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Reviews
Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre (2023)
Three stars for the sets, zero for the rest
First, I'm not a Guy Ritchie fan, but "The Gentleman" was a masterpiece and I've watched it several times. I'm so impressed with the chemistry, the superb timing, the plot, the script, the music, the comedy, every actor giving it their all. It was a perfect film. Now here comes "Operation Fortune", I'm expecting more of the same-what do I get? - the complete opposite of "The Gentleman" (TG). Jason is ho-hum, Hugh recycled his role from "TG" with a bit of an upgrade, Cary and Eddie play their usual ho-hum, Bugsy looks lost & uncomfortable, like he wants to go back to playing his old role in "TG", which he was great in, Audrey is the real fly in the ointment, she's absolutely terrible in every scene. The film would have improved by just taking her out completely. There is no chemistry with anyone, in fact everyone seems uncomfortable. The script is horrendous. It was dreadfully boring.
The only plus was the beautiful scenery and sets.
So, is Guy Ritchie schizophrenic, or what?
Coast to Coast (2003)
Lasted 22 minutes
The biggest turn off in this film was Judy Davis, starting with her hair. It was so godawful it was a huge distraction. She's not that attractive to begin with. I never cared for her, don't see why people think she's talented. I've only seen her play sour puss roles, which okay she is good at playing but, not likeable. Sure, she's supposed to be bitter since her husband cheated on her, in their be bed no less. Thought this would be somewhat of a comedy but, it was just a tragedy, an unrealistic one. I liked the dog, fine actor, handsome fellow. Dreyfuss is always at least interesting, but he wasn't likeable either. So, after they leave the dog at her sister's, there was no reason to continue this drag of a movie. Bickering I already know.
Proof (2005)
Gwenyth Paltrow is boring
Gwenyth Paltrow is boring, boring, boring. Every role Gwenyth Paltrow plays she is Gwenyth Paltrow. She was cute in Shakespeare in Love but now she is just plain boring. I like math but how exciting can a movie about mathematicians get? Her father being crazy is the only exciting part and he's not crazy enough in this film. Sitting outside in 30F to work in the middle of the night is just not crazy enough and certainly not exciting.
The craziest thing she does is wear that absurd winter hat. To prove she really is a nerd? It was very distracting. They wanted to give her an Oscar for this? Talk about Hollywood royalty elitism.
Haywire (2011)
Fire the Director
A splendid cast of actors, good plot, all spoiled by a terrible director. Someone wrote he's known for his ability to shape-shift between genres. Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should. The whole thing comes off like a B grade flick.
Gina is believable as an agent beating up guys, where most actresses aren't. She still could be better though. She's too clunky at times, maybe ballet would smooth her moves or taichi.
Why does Channing always play a half wit? Is he determined to be be the "dumb blonde" the rest of his life?
The rest of the cast was good, as expected, in particular Fassbender and McGregor. It's worth seeing but the direction and filming was painful.
The Gentlemen (2019)
A Masterpiece
Guy Ritchie films aren't my taste but, this one is a masterpiece. I've watched it now several times and I'm till in awe. The style is original, the plot, the script unique. The timing is superb. The music just right. It's a like a huge puzzle with all the pieces fitting tightly, all are necessary and none are missing. Then the performances of the actors are extraordinary-all of them. It's a feast of performances. Matthew is a golden star tailored for this role, Michelle a delight as his 'Queen', in a role so different from Downton Abbey. Charlie Hunnam magnetic to watch as Matthew's loyal right hand man. Colin F. As the 'Coach' is so perfectly funny and tough at the same time. Hugh Grant was a big surprise as the story teller, a sleazy reporter, plotter and script writer wanna be. After so many rom coms, he plays this role with such zest perfectly. I can't do justice, so I'll just stop here.
Take Me Home (2011)
Amazingly Good
This is a beautiful film, like a gentle breeze on a summer evening. It starts in New York City and ends up in California. I immediately felt engaged with the two main characters, Claire and Thom and felt for them in their respective situation. Claire is running away from home from her husband who she believes is cheating on her. After all she came home early and the woman is there in her living room. She's out there on the street trying to get a cab to just get out of there as fast as possible. You can't help but feel her anguish. Thom is struggling to survive with a rogue taxi, while he tries to make it as a photographer. He just got kicked out of his apartment. You just want to reach out and help him because he's trying so hard and life just isn't going his way. He picks up Claire in his cab desperate to make some money to get a home again. She tells him to just drive and keep driving anywhere. The film moves slowly but it's never boring, bringing the two together closer and closer. It's certainly a low budget film but the sum is greater than it's parts. Loved the soundtrack by Bootstraps.
Along Came Polly (2004)
Not really funny, just mostly vulgar sophmoric "humor"
So, the writers are running out of wit so soon they had to resort to ghastly toilet "humor", early in the film and kept resorting to it when they had nothing else to offer. I did watch the whole film, but it wasn't really that funny, more amusing when it wasn't vulgar. The script and director really didn't take advantage of the very talented actors.
Ben-Hur (2016)
Fascinating version
It's a completely captivating fresh version of Ben Hur. The actors playing Judah and Massala were terrific as well as the rest of the cast. I like how they weaved in the Jesus story. In two hours I felt like I had witnessed an epic tale lasting decades, felt their pain and their love for each other. Didn't except such a happy inspiring ending, finding redemption.
Six Minutes to Midnight (2020)
Well done!
Well made film that would make any German proud, except for the ending. Well directed, acted, & the script was great. Very tautly crafted to reel you in to a fine conclusion.
Riviera: À la vue de tous / For All to See (2017)
Made no sense
Her motivation for the killing wasn't there and was totally out of character. Really weak ending for season 1. Julia's range as an actress is limited and I think she was over her head a bit carrying the lead. But, between a good supporting cast and the beautiful scenery it is a good series. The writing is fairly good, as well.
Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo (1999)
Take out the real gross parts and it'd be a 7
Take out the real gross parts and it'd be a 7. His dad working the men's toilets didn't add but subtracted, as well as the other toilet obsessions and the detective's. Rob was great in his role, as was Antoine and TJ. The odd ladies were funny, especially the one with tourette syndrome.
Arthur Newman (2012)
How is this a comedy?
The film was disappointing and Emily started to get really boring, as the bad girl. I guess this was an escapade for both of the characters and at the end they finally matured a bit. Thankfully, since they were too old for such silliness. So, I guess they benefited from their adventures. But, I didn't. I expected a comedy and got this depressing wet rag of a film instead. I still gave it a 6 because they both did play the roles they were given well, especially Colin, in an unassuming manner. I do wonder why they agreed to this mess.