soleserm Reviews

Maestro (I) (2023)

Excellent direction and performance, but poor story

[7/10 · 21 December 2023]

First off, Bradley and Carrey's performances are just brilliant. Period. If you want to watch a movie with breathtaking acting, then you're in the right place. Plus I loved how the long scenes were masterfully directed, a commodity which becomes even more rare in time. The overall production is captivating and serves the story and action pretty well. Dialogues are super realistic and very close to an every day life attitude, without dramatic climaxes with no particular reason. In all, the movie as a production and execution is brilliant in its own right.

But what about the story? Yes, indeed it focuses on the love and relationship between Bernstein and Cohn, but I feel the title, the persona(s) and the history would demand way more than just the love affairs of a bisexual man and a loyal and very strong woman. Bernstein is part of the human cultural history, so I don't see why Cooper focused on the lover and just added the music and talent as a decorative prop. It should have been the other way. Or maybe split the story in two separate points of focus, one on the talented persona and his big achievements, and the other around his undoubtedly difficult human side, beside an equally strong woman and vigorous personality. Lastly, I found some dialogues to be out of focus, butt then again I have to pay my deepest respect to both co-stars for their being amazing performers.

It's a very good movie to watch, but I feel it inevitably misses out the bigger picture.

The Shepherd (I) (2023)

Decent, but why a movie?

[7/10 · 6 December 2023]

The story of a perilous journey and the lost "good soul" who gets rescued by a brave ghost is not new. I've seen at least 4 similar movies; "Saints and Soldiers" is one of them. There is also the same twist in "Gravity".

It's a well produced short-film; good acting and beautiful photography. But the tale itself is quite casual, since Dickens' "Christmas Carol". There are also unrealistic elements regarding the whole electrical systems failure sequence.

However, it is quite emotional and touching, under the perspective of the myth of "the shepherd", especially during Christmas time, hence the point of this film. Yet it only stays this way - and maybe this is the scope of producing a short film, after all.

In all, I liked the film. It seems, however, that it's only for a "nice afternoon break", rather than watching a movie. Sweet and romantic in its own right, including a good cast, very realistic shots and overall production. But still, I have to insist on wondering why the producers chose to film a novel, instead of just leaving the novel as it is, or maybe expand the concept further, adding plot, characters and a more easy-to-relate, modern aspect of the same old educative myth.

Fair Play (2023)

Brilliant acting, poor story connection

[5/10 · 10 October 2023]

Let me start with the acting first.

Both starring actors were just brilliant; in fact, I was pleased to watch a romantic thriller with such a good pair of starring actors. To be honest, I only know Ehrenreich from his "Solo" acting. I don't know Dynevor, this was the first time I've watched her acting. The dynamics between these two performances was so perfectly timed and cohesive, I found this element the most significant of the whole movie. Marsan (plays Campbell's character) is also a brilliant actor. Shew, I even loved that Quinn character burst in the beginning of the movie.

The good points: 1. The message: I totally agree with the issue pointed out. Jealousy and toxic feelings can be a nightmare.

2. The good and the naive elements of human character do play a significant role here.

3. Excellent editing. All scenes were masterfully supported and the director did a good job.

Now the bad points.

1. Realism: no, there's not a chance a financial investment company employs such rigid and surrealistically eroded characters. Nor they do "use" their staff only for 2 years, just to replace them afterwards. This environment where the story takes place and expands is totally surreal. This was quite naive.

2. Action unfolding: it feels as if the story is cut to dozens of different pieces, like dozens of smaller stories, independent to one another. There is no cohesion. One minute something happens, the next is something evolving, which doesn't connect with the rest preceding it, because it's being overreacted in terms of story unfolding. This may work well in a fiction or steampunk movie, but not in a modern day based story - especially inside the financial sector, with people living ordinary lives.

3. Dialogues: despite the cut-through attitude -which is perfectly fit into the story- and the very realistic feel, the argumentative nature is faltering. The story does not give away crucial elements to why these two people start antagonising each other; it just happens. There's no reason or related incident on which a change of behaviour is justified. Not even a mention to the deeper corners of their characters. Just two people in love, and suddenly they antagonising each other, under the excuse of "personal ambitions" - which is never mentioned, insinuated, or even depicted from these two excellent actors. Just glances, frowns, lines spoken here and there. And the next day there's another escalation, with no particular foundation to the ethics of the main characters. The only truly real element is Emily's mom and her sweetly annoying phone calls, which add to the suspense.

4. Poor ending: Why? Because it's strong enough to fit to another story. It just doesn't fit in there.

In all, the movie had many good elements in both the story's spirit and the action. It also included two starring actors who really gave their best. But I felt there was a noticeable lack of cohesion and progression, in accordance with the lack of / minimal character depth, as if they fell out of the sky.

Heart of Stone (I) (2023)

Could be better...

