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Not Okay (2022)
Another movie people don't understand
I read a few reviews here and it's kinda hilarious how people are upset that the main character doesn't seem to get a redemption arc or grows in any way. I strongly disagree by the way. Zoey Deutch's character is incredibly selfish, so selfish that she is not able to feel empathy for others or even worse that she is not able to have the tought that other people might be affected by here actions in a bad way.
Now for the ending:
After everything is revealed and everyone hates her, she again starts to just think about herself. I am so bad. I learned this and that. I need therapy. And then ultimately: i need to fix rverything gor me and get my redemption. Thats why she writes that sorry speech and heads to the public stage. But there is her true redemption while listening to rowans side and opinions. This is the first time that she feels real empathy and accepts the fact that rowan ia better off without her. She finally acted unselfishly.
Ah-ga-ssi (2016)
More accessible than Oldboy
After the success of Oldboy, Park Chan-Wook made fine but not as great movies in his stylish way of filmmaking; i always described as Tarantino if he was Asian and would understand their culture and weirdness. Don't get me wrong i really like 'Lady Vengeance', 'Thirst' and 'Stoker' but in comparison they felt flat. Now Chan-Wook slightly changed his style and made a more accessible movie for the general audience, but at the same time a great movie.
'The Handmaiden' is clever, well constructed, full of great characters and in a strange but understandable way erotic. Especially, the two female characters showed a great range of emotions and acting skill in this movie. I most admit after the first big turn in the story of the movie, i expected the way the story would play out in the end. But this didn't stop the stylish and nice way the story was told.
Even if you are not familiar wit Oldboy or Asian cinema, go watch this movie you will at least like it.
The Mummy (2017)
Dark Universe: First Entry
Tom Cruise is one of the last big movie stars, who manages to get people into the theaters even if the movie they're in isn't that great. That's the case with "The Mummy", although only half of the movie really is about said creature. The other part is focused on the establishing of Universals Dark Universe by introducing an agency lead by Russel Crowes Dr. Jekyll.
A Universe that does not know whether to be funny, scary, thrilling or action-packed and instead of choosing decides to be all at once. Which is one of the biggest flaws of this movie. So you kind of get a mixed bag in every way. The mummy part also feels like we have seen everything before. Not even the charisma of Tom Cruise and the bad ass Sofia Boutella can help to save this mess of a movie.
Watching every scene alone is kind of enjoyable, but in order they feel lifeless. Let's hope for a better future of the Dark Universe.
Wonder Woman (2017)
Finally Female!
"Wonder Woman" is getting a lot of praise and I get why. Firstly, the DCEU movies, though commercial successes, disappointed fans, movie lovers and critics alike and therefore the expectations were low. Secondly, all attempts of female lead superheros bombed, only look at "Catwoman" or "Elektra", which lowers these expectations even more. And finally Gal Gadot's critically seen casting also contributes to this argument.
So the good movie and great performance Gal Gadot and her director Patty Jenkins are delivering, defies this expectations and everyone was very surprised. The movie was bright and colorful, funny, had character development and good chemistry between all of the characters. Also the action sequences were shot in a very different and interesting way. All points that proved that "Wonder Woman" is good. Gal Gadot, just to mention it, is absolutely perfect for this role.
But why do I think this movie isn't great or deserves a rating of 9 or 10? Simply because I hated the final confrontation and god plot. Sorry for those who enjoy scenes like this, I find no enjoyment in gods stupidly fighting each other by destroying everything. I am tired of these endings. It seems that there are two options: sky beam or god like creatures. Both endings are stupid! Just watch the creative way "Doctor Strange" or "Ant-Man" handled their climax. More of this kind please! But after all this complaints, "Wonder Woman" is really good in many ways. Every detail in the first hour and a half fits and is a joy to watch. The ending is a bit weaker but still good.
The Gift (2015)
Well Made Joel Edgerton!
