kosmasp Reviews

Late Night with the Devil (2023)

Great TV

[10/10 · 22 April 2024]

Well at least that is what one could say after watching this - so no pun intended. As this movie was introduced to us ... I fully agree that it is best to know as little as possible before watching this. And while this is standard modus operandi for me ... I hope you can and will heed by this words for this movie too.

This playing in the 70s: great costume design, really good sound design (including music) and superb cinematography. Actors do their best to say the least - they really are giving it their all. And the script? Just great taking us on a ride ... there is a character for everyone in this.

This also is a nice look behind the making of a late night show. Maybe our show host never talks to the higher ups (something that funnily never comes up - well once, but I mean after that) ... but this works anyway .. or even because of that ... there is mystery here for sure ... a deserving closing movie for the Fantasy Filmfest ... great 3,5 days I had - well we had! Everyone who came and watched a lot of good or great movies.

Oddity (2024)

Connected

[7/10 · 22 April 2024]

No pun intended - I reckon we all believe that twins have a special bond and connection. So if something happens to one, the other one knows. In this case it goes further than that. Even a blind person could see that - well you know what I mean. All kidding (and puns aside), the movie is quite predictable but has some very effective jump scares.

You may wonder why some things happen ... and some of the explanations are ... well not really satisfying to say the least. Sound is good, the cinematography is well done too. And the location was well chosen (once again, the director has some experience in that regard).

Maybe this will ring with (for) you - especially the way it ends (sorry for the pun) ... a fun little movie that could (predictability/cliches aside)

Concrete Utopia (2023)

Who's house?

[10/10 · 22 April 2024]

Not Runs house - we do have many other names that you could attach (obviously all Korean) .. so no pun intended. Utopia and Paradise ... not sure what your definition for those are, but I am quite certain the movie or the location probably are not fitting.

And talking of fitting, the same seems to be true for the place, space and ... well many other things that people could share. Now you have to suspend your disbelief - I think if this was set in the 70s or some time, when you did not have Internet and cell phones ... I would kind of understand the lack (at least during the duration of the movie) of outside help.

The acting is amazing - and the story or the implications (especially society wise) are really good. I may have to rewatch High Rise - but I feel that this movie does a far greater job when it comes to buildings (apartment complexes) ... even if the movies do not entirely have similar plots ... maybe you could even say they have a different topic - but there are some similarities.

What we do have are morally questionable decisions ... and I reckon you could side and judge ... but it is tough to actually say what one would do ... one would hope there would be more humanity ... more empathy ... I am not sure that this ideal (utopia way of thinking) would actually happen. The slate is clean from the start ... we do not know the people we see ... they all have a backstory, but we only get some glimpses during the movie from some of them ... and it makes the movie better.

Korean movies know how to engage and how to build up suspense ... there are so many great moments here ... and it is able to bring fresh things up ... when you think you know where it goes ... it sticks (or throws) something else at you ... Great effects (sound and visual wise) too.

The Funeral (2023)

Family business

[6/10 · 22 April 2024]

No pun intended - a horror movie from Turkey. Not the first one and quite a strange one. And not just because our main character seems estranged from his family - something almost unheard of, but makes sense in the context of the movie. No it is strange in the way it is told and moreover in the way it is resolved (or what is resolved).

A lot of questions, almost no answers. I reckon you can piece together the why (at least ... symbol wise - sorry for the pun) ... but there are a lot more questions ... and some have to do with our main character as well. And he is quite pale - again no pun intended.

He's a good looking Dude and I suppose he has charisma - but the role he portrays ... we do not get much from him. I understand that you are supposed to put your own feelings on and into him ... but that goes only so far. A lonely man - he even says that he is more afraid of the living ... so we kind of get his motivation ... but that doesn't make him or his character that much better.

That said, the colors, the soundtrack are really good. And if you don't mind the shaky cam, that is also very good. The pacing ... that's a tough one! I would argue it is way too slow ... some would call it moody I assume - for better or worse.