[5/10 · 28 August 2023]

It's a mash-up of Bourne meets Bond meets Minority Report meets Geostorm (without the Geo-effects) meets Mission Impossible meets Die Hard and so on. The idea of the all-mighty core processor is interesting enough, but poorly developed, leaning only to the special effects, which do claim a good place in terms of creativity, nonetheless. A story which is of no interest, because we've seen better movies, with better twists and main action. But again, this could be irrelevant, if it wasn't the focusing on the one-on-one fights, bullets flying all over, and a main character which actually dances in a constant crossfire. The few interesting plot points are given poor or no attention, in terms of how these are going to evolve. Gal Gadot's performance is good enough for her role (she's played better characters so far - including WW spin-off arc), Alia Bhatt's character is way too much predictable; the young, naive idealist, who falls into a trap, only to let "human feelings win" and eventually switch sides. To be honest though, her character's initial presentation creates a sort of mystery and anticipation for something more elaborate, but then again, Dornan's character (Parker) takes over in the movie's most impressive plot twist. After that, character Keya wanders around a predictable stereotype, with no effects on the viewer's point.

I really liked the apartment team party though. It was really getting through naturally, and emitted a really convincing vibe. I also liked the other "MI6" operatives, for the same reason; they were casual enough, without screaming out loud "they are the next Bonds and Bournes".

The main antagonist (Parker) is THE most predictable element in the whole movie. I remember Jeremy Irons in Die Hard 2, Brian Kox as Ward Abbott in Bourne Supremacy - they were villains with emotional and ideological depth. Everyone could hate them, yet respect them. Parker is a copy cat, with no depth, despite his serving as the best plot twist in the whole movie.

I have to mention the blast sequence, near the end of the movie; that was perfect a scene. The same goes for the night car chase in the centre of Lisbon.

Overall, this is one of Netflix's movies, designed for content purposes only. It's not a bad action movie, but nothing more to it. As a fan of the genre, I've seen better ones.

Star Wars: The Bad Batch: Tipping Point (2023) Season 2, Episode 14

Clone Troops Resistance!

[9/10 · 22 March 2023]

As the second season reaches its end, the episodes are getting really intriguing.

Focusing on the Clones' resistance (yes, it is a resistance movement, after all) and sub-plotting Crosshair against the scientists' dark intensions, I get the feeling that the season will offer a spectacular closure.

In this episode, we can see Crosshair has already switched sides: from an obedient post-order 66 driven Clone, to a discarded clone fighting for his life and his integrity. In the meantime, Echo and a group of rogue Clones free some clone prisoners, after a well organised raid in one prison freighter. And as Crosshair struggles against the ruthless scientists who designate all Clones to become experiment objects, he manages to warn the Bad Batch about the Empire's plans on getting them back. Which means getting Omega back.

I had always believed that Crosshair would play a vital role in the Arc, as well as Echo. Seldomly a presumed dead man returns to action (referring to Clone Wars S07), unless there's a considerable script plot around him. I also get the feeling that the scientists will reveal some kind of connection to the sequel-based Palpatine cloning, but maybe this guess is a long shot. In any case, in terms of story, the whole thing will lead to an impressive finale.

I miss Captain Rex though. I was delighted to see more Clones, and Echo's come back to action.

Star Wars: The Bad Batch: The Outpost (2023) Season 2, Episode 12

Speechless....

[10/10 · 20 March 2023]

Seeing Clones being disposed off, is something that gradually makes me really sad. But this episode is worth the sad feeling.

Crosshair finds himself in a crossroads; it's time to realise the truth and deal with it, regardless of the consequences. Alongside him, Commander Mayday (really now, "Mayday"?! Couldn't they find a proper name?!) is the epitome of the old breed of Clone Troopers, a shattered fighter, cast aside with his fellow clone troopers, left in a god forsaken place to guard containers, struggling to keep his men alive in a harsh environment. Yet, this is the moment where Crosshair reunites with his true human emotions - a prelude established back in the "Kamino Lost" episode.

The Batch was not in good terms with the Regs; yet Crosshair tries to protect this Reg Commander, while realising the truth about his use in the new Empire. It started with Cody, back in the "Solitary Clone" episode.

Mayday's thinking out loud about the "sacrifices of the Clones, and all this for what?", as he kneeled down in the snow, a mid-aged man, almost like a Clone hermit, had really given me the shivers. It's one of the most powerful scenes of the Arc.

Maybe it's my being a fan of the Clones that clouds my judgement, but I think this is a top-notch episode in every aspect.

Star Wars: The Bad Batch: Pabu (2023) Season 2, Episode 13

A sweet episode, no doubt

[8/10 · 20 March 2023]

Yeah, it's a "sweet episode". Despite it's coming after an episode really strong emotionally and in terms of story/script, "Pabu" episode is meant to show another human side of the Bad Batch, in a peaceful world, not dominated by blasters, stormtroopers and the Empire, but from ordinary people who live in a remote island, minding their own, living as they please, under a friendly and humane leader.

The Batch comes in as a "refugee band", and stays there to lend a helping hand, revealing some sort of different purpose, compared to the purpose mandated by the Kaminoans and the War.