If you never seen a trailer of this movie or have read anything about it, stop here and enjoy a good thriller! If you have heard of the basic concept of this movie, you probably know where the story goes and what will happen. So if you expect something special and you're hyped for this movie, do yourself a favor and lower them.
Because Joel Edgerton is delivering a very good debut as writer and director. I did not find this stalker movie very thrilling, but i liked the characters and their stories. All of the three main actor where great and perfect for their roles. There where some disturbing images and i felt uncomfortable in some scenes.
So for a enjoyable thriller night with some drama and thought, take the ride and watch "The Gift".
Batoru rowaiaru (2000)
The Real Hunger Games
Do you like to see how the hunger games would really look and feel like, then watch the origin of the idea of young kids fighting to death while being watched on television. If you have problems with the basic concept of the movie, which simply is that a school class is sent to an island to kill each other off, then avoid this movie. If you're interested now than what are you waiting for? Some kids are persuaded by the price of life for the sole survivor and some try to form a union. One of the most interesting things to see in this movie are the different ways the kids cope with their situation. Also you never know which person might betray the other or who is having an advantage in a confrontation.
Simply an interesting concept and watch. A Japanese classic from the early 2000's.
Hacksaw Ridge (2016)
Great and Frightening War Scenes!
No one should be surprised that Mel Gibson is a great director. Honestly, haven't you seen "Braveheart", "Passion of Christ" or "Apocalypto"? Sadly this fact was long forgotten, due to the private escalations of Gibson and his absence both in front and behind the camera. I always thought this was a pity. I wonder what movies we missed, but who knows.
As a matter of fact, I enjoyed every aspect of "Hacksaw Ridge". The religious aspect did not bother me at all as I expected when I saw the trailers. I don't get, why this movie wasn't running in theaters in my hometown. The only movies that i liked and shared this strange fact are "The Fall" and "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World".
All war scenes were fast, brutal and without any logic of who or how someone gets killed. I loved that. Only "Black Hawk Down" showed a similar chaotic depiction of battles without distracting the audience. The story was believable and heartbreaking. The movie also wasn't political, neither the Americans where too brave or good nor the Japanese too cowardly or evil. It was simply war with two sides.
If you enjoy war movies (a genre with many good or great movies) put this movie on your watch-list.
Warcraft (2016)
Movies based on Games :(
"Warcraft" is a mess and still one of the best movies based on video games made so far. I think no one really can explain why none of the various attempts of adapting succeeded. They all feel kind of dumb and constructed. Warcraft is no exception, although there was hope with Duncan Jones directing this movie. He made one great and one good sci-fi-movie before and is known as a huge fan of the game.
Some of the CGI in this movie looks surreal and Ben Fosters young but elderly magician didn't work for me. I liked the main orc character, but his character arc was wasted and felt poorly made. Nevertheless, most of the orc scenes felt like they were made for a game and not a movie. The main human character was flat and i did not buy him as a loving and carrying father. He simply seemed to be too young.
Everything sad, there where some unexpected story points and the general world was very well carried out. So if they expand on it, I hope for a better movie.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017)
Same Procedure as Every Year
To start with the conclusion: There is nothing wrong with "Dead Man Tell No Tales", but it feels like every other "Pirates of the Caribean" movie. Johnny Depp acts silly, there is a young couple which is constantly fighting but secretly in love, there is rivalry with Captain Barbossa, there is also an army ship searching for them and they are all chased by an evil ghost ship and it's ghost crew. You'll probably guessed it, all of them are chasing a mysterious artifact and that's about it with storytelling.
Yeah, everybody is acting good especially Javier Bardem, but all characters are kind of one dimensional. I hated the character of Kaya Scodelario, even though she is very likable and beautiful. It's not her fault. The writers gave her exactly two characteristics: She is smart and she has boobs. The First one is mentioned and used as a joke way to often and for the latter, there are a way too much scenes focusing on her cleavage. Even the male me, was annoyed by that and kind of sad for Kaya Scodelario. This woman is capable of much more than they gave her.
