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The Matrix Resurrections (2021)
Decreasing Rating on Pupose?
I'm not sure how is this possible. It's a pretty solid film. It's not perfect, not as revolutionary as the first Matrix, but it's definitely a great and well though through production that deserves attention from the fans of the trilogy.
With this being said, I'm surprised to see that much negativity, and so many people suggesting NOT to go and see the film. This really seems like a deliberate action against the Matrix. Who's behind it? Is there another film that needs attention and fights for it by brining down Matrix? I don't know. But I seriously doubt that all these reviews are people giving their honest opinion.
My suggestion: go and watch it. To me, the characters were not as likable as in the old days, but nevertheless I enjoyed the flow and the entertainment value. Plus, seeing those mature actors reunite after so many years (I was 15, when the first Matrix came out) is a very special and nostalgic moment.
So, after reading the reviews here, I actually thought this would be a waste of time. But I'm glad I was wrong. It's been a great movie to watch. And I hope to see another sequel from Wachowski.
P. S. I've been watching it in 4K and this imagery is so realistic that I wish they somehow made it more cinematic, because you often feel like you're on a movie set. Just a bit too realistic to my taste. Two things should never be done to a movie: frame rate above 24-25 fps, and that digital quality that is so crispy it feels like you're there standing behind the camera.
Blakus (2019)
Not as yellow as the poster looks
There are no ups and downs to this movie. It's kind of a contemplation on a subject of getting older and having relationships at the same time. Do people change, do their values transform? Some humour goes along with it. And a poor delivery of sound with numerous f-ups by the soundman. Overall, considering it's a low budget movie made in Latvia, I'd say it's pretty good. But on an international level I'd give it a solid five out of ten. The drama lacked spice to me.
The Shack (2017)
Pretty great thought-provoking stuff!
As an open minded guy, I'd say it doesn't matter much, if you're a religious believer or not, since this movie questions topics that are equally adequate for both. You basically can decide for yourself, if you think this life is fair or not and if it's really worth carrying your pain for the rest of your life. The answers given in this movie will surely not fit everyone, but they seemed pretty reasonable and even logical to me. So, watch this with an open mind. I too for a few minutes there felt like I've been fooled into diving into some religious ridiculousness, a sort of fairy tale for kiddies. But the seriousness of questions and emotions, experienced by the main character, changed my perspective. It's a good movie with a pleasant aftertaste of a time well spent.
Alterscape (2018)
Lame in every aspect
Yeah, I thought: a movie with a 7+ rating should be interesting. But then I forgot that this can as well be a trashy film with a bunch of fake reviews attached to it. That's exactly the case. I'm amazed at how bad can a picture be shot in 2018. This story is about 90's or 80's - not sure. Well, and so is the quality of production. ) Terrifying video editor, by the way. If you watch it, pay attention at the dude sticking out of the window on the 4th minute. This is really something. What's that effect? Some crazy HDR plugin, which they forgot to turn off, cause it doesn't appear on all the next shots of the same scene. Lame in every aspect. )
Maniac (2018)
What a load of...
This is just incredibly dumb entertainment. Leading actress is repugnant. Leading actor is a dork. What happens on screen is just so lame. No suspense, no twists that would make it even remotely interesting. Although I somehow managed to go through 4 episodes. Couldn't finish 4th. The show doesn't get any better.
Beoning (2018)
Slow and pointless
Okay, guys. This is one slow-paced movie that adds no value whatsoever. You waste two and a half hours looking at a "brain-dead" guy walking around doing moronic investigation. The dude is a total redneck, mouth half opened, slow and stupid. Pure in his heart, but dumb in his brain. So, that's what you get in the end. A story of a kind stupid kid and his crush. It would've been a hell of a thriller back in the days when the original story was written. But this story in 2018 is pure boredom, unless you are completely in love with this particular actor playing a limp dummy, or perhaps with the decorations, that are beautifully shot, I must say. For the overall pretty wrap of a simple idea I give it 5 stars, but would never want to see it again.
Sicario: Day of the Soldado (2018)
Flawless in its dark, realistic atmosphere
If you love moderately paced realistic action, I mean not the kind of action where bullets fly of the main hero and all kinds of unbelievable nonsense is happening, but the kind of action, where you have the time to enjoy every scene and the plot is actually pretty believable - this is the one.
I enjoyed every bit of it: from the atmosphere that doesn't really rush you, but doesn't bore you either. Nothing is too slow, and what is much more important, nothing is too fast - which is so common in action scenes. My respect to the video editor - he's done a marvelous job. The composer is also brilliant - the music is so dark, atmospheric and beautiful.
And all the main characters in this play are lovable. I mean, the main studs are just so cool. They are like the definition of toughness. If you take guys like Rambo, Batman or Luke Skywalker - they are not even close to that definition cause of the unrealistic atmosphere. You know you're been tricked watching those too good to be true kind of guys. In this movie - it's pure joy to watch that manliness brought on screen.
So, go watch it. I first thought: too many good reviews, those people aren't real, but I'll give it a try anyway. Now I realize it's actually a great piece of dark cinema. And that's the kind of cinema I usually enjoy the most. So, my thumbs are pointing up. Loved it and will definitely watch the next part, when it's out.
Lila & Eve (2015)
Underrated Drama
I think it's a good movie. Beautifully made. The color, the feel, the pace. It doesn't get boring. And it's emotionally touching. The leading actress is just great. And Lopez, considering the substance of her character that you come to realize later during the film, I think plays adequately, though people don't find her convincing. But, that's what she's supposed to be, cause she's a doer. She's the driving force, "the man" of this movie, while Viola is more of "a lady", more tender, empathetic and so on. So, I don't really understand, why people put Lopez down - she's done her part well.