You really have to be in the mood for it - there are a lot of symbolisms here and the director knows what he wants - not sure it will be enough to get a larger crowd to enjoy this ... actually I would almost bet this is quite niche ... so you decide if this is something for you! It could have done with some editing/shortening.

Boy Kills World (2023)

Silent World

[9/10 · 21 April 2024]

As opposed to Silent Night - sorry John Woo! No pun intended too - I think I might have to change the rating for that other movie ... and rate it lower/weaker ... or come back to this and give it a 10 I reckon. We'll see - but as it is now and because I thought certain things are probably a bit too weird for some ... I decide to stick with a solid 9.

Bill is amazing in this and it is nice to see S. Copley in top form! Also the Mentor/Shaman .. you can tell someone did their homework! Great casting overall! Even the main bad woman - she is just perfect. Optically speaking but also character wise ... at least it feels like that.

The movie has a strange humor and many cool ideas! The director already showed with his previous (German) movie that he knows and loves weird ... I am happy for him and happy I was able to watch this! We also get a lot of violence ... it is predictable! I do believe that you can tell what the big twists are going to be ... but it does not deter from the fun you can have ... up until the last fight ... and even after the credits (one minor bonus scene is there for you to enjoy) ... dig in!

The Empire (2024)

No sense

[7/10 · 21 April 2024]

And no pun intended either - but on a serious note: this should be watched with an open mind - and with the knowledge of ... nothing! As in not questioning things that happen here. There are not many things that make sense here. Yes it is good vs. Evil - but shortcuts could have been made. Both sides are ... lacking certain qualities ... things are too on the nose (binary system with 0 and 1 that is being used) ... others are way too ... let's say it is not political correct.

Why Aliens would use buildings and furniture is beside me ... but back to my point of not trying to think anything ... it is tough as you can see. But why use entertainment in a form that is quite ... let's say discriminatory ... and I am being nice in calling it that. If you see how the evil "lord" amuses himself ... what or rather who is being summoned ... I would not blame you if you have issues with that.

But comedy is supposed to be mean ... has to have an edge ... these may be arguments you have ... fair enough! I am not telling you how to feel about things depicted here ... just trying to prepare you. Now bow down and accept this as your true Emperor ... I am just kidding ... or am I? Well don't trust the police to be of any help ...

Riddle of Fire (2023)

Perfect kids ...

[10/10 · 21 April 2024]

... well maybe not that perfect, so no pun intended. Although they are quite something when it comes to the acting department! A friend said that the kid actors are getting better or they choose better than many decades ago. This movie would be further proof of that - even though a dance scene might suggest something else - that was really weird in not a good sense. At least in my opinion.

But even small flaws and moral issues aside: the movie is fun! Do not try this at home - or anywhere else! But the movie itself tells us, that it is not reality ... neo fairy tale is the term if I got it right. Just go with the flow, enjoy the kids and the adults ... but more the kids ... because this was made for and about them.

Just ignore some of the juvenile behavior ... which at times is being pointed out too ... surprised at the rating - because of the curse words! And kids saying them too ... maybe the theme is what gave them some slack ... anyway, really good and a throwback to childhood and friendship ...

The Soul Eater (2024)

After Inside comes ...

[9/10 · 21 April 2024]

... Insane! No pun intended - also soul Eater could be seen as a pun ... works in many ways. So we have two detectives here, both trying to solve a case of their own ... both not really welcomed in the village they arrive. Now if you have seen a few (crime) thrillers ... I reckon you will be able to see where some of the things the movie considers twists are going or when they will appear.

So there is a bit of predictability that comes into play. What you may not expect: how brutal it is. The two directors of this have done quite violent movies before - Inside being one of the most infamous one. Not sure if they did the US remake - I don't think I watched that ... yet! Will do at one point - but it was really good to watch this. Even if I had some hunches to say the least - still great ride.

Sting (2024)

Bite me

[8/10 · 21 April 2024]

No pun intended - I wonder if the all the things in Australia are out of this world? Well the director did suggest that he knows that his home country has a lot of things that are trying to kill you - still want to go on vacation to Australia? Actually all kidding aside, the big cities will not be an issue - I reckon the things that Americans or Europeans are afraid of ... are in other areas of Australia.

