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Reviews
Iron Man Three (2013)
Tony Stark's beating heart is back
The first Iron Man movie, five years ago, was an immediate blockbuster mainly due to the casting of Robert Downey Jr. The smooth-talking actor with all the irony he had to offer fitted the eccentric billionaire (and philanthropist) Tony Stark perfectly well. The sequel three years ago looked somewhat worse, but last summer in The Avengers, Downey Jr showed that he is still the most beloved superhero.
In Iron Man 3, a well-aimed joke still manages to break the intense heat emitted from the various scenes. Thanks to director and screenwriter Shane Black, who has previously worked with Downey Jr in the underrated Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, there is a neat balance between action and humor, just like Iron Man from 2008. Although Black uses this technique way too often in the first half hour of the movie, making it look like the Lethal Weapon series, the sheer fun stays and more importantly it does not interfere with the primary plot.
However, action is key throughout the movie. Now a topical issue, a series of bombings startle the American people (Boston is not one of the affected towns in the movie). The attacks are claimed by a terrorist called the Mandarin (Ben Kingsley). Surprisingly enough, he has not been portrayed as a Chinese but rather a Bin Laden-type of guy naturally characterized by the beard.
The Mandarin has been brought forward as a strong villain who simply wishes to teach the people of the United States a lesson. I am not really a fan of the comics, so purely looking at the Mandarin on the screen I can say that Ben Kingsley has done extremely well in his portrayal. After some tragic events (I don't want to spoil the entire movie for you), Iron Man literally invites the Mandarin to his residence in Malibu: the game is on.
Noticeably, Gwyneth Paltrow who plays the lovely Pepper Potts has more action scenes than in the two previous movies together. I do like that. It brings more drama to the big screens and it also emphasizes the developing chemistry between Tony in person or suited-up and Pepper. Added to this triangle are new characters who make Iron Man 3 still original and suspenseful apart from the main storyline. This is not a dark brooding movie at all.
In the end though, of course, everything and everyone is related in some way or another, but Iron Man 3 has got enough surprises and twists up its sleeve to make us forget about the classic Iron Man we once knew and the hero that he has become. The actors have performed beyond my expectations, especially the Mandarin who instantly gave me the creeps. The movie regularly refers to The Avengers, but even if you haven't seen that one you won't miss out on anything.
Iron Man 3 is up until now the best movie from Marvel Studios. Surprising twists, humorous sneers and bombastic action scenes: Tony Stark's beating heart is back.
Intouchables (2011)
A brilliant portrayal!
The Intouchables (2011) is one of the best movies I have seen in a very long time. There are no action heroes or good-looking women necessary to make this film perfect. It's all about the story and the development of its characters. Francois Cluzet and Omar Sy did a great job there. Their performances were memorable and well fitted. The story as in the real life story has been portrayed, in my opinion, brilliantly. Of course we can expect a lot of things to have been added to the entertaining production, but nevertheless a lot morally correct life lessons are included as well. This movie makes you search for humanity within yourself as it illustrates how a guy from the low, social classes in Paris can be a true friend and ally of this rich, handicapped person. Subsequently, the writers and producers have creatively played with this and have 'covered' the seriousness of the movie to seconds while the major events have been coated in a fun and inspiring way. The movie is enjoyable for all ages and backgrounds. So I strongly recommend all of you to watch this movie - try to enjoy the jokes, but also take note of the messages conveyed by the movie. Totally worth every second! 10/10
My Name Is Khan (2010)
Touching down the shores of our humanity
In the light of recent events concerning global radicalisation and terrorism (again) a film has been produced which is contrasting all these issues again (this time in a more biased, eastern way though). I personally was very sceptical when I first heard of this. However the film changed my vigorous mind completely. I was stunned afterwards. It had nothing to do with the 'great acting' from Shahrukh Khan (a respected Bollywood actor). It had nothing to do with the film being from Bollywood origins. It had absolutely nothing to do with my personal taste in the 'drama' genre. The thing that greatly fascinated me was the (good, awesome, perfect
) way this film showed what people are capable of, emotionally. Not all titles, no matter if they are Hollywood or Bollywood productions, have the ability to show the played emotion that is running through people's veins. Surely some do - think about Titanic for example. But normally it is too difficult for titles, especially the ones sorted into the 'drama' category, to make up THIS kind of phenomena (!).
My Name is Khan is the best example of as I would call it 'perfection in emotion'. Although the film is biased (a lot actually), you are allowed to still enjoy the other side of the earth; sneaky, cold - touching down the shores of our humanity.
Nikita: Fair Trade (2011)
That's the way!
"Fair Trade" is until now one of the best episodes in season 2. Unlike the other episodes, it contains more than action and love. We all know that Michael is in London. So Nikita comes face to face with Division together with Birkhoff, our computer genius, "the ShadowWalker". But he gets captured. And that's where the greatness starts: the producers elaborate very well on Nikita's mental character (her 'ghost'). This is very interesting to see, because we come to know a lot more about her. So what about Alex? Now that is the weaker part of this episode. Scenes with her have many flaws.
Don't forget to watch "Fair Trade". You will see it all for yourself.
9/10
Smallville: Kent (2011)
Perfectly done
Since SmallVille viewers are moving to the season finale, this episode is a great example that describes Clark's personalities and his character even better. As the title of this episode tells us (Kent), the writers and producers have thoroughly elaborated on Clark living in two different worlds and the importance of Jonathan and Martha in Clark's life is also stressed. In general, the variety of scenes between the good world and the other world was a perfect choice to display. Technically, there are a few things to comment. The use of light and sound combined with background music is perfectly done. Never before was an episode so psychologically mysterious.
In conclusion, there has been a lot of elaboration on the psychological bonds between Clark and Lois, Clark Luthor and Clark Kent and Clark's affection towards places from his past such as Kent Farm.