To be fair, all of the action sequences where great looking and creativity went into them. If you liked the other movies of this franchise, you'll probably love this. If you don't watch it for pure dumb enjoyment or skip it.
Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
Really Enjoyable 2 Hours!
Marvel knows it's characters best and so it's no surprise that this version of Spider-Man feels more natural than the previous ones. Tobey Maguires and Sam Raimis Spider-Man movies where great, especially the second one, but they have been kind of serious compared to this movie. So if you're searching for a thrilling fun ride of a movie, look no further. Marvel is establishing their funny tone they invented with Guardians of the Galaxy. It seems that their strategy now is to inject this into all the properties. The Thor:Ragnarök Trailer points in a similar direction.
As of the actors, everybody fits their parts very well. Tom Holland is the Stand Out and to be honest he seems to be Peter Parker even in real life. The only person i think was kind of off was surprisingly Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark. He didn't feel as energetic and realistic as he was in the first Iron Man or Avengers Movie.
So why am i not giving it more than a rating of 8. Simply because there is no impact and nothing really fresh like for example in Wonder Woman. Although, i liked the smaller scale and teen-movie feel of this version of the friendly spider. So go watch it.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 (2017)
Marvel at it's best!
I am not a big Marvel fan. I know, i know, Americans take their comic books as well as comic adaptations pretty serious, but i'm European and to be honest I've never read them. So I basically know them from cartoons and movies. But I'm a movie fan and I can see that Marvel is doing a good job regarding it's cinematic universe. Although i personally favor a more dark and serious tone in movies most of the time. The light entertainment often floats by, except it's as hilarious as a Scott Pilgrim or nearly everything Matthew Vaughn has done. And the universe of Guardians of the Galaxy also falls under this category, why i genuinely liked it.
And without further ado, that also applies to the second part. Yeah, the story is a little bit less interesting, the soundtrack a little bit less great and the action scenes a little more stupid, but i'ts still a hell of a ride. Easily the best part of the movie are the likable and interesting characters as well as their relationships. And director James Gunn knows how to use this in the best way possible.
I can only say, please give us more of this and don't mess it up by adding them to the rest of the MCU. Please don't!
Alien: Covenant (2017)
Neither Prometheus nor Alien
I never got the bad reviews that Prometheus received when it was released. I really liked the main theme, feeling and look of that movie. Of course, there were flaws and in my opinion the biggest of them was the connection to the alien universe. Obviously some of the scenes including the so-called scientists in this alien building were also really stupid, but i could have lived with that. What bothered me was that the plot didn't went enough into the culture of those engineers and their reasons for creation.
So as I heard about the rearrangement of Prometheus 2 into Alien: Covenant, because the "fans", who ever they are, demanded more Aliens, I was alarmed. Sadly, my fears came through. The second movie is more of a horror-film than a science-fiction film. Get rid of the setting and you basically have a classic monster movie. The plot is the same as it ever was with some rather stupid add-ons regarding one of Michael Fassbenders characters in the movie.
And this bothers me, because i like the style, look and feel of Ridley Scotts science-fiction movies. Alien: Covenant has all this ingredients, including good performances by great actors. But the greatest lack is the story, that doesn't go far enough and has many plot holes. Some characters act really stupid and inhuman in this movie. It often seems that they are just questioning things when it's convenient for the story.
Nevertheless, this movie is from one of the best movie makers of our time and you can see that. If only the writers would have done better.
Eddie the Eagle (2015)
Enjoyable Underdog Story
I'm not sure, that everything took place the way it's shown in this movie. Because of my age i'm not familiar with the story of Eddie the Eagle, but i'm glad that they went with the more entertaining, exaggerated version of the real life events. You fall for the main character and his dream to participate in Olympic games within the first few seconds of the movie.
Yes, everything is kind of shown in a nostalgic and overoptimistic view, but this leads to the lovely feel-good vibe of the movie. This is not a movie you have to see in cinemas. Although, it is perfect for a family afternoon in your living room. You can feel that everyone involved had a blast and enjoyed every second of making this movie.