But this is set in America - and maybe the "spider" flew over from Australia ... actually it seems to have a different origin ... not that we ever get to know the origin of this .. let's call it what it is: Alien.

And no pun intended with this either by the way. A great set of characters, some beautiful (read vicious) effects ... and a movie that seems to not take any prisoners ... it's feeding time!

The Invisible Fight (2023)

Better believe

[9/10 · 20 April 2024]

No pun intended - the movie is quite something. I have to admit the way it started I was expecting more a Shaw Brothers movie ... but that is just the intro ... it becomes a completely different beast after ... although I reckon you could see the Orthodox priests as a substitute Shaolin teacher/school kind of thing.

One thing is for sure: the humor is in the eye of the beholder ... or viewer ... and that is you. So if you like a movie to be silly ... like really silly, all the way through ... this is for you. There is some action, there is some tension and there is fighting ... but your reaction to the jokes will be way more important than anything else ... also if you had no idea who Black Sabbath is ... or was ... well you will know after watching this ... great song!

Pendant ce temps sur Terre (2024)

Brother(s) Keep her

[7/10 · 20 April 2024]

No pun intended - a few things I was struggling with before writing this review ... talking about the ending in a way that may give away certain things ... rating, because of the great ending (at least in my humble opinion) ... should I go at least 8? Well I may change my mind and it really is tough for me to make up my mind I reckon overall.

All that said, the lesser you know about the movie the better it probably works. One thing you should know for sure: it is a slow burn. It may get stuck in your head (sorry for the pun) ... and it is tough to imagine "what would I do?" ... because our main character is in a tough spot to say the least.

So to decide what to do ... and to "obey" because of love ... well you'll understand. What you may not understand ... or at least is not entirely clear I think: the ending. If what we know up to this point is true ... it would point to one thing ... but then again, maybe it wasn't all as it was said it is(?) ... the animation is well done and sparsely used (and that is a good thing) ... a movie for the thinking minds ... no right or wrong here ...

Cobweb (2023)

On fire

[9/10 · 20 April 2024]

No pun intended - this can be seen as a love letter. I would argue not just for Korean cinema (movie making that is), but any all over the world. But of course there are certain things that may be particular and just more on point there. It does play in the 70s, so I assume some things may have changed since then - one would hope so at least.

All that said, great acting - within acting - and movie within movie and all that. Though as is true with almost all movies that have a movie as central theme ... you have to suspend your disbelief ... as in making it non existent, if you catch my drift.

You could argue that we do not see the movie, but a spectator perspective ... fair point, but you mostly do not see the work that has to be done between shots. But that would kind of make the movie a drag ... this is about something else ... about a dream .. about showing critics that things are not as easy as they may think they are. Plus a lot of personal stories of course! May be a bit too long - and I was a bit surprised with the ... let's call it addition in the end ... but I reckon it was necessary ... to give us something back.

Well done to say the least - and realistic in a way (relationship wise), in a very unrealistic way - gotta love it. Also not to be confused with the American Cobweb ... renamed Knock Knock Knock in Germany ...

The Roundup: Punishment (2024)

Online crimes

[9/10 · 19 April 2024]

No pun intended - the movie takes a step into modern crime. Apparently the Round up series is going to have many more entries. And I will watch them all and I know if Don Lee is in them, I will enjoy them in different degrees .. but I will enjoy them. The second one still remains the best - I was thinking about giving this an 8 ... but decided to go with a 9 like with the rest of them.

There is less with side characters, but still more than enough! The mascot is back - well I am calling him that. A "small" time criminal, who has a love hate relationship with our main character here. And quite a few more return too. Of course Don Lee as the main character has to be back too. And we have a bit of a break(through) compared to the other 3 movies. Usually you had him entering and us seeing only his back in the very first scene. This time the very first shot is straight up his face. Though to be fair, we ... feel his presence way before that. A really good entry once again - just different than the other movies.

