Adventures
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- DirectorMerian C. CooperErnest B. SchoedsackStarsFay WrayRobert ArmstrongBruce CabotA film crew goes to a tropical island for a location shoot, where they capture a colossal ape who takes a shine to their blonde starlet, and bring him back to New York City.Who's the beast here...
I doubt that was the intention of the movie, but it shows how bad humanity is. Full of illogicality, with characters that make moves nobody sane would make, it perfectly shows greed, arrogance, egocentrism, and inhumanity of the human race. I think the authors wanted us to root for the kidnapped girl and her lover, but I simply cannot support cretins and of all characters, I can understand and sympathize only with the gorilla.
The film ends with the line: "Oh no, it wasn't the airplanes. It was beauty killed the beast." I felt sick. In this movie, humans are beasts, not the gorilla, and a bunch of dead animals is the result of their arrogance.
The only thing I love about this movie are special effects that are amazing for its time.
10/10 for the effects
5/10 for the overall impression - DirectorMichael CurtizWilliam KeighleyStarsErrol FlynnOlivia de HavillandBasil RathboneWhen Prince John and the Norman Lords begin oppressing the Saxon masses in King Richard's absence in 1190s England, a Saxon lord fights back as the outlaw leader of a resistance movement.Lady Marian: "Why, you speak treason!"
Robin Hood: "Fluently."
This is one of the first Technicolor movies and the most expensive production up to that point. It cost about two million dollars, won three Academy Awards and it is considered one of the greatest movie achievements of all time. I wouldn't place it that high, but it definitely is worth watching and it's fun in a fairy-tale way.
7/10 - DirectorJohn HustonStarsHumphrey BogartKatharine HepburnRobert MorleyIn WWI East Africa, a gin-swilling Canadian riverboat captain is persuaded by a strait-laced English missionary to undertake a trip up a treacherous river and use his boat to attack a German gunship.Well, I ain't sorry for you no more, you crazy, psalm-singing, skinny old maid!
"The African Queen" was nominated for four Academy Awards. Katharine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart were nominated for both leading roles, James Agee and John Huston for the best screenplay and Huston for the directing. Only Bogart won it and it was the only Oscar in his rich career. It is interesting that this is the only movie starring Hepburn and Bogart together and the first color movie for both of them and also for Huston.
7/10 - DirectorWilliam WylerStarsCharlton HestonJack HawkinsStephen BoydAfter a Jewish prince is betrayed and sent into slavery by a Roman friend in 1st-century Jerusalem, he regains his freedom and comes back for revenge."How do you fight an idea?"
This is one of the best movies of all time and it deserves all eleven Academy Awards it has won. After more than half a century it's still breathtaking. Three and a half hours of the movie and I didn't even blink once.
10/10 - DirectorDavid LeanStarsPeter O'TooleAlec GuinnessAnthony QuinnThe story of T.E. Lawrence, the English officer who successfully united and led the diverse, often warring, Arab tribes during World War I in order to fight the Turks.10 nominations, 7 Oscars won and not single one female role. I did not notice that at all while I was watching this great movie, but then I read that fact somewhere and started to rewind the movie in my head. Three and a half hours of movie and completely without any women in it. It must be very good movie if I didn't notice absence of women lol.
- DirectorDennis HopperStarsPeter FondaDennis HopperJack NicholsonTwo bikers head from L.A. to New Orleans through the open country and desert lands, and along the way they meet a man who bridges a counter-culture gap of which they had been unaware.
- DirectorRichard FriedenbergStarsDan HaggertyDon ShanksMarjorie HarperAfter fleeing into the mountains after he is wrongly accused of murder, woodsman "Grizzly Adams" discovers an uncanny bond to the indigenous wildlife of the region after rescuing an orphaned grizzly bear cub whom he adopts and calls "Ben".Simply beautiful
This is something between documentary and TV show about nature. In the 19th century, man is falsely accused of a murder that he did not commit, so he flees to mountains where he saves and rears grizzly bear cub. The movie follows the next 10 years of his life in a wilderness, in harmony with nature, with a grizzly bear as his best friend. There are no dialogues; it's made as a documentary followed by the first-person narrative. There's not much plot either, but it is full of beautiful landscapes and various wild animals keeping company to our narrator. The movie became very popular so they made a TV show a few years later. The show was more movie-like, with a plot for every episode, dialogues and such. When I was about eight or nine years old, I remember it was shown on Sundays and my sister and I wouldn't miss it for anything. It is simply beautiful. Warm recommendation to everyone who loves nature and animals.
8/10 - DirectorJohn HustonStarsSean ConneryMichael CaineChristopher PlummerIn 1880s India, two former British soldiers decide to set themselves up as Kings in Kafiristan, a land where no white man has set foot since Alexander the Great."Adventure in all its glory"
This is one of my favorite movies. Two crooks and adventurers, former English soldiers and members of Masonic lodge, travel from India to Kafiristan, where Europeans have not been seen since Alexander the Great, to conquer and become kings. Adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's novel with Sean Connery, Michael Caine and Christopher Plummer.
