Reviews

This is a film which combines many genres (revenge movie, dark comedy, thriller, crime drama) in a very successful way. It attacks unapologetically rape culture, and shows us how is society biased against women, favouring "good guys" over "bad girls". It might be harsh and bittersweet, but that's how true life is, and as I see it, one of the missions cinema has is to portray life as it is, with its ups and downs, exposing societal pathogenies and problems but showing the bright side of life, as well, and I think this movie succeeds in it, for the most part, at least. The script is truly original (undoubtedly a well-deserved academy award for Best Original Screenplay for the director Emerald Fennell), with many twists and turns, revenge-fueled -seemingly thoughtless- acts, and its grimly realistic, but ultimately fulfilling ending, is really true to life, and the fact that it doesn't show on-screen the rape, which is at the heart of the film, only adds to its impact and charm. The scene with the head of the protagonist centered just "in" the angles of a square frame is impressive, and the combination of old-fashioned aesthetic with contemporary elements is nothing less than effective, and transfuses a timeless breeze. The technique of tracking shot* is well-used when needed, and although the separation of the picture to parts seems a bit outdated sometimes, it doesn't detract a lot from this work. Above all stands the explosive and powerful, yet absolutely convincing performance of Carey Mulligan. I believe that this movie in the end is an audaciously raised "bird" to the stereotypes, the perceptions of the society about some matters, and, also, s**t-shaming victims of sexual assault are subjected to. This one is recommended not only to feminists, but to the ones who would like to get a new perspective on gender issues and to some people who think they know all about it, but some others want to change their minds. I can't wait for Fennell's new feature, "Saltburn"!

*Tracking shot is a cinematic technique in which the camera operator follows the actor/actress with the camera in his/her hands.

This is one of the best crime/noir movies I've ever seen, which benefits from the excellent performances from the ensemble cast (especially Billy Bob Thornton as the main character's strange brother, Bill Paxton and Bridget Fonda as the wickedly clever wife of the protagonist), the snowy, wintry setting and from the build-up and the character development. Sam Raimi proves his directorial skills in this motion picture and delivers a thrilling and stark movie, that remains watchable, though. It may start off as a Christmas-themed movie (because it's set before New Year's day), but it's actually about the corruptive power of money and how it can pervert people and make them do horrible things. The usage of black crows throughout the film contributes to its atmosphere and the effort to get its message across. In my view, they symbolize the evil because of their black color and their scary appearance, and their presence is intensified as the storyline proceeds and the characters' actions become more immoral. This pic is living proof that an interesting and meaningful movie doesn't need much eye candy, extravaganza or pompous special effects, just an intriguing plotline, a cast which comprises talented actors, a good director, and something to say. There, Sam Raimi seems more mature from his other attempts, as the original Spider-Man trilogy and the horror cult "The Evil Dead", and delivers a cautionary tale that packs a powerful punch in every level (emotionally, visually and plot-wise). The soundtrack is also great and adds to the film's effect. Although the end may seem a bit disappointing, it's much like a catharsis, like the one in ancient Greek tragedies. I recommend it to everyone who wants to watch a suspenseful and essential film, which will leave the viewer both satisfied and give him food for thought and a motive for conversations.

