alien attack is a allegory to the post 9/11 USA.
~The direction of Steven Spielberg is masterful. He focuses on the depiction of family's feelings while in the background many scary things are happening. There's specifically one scene where the camera moves around the characters while they are inside a car and try to save their lives.
~The design of the alien spieces is very detailed. The tripod machines are intimidating enough because of their height and the red-colored vegetation is disgusting. The sound design is impeccable too.
CONS:
~The relationship between the teenage boy and his father is underdeveloped. He is a stereotypical teenager and it's never explained why he behaves with such hostility towards his father. Moreover, he dumps his family because of having a sudden obsession joining the military and the reunion in the end is awkward (isn't he supposed to be dead?). Justin Chatwin reinforces this problem with his wooden acting.
~Dakota Fanning behaves like an adult rather than a little girl and her screaming in some scenes is unbearable. In addition, Miranda Otto as the mother is completely wasted.
~Tim Robbins as the lunatic man who seeks answers is over the top, something that could have worked if his character was explored better. The segment in which he is included looks like is taken from another movie because the tone is so different.
~The ending is anticlimactic and generally the third act is rushed. The extermination of the alien spieces is way too easy and illogical. If they knew that are vulnerable to microbes why they decide to settle on earth? And why the area where Tom Cruise find the rest of his family isn't destroyed?
Capone (2020)
A MAN WHO SPENDS HIS ENTIRE LIFE LYING TO EVERYONE ABOUT EVERYTHING, THE TRUTH ROTS IN THERE...
PROS:
~Josh Trank should be given credit for attempting to take a different approach by presenting the notorious gangster in his decline.
~Although she is criminally underused, Linda Cardellini is brilliant as the wife of Capone. Through her eyes you see the pain watching her husband going through all that but also the tiredness of constantly being a caretaker. The best scene of the movie is when she slaps her husband in the face.
~The production design is amazing (especially the house) and the cinematography is beautiful for the most part. The use of gold (balloon, gun etc) is smart and symbolizes that despite his wealth, nothing can save him from his disease.
~The scene where Capone shoots a alligator because of frustration or the one where he is disguised as a woman show how insane things a gangster can do.
CONS:
~Tom Hardy maybe gives the weakest performance of his career. He is ridiculously over the top and feels more like a caricature than a real person. He is grunting and drooling all the time. The scenes where he is pooping(twice), wearing a diaper or putting a carrot on his mouth like Bugs Bunny give the film a parody vibe instead of capturing his paranoia.
~The script is scattered and incoherent. The subplot with his second son is so underdeveloped and unnecessary and the final shot with him looking the sky is anticlimactic.
~The most uninteresting storyline is the one about the hidden money. The characters of Jack Lowden and Kyle MacLachlan are here to enhance this plotline but in the end they offer nothing special. As a result boring subplots like this distracts you from the real purpose of the film which is the depiction of Capone's paranoia and demise.
~The hallucination scenes are intolerable. The torture scene looks as an excuse for including a brutal scene in the movie. Matt Dillon's character or the child version of Capone is used as a vehicle to show the remorse of the main character but you never feel this. It would be better if the movie dedicated a part of the screen time to show the best period of his life in order to understand better the character.
~The makeup on the face of Capone is excessive (he is a human being with a serious illness, not Emperor Palpatine) and the lighting doesn't help either.
Zodiac (2007)
NOT MANY PEOPLE HAVE BASEMENTS IN CALIFORNIA...
PROS:
~Jake Gyllenhal gives one of the best performances of his career. He plays an antisocial cartoonist, Robert Greysmith who likes solving puzzles but suddenly is drawn into the detection of the case. He becomes so obsessed with the murders and doesn't realize how harm he causes himself and his family. In his attempt to follow all the clues and find the identity of the killer, he eventually breaks up with his wife (Cloe Sevigny) and is involved in horrific situations (the basement scene is so stressful).
~The rest of the cast is excellent too. Mark Rufallo as detective David Toschi and Robert Downey Jr. as Paul Avery make a respectable job. Both those characters are obsessed as well, something that costs them their career. The first one is accused of something he doesn't do and the second one end ups being alcoholic and miserable. The film points that the fascination and obsession can lead to a dangerous path if you don't know when to stop (like the character of Antony Edwards).
~John Caroll Lynch is fantastic as Zodiac and the emptiness on his face makes him intimidating. His killings are unhesitating and specifically the first murder on the car and the one in the lake keep you on the edge of your seat. In addition, the scene with the woman that is stopped by a stranger is horrifying, especially when there is a baby along with her.
~The mystery of the film is engaging and makes you feel that you are a part of the investigation. In other words, you want to connect the dots like the protagonist and solve the case before any of the characters does. The introduction of various suspects and clues adds to the complexity of the case.
