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Reviews
The Gray Man (2022)
Not bad as some peiple said, but still a forgettable action movie.
Unfortunately, this movie is another proof that a star-studded cast (albeit at times uninspired - Ryan Gosling personally doesn't convince me as an action hero, Billy Bob Thornton is not at his usual level and Ana de Armas, always beautiful, still has much to prove), supported by excellent visual choreography, is not enough to make a good film when the plot is thin and underdeveloped.
It's a shame for Chris Evans, who delivers a really good performance as the psycho-villain in the context of a far-from-memorable film full of clichés of the action genre and overally a little boring, being a copycat of Jason Bourne and James Bond series.
The Covenant (2023)
Guy Ritchie as never seen before
I've always been a big fan of Guy Ritchie since the days of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, and I believe that The Covenant represents one of the highest points in his filmmaking career. It's an unusual film compared to what he's known for - complex, painful, and touching. It showcases a sort of artistic maturity even in the themes it addresses, departing from his usual rock 'n' rolla archetypes of London's suburbs.
The quality of the cast is impressive. Gyllenhaal has consistently delivered exceptional performances, Starr shines on the screen as always, and all the supporting actors (it's nice to see Jonny Lee Miller again) contribute to creating a beautiful drama about a chapter of history that will never be been told enough, like the war in Afghanistan. However, the real surprise is Dar Salim, whom I had already appreciated in Loving Adults and who proves to be a genuinely interesting actor.
The cinematography and the music, seamlessly integrated into the action as is typical of the director, complete a splendid and touching film about brotherhood, the grimness of war and the questionable handling of its aftermath by a presumed Great Nation."
The Vast of Night (2019)
A great debut from Andrew Patterson
With evident technical mastery and careful attention to detail, 'The Vast of Night' offers quite a good cinematic experience.
The masterful use of the long take in various scenes contributes to creating a sense of immersion, transporting viewers within the narrative itself often displaying dazzling dialogues, capturing attention from the outset and laying the foundation for the unfolding story. Despite intentionally not having a fast-paced rhythm, the audience becomes engaged and willingly follows the characters' journey through the thrilling discoveries that arise along the way.
The cast, though not composed of superstars, shines through their remarkable performances. The actors seamlessly fit into the context of the high-quality low-budget film, showcasing skill and dedication in bringing the characters to life. This choice helps create an authentic and engaging atmosphere.
In conclusion, 'The Immensity of the Night' stands out for its ability to blend remarkable technical direction with a captivating narrative. It serves as an example of how meticulous attention to detail and skilled direction can more than compensate for a limited budget. Audiences seeking a rewarding cinematic experience will find a secure choice in this film.
Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)
Reitman's Legacy
"Ghostbusters: Legacy" is an exceptional and captivating reimagining of the original two movies. With great respect, the film pays homage and brilliantly adapts the original works to the cinematic context of the third millennium: the blend of humor and emotion is perfectly balanced, making me both laugh out loud and be moved melancholically, transporting me back to the excitement when as a child I first saw Venkman&Co.
Above all, this movie not only celebrates the Ghostbusters' legacy but also serves as a heartfelt declaration of love behind the camera, with the director affectionately paying tribute to his father with a perfect third chapter of the franchise.
Arctic (2018)
Mads at his best
"Arctic" stands as a solid example of a survival movie, and even without introducing groundbreaking elements it can still tell a compelling story. The movie manages to strike a balance between its straightforward plot and emotional intensity, largely due to Mads Mikkelsen's skillful portrayal. The actor shoulders the protagonist role monolithically, embodying a stoic and resilient hero within an harsh environment of extreme isolation.
The turning point occurs when a rescue attempt fails, pushing the protagonist beyond the limits of his endurance not only for his own survival but also to protect those beside him. This character development transforms the story from a mere battle against nature into a narrative of human courage and altruism.