This is the first biopic film Nolan directs, and it truly has a tremendous result! It uses an unconventional way to narrate the events which lead to the rise and fall of one of the most important, complex and brilliant individuals in human history, meaning that the scenes that are centered around Robert Oppenheimer are shot in color, whereas the scenes exploring the life and actions of Lewis Strauss, president of the U. S. Atomic Energy Commission (played by the astonishing Robert Downey Jr.) are shot in black-and-white. It really sags a bit at some points, and there's almost too much characters, too much information and too many facts, not to mention special quantum physics' knowledge which may go over some viewers' heads (me included!), but in general it's a gripping, layered biographic film that makes it to keep you on the edge of your seat at some moments! It shows us how the development of the A-bomb affects the titular character in every aspect of his life (in social, professional, mental and interpersonal level). We get to see that Oppenheimer was a communist, extremely unfaithful, but above all a bright mind that had the power to make something dangerously powerful and destructive. This movie raises some interesting moral questions about the latter, especially when somebody doesn't know the scope of the impact the object he's developing will have to the world. As I see it, the most memorable quote from this picture is the line Einstein speaks to Oppy near the end: "If your country, which you have served so well, rewards you this way, turn your back on them!", or something like that. Also, the surrealistic scenes showing Oppenheimer fantasizing (among others) about the devastating effects the toss of the atomic bomb must have had on the residents of the cities only add to the film's odd charm and anti-nuclear weapons' message, which is primarily gotten across by the gradual provocation of a sense of fear to the viewers towards them. Cillian Murphy's performance is a masterclass in acting, making him the odds-on actor for the Academy Award for Best Actor, (it's even enriched with close-ups on his pale but beautiful face!), Emily Blunt is great as Kitty Oppenheimer, a smart woman whose brightness went to waste due to the societal position of the women in general, Florence Pugh stands out as the well-known psychiatrist Jean Tatlock, who had an affair with Robert Oppenheimer while he was married and Matt Damon is really convincing as the rough general Leslie Groves, a high-ranking member of the U. S. Atomic Energy Commission who pays a lot of attention to the success of the Manhattan Project. The sex scenes between Oppenheimer and the contextually woman are essential, in my opinion, and transfuse heat to his relationships with them, and they are tasteful without being explicit. Finally, the Trinity Test sequence is suspenseful and exciting, making you unable to take your eyes away from the screen. This motion picture demands to be seen on the big screen, and is recommended not only to Nolan fans, but to the ones who want to have a «first meeting» with him, and to the ones who want to watch a biographic film different from the others. It's sure to be one of the highest contenders for many of the categories of this year's Academy Awards (especially in the basic categories!)

This is a really touching short animation movie, about a grandpa who loses his wife and -consequently- loses his inspiration to draw. But, when his granddaughter, who obviously loves drawing, starts visiting him, more and more often, it's like she manages to fire up his love and inspiration for drawing. The hand-drawn animation is fantastic and realistic, and the ultimate message is hopeful: no matter what happens, continue doing what you love. There's no dialogue in this film, mainly because it's unnecessary, as I see it, and it's truly unneeded, because every emotion is conveyed without talk in other ways. I recommend it to everyone who wants to watch something simultaneously touching and uplifting, and to everybody who has recently experienced a loss or another traumatic event which makes him want to give up what he/she/it loves, but he/she/it doesn't want to do so.

This psychological thriller is undeniably one of the best I've ever seen (although I haven't seen many thrillers), and I believe this thanks to the performances (especially those of Willis, Osment and Collette), the handling of the colour palette, one of the most famous quotes in cinema history (which has now gained a cult status), the direction and -mostly- the unexpected ending, which answers all the questions arisen during the film. The premise of it is that a well-known and acclaimed child psychologist begins working with a 9-year-old boy, Cole, who claims that he sees ghosts. The psychologist feels that he must help the boy recover, to make up for a treatment that failed, in a case similar to Cole. This is a really atmospheric movie, particularly in the scary and suspenseful scenes, the performances are excellent (in particular the ones delivered from the aforementioned actors), Shyamalan's direction contributes to the movie's scariness, the colour palette that uses red during scenes with emotional intensity or to show that something from the real world has been tainted from the world of the dead, and the surprise ending that answers all the questions originates from one of the best plot twists in cinematic history. To sum up: just watch it. Whether you want to see an unpredictable thriller without unnecessary gore, or you just want to see a great film that keeps your interest without unneeded plot points and drama, this one is sure to fulfill you.

This is a great and emotional, although a bit sad drama about a family in which parents have part-time jobs that compel them to turn to shoplifting, who "adopt" a young girl, whose parents neglect her. We get to see the formers' everyday life, and finally realize they are more than just a family of shoplifters. Humanitarian director Hirokazu Koreeda manages to extract fantastic performances from the whole cast, and digs into the reasons why somebody would turn into shoplifting and generally illegal acts. The film itself neither excuses the family nor criticizes it. It just shows how hard is to be moral in an immoral world, and that sometimes truly unethical acts and people remain unpunished. We watch how companies and even the state could be responsible for the downfall and turn to crime of citizens (particularly the ones who live in poverty), as well. Concerning the more hopeful and enjoyable moments of the film, we observe the bond that's slowly created between the family and the young girl (and especially the young boy's efforts to bond with the new member of the family), how the adults (and the children) take care of young Yuri, and the more playful and intimate time the members of the family pass with each other. There are also valuable messages about what love is and how is this emotion expressed, and that even a family of outsiders can be loving. I recommend it as an introduction to Japanese cinema and also to the ones who want to see a touching but not schmaltzy family drama, without razzle-dazzle and exaggerated performances, that makes it to be deeply humanistic.

