Reviews

After being attacked, a young and extremely reserved man (Eisenberg) enlists at a local dojo, led by a mysterious and manipulative sensei (an amazing Alessandro Nivola).

The movie offers another excellent performance from Jesse Eisenberg. This is definitely his character's journey. This is a dark and sinister route that offers many moments of levity, kind of surreal of points but definitely enjoyable and intriguing, exploring concepts like what is to be a man, a human being and what is power and control over other people.

Highly recommended!

A mind-bending story following Greg whose life seems going to pieces after a recent divorce, longing a perfect life he can see in his daydreams. He meets the mysterious Isabel and follows her down the rabbit's hole, trying to understand what is real and what is a dream.

This movie definitely benefits from multiple viewings. If you hated it the first time, don't bother. But if you are at least intrigued the first time around, give it another chance. It took me three viewings to grasp all the pieces of this puzzle. It is uneven and unclear at points but there is definitely a meaning that can be grasped and enjoyed. This movie is not perfect by any means and it may result obscure and obstic to a vast portion of the public but it is at the same time intriguing and interesting, and unfolding its methafors is definetely rewarding.

A young couple looking for the perfect home finds themselves trapped in a suburb full of identical homes. When the two try to leave the labyrinth-like area, each road mysteriously brings them back to their starting point in a sort of infinite spatial loop.

The movie is carried by the excellent performance of leading actors Imogen Poots and Jesse Eisenberg. Albeit interesting on paper, the story and intrigue work more as metaphor of suburban life than an sci-fi/horror/mystery story and probably would have worked better as a short more than a full length picture (e.g. A Black Mirror episode). Ultimately the enjoyment is toned down by a not entirely satisfying (and rather predictable) ending (if you'll guess you'll probably catch it).

Two teenagers live the same day over and over. They seem to have all the time in the world, but is it? With the "Groundhog Day" premise seen a million times, I was ready to hate this movie and brand it as "unoriginal".... Unexpectedly I ended up loving it. This is not a perfect movie but is a really good one, a collection of "tiny perfect things". Well acted, well paced and full of meaning.

What is the map of tiny perfect things? And what are these tiny perfect things? Without spoiling too much, I'm going to say that the protagonists' unique perspective on life gives them access to a special connection with the world and a secret beauty that seems absent to mundane days.

Are they dreaming? Or is everyone else dreaming? Maybe life is all a dream and all we have is each other and the ability to share... tiny perfect things, because perfection doesn't need to be bloated, doesn't need to be flashy. To take a quote from The Secret Life of Walter Mitty: "Beautiful things don't ask for attention".

Christian is living in London and struggling to become a professional in martial arts. After years he finds himself only able to fight low-tier matches and never properly paid. Ultimately his girlfriend kicks him out. He decides to rob the restaurant where he used to work to be able to pay the mortgage and fly back to his birthplace, Genoa, where he will have to reconnect with his family and his friends.

This is a simple yet powerful story. Chrsitian doesn't know what to do, unsure if try to find a new job in Italy or go back to London. There things are complicated, people are stressed all the time, but here (in Italy) are not simple. Nothing is simple... the world seems to have lost its way so it's easy to lose yourself and only in friendship, family and quality relationships we can find our way. A seriously ill friend will help Christian to change his point of view (there is always someone that is in a worst position). As he says to Christian, take everything that life offers you and smile...

Agnes (Kelly Macdonald) is an underappreciated suburban mother, member of a family that has no interest for the world around. She casually discovers a passion for solving jigsaw puzzles which unexpectedly draws her into a new world of discoveries and possibilities. Here she meets Robert (Irrfan Khan).

Both fabulous lead actors. Kelly Macdonald (do you remember her in Trainspotting and Trainspotting 2?) and Irrfan Khan are great. They are really different persons, pretty much opposites on many levels, but create a bond starting from the common passion for puzzles. They help each other open once again to life and learn how to live and explore themselves and the world around. As discussed in the movie, we live in a chaotic world and solving puzzles is a tiny step to battle entropy and feel complete.

