oasomera Reviews

Monkey Man (2024)

This is my first Indian movie to use Western sensibilities throughout

[8/10 · 24 April 2024]

The biggest takeaway for me is that Dev Patel, the lead and director, has a keen cinematic eye for drama and action. This is a fairly low budget effort though you'll find it difficult to find much evidence of that. It's quite artsy and impressively rendered.

There was none of the separation I feel watching other Indian movies though the setting is exotic and foreign. It's similar to the movie Slumdog Millionaire in that regard, his other breakout movie.

I have a soft spot for full on revenge movies so I'm not entirely objective but this story is done with care and real vision unlike many others I've seen. It's a little unusual in that the back story is fed to us in pieces. But there's no problem spotting the bad guys with one fairly minor exception.

Civil War (2024)

A bit of a disappointment, but still worth your time

[8/10 · 17 April 2024]

I guess I was expecting to see what war in our homeland would look like and it does try to meet that expectation. But the degree of insight is pretty sparse. I recognized most of the American types depicted and it was good to see these often avoided types given screen time, but it was somewhat spoiled by the near hero worship given the war journalists.

There's not much in the way of likely battle tactics shown but on the other hand there's a wonderful devotion to the sounds of war which I appreciated as it seemed to get my wife's attention. She got a glimpse into the sheer brutality of modern warfare that's almost impossible to convey otherwise.

The biggest error for me was the ending because for me it casts doubt on the plausibility of the whole movie, an unnecessary choice made for dramatic effect, I suppose. But that flaw is excusable because as a whole the movie will help break through a lot of deadly complacency. We saw it in IMAX and it was worth it for the sound.

The Sandhamn Murders (2010– )

Season One is a great intro to Swedish television

[8/10 · 19 November 2023]

The story wasn't as compelling as the acting and the casual tour of the islands and coast. The acting was quite good and I was a little shocked to see how easily these Swedes feigned being natural. In fact I would say this production is the most impressive I've ever seen in terms of pure unaffected acting. It was truly inspiring to watch though it made me wonder why they're so much better at it than we are.

The two principal roles are vividly rendered by Cedergren and Rapaport who play a policeman and a married woman in a troubled marriage, respectively. The murder mystery is entangled with their being attracted to each other and that too felt realistic. I'm sure women will enjoy that part of it if nothing else.

A Haunting in Venice (2023)

Just saw this movie and the critics are being too harsh

[8/10 · 2 November 2023]

Branagh's conception of Poirot is pure magic and worth watching no matter what the vehicle. This one may be a little weak but it has its moments. For example it does a wonderful job making its Venetian location appropriately spooky. And then there's the unflinching way Branagh sets up the confrontation between spiritualists and his detective.

Does it all pay off? Well, it's not as satisfying as you would think given our need to confront reality. And the resolution is a bit complex and difficult to follow, but it does make sense and, what's most important, Poirot retains his principles intact.

No Hard Feelings (2023)

Jennifer Lawrence breaks barriers and hearts

[9/10 · 29 October 2023]

Normally I'd rather have a root canal than watch a romantic comedy, but this one was different, very different. Ms Lawrence takes the whole thing to another level. First, she's totally recognizable as a 30-ish woman with fairly loose morals. Second, she held my interest throughout. There's a wonderful nude scene that makes her golden in my estimation, because she come through the screen like no one else lately, and, for me, she makes me want to see more of her. It's just a pleasure and an education watching her navigate everyday problems. She's representing a whole class of people you seldom see accurately covered.

I was really surprised how different it was to have Ms Lawrence in one of these pretty light weight movies. Usually I'd be reading a newspaper or something during the dullest parts, but not this time. This is a gift of a movie in a lot of ways and I highly recommend it.

Ballerina (III) (2023)

This may be my favorite movie of the year

[9/10 · 11 October 2023]

I've always liked revenge movies. When well done, like this one, there's something very refreshing about them. This movie was a total surprise to me as it had a rather low rating on this platform. Forget the rating though, this beautifully realized film is not only well worth your time, it's unforgettable.