This is an interesting mystery-action movie, that takes advantage of the fourth-wall breaking technique, which transfuses forwardness to the picture, and even interactivity at one point. The plot revolves around young Enola, who is sister of the well-known detective Sherlock Holmes. After her mother disappears mysteriously, she sets off to find her. During her adventure, we get to see her meeting new people, managing to get through in difficult situations and finally making it to be an independent and powerful young woman. This film uses the "breaking of the fourth wall" cinematic technique, when needed, that adds to the interactivity of the picture, and transfuses immediacy to it. It also has surprising twists and turns, although it ends up being predictable at some points. It has important female empowerment messages and shows women taking action and doing things unexpected for the era. It's funny as well, has suspense at times, and is really enjoyable. The costumes are historically accurate, too. Millie Bobby Brown is also delightful and funny as the young, sharp-witted sister of the regarded and famous detective. Even though it's not a masterpiece or one of the best whodunnits, it is a polished Netflix production that's recommended to someone who wants to see a more woman-centric mystery-period film.

This "Tom and Jerry" film is a light, mostly children-aimed live-action/animated farce, but, although it's what anybody would expect from this franchise, I found it slightly disappointing. Its main purpose is fun (it may bore some parents, though). It makes it by using the foreseeable slapstick humour, and a seemingly clever premise, which result in a few laughs. Exaggerated situations are also to be anticipated in that movie, and the performances are decent. The direction is just average, and this motion picture is nothing special, and I think it succeeds in keeping the youngsters entertained, but it has little to offer to viewers older than 7-8 years old.

This live-action Disney pic was a pleasant surprise to me. I didn't expect something so intriguing, thrilling and fun from a movie seemingly adapted from the well-known live-action Disney film "101 Dalmatians". This is an unexpectedly delightful and dark origin story of how notorious "Cruella" has become who she is. Emma Stone and Emma Thompson both deliver great performances as Estella Miller and Barroness respectively. The plot's twists and turns are also impressive and succeed in holding the viewer's attention, the soundtrack seems to have been designed for that particular movie and the costume design is brilliant (it deservedly earned the film an Oscar for that category). It might have its flaws (mostly script-wise), but it kept me delighted and excited for its whole runtime! I can't wait for the sequel! I recommend it to the ones who believe nothing interesting can be produced based on the "101 Dalmatians" franchise, and to the ones who want to watch a different origin story as well.

This action movie is centered around the rivalry between a police detective and an unstoppable driver, who is entangled in robberies. The only purpose of the former is to catch the latter. It has some good parts, as the soundtrack, some of the action sequences (especially the ones including relentless, almost fierce, driving), but, in my view, it feels boring sometimes, because it slows down, resulting in occasional sags. It's not quite what I expected, maybe it was the lack of action, or the lifeless performances from some members of the cast, or the absence of the surprise element from the plot. It's a bit unsatisfying, although high profile directors (like Quentin Tarantino) have mentioned it as an influence on their films. Actually the performances from Ryan O'Neal and Bruce Dern are good, although not nuanced. They both remain unnamed during the whole runtime of this picture, and the reason of this might be the fact that these two people could be a hardcore driver and a detective in any age and country. I don't actually recommend it, probably only to film noir afficionados, who don't look for something above average.