A small but delightful movie with good messages and morals.
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2016)
Could have been more Fun
Movies like this are having a hard time. Adapting a classic novel or story and adding some kind of monsters seems to be a trend in Hollywood. There are many really bad entries like "Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters", "Dracula Untold" or "The Brothers Grimm". Now this is the second adaptation of a zombie novel by Seth Grahame-Smith after "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter", a enjoyable but mediocre movie.
Exactly the same is to say about "Pride & Prejudice & Zombies". Let's start with the good parts. Easily the most enjoyable part is the main character played by Lily James. I don't know why she is not getting more attention. Besides her obvious beauty, she is really doing a great acting job here. Which leads me to the next positive part, the story part that's directly adapted from the Jane Austen novel. I wasn't expecting that much "Pride & Prejudice", but that worked and was portrayed very well.
The demerits are the zombie parts of this movie. It felt randomly added to the plot. If you add zombies you should have much more fun, more darkness and horror, but instead most of the movies run time people are running into some zombies and killing them in fast cut scenes. And even in the end, where you could have started a fun fest of zombie killing it's just zombies running at them and never really being a thread.
So in the end, I was disappointed, because the concept was wasted and could have been way more fun.
The Fate of the Furious (2017)
As Dumb and Entertaining as it gets!
My biggest hope with the "Fast and Furious"-Franchise is, that everybody else is watching it with the same attitude as i do. I watch it as a entertaining guilty pleasure comedy with the knowledge of watching the most stupid things on screen. And I mean most stupid things. There are moments especially in this film, where i couldn't stop laughing. For example, the hackers or computer experts in this movie need less than 10 seconds to write the most complex codes by shortly hitting the types.
Now you may say that this is nitpicking, but that's just a small detail. The plot, dialogue and action scenes follow the same insanity. You get "The Rock" surfing on a torpedo, People suddenly trusting their former enemies within seconds and silly car chases that define the law of physics. And god damn please never ask yourself, why the hell the main villain especially needs Dominic Toretto for her plans.
Why do I still give this movie a 6 out of 10. Because the makers of this movie know exactly of this stupidity and the fun of it. This is a hell of entertaining movie to watch and shut your brains down. Especially the newer cast members seem to like every scene their in. I loved the action scenes of Jason Statham, they are among the funniest moments of the movie. On the Contrary, I didn't like the dark main plot and characters as much in this entry to the Franchise.
"Fast Five" is still the most entertaining one of those movies, but you'll have a good time with this, too. But keep remembering yourself to stop thinking.
Brooklyn (2015)
Great Dialoge, Good Acting and Standard Story
Brooklyn is in every way entertaining to watch. The Best thing about it, is the well written dialogue, which makes you laugh or grin happily. That's also just possible because of the often likable but always interesting characters, whether it's the quirky matron, the smooth Italian or the self-made women. The main character is more believable in comparison, but falls a little flat. Saoirse Ronan, nevertheless, is amazing in this role. She really should be in more movies.
Don't watch the trailer of this movie. It's giving away too much. I read in another critic, that the main character has no real problems. I disagree strongly. Yeah, her problems aren't big social, political or economic issues or life-threatening in a direct way, but she has to struggle with big matters of her own life. Leaving her family, especially her sad mother, forever alone and deciding for her own life. It's not just a choice between two men. They are just symbols of two different paths of life. So in some way it's basically a coming of age story.
This is not a new story nor is it the best depiction of it, however it's a good one. And if you're having a date, it's perfect.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010)
A Dream for Filmlovers and Nerds
To everybody who hasn't seen a lot of films or doesn't like strange movies with a lot stuff going on, you won't get this movie. Every scene,every detail, every single line of dialogue or cut in this movie is perfectly made and thought to send a message or make you smile. If you're not paying attention or blocking, you might misinterpret it as nonsense or chaos. Yes, the movie is weird and especially the first fight scene with Indian music and dancing will make some people say what the hell, but if you make it through the while movie, you'll get one of the best comedies in existence.
