Reviews
Nyad (2023)
Worth watching
I watch anything with Annette Bening or Jodie Foster in it. Two of the best in American cinema.
Each of these fine actors have a body of work that are not comparable to any male or female counterparts. You might have seen the story before but not here, these fine actors inhabit their characters and you forget they are actors playing these characters. Bening brings out the real character of a 61 years old who wants to swim ( again) from Florida to Cuba this time successfully. This film is worth watching just for the fine performances and nothing else. Here characters are multi dimensional and you feel their flaws and strengths.
Chevalier (2022)
What's the real reason behind so all these bad review ? ?
OK, this film is about an historical figure in France around the French Revolution. He is a biracial gifted musician that his race is the main obstacle for his full accomplishment as a composer and violinist. There are two different issues about this film. First the quality of the writing and directing that some reviews had already mentioned. I agree the script could have been way better, the first thirty minutes is wasted and the romance is too long and unnecessary, instead they could have continued with his life during the Revolution and the impact of Bonaparte's racist actions in banning his work to the point of destroying it to obscurity so he could reinstate slavery.
My second point is the disapproval that people show with giving ones and expressing their dissatisfaction with the film anti racist subject matter. Unfortunately the same people might be supportive of banning teaching history of slavery in schools. I wish this was a more successful film in showing the real pain this artist suffered during his life.
Colin from Accounts (2022)
Where can you find this in US ?
By pure coincidence I watched two episodes of this wonderful show on an European airline's airplane few days ago. It said CBS Studios but the show is
Australian. It's a kind of smart comedy that has been missing from American television. The writing is witty and smart. Characters are complicated but ordinary. You can relate to the main characters lives through the main story line which becomes unimportant quickly. The main theme of the show to my opinion is difficulty of finding and maintaining relationships these days. This Australian town and its people and their lives could be anywhere in the world.
Major factor that I loved about this show is that actors do not overact . They are natural and deliver the wonderful writing perfectly. I can't wait to watch the rest and hopefully it will be available in one of the streaming services in United States.
Heojil kyolshim (2022)
Overall does not work
For a film with this length, Decision To Leave is neither very romantic or a crime Drama. I didn't buy the romance. Chemistry between the two main characters is dismal and shallow. In many cases we don't want to admit that our favorite director's latest work is not as strong as his/hers previous work. It definitely needs second viewing to make sense of the plot, although as the viewer you know what's going on. Performances are alright but I was never convinced that the woman was so irresistible that the dedective had no choice but to fall in love with her. Maybe subtitles don't do justice to script but I've seen enough Korean dramas to compare strong dramas from the bland ones like this. I left the theatre after two and half hours without any strong feelings for the characters and I am sure I will forget them soon.
Stars at Noon (2022)
Unfortunately nothing works in this film
At the beginning we are introduced to the main character of the story who is suppose to be an American journalist in Nicaragua. She is a drunk and sleeps with men to earn money to buy shampoo !! She meets a British character and again sleeps with him for $50 !!
For the next two hours we are suppose to believe her romance with this guy and feel thrilled by their cat and mouse activities with authorities in this country. This film does not have a romantic angle nor a political intrigue to it. You have to insure long sex scenes and useless terrible story line that doesn't go anywhere. I don't understand what was Denis had in mind making this film, probably she loved the book and didn't realize 80s South America doesn't translate good to 2020s. At least she could have spend some time going through the politics of the country or the region. Once again Cannes Film Festival showed they give out their prizes based on whose turn it is to win rather than the quality of what is presented.
The Card Counter (2021)
What's behind all 1s and anger
After viewing this film for the second time, first when it was released and then on HBO, I read most of the reviews that say it was the worst movie they have ever seen and tell others to stay away and don't watch it. I came to the conclusion that these reviewers are deeply offended and unhappy with the content and embarrassed to say it, they don't like it because it deals with the role of US military in Iraq and what happened in Abu Garib prison. The ugly truth of what went on there and how this film deals with it.. This film is well done in all aspects from writing to directing and acting.