I don't consider this to be a "filler episode". Not at all. It's a normal episode of the Bad Batch. Come on, the war is over, the Batch's use cannot be extended only to do Cid's bidding, or just run away from the Empire. And it's a symbolic thing as well; Clone Force 99 was considered to be the most lethal, the most efficient combat unit. But they can be efficient in peace time too, in a beautiful world.

And as I am very sensitive to whatever concerns the Clones, I find this "twist" to be brilliant, as it reflects the true humanity of the Clones, not only as war instruments, but as peaceful, friendly, warm-hearted, equal citizens of the Galaxy - an indirect reference to the "Clone Conspiracy" and "the Village" episode stories, just to name a few in this Arc.

Last but not least, I was pleased to find out that Omega finds a friend her age. It was starting to seem quite "dressed out", seeing a girl clone hanging around with her male Clone brothers, wandering around in frivolous missions and stuff. She may be a Clone too, but she's a child. Perfect timing!

Star Wars: The Bad Batch: Truth and Consequences (2023) Season 2, Episode 8

Masterpiece

[10/10 · 7 March 2023]

The same applies for S02EP07: a Masterpiece, both in terms of storyline and overall feeling.

Throughout the Clone Wars, all Clone Troopers were mostly dealt as "expendable human war machines". They rushed into the battle head-on; they were killed, wounded, incinerated, followed lesser leaders (albeit they were Jedi), won significant battles at a greater cost, lost brothers, old breeds from GEN-1, up to rookies with insufficient training. They were bred for battle, but they gradually discovered they were human beings, different to each other, despite their being clones. As Yoda, Ki-Adi, Obi-Whan, even Palpatine agreed, "they had fought valiantly, throughout this war, saving many lives, including ours".

After executing Order 66, Clones were cast aside, used only as a kind of reserve force to the newly ushered Storm Troopers. The Clone Conspiracy is the cornerstone to a long and difficult road for the Clones to reckon with their pre-programmed obedience and their new, inhumane duties: these otherwise liberators, now serve as an occupation army, even destroying their own home planet of Camino, which was bravely defended by them during the Wars. In episode 3 season 2, Cody realises a bitter truth; he was the one who gave the order to execute his Jedi General Obi-Whan Kenobi. The battle memorial which he lays his eyes upon, is just a reminder of what the Clone Troopers had sacrificed for peace and democracy. Look at them now.

And these very brave Clone Troopers, now awaken by their conscience, way passed their nominal age of 30's due to accelerated aging, are facing the dilemma: will they continue to serve as cast-asides and blind instruments to a bloody empire, or will they choose to fight for their rights? Some of them have already realised the truth.

In this epic episode, after senator Chuchi had claimed herself as a representative of the Clone Troopers, we finally witness another bitter truth: Palpatine is one step ahead, just like he did during the Clone Wars. It's a very emotional scene: despite their efforts and struggles, the Clones must admit their struggle to be recognised as the true liberators and equal citizens of the Galaxy has all but failed.

Since the beginning of the Clone Wars Saga, I'd been a fan of the Clones and their deeper meaning: human clones of a template are trained and used for combat, "programmed" to obey orders, a "programming" which would also include orders to eliminate their field commanders. It's significance couldn't be more intriguing to me.

Their bravery and individuality, despite their "sharing the same face", had been noticed widely and became easy to relate to many of them.

"Truth and Consequences" is an epic episode, along with its sister episode "The Clone Conspiracy". I think we can all relate to their situation, one way or another. It's one of the elite few episodes of the "Clone Wars" wider saga, with such an impact. Well done to the production team!

Jung_E (2023)

Brilliant sci-fi concept, BUT...

[6/10 · 22 January 2023]

First off, RIP Kang Soo-youn. I'm not familiar with the Korean film industry, but she was very expressive in this film and served her character very well.

"Jung_E" has a very interesting science fiction element: cloning human brains and transferring their "data" to an artificial surrogate brain, creating copies at will. Digital monitoring and processing can tune up or down the main functional signals, such as pain, vitality, and memories. This is the good part.

BUT...

I couldn't help but recognising many elements borrowed from already known sci-fi movies, such as "Ghost in the shell" (the enhanced brain taken from a dying body and put into an artificial new one), both Blade Runner films (the "interviews" taken to confirm and distinguish humans from droids, as they live amongst each other), some elements from the movie "Spectral" (regarding the use of brain and brain-to-body energy connection), even "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes" and "I, Robot". The title looks like a direct reference to "WALL-E".

In the meantime, the movie focuses on the drama of the guilty-felt daughter while the tech side of the story is left a bit aside. In addition, the heroic actions of the former Major Jung are only just a punchline. We only see her beating up metaverse droids. No flash-back of the time she really earned her glory, her popularity and appreciation from the people.

Last but not least, some dialogues felt a bit disorienting, but I guess we could blame the language barrier.

On a more positive point of view, the CGI was pretty impressive, even though I disagree on the selection of the droids' design: too many shining surfaces, a heavily industrial-like rigging, and dull colours.

