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Callboys (2016–2019)
10/10
Funny, raw, honest emotion
17 October 2019
This series revolves around a group of friends that are trying to make it big as male escorts, where each is a bit of an oddball but makes an effort to pull its weight.

While they try to make it happen, their lapse in judgement creates situations for them to overcome. Yet they never fail in enthusiasm to resolve and show a deep loyalty. You will love to hate them you'll love to love them as well.

This series is surprisingly sensible, well written and isn't afraid to tap into deeper emotions which will hit you unexpected. With the right balance between tension, hilarity but also wholesomeness.

Once you reach the second seasons' final, be sure to have some tissue around. Because it's real as it can get.
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10/10
Better as anything in a long, very long time.
1 October 2019
As a child this movie left a deep impression, as I still have an imprented memory of watching this movie being 4 or so. It was fascinating, wonderful but terrifying at the same time. On the verge of wonder and horror.

As an adult, and being exposed a childhood long to very uncanny puppeteering, rewatching the original was not so easy.

Until last week. My curiousity was aroused by this title and hit play... and time went passed while I was transposed into this universe, that is both wonderful and terrifying. Recongnizable and bizarre. Where good and evil are, as always, in a struggle for balance. The details and quality of this series is unlike anything I have seen. And eclipses everything that has been produced in a long time.

The series doesn't assume you're stupid; motives, character development, motives, dialogues are very clever and intelligently constructed and equally are recognizable as reflection of our own world. But equally much is implied and not explicitly told.

It might be very impressionable for younger children to see the skeksis, and they might need someone to explain context. But the nature of them and your emotions around them, as for the creatures in this universe, would lose much of gravity wouldn't they be repulsive or impressionable.

It is a wonderful delight that is worthy of your time.
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8/10
Very entertaining
4 March 2019
I started watching it and didn't think I'd get caught up into the story as most Netflix titles. Jack black was the main reason to see this movie.

But the movie is so absurd, honest and innocent that you are along for the ride and when it's over you think "what?" and end up looking up the Polka King to verify this is real.

If you're hesitant and not certain if you want to watch this, get some popcorn and snuggle up. It's a pleasant funny and heartwarming trip.
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Hector (1987)
9/10
Visual poetry
2 March 2019
This video is a reflection of the mindset of the Flemish world in the 70s. While today it's a visual and poetic film about simple simple and basic human emotions and interactions.

It aged well and the acting performance are, while approached from a comedic angle, quite nuanced and carry over the feelings and emotions of this story about an old man that has difficulties dealing with his life, the aspirations of a beautiful lady that feels estranged of her husband, the effort to help achieve glory through his son - as he never had. To very known emotions as anger, love, disappointing, lust, distrust and the ultimate desire to achieve something special, before the last chapter of life catches up on you.
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6/10
longwinded lounging in a beautiful universe
18 November 2018
I went in with not much expectations. I'm not a die-hard harry potter fan but I like the atmosphere.

This movie's atmosphere, visuals, settings and creatures are stunning. The actors are great. But then it feels like this movie is stretched so long to just "hang out in the universe" and probably make 3 or 4 movies out of it instead.

While there are many different story lines that are thrown up in the air (love, act of love, betrayal, seeking purpose, loyalty, ...) it becomes segmented and is not further persisted. There is a scene where two lovers admit to their love, but the emotion isn't conveyed. The visual effect of their environment seems to overshadowed the deep passionate and conflicted emotion that could've been in this moment. The entire movie is filled with these moments that ultimately disengage you with the characters as everything is so sterile.

The buildup of the movie, then, becomes effectively a slideshow of beautiful scenes. Where all the attention goes to glitter and fire animation. Where the actors just float in between without integrated purpose. As if you're on a animatronic ride in Disney Land or a linear progression 3D game world towards a hook for the "next episode".

So see this movie if you have time to spare and like the universe. The visual galore you can only experience in a high tech cinematic screen. But it's nothing more as a visual ride. It creates so little pretext to the next movie, it probably can be skipped when the next movie comes out.
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Disenchantment (2018–2023)
8/10
Back to the great times of animation
19 August 2018
When I started going into it, I couldn't but help and think "oh, not again a fantasy universe... gah."