~ The ending leaves you with absolutely no justice and makes you understand that not everything has a happy closure. The film prefers staying close to the actual events rather than giving a typical hollywood ending.
~The movie underlines significant problems of the society. The bureaucracy and the lack of coordination are in fact the reason why this case isn't closed for about 40 years. Another important aspect is the the way the media present social problems that have an effect on the safety of the civilians.
~The direction by David Fincher is masterful once again and the narrative structure and the tight editing help the pacing so you don't feel the lengthy running time of the film.
~The cinematography is beautiful and the depiction of San Fransisco is realistic. The decade of 1960s and 1970s is perfectly illustrated and the cars, the clothing and the haircuts are precise of that era. Moreover, the music score creates a gritty atmosphere.
CONS:
~The storyline of Paul Avery could be explored better in the third act. He is actually out of the game very early in the movie although it seems that he will play a bigger role in the end.
Munich (2005)
EVERY CIVILIZATION FINDS IT NECESSARY TO NEGOTIATE COMPROMISES WITH ITS OWN VALUES.
PROS:
~The movie underlines that there is a very fine line between justice and vengeance. It encourages the viewers to ask themselves some ethical questions about what is right or wrong. Spielberg chooses not to pick a side (at least he tries to a point) between Palestinians and Israeli: the first seek their own homeland and the second ones respond against every act of terror.
~Eric Bana gives a powerful performance. He initially believes that it is his duty to accomplish his mission only to realize that this situation can cost his saul. In other words, he leaves his beautiful wife (played by the gorgeous Ayelet Zurer) for a cause that leads to an endless circle of conflict (every leader is replaced by another one). The scene where he goes to sleep in the closet captures perfectly his paranoia and his mental breakdown.
~From the rest of the cast, Ciaran Hinds shines as the 'cleaner' of the team and he is the only member who constantly questions the purpose of their actions. Michael Lonsdale and Mathieu Almaric as the source of Avner are respactable in their roles and they are actually the only ones who understand that everyone has their own agenda so they choose to make a profit themselves capitalizing on their knowledge. Last but not least, Geoffry Rush as the handler of Avner kills it once again and he shows an emotional detachment in the ending scene.
~Every mission of the movie offers a moral lesson to the main characters. In the first killing they test their ethical limits when they see a little girl be involved in their mission. Furthermore, the conversation with a hostile team is thought-provoking for the viewer and the hotel segment makes the protagonist reconsider their allies and their enemies.
~The music score by John Williams is haunting and adds depth to the movie. The cinematography is beautiful and the masterful direction captures perfectly the era of 70s.
CONS:
~The last intimate scene of Bana is rudiculous. The intercut between Avner having sex with his wife and the brutal killing of the hostages is so awkward because nobody wants to see Bana's orgasm at the same time with the happening of such a horrifying event.
~Although Spielberg's intention to present both sides of the coin with an objective eye, the side of Palestinians is uneven compared to the Israeli and a further examination of their actions was required for such a subtle matter.
~The character of Daniel Craig is out of place and one-dimensional. Moreover, it is kind of amateurish that Kassovitz's character is chosen for the making of the explosives without having the proper knowledge.
A Rainy Day in New York (2019)
REAl LIFE IS FINE FOR PEOPLE WHO CAN'T DO ANY BETTER...
PROS:
~The best element of the film is the city of New York. The city works as a live character that has an affection on the characters and pushes them to take desicions that will change their lives. The walks in the narrow streets of Manhattan and the various beautiful places give retro vibes to the movie.
~Timothee Chalamet gives a solid performance and portrays a neurotic young man struggling with his thoughts and love life. He makes his own rebellion and despises reach people although he is a part of them. He is actually a Woody Allen archetype and immitates his mannerisms from his earlier filmography. The interaction with his mother (Cherryl Jones shines here) and her revelation make him reconsider his opinion about her and see some things from a different perspective.
~Elle Fanning does a decent job as always. She is a naive young woman who must choose which part of her life is more significant, her romantic relationship or her future success. As expected she makes stupid mistakes due to her immaturity and her little experience about life. On the other hand, Selena Gomez is the most straightforward but relatable character of the film and her chemistry with Chalamet is fantastic. With her first appearance comes the rain which symbolizes the changing of many things.
~The rest of the cast does a respectable effort. Liev Shreiber, Jude Law and and Diego Luna represent intellectual and sophisticated people who hide their uncertainties and their personal problems and see Fanning's character as a their last recourse.
~The ending of the movie is standard but in a good way. The couple finally meets again but they have changed. Each has experienced some harsh realities and truths that have left them more down to earth and each one has made a life-changing decision.
~The piano notes create a nolstagia for the old New York and generally an aesthetic of an older era. The photography of Vittorio Storaro is impeccable and the kissing scene inside a car between Chalamet and Gomez as the raindrops start to fall on the car is magical.