Without reinventing the wheel, the movie offers an entertaining survival challenge and a deep dive into the essence of human resilience thanks to a really convincing performance of the protagonist and an impeccable execution.
Vicini di casa (2022)
A missed chance
"Vicini di Casa" seems to have all the right ingredients to be a successful comedy, with a remarkable cast, an apparently funny approach about mariage and sexuality and a nice soundtrack.
However, the film falls short in addressing complex issues like marital crisis and swinging in a superficial and disjointed manner and it's not enough funny to be a real comedy.
Reassuming, the lack of depth prevent the film from truly delving into the intricacies of couples' struggles and its failure to strike a balance between its weak comedic tone and the seriousness of the topics explored results in a rather underwhelming experience.
The Nun (2018)
An awuful chapter in a good franchise
Despite being part of the renowned Conjuring franchise, this movie leaves a bitter taste with a plot that come across as mediocre and commonplace, lacking the genuine thrill that characterizes great films of the genre.
The first half barely manages to be passable for entertainmen but the second half is deeply disappointing, culminating in a blend that feels like a mixture of fantasy and horror, and almost not scary at all. The characters appear devoid of depth, and the screenplay surprisingly reveals itself to be childish. Definitely The Nun is a work that misses the opportunity to stand out in the horror landscape and fails to captivate the audience as one would expect from a film of this genre, with the true interest generated by this film that mainly stems from its connection to The Conjuring franchise rather than its own merits.
In Fabric (2018)
Movie Art (?)
From the start this movie seeks to embrace ambiguity and complexity through a visually captivating style, whit atmosphere that draws influences from directors like David Lynch and Dario Argento: the bold use of colors, dreamlike scenes, and surreal atmosphere are elements that make the first part of "In Fabric" a visually stimulating and engaging experience.
However, "In Fabric" seems to lose its way in the second part. The ambiguity, intriguing at first, become frustrating when a clear thread or direction in the plot cannot be found. This made me raise questions about the very nature of art and cinematic storytelling...even if it would become fertile ground for reflections and debates, I totally disliked this movie. Or maybe I wasn't able to understand it?
Oculus (2013)
Really a good horror!!!
Mike Flanagan once again demonstrates his narrative mastery, keeping the audience on edge without revealing more than what is absolutely necessary.
Right from the beginning, the film grabs your attention with an intriguing plot and a non-linear narrative skillfully intertwined, managing to manipulate the ambiguity between reality and supernatural and leaving viewers constantly teetering between what's real and what's a product of the characters' minds.
The true strength of "Oculus" lies in its ability to gradually escalate tension and the choice to only show what's essential heightens the sense of terror, creating a constant atmosphere of unease.
The elegant cinematography and adept use of light and shadow create a haunting atmosphere that seeps under the viewer's skin: the horror is never overdone or explicit, but rather insidious and suggestive, making "Oculus" a refined work of art.
If you're seeking horror that will keep you on the edge of fear without letting go, "Oculus" is the perfect choice.
Il primo giorno della mia vita (2023)
An intense Emotional Odyssey
"The First Day of My Life" captivated me from the very beginning, like a spiritual successor to "The Place", solidifying Paolo Genovese's position as one of the most intriguing Italian directors of our time.
The plot of the film unfolds in an engaging manner, with brilliant actors bringing their characters to life in an exceptional way. The sharp and well-composed images capture the essence of the scenes and contribute to creating a deeper connection with the audience. The attention to detail is also reflected in the soundtrack, magnificently underscoring the emotions of the film's key moments.
"The First Day of My Life" is an emotional roller coaster...at times touching and moving, at times brutally realistic, the film is capable of addressing profound themes with a sincerity that leaves no one indifferent: the melancholy that pervades the film is an element that grants it a unique depth with a combination of moments of joy and yearning creating an emotional equilibrium that reflects the complexity of life itself.
If you enjoyed "The Place," you will undoubtedly appreciate it.