Overall, this is a good movie that offers in-deep character study and reflects on life.

Urged by his doctor, a "stuffy" psychoanalyst (a fabulous as usually Toni Servillo) goes to the gym and meets a spicy female personal trainer who turns his life upside down, they will both grow and learn to reconnect to life among twist and turns taken along their new friendship.

This is a really well made and well put together movie. The characters are the strong point of this flick, especially the two protagonists. The first half is much like a character study, we get to know their lives and struggles. There is a huge "Woody Allen" vibe to this part of the story, especially the figure of the psychoanalyst seems very much like the NYC director in one of his many roles, a bit neurotic and a bit too conservative in his outlook to life. He will learn to open up to life once again with the help of his new lady friend. The second half takes a more adventurous turn and can appear a bit uneven but is ultimately still enjoyable, introducing equally likeable characters and tiding up nicely the loose ends.

Apart from performances, this movie is really bad. The plot is full of nonsensical elements, above all the absolute incapacity of the "bad guys" (the Russian Mafia!) to kill somebody for good and take care of a really minor issue. Anyway the capital sin of this movie is a main character that is totally unlikeable from start to finish, we talk about next level unlikeable. You hate this character and therefore you hate the movie. A really poorly constructed product with a massive loss of potential. A lot of bad reviews for this flick and unfortunately are really well deserved.

This is a good story about a man, Diego, that suffers deeply from depression and is determined to commit suicide. Fate gives him a second chance. As the movie tells us, the first day after a failed suicide is a strange day, a day that shouldn't exist... it is a gift. This time around he wants to set things right with people in his life. This makes him depart on a journey of discovery, settled in the beautiful city of Torino, that will take him through his actions, the disasters caused by them, the kinship of newly found friends, especially Massimiliano that, after the death of his wife, set up a shop "Chiacchiere" (Chats) for everybody to enjoy a casual chat. He will discover that love doesn't come from big and disruptive gestures but from small things like being present and listening.

Gerard Butler's family struggles for survival in the face of a meteoric shower disaster and cosmic level improbability events.

I was looking forward to this flick because of the surprising good reviews (especially for a disaster movie), unfortunately I wasn't expecting the long list of clichés that one after the other pile up, injuring the fruition of the movie. I normally can digest one or two but the list was so long that became quickly indigestible and apparent sign of lazy writing. Just to mention:

• They forget/lose something in an improbable super-clichéd way and they need to split
• Mobile network not working (of course they don't!) and they can't reach each other
• A vehicle losing fuel leading to an inevitable explosion
• Reluctant bad guy during an assault in a shop
• Voluntary but totally unnecessary sacrifice from a character that had no more purpose in the movie (for instance there's a major example of this cliché in Star Wars - Rogue One)
• Catastrophic event happening in the same area the main characters are passing by and is telegraphed by the media
• Ticking clock in the form of a world extinction event... totally not necessary, especially because of how it played out

Also inconsistencies of all kinds (pay attention at when monuments are shown after the main comet hit and then check the world map that is presented...).

It could have been so much better if there was some more work done on script to avoid/twist at least a couple of these elements.

Crazy things begin to happen when a group of eight friends gather for a dinner on an evening when a comet is passing overhead... What is reality? This entire concept seems to shatter.

I recently seen this movie again and I've actually raised my score. This is a really intriguing movie with exciting sci-fi concepts related to multiverse and multi-reality theories. The low budget is sometimes a gift that permits to cut out the superfluous and focus on central themes that are what really matters. The result is the outstanding situation of a much better movie compared to many bombastic (but soulless) blockbusters. In a way related to another of my favourite conceptual sci-fi movies, Another Earth (highly recommended), despite less philosophical and more scientifically based (sort of).

The shooting experience for this project is interesting as well so look it up if you are interested in filmmaking.