It's a good action/drama, to watch on a Sunday evening, but don't expect more than that. Kang Soo-youn's performance was brilliant - and I liked this direction technique of keeping the main character more silent than all the others.

Star Wars: The Bad Batch: The Solitary Clone (2023) Season 2, Episode 3

Gets more even more deep

[9/10 · 12 January 2023]

Normally I would have to write this for the whole Season 2 series, but I think this episode gets the idea across.

In this particular episode, Crosshair is ordered to settle a matter in a former separatists' planet. But this time he must follow Commander Cody and his platoon of Clone Troopers, as the leader of the mission. Their orders are to free an imperial officer, held hostage by the planet's governor, a former separatist leader and friend and comrade to the late Mina Bonteri.

As the Clone Troopers fight their way against reprogrammed battle droids, Cody and Crosshair manage to break through the droid garrison and trap the beleaguered governor. As she is revealing some nasty truths about the Empire, as well as her futile efforts with Mina Bonteri to come to terms with the Republic and end the Clone War, Cody realises that the "order 66" and the Empire are not really what they seem.

When he and Crosshair return to Coruscant, Cody makes a remark in front of the war memorial with all the numbers and the names of the fallen Clones.

Will Crosshair consider his fellow clone's advice?

One of the best episodes of the arc, this one returns to the ominous and dark atmosphere of the last two episodes of S01. It's the first time "The Bad Batch" introduces an episode with less talking and more action, less explaining and more leaving the viewer to feel, understand and judge.

Despite what have been said and posted about the Series, "Bad Batch" remains one of the best Star Wars expansion series, and S02 has made it clear from the beginning. Filler episodes are necessary; in this case, this is one of the best.

One thing that saddened me since the beginning of the series, is the gradual fall of the once brave fighters, the the Grand Clone Army of the Republic. Starting with the execution of the order 66, up to this point, the once valiant Clones have left their value to be saved by heroes like C. C. Rex, the Bad Batch, C. C. Hauser, C. Com. Gregor and C. C. Wolffe. Cody, a former commander under the leadership of Obi-Whan Kenobi, the once brilliant marshall of the 212 Leg. Is left to decide between wrong and right.

Will Crosshair follow suit?

Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)

Very good spin-off

[8/10 · 22 December 2022]

I was amazed when I first saw the advertising: there would be an Obi Wan Kenobi mini series. For me, McGregor (one of the best actors in his age) is Obi Wan in his youth, after being portrayed by sir Alec Guiness in the original trilogy. In addition, the promise to see Hayden Christensen reprising the role of Darth Vader, had made me more happy and anticipating, as I had admired his being the character of Anakin/Vader since his first appearance on "Star Wars: Attack of the Clones" prequel film. I was also pleasantly surprised by the role of Tala, portrayed by the talented Indra Varma, which I had come to respect since her "Rome" series days.

The story focuses not on Kenobi and Luke, but on Kenobi and Leia. That, I think was a smart move: Leia asks for the help of Obi Wan, on Episode 4: A new Hope. These two characters are the engine of the movie - and of the Saga as it turned to grow over time.

As I was watching the series (for the third time so far) I couldn't help but notice the slow and somehow numb-felt starting episodes. Aside from the acting, all other elements seemed to just stay in some sort of limbo. Yet all cinematography was great, in terms of photography and sets and overall mixture of CGI and real shots. As the episodes roll, there is a sense of improvement, a smoother flow, and the character evolution is obvious and satisfying. For every one them involved. Of course, I would give a big thumbs up to the marvellous young miss Blair, which has portrayed Carrie Fisher's younger Leia impeccably.

The series is also a contextual prelude to the overall stand of the later-to-come rebellion; from the ashes of the old regime, frowned, destroyed, they rise and later win the fight. A shattered Kenobi becomes a Jedi again; an almighty Reva becomes shattered and searches for a new beginning; but Darth Vader confesses his obsession on being a Sith Lord, even after his former master almost injured him to death for a second time.

There are also realistic battle scenes; one of my favourites is the one with the storm trooper being cut in half by the ray barrier. The choreography is pretty good, and there aren't so many missing light sabre hits when in close shots (as I saw this happening to other series, such as Mandalorian and Boba Fett).

But I think Reva has gone too far, too obvious. Her yelling and being so utterly evil, without this iconic Sith restrain in manners, is a justified script element, no doubt; but if someone knows about the Star Wars Saga, will eventually figure out one of the most important plot twists in the history of the Saga. For me, this had already become clearer by the minute. Which in turn, took away the element of surprise, right when I needed it the most.

In general, this is one spin off you don't wanna lose or skip. It certainly worth your time. It's well shot, well acted and directed. Has some minor issues, but nothing could take its beauty away.

Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021–2024)

Brilliant series

[9/10 · 20 December 2022]

One of the best Star Wars stories ever.

The script/story brilliantly balances between the adventures of a rogue group of enhanced Clones, alongside another "particular" Clone (Omega), their spirit and unity as they face one challenge after another, in a post Republic-Jedi fall era.

