vaguira Reviews

The Inheritors (2008)

An important yet disjointed look into the heart of Mexico

[6/10 · 26 September 2023]

Poglovsky's documentary is a collection of disjointed pieces that document intimate bits of six Mexican states. Although it is an important film, which at times manages to capture beautiful images of rural Mexico, it suffers from a lack of rythm and kitsch imagery which reminds of a student project. Overall, it is a bit hard to follow, as it constantly moves without a clear sense of purpose or direction. Although it is far from being a great film, it is still worth a look. The music, which is mostly infrequent and used with varying efficacy, adds a lot of character to the movie. Not Poglovsky's best work.

Train to Busan (2016)

Slap everyone

[5/10 · 22 December 2020]

Have you ever seen the Russian slapping tournaments? This is the first time I wish I went pro in the sport. Would be truly useful for this movie, as you watch protagonist after protagonist utterly incapable of running or reacting at all. Would like nothing more than to slap, like a pro, 97% of actors in this movie.

Thanks for nothing

Fireball: Visitors from Darker Worlds (2020)

Herzog magic of ol'

[9/10 · 14 November 2020]

As a long-time admirer of Herzog, I wouldn't describe myself as free from bias. I approached this documentary with caution, given my recent experiences with some of his latest work (Family Romance Inc, et al). Without ruining your experience, there is one thing I could say about this documentary: it transmits the passion and drive of Herzog's golden days. Many of the clichés are still there (the soundtrack, for instance), but in a good way. Herzog meets an old friend and together they explore a fascinating topic: meteorites. In the long, silent shots of human faces, the Herzog magic of old re-emerges. As in the old days, Fireball is ultimately a human look no other director could provide. It doesn't have the slow pace of ol'; Herzog's interaction with Hollywood probably has a lot to do with that. But in the end, Fireball deserves to be seen. It is an intimate and colourful exploration of us and the rocks and dust that makes us.

Jack Ryan: Strongman (2019) Season 2, Episode 8

Down the board

[6/10 · 2 November 2019]

In what already was a mediocre season, this chapter is absolute nonsense. Invading the Palacio de Miraflores? We're not in the 1920's anymore. A waste of closure in what otherwise could have been a much better finale. The plot involving offshore companies was a much better avenue of closing season 2.

I don't see how this series can honestly go on.

Museo (2018)

A missed opportunity

[5/10 · 4 November 2018]

I looked forward to watching this movie for taking on a fascinating story. Having such an incredible base to work on gave this film so much potential. Gael's involvement usually entails quality. Not in this case. Other than some good performances (including Gael's), the rest is mediocre. The script, the flow, the adaptation. They did not even stick to the story! That was the easy part and it was such a good story. All in all, a missed opportunity.