Hell, i love Edgar Wright and i can't wait to see Baby Driver this year.
Ghost in the Shell (2017)
No Comparison, but stunning!
I saw the original anime a long time ago, so I can't really tell the differences or compare the two movies adequately. But to be honest, I think it serves for objectivity. Nevertheless, i'm not a fan of recreations of great movies. I know one example where I liked the remake more then the original: "Girl with a dragon tattoo". On the other side, I could not finish movies like the remakes of "Let the right one in", "Oldboy" or "The Experiment". I'm also not into the recent life-action adaptations of Disney movies like "The Jungle Book", "Cinderella" or "The Beauty and the Beast". Not that they are bad movies, they just add nothing new and therefore I kinda watched them unemotional.
But let's get to "Ghost in the Shell". Maybe I'm lucky by not having the original in mind, but i kinda liked the movie. The world was depicted very well. I liked all the characters and their motivations. I enjoyed the action-sequences and the plot. Probably the biggest flaw in my opinion was the little underwhelming finale of the movie. The movie has a run-time of approx. 150 minutes, but it didn't feel that long. So I was kinda surprised of the ending. I would have liked a more meaningful ending.
So to say praises to the director and art director, I really loved every little visual detail. And for that reason alone go watch this movie in the theater.
Life (2017)
Fast Entrance and Pacing
Movies like Life are having the disadvantage of comparison to a great classic movie. In this case it's a little movie called Alien. From the first trailer on, you know the basic story of the movie. A crew of a spaceship has to face the issue of an extraterrestrial being with certain abilities in a closed area. In this case a futuristic version of the international space station.
But the director of Life is clever enough, to just speed up the tempo of this movie. There is no long introduction of characters or alien. The situation is pretty clear within the first few minutes. That fast pacing, the great but sub-challenged actors, like Gylenhaal, Ferguson and Reynolds, some small surprises and the good visuals are making Life as enjoyable as it is.
Will this movie be a classic and re-watched many times? No, definitively no. But it is entertaining waste of time ;)
It Follows (2014)
Strange and Different Horror movie
First of all, "It Follows" is filmed and directed very well. I liked the upgraded 80's feeling the movie was set in. Sometimes the famous horror movies of that time where clearly visible as role models. This is also represented in the basic theme of teenagers coping with their sexuality and adolescence.
Without spoiling much, the concept of the movie is that some kind of "disease" is transmitted by having sex and is following the affected persons wherever they go. The movie isn't that scary but you feel some sort of tension. There are nearly no jump scares and the movie feels fresh, which I really appreciated.
The movie though has it's flaws. Strangely the parents of all teenager are absent most of time, even when serious s*** is about to go down. There is no excuse mentioned. Something that I also recognized is that whenever it's convenient "it" shows up, regardless of it's previous location or the distances. And my major issue was, that I would have liked some more explanation (not the simple ones) of what is going on or if not a more unexpected finish of the movie.
Actingwise the main character of Maika Monroe is the only one, which was decent. Some of the supporting cast members really felt more like movie characters or actors than real life people.
The movie is a different and enjoyable horror movie. But don't expect too much, though.
Silence (2016)
Faith in 3 Hours
Martin Scorsese is one of very few directors who continues to make good movies in more than 50 years of working. This movie is no exception. But to warn you straight out, Silence is not mainstream or even an epic movie in the classical way. In its heart its a small movie about people with faith, their reasons for believing and their struggle to keep doing it. So there are no big scenes with great mind blowing dialog or action.
I personally also had a hard time connecting myself to the people depicted on the screen, because i can not emotionally understand the concept of faith and believing in a greater power. The actors are all good in this movie and the characters are fleshed out very well, but their motivations are unfamiliar to me. So some decisions are hard to understand. But that is one point of the movie.