9/10 - DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsDustin HoffmanRobin WilliamsJulia RobertsWhen Captain James Hook kidnaps his children, an adult Peter Pan must return to Neverland and reclaim his youthful spirit in order to challenge his old enemy.Robin Williams, an efficient antidepressant with no side effects
Classic fairytale is presented from a different angle, sending us a message that even if growing up is necessary, we must not completely repress our inner child. Interesting adventure, lots of fun and laughs, a bit of drama and tears and a whole lot of emotions. Great performances, especially by Williams and Hoffman, and beautiful beautiful music. All-times classic.
9/10 - DirectorRon HowardStarsTom CruiseNicole KidmanThomas GibsonA young Irish couple flee to the States, but subsequently struggle to obtain land and prosper freely.A beautiful fairytale-like love story
Terribly underrated movie. Not only that it did not win any awards, but it's nominated for the worst in some categories. People use its historical inaccuracy and too many clichés as arguments against it. So what?! This is not a textbook for history but romantic drama/adventure and clichés are part of its genre. Put aside prejudice and too much analyzing and enjoy a beautifully told love story with good scenography and awesome landscapes. This movie is exactly what it was supposed to be. Tom Cruise before he became annoying and Nicole in all beauty of her youth have a chemistry that won't leave you indifferent.
8/10 - DirectorFranklin J. SchaffnerStarsCharlton HestonRoddy McDowallKim HunterAn astronaut crew crash-lands on a planet where highly intelligent non-human ape species are dominant and humans are enslaved.Excellent satire of human civilization
From today's point of view this movie could seem a bit naive, but for 60's it is a masterpiece. If we take exception to outdated technology, I can not find any flaws in this movie. Camera and directing are great, the movie is a feast for the eyes. And satire of human civilization is excellent. Film tackles burning issues of 60's and 70's, that are still relevant today - hunt for sports, treatment of animals and nature overall, the conflict between science and religion, precisely between evolutionism and creationism, and most of all fear of nuclear war that was at its peak those days. Although I knew vaguely what this movie was about and I guessed how it ends at the very beginning, it did not spoil excitement a bit. I was not surprised by anything in this movie, but I was thrilled by everything. True masterpiece.
9/10 - DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsHaley Joel OsmentJude LawFrances O'ConnorA highly advanced robotic boy longs to become "real" so that he can regain the love of his human mother.A classic for all generations
29 October 2016
The story is a futuristic combination of "Pinocchio" and "Wizard of Oz" that ends in the ambient of "Day After Tomorrow". The complete atmosphere of this movie reminded me of a strange mix of "Clockwork Orange" and "2001: A Space Odyssey", and if I didn't know it was Spielberg's movie I could swear that it was Kubrick. Later I did some digging and found out that the movie originally was indeed Kubrick's. Kubrick was working on this project for 12 years and involved Spielberg later on. Work on it started in 1993, but Kubrick died before it was done and Spielberg took over and finished the job. The mixture of Spielberg and Kubrick elements is obvious in the movie, but it is really tricky to tell which one of them did what part. Obviously Spielberg's ending is actually Kubrick's original idea from the first version, even before Spielberg had anything to do with this project. Ministry was also Kubrick's idea. He was a fan and he personally called them to offer them a part in the movie. The first time he called, the Ministry singer thought it was someone screwing with them and he hung up the phone.
"A.I." combines drama, action, mystery, and even some elements of horror, into an irresistible adventure that leaves a deep impression and provokes thinking. Effects, directing, editing, music, and most of all, depth of the story, make this movie one of the best achievements of the new millennium, and in my opinion, it should be included in all lists of best movies of all times.
10/10 - DirectorPeter JacksonStarsElijah WoodIan McKellenOrlando BloomA meek Hobbit from the Shire and eight companions set out on a journey to destroy the powerful One Ring and save Middle-earth from the Dark Lord Sauron.The Lord of the Rings (2001-2003)
"One Ring to rule them all,
One Ring to find them,
One Ring to bring them all
And in the darkness bind them"
Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" is a book that has introduced me to the world of epic fantasy and, while no longer in the top of my favorites, will forever hold a special place in my heart. I will never forget how I eagerly awaited this movie trilogy, as well as the thrill of the movies when I first saw them in the cinema. And with each new viewing, enjoyment is no less. Although I don't like movies this long, the twelve hours of "The Lord of the Rings" just fly by.
It is far from being the perfect movie, as many seem to perceive it. I find many changes to the book to be unnecessary hollywoodization. Elijah Wood never felt right in the role of Frodo, and his latently gay relationship with Sam will never stop poking my eyes. It may be up to me, but I've never experienced it in a book. There are a lot more of all sorts of minor complaints, but in spite of them, the overall impression of this epic trilogy in every respect is an unforgettable experience. A very well adapted story, camera, directing and effects that take your breath away, mostly excellent cast choices and ingeniously blended music that greatly enhances the already perfect atmosphere, make this film a masterpiece of the genre and, in my opinion, one of the best film achievements of all time.
10/10 - DirectorPeter JacksonStarsElijah WoodIan McKellenViggo MortensenWhile Frodo and Sam edge closer to Mordor with the help of the shifty Gollum, the divided fellowship makes a stand against Sauron's new ally, Saruman, and his hordes of Isengard.The Lord of the Rings (2001-2003)
"One Ring to rule them all,
One Ring to find them,
One Ring to bring them all
And in the darkness bind them"
Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" is a book that has introduced me to the world of epic fantasy and, while no longer in the top of my favorites, will forever hold a special place in my heart. I will never forget how I eagerly awaited this movie trilogy, as well as the thrill of the movies when I first saw them in the cinema. And with each new viewing, enjoyment is no less. Although I don't like movies this long, the twelve hours of "The Lord of the Rings" just fly by.
