thanhart Reviews

The Silent Forest (2022)

It's never over

[10/10 · 16 February 2024]

User What-a-punk has already said everything I could say about the movie. I would just like to add that you can see from the obviously not a few negative reviews that the story also touches those people who find its core very unpleasant and disturbs them in their self-image. And that's a good thing.

We must never stop doing that.

Especially now, when achievements in respect, humanity, human dignity and modern social behavior that were long thought to be secure are once again being called into question by a growing primitive minority with crude slogans, unbridled anger and fervent hatred.

This story is a good illustration of how false feelings of homeliness and tranquillity could and still can be the basis for the worst horrors.

House of the Dragon (2022– )

Different

[10/10 · 12 September 2022]

I think all those who absolutely expected a brilliant GoT remake, that is, this epic exposition of an entire continent and dozens of players of all its regions right at the beginning, must inevitably be disappointed. Because HotD obviously doesn't seem to be designed that way.

I like this refreshingly different, more chamber-game-like approach to a particular point in this world. Not everything always has to be in the style of an epic. And also not always necessarily develop there.

But if the story continues to be told so carefully and sensitively and played so convincingly and differentiated, I will continue to feel very entertained.

9 honest points +1 to compensate for dishonest 1 star ratings.

Hyperland (2021 TV Movie)

Fresh, convincing and relevant

[9/10 · 23 November 2021]

Finally something different than always the same boring, stereotypical end-time dystopias. Above all, the current reference - think of Zuckerberg's "Meta" plans - makes this vision so relevant. In addition to the very convincing actors, a very refreshing work visually.

Dune (2021)

Finally

[10/10 · 18 September 2021]

Finally someone has understood how to give this monumental and at the same time profound story an adequate visual form. And not only that, also the intensity and epicness with which everything plays out, from the quiet to the loud moments. The feeling of the drama in the making until the great catastrophe. The subtle to aggressive manifestation of the witchcraft forces.

Together with the fantastic actors and Zimmer's music simply the highest pleasure and worth at least one more visit to the cinema before it comes into the home media library.

Tenet (2020)

Intense, demanding but no disappointment

[7/10 · 15 January 2021]

Even though I understood the concept, there was something very intense about the application of this abstraction. A time map where you could see the position of the (partly multiply present) protagonists in real time would have been helpful. But perhaps at 57, my perceptive faculties are no longer so quick. On the emotional level, the film moves rather moderately, but it is captivating. I liked also the convincing acting. Otherwise, as always with Nolan, visually impressive and very stylishly implemented. I saw a German dubbing, but it was also a bit difficult to understand in parts. Göranssons music is excellent and refreshingly different to HZ.

The Midnight Sky (2020)

Missed opportunity

[5/10 · 24 December 2020]

Unfortunately, I found myself bored quite often. Somehow the dramaturgical flow and its pacing is the problem in this otherwise beautiful and convincingly made film. A much more thrilling and involving drama could have been made out of this constellation.

The Mandalorian: Chapter 14: The Tragedy (2020) Season 2, Episode 6

Thanks Dave and thanks Jon!

[10/10 · 4 December 2020]

I was already thrilled by "The Jedi" and the phenomenal appearance of Rosario Dawsen. Now after this episode I feel a total compulsion to write something: Thanks Dave and thanks Jon!! What you are doing here is such a wonderful thing! How you pick up old threads so art- and powerfully and weave them together so that you feel like you're back in the Star Wars you loved and at the same time you're find yourself on completely new and exciting territory, that deserves the highest praise! Combined with the scenic and visual perfection a total treat! That's how Star Wars must be made! For both latest episodes I would actually like to give 11 points!

The Hunt (II) (2020)

Intense and refreshing

[8/10 · 5 September 2020]

Just like The Witch this is not a horror film either. I don't know why people try so tense to find a big genre label for every type of story these days. I had a lot of fun watching this intensely and excitingly staged story and I also found the excessive and satirical use of socio-political clichés enormously refreshing. It shows how stupid and wrong this far too extreme mutual rating is. Imagine if these people had all met by chance on a hike. Maybe they could have had a fun evening around the campfire together. It's time to calm down for all of us.

Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (2019)

No surprise

[5/10 · 20 December 2019]

I give 5 stars because of the very good actors and the outstanding visual effects. Otherwise there has been said enough by others, what this movie and the whole trilogy lacks. Very sad to see that an old experienced story manufactory like Disney didn't make it, because they were mainly (or only) looking for quick and secure profit. Shame on you Bob Iger and Kathleen Kennedy! You nearly ruined that fantastic galaxy. I would witch you with eternal damnation, if not Mando would appease and enjoy me that much!

The Mandalorian (2019– )

Yes, yes, yes

[10/10 · 23 November 2019]

Oh my god, I was close to believe that the true Start Wars spirit is gone forever. But now this. As many reviewer before, I can only say this is it, this is Star Wars. John Favreau understands the magical formula, what it's really all about, that special feeling. And so he packs a story that contains everything it takes to cheer. And at every end of an episode, you think "Oh no, is it really over?" Fantastic.

Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

Low expectations - Pleasant surprise

[8/10 · 24 May 2018]

I had low expectations due to the trailers and the latest critics. Since I'm an absolute fanboy since 1978, every new Star Wars movie had and has a hard time to reach my fan heart.

The 'Episodes I-III' were more or less a disappointment for me at the time of its release. Thanks to Clone Wars, books, and comics that has changed now. And they have the signature of the master, the spirit which completely lacking in the new episode films.

Then 'Rogue One', a first ray of a new hope. An exciting new look on the times of the first Death Star with sympathetic characters, atmospheric staging, but unfortunately a bit too sad undertone, especially compared to the exalted, euphoric original trilogy.

