michmartimdb-993-673811 Reviews

The Shawshank Redemption (1994)

The Best Movie I've Ever Seen

[10/10 · 5 August 2014]

When I've seen this movie, I had just one movie with a 10-rating and didn't believe this could beat it (in my opinion). However, when the credits started, I knew why this is on the top: People have large expectations on "The Shawshank Redemption" and also their all-time favourite movies, but it seems it can touch nearly every person deeply. I really love this masterpiece from the beginning to the end, but I don't think it's perfect, the beginning is a little bit too violent and mostly I don't like erotic scenes (because it seems like the movie wants a cheap upgrade). This is just nitpicking and doesn't change the fantastic atmosphere, characters, soundtracks, story and all the deep messages behind it.

10/10

Schindler's List (1993)

The Dark Atmosphere

[9/10 · 6 June 2014]

This is the best movie about war I've ever seen! I think the best thing about it is the dark atmosphere, which is created by the deliberate use of no colours (except the ending when it fits). So this movie nearly feels like the original recordings, except with a higher quality and of course less brutal (especially when you think about the LEAN Jews in this time).

It's a very tragedy movie, which produces one important question: How much is a human worth? When you don't like this movie you seem to be impatient, unemotional or nearly a neo-Nazi...

Schindler's List is a classic, which has many very positive reviews, so I think I have nothing else to add.

9/10

Crocodile Dundee (1986)

A Movie with a Message behind it

[7/10 · 6 June 2014]

Crocodile Dundee is a comedy movie, but there isn't any large joke (except the idea of the journey), just several small ones, nevertheless it's more realistic and less stereotypical in this way.

There are some strenghts in this movie: The two main characters are well built up and I like the message behind it; even two completely different persons can learn the beauty of the life, they have no idea about (especially the beauty of wild life in this example). However I think this movie should have shown the two main locations a bit longer and the ending could have been better (it's still satisfying though).

7/10

Half-Life 2: Episode Two (2007 Video Game)

Only minor "Mistakes"

[9/10 · 5 May 2014]

"Half-Life 2: Episode Two" has a bigger diversion than "Episode One": It has new enemies, a new environment and even a new main character, which is as good constructed as the rest! Fortunately the gameplay is longer than in "Episode One".

But I think the first two chapters are maybe a bit too long: I feel like the really amazing game begins with chapter three, because the main story can continue then. I expected something larger in the last fight (as shown on the bridge...) and I don't like cliffhangers with no continuation or with a continue in about ten years!

These are just minor "mistakes". Of course I like this Episode very much.

9/10

Half-Life (1998 Video Game)

One of the best Games of all Time!

[10/10 · 5 May 2014]

One day I was bored and thought I should play this game. It was so phenomenal I'm a fan now!

This game hasn't many characters, but when it has, they're incredibly well made: You think, that all the scientists and security guards have their own characters (thanks to the atmosphere and the clever dialogs). On the other hand you have G-Man, which is one of the most mysterious characters ever, and you have Gordon Freeman (your player), who doesn't speak at all. This means you can make your own thoughts and your own character.

This storytelling, the sound effects and the lighting conditions create one of the most intense atmospheres I've ever experienced!

This was also a revolution for the FPS-genre!

10/10

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

THE Classic Space Movie

[9/10 · 5 May 2014]

The first time I've seen this movie, I was bored and disappointed, because I had false expectations, but after awhile I understood the idea behind it: This movie tells a story of the development of mankind and shows the beauty and infinity of space. When you watch it, then you must absorb the atmosphere.

This movie shows Hollywood, that a really good space movie should have an experience, which makes you speechless (when you think about it), and not a brainless action movie with stereotypical heroes.

Apart from some scenes, which are a bit too long for me, this movie is wonderful. When it came out, this technology revolutionized the filmmaking!

9/10

The Core (2003)

Worse than "Armageddon"?

[6/10 · 5 May 2014]

The characters are a bit arrogant and the USA is "of course" the only country, who can save the world. This movie could be more interesting or have a better atmosphere, which I think is quite important for a space movie. The science isn't so important for me since it's still a science- FICTION-movie, but this doesn't mean the producers can do whatever they want (like in "The Core")! I unfortunately miss a (deep) meaning to this movie.