CONS
~The film lacks originality considering that its themes is a terittory that Allen has extensively covered before. Moreoever, despite the charisma of Elle Fanning, the end of her character is left in limbo.
~Although the dialogue is witty and sharp, it is kind of pretentious that these conversations come from young people. In other words, it's not how 21-year-old talk and behave in the modern world but how Woody Allen wishes they talked and behaved, something that makes the characters unrealistic.
~The movie chooses to focus only on rich people and as a result it seems that they live in their own bubble and their problems are overdramatized (personally I find it hard to relate to any of them, maybe it's just me).
The Wrong Missy (2020)
THE AGE THING DOESN'T CONCERN ME. WHAT ARE YOU SIXTY-FIVE?
PROS:
~The confusion that is created with the messages of Spade's character is entertaining to watch and Nick Swardson deliver some funny lines.
~Despite her small screen time, Molly Sims seems to have better chemistry with Spade.
CONS:
~Lauren Lapkus is annoying and intolerable. Sure, the whole point of the film is to be obnoxious but this is unbearable to watch. From the unfunny dating scene in the beginning (what's funny with the knife gag?) to her dancing sequence, you know that something is wrong with this movie. Furthermore, there are other scenes where her facial expressions are weird such as when she makes the Hellstar joke or her irritating yelling with some random kids. It seems like Missy has an actual personality disorder that needs medical attention.
~David Spade is just bland and uninteresting. His chemistry with Lapkus is nonexistent and the romantic element in the final act is out of place. I mean, there isn't a moment where you feel that the two of them fall in love (what's the point of the montage?). Moreover, there is no consistency to his character and his desicions in the end make no sense.
~The sexual stuff never lands. The airplane segment specifically isn't funny but cringy and wtf with the bed scene?
~The slapstic humor doesn't work and the cliff scene or the one with the shark in particular are the reason why comedy movies are in decline in recent years. In addition, the whole subplot about Spade's job is boring.
The Lovebirds (2020)
thomas1995's review published on Letterboxd: YOU THINK PEOPLE JUST RANDOMLY SHOW UP AT THE SAME TIME FOR AN ORGY???
PROS:
~Kumail Nanjiani and Issa Rae carry on their shoulders the movie with their pure talent. They portray two people with so different personalities but in the end they realize how they love each other and learn to set their differences aside. Their chemistry is fantastic and their interaction in their apartment shows in a realistic way how couples can argue about silly things in their daily life.
~The humor ocassionally lands so well. The orgy sequence is a hilarious parody of 'Eyes Wide Shut' and the use of the song 'Fireworks' by Kate Perry is very fitting. Furthermore, the milshake simile and the pop culture references about Bad Boys and Hobbs and Shaw are entertaining.
~The comments of the random couple in the car sequence about the race of the protagonists along with the decision of the main couple not to turn to the police is a subtle commentary of a usual situation that exists even in today's society.
CONS:
~The plot is very forgettable and the mystery aspect of the film is bland. The film doesn't take advantage of the situations that the characters are forced into. The abduction segment could be easily cut off because there isn't so much attachment to the story.
~It seems that the two leads improvise most of the time so many one-liners don't land. There are some standard gags such as the horse or the interrogation scene that are forgettable.
~There is no one in the supporting cast that stands out. Anna Camp has almost a nonexistent screen time and Paul Sparks is an uninteresting and generic villain.
~The way that the actions scenes are shot is sloppy. There are far too many cuts and it is clear that Michael Showalter has difficulty in shooting well choreographed action sequences.
Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005)
I'M NOT MEAN DANNY. I'M IN FOURTH GRADE, I HAVE A GIRLFRIEND...
PROS:
~The film underlines a message about appreciating your siblings, no matter how they get on your nerves. Even if you have a argument with them, you will turn to them for your problems in the end. Furthermore, the movie is very realistic of how can a older sibling can be careless or how the younger one can be annoying. Josh Hutcherson and Jonah Bobo give strong performances as the two brothers.
~The visual effects hold up well even for today standards and the use of practical effects is a wise choice. One of the most memorable moments is when the children realize they are in outer space. The images in this case are macigally beautiful and the vastness of space is intimidating. Also, the design of Zorgons and the robot is decent enough.
~The utilization of the house as a spaceship is a creative way for a fantastic adventure. Besides this, the design of the board game is brilliant.
CONS:
~The argument between the brothers feels repetitive in the second act. There is a moment where the two children scream at each other for a couple of minutes, something that is very irritating.
~Kristen Stewart's character is bland. She spends half the movie being asleep or frozen. Dealing with the relationship between the siblings for the most part, it would be better if she was included more in the main storyline. Moreover, what is the purpose of creating a awkward moment between her and Shepard's character considering that he is eventually her brother?
~The film abandons its storyline on the altar of giving us a message. As a result the plot is too straightforward and the paradox that is created with Dax Shephard's character makes no sense.