The cinematography and direction of the movie are stunningly great. I personally didn't like the last half an hour as much as the rest of the movie and i would have liked more of Adam Driver. So after all it's a good movie, but one i do not see myself watching more often.
Bone Tomahawk (2015)
Slow Paced, Dark Western
When i heard about this movie, i tought it would be a action-packed B- Movie with a lot of fun. Instead i got a dark, pretty realistic western with a simple story. Bone Tomahawk is one of those movies that shines with it's characters.
After the wife of a crippled man, played by Patrick Wilson, is kidnapped by wild cannibals, a couple of men are going on a rescue mission to save her. The four men can't be more different and that's what drives the movie.
The movie is slow and if you're looking for fast paced entertainment or great moments, you are probably having a hard time with it. If you like stories about a group of people in an extrem situation, you're right. Don't expect too much, but for a nice evening with no expectations, this movie serves very well.
Logan (2017)
Dirt, Blood and Age
According to Hugh Jackman this will be his last depiction of the character Logan alias Wolverine. After two mixed solo attends, this movie is finally what fans and critics were waiting for.
Logan is a broken down man, with the great days past by. Now his healing powers fade and of all the friends of the past is only a senile Charles Xavier left, who needs medicine to keep is dangerous powers locked away. This is the starting point of a often brutal but sometimes also heartbreaking journey through a near future world with the mutant being only a story of the past.
The direction by James Mangold and the characters in this movie are gorgeous. There are many little details that you would not expect in a movie like this. Overall the feeling of an old western a la Eastwood is omnipresent. There are absolutely dirty and bloody fight scenes with rolling heads and claws through the face, but between these violent scenes there is much character development. Something you would also not expect in a comic book movie.
I enjoyed the final view onto Hugh Jackmans Wolverine and the way they ended everything. So after The Lego Batman we already got the second superhero movie that did it different and right.
The Lego Batman Movie (2017)
A must see for movie fans!
If you haven't seen "The Lego Movie", go watch that movie first. These movies are not just for kids, but for everyone who likes to have some laughs. And even though the whole movies might be a big advert for Lego, they also feature some good messages and heart.
Nothing is harder to do, than a good comedy with many laughs and jokes for a wide range of humor types. But the makers of the Lego movies nailed it. Once again they managed to have a ratio of jokes that is incredible high. If you're not paying enough attention to the screen you might miss most of them.
The makers also understand the comic genre and in special the character of batman. There are many references and character moments that fit batman very well. The main arc is learning to integrate yourself into a family and take responsibility for them. A great message, that i was not expecting.
The voice actors and characters are all great and you will also get some great action.
After all, the movie is a fun and thrill ride, which especially movie goers and nerdy people will love and understand. But that doesn't mean all others can't get their laughs out of it.
John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017)
What's the point of this movie?
The first John Wick came out of nowhere and i quite enjoyed it for what it was. It had a pretty great neon style and a unique way of portraying the world of a community of assassins. So i didn't have high expectations for the second part, but was nevertheless curious where they would take the story next.
Sadly there isn't much of a story and the self-aware, ironic tone of the first one is also absent. Only in the first few scenes it's shining through. From there on it's pretty much John Wick shooting it's way among Rome and New York. Some Plotpoints are even ridiculous (Watch out for the doves and microchips).
Okay, i hear many of you saying, it's an action movie, what are you expecting. So to my next point. The only action you get in this movie is Keanu Reeves shooting guys in the head and sometimes into the foot. After the sixth or seventh dude sneaking around a corner and getting a head shot, everything kinda blurred out for me.
Although, there are two positive things to mention about this movie. Firstly, Keanu Reeves is really enjoying himself in this role and you can see that he put some effort into it. And secondly, the neon style of the first movie was translated into this movie and there were some cool settings.
Overall, this movie is fine for a boring Sunday afternoon and some time to kill. But if you like something special or even a kind of story, keep away from this movie.