We also do not get the ... usual interrogation scene. We do get a mixture of things used before though (the making the criminal being afraid of his life and in another scene the .... "helmet" method - if you know, you know) ... and both things work.

The movie is quite violent, but also has quite the funny and chill moments. Don Lees character not being able to understand technical terms is just hilarious ... as are his attempts to use words of wisdom he has heard ... to pep up/talk others ... but that is why we love him.

Other good news: we get a really good bad guy. Was a bit of a problem (at least for me) in the third one. And still not as good as the one in the second movie ... but a step up as I said. If you liked Bud Spencer ... you will have fun with the antics that this movie is giving you! You can feel every punch ... you don't need 3D for this ... just a good sound system!

I Believe in Santa (2022)

Losing my ... religion/belief

[3/10 · 19 April 2024]

No pun intended - now maybe you are a Christmas ... I'll say addict without meaning it to be super negative. Enthusiast might be a better word I reckon. So let's go with that - and it would be fitting because one of the characters in this also loves Christmas .. like a lot! Way too much as some might say.

Suspend your disbelief you say? Better believe that! I am not a fan of the Hallmark movies - this has a similar vibe to say the least. It may be even more over the top come to think of it. Unrealistic is one thing, but not criticizing Christmas movies? Why not? They are not beyond approach and have to be held to a standard to - at least for most of us. If you feel differently: good for you! Especially if you had fun with this movie that I would consider boring (I would say no offense, but that would not sound too honest/earnest).

Big George Foreman (2023)

One way out

[8/10 · 19 April 2024]

Well there were probably other things Foreman could have done, so no pun intended with this summary line as well (as the others). George Foreman is right now quite known for his grills - and while I was waiting for them to pop up during the run time, they are mentioned in the end credits (amongst other things/facts listed about him).

Really well played and quite a lot of ups and downs. I was a bit taken back by the casting choice of Ali, when he first showed up on screen, but I reckon he did a good job too, like everyone else involved in this. Just in case you feel the same way, the feeling will go away after he has his first encounter with George.

The subsequent meeting and generally speaking a lot of life events do pop up, will catch your attention. This is really well made and great acting too - I did not know much about his life, so it was quite enlightening ... on the other hand there are apparently documentaries ... I reckon they shine a light and quote more of George himself ... for those interested.

Ecce Pirate (1997)

Stolen life

[5/10 · 19 April 2024]

Aka Pirate life? Well no pun intended, but I reckon you could say that. The movie shot and done by Matthew Modine on his free time during his actual shoot of Cutthroat Island is quite revealing. It is a bit a meditation of life - it is about what life could have been, but more what life actually is for our main character.

Yes it is a short movie and yes it does use the set and actors/extras of the feature length movie. Matthew seems to have gotten his fellow workers to help out. Some even without much of a pay if I got it right. Understandable on one hand (more a passion project and all that), but also a bit of a shame considering that most who helped out, probably didn't make much money anyway.

Back to the short movie, that also has some nudity ... not much, but if it bothers you, some male parts will be visible for a short period of time. Other than that this is slow paced and quite somber.

Love Lies Bleeding (2024)

Power of .. Love(?)

[9/10 · 19 April 2024]

No pun intended - I was thinking about going with the with great power comes ... but before I confuse anyone ... I think the summary line I ended up with is better. Kristen Stewart has shown that she is more than just whatever some may have thought of her after watching Twilight.

The real revelation may be her (female) co star though. Her name is a bit more difficult to say (at least at first, it's probably easier once you hear it said/spoken out loud). And then you also have the amazing Ed Harris ... who may be channeling his inner Crypt Keeper (if you know, you know) ... I reckon the alive version of that.

The movie seems grounded in reality mostly (though there is a scene towards the end) that is quite ... big! And yes still no pun intended ... also the movie is quite brutal. While there is also some nudity (and same gender ... intimacy), the violence is the one you may feel thrown off with ... but you've been warned!