It is far from being the perfect movie, as many seem to perceive it. I find many changes to the book to be unnecessary hollywoodization. Elijah Wood never felt right in the role of Frodo, and his latently gay relationship with Sam will never stop poking my eyes. It may be up to me, but I've never experienced it in a book. There are a lot more of all sorts of minor complaints, but in spite of them, the overall impression of this epic trilogy in every respect is an unforgettable experience. A very well adapted story, camera, directing and effects that take your breath away, mostly excellent cast choices and ingeniously blended music that greatly enhances the already perfect atmosphere, make this film a masterpiece of the genre and, in my opinion, one of the best film achievements of all time.
10/10 - DirectorGore VerbinskiStarsJohnny DeppGeoffrey RushOrlando BloomBlacksmith Will Turner teams up with eccentric pirate "Captain" Jack Sparrow to save his love, the governor's daughter, from Jack's former pirate allies, who are now undead.I'll never get tired of this movie.
8,5/10 - DirectorPeter JacksonStarsElijah WoodViggo MortensenIan McKellenGandalf and Aragorn lead the World of Men against Sauron's army to draw his gaze from Frodo and Sam as they approach Mount Doom with the One Ring.The Lord of the Rings (2001-2003)
"One Ring to rule them all,
One Ring to find them,
One Ring to bring them all
And in the darkness bind them"
Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" is a book that has introduced me to the world of epic fantasy and, while no longer in the top of my favorites, will forever hold a special place in my heart. I will never forget how I eagerly awaited this movie trilogy, as well as the thrill of the movies when I first saw them in the cinema. And with each new viewing, enjoyment is no less. Although I don't like movies this long, the twelve hours of "The Lord of the Rings" just fly by.
It is far from being the perfect movie, as many seem to perceive it. I find many changes to the book to be unnecessary hollywoodization. Elijah Wood never felt right in the role of Frodo, and his latently gay relationship with Sam will never stop poking my eyes. It may be up to me, but I've never experienced it in a book. There are a lot more of all sorts of minor complaints, but in spite of them, the overall impression of this epic trilogy in every respect is an unforgettable experience. A very well adapted story, camera, directing and effects that take your breath away, mostly excellent cast choices and ingeniously blended music that greatly enhances the already perfect atmosphere, make this film a masterpiece of the genre and, in my opinion, one of the best film achievements of all time.
10/10 - DirectorChris ColumbusStarsDaniel RadcliffeRupert GrintEmma WatsonAn orphaned boy enrolls in a school of wizardry, where he learns the truth about himself, his family and the terrible evil that haunts the magical world.I didn't read books, somehow I always have something smarter to read, but I gladly rewatch the movies from time to time. Maybe it's a story for children and it may not have special depth, but it is visually beautiful and so much fun, even after several viewing.
8,5/10 - DirectorChris ColumbusStarsDaniel RadcliffeRupert GrintEmma WatsonHarry Potter lives his second year at Hogwarts with Ron and Hermione when a message on the wall announces that the legendary Chamber of Secrets has been opened. The trio soon realize that, to save the school, it will take a lot of courage.It is much weaker than the first movie, so it was difficult to keep the attention for nearly three hours, but it's far from being bad.
7/10 - DirectorAlfonso CuarónStarsDaniel RadcliffeEmma WatsonRupert GrintHarry Potter, Ron and Hermione return to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for their third year of study, where they delve into the mystery surrounding an escaped prisoner who poses a dangerous threat to the young wizard.Something's wrong
Although I did not read the book, it is obvious that something's wrong with this movie. In many aspects it is better that two prequels, but then again it leaves impression of weak movie, occasionally even boring. Acting, directing, production, special effects (especially hippogryf), everything is on high level and finale is great, but with story itself something definitely isn't right. Something's missing. Book fans surely know what I am talking about, even if I have no idea myself...
7/10 - CreatorSydney NewmanStarsJodie WhittakerPeter CapaldiPearl MackieThe further adventures in time and space of the alien adventurer known as the Doctor and his companions from planet Earth.One of the best shows ever
One of my favorite shows is on the air since 1963, more than half of a century. I followed it till December 2015 when they decided to skip 2016. I turned to some other shows and forgot about it. Season 2017 is over and in a month season 2018 begins. So last night I got back to it and reminded myself why I love it so much. In meantime I started original series and saw first two out of 26 seasons. It is good, but it's not quite it. Since 2005 Doctor Who becomes one of the best series ever. I will see all of it sooner or later, but only when I'm done with new seasons. To TV series fanatics with lots of spare time I warmly recommend all 37 seasons, but these last 11 seasons are must watch for every TV series fan.