So sad to see people actually sit and complain about slowness of the film or how boring it is. Aren't they tired of Marvel garbage and all superheroes ? If these opinions are true it shows how real artistic film making is in danger.
Possessor (2020)
Well done modern horror
Everything in this film works perfectly. Cast is strong and convincing , story doesn't collapse and truthful to its main premise. Soundtrack is perfectly executed. It makes you think where will our society going to be with all the new technology.
The Night House (2020)
Boring and repetitive old story
I have to admit that I watched this film on the background while doing other things, that's how boring it is. It's questionable that why a gifted actor like Hall agrees to do such a film. We have seen it all from the beginning, remote beautiful location, strange noises and movements in the house. Hall walks around the house at night anxiously in more than seventy percent of the time. Her behavior doesn't match the circumstances and the big revelation is predicable and been done many times before. Why not write a better script when your main lead is Rebeca Hall ? That's my question.
Svart krabba (2022)
Good engaging action drama
I have to admit I watch anything with Noomi in it ! I have seen all her work and she never disappoints, for those who give ones and complain that they were bored I suggest to learn more about the genre and be more patient . If you like war movies with lots of challenges and hardship in them you will enjoy this. Cinematography is excellent atmosphere is believable and real, with what's going on in Ukraine these days it's not hard to believe people defend their homeland like these characters.
The Last Days of Capitalism (2020)
Excellent writing, directing and acting
This film is the reflection of money obsessed society that values cash over anything else. It's a thought engaging story and it's never boring. Although it happens in a hotel room, there's no need to be out of that room, there's no need for any other character to be part of this engaging interaction between this man and woman. There are few just conversation films starting with " My dinner with Andre" and it's very difficult format to be successful at it but this writer/ director pulls it true. It makes you think hard about what is going on in our world these days.
Archive 81 (2022)
A step up from the Netflix factory
I recommend this series if you like the genre. Acting is decent, contrary to many complaints the leads do a good job of playing their parts.
The story flows very well and direction is decent enough to keep you interested to follow the story, it doesn't offer anything more than what is intended to do, so it's not ground breaking but it's well done that doesn't make you regret in watching it !! If that make sense.
Celle que vous croyez (2019)
Not convincing script
I disagree with some of the reviewers that believe this film represents problems of aging. The Binoche character is not suffering from midlife crisis or loneliness after her divorce and getting dumped by a young lover, rather she is obviously mentally ill. Mentally she is so messed up that she is willingly hurting not only herself, but the subject of her affection and obviously her children. The script doesn't deal with her destructive behavior toward her children, when a fifty something year old mother keeps driving around a schools pick up area aimlessly because she is on the pretend phone call, this is mental illness and incompetence not looking for love.
And lastly I am getting tired of the use of social media as the main platform of story telling, probably it's hard to write a good story these days.
Nuevo orden (2020)
Promising young director
This is the first film by this director for me, but from very first moments he captured my attention by his approach to the story. Contrary to the most American films' depictions of Mexican society and dramatization of "good guys" and "bad guys", this one shows the roots of violence and brutal nature of inequality. Script lacks more details on the plot but overall it is an effective and provocative attempt by this promising film maker.
The Obscure Life of the Grand Duke of Corsica (2021)
Excellent film for those who are capable of appreciating it
If you like good writing, witty satire and sophisticated humor you will love this film.
Acting is great, location is wonderful and historical references are relevant. This film never looses it's comic approach and get too serious.
Don't expect a plot and get involve in characters and humor of it.
Causalidad (2021)
Do Not Miss This
Wow I was surprised to find this film on Amazon randomly. It's a perfect thriller. Nothing needs to be said about it, it's just amazing film making.
The theme is nothing new but the way is made in one sequence makes it worthwhile. I can't even imagine the preparation that gone into making this film.
