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Reviews
The Creator (2023)
Visually stunning, but... You should see it though.
The Awesome:
Visually this has to be the best looking movie in years. So much effort must've gone into designing the many gorgeous shots. It takes inspiration from so many genres and it's still somehow cohesive. Bravo to those involved!
Also John David Washington just rocks the main part.(wait, he's Denzel's son?! Dayuuum! Not bad Denzel, not bad!) Kudos to Madeleine playing the kid, had some really heart tugging moments. Well picked. In fact all casting was flawless, too bad WE DIDN'T SEE THEM ENOUGH!
The BAD:
Well, apart from a lot of illogical stuff, and few corny scenes at the very end, which I can forgive, the big issue is how the movie was cut short. Seriously, where's the rest of it? Since 2 hours is not enough to tell such a big story, why not make it a series?! It even has title breaks suggesting an episodic nature. Maybe a Director's Cut in a few years will actually make me understand why it's called "The Creator" as well. Seriously, no clue. It felt hilariously/tragically rushed.
Still, I enjoyed it, and even with a generous score of 6, I still urge you to see it as well.
Ran (1985)
I'm proud to say I watched it with my father. I think Kurosawa would've liked this detail.
Having watched other King Lear movies, I agree that Kurosawa really did improve the original concept. This is darker, a buddhist reckoning that will leave not sad, but horrified. Some scenes have aged rather poorly (fake blood), and it's hard to stomach either the character of the fool, or the strange shifts in editing towards the end. Which is why I can't call it perfect, as much as it pains me. But there are many parts that are exactly that: perfect. Although you could easily watch the best scenes on youtube clips explaining why this is the most beautiful movie ever filmed, you owe it to yourself to see it in full. My father usually falls asleep at movies, but this time he didn't. The next day he was more quiet than usual. And this is the very first time I ever mention my father in a movie review. I wonder why...
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)
Idiocracy at its finest.
Nothing bad to say about the cast, apart from being contractually obligated to take part in such a product. And I did put 2 stars for this movie, one for Vanessa Kirby, the other for Rebecca Fergusson, both of which I always enjoy seeing. However, having seen this in 4DX (first and last time I ever do that), I'm sorry folks, but no... If you do enjoy such movies, I won't say "fine". I won't say "good for you". I will say you are the reason why I can't go to the cinema anymore, based on good reviews, and expect to see a coherent piece of art. I've paid for this insulting experience, so here's my honest review: 2/10. I won't waste any time explaining to you why this movie and movies such as these are a tragic waste of talent, money and time. I won't criticize the movie, I'm gonna criticize you. 10-15 years ago you would've agreed with me. What happened to you people?
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)
Stellar cast. Brilliant script. Meh story.
Let me begin with the bad. The main plot is generic, there is very little development (or enough presence) in the baddies, some pacing issues in the second half. However... When Cris Pine does arguably his best role ever, and yet is somehow overshadowed by all the other characters in the "party", you know someone has done their job right. Justice Smith's Simon absolutely shines in every scene he's in. Sophia Lillis' druid character quietly has the best action scenes I've seen in years. And Michelle Rodriguez has just turned into an fighting legend. How can someone look so feminine while realistically kicking butt, I have no idea. Some smart tricks involving a portal gun, a few refreshing jokes here and there (the paladin Xenk lack of humor is awkwardly hilarious), and hey presto, you have a good old family flick that leaves you with a big smile on your face. Realistically I'd rate it an 8 because of the flaws, but seeing my mother laugh out loud gains it another point.
Babylon (2022)
META: Your mileage may vary.
It didn't take me long to notice that this is not a historical depiction of Hollywood in the 1920, but Dantesque vision of today's. To its credit, although it clearly tackles today's sensibilities, it doesn't try too hard to judge them, or force upon us a clear answer. They know, we know that they know, 'nuff said. It's a dark Singing in The Rain, not optimistically exploring the possibilities of future cinema, but singing a dirge for the cinema industry's ability and willingness to matter, to be immortal. Movies will continue to make money, and directors will continue to dare to impress, either going back to the roots of expressionism (Lighthouse as a recent example), or going full babylon with exaggerated nudity and horror. This movie tries both and intentionally fails to impress at both. Lots of noise, but when the silence falls, nothing has been achieved. The best and most important scene is the quiet dialogue between a critic and a has-been actor. A lost battle to be relevant and guide the world, a battle that virtual and augmented reality will blast through soon. Good riddance, apart from vanity and cash, few in the industry still dare to want to be remembered in 100 years. Those that want it ALL are pathetic fools. Lucky are the ghosts of the past, immortal faces sanctified by the limits of flammable cellulose film.