10/10 - DirectorJoss WhedonStarsNathan FillionGina TorresChiwetel EjioforThe crew of the ship Serenity try to evade an assassin sent to recapture telepath River.The final episode of "Firefly"
Watching this right after watching Firefly in two days, I cannot objectively say if this movie can stand for itself and have any sense to people who are not familiar with Firefly. Basically, this is just one more episode of the show, great finale meant to be the conclusion for the good show that ended way too soon. It gives us answers to some questions about things that Firefly had no chance to bring to their conclusions and it would be a good ending for the show even if it was not canceled and had many seasons instead. The movie is not great, but it was necessary for sure. Firefly was not so much about space action and adrenaline as it was about characters that were real and convincing and that we could relate to, characters we fell in love with even after just dozen of episodes this show lasted. This movie brings back those characters and gives us a conclusion after the show simply stopped out of nowhere and left us missing them badly. Now it's easier to move on. I do not consider this show or ending movie to be great, but it gets under your skin and you simply have to love it. So it is hard to rate it...
7,5/10 - DirectorMike NewellStarsDaniel RadcliffeEmma WatsonRupert GrintHarry Potter finds himself competing in a hazardous tournament between rival schools of magic, but he is distracted by recurring nightmares.Either this movie is better than the previous ones or it's just my impression because I had a fan(atic), who knows all the books by heart, to fill in the flaws that a film makes in relation to the book.
8/10 - DirectorPeter JacksonStarsNaomi WattsJack BlackAdrien BrodyA greedy film producer assembles a team of moviemakers and sets out for the infamous Skull Island, where they find more than just cannibalistic natives.Love kills
Finally! I always nag that most of the long movies do not have the power to keep my attention that is adequate its length. I saw original "King Kong" and when I realized that remake lasts nearly 200 minutes I did not even want to watch it. I would make a huge mistake. A friend was persistent in recommending it to me so I gave up and I am amazed, I loved it. The story is told with much more details, better acting, modern effects and followed by excellent music, while it did not lose any of its original charms and emotion. One of very few movies that kept my undivided attention for more than three hours, by a perfect balance of action and depth, and even brought few tears on several occasions. Masterpiece, shoulder to shoulder with "LOTR". Plus Naomi Watts... I would watch even the biggest crap if she was in a leading role.
Moral: Love makes even king become a monkey, it flies you to the sky and then throws you into the abyss.
10/10 - DirectorGore VerbinskiStarsJohnny DeppOrlando BloomKeira KnightleyJack Sparrow races to recover the heart of Davy Jones to avoid enslaving his soul to Jones' service, as other friends and foes seek the heart for their own agenda as well.Good plot, great acting and directing, and fantastic visual effects. It lacks some of the "soul" first one had, but it's still a sequel and it's bound to repeat itself and lose some soul on lack of originality. But whatever it loses on originality, it is more than covered by quality in every aspect.
When I was watching the first one, unfortunately, I did not pay attention to music. This time music hypnotized me. It is so good that I even watched complete ending credits not being able to interrupt music that follows it. The movie sounds fantastic.
And of course, Johnny Depp, the only man who could possibly pull off Jack Sparrow, one of the best actors of our time.
8/10 - DirectorGore VerbinskiStarsJohnny DeppOrlando BloomKeira KnightleyCaptain Barbossa, Will Turner and Elizabeth Swann must sail off the edge of the map, navigate treachery and betrayal, find Jack Sparrow, and make their final alliances for one last decisive battle.
- You're mad. - Thank goodness. If I wasn't this would probably never work.
- Do you think he plans it all out or just makes it up as he goes along ?!
For me, this one was the best so far. A bit too long for my taste, but so are the previous two so I can't complain about that. Well designed adventure, with bit less characterization than before, but those are the same characters we already got to know well, so it should not bother anyone. Acting is good, story shifts between drama, fast action, and emotional parts in tempo that prevents you to get bored during three hours of this awesome adventure. I could even go as far as to compare it to the "Lord of the Rings" movie. It's not that good, but in its genre, for me, it holds honorable second place right after "The Return of the King".
My favorite parts... The opening scene is one of the best I ever saw. I had goosebumps when they started to sing. And during the reception in Singapore, when Keira disarms herself, her body talk and facial expressions irresistibly remind of Jack Sparrow. The man who rips off his toe, ocean mirroring night sky, and on top of everything, the bunch of Jacks on stranded Pearl.
10/10 - DirectorDavid YatesStarsDaniel RadcliffeEmma WatsonRupert GrintWith their warning about Lord Voldemort's return scoffed at, Harry and Dumbledore are targeted by the Wizard authorities as an authoritarian bureaucrat slowly seizes power at Hogwarts.
- DirectorDavid YatesStarsDaniel RadcliffeEmma WatsonRupert GrintWith their warning about Lord Voldemort's return scoffed at, Harry and Dumbledore are targeted by the Wizard authorities as an authoritarian bureaucrat slowly seizes power at Hogwarts.I have not read the book, but I have the impression that the film is a bit hurried. Maybe it would be better if, instead of two hours, they stretched it to three, so that the story could be better elaborated.
7/10 - DirectorMatthew VaughnStarsCharlie CoxClaire DanesSienna MillerIn a countryside town bordering on a magical land, a young man makes a promise to his beloved that he'll retrieve a fallen star by venturing into the magical realm.Beautiful fairy-tale
"Are we human because we gaze at the stars
or do we gaze at them because we are human?
Pointless, really. Do the stars gaze back?
Now, that's a question..."
