Reviews

It's been years since I first watched it, but I feel like I owe it a review. Especially when it's a raving one, as I happen to find Y. Lanthimos' work utterly intriguing, uniquely provocative, dead-serious funny. This film is the essence of allegory and as such, it should be watched with an open mind. Aiming to shake our core beliefs, it is disturbingly surreal, bizarre and controversial in an unprecedented way, at least as far as the Greek film standards are considered. As all his works do, it conveys an uncommon sadistic sarcasm, that makes me eager to meet the mastermind behind it. I've watched it several times, always hooked on the screen, eyes wide open. It's a movie you cannot forget, that deserved so many awards.

I haven't read the book it was inspired by, plus it's the first Greek crime series I've ever watched. I must say, I'm skeptical about Greek drama series, but, noticing this on Netflix made me think it might be worth watching. Actually, it's a pretty good work. It's strong point is the captivating and cohesive storytelling, which managed to keep me hooked till the end. The aesthetics, the cinematography, the score are also notable. However, I found the acting to be somewhat unnatural and over the top at times, at least by some actors. That's my biggest complaint about most dramatic productions made in Greece. However, despite it's flaws, I do recommend this series.

I am a huge fan of G. Kapoutzidis' work and personality. I think he's one of the most intelligent, multi-talented, charismatic people out there, so ahead of his time. His works reveal a unique ability to handle hot personal, social and political issues with an admirable sense of sensibility, kindness, empathy, hope and just the right dose of humor. Though Serres is not my most favorite of his series, it is a beautiful piece of work, with a more reserved vibe and a very personal touch. That familiar feeling of his wishful thinking about the evolution of society's moral principals felt like his aim is to show people a better way to do things. Like a wise coach guided by love for human beings, avoiding hard judgement -quite a rare attribute these days.

I watched this movie when it was first released and I didn't find myself in awe, unlike literally everyone else I knew. So, I gave it a second and a third chance, because I didn't want to be unjust. It's definitely an extremely meticulously made film, with exceptional aesthetics and use of sounds. I found the parallelism of people's feelings to the sea's temper astounding. BUT. I have a major issue with the very essence of the film; it's overly dramatic portrayal of a tragic story. I do realize the movie's totally different era, culture and values, but I can't digest easily one's submission -especially without a fight- to an unwanted fate that somebody else imposes on them. Plus, I found the acting to be quite unnatural and over the top, to the point it felt disturbing -especially by Moscha and sometimes by Orsa and their mother. I understand the director's poetic/theatrical point of view, it just felt too much and too dragged for me. However, it is a beautiful movie, absolutely worth watching and reflecting upon.

Now, let's see how to fill in those 600 words required, while all one needs to describe this movie is one that cannot be written here. This is not Star Wars, this is not Luke Skywalker. I'm still trying to figure out why they managed to totally destroy the original characters, the whole notion of this legacy. Instead of grabbing the opportunity to elaborate and develop them in a way that nurtures our love and nostalgia of them and sets the ground for more exciting adventures to come, they treated them with disrespect. Only someone ignorant, who has never watched Star Wars or dislikes them for some reason, would end up with a story like this. Such wasted potential. It definitely was a very difficult task. That's why it should be handled by someone who really cares and has what it takes to maintain the vision. It's like they sabotaged themselves on purpose.

I've never read the reviews before watching any Star Wars movie. Not that my opinion would be that affected, but still. I must confess, I'm such a great SW enthusiast, I'm fond of the idea of new movies, despite their flaws and the fact that they certainly lack the old ones' allure. I like having something to wait for. Seeing those 1/10 ratings some people give, makes me think they are so fixated upon their childhood memories of the old ones, they've put them on a pedestal and refuse to watch anything new with an open mind. As if the old ones were ALL masterpieces.

In regard to this one, it took me some minutes to keep up with the story at the beginning. The Palpatine fact got me a bit confused and kind of disappointed, but I managed to bury myself in the plot, as usual. I enjoyed the film in general. First of all, I liked watching Rey very much, once again, I think she's an excellent addition to the saga. And, ultimately, I feel the same about Ben as well, even if it took some time for him to grow on me, ever since his unfortunate introduction -I still can't digest the fact that he killed Han. I think they are great together. Plus, unlike the other two of the trilogy, this movie has a new and much better story to tell. Also, it offers some pretty awesome battle scenes, emphasized by the compelling, amazing score.