While I grew up with Matt Groening, loving his work on Simpsons and Futurama - you'll recognize some voicework, animations but then the format is much different.

After a while, it started reminding me to the animation films of the 80s and 90s. Think of the Smurfs, Snorks, He Man and full feature movies. It reminds of the time before full blown 3D animation and the fast paced tight formatting that hits other shows with "relevant social commentary" and politics - which loses their charm quite fast instead of bringing you into a universe which tells a story and you don't know what to expect.

You'll feel continuity with the antagonist, the other characters popping in and out give off a sense Groenings' prior way of working and is trying to find this new groove - hopefully we'll all discover together with him what might work best. Perhaps this is "going back to the roots".

This is an animation where you can sit back, relax, and be taken into a new universe... I think this generation would have difficulty keeping their attention to more slowly developing story telling (if you see the CN shows now, it's so fast paced you need to be on stimulants to follow any train of thought) where you feel as you are living the story with the antagonists.
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4/10
Boring movie
2 January 2017
Milk the cow while it lasts ?

While some fighting sequences are familiar and a graphic feast. The story line and acting is very sub par. The movie was very boring and dreadful from the beginning, dragging on over the 2 hour mark. Were it the "catering to the female hero"-crowd or the bad acting and poor script? I couldn't tell. Neither what warranted the length of the movie.

Anyone who thinks this was a better as OK movie is probably bias and just so hooked on the brand they have no subjective opinion left. It was a total waste of time and money.
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9/10
Buildteam is back!
19 December 2016
It was a surprise to see this show in my Netflix. Admittedly, I have missed these three since Mythbusters changed format. Nothing of their new endeavors really seemed to match the feel and atmosphere. Close but not quite...

The first few episodes of White Rabbit reminded of a flopped show with a similar theme: "mystery stories" with partial re-enactments. It came across a bit amateurish and cheap but the stories gave the potential tot he show but the drive seemed to bleed out after a few episodes and it disapeared.

White Rabbit project had a similar feel at start; the team seemed out of place, slightly uncomfortable even to watch. Until a few episodes in and the pace is picked up, graphics and angles get more familiar and the team seems to get back into their groove. All planets align and everything sparkles again!

It is very enjoyable series to watch. Especially the fact the format is kept open on a per-episode base. Which opens up every episode to be a new and different experience you didn't expect. This has become a guilty pleasure to watch and I believe everyone who enjoyed and misses "the build team" will find the same enjoyment back in this series, watching them do what they do best.
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Suicide Squad (2016)
4/10
One word: sucks
4 August 2016
This movie is so utterly boring. We all know we went to see Harley Quinn being super sexy gratious shots of her behind in spandex. She is only in a few flashes. Otherise she is merely your borderline girl next door going through post-puberty and another white knight.

The dialogues are so bad you will be in awe. For example: alligator man uses phrases as "bro". But he has been in the sewer forever and only gets cable AFTER the whole ordeal. The dialogues are written for boys aged 8-10. And not to recreated the Gotham universe.

Also, the joker. Who is this guy ? He looks like a young Marily Manson. But then, what a way to rape the legendary performances of those Jokers before...

The whole movie seems to want to be "Heroes of the galaxy", you get a sense with the animations and the music that is what they were going for. But at no point the movie matches the same feeling maybe even A- team like during the introduction. But it wont generate the same enthusiasm at any point as the latter.

I really hoped the movie would pick up and redeem itself. It never did. It never reached excitement above "meh". Even with the graphics, there is just so much going on and then, not much going on at the same time you check out altogether. It's not worth your money at all.
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7/10
Alright entertainment
13 September 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I've been a long fan of the Hit-man game series. And of course knew the movies wouldn't be able to recreate the atmosphere of the game. The first movie was alright and tense.

While this one, literally "takes it time". It has been put together very well. And while the content isn't that packed, it tells the story well.

In all a nice movie with a slower pace, less packed story line with nice sequences. Good acting and visually easy to absorb and enjoy.

Spoiler alert: For me personally, agent 47 could've been cast better. I do get the whole "human love wins" and "family above all". Yet, somehow the agent wasn't that bad-ass. While it seemed a competition of who was "better" with women again being "the best by factor x". (felt a bit like obligatory female superior quota.)