If Neil Gaiman is not enough reason for you to see this movie, there are also Claire Danes, Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Peter O'Toole, Ian McKellen, Siena Miller...
9/10 - StarsDavid JasonSean AstinTim CurryA cowardly wizard is roped into a life of adventure. A tale from the first two books of Terry Pratchett's fantasy series "Discworld"."I think I've just had another near-Rincewind experience"
30 June 2016 / 28 March 2020
Like in "Hogfather", Death is pretty much lousy done, which is a shame because Death is the most awesome character in Discworld series. But besides that, it is absolutely fantastic. I thought it would be impossible to adapt Pratchett to feature film and preserve its original charm, but the movie definitely possesses the spirit of the written Discworld. The Luggage and legendary Del Boy in the role of Rincewind are an inexhaustible source of entertainment.
9/10 - DirectorDavid YatesStarsDaniel RadcliffeEmma WatsonRupert GrintAs Harry Potter begins his sixth year at Hogwarts, he discovers an old book marked as "the property of the Half-Blood Prince" and begins to learn more about Lord Voldemort's dark past.Enjoyable
Hard-core fans of Harry Potter claim that movie franchise started well enough but it goes worse with every new movie. To me, as to someone who did not read the books, it is quite the opposite. Maybe they don't follow books as much as they should, but actors are growing up and acting improves with every movie, story is more and more interesting and directing and effects sustain same good level. Great entertainment for whole family.
7,5/10 - DirectorShane AckerStarsElijah WoodJennifer ConnellyCrispin GloverA rag doll that awakens in a postapocalyptic future holds the key to humanity's salvation.Visually it's nothing special, but it's far from bad. But story is lousy... Boring, confusing, without emotion... waste of time.
4/10 [6/10 for animation and 2/10 for story] - DirectorGary J. TunnicliffeStarsColin FordChloë Grace MoretzChristopher LloydJack goes up the beanstalk to rescue a little girl who has been transformed into a harp.Loved it
Pretty much low-budget, but very entertaining. A smart, witty parody on famous fairy-tales, full of cultured humor, without vulgarity and all those nasty things that suppose to be funny these days. Perfect for brain relaxation.
8/10 - DirectorAlbert HughesAllen HughesStarsDenzel WashingtonMila KunisRay StevensonA drifter fights his way across a ravaged, post-apocalyptic America while protecting a sacred book that holds the secrets to humanity's salvation."People had more than they needed. We had no idea what was precious and what wasn't. We threw away things people kill each other for now."
In post-apocalyptic America, Denzel Washington is a lone traveler, a missionary who has been traveling west on foot for three decades, carrying the last copy of The Book, in search of a place where it will be in the right hands. On the way, he comes across a settlement where the reign of terror keeps people under the boot of a gang led by Gary Oldman, perfect for the role. He tries at all costs to get hold of The Book, in order to expand and strengthen his power. There are also Mila Kunis, Jennifer Beals, Michael Gambon (Dumbledore), and, in a small but impressive role, Tom Waits.
Many say that this movie reminds them of "Mad Max". I agree that there are similarities (if only because of the post-apocalyptic setting that imposes them), but for me, its essence and atmosphere are more like King's "The Dark Tower" (the book, of course, not that lousy movie).
In their last joint venture, the Hughes brothers turned to a genre different from everything they had done before and made an excellent and multi-layered post-apocalyptic SF, which will buy both fans of a good adventure and those who like exciting and well-directed action scenes, fans of post-apocalyptic stories, but also those who are looking for something deeper in the film. This film is not only a warning about nuclear danger, but it also deals with both sides of religion. It supports the sincere faith and the true message of Christianity (or any other religion for that matter) while criticizing its abuse, which unfortunately prevails in organized religion.
Excellent scenery, exciting details, good acting of the leading cast, peppered with several strong actors in striking supporting roles, amusing references to pop culture and some classics of the genre, and biblical quotations, all wrapped in a classic, yet original story, which holds the attention from the beginning to the end. And of course, the plot twist that will make you slap your forehead and wonder how the hell you didn't catch it right away, and it was right in front of your nose the whole time.
8,5/10 - DirectorDavid YatesStarsDaniel RadcliffeEmma WatsonRupert GrintAs Harry, Ron and Hermione race against time and evil to destroy the Horcruxes, they uncover the existence of the three most powerful objects in the wizarding world: the Deathly Hallows.7,5/10
- CreatorDavid BenioffD.B. WeissStarsEmilia ClarkePeter DinklageKit HaringtonNine noble families fight for control over the lands of Westeros, while an ancient enemy returns after being dormant for millennia.LOTR of the TV world
4 October 2016
TV shows I rated 10 are rare, I could count them on one hand. And this is one of them. The excellent crew did this based on the fantastic book and in cooperation with the original writer. I do not want to compare this show with anything else because it is beyond any comparison, but speaking only about its quality, this is for the TV world what "Lord of the Rings" is for movies. I doubt anyone will top this any time soon.
New books are not out yet, and producers decided not to wait for them, so series are ahead of the books now. I did not watch the latest season yet, and I see many bad impressions and comments on the web, but even if they really did a lousy job on this last season, the previous five seasons are so good that last one cannot spoil average grade below ten out of ten. Unfortunately, I did not see the famous "Breaking Bad" yet, so I cannot be 100% sure, but for me, this is the very best TV show ever made. For the first time in my life I will give money for the series and, when the series is completed, buy the original box-set edition. It pains me to admit, but Tolkien is overthrown - I prefer "GOT" over "LOTR", both in a written and screened version.