The problem with this movie is that it feels like it's trying too much to satisfy everybody (after the previous disasters), that it misses the point and loses it's identity in a chaos of undeveloped characters, relationships and subplots. It's overloaded and at times inconsistent. Nevertheless, it's entertaining and I'll definitely rewatch it.

I watched this movie for Marilyn, with low expectations humor-wise considering when it was made and the cross-dressed leads on the picture, something that I don't find amusing at all. I was surprised to find myself enjoying this funny, super-talented cast, the clever dialogues, the -always relevant- subject of being a female in a man's world. Each and every lead is amazing and together they have so good chemistry, filling the screen with charisma. Marilyn is truly a unique creature, utterly beautiful, sexy and so talented. I will definitely watch more old movies like this, it's not dated or irrelevant at all.

Enchanted is what I am, after watching this beautiful, utterly charming, out of this world creature. But my excitement is not only due to Audrey's captivating presence. I loved everything about this movie. Gregory Peck (who I had never seen in a film before), Rome, the music, all the funny and sad moments that were so masterfully delivered through a simple plot, that leaves all the room for the stars to shine. They say it all without saying almost anything. I ended up smiling and tearing at the same time, thinking once again how much I adore old Hollywood. Today's film makers should really use movies like this as a reference point and spare us from all that hideous rom-com junk they serve us.

WHY oh why do they keep making these lame teen movies? Do they really believe that people -of any age- will fall for such a crappy, totally unrealistic, full of clichés, utterly cringy plot just because it involves a hot guy? Who is a totally bad fit for that girl, btw. He's a hunk looking like he's in his 20s and she looks like his baby sister, cute, but constantly talking, overacting and ready to cry. No chemistry at all between them, I wonder how they managed to make not one, but three whole films. A predictable plot full of holes and all the wrong messages a teen girl/boy could receive, as if they haven't seen enough of the kind. The whole notion of this movie is literally written on that guy's face; BORED TO DEATH.

The main issue with this project is the complete lack of chemistry between the leads. Had there been that erotic feeling, I would probably have forgotten about the hideous script.

I should have seen it coming, since their first encounter. I've never seen a more flat, unsexy, unsensual, abrupt, totally unconvincing brief flirting scene before. But I kept watching, thinking perhaps I would be surprised later, with the apocalypse of a femme-fatale, who casted her irresistible spell, thus he forgot who she was.

However, no surprises, no connection, no passion, no excitement, no seductress here to justify the title. Just a disordered woman and an out of place man. I skipped a few scenes to get to the cringey climax, which disappointed me even more. The wife's acting was very good though. Also, dark cinematography and agonizing music are not enough to create a thrilling atmosphere, plus, they should be used wisely.

I watched all three movies consecutively, having read no reviews and with no bias. The third part left me with a rather bitter taste. The movie's supposed intention is to dig into Michael's character, giving him the chance to develop a more human profile, with feelings of love and remorse, seeking for redemption, as fitted to a tragedy coming to an end. However, it doesn't succeed to do so. There is a lack of that incredible energy, dynamic and attention to detail the previous movies had. This might be intended to some point in the case of Michael, who has become old and exhausted, but it didn't feel like watching Michael Corleone at all. He's a completely different person, with no explanation. Even the young characters lack the nerve and the vitality they should have. I found the acting to be weak from almost everybody. Andy Garcia kind of ruined the film for me, with that constant half-smile, acting like a ham; such a poor choice, totally downgrading the profile of a don to be. Sofia Coppola is fresh and innocent looking, but not a good choice either, with that blunt, awkward face throughout the movie -her last scene left me speechless, in a very unpleasant way. There is no bond, no spark between any of the characters. The plot is not gripping at all, the dialogues are flat -to say the least- and there are a lot of things that just don't fit, such as Kaye's presence, Connie's attitude, Michael's bodyguards' surprising incapacity. This movie feels like just a task that had to be done with, not an inspiring story somebody wanted to tell, like the previous ones. Overall, it's not an entirely bad film on it's own, but it definitely could have been so much better. However, compared to the epic first two, it falls too short, leaving me thinking there was absolutely no reason to make it in the first place.