Les nôtres (2020)
Frustrating and vague bad film making
I really want to know what film makers had in mind making this film. Almost two hours of useless story that just in few minutes it's main plot is revealed. It's about a teenage girl that is pregnant, throughout the film all adults ask about the identity of the father and she refuses to answer, so everybody goes to their "normal "
lives. Film makers fail to show us who this girl is and why she is acting like this, the mother just accepts the fact that her thirteen year old is pregnant, my guess is that the director really enjoyed disappointing the viewer for revelation of the truth.
Materna (2020)
Intelligent, engaging film
The most common word that many viewers use these days in their reviews is "boring". Many angry ones and twos saying that this film was boring. Probably they can't wait to run and watch Spiderman.
This film is well written and acted. Each episode reflect real relationships of four women with their mothers. It has a mystery connecting all four that share a subway ride in NYC.
Give it a try to this independent film that deals with many difficult issues of contemporary America.
La daronne (2020)
A racist uneven joyless film
As much as I love Hupert and have seen all of her films, this one is an insensitive bad one. Terrible stereotype of Arabs and Chinese as drug dealers.
It shows how French society in general is out of touch with its Arab and Asian communities. It rewards the cheating police translator ( Hupert) with the drugs that she is charge of confiscation so she walk into the sunset with her dog !! This film is not a comedy.
It's a sad statement of how French cinema views it's diversity as a joke in 2020. There is no joy in watching this film. You don't feel or learn anything during it's long duration. I hope she stops and reads the scripts
that are offered to her more carefully.
Love Hard (2021)
Fluffy garbage
It might give a good feeling to the masses momentarily but still it's a fluffy garbage from
Netflex garbage factory. You are expected to believe in this romance with all predictable characters out of garbage factory. Nice Asian family, beautiful LA girl looking for love. It's not even funny not to mention that they steal from " Cyrano de Bergerac'" and don't mention it.
American Rust (2021)
Highly recommend
I have a confession to make, I watch anything with Jeff Daniels in it, but seriously this series is the best in current American television series. It's realistic, non glamorous with excellent performances. Not LA or New York, heart land of USA dealing with issues from union organizing to small time drug dealings. Characters are real and most of the time unsympathetic.
Only Murders in the Building (2021)
Beyond bad
It seems I am the among the minority of people who think this series really sucks, script is tired and old. Acting of the two guys is over the top and you don't know why Gomez is casted in this series. You really want to watch a murder mystery in a Manhattan apartment watch Woody Allen's " Manhattan Murder Mystery". I wonder where are the 10s are coming
from !! It's hard to finish even one episode.
Annette (2021)
Watch this film on big screen not on your TV
I highly recommend this film to be viewed in a theatre not streaming . Please go and watch directors'sh other film to understand and appreciate this film better. Personally I don't like musicals and don't care for them live Broadway shows or their film versions. Annette deals with fame and money in show business industry.
Music and performances are amazing. Adam Driver proves that he is the leading and the best of his generation. Annette would not have been successful without him. Everything works perfectly in this film. Acting, directing, music and total art that is exhibited throughout the film, not a single moment is wasted or dole. I wish American viewers or critics would watch more foreign films and pay more attention to the art form rather than their urgent need of to be entertained.
Madeline's Madeline (2018)
Give it a try
All those gave this film a 1 should go back to their Marvels and Spider-Man's. You will like it If you are interested in the art of film making and have an open mind in watching something new. Actually this film is not an abstract hard to understand film. Performances of the three major actors are amazing. Many families are dealing with mental illness with their teens and many don't know how to deal with them. This film deals with this issue perfectly, it's about time for woman film makers to shed some light on important social issues.
Dark Places, Deadly Illusions (2021)
Stop making garbage
Netflix should stop it's garbage factory. They sponsor one or two films like Mank or Roma and the rest of what they put out there is low quality trash. All cliche and formulaic. Entertainment doesn't have to be stupid. Combine ten of these trashes' budgets that you make and hire independent talented film makers and screen writers
Sound of Metal (2019)
Highly recommended
It's hard to believe that films like this are made these days. It is perfect in every aspect of film making. Acting, script and directing are all perfect