A comedic take on Detective Sherlock Holmes and his partner Doctor Watson.

I wasn't offended by this movie but I wasn't really entairtained. There's so much that could have been done with this premise and this is mostly lazy jokes. So much potential was lost that this is the real crime it should be investigated. It is overall not as bad as depicted but 'just' painfully average. Anacronistic elements (the Titanic and Queen Victoria... really?) are odd choices and not exploited at all for comedy (it should be used in a clever way and not as other lazy / almost inert elements). I really like these actors (Reilly is outstanding in "The Sisters Brothers", a serious role filmed in the same period and Ferrell has been good in comedy and some serious role as well) but here they do their best with deeply uninspired material.

Ralph is tired of being the "bad guy", overshadowed by Fix-It Felix, the "good guy" of his game who always saves the day. He decides to set off on a game-hopping journey across the arcade through various video games to prove he has what it takes to be a hero. On his quest, he meets interesting and colourful characters, including the misfit Vanellope from a candy-coated cart racing game, Sugar Rush, who is equally looking for redemption aiming to be a racer in her game. Ralph accidentally unleashes a deadly enemy on her world forcing them into an unlikely cooperation. Will Ralph and Vanellope realise their dreams and save the arcade before it's too late?

Entertaining for kids and adults, this movie has its heart in a good place with deeply faceted delightful misfit characters. As well, John C. Reilly as Ralph is really good in his role and Sarah Silverman as Vanellope is likeable too.

Baz is a cycle cop. As riots break out in London suburbs, a freak accident causes him an head injury that changes him from an everyday police officer into a psychopath vigilante, offering serious or petty criminals alike a choice, arrest or death. Baz sees this campaign as 'lawful killing' in a justice campaign to save London. Criminals are usually too confused or drunk to argue when they are (politely) asked "May I kill you?". All these interactions are recorded by Baz using his helmet-camera and posted anonymously on-line, quickly transforming the vigilante in the newest Londoner justice crusader.

Quirky indie films about justince and the meaning of it, this is an original British black comedy with unespected twist and turns. Despite not recommended for everybody, this flick will give enjoyment to viewers looking for something different.

Ruth is a pregnant woman on a killing spree dictated by her unborn child, seemingly holding society responsible for the absence of a father.

It surely earns points on originality, this is a really unusual and transgressive movie. Unfortunately loses points because of an unlikeable protagonist and continuosly creepy images and situations, all this leaving a really bad taste in your mouth while watching it making you feel uncomfortable and not in a "good" way (this anyway may ultimately be the end goal of the filmaker and may appeal to a specific audience). You may be tempted/intrigued to see it or even like it if you like deep transgression and you are bored by traditional movies.

For Tyler's 30th birthday, his girlfriend gets him an admission to a mysterious escape room event. They enter with four friends and they find themselves trapped in creepy rooms where they must solve tricky puzzles in order to advance. Of course, they soon realise they may not all escape with their lives.

Intriguing as concept but poorly executed, I liked to a certain extent the set up. The ending fell really flat and really damaged the whole narrative. Acting performances and annoying characters did not help elevating this from a 'below average' horror movie ground.

Several years past the events in Burma, John Rambo lives in Arizona at his deceased father's horse ranch, which he manages with his old friend Maria and her granddaughter, Gabriela. He seems to be settled with his new family. Gabriela tells Rambo that has found her biological father in Mexico. Both Rambo and Maria tell her not to go to Mexico, but Gabriela secretly goes there to ask why her father abandoned her and her mother years ago. Unsurprisingly things don't go well and Rambo must confront his past and unearth his grim and merciless combat skills to obtain revenge in a (seemingly) final mission.

Dark, brutal and extremely graphic, this is a story about revenge, blind vengeance for one too many unwanted grievance. Stallone brings a credible world-weary performance. John Rambo can't rest. He can't retire.

He tried to come home. He never arrived. He never came home.