Now 'Solo'. Lot's of rumors in advance, trailers that did not really electrifying, press critiques that ranged from dull to ok. So I went to the IMAX permiere as part of a 501st Garrison Troop, turned my rounds as Episode V Vader in front of a handful of audience... and then sat in the chair sweaty and just thought nothing.

All I can say now is, that 'Solo' already has its place in my Star Wars heart. It's again a new perspective on this time, imaginatively and lovingly designed. My biggest concerns regarding the main actor have also not been confirmed at all. He does a great job by playing Han as he should be, not a superficial hero. Maybe it's because I always loved Western movies, especially Leone and Eastwood, and this is indeed kind of a Western movie.

And ir really works. I was not really bored for a minute. No, that was a pleasant surprise this evening and I would regret not having seen this movie on the big screen. It's not Star Wars but really a nice Star Wars Story.

Wonder Woman (2017)

Entertaining and heartwarming

[9/10 · 15 June 2017]

This movie is definitely special because of the superb balance between action and emotions, the very good actors and the direction. I never felt bored or confused during the whole movie. We came out of the theater and the heartwarming touch of the story stayed with us for the rest of the evening. There is some kind of social intelligence in the movie others of this kind (to) often lack of.

Arthur & Merlin (2015)

Solid, exciting and touching

[7/10 · 11 February 2017]

Recently I watched two blockbusters which I thought to have missed in the cinema: Maleficent and John Carter. Both I haven't watched until the end. Since I'm a big fan of the Arthur saga since my childhood I decided to give this non-blockbuster movie a try for my Saturday night cinema hour. And now I must say there was way more fun and excitement in this low budget production as in the aforementioned ones made by one of the biggest entertainment companies. What did these films cost? How many such great small but fine films like Arthur & Merlin could have produced with this money? My insight from tonight is that I will look much more after such unknown but great productions, than watching ultimately to often the same crap out of the so-called top film league. Sorry, but people who only rate this based on its low production standards are not true cineasts.

Maleficent (2014)

Disappointing bombast kitsch

[4/10 · 17 January 2017]

Pretty superficial and disappointing bombast kitsch. Very weak script without deeper explored characters and plausible relationship patterns. Instead we see a lot of CGI fire magic and long shots of Jolie performing her usual meaningful but stereotypical expressions. The film lacks the real magical charm like in the Czech fairy tale films of the 60s and 70s, that is unfortunately generally very rare in modern US productions (exception f.e. 'Legend'). But Maleficient is quite cheap CGI Hocus-Pocus and far from being a magical experience that it should be. With that budget, the right script and a fresh acting talent you could make a fantastic movie that would last long in the hearts (f.e. like the original 'Oz'). Has Hollywood definitely forgotten how to create magic apart special effects?

The Hateful Eight (2015)

Impressive

[9/10 · 1 January 2017]

I've waited a long time before I watched this movie. It was clear to me that this would be heavier stuff, not so light-footed like Pulp. In this case I wait until I'm in a certain mood, a moment, where also Viscontis ‚Damned', Herzogs ‚Aguirre' or 'Apocalypse' would be fine. And now after watching ‚8' I have to say, yes this moving picture is also about the damned and it's drawn perfectly and consistently. It is definitely entertaining, disturbing and shocking at the same time and never boring or implausible. For me that's pure art.

Perhaps there are some in the US they don't like the picture because it's about dark facts of a supposedly great era in history. I recently read about the Trail Of Tears, the Seminoles, the role of Afroamerican People in that conflict and later in the civil war. Yes that's not all glorious events and I can understand some people don't like to be remembered. I had that feeling while watching ‚Inglorious', because my Grandfather was a German Soldier. And even I know he hated the Nazis (he helped Jews to escape in his trucks) I had some difficulties to accept how partially stupid the Germans where shown in ‚Bastards'. But - who could blame anybody to do so?!

There are countless other massacres in human history and nobody knows if we really will not experience something terrible again. Fear and hate are spreading out all over the world like never before the last 70 years.

There is this wooden Jesus statue in the movie and I guess that's not a coincidence. He told us to meet the stranger like meeting him. This movie is about people who do not trust, who dominate and hate each other. So this rough movie is about bloody hell, visually and mental.

Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015)

Strong the force with the new cast is

[8/10 · 20 December 2015]

Daisy earns 10/10 for her intense play. The scenes on her home planet are the best and on par with the ones in 'Hope' as well as Williams' absolutely beautiful 'Scavenger' theme. Finn is a great character and Boyega the perfect actor for it. I like also Drivers subtle performance, he's great as (already very dangerous but still unsure) Vader wannabe. Poe is also a great character and the actor plays the pilot the way I know this optimistic tough guys in reality. the bad guy general as usual in SW has not enough room in the movie to be exposed in depth but is also great play. Snoke was somewhat disappointing but OK.

I was a 15 years old when watching the original movie in '78. It changed my live and influenced my choice of profession. But at this time the movie was a revolution. TFA is solid and very entertaining. I can't simply understand why some people are that frustrated. I felt great most of the time even I've missed the simple, dreamy story development of 'Hope'. But this times will never come back. Today everything is fast paced. And considering the way movies are made today, under pressure of a big company, this is perhaps the best we can get.

I'm looking forward to see great scenes and moments when Rey will be teached by Luke in EP VIII. This two exceptional actors together will be able to create a remarkable moment in movie history. I hope the director and the script are able too.

And Disney: go for risks! Send your marketing guys on vacations for the next release! We don't need a death star like thing twenty time bigger in there! Let the force flow through you...