Cutthroat Island (1995)

Cutting it close

[8/10 · 19 April 2024]

No pun intended - and if you've seen the movie, you know what I mean. How many times can you push someone to the edge - or under the edge ... surface ... there is many names you could come up with. Nick of time it is then - don't get me wrong, it works ... and Geena Davis plus Matthew Modine ... they are amazing in their roles.

I reckon this came a few years too early ... also without a Captain Jack Sparrow ... let's keep it real, Pirates of the Caribbean would never have been this massive franchise (and had the success it had), without Johnny Depp in the lead role ... playing that character. And while the movies may have lost some of that magic (first movie), it was always great to see him. I think one can argue about wanting to see a sequel to this ... I wouldn't have minded. I think there are many stories to explore here too. Still you don't have that one major character who would have made it possible.

Renny Harlin may have lost his box office touch (and both movies starring Geena Davis, so maybe her too) ... but only when it comes to the money the movies made ... they are not as bad as the earnings would let you believe. I would even argue they are quite good, even if I and probably you wouldn't consider them classics.

And a pun for the German speaking here: Eine (Piraten) Braut, die sich traut - which I would have used as summary headline, but as you can tell only works in German ... it's a riff on a title of another movie! They have nothing in common really ... but it works for ... fun and silliness.

After listening to the audio commentary, I can say that Renny had quite some problems with the movie - shooting it (DP injured, set and crew changes and so many other things) ... but also with the studio promoting it. Not sure if the fact that he had a woman as a lead was also an issue ... Geena Davies also was the lead a year later with Samuel L. Jackson as a "sidekick" ... and it didn't work out there either ... so maybe he was right to assume that. Pirate genre also seemed dead when this was shot .. but again, Pirates showed how you could revive it ... still a good movie overall.

Swarm (2023)

In your head

[8/10 · 16 April 2024]

No pun intended - I had to backtrack when this began .. because the usual "work of fiction - no person living or dead is meant" or however it is written ... this show is like: no! What we show you is meant to represent actual events ... which when you watch it feels quite disturbing to say the least. I had not heard of the real person ... and I really don't care to know more about her.

It was enough to see the show - of course as episode 6 says: things are complicated and if you want quotes and some gotcha things ... some storyline to make it everything make sense ... well you are not going to get that here. You are going to get an added "ending" though with episode 7 ... a bit weird I reckon, but a creative choice. You can stop watching with the sixth episode ... or go down the rabbit hole with Donald Glover (since he produced this, I assume it was his idea too) ... great performances, a lot of blood and violence ... and quite a bit of nudity to say the least ... and people you may know (not just Billy Ellish) ...

Monstrosity (2016)

Monster

[5/10 · 15 April 2024]

No pun intended - if you find a movie that is only an hour long and look to imdb and it does not have the worst rating ever ... you think "let's give it a try". Black and white to add some flavor to it ... some nice sound design to boost too. But acting wise ... it lacks quite a bit. Though I am not sure if you can tell, if German is not a language you understand and feel.

Talking about feeling, I am not sure how many will feel the story either. Because the "high" rating came to be with just a few votes (so not many who actually voted for this). A low budget movie, that you have to have some love for ... otherwise you will be bored ... and annoyed by the amateur acting too.

Mea Culpa (2024)

Survivor

[4/10 · 15 April 2024]

No pun intended - I could also have gone with Bills Bills BIlls ... or Dilemma or Dangerously in Love ... yes there are quite a few song titles that would be fitting. But Tyler Perry went with his own pun - I assume you know what the title of the movie means and stands for (Mea being the name of our main character here too).

That aside, I remember having seen Freddy vs Jason and really not liking what Kelly was delivering in that movie. It is not as bad in this one - and she is as fine as you remember her (if you remember her). And to blame anything about this mess on her would be a mistake. Because it is not her fault that this is as cliche as it can be. You could argue that she chose to act in it - but Tyler has some power and if she does not get that many offers anymore, why shouldn't she get some money and fun (making)? Exactly.