A lot of trope type elements are here but they're done in such a wonderfully stylized and original manner, I really didn't mind. The acting all around is excellent. I especially liked the lead, Jeon Jong-seo, who is immediately likable for being willing to play along.

The story is about a highly skilled woman in security who finds herself caught up in a friends demise. Like all such films led by women, there's a point where the lead must convince you she is capable of highly physical moves. Usually it matters, but not here. There's just too much else to like.

I will search out the director's next movie. I'm guessing Chung-Hyun Lee has a great future in front of him and I can't wait.

Barbie (I) (2023)

Not what I expected, mildly thought provoking

[7/10 · 22 August 2023]

What I came away with the most is surprising puzzlement, not so much for the movie's message, but for my inability to account for Margot Robbie's hold on my attention. I can't say this movie impressed me very much, and I doubt many men will enjoy it, but there is time spent with Margot Robbie, who is really unique. I can't really think of another actress who seems to understand the inner workings of a lot more than most of her peers.

Her performance pulled me through what seemed a fair description of the problem of patriarchy as seen by women, at least. And an odd depiction of a 'perfect' women's world. I was left thinking Greta Gerwig is almost as unusual as Margot is, but, even so, she seems to not have found an answer to the question she poses in this movie. How do we reconcile the very different world's men and women prefer?

It's clever that she uses an iconic doll to make her point, but it's just a way to frame the whole question in a non-threatening way. Still, I can't think of a more entertaining introduction to the issue. And it helps that there are so many great performances in this movie, not to mention the wild sets and energetic production numbers. Not really my thing though I appreciate the skill with which they were rendered.

Oppenheimer (I) (2023)

Did the UFOs get to Mr. Nolan?

[8/10 · 2 August 2023]

The idea that Oppenheimer was the most important man in history as suggested once here seems more in line with UFOs flying over military nuclear installations than a sober review of our history. But be that as it may, this is a pretty engrossing film, though I do think Mr. Nolan is a little too mesmerized with the story.

I've visited Los Alamos but probably got a more accurate sense of the facility during the Manhatten Project from this movie than I did from today's monster installation. And that was a welcome revelation. And I had read about Edward Teller's balking at several of Oppenheimer's decisions and wondered how that would be handled. And it turns out that was one of the most impressive parts of this movie. The actor was spot on and so was the script.

Clearly this is no half-hearted attempt to put this part of our history's relevance into focus. It's skillful and persuasive, but for me, at least, a little over played. I still appreciated it quite a bit, though I'm not sure a general audience will feel the same.

The Drop (2014)

This may be the most underrated movie I've ever seen

[9/10 · 20 February 2023]

There isn't a bad performance in this film. Tom Hardy is especially good and should have won wide acclamation for it, instead I barely remember it coming out.

This movie depicts the kind of gritty neighborhood that's long existed, right under Hollywood's nose, so well I marveled how these A-listers, including James Gandolfini and Noomi Rapace, could pull off such accurate portraits. The most memorable performance, however, was Matthias Schoenaert's who absolutely nails the kind of menace who can be found haunting such locales.

The cherry on top is this movie's message. Sometimes violence is the only answer.

The White Lotus (2021–2025)

The most impressive series I've ever seen

[9/10 · 12 December 2022]

Though some of the first season was cringe-worthy. This second season is about as masterful as anyone could hope for.

It starts a bit slow, the first episode, but soon finds its legs and impresses again and again, captivating me as if I weren't quite seasoned. It feels like a review of every thought I've ever had at a vacation resort, many of which I'd long forgotten. On that score alone it's a delight, but not to worry, it goes way beyond that to flirt with opera-like heights of drama and beauty something quite appropriate given its setting in Sicily.

Given the excellence of the acting and the seeming effortlessness of the story I would have to say Mike White, this series' creator, is some sort of unsung genius. The guy seems unaware of boundaries coupled with one of the sharpest eyes for detail I've ever seen.

Wednesday (2022– )

Gun to amend my mildly negative take of Tim Burton's work

[9/10 · 26 November 2022]

This is the most delightfully rendered fun thing I've seen on TV in years. No heavy philosophy or critical issues just sheer enjoyment and charm.