I am not writing about its contents, there is more than enough spoilers all around the web, so no need for me to add some more. Thou, I do not understand all that noise and complaining about spoilers, especially if the movie/series is based on a famous book. In my opinion, you should always read the book before you watch it on TV, and if you did it then you already know most of what you'll see, so complaining about spoilers is ridiculous. And believe me, even if it is not always the case, in this case, you really SHOULD READ THE BOOKS FIRST. It is impossible to put all those thousands of pages in a TV show, and reading the books will allow you a much better understanding of what you see and you will enjoy the show much much more. I'm not saying that books are better. Not this time. Both are great in their own way. But the show will hypnotize you even deeper if you read the books first.
10/10
And what am I supposed to watch now that won't seem totally lame after seeing "GOT"…
11 February 2020
The eighth season is over and with it the already cult "Game of Thrones". The flood of spoilers and complaining over the last season receded, the dust settled, and it's time for me to finally see it in its entirety. I decided not to continue where I left off, but to start from the beginning and watch it without gigantic breaks between episodes and seasons.
Even before it starts, the series leaves you breathless with its phenomenal opening credits. Although a bit too long for my taste, it is certainly one of the most impressive introduction clips I have ever seen, mostly because of beautiful music by Ramin Djawadi.
"Game of Thrones", the first book of the cult saga "A Song of Ice and Fire," I first read in the summer of 2007. When I first sat down to watch the series in 2011, it seemed like the book was coming alive. Most of the scenes were shot exactly the way I imagined them while reading, and the cast is predominantly perfectly selected. I remember that only young Targaryens, and especially their hair, were torn in my eye. Emilia Clarke, in my opinion, is not beautiful/handsome enough or good enough actress for the role of Daenerys, and it took me more than a season to get used to her. Maisie Williams was initially very antipathic, but she quickly gained me with quality acting. The rest of the cast has been so impressive since the start that, when I continued reading the books, I began to imagine them exactly as they were shown in the series. What separates "Game of Thrones" the most from the majority of representatives of the genre is realistic characterization. There are no good guys and bad guys here, no black-and-white struggle between good and evil. All the characters are deeply layered and their good and bad sides take turns from situation to situation.
The first episode starts the series with force and ruthlessness, and although it is only a preliminary introduction to the story, it already manages to shock us on several occasions with its explicitness, vulgarity, and brutality. If you, while watching this episode, even for a moment felt discomfort, better stop here, because of what follows in the episodes and seasons that are in front of you your stomach will turn inside out.
Already in the second episode, Martin begins to kill innocent, ruthlessly introducing us into a world in which no one is safe, and in which the main characters are dropping like flies, alongside extras. Characters that die without any order, sense, and logic, whose stories remain incomplete because they are suddenly stricken by bad luck, are Martin's trademark. The series, as well as the source novel, constantly keeps you in a state of tension, because deaths, intrigues, and plot twists are totally unexpected and unpredictable, as is the real life.
Which brings us to the controversial last season. As far as I noticed, nagging about the last season is focused primarily on the script and the characters' illogical and unprovoked moves. I was bothered by the chaotic directing and editing. The episode depicting the battle against the army of the dead made my eyes literally hurt and, in my opinion, music was inadequate and irritating. But I have no major objections to the story itself. We are used to movies where the end logically follows from the introduction and plot, but it usually happens only in stories. Life is not logical, and I have already mentioned that Martin is quite realistic. People change, evolve, make plans, wage internal struggles, fight for a goal and, while the endings of most films show them failing or achieving those goals, life often stops those life paths with unexpected death and makes the whole journey meaningless. Death simply undoes us. Likewise, in the last season, Martin just canceled out a bunch of characters and their stories, while others acted impulsively, made fatal mistakes, or simply went mad. Many have completed their journeys in somewhat karmically acceptable ways, and the fates of some have surprised us. The season is a little hectic, but I don't think this story could have ended much differently, and I'm definitely not disappointed.
Last season, in my opinion, deserves no more than a seven or an eight, but the overall impression of the entire series remains
10/10 - DirectorRob MarshallStarsJohnny DeppPenélope CruzIan McShaneJack Sparrow and Barbossa embark on a quest to find the elusive fountain of youth, only to discover that Blackbeard and his daughter are after it too.Weakest link, but still great
The fourth movie in the Pirates franchise is a bit below the level of its prequels, but that does not mean it's bad, it's just a bit less great. The story is linear this time, there are less plot and twists than before, and Penelope does not fit into this world so good, in my opinion. But Jack Sparrow is Jack Sparrow, the movie is visually beautiful and followed by music that crawls under my skin deeper and deeper with every sequel, becoming closer to be my favorite soundtrack ever. I can't wait for the 5th that is announced for 2017.
7,5/10 - DirectorDavid YatesStarsDaniel RadcliffeEmma WatsonRupert GrintHarry, Ron, and Hermione search for Voldemort's remaining Horcruxes in their effort to destroy the Dark Lord as the final battle rages on at Hogwarts.There are a couple of pathetic scenes, but all in all maybe the best in the franchise.