This science fiction motion picture differs from other congeners, first of all because it doesn't revolve around aliens and there's a much more human-centered and compassionate premise at the heart of its story. It shows us how people can come together for a higher purpose, in this case to save one of their crew who was dumped during a meteor shower. We also see how useful -and in this case lifesaving- resourcefulness can be, and that if you insist and try without stopping and being discouraged by possible obstacles, you finally make it. Cover-up used from people who have a vested interest and deceit employed from the aforementioned people is also a subject that is touched upon, and we see how NASA can act in a self-serving way thinking how well its programmes will evolve instead of the life and security of the astronauts who take place in them. This film has surprising moments of humor and cheekiness (mainly from Mat Damon's character) which lightens the atmosphere. Mat Damon is great as an innovative astronaut who takes advantage of the material that is available to survive. The supporting cast is also strong. The direction from Ridley Scott contributes to the high quality of this movie, that proves us you don't have to be nerdy to be really smart. The soundtrack is extremely astute, too. Above all it's a fun, suspenseful survival story that blends tension and wit successfully, and it's also proof that a good sci-fi doesn't need to have much eye candy and visual effects to be truly good. It's recommended not only to the fans of science fiction, but to the ones that are bored of watching alien-centric stories in screen and want to see something with more heart and laughs and less special effects as well.

The first installment in the "Bourne" movie franchise is a fast-paced, thrilling action film that keeps the viewer on the edge of his seat. The suspense of the shots filmed in dark lighting is intensified by the dramatic soundtrack, and of course there is comic relief when necessary, with bursts of wit that succeed in lightening the atmosphere. Mat Damon delivers a great performance as a desperate man who has seemingly identity crisis. This crisis transfuses unexpected depth to the film, especially during the tense conversations, and the even tenser monologues of the protagonist. I didn't expect a deeper exploration of the identity crisis in this certain movie, because it's an actioner, and that doesn't take away a lot from this movie. It also shows the audience the truth for secret agents' lives and the sometimes harsh attitude of the secret organisations that employ them. The direction contributes to the anticipation and climax of clutch scenes. The finale is both emotionally rewarding and keeps you in suspense of what comes next. It's not a torturously formulaic film, to the audience's satisfaction. Recommended to everyone who wants to watch an above average and entertaining action thriller.

This is a really odd movie, dark and mysterious, occasionally bloody, taking advantage of allegories in many points. The usage of the colour palette is just right, darker in flashbacks showing the past and brighter when we're watching the present. The performances from the main cast are all decent, and Sean Penn, Catherine McCormack and Sarah Polley stand out. The direction is sometimes suspenseful, as well as the development of the plot, and it truly succeeds in reaching the climax. I also noticed a directorial goof, concerning the lighting of a scene. I think it's one of the movies that were panned by critics for (nearly) no reason. To be honest, of course it's not a masterpiece, it might overuse allegories at some points, but it's not a cinematic atrocity, in my opinion. This motion picture is actually based on a true case, that its truth was never actually found out. It's recommended to the ones who want to see an oddly interesting movie, different from many others.

This is the conclusion to an iconic character's more- than-forty-years adventures. It's the first film neither directed by Steven Spielberg nor produced by George Lucas, and that might be the reason that it feels like something is missing during all the runtime. Of course the movie has strengths, like the nostalgic feeling it emits, the action sequences that manage to grip the viewers' attention, the mystery scenes during whom the characters search, the conundrums the heroes have to solve and certainly the heart and emotion the movie uses, as well as the pure old-school entertainment it offers to hardcore fans and newcomers alike. It also has something to say about the tainting of the human relationships but also how unexpected changes can happen concerning them. This picture uses deepfake AI technology to portray Harrison Ford younger, with impressive results! This one heavily draws from the Greek mythology and history for sure, with interesting -and sometimes funny- results. What's missing, actually, is the element of surprise, and the twists and turns as well, because after four Indiana Jones films you end up knowing what to expect, and to be honest I think it steals from some past Indy movies (a part with bugs and spiders). It's surely not a bad movie (far better than "Crystal Skull", for sure), but that finale, although touching, could have been better, character, filming and casting-wise (concerning the last you'll understand that it needed some actors of a certain nationality). It's a movie that needs to be seen on the big screen, as "Top Gun: Maverick" from 2022.