To me Godfather parts one and two were like watching one movie, with the same qualities throughout. This is a significant success. I can't say the same about part three though, but that's a different story. All the engaging elements the first had are here; top notch acting, storytelling, cinematography, direction, music. But character development takes it to the next level. Pacino's eyes and face expressions do all the work, continuing from part one his metamorphosis to a cold-blooded, distrustful, merciless mogul, accepting an inescapable fate he formerly thought he detested. The first part's weak female presence is amended here, as we get to see more of Kay and Connie and their position/feelings in the mafia world. Some scenes are a bit dragged, but never meaningless. Overall, if you watch part one, part two is a necessity, to get the chance to see "La Famiglia" in the making and the outstanding development of Michael's psychopathy.

It took me years to sit down and watch it, because I assumed it was a film made for men only, i.e. Another recital of machismo. I was surprised to find myself engaged with the movie from the very beginning. The magnificent acting, the incredible character development and the variety of different personalities, in combination with the outstanding storytelling, direction, cinematography, atmosphere, music, drew me into this brutal tale about toxic masculinity and life degradation. It's a movie that provoked contradictory feelings to me. The more I watched, the more appalled I felt by what people can turn into once they gain power and at the same time, the more interested I got into the fates of those horrible people. It's quite an irresistible trap masterfully set by super talented actors and creators, that produced iconic moments that linger. To me, there is a certain allure about old cinema, in contradiction to nowadays' fast-food film making. I was quite bothered though, by the little room this long movie left for women's presence. I understand the need to realistically portray the patriarchal life in mafia, where women are treated like props, like merely male successors-generators, but I felt there was a lack in balance, as we only get to see a glimpse of what this life was like for the women involved. Nevertheless, it is a great movie I would actually re-watch.

Not that Ginny and most of the other characters don't deserve the applause, quite the opposite. It's just that Georgia is like a tornado -for better or for worse- that you can't take your eyes off. But apart from the cast, this series has a very gripping plot, that keeps you engaged. It has it's flaws, but it is fast paced, it offers characters' development and some useful insights into kids and parents mentality and dealing with trauma. Sometimes it does get overly dramatic with teen angst, but I don't agree it's mainly targeted to teenagers. I really enjoyed it, especially the 2nd season, as I found Ginny's attitude inexcusably tiresome during the 1st, but then I got to see the whole picture. Hopefully, there will be a 3rd one to give it a closure.

Oh how we love to hate that we like Papakaliatis' work, well, at least partially. He most definitely isn't some inventive, original, break-through mastermind. However, I think he's a clever cinema lover with good taste and charm, who knows how to pick actors (and singers apparently -wow, just wow) and what it takes to create an engaging spectacle that appeals to the vast majority of the audience (possible haters who are in fact secret watchers included):

• A catchy story. A mixture of love -always forbidden, relevant/trendy social/political issues, lots of drama and a dose of humor to lighten things up.

• Beauty. From the astonishing female lead to the wonderful cinematography and meticulously chosen music, everybody and everything are beautiful, super clean and tidy, extremely detail oriented.

But apart from these elements that tick Papakaliatis' boxes and most importantly, Maestro offers top notch acting. Natural, simple and truthful acting, that makes you forget his occasional beloved weaknesses: the copied scenes/dialogues from other movies/series, the cringey lines, his favorite Woody Allenish monologues and dialogues, the stereotypes, the politically correct preaching, criticizing capitalism from a capitalistic point of view like talking to a 5 yo (no hints or meaningful scenes, just spoon fed ideology) and the fact that he cannot resist keeping the male leading role (always portraying the moody, nice, romantic, charismatic guy that all women fall for) for himself. I must say though, I found him to be much more mature and relaxed here, acting and directing wise. Bottom-line, I enjoyed Maestro. It's well deserved being on Netflix, it's a huge success and well done to everybody.