This is a story following two best friends, Milly (Toni Collette) and Jess (Drew Barrymore), inseparable since they were young girls. Their friendship is put to the test when Milly falls ill and her world slowly starts to fall apart deeply affecting everybody around her, especially Jess.

The story is sad but the comedic and familiar cut is a pleasant touch that involves the audience. Toni Collette, as always, elevates everything she is in. Drew Barrymore is stellar as well, delivering a genuine performance. Paddy Considine and Dominic Cooper are great in the role of male supporting characters, above all they appear to deeply love their women companions. It is ultimately a film about friendship, family, life and death. A honest and powerful story.

Guia, a young and beautiful woman, manages a famous fashion magazine in the Italian fashion capital, glamorous Milan. The trusted assistant (Carola) and her opportunistic partner (Marco) work with her. Guia is snobbish and cynical, her life takes an unexpected turn when, after the death of her father, she inheirits an old Apulian farmhouse, especially when the task of getting rid of it demonstrates to be harder then originally espected.

This movie is a tangle of characters. The movie is able to capture a lot of small things, details of their lives, that make them feel real and authentic. Pino (a majestic Neri Marcorè) lives in the farmhouse, he is Guia's cousin suffering from intellectual disability but in many ways he appears to be wiser then most people. Then Renzo, who takes care of raising his son Toni, is running the farm. And also rival bartenders Delfo and Felice, the romantic Mara in search of love, Rosario who alternates the butcher's job with that of real estate agent. Guia, more and more time is spent away from her glossy but superficial world, understands the beauty of this bucholic world and this simple life. Carola, that came to assist her, has a similar change of heart. Initially seeming mundane and lackluster the farmhouse is discovered much more as a temple for simple life. All these characters are the same, hiding beauty. Will Guia, Carola but also Mara find happiness discovering this beauty? All comes together in a majestic scene of the village festival involving chinese lanterns.

Good watch.

When a young woman visits a priest for a confession, the two start an unlikely conversation and the more it goes on, the more he feels conflicted with his faith and by the end he has his world turned upside down.

This is a surprising good movie. Dialogues constitute almost the entirety of the film and they are really well written, sustaining the dynamics among the characters. The dialogue between the priest and Amber, the young woman, is interspersed with different confessions, meaningful conversations with various characters that enrich the story. Small-scaled in term of movie-making, this is huge in term of exploration of human psychology and that makes some of the best cinema.

Challenged on love and life by Amber, the piest's faith falters. A confession without guilt seems ultimately to push him to reject his vows, seemingly having lost trust into this sacrament. Is confession still relevant in this modern world? Will the priest leave the Church? What is Amber motivation to look into confession? All these dynamics will find a satysfying conclusion rich in significance.

Highly recommended.

Egyptian Prince Moses conducts a reckless life careless of the troubles is causing to other people (for example accidentally destroying a temple during a chariot race together with his older brother Ramses, heir to the throne). He accidentally learns of his identity as a Hebrew and his life has an abrupt stop. At this time Hebrew are enslaved in Ancient Egypt. Moses changes, at first refusing his adopting family and high position for a secluded simple life but later learns his destiny to become the chosen deliverer of his people. This will lead to an inevitable confrontation with Ramses, the new Pharaoh leaving them apart for ever.

This movie is outstanding on many points of view. Animation is distinctive and impeccable. Many scenes are pure works of art. The scene where, in a nightmarish dream, Moses discovers his father Paraoh Seti ordered the killing of the newborn Hebrew boys is both beautiful and terryfing. The scenes showing the plagues are majestic. This must be coupled with amazing and moving songs like "When you believe". Dynamics among characters are really believable. Character growth for Moses is outstanding with a complete arch encompassing the whole movie. His relationship with his brother Ramses is compelling andrepresents the emotional gravity of the film. At first linked more than real brothers, they are later thorn apart by respective destinies especially with Ramses unwilling to disappoint the deceased father and be a weak link in the dinasty's chain showing mercy to Hebrow people, a dynamic well established at the beginning of the movie. This showing Moses willing to change for the better and evolve while Ramses unwilling to leave the shadow of his parent.