Jenna Ortega is key and I can't imagine her losing to anyone when the award shows come around.

The director's awards are far more tricky, but if it were up to me, I'd crown Tim Burton best of the lot. We're about 4 episodes in and in each one there have been signs of true genius in his choices and they're almost incomparably exquisite. As an example, his take on Thing goes way beyond the call of duty.

When I think of the cartoon series and how Burton saw something he could work with and how easily I brushed it off as not my thing back in the day, I feel bad for myself.

What a gift!

Stillwater (2021)

Matt Damon gives a masterclass on acting

[9/10 · 5 September 2022]

The story's no easy sell. Bill, an Okie working-class type beautifully played by Matt Damon, has a daughter in prison in Marseille, France. The story is that she's innocent. Bill's always been a screw-up, but he's been off the sauce, for good now, and he's trying to do right by the daughter he's mostly ignored her whole life.

Marseille is not Oklahoma or even Paris, by a long shot, but, somehow, Bill's actions there are made very plausible. It's a tough town. And most scenes take place in the seedier parts of the city. And yet there are no scenes that I couldn't believe might actually happen and everyone he meets seems someone cut from real life. Add to that the great job all the supporting actors do, especially the kid, Maya, and you have a very entertaining, very educational, gem of a movie.

Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022)

Probably the most impressive acting I've ever seen

[10/10 · 1 August 2022]

Eun-bin Park is unbeatable. I don't really enjoy autism friendly shows, they seem too irrelevant. But Eun-bin and her show never fail to use her disability to reveal universal issues we can all relate to. As a result my wife and I are hooked, and we can't help marveling at everything from the writing to the artistic direction. This show is far more than just clever, it's a revelation. My only concern is that its incredibly enchanting lead may be pressured to do this role for the rest of her career.

Kimi (2022)

Really impressive, smooth as satin thriller

[10/10 · 11 February 2022]

Like we old timers are known to do, I was attracted by a pretty face. What a pleasant surprise to find a shiny new gem of a film I wouldn't hesitate recommending to any film lover. Can't think of a single flaw to complain about. I especially love the care taken to make every aspect plausible.

Nobody (I) (2021)

It's a tongue in cheek blood fest told by a skilled storyteller

[9/10 · 28 January 2022]

This is a stylish slightly humorous take on the John Wick movies. I'm a little surprised how enjoyable it was, but I shouldn't have been given the leads who are all very charming. I'd be there for any sequel without fail.

Perry Mason (2020–2023)

A wonderful flight of imagination fully embraced by some truly skilled actors

[9/10 · 25 November 2021]

The casting here is as close to perfect as I've ever seen. To pick the most impressive out of an outstanding ensemble, Matthew Rhys, Juliet Rylance and Tatiana Maslany really outdo themselves. Never a false or inappropriate move on any of their parts. Maslany as Sister Alice is particularly powerful. The part is modeled after a real evangelist of the period who was hard to believe until Tatiana's inspired performance. And Juliet Rylance's performance as Della Street is a complete joy. Add Matthew Rhys's engrossing take on Perry Mason and you're only half done. The rest of the cast in every case is completely masterful and perhaps their finest work.

Add a truly uncanny ability to evoke the 1930s and you have a gem of a series deserving to be rated up there with the best of all time.

I Care a Lot (2020)

Must see TV for those of us in retirement

[9/10 · 27 February 2021]

I was thoroughly taken by this film. I'm a fan of Rosamund Pike who I last saw in Radioactive. She does a great job as the cold hearted crook. Having seen quite a few people deteriorate to where the kind of thing that happens to Dianne Weist here doesn't seem all that far fetched. At any rate it was quite entertaining to have our predicament dramatized in a light hearted manner. I'd recommend this for anyone over 65. It's not an art piece, for sure, but it will make you think.

The Midnight Sky (2020)

A slow imaginative take on how a world disaster might look

[8/10 · 27 December 2020]

This is not blockbuster material, it's fairly slow and contemplative, but for people like me it's a worthwhile vision of a possible future. Makes you wonder what you might do in such a case.