The movie does open up for a more long winded series, with two lead characters appealing to women and men. For people coming into the story-line, this movie might as well be a pilot of a new series.
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9/10
Excellent spy movie
6 September 2015
This movie is not only refreshing because of its style, which stands on in the current generic batch of flicks. It has cinemagraphics that can compete with the very high profile atmospheric and artful movies. This year I haven't heard so many people "awww" or laugh or gasp in a theater.

I'm often very critical and went in without knowing the TV-series nor any expectations. I'm glad I did: the movie really engages you from the first frame. It comes across some moments as a comic-book while others like an exciting Bond movie. With less erotica but more innocent and honest chemistry. Yet less silly as other "spy comedy" movies. You get a nice feel for the different characters and they make you feel and live their part. All tied together with a humorously wink.

I especially liked the way "action scenes" are "compressed" (you'll know what I mean) in favour for character development and story. The attention to dressing and setting is also very appreciated - which was the cherry to the pie.
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Survivor (I) (2015)
10/10
Almost the best movie of the year
18 July 2015
I almost missed this movie because of the bad reviews but am I glad went to see this movie.

We have grown so accustomed to unrealistic, fantastic, GUI, drama, emo movies. Where parody becomes standard and the clichées are more and fasters pushed through your retina as you can blink. With the popcorn-thread-of-the-mill instaflix that are pushed out in battery like clients on the toilet in a Mexican chain-restaurant.

This movie, however, grabs back to a time in cinema before this, with a slight modernized take: It reminds of these olders detective movies, or even classic nois movies (but a little bit less slow and less dialogue). The director shows his desire for perfection and love for cinematography. And it shows. No shot seems to be without purpose, and small hints on the story are thrown in. While you are left to let the image "sink in" and feel it, with an atmosphere and tone is very in sync with the progressing story. For example; during the introductory scene, the atmospherics are very crisp, with a particular lightning. Almost claustrophobic - It instantly pulls you in the movie, right next to the actors. There was an opportunity for gore, but instead a scream and a poetic scene keeps burned on your retina instead, when the screen goes black. A shot of "people celebrating" doesn't come across as fake or staged and isn't just one quick flash. It's so "generic", even, that this movie will still stand in 10 years. Or could be filmed 20 years ago. You feel "you are inside the crowd", or could be just strolling by yourself.

Not only does the movie "live", it is very realistic in scenario. This day and age, we are so accustomed to fantasy and animation, with Baine like camera angles, rushed explosions, scenes and "all the tricks thrown in", idiot clichées and everything explictly explained, making it a horrid mess of unwatchable flickering. In this movie, the realism and nuanced motivations ("why would someone partake in such a bad thing?") and are explained in a brief way without insulting the viewers' intelligence. These characters could be your friends who suddenly stumble into this situation.

As a last point, the "terrorism" theme is so exploited and overused MURICA! that any synopsis with "terrorist" in it, makes my stoumach turn and conclude 90% of the movie will be from the "terrorist movie cheat sheet and template". But this take on it, becomes more realistic and is a double thumbs up towards real people doing real things.

More movies like this would be very welcomed. But perhaps, in the popcorn short-attentspan fantasy age, not many will know how to appreciate real cinematography.
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5/10
Graphical interesting, yet lacking
23 May 2015
At first the film starts very claustrophobic but then soon has one nice shot after the other. Yet with such a contract between dullness and unrealistic scene's make this more of a cartoonish depiction as a "Mad max" universe I had expected.

While many reviewers complain about the "feminism universe", the movie just displays "a society fueled by war and sitting on resources" with everyone a particular role from birth with a few leaders, connected by a loyalty that isn't explained or shown. With another society of women. And a loner, Max, who is yet on another vibe but comes in contact with both and path cross with a seemingly "feeling out of place" person in this society. In itself, the idea is well translated and reflects on some segments of our society.

Max his origin story in this movie is completely lost. While there is one moment you'd feel with Max, as he decides to return - you don't get a sense he "goes out of his way" or has anything else to do or to go to. He also constantly is bitching about "his car", yet he hasn't been seen in it enough to associate it into his persona.