Sweet and deep, as well as fun and entertaining, the show flows constantly between "fights" of any kind: personal, emotional, ideological, biological, evolutional.

The main plot prop in Season 1 (Omega) worked marvellously well. The transition of the "Batch" from elite suicide mission troopers to elite errand emissaries, has an impact on understanding how these brave troopers became outlaws or desperados in order to survive, but they kept their true spirit and faith and kindness, in a system ruled by an Emperor and the Sith.

One thing that always bother's me though, is the need for filler episodes - in this case there are a few. Albeit balanced enough, it still annoys me.

Another plot element is the Clones being "set" to cheer the Empire and confront their own brothers, but luckily enough there are a few exceptions. If anyone has been attached to the Clone concept during the "Clone Wars" series, this show will make you feel, well, sad sometimes.

Filloni has done a great job in this one. Hope season 2 will be much better (so I can rate it 10)

Tears of the Sun (2003)

War film with an excellent point of view

[10/10 · 2 December 2022]

One of the best war/action films I've ever seen. Not only the story is very touching, but the realisation of such a story is the perfect place for a good script to be transformed into a good movie.

The basic elements are the usual: an elite team of soldiers (SEALs) are ordered to evacuate American/European civilians off a civil war-drenched African country. Nothing new so far. But the twist in both the story and the message it gets across, is where the difference lies. The soldiers make a decision, not based upon their orders and their objective, but based on their human conscience, their own free will as human beings, not their mission. From one point on, "the mission" is just a side-project.

In addition, the two main characters (Lina and LT Waters) are two completely different characters who, in the end, find themselves fighting for the same cause. All character progression is flawless. Even the band of refugees change throughout their journey to safety, despite their fragmented short time on screen and in the most important facts of the story.

Another very important message is this: the "rebels" form a tactical army, as well as militia. Both corps plunge into atrocities against unarmed civilians, because they hunt down a declared enemy of the new regime. There's a big difference on how the story writer sees the "bad guys": they are not raggedy-ass troops, not taken by force, but organised, tactical armed forces, with an equally organised militia. Therefore, they're not "misguided" to what their superiors command and what their mission is. They perform their duties clearly, consciously, with meticulous attention to detail. They put themselves to the place of the villain with just one look.

Last but not least: the story makes it crystal clear, that this is not "an american fire power show-off", but a choice of free men, honoured by the fact that their fate had put them where they must use their high training to fight for what's right.

A film very much worth your time.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars: Darkness on Umbara (2011) Season 4, Episode 7

One of the best arcs of the Clone Wars series

[10/10 · 1 November 2022]

All four episodes of the Umbara arc are just brilliant. I always believed the clones were one of the most intriguing elements in the Star Wars universe, yet in this arc I think the production team had topped the expectations. Despite the brilliance of its fellow arcs of Ryloth (3 +1 episodes) and the Geonosis second war (3 episodes), the Umbara arc has certainly reached the highest top.

All main clone characters had ultimately "come to life" in a most perfect way, the story was a hook by itself (the devoted and legendary 501st led by Anakin, finds itself amidst a change of leadership and a seemingly unbreakable resistance by the local Umbarans), the way all main characters are being developed throughout the arc, the battle scenes, the emotional and moral conflicts, and many, many more, that can make one feel like he's watching an excellent 3D war movie, based on a truly deep story.

On a different perspective, this is the first time the Clone Troopers reveal their true abilities on adapting to the circumstances -and very difficult ones- trying to accomplish their mission and do their duty, not as "creatures bread in a laboratory" in order to just "follow orders" and "support the system in which they too belong", but as individuals believing in the grater value of the freedom of choice against blind obedience to a cause they were "bread to serve". It's the nobility to be able to fight and defeat the enemy, not because they were "engineered" so, but because they have come to understand their own value, their own contribution to a world struggling for democracy and justice.

Being a good soldier is one thing; being able to feel the deeper meaning of a purpose not yet clear until recently, Rex, Jesse, Fives, Hardcase, even Dogma, they all give a brilliant example of valour, honour, ingenuity and effectiveness both in the battlefield and in person, the way it has never been seen before in the series.

There is also the counter example of a "bad Jedi", master Krell, who's humiliating behaviour and defiance towards these loyal soldiers, does bring justice to this "human-inhumane" idea of clone troopers bred exclusively for battle, in a strange planet, trained for 9 years only to be thrown in the meat grinder. Krell acts as an indirect "moral generator"; in most episodes, a clone killed in action is not much of a deal, as they were bred to give their lives for the republic. But in this particular arc, the death of a clone gets the appropriate significance, even for the die-hard, loyal soldier and smart leader Captain Rex.

No matter how many times I watch these same episodes, I never get enough. It's like I always seem to enjoy every single minute of the action.

The Silencing (2020)

Good film, but...

[7/10 · 30 October 2022]

In all, this is a good film to watch. Nice cinematography, acting, props, action unfolding. Coster-Waldau gives his best, throughout the film. I noticed the casting is quite distinguishable in terms of depicting totally different yet sometimes conflicting characters. This is quite a clever choice in my humble opinion. The plot is good and adrenaline rose to the top, from some point onwards.