Predictable and really bad morals ... I probably would not have added it to my watch list, if I had seen who made this ... I really personally can't find too much I find appeasing ... if you feel different, good for you and continue to have fun with it. Painting by numbers with some "hotness" added ...

The Defiant Ones (1958)

Inconceivable

[10/10 · 15 April 2024]

No pun intended - and I know the word probably does not mean what I think it means - but Princess Bride quotes aside (I just love the word and how wrongly it is used in the movie), there is a connection here, because you have things happening here that are unthinkable ... like the two individuals that are being chained together. As the saying goes, no way that would have happened back then.

The movie acknowledges that with a throwaway line (the warden must have a sense of humor) ... it is tough to talk or rather write about the obvious here, as to not offend anyone. But the sensibilities back in the day were different. The movie knows that too. It shouldn't matter what skin color one has - but words are being thrown around. Tony Curtis calling Poitier "boy" is one of the tamer things (the offensive word that starts with N gets used, but shut down immediately ... at least in direct talk).

Unchained too - well actually mostly chained. Which also gets a circle back moment later in the movie when it is about "you're holding back the chain" or something along those lines. On their path to freedom (not saying they'll be able to make it or won't), there are many stops .. and hurdles ... I don't know how the remake fares ... but I do know it has Carl Weathers ... so at least they got a good one for that.

This really is top notch, with a lot of criticism ... social and otherwise. Still some things may feel "cringe" ... you just have to try to shut those things off ... not think about them to much or rather accept that it was a different time back then.

Easy (2016–2019)

I wanna s.. you up ... all night

[9/10 · 15 April 2024]

And all day I reckon - well actually one or the other mostly. No pun intended - this deals with quite a few things that people have on their mind - mostly adults of a certain age. Though younger ones are not left alone - see the first episode Marc Maron is part of. An influencer has a lot to say ... and to show quite frankly.

And talking of Marc Maron: his three episodes over the 3 seasons are definitely in my favorites of the show! The way he handles stuff that gets thrown at him .. just great! Especially in his first and last episode. And the last one is a bit of different version of something that I saw another show do with someone being canceled ... I forgot the name of the show but it was with Dominic West. Actually I just checked: it is called The Affair. Great show in and of itself.

This one has some awesome episodes - and a few ones I did not think were able to hold up the quality of the others. So I was thinking about going ten .... but ultimately and especially because of an unsatisfying ending to the whole thing ... I think the nine is more than ok. Great acting and way more nudity and sexuality than I thought it would have ... and tackles way more stuff ... the world is changing ... this can be a testament of a particular frame of time/period ...

Fijn Weekend (2023)

Ashes to ashes

[6/10 · 15 April 2024]

No pun intended - the movie seems quite dark for the tag comedy - but after watching it I can see it. I would call it a drama myself, but I get it. Weird situations can come up, relationships get tested ... and one weird sexual encounter (after some infidelity) is really completely crazy - and that is putting it mildly.

The acting is good and the movie does have some twists I did not see coming - but I also wasn't thinking too much while I was watching it. So maybe you'll be able to guess a few things that I did not. That all said, the movie holds its tone from start to finish and if you dig how this conducts itself, you will have fun ... weird fun, but fun nonetheless.

Irma la Douce (1963)

You can't buy love

[9/10 · 15 April 2024]

Or can you? Well no pun intended either way. And it seems that Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine seem to be quite the power couple ... at least on screen. After watching the Appartment this is the next one where they both star in. And again they are an obvious couple - their chemistry is off the hook... well you could add to letters to that word and describe the "job" Shirley has in this one. But I am going to cop ... out and not spell it (ah the puns almost write themselves).

I understand if some have issues with the second half of the movie. It seems to lose a bit of its steem of its own drive. Yet both stars and the other players never let their foot of the gas/pedal ... they play it great til the end - including the dialog (tight script) ... but that is a different story ... actually the "different stories" would make a great movie themselves! That one character who seems to have seen everything ... and then some. We may be able to see where this is going (quite predictable) ... but the journey is still fun to be a part of.