Mad Max used to exist when the world went into war (Gulf War) overoil. In a world where we imagine "clean and reusable energy", a post apocalyptic world around cars (the original Mad Max there was shortage of oil and hence the wars. In this version, there was no such thing. The resources they DO sit on isn't showing agony- the "people shot of suffering people" isn't convincing and doesn't resonate or isn't displayed in a way you'd sympathize or thing that this world is suffering and it is a "dog eat dog" world.

Visually, the film is enjoyable There is an attempt to show "the power of love", some philosophical idea's are suggested. But it isn't followed through - and traded for the graphics while anything other as the blazing and over the top, unrealistic action-shots looks like it's filmed in the same 40 square feet... Making it rather a mockery of the classics, with a genuite vibe.

Go see this film for some graphical sequences, but don't go into it with much expectations. The story is lacking- many good idea's have been put it, but never worked out or followed through and traded it for claustrophobic flashing imagery and little real content.

I wished I hadn't spent the money.
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9/10
Entertaining and a step up from the previous titles
23 April 2015
The Avengers starts to become a trusted story with known characters.

The previous titles were exciting, but the hyper-active, over-the- top and "excess of action that flashes on the screen so you can barely absorb" took away from the experience. Chosen angles and film-techniques which remind of Transformers - which bloat scenes and give them more gravity while there is no content or added value...

This episode, however, strikes a perfect balance: the scene's are beautiful with much tense action and sublime graphics. And over the top sequences. But they are not what carries the movie: the graphics and action scenes are complimentary to the main story line and an expression of the motivations and personalities of the characters.

Each individual character gets enough airtime to feel sympathy or understand how s/he is thinking, feeling or operating in the moment. Which creates debt and traction, without being boring or being bland.

Additionaly, Tony Stark seems to have been matured. Which opens a window for his character to evolve further in a more paternal or protective role aside of the (nearly annoying) juvenile spectrum we've known him for.

In short: this is an Avenger movie where there has been attention for the details other action movies of the genre often fall too short. Well worth your time.
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Chappie (2015)
10/10
This movie got right what District 9 and Transformers couldn't
14 March 2015
While some might not like "die Antwoord universe", for me it is a refreshing change from the American grind of the mill. With every detail that once was a nice detail blown out of proportion and overdone.

This movie is a take on questions of Artificial Intelligence, human psychology and the will of a person to do go while you don't always have power over the outcome of your creation and intents.

The pace of the movie is comfortable. With beautiful crystal clear CGI while it's not the main focus nor overwhelming constant action and sense of urgency. The nerd factor is high (realistic terminals and humorous throws for the awake geek). While the character development is very convincing with a right balance between the different personalities. The convergences in the movie are brilliantly done. While tension is smartly changed to humor or humaine moments.

I personally did not anticipate the crew of "Die Antwoord" to put such a convincing acting performance and thought Yolandi would only bring gratuis sexy shots - but how was I wrong. This lady is not freakishly on a whole "other level" but can act conviningly as well while Ninja also brings a convincing father/gangster role in a "dog eat dog" world.

In all, this movie will please the nerd, the action flick lover or the regular movie-goer. A few scenes might be slightly too graphic for children but they are less gorish as we've seen in the classic RoboCop. Otherwise this will really resonate very well with all other agegroups.

For me this has been the most enjoyable and enthralling movie of the year so far.
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Wild Card (2015)
9/10
Outstanding cinema
23 February 2015
In a time where fast, flashy movies are most common. With shallow character development, this one stands out as a jewel if you know how to appreciate it.

Some might argue this movie develops slowly: For me it gives depth to the movie and creates understanding of the psychology. While the conclusion really leaves you with food for thought. The director seems to explore more of the story and reality in between while you're submerged into pure cinemographic craftmanship; The scenes are beautiful with attention to detail and are credible. The characters develop while you understand more of their psyche. It isn't portrayed as "a hero" or "anti hero": it's more nuanced. While it speaks to you personally.

While the contrast is very harsh when usual spectable does occur it does excite as a whole. This is a movie to sit down with and relax - while feeling all too human.
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Transcendence (I) (2014)
7/10
Disappointing
5 July 2014
Warning: Spoilers
While the cast is impressive, the cinemagraphics are well done... the story starts to deteriorate and the conclusion of the film leaves you unsatisfied.