Though there's plenty of polish in view the story is not as fleshed out logically as it could be. Is that a problem? Not really. What is meant is clear as day: there's a very deep sadness in store for us unless we can avoid killing our planet. Clooney and the rest of the cast are all skilled at bringing out the empathy in us and that makes the whole project touching and memorable. I can imagine our future selves looking back thinking we weren't all as oblivious as we seem.

The Queen's Gambit (2020)

Never saw chess so well illustrated

[9/10 · 9 November 2020]

Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth is the indispensable center piece of this very intelligent miniseries. She captivates and convinces us that she knows as much about playing chess as a grandmaster. Add beautiful sets and a wonderful set of supporting actors, sharp editing and you've a great entertainment.

The Boys (2019– )

Surprisingly addictive, breakthrough TV

[10/10 · 5 September 2020]

This must have been so liberating for the writers. Oddly enough it transfers directly to us, the audience. Just when superhero movies and such seem to have run their course, this series is willing to step back and take another look at the basic elements, super powered people involved with ordinary people. In a lot of ways, this is core philosophical stuff and I very much appreciate the lighthearted way this program explores the issue.

The Outpost (2018–2021)

Wife loves it and I find it fun

[7/10 · 25 August 2020]

The first few episodes seemed a bit amateurish, but eventually the series found its feet and started to be fun. My wife was caught up in it from the beginning, probably because it features a rather engaging lead, Jessica Green, as the heroine, Talon. As others have commented, this is a fairly low budget production but the actors are fully committed and it carries the show. Also, the story line is interesting enough as well. Anyway it's light fare but good enough for an evenings entertainment.

The Warrior Queen of Jhansi (2019)

Quite the useful perspective on the British Empire in India

[8/10 · 14 July 2020]

Though this is the story of the beginning of the end of the East India Company, it serves as a much needed criticism of the Victorian Age and one of the modern world's earliest corporations. But this is mostly incidental.

The story is about a real noble woman of high aspirations trying to keep her kingdom despite being repeatedly betrayed and attacked by the British. It's actually quite modest in its heroic portrayal and perhaps because of that, a bit stodgy in its first half, but worth the wait, mostly because of its luminous star, Devika Bhise. She pulls off the role with apparent ease and is a joy to watch.

This isn't a Hollywood super production but even at this somewhat shoestring level, the story is served well. The British parts are also enjoyable and not over sanitized.

The Old Guard (2020)

Charlize is in top form in this thought provoking film

[8/10 · 13 July 2020]

Ms Theron is one of a small number of women doing action movies, but many have been less than convincing. Not this one, she is more convincing than ever. The moves she executes are impressive and believable. They fit the plot very well and make some of the philosophical questions stand out even more. The one I found central is the idea that someone with an unusual capability may not have the right to deny scientists the ability to study it for the benefit of all, or so they claim. Obviously it would also be very lucrative.

I enjoyed the whole team that Charlize is engaged with though it seemed to be going out of its way to be socially relevant. Normally that would turn me off, but these guys and gals manage to rise above their tokenism.

Shadow (2018)

Probably the most amazing Chinese movie ever made

[10/10 · 13 June 2020]

The artistry shown in every shot is what got me at first. The plot was slow to unravel but the insight into the Chinese mind beckoned in every scene. I'd always heard that the culture was highly advanced but seldom saw any sign of it. What was needed was some vision of their idea of beauty. Some was shown in the movies of Ang Lee, but this movie is far more authentic in my opinion. It stands by itself. It's a slow mover, but well worth the wait.

Change in the Air (2018)

An odd duck but well worth your time

[8/10 · 29 March 2020]

The most important thing to say about this little fable is that Rachel Brosnahan executes her role with such ease and grace that I continuously found myself thinking, how could this little film have come to be? It just seems impossible. My guess is that it was written for Ms. Brosnahan specifically as I can't imagine any other actress pulling this off. I don't know her previous work so I don't know if it suggests this one, but I will definitely seek her out in the future.

The film itself is very well cast and directed. It however violates one of my prime requirements for a good film, that it make total sense. Surprisingly though I was so enchanted with the tale that I actually found myself giving the film a pass on that issue. That's something I very rarely do and so I can recommend it.