Nice, dark cinematography, great scenery, solid acting, but a totally uninteresting story and a very slow burn plot. I paused it at some point, got up to answer the phone/eat/do whatever and I literally forgot I was watching it. I did finish watching it however, hoping to see the greatness others saw in it, only to realize it had zero impact on me. It is visually interesting, it has good actors but the storytelling is so flat, there is no drama, no suspense, nothing to keep you engaged. I honestly don't get the raving reviews at all, I think it's so overrated. Such a pity for the great people involved, it could have been so much more.

I enjoyed the first movie very much. A different, fresh, female look on the beloved stories with a brilliant, captivating actress. Cavil's portrayal as Sherlock felt odd to me, though I thought they were making him step back here to give Enola the lead. I was expecting the sequel to be equally interesting and fun, but I am disappointed. Enola is once again a joy to watch, but the story is weak, there's something amiss. Also, I understand the urge nowadays to have more female leads in both the hero and the villain roles, but here they replaced almost everybody with females and didn't even bother to create a new narrative or at least use different names. Such details spoil the effort put, making it like it's mostly about ticking the boxes that are trending right now.

Totally binge worthy, this series captured me from episode one till the end. It's all about the black humor and the amazing cast, who gave this intelligent story life and credibility, driving the spectator skillfully from laughter to tears. I just read about Christina Applegate's health issue and I think it's so empowering and admirable how she managed to complete her work and give an absolutely thrilling performance. And so does Linda Cardellini, James Marsden and everybody else, offering truly great acting in an original script that goes further from being fun and takes a chance to explore grief, friendship, motherhood. I will definitely revisit this one!

They got themselves a more than decent Marilyn, built a very good cast around her and instead of grabbing the chance to create a memorable tribute of this one of a kind icon's true life, they decided to present her as an one-dimensional, tragic victim of everybody, in a boring, self-indulgent, badly directed drama. I understand the purpose of the film to showcase that her success came with a cost, I just don't think it was executed in an interesting and engaging way. And she was exploited by many, but she was much more than a miserable victim with a permanent helpless look upon her face. Plus, if you want to go exclusively there, why not presenting the real facts about her death? Three stars for the amazing effort by Ana de Armas, the rest of the cast and the costumes.

I like teen movies and I miss the old classics. Considering the majority of Netflix teen movies are not watchable, this one is a tad better, with some unexpected plot twists to keep you interested and a good leading character. BUT, wtf is going on with these people? Which kids exactly are supposed to identify with these stupid, unrealistic, super spoilt lost cases? None of them is likeable at all, none of them has a good story to tell. Plus, the cast is oddly overaged, the "king of the school" is a totally poor choice and I found Maya Hawk to be -sorry to say this- unfit for acting at least for the time being.

I don't know why it took me so long to discover it, but I got hooked from the beginning. A fun, smart cat and mouse story with a truly great cast. Rio, the perfect combination of smooth, sexy and ruthless villain that grows on you slowly, and Beth, a seemingly cold and reserved, "plain" housewife, are a match made in... hell, actually. And Annie and Ruby, oh so funny! However, I did get impatient and a bit bored after the 2nd season and I skipped a few scenes. I wish they had wrapped it up, added some more Brio moments and given it the ending it deserved. But probably, they couldn't have imagined that another popular show would go down the drain so abruptly, once again.

A cute couple, a touch of celebrity chef to spice things up, but with this boring script, it can't be saved. Too boring even for a background movie. I only watched it for the cast, but I was disappointed.

Good performances, nice scenery, but very slow, poorly written storyline, with a lot of unexplained subplots and a rushed ending. Also, Diego should have been played by a younger actor.

If there's one bold type here, it's Jaqueline, the only one worth watching, in this delirium of superficial, self-involved, totally unrealistic, wannabe feminist/political/woke characters. Fourth season was so over the top soapy, it leaves you with absolutely no interest in watching what happens next.

No Jane Austen here, no charisma, no growing tension, no interest at all. Just a twisted, awkward, supposed-to-be-funny plot, with too many inaccuracies to digest. I really thought I'd see Dakota Johnson here and reevaluate her as an actress, in the hopes she had more to give, after her previous poor performances.