I also liked the way two main subplots unfolding almost separately until they are combined and form one line of action. Good twists and clever story unfolding. The ending, although expected, still serves as a justified conclusion, after all that's been happening during the plot.

But:

There are some considerable plot mistakes. Rayburn gets pierced by a stone arrow, he sews his wound on his own using metal wire, yet right afterwards he's able to withstand batter hits and ultimately carry a girl on his shoulders for more than 10km. On a next scene, he gets to fight back and run, after he was gun shot in his belly. To make things worse, he was operated in a roadhouse, with no specialised medical/surgery equipment and, right before he is treated, he forced an intruder drop his knife, despite the blood he'd lost.

A specially trained Sheriff, like Gustafson (it's mentioned so, in the beginning of the film), would have noticed the significance of a throat operation and would demand a thorough investigation, with the help of dr. Boone who, surprisingly enough, just says: "Yeah, I'll keep that in mind" - and leaves, after he examined the body of the first found victim. As guilty as he was, the logic thing to do is to contribute to the research, not leave. Even a rookie would have noticed the flaw in the good doctor's reaction, and would stop him from leaving the morgue.

No one seems to wonder why Sheriff Gustafson fired her side arm. There are no questions asked by her fellow officers, which is kind of... awkward, to say the least. (for more info on a similar script twist properly induced, take a look on the film remake "Insomnia", starring Al Pacino, Hilary Swank and Robin Williams).

In such a small town, everyone knows what everybody's doing. How come no one noticed dr. Boon using the old neighbour's car so many times, in so many same hours, heading to the same directions? In real life, this element alone would give away any perpetrator.

I agree that this is a fictional story, and no need to adhere to strictly realistic details. But from a certain point on, it just gets funny, especially when the scenery and story reality lies on an everyday life of today, depicting similar people and habits and surroundings.

Other than these few remarks, I think it certainly is worth your time.

Mine (II) (2016)

An allegoric movie

[8/10 · 19 July 2022]

I chose to watch this movie, because I thought it would be a "quit within the next 20 minutes" thing; the best way to accompany my dinner.

But it was not the case.

It's a fine psychological thriller, "dressed" in military suit, with minimum military action and maximum focus on the protagonist's ordeal. I ended up watching it till the end. A good choice after all.

If you're looking for an action movie, scroll on to the next one. This is not for you.

Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)

A Solo biopic

[9/10 · 3 July 2022]

Very good movie about a young Han Solo. I found it invigorating and witty, and spotted the social meanings and insinuations in it clearly enough. And that was brilliant on the script writers' side, because Han Solo was, in fact, a sort of underground guy and an anarchist is his own way.

It's sure worth the time you'll spend for it.

Silverton Siege (2022)

Pretty good

[8/10 · 30 April 2022]

Usually true events are not so "cinema hot"; the villains are actual humans, as well as the "good guys". Sometimes the actual events may be boring: imagine the characters Sully and Skyles (the film "Sully") talking in real-life pilot lines. Half the auditorium would be empty.

"Silverton" is based on true events - actually inspired by true events. This, I think, is much better than just reprising the true story and make it "hollywood-ish". For those who wanna know what really happened, there are a lot of history-focused channels out there.

I liked the movie. I'm an avid fan of action, realistic-based films, and seen a lot of the sort. I got the right feeling right away. Good acting (mostly Kalvin and Tara) and balanced cast, as well as mr Vosloo, whom I have come to respect for his dominating presence wherever he co-stars. Good direction overall, but a slightly abrupt editing from time to time; maybe they cut some scenes off?

I also liked the perspective of the freedom fighters; they do not do this just to avenge. They follow orders, strictly, formally, like trained soldiers do. Only when the situation gets really dire, they take matters in their own hands, in respect to their real cause. Their leader is someone who knows his mission and would not deviate whatsoever (yet in most of the films, the leader is always a learned man, against half-educated comrades). In addition, both their leader and the police captain are very aware if and when a life must be taken or spared. And that's why these particular characters are portrayed in the same manner: Kalvin and the captain are almost the different sides of the same coin (representing the times that change), while everybody else in their respective entourage is drawn from another, more bloody era.

Overall a good action movie, tightly progressing, but with some editing issues that sometimes left me wondering.

In Time (2011)

Sci-fi with a twist and a political message

[9/10 · 21 April 2022]

First things first. Justin has become a very good actor; he wasn't always so, especially in the beginning of his filming career. Secondly, ms. Seyfried is a very talented actress, and quite balanced alongside Justin. It's a powerful duo.

The film tells the story of a future, quite dystopian in terms of life conditions, yet in a decent environment. Unlike "Total Recall" (both versions), with which this film has many similarities, "In Time" evolves around an every-day neighbourhood aka "the ghetto" or "timezone" where people live and die by the day, whereas there is another "timezone" of insanely time-rich people, a forbidden zone. The reason for all this, is that they have been genetically programmed to reach an age of 25 and then... good luck; they have to always buy their next day until they run out of life credits. Time is the new currency, and the rich had manage to steal time from the poor.