I'm not a fan of the "Fast and Furious" franchise, actually I haven't seen any other previous film of that franchise before, so you might expect my opinion on this flick: a generic actioner that only serves as a pick for an enjoyable movie night. I won't call it exactly as a total waste of money and time, I just believe that you won't lose anything if you don't see it. It has some strengths, like the love for every family member and the willingness for self-sacrifice, if necessary, the performance of Helen Mirren as the beloved grandma of the family, and the happy memories from the past of Toretto family. But, aside from these, it has nothing really special and there are far better action movies out there, if you want to see one, without all of those car crashes, that -to me- become boring and gratuitous after some time. It's not downright disappointing, but I'd say it's only recommended to the fans of the franchise and it doesn't truly have something important to offer, apart from lightweight entertainment.

This is an original science fiction movie, that's actually a satire of sci-fi movies and TV shows. It might be sci-fi genre-wise, but it's also very funny at times, has suspense (although light), decent performances from Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Tony Shalloub and the bad-tempered Alan Rickman. The gentle, kind and amusing aliens are endearing as well. It's one of the movies that don't portray aliens as monsters who threaten the humankind, instead they humanize them, even though the bad guy is an alien. It has twists and turns, is action-packed, and carries messages about courage, friendship, teamwork, solidarity and above all is one of the few movies that are equally fun for kids and parents. It's sad at times, but manages to keep entertained both mentioned above, even if the special effects are not very spectacular. I recommend it as a whole-family movie night choice, but keep in mind that children need to be at least 10 years old because it has some language, violence and sexual references.

This one is a refreshingly original science fiction movie, that approaches the "aliens on Earth" matter in a surprisingly new and sweet way. It's a film that manages to build up suspense, to impress us with huge sceneries and other similar objects literally from the space and to excite us with the complexity the distinct aliens use to communicate with people. It's also a motion picture that takes advantage of the "flashbacks within flashbacks" cinematic technique, that are necessary to explain some more complicated parts of that story. The performances are strong and compassionate, especially the leading one of Amy Adams, but also the supporting ones of Jeremy Renner and Forest Whitaker. This movie makes it to handle a really heavy and troubling subject matter, without being schmaltzy, glamorizing it or exaggerating it, and without sanitizing it, either. It is thrilling, innovative and simultaneously touching and affectionate towards the probability of the arrival of a new form of life. I highly recommend it to the ones who want to watch a unique sci-fi movie, and who want to get troubled and think about some matters (the last one is a strength of the film).

This is a nice movie of Wes Anderson's. It follows the "story within story" structure, and does so successfully. It's primarily narrated in first-person, which alternates with dialogue when necessary. Additionally, it's divided in parts, a fact that makes it very original. It has the characteristic palette of pastel colours which the director uses, and even if I haven't seen any other movie Wes Anderson has directed yet, I found it very interesting, funny and touching as well. The story has some twists and turns that make it exciting, the performances are great, especially that of Ralph Fiennes, but also Tony Revolori, Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe and Saoirse Ronan deliver very good performances. The direction is wonderful, the cinematography is beautiful and the film carries a message about the historical buildings, and even monuments, that get demolished basically for money. Even if the ending may not be the happiest possible, this one remains a fun and "colourful" movie that you can enjoy, with a surprisingly nostalgic look to the past, uncommon for the director.

This is a well-produced mystery film. The acting is great, the art direction is impressive (especially the mansion of the Baskervilles) and the scenery is beautiful, particularly the rendering of the maze-like marsh. It is a movie that manages to build up the suspense, and the characterization is generally descent, though it's not a film that relies on it at its core. The soundtrack is good, and some standout performances are Edward Hardwicke's as the loyal although naive John Watson and Jeremy Brett's as the sharp-witted and intelligent Sherlock Holmes. It's a good mystery movie as a whole, but I think it lacks the spark. I recommend it to fans of the book and the author.

This is one of the most delightful and light movies to watch. It has an absorbing (although run-of-the-mill) storyline, appealing leads (George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Matt Damon) although they portray con-artists, wit, a fast pace and it is action-packed. These ingredients, even though they don't necessarily comprise a masterpiece, they make for an entertaining film that it's worth the while -enough for a nice night at home, alone or with friends-. It is relatively well-acted, the direction is decent, the action scenes are great and the soundtrack is very well-composed. It's one of the best movies of 2001, in my opinion, and an action film with an acceptable plot (something rare in this days). It is a fine popcorn-friendly pick for action fans, and for families with young teens (12+).