The only valid criticism could be revolving the religious themes of the movie. I agree that there are some twisted elements (e.g. the plagues including the killing of newborn Egyptian babies hinting at a vengeful God). Anyway these elements are faithful to the source material and this story can be enjoyed as pure mythology, a fabulous piece of story-telling for ancient traditions masterfully put together. The movie is not trying to preach or convert so that religious criticism is unvalid in my opinion.

This is a masterpiece on all points of view and an highly recommended movie!

After a deadly road accident, Paolo is allowed to return to Earth just 92 minutes more, thanks to a miscalculation made in the paradise office. Married and father to two siblings, Paolo desperately tries to spend his last moments with his family overlooked for way too long, while reviewing his life in search for meaning.

Despite dragging at points and with a screenplay that could have been tighten up a bit, the message of the movie is loud and clear. The movie is sustained by a likable lead and it is a funny (especially some of the scenes with the angel that escorts the protagonist back to Earth), but never trivial, exploration of moments of ordinary happiness. 92 minutes seem an insignificant amount of time but sometimes it is all it takes to give meaning to an entire life.

Bruna is a beautician who struggles to make ends meet. Betrayed by her boyfriend and chased by an unscrupulous supplier, she receives a confession on the point of death from a client. She is the mother of a famous bandit and hid a treasure in one of the chairs in her living room. Bruna leaves for the villa and remains stuck behind a gate in the company of a wild boar. Dino, a tattoo artist working next to her beauty shop, comes to her rescue and ends up involved in the affair. After discovering the assets have been confiscated and auctioned (including the eight chairs they are looking for), Bruna and Dino track down collectors and buyers in search of the chair filled with jewels. Adventure goes on with ups and downs, magicians and odd collectors, lagoon and mountains. Bruna and Dino will find much more along the way.

Sustained by very likeable leads and interesting quirky supporting characters, this is an enjoyable adventure centered on pursuing happiness. Teaming up with a wacky greedy priest, among a magician, industrious immigrated entrepreneurs, a grumpy fishmonger and an artist / shepherd living in the majestic scenaries of the Alps, these are some of the eccentric characters they need to face in order to find their lucky chair. A simple story enriched by interesting story-telling, originating a pleasant flick.

Gerry is a nice guy that works at a bathtub factory. Deliberately avoiding prescribed medications, delusions and hallucinations are normal part of his life. He usually talk to his good tempered dog, Bosco, and really mean cat, Mr Whiskers, that give him advices. When the guy pursues his office crush things starts to go south very fast and every inadvertently bad action causes a worst reaction in a spiral soon out of control.

Overall this is a really well made and enjoyable black comedy. As usual, Ryan Rynolds is a likable lead. His performance and portrayal of mental illness really sticks out with some good exploration of his twisted past and bleak every day reality, originating a simpathetic character that needs help more than condemnation. The movie is greatly elevated by Rynolds performance, almost a solo one, especially looking at the rather flat supporting characters. As well, The cat and dog are masterfully voiced by Ryan.

The plot is pretty straight. A young governess is hired by a man who has become responsible for his young nephew and niece after the death of their parents. After a few disturbing episodes involving the two troubled (to say the least) siblings, in particular the freakish boy, and the old creepy governess, every sane person would have left the job immediately, she doesn't for inesplicable reasons causing a detach in the viewer that doesn't understand why she's still there despite not constrained by anything. This movie started quite strong and kept losing coherence at a faster pace to the point of self-destruction. The characters came to be totally unlikeable. Finally, the ending is a true disaster. I can see a universe in which this ending works, unfortunately is executed in the weirdest, most twisted and shock-seeking way possible. Having seen this movie in January 2020, this will be for sure the most disappointing movie experience of the year at least in term of ending... hands down!