Dowsen Reviews

Tár (2022)

Wait for it, it gets better!

[9/10 · 4 March 2023]

I was pretty annoyed in the beginning when the credits were playing forever. Why do you do that? Of nice sound, but it was rather repetitive, could have cut that out. Also the long interview in the beginning but damn.. the rest of the movie. What a decent ride to hell!

Let's start with Cate's performance. What an act! Seriously, how she delivered those long dialogues was purely impressive and how she conducted the music was just a pure joy to watch. She was for me Lydia Tar!

And the storey.. wow.. to see a fallen star, now as classical music conductor, was just brilliantly told. No Hollywood. Nothing extrem. Just a inspiring but also shocking story told. I loved the movie!

Women Talking (2022)

Talking indeed

[7/10 · 30 January 2023]

Women talking is an interesting movie with great actors, however for my taste it was too much talking and too little action.

The story is very interesting and very well depicted. You are thrown in this conversation which is very intriguing. The dialogues are written very well, but it's too much. I would like to see more of the day to day life and the history of those people. It was women talking indeed!

You get a sense of the single woman's history and what is actually happening to them. They use these amazing actors very well, delivering those dialogues with great emotions. Those actors and an intriguing story are the main drivers of this movie. It is well meant but is missing more actions and background story.

The Bear (2022– )

Too aggressive

[7/10 · 19 January 2023]

I get that it's rough in the kitchen, but come one, this show is too aggressive.

The story is good. Makes me wanna continue watching but this aggression and cursing makes me hate the show. It's too much. And it doesn't need it.

Also the characters are not likeable. They don't appear to learn and get really satisfaction from their success. Often I cannot relate or understand their reactions. Their is some development but they fall too often back.

The show is worth watching if you can stand lots of cursing and aggression and basically only asshole characters. Not for me. So basically again a show that does not please everyone.

Bones and All (2022)

Nothing for the weak!

[7/10 · 8 January 2023]

It started rather slow but hit you by surprise. This movie is very visual. Nothing for the weak! I was shocked at so many moments. However, the love story has something very sweet that balances the rough pictures.

The movie is something rather new and innovative. Very controversial I feel. It got me thinking. Mostly whether I like the movie or not. It's not a bad movie but I guess it's more for people who can stand those visual brutality which luckily the director presents in a compressible way. The way of telling us story almost takes the whole brutality. It is a very special love story with many twists and turns. For sure, I was not bored!

The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)

So funny. So sad. So beautiful.

[10/10 · 2 January 2023]

What a pleasant surprise! I enjoyed watching the trailer, did not really know what I was expecting and therefore, surprised with this beautiful and shocking movie.

The scenery is just astonishing. The thick green landscape and well placed pictures of this beautiful country are more then worth watching on a big screen!

The acting is just impressive. All of them doing such a fine job. The emotional variation of Farrell is Oscar worthy for sure. Some of the best actors of their generation!

The music, which is well integrated in the story, makes atmosphere just perfect. The scenery and music give a well round concept.

The story is devastating, but told in such a funny way. I laughed so much during this movie. The laughter definitely balances the rough message of the movie.

25 km/h (2018)

What a beautiful story

[9/10 · 31 December 2022]

I loved this movie. Seeing love between brothers, with the ugly side of a rivalry. Two brothers that could not be more different but still bound by their family. Many people will relate! It is pure joy to see these two men showing a great span of emotions. Taking a trip through Germany. Seeing many beautiful places. Developing the characters throughout the whole movie. No cliche. No cringe. A daring story of love between men without becoming gay. The world needs more of those movies. Inspirational, important and totally enjoyable. Takes this ride which starts dark but ends with beautiful lesson.

The Volcano: Rescue from Whakaari (2022)

Shocking event

[8/10 · 31 December 2022]

Impressive documentary that shows a shocking disaster. I couldn't stop watching. It is well made and grasp your full attention. The movie shows commentaries from affected people and raw videos from victims that were present during the outbreak of the volcano. Further it is informative about the incalculable force of nature and shows that we shouldn't take nature for granted. Nature is cruel and beautiful simultaneously. The movie depicts that very well. It is even for soft souls a good piece to see. The story is horrible but the pictures are respectful of the affected people. Must see for nature lovers!

Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody (2022)

Decent performance

[6/10 · 31 December 2022]

I enjoyed watching this movie but mostly for the songs. Whitney is definitely one of the greatest. One that is almost impossible to play. Ackie did a decent job, but the look and gestures didn't work for me. Whitney was always on point. Ackie did not manage. Also, the movie was a nice illustration of a one-of-a-kind performer. The ugly side of this business and her life were part of the movie but mostly in the background without showing the real shade. I would have loved to see more contrast. Nevertheless, the movie is worth going to the cinema, just to listen to the songs in original from Whitney - with a good sound system.