This is one of the best movies Jim Henson has ever directed and produced. To begin with, he created a whole new world (the planet Thra), civilizations and heroes for this film. He revolutionized the way puppet/stop-motion movies are produced with the groundbreaking animatronics and the impressive visual effects he introduced, taking this genre a step further. This movie is also a truly immersive experience, that succeeds in taking you to another place, and is really spine-tingling, as well (if it is geared towards the right audience, of course). This picture has received criticism for being darker than most family films at the time, but I don't believe its scary (although absolutely buffoonish) villains will give chills to older kids in this day and age. The art direction is wonderful and some landscapes seem true, as well as some creatures, that seem human-like. The storyline is average (a hero's journey that we've seen a million times before), and that's a tale of good versus evil (there are better and more original than this out there, of course), but its narrative, which combines voice-overs with plot development in which characters act, its pioneering animatronics and effects, its visual splendor, its inventiveness and the well-composed soundtrack that gives frights to the audience (when needed) make this an absorbing dark fantasy film which is enjoyable to watch, if you want to see another side of Jim Henson. This movie also boasts a strong female character and a message about connection with other peers that can be found in unexpected places and ways.

This is a movie that shows us what's going on with Hollywood and its productions, how the approval or rejection of the scripts works, and what can happen when a writer gets his script rejected (although a bit exaggerated). It has enough action and laughs to hold your attention, as well as beautiful scenery in some shots. Also, in my view, it boasts one of the hottest and most passionate lovemaking scenes in film history. It is really surprising how Robert Altman managed to convey the desire of the two characters without showing any nudity, and taking advantage of their lashing and their declarations of love (although the director originally wanted a nude scene, but thanks to Scacchi's refusal we got to see the final form). The truth is, though, that the film could dive a bit deeper into the underbelly of Hollywood, but it doesn't really matter. The direction is good, Tim Robbins is great as a terrified studio editor from a writer's threatening postcards and Greta Scacchi is notable as a widowed girlfriend who moves on remarkably fast and Whoopi Goldberg is hilarious as a foulmouthed police officer who wants to take a closer look to the cases she takes charge of. The cinematography is great as well. We also see how some writers compromise their stories to what the audience wants, and it usually doesn't seem to mind them. I recommend this to the ones who want to learn a bit more about what happens in Hollywood and have fun, too.

This is a delightful action-comedy with Nicolas Cage. It kind of spoofs some characters the actor has already portrayed. I haven't seen many films starring Nicolas Cage, except for "The Rock" (from 1996) but I think that he is a good actor. This movie manages to be simultaneously funny and engaging, while touching upon some issues, such as love for cinema and its magic, friendship (especially between you and somebody you met by chance and didn't expect to befriend) and dilemmas about what to do when both of your choices will hurt someone (a matter depicted in a well-known Greek ancient tragedy)*. Even though these matters are glossed over, their existence in combination with parody elements makes this an almost above-average film. The direction and acting are decent, the soundtrack is well-composed, the punchlines and slapsticks scenes are hilarious and some of the landscapes are wonderful. I recommend this movie not only to fans of the famous actor, but also to the ones who want just to watch something enjoyable, which also carries a message (in this case about family bonds and friendships that bud and thrive in unexpected places, that can also lead to excellent partnerships).

*The well-known Greek ancient tragedy is Euripides' "Helen", an acclaimed play written in 412 BC.

This short movie is unexpectedly enjoyable, well-produced, well-acted and originally scripted. It also has surprising suspense and very well-performed musical numbers. The costumes and make-up are very decent and accurate with the period. The soundtrack is outstanding as well. The short also has something to say, concerning how people, especially in positions of power, in the name of righteousness (possibly hiding personal gain) can be horribly harsh. All of the little girls are totally charming and lovable, and they act well despite the fact that they are little children. In general, the production values are very high. The Christmas setting during World War 2 is very astute and justifies the reason why the nuns want to restrain the girls from hearing anything else except for the news from the Eastern Front. I highly recommend this movie, and I think it deservedly earned a nomination in the "Best Live-Action Short Film" category on the 95th Academy Awards.