The story is interesting. Cause it's a story about ordinary people doing extraordinary things. No Jason Statham or Tom Cruise to fix the problem here. Simple, fragile mother gets to fix her life - bring murderers or her son to justice. To me it was just interesting to watch. While my wife's eyes were constantly wet. Thank to Viola's amazing performance, mainly.
1944 (2015)
War is all wrong
This is already a second movie about war that I watch coming from the Baltic countries. First being the Lithuanian "Ekskursante", which I enjoyed very much. And now this one - the Estonian "1944".
Well, I first thought this is some anti-Russian propaganda because of the recent conflicts. But then I realized this movie actually shows that war is wrong in general. People are caught between two fronts. And non of the sides are right. Both have their dictators and cruelty. So, in this movie, in the example of Estonian people, you can see how people of the same land taken by different parties, are obliged to shoot each other.
It's a good movie that shows we're all victims when it comes to war. I enjoyed cinematography more or less. I think it's a fine piece of movie for Estonia. I'm not used to expecting anything of high quality from Baltic countries, but it looks that Baltics have evolved to meet high standards of today's cinema.
So, in a few words, it's a good war movie, with a plot full of drama and combat scenes. Was worth a watch.
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) (2014)
Great theatrical roller-coaster presented in a very unusual way
When I first saw this masterpiece in one of the Latvian movie theaters, I was much impressed by the seamless transitions between scenes, which make it look like the whole movie was shot in one take. Really impressive and unusual. It adds realism to the picture. But not the kind of realism, that you get quickly tired of, when the camera is all shaky and stuff. In this one the camera went smooth all the way. So, it's a pleasure to watch from visual perspective.
Then comes the filling of this eye-pleasing candy. And I tell you, it's so fresh, so full of life and humorous, vivid characters that you quickly fall in love with. I really enjoyed those scenes, where you get to be on stage, feel the actors' play being revealed in front of you. Really cool. Then there's humor spilled in almost every scene.
So, you get dipped into a constantly changing river of theatrical action, very modern though, I have to add. Because theater can be often associated with something from the past. But this is a very modern movie, very much about the modern days of YouTube, Twitter and Facebook. It's easy to connect with all that's shown.
I went to see it for the second time with my girlfriend. This time I thought it was even more fun. Great job by all the actors and splendid directing by Mr. Iñárritu.
It is indeed an unusual movie. If I would have to describe, what's it about, I'd say it's about a bird that lives in us, waiting to spread its wings and elevate us from our crawling up into the beauty of sky fly.
Ekskursante (2013)
Drama that opened my heart
I'm not into writing reviews, but I want to make an exception today, because seeing this movie felt like a rare experience. It differed from the Hollywood dramas that I got used to. It felt like I haven't wasted a minute, because what I saw was filled with kindness and human dignity - qualities rarely seen on screen these days. Although I'm not much of a sensitive guy, this exceptional work brought tears to my eyes several times. What touched me so much, were the sincere connections between a girl and people she met along her way.
Beautiful movie, touching story, lovely young actress and remarkable supporting actors. I loved it and I would recommend anyone, who likes drama, to watch this film.
The Dark Knight Rises (2012)
A Movie That Left Me Empty
I went to see this movie together with my girl, we're in our late twenties, which means that we've seen enough of quality action since Matrix came out 13 years ago. Action is primarily for kids or teens - that's my opinion. As psychologists conclude, most people do not develop psychologically past the teen barrier, which sorta explains, why so many people think that a movie stuffed with action is good enough. To us it felt as two-and-a-half hours of wasted time.
This movie looks like a good commercial product, similar to crispy fried burger. It's tasty, but it lacks nutritional value. There is almost nothing to feel about this movie. It's overwhelmed with guns firing, bulky guys kicking each other butts, charming women... But haven't we seen enough of this? Is there anything there to be touched with? And are you given time to feel something? No, the scenes keep changing all the time. And then it ends, leaving you with emptiness and a bit of a feeling like you could punch someone's face (since there was so much of it on the screen).
It is a waste. Yes, you can find parallels to politics, to our world, and think about it... But what does it give you? This movie has not been surprising. Just a well-made, polished glance journal, with no soul in it. I would say that Nolan is director, who likes to think, but perhaps suppresses his feelings, or doesn't see a point in bringing them into a screen. It was similar with his "Inception". Not much to feel, just constant action with loads of visual effects, making me irritated after a while. The idea in "Inception" was interesting though, while Batman does not offer much of a creative story, and has quite a few silly moments in the plot.
If you like cool action and don't care much for emotional or educational value of a movie, you will probably think this film is amazing, since it's a quality product in terms of picture and sound. I give it 4 stars for that.
Snow White and the Huntsman (2012)
A Wonderful Tale
I can't say I'm a big fan of fairy tales. I have no sympathy for the Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter kind of stuff. So, the reason I went to see this movie was only because there wasn't anything more attractive offered last evening. And I really enjoyed it. Artwork, music, acting and story line were all a pleasant experience, which flew by unnoticeably, even though the movie is almost two and a half hours long.
I liked that the evil was shown in perspective, there was a depth to it - you could see psychological reason behind a beautiful woman turning into a witch. I also liked that the love story stayed unfinished, leaving us guessing, which of the two guys will get the cream. Maybe both? However, I must say that the last scene wasn't triumphant enough to my taste. But the artwork that appeared in titles and the beautiful, unusual score was compensating. Very neat production with gorgeous graphics, interesting characters and fluid story... I'd see this movie again, it was pure pleasure to watch.