8/10 - DirectorMartin ScorseseStarsAsa ButterfieldChloë Grace MoretzChristopher LeeIn 1931 Paris, an orphan living in the walls of a train station gets wrapped up in a mystery involving his late father and an automaton."My friends, I address you all tonight as you truly are; wizards, mermaids, travelers, adventurers, magicians... Come and dream with me." - Georges Méliès
This movie is so beautiful, that it is perfect even if it is not. One of my favorite movies and, in my humble opinion, one of the best movies ever made. It is a drama/adventure about a little orphan living in the walls of a train station, stealing for food, and maintaining station clocks. In his free time, he is collecting spare parts of clocks trying to finish a robot that he started together with his late father. One day he meets a little girl whose grandpa works in one of the station shops and the adventure begins. Good cast, good acting, good directing, interesting adventure story, and an overload of various emotions that will make you laugh and cry and love the characters like they are your own. I can watch it anytime and it makes me cry every single time. The movie that will awake love in your hearts for sure.
10/10 - CreatorAdam HorowitzEdward KitsisStarsGinnifer GoodwinJennifer MorrisonLana ParrillaA young woman with a troubled past is drawn to a small town in Maine where fairy tales are to be believed.Brings back the magic of childhood and I love it
The first season was very popular because it was a surprise and significant refreshment in the TV world. But after the first season, people started to complain that show does not fulfill its potential, that acting is bad, and soon that show is becoming unwatchable. I agree that it has its ups and downs and for a moment it looked like it will become complete crap, but it recovered soon enough and, though it has a tendency to complicate too much, originality of the plot and magical atmosphere have a mesmerizing influence on me. Last night I finished the 5th season and I cannot wait for 6th to be finished so I can watch it in one breath.
The plot combines the unbelievable amount of fairy-tales, myths, and legends into one complicated but believable and exciting story, where well-known characters from many different stories got new mutual relations. For example, Rumpelstiltskin and Belfire are son and grandson of Peter Pan. Daughter of Snow-white is in love with Captain Hook and Evil Queen is with Robin Hood. The show contains all genres, comedy, action, thriller, romance, drama, and it succeeds to be modern and at the same time preserve the magical atmosphere of childhood fairy-tales. Maybe it is not excellent in terms of acting and directing, but it is amazing in storytelling and bringing back that feel of childhood, and to me, it is more than enough to love it.
8,5/10 - DirectorPeter JacksonStarsMartin FreemanIan McKellenRichard ArmitageA reluctant Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, sets out to the Lonely Mountain with a spirited group of dwarves to reclaim their mountain home and the gold within it from the dragon Smaug.Damn you, Hollywood
Looks fantastic, but better if I don't comment storyline... 3 damn hours, and it's just one-third of the story. The Lord of the Rings is complex book 2.000 pages long, while Hobbit is easy-going bedtime story that takes one afternoon of reading, still, they made movies of the same size. That's madness. Hollywood is willing to destroy everything and anything just to grab as much money as possible when they assume something to be a potential chicken that lays golden eggs.
9/10 for visual part
7/10 overall impression - DirectorGore VerbinskiStarsJohnny DeppArmie HammerWilliam FichtnerNative American warrior Tonto recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid, a man of the law, into a legend of justice.Western "Pirates of the Caribbean"
This is one of those movies that critics destroyed without a good reason. I read bad reviews and I cross myself with left, right and my feet. It got some bad reviews from critics so a bunch of smart-asses decided to lubricate it with their own spit. To be clear, I do not have respect for the majority of professional critics. I especially don't pay attention to negative reviews. On the contrary, they often make me want to see the movie even more. If I skipped everything critics tried to destroy I would miss a bunch of excellent movies.
They say it's not accurate. Accurate to what?! It is not a historical movie and it's not a remake. The old one was a Western classic and this one is an adventure/comedy. They criticize the quality of the screenplay and acting. Sure, no one could get an Oscar for it, but it was not the intention of this movie. This is Disney adventure with the goal to entertain, not to be Nobel prize level literature or Oscar contestant. But what shocked me the most was an argument that appeared in several negative reviews. They said this movie is essentially a Western version of "Pirates of the Caribbean" as if it were a bad thing!!! For God's sake, in what universe this could be shortcoming?! If you did not like "Pirates" why the hell did you even try to watch this? Being a Western version of "Pirates" is probably the main reason I wanted to see this and it is definitely the main reason I loved it.
I had many things to say about this movie, but, after I discovered this phrase, everything else I could possibly say becomes redundant. Those five words are absolutely perfect to describe this movie completely:
Western "Pirates of the Caribbean" equals must watch!!!
8,5/10 - CreatorPhillip IscoveAlex KurtzmanRoberto OrciStarsTom MisonLyndie GreenwoodNicole BeharieIchabod Crane is resurrected and pulled two and a half centuries through time to unravel a mystery that dates all the way back to the founding fathers.
- DirectorPeter JacksonStarsIan McKellenMartin FreemanRichard ArmitageThe dwarves, along with Bilbo Baggins and Gandalf the Grey, continue their quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain, their homeland, from the dragon Smaug.Length kills pleasure
It is amazing how they succeeded to make the Hobbit story boring. I had to struggle not to fall asleep. It looks fantastic, but it is simply way too long for the story it tells. Length kills pleasure. All qualities are in its shadow. So sad...
