Change Your Image
teachingwitheart
Reviews
True Detective (2014)
One of the best detective series in the last decade!
** SPOILER ALERT **
"True Detective" - in all of its glory for all the 8 episodes of season 1 - is fantastic! From the casting to the cinematography to the soundtracks employed, this TV serial rocks in every way. More significantly, the characterization of the two lead detectives is beautiful.
Another amazing aspects of film-making for this series is the progression of two narrative threads running concurrently in parallel. While the flashbacks of the past throw light into the various aspects of the detectives' personal lives, the present interviews of the two detectives provide readers with the insights of how the two detectives view each other.
Despite the slow pacing, it is easy for viewers to be drawn in by the plot and characterization right from the very start.
A very well-directed TV series! I strongly recommend it!
Neighbors (2014)
Innovative Storyline but film is quite draggy at times
**SPOILER ALERT**
This film offers an interesting concept of a battle between a peace-loving couple against a team of frat boys. One of the more interesting scenes involves the couple crossing the street to meet the frat boys. The conversation is witty, albeit awkward at times. It is dialogues such as these that makes a film memorable but regrettably, such dialogues are few and most of the film's conversation are filled with childish overtures and over-the-top pranks played by one against another.
Seth Rogen wasn't in top form in this film, when one compares his remarkable acting in "Knocked Up" or "SuperBad". However, his on screen chemistry with actress Rose Byrne is great.
Zac Efron uses his looks to great effects here as one of the lead characters within the frat team, and he was one of the better additions to the cast in this film.
The story premise is rather simple, and more intricate plots can be added for a more interesting plot line for this film.
It's an OK film for a watch but don't expect much from the conversations or the story itself. On the entertainment side, this film rates rather high.
Bears (2014)
One of Disney's better animal films
** SPOILER ALERT ** From the beginning of the film with the close-up shots of the mother bear and her cubs to the end where the bears return to the mountains to hibernate yet again for another winter, the portrayal of how the mother bears look out for her two young cubs and how they survive the year is interestingly narrated.
While some might feel that certain aspects of the narration may feel clichéd, the voice-over for the bears are interestingly done and humorously executed.
This film is family-friendly and is suitable for adults and children alike. It's also educational and many values are taught over the course of this film.
One of the most beautifully directed films for this year!
Open Windows (2014)
Exciting start but convoluted plot damaged the movie
**SPOILER ALERT** "Open Windows" start off well, in a hotel room with a movie star's fan Nick Chambers (played by Elijah Wood) sitting in front of his laptop viewing a movie premiere live.
The first 30 minutes was merely contained between movements of screen windows moving about on the laptop screen. I applaud the director's creative sparks of insight for this segment of the movie, closely resembling the opening scene of "The Social Network" (2010). However, while the opening scene of "The Social Network" may bore viewers with its lengthy dialogue between a couple, the pacing was fast for "Open Windows", which keeps viewers glued to the screen for this segment.
I was still able to be entertained till the middle of the film as the director keeps the viewers in suspense throughout.
However, the film disappoints with its ending, primarily due to its convoluted plot, which may leave the viewers puzzled. A more straightforward closure might have place this film in better standing among its peers in the "Thriller" genre.
Nevertheless, it's interesting to see Elijah Wood taking on the role of a fascinated movie fan, and having him go through the traumatizing experience of a "cat and mouse" chase. But of course, he is not who he seems..
A great watch, if not for the ending.