So there's this poor guy, a street-wise, Salas, who's inherited 105 years from a man who wants to end his centennial life; he is now being targeted by the Time-keepers, a police force, that are keeping a biased balance in the lower timezones. Salas and the daughter of a millionaire fall in love and become vigilantes and restore equality amongst the lower timezones and the rich people's higher timezones.

The topic itself is intriguing; I mean, who could imagine our lives being measured -in time currency? And it has a deeper meaning; man had always been superstitious about time elements and life expectancy practice -hence the hundreds of myths around immortal men and semi-gods of the antiquity. In terms of sci-fi is clever enough; we've seen all sorts of time-related topics: time loops, time travels, parallel universes, time reversing, time interrupting. But time stock exchange? That thing alone is a hit maker.

As a movie, I got the feeling that it did put me inside the action and the overall environment, with a very-very well set and minimal production. Lighting, props, even distances are carefully put, so as to give the real impression of a futuristic "but not so" atmosphere. Both Justin and Amanda were really good together, and Cillian's physique completed the triangle "hero-angel/hero-villain/evil's angel". But I can't help noticing the intervention of the director who prevented many scenes from falling unbalanced, working the camera angles away from Justin's expressions, and focusing on Amanda's mostly. I'm fine with that, as long as the overall feel is OK.

But it's the political message that is being surfaced, sometimes very boldly: just as it happens in the original "Total Recall", there is social injustice, but here the story touches the very delicate topic of controlling the masses' lives through some kind of ultimate technology or weapon that affect life span. And I found that as up to date as it could be, plus a very good realisation of a long-discussed issue, mostly driven by indie conspiracy theorists.

My overall feeling after watching this movie can be concluded in this quote: this is how you can achieve a very good and clever sci-fi movie, using your imagination and means the right way.

Vikings: Valhalla (2022– )

IT'S A SCRIPT, NOT AN ESSAY ON VIKING HISTORY

[10/10 · 25 February 2022]

If rating a 1/10 makes some people happy, then have at it.

Some folks talk about a black Yarl, but in fact history has proved otherwise.

The series is fine - in fact, the script although some times predictable, is better than the original series. Characters do evolve better, without all the comin' and goin' of the first Vikings series. In fact, I much do prefer this one, as the first one has started ok, but then it transformed into a viking-like version of GoT.

BOTH series give a splendid historical environment. BOTH series are dwindling in history accuracy - and they should! It's meant for entertaining reasons, not for educating.

"Pronunciation" issue: guys, really, I'm Greek. Can you expect me to even believe you mention something like "accent", when almost all characters that supposed to be Greek in the history of Hollywood must say their lines like they're having a stroke? The directors' choice of letting the cast use a dry accent is super fine and works ok. This is routine, and I didn't see anyone complain about the late Sir Connery's harsh accent on "Red October".

Forget about total accuracy in history; it's a TV series. Otherwise there's BBC, History Channel and Timeline for you.

Last but not least; no, there weren't any elephants in the battle of Thermopylae (300), nor the king Darius was aboard any ship in the Battle of Marathon (Rise of an Empire) which by the way was lead by Miltiadis, not Themistocles, nor Kleitus saved Alexander's life in the battle of Gaugamela (the film "Alexander". In real life, Kleitus saved his life in the battle of Granicus, in Asia Minor). Still all good films to watch, eh?

Mother/Android (2021)

Could be way better

[5/10 · 7 January 2022]

Chloe is an excellent actress, and in this movie she's really mesmerising. One of the advantages of the story is the deep and solid emotional base, which really cuts through in many instances. But that's not enough.

The script is identical with many relevant other movies, but that's not the issue. It's how the story contains its unique elements and how twists and turns can make the difference in the audience's eyes and soul. In this particular case, the script was lacking of these precise elements and based itself exclusively on the emotions of the protagonist(s). This was helped a lot by the extended in-between-couple dialogues, that took longer than anticipated, thus curving the flow of action. There were only a few -and short- post-apocalyptic fights/brawls/chases, in a degree that if someone omits these scenes, it could actually be a relations' drama, with a post-apo scenery.

Directing was pretty fine overall; I liked the wide empty shots in some instances, the cut-through shots in the final rescue - the whole approach was very suitable and did serve well the desired atmosphere. But over-focused on the actors' faces and expressions, where the action must unfold instead.

Nice movie to watch (especially if you're a fan of Chloe's acting skills), but don't expect anything more.

Silent Hours (2021 TV Movie)

Badly cut for movie

[5/10 · 29 December 2021]

As soon as I reached near the middle of the movie, I wondered why is the action so de-calibrated; it was as if the scriptwriter(s) wrote a script as a contest of "making one twist over another" or was it really a script intended for a mini series. I had to log in to IMDB to justify my second guess.