I don't know why people think "Armageddon" would be better. Has it more "cool" scenes? Because unlike it, "The Core" has more serious characters, some mysterious scenes and even a more interesting travel. Why should "Armageddon" deserve some Oscar-nominations and "The Core" not even a simple nomination?

6/10

Armageddon (1998)

Stereotypical Heroes from America

[5/10 · 5 May 2014]

This movie hasn't a good atmosphere, which I think is a bit important for a space movie. Instead we have stereotypical heroes from America, who are sometimes too stupid for this mission! Some scenes are also so stereotypical like the necessary "Success in the last second".

I normally like movies set in space and this has at least an interesting story, but four Oscar nominations for this movie is just an insult to other space movies... and "The Core" has not even a simple nomination! I think this movie can't reach 7 stars, except there are more people who unfortunately need Michael Bay's action scenes.

5/10

Half-Life 2 (2004 Video Game)

The best PC-Game of all Time!

[10/10 · 5 May 2014]

According to Metacritic, this is the best PC-game of all time! This is even quite better than the first one for me: The enemies threat the entire world instead of just Black Mesa and there are more incredible characters with emotions. I think the atmosphere and the variety of weapons are a little bit worse than in the first game, but it comes really close to it.

From the start to the end, this game has always something fascinating to offer: A great story, effective vehicle passages, new weapons, different surroundings, amazing sound effects, some "short-time characters"... The list goes on! The graphics and physics are so astounding, especially when it came out!

It's of course not a perfect game, but it's damn hard to find a "better" FPS-game. I think my profile picture shows how much I enjoy this game!

10/10

Half-Life 2: Episode One (2006 Video Game)

Amazing Quality VS Short Gameplay

[9/10 · 5 May 2014]

I think this game has the same quality like "Half-Life 2": It has the same fantastic characters, the intense atmosphere, the amazing sound effects etc. What I even like better is the fact, that Alyx Vance is beside you. She adds stronger feelings in the proper situations (for example panic).

The largest disappointment is clearly the short gameplay with only five chapters, but you have to expect this when it's called an "episode". I'm a Half-Life fan, but also a hobby reviewer, so I can't just rate "Episode One" as high as the original Half-Life games...

9/10

Half-Life: Blue Shift (2001 Video Game)

The Worst Half-Life Game

[7/10 · 5 May 2014]

I think this is the worst Half-Life game in the series, but it doesn't mean it's bad: I like the helpful characters and the fact, that Barney Calhoun isn't the hero like Gordon Freeman and Adrian Shepard. There's no G-Man, but he doesn't have to appear at all, but there are crossovers with Gordon Freeman. So the characters are a bit better than in "Opposing Force" I think.

I'm quite disappointed with the level design: There are lots of long corridors with little variety in enemies and surroundings. There are less weapons and no new enemies. It's also a short game (maybe even shorter than "Episode One"?)

7/10

Half-Life: Opposing Force (1999 Video Game)

Worse than the Original

[8/10 · 5 May 2014]

I think this sequel is a bit worse than the original Half-Life game: "Opposing Force" has less diversion in enemies and level design. I think the dialogs and sound effects are also a bit worse. It's somehow strange, that the two Half-Life games from Gearbox aren't as good as Valve's Half- Life games.

But it also has a larger diversion in weapons and fortunately there are new enemies introduced. I love the crossover between Adrian Shepard and Gordon Freeman and G-Man takes an important part in this game.

I'm satisfied that the story of Gordon Freeman doesn't need a "Opposing Force" or a "Blue Shift".

8/10

Sunshine (2007)

One of my Favourite Movies!

[10/10 · 5 May 2014]

Sunshine has a very intense atmosphere and the most unimaginable travel I've ever seen! The combination of beautiful pictures and a damn good soundtrack makes this movie unforgettable for me.

The characters are good constructed in the first act and then they will even change during the movie. What I really like is the fact that there are different oriented experts from several countrys. I have to admit this movie isn't for everyone: It has a deep philosophical aspect and little action. But I'm really happy there's finally again a movie, which doesn't have stupid or stereotypical heroes like in Armageddon!

10/10