I'll point out some things that stuck out to me on first viewing:
- Brad Pitt, as much as I like him, was perfectly cast as the former lucky has-been pretty boy with average acting skill. Brilliant meta character and, for me at least, one of his most memorable roles. Much love, Brad.
- Diversity (you know what I mean) is cleverly implemented. The "token" jazz singer has no part to play in the bigger story, yet somehow paints more truth about racial policy in today's Hollywood than you'd expect. Nothing's changed. Good one, and superb acting from Jovan Adepo.
- Token LGBT-asian character that's almost laughably cast aside when sales are affected. Genius.
- C'mon... you can't tell me you didn't think that Don Wallach wasn't Harvey (physically). That was clearly intentional.
- Nellie's character is a masterpiece. There's so much to say here, but I'd be banned no matter what stance I took. Many times I expected some run-of-the-mill explanation, redemption, anything... nope. It takes guts these days to create such a destructive character. The weakest minds have the loudest voices.
Sayonara no asa ni yakusoku no hana o kazarô (2018)
Masterpiece
If you watch a Hollywood movie trailer you've basically seen 90% of the plot and best actions scenes. Not so with Maquia. Japan is a different beast that always seems to surpass even high expectations. This anime is fresh, gorgeous and it hits hard. What I praise the most is the director's ability to create a big world, with apocaliptic events, surrounding a somewhat simple story of a mother trying to raise a child, and never lose focus, to a fault (some side characters could've done with a few extra scenes). But what a superb character Maquia is, scared but brave, powerless but strong, silly but wise, always honest, always kind. The ending is eye-watering, but honestly, 3 years after watching it, just remembering her makes my eyes water. Without doubt one of the most beautiful characters I've seen in any form of media.
Gallipoli (1981)
As fast as a leopard.
Leopards are not the fastest cats. Neither is the movie perfect. The first half, although made to create a connection with the characters (it succeeds in that), is rather forgettable. Some anti-british sentiment over here, some historical mistakes, willing or not, over there. But this movie transcends all that. It's not about Gallipoli after all, but about nihilistic, inescapable death and how to face it. Each man saying his last prayer, writing his last words, then standing up to die on his feet. As a former naval officer, there was one hurricane which brought me to the brink. Before climbing the steps to the bridge, I realized I was saying out loud, with trembling voice and tears in my eyes: "How fast are you going to run? As fast as a leopard. Then lets see you do it!". I owe this movie my honor and one of my finest moments.
The Northman (2022)
An uncompromising saga, but maybe not fit for modern eyes.
Let me get one thing clear. 99% of you will dislike this movie. But if you could somehow show it to 10th century scandinavians, 99% of them would absolutely adore it. This movie is Olaf's Die Hard, a saga moved from stone runes to silver screen, to a fault. But do not worry, few directors have the guts to try something like this. We can happily go back to the predictable plots, bombastic music, cheap laughs and moral certainty that all other movies smother us in. I forget most such movies, they simply blend together in one mediocre paradigm. The Northman however will stay with me for a long time. I did not expect to like it this much.
The Invisible Woman (2013)
Slow clap...
I do love the power of words, both clear and implied, although I much more prefer the latter. What is the purpose of written words if not to provoke a nod, a smile, a tear? What better medium to capture those than a film? And this movie speaks silent volumes.
I am truly ashamed to have missed this movie it when it was new, to applaud it when those that created it might've heard me. I dare not write a review for it, anymore than I could write a review of myself and my secrets. I did not merely watch it, I lived it.
At the end of it, I can only be in awe at the majesty of every line acted, the sheer brilliance of the editing and the quality of the script. And rarely can I be so thankful of the respect I've been shown, as a viewer, the trust that I could think, feel and understand. I did, and I am applauding. I don't usually do that after movies. I usually mumble something about how "they don't make them like they used to". Maybe I've been watching the wrong kind. Maybe I should note these names, see what else they've had to say. Some I knew, or thought I knew. How wrong I was.