Silent Hours is a TV mini series -it's PRIMARILY a TV series. For obvious reasons the production team decided to chop it out and make it a 2hr 35mins long film. As it happens with the 99% of similar cases, the outcome was bizarre enough. Took very long for each chapter to evolve, leaving a "hook" in the end which was not followed, until quite later on down the line. All these sex scenes, over and over; this is an exact trace of editing a much longer duration than the one the audience sees. All this constant undelivered suspense which ultimately in some scenes was not concluded or at least be unhooked properly. Last but not least, the edited dialogues in such cases only contribute to confusion in some critical points. I had to roll back 4 or 5 times, to catch up.

E.g. "Alexander" 's theatrical cut was awful, but the director's cut was a movie that made sense. "Das Boot" theatrical cut is poorer compared to the 3,5hr director's cut (the original cut of the film), which is excellent. And so on and so forth.

I found actors good enough for the vibes and atmosphere of the movie - no problem with that. Production was fine too. But I cannot judge anything else on this movie, as I feel I am missing a significant part of the original final outcome.

Would suggest to see the mini series first, then go watch the movie.

Olympus Has Fallen (2013)

The gravity of things...

[7/10 · 21 December 2021]

I was totally surprised when I realised that "Olympus" had been released the same year with "White House Down". Two identical movies, in terms of script - and even the same character descriptions! (ok, with a slight change, for obvious reasons) I guess I'll never know why this is happening, but it's somehow fun to watch two identical movies in a 24hrs lapse!

Opposed to its counterpart "W. H. D.", "Olympus" has a brimful of gun fights and action, to an unprecedented extent. The main idea of invading white house full-front attack, using insurgents to manipulate the president's entourage and safety agents, is beyond compare. That element alone is ranking the outcome really high. Better one-on-one hand combats, better gun shots and wide screen explosions in a mythical scale. As an action film enthusiast, I was really blown away!

Gerry Butler is one hell of an action performer. He knows his stuff. In this particular movie, he is the "bad guy" the terrorists would not want to face; a devoted patriot, drowned in guilt for an accident he considers himself to be of blame. The attack finds him in the right place the perfect time and then he assumes action. In comparison to its counterpart "W. H. D.", "Olympus" uses almost all of the known cliches - which is fine, if the result is good and stands out.

I rated it 7, for one reason only: while "W. H. D." has a true sentimental touch and depth to the characters' inner progression and decisions evolution, in "Olympus" there's a huge stability, based only in the relationship between the agent and the president, accompanied by one or two former colleagues. The script bases its feelings-drawn environment, not from a prime human instinct (such as the family) standing point, but in terms of "a good man, a good colleague, a good friend". Nah. Despite the fine performances of Butler and Eckhart, both their characters fail to deepen more than "friends being friends again". Friendship is a powerful element, but appears to be weak in this action's storyline.

Otherwise, like its "W. H. D." counterpart, "Olympus" is a fine movie to watch, and the director Antoine Fuqua has done a great job, no doubt.

White House Down (2013)

Pretty good action movie with a sentimental touch

[7/10 · 21 December 2021]

Lots and lots of cliches here; the cop who's denied a key-position, needs to rescue his daughter and redeem respect, the band of evil terrorists, a treason from within the system, the good agent, the bad agent, the politician who cleans his possible political dirt through redemption of taking serious personal risks and puts his own life in direct peril to save his people, the ultimate love for country and kin; a powerful main quartet (Tatum, Foxx, Clarke, Woods) rank up the overall result; a fine production, spared no expenses on SFX and DFX; a good script. All fine elements, no doubt.

It's the kind of action movie you can really enjoy, as well as its, in some extent, grotesque destruction or chasing scenes. A simple message: fight for your right, for people and the values of freedom. No need to go deeper. I don't know why this movie was rated so low. It's a good movie, fine choice for a popcorn-and-tv afternoon, vibrant, with a touch of dark humour. Really enjoyed every minute - except on some extended fight scenes, which could be narrowed to the need-only stuff.

Good old Emmerich! \m/

Jason Bourne (I) (2016)

Bourne found his identity. Now what?

[7/10 · 19 December 2021]

The movie is very good; that is, referring to all movies of the saga that were NOT based on the initial approach taken from Ludlum's book, and this is only close-to-the-original "Bourne Identity" film. Good old Bourne action, tension, suspense, everything bundled up to fit an explosive outcome.

As much as I love the Bourne series for their alternative superhero approach, I can only say that only the first movie ("Identity") is really touching. The hit recipe of "searching for the truth and oneself's real values", under the pragmatic obstacle of a partly amnesiac and traumatised hero, works like a charm. But in this particular case, "Jason Bourne", the fourth movie (excluding the "Legacy") is lacking the very own substance that made it a hit: the identity.

Faced with an unrighteous charge of messing CIA up, Bourne dives into the troubled deep, full of fights to survive -but not proving who he is. We already know that, everyone knows that. He just tries to prove he's innocent and -most of all- a true free man, freed from a dark past and driven into the light again. And that's it.

No matter how fan I am, I couldn't help but notice the difference. So if anyone wants to watch a good Bourne movie, a 7/10 does good justice.