It is not certain whether the message of the film is how "technology can be dangerous", "how fear of technology is irrational", "how dependent we are on technology" or whether "love survives it all".

The cadence of the movie is good, it develops but there are some holes in the plot (motivation of the characters turning against the system and why they imagine he "is building an army". If he helped the FBI to capture the terrorist, why after arresting them they suddenly become suspicious ? Why would a man of science, after his being captured by the activists, who killed his friend side with them ? Suddenly the system is "allknowing" and creates nanotech, but it's just "suddenly there", you only see the two main characters their "relationship" while they both are, implied, fulltime occupied building and evolving. If she is witnessing, why should she "trust him" and be so far in the "unknown" ?)

As a viewer you're not really guided into "suspecting" the main system (Johnny Depp is charming) but on the other hand the attack on the system and the doubt of the systems' motives which germinates in his wife isn't shared as a viewer. Everything happening after this is really not memorable - the conclusion shot is also lame at most.

It's a movie to forget about.
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Cosmopolis (2012)
9/10
Not for everyone - but genius
29 April 2014
The film starts a bit slow, the actors seems uneasy in the plot and it feels very unnatural. Yet after a while it starts to fall into place while you are in the film and walked along - not in a plot of a movie but in the meta-description of a movie which isn't shown full frontal.

Instead of cheesy lines, the antagonist communicates directly his desires and his wife directly communicates her concern. ("I want to have sex with you" - "you reek of sexual interaction" - "that is because I want to have sex with you"). In a conventional film you would have some atmosphere, a man "courting" the female, the female not going in on his avances. While you wonder what is holding her back, the man continues to pursue and feign interest or make himself more clear of his underlying desires.(and as viewer you anticipate this consequence of sexual tension - considering the possible ways this might unfold). Cronenberg shows the deeper inner underlying dialog which is in this case explicitly outspoken.

Once I started to see the film as an inverse of a movie - every detail played out with the intention to project an idea, feeling or thought, implicit - This movie however makes the intent explicit and takes away the usual and cliché implicities.

A guy sitting in a limo with heavy protection, looking out for danger - assessing the moment "it might hit". Instead of shiny cars, with displays of a luxury lifestyle, bullets, fire and someone being taking of his money in classic Hollywood cheesy action. This movie shows the potential of all this happening. And examines the mindset, desire, inevitable consequences.

"The luxury leather, the glow of the screens - it appeals to me. But I don't know why and I don't understand it" - while you realize it has this effect on you. You are in the scene. You are being explained your impressions. Like the billboard displaying just the text "A specter is ruling the world. The scepter of capitalism", instead of showing a "generic corp", as in other scifi movies playing on the same issues. (granted, in the background you do see a Hershey's ad)

Cronenberg is explaining the cue's that draw you in, play on you, the associations you make, desires, projections you make, and the dots you would be "led to connect". All the while shining a light on our current society and pulling it apart before examining all the little intrinsic interactions and co-existences. As if he is filming you from behind, and projects your on-look and mental frame onto a screen of a film while you are unaware of the original film which is in Cosmopolis *implied*

This film is a brilliant piece which could be easily under-appreciated.
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RoboCop (2014)
5/10
Or - for the average moviegoer
29 April 2014
The Verhoeven version will always stand as a classic. I was aware of this.

As many reviewers notice; the movie misses subtlety. Everything is a bit bland, raw and not very fine developed. While the touched subjects are very interesting philosophical and relevant to our time - it's in fastfood and bitesizable chunks. Served in a refill cup.

Don't expect more as the recent "run of the mill" CGI-film with stock writing "super hero" films that roll out in an industrial way. I hoped it to stand out with a refreshing take instead of producers circle- jerking over CGI and FPS. Yet it became nothing more as a Transformers, Tron, Judge Dred or superhero(tm) VS superhero(tm). Leave it to the children to go out and nag you for the Toys(tm) - and have them discover the Verhoeven version in their teens.
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3/10
A bit of a sloppy job
29 April 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Maybe it's nostalgia or the Zeitgeist of the TMNT - but to me the movies stay wonderful.

In itself, this movie isn't worthwhile. It's a sloppy and quick realization and it shows. Where the first two movies told a story, cover elements of mystery about origins. And more attention to detail, emotion or atmosphere. The third one was just loosely tied and cheesy.

For me personally the idea of time-travel could've hit off well - seeing as the Turtles are "trained in the ancient Japanese Ninja Arts". Yet they time-travel and fail to be taken or impressed by the ancient Japan, nor do they "get in touch with the history or essence of their training". They didn't meet the kin of Splinters' mentors, for example. The story about the "demons" isn't fully developed nor explained and seems strange (as the origins / genesis of the Turtles is explained in prior movies.)

In all, a classic but don't get your hopes up. It's old-fashioned entertainment.
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9/10
Excellent atmosphere, captivating story, fun
27 April 2014
This film is in my eyes an instant classic - and has been produced with a similar eye to detail and atmosphere as Edward Scissorhands with wittiness of a movie as Django Unchained. Yet the theme, style and atmosphere are more filled with humor, lightness and a sense of fairytale - comparable with the feelgood and poetic beauty of a film like Amélie.

Wes Anderson creates a lively, captivating and fun movie. Which is displaying and playing with different aspects of the human condition, carrying a deep message. Without it being a lecture, in this wonderful production. A true gem - not to be missed.
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Her (2013)
10/10
sensational
17 April 2014
It is rare that a films comes across and resonates so deeply within, where the performance of the actors and the scripts are so human you are in the film.

All while deeper fundamental questions of the human condition are explored. As a viewer you aren't guided to a conclusion, you are just taken along to experience and related, remember and see yourself.

In a age where everything flashy, easy to digest, instant-mix movies are more rule as exception - it is very refreshing to see this master piece which touches on the level of the more classic SciFi and philosophical genres.
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The Nut Job (I) (2014)
3/10
Don't waste your time
10 April 2014
The animation is decent - cudos for the animator.

But this isn't what we've grown used to from these animation films. The first 15mins is crammed with more clichées as a French girl in high heels in a smoky bar.

The movie feels much like a 10 minute Saturday morning cartoon. Where the character development and eye to detail and behaviorism comes across rushed and shallow. In some moments even "crammed" as they try to force too much different impressions in a short moment. As if it's one to one animation from script and made a list of "these 40 things should be included this these 50 seconds."

The personalities are completely lacking and non-convincing; besides the main character, with the vague love interest (or the potential) and the sympathetic mouse who reminds us of Ratatouille (which seems the most realistic qua emotions and reactions in a universe he seems to find as strange as surreal as the viewer) others pop in and out in flashes and remain complete strangers to the viewer...

This makes me suspect this team has experience in shorter animation films and got "a break to go big" and... watched too many other animation movies and put it through an extractor instead of creating a unique experience with a unique identity.

I'd love to see more of this animator, but the writer or director of this film should stick to Saturday morning cartoons and never attempt "to make his own Pixar". They aren't able.
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Oldboy (2013)
4/10
Not worth they time
26 January 2014
I went into this film without expecting anything. With an open mind I was pulled into the plot and there is potential.. Which never seems to develop further and ends with an anticlimax - while you cannot really identify or associate with the subjects feelings of purposes.

The character development is poor. You cannot get a sense of justification for the rage of the main character: you don't feel his struggle. You don't feel his pain - you only kind of "get it on a intellectual level". Nor you really get into the romance; it doesn't really develop deeper, and the "near gangrape to romantic loving night in the hotelroom" seems very unrealistic and emotional conflicting.

The "hot killer Asian babe" is more of a sexpuppy who cares for her partner but gets sliced without really any reason. You feel sorry for her instead of achieving the cliché "hot and cool killing machine which is a great danger and needs to be terminated!". They also brush over the murder of his "college buddy and bartender".

Too many clichées for a really bad plot. I left the film thinking; "so the root of this film is the guilt of incestual desire ? With a few shock scenes thrown in. Which really backfire.

In all, the plot and story seem to have a lot of potential. Yet the realization, while well ambitious, doesn't get above amateur-level and doesn't surprise nor is refreshing nor is compelling nor entrances you and makes you feel with the character. This is 10 bucks wasted, and this movie will disappear in a few months without anyone remembering it. As it should.
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