7/10 - DirectorPeter JacksonStarsIan McKellenMartin FreemanRichard ArmitageBilbo Baggins and company are forced to engage in a war against an array of combatants and keep the Lonely Mountain from falling into the hands of a rising darkness.The best of three
The best of three, I managed to watch it in one breath, but I'm still not thrilled. The whole trilogy leaves the impression of a pale copy of the "Lord of the Rings".
8/10 - DirectorDaniel KwanDaniel ScheinertStarsPaul DanoDaniel RadcliffeMary Elizabeth WinsteadA hopeless man stranded on a deserted island befriends a dead body, and together they go on a surreal journey to get home.10 for originality and 5 for entertainment
This movie has to be recognized for its originality and courage of its makers to let their imagination loose. I have never ever seen anything like this before. Dano and Radcliffe nailed their roles. Still, I'm not thrilled. Although the idea is completely original, weird and expected to be hilariously funny, the movie simply isn't. It has hilarious moments and some good emotional scenes too, but for the most of it, I was bored.
7/10 - DirectorDavid YatesStarsEddie RedmayneKatherine WaterstonAlison SudolIn 1926, magizoologist Newt Scamander arrives in New York during his worldwide tour to research and rescue magical creatures as something mysterious leaves trails of destruction in the city, threatening to expose the wizarding world.A masterpiece of fun for all ages
I saw it in the theater yesterday, and although it was not what I expected it to be, it was a very pleasant surprise. "Harry Potter" without Harry Potter is great.
While "Harry Potter" franchise is focused on children in Britain's magical community and adults and the magic in the rest of the world are mentioned only in passing, "Beasts" takes us to America where things are set differently. Something terrorize the city and slightly clumsy magical beasts lover, fired Auror, and muggle who was incidentally involved in all the mess are trying to solve the mystery and prevent the magical world being exposed. And in the focus of the story there is a magical suitcase that's bigger from the inside, as if it originated from Doctor Who's Tardis and Terry Pratchett's Luggage combined.
The movie is fast, resourceful, very witty and entertaining. The cast is excellent (Johnny Depp shows up only for a brief moment, but I hope they'll give him more space in sequels), CGI is great and there's lots of it, and magical beasts are truly fantastic. You'll fall in love with them for sure. The story doesn't have that epic feeling like "Harry Potter" had, but it is epic fun for all ages.
8,5/10 - CreatorJoss WhedonStarsNathan FillionGina TorresAlan TudykFive hundred years in the future, a renegade crew aboard a small spacecraft tries to survive as they travel the unknown parts of the galaxy and evade warring factions as well as authority agents out to get them.Overrated, but very good indeed
Finally I took time and watched the whole "Firefly" at once. I am not disappointed, I enjoyed every episode, but still, I think it is very overrated. It is space western that gathers a team of good actors in an original and entertaining story. Still, I fail to see what quality makes it stand out from a bunch of other Sci-Fi shows, except by fact it is space western... It is good, but cult status and rating over nine out of ten are a mystery to me. The show was canceled after only fourteen episodes and it seems they did it on purpose. The official reason was lack of audience, but low ratings were obviously caused intentionally because the show was aired on Friday nights when they always had lowest ratings, episodes were aired in wrong order and marketing for the show was terrible. Shame, it could grow into something really great. My recommendation for those who did not see it is to forget about its reputation and watch it without any expectations and you will surely enjoy it. My favorite episodes are 6th and 7th. While I rate the rest 7/10, these two deserve 9/10. Intelligent, original, well played and with a nicely balanced amount of good humor.
7,5/10 - StarsJoe McGannEdward KelseyDebra GillettUnder the floorboards of an old department store live the nomes, tiny people for whom things like Outside and Sun and Rain are just daft old legends. Then a group of new nomes arrive from the Outside that nobody believes in, bringing with them The Thing. The Thing eats electricity. It listens to electricity, too. And right now the electricity is telling it that the store is about to be closed down.There is more of Pratchett's magic besides Discworld
In addition to the unmatched Discworld series, Pratchett has written many more things, and in particular stand out his books for children and those who still nurture their inner child. "Truckers" is a fairly faithful adaptation of the eponymous novel about miniature people living in the walls of a department store and for which the outside world is just a matter of legends. But the department store is to be demolished and Noums must leave their home and seek for a new one. Pratchett once again shows his amazing talent for satire and humor, which will win over adults, and excellent stop-motion animation and a simplified way of storytelling will bring this beautiful adventure closer to the youngest audience. However, to me as a fan(atic) of Terry Pratchett, who read everything he could get his hands on and saw all adaptations, this is far from the maximum that adaptations of this author can provide.
7/10 - DirectorVictor FlemingKing VidorStarsJudy GarlandFrank MorganRay BolgerYoung Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto are swept away by a tornado from their Kansas farm to the magical Land of Oz, and embark on a quest with three new friends to see the Wizard, who can return her to her home and fulfill the others' wishes.Movie that left mark on countless generations
This is one of those movies that will last forever. Our grandmothers were watching it while they were just little girls and our grandchildren will enjoy it as much. Its values will never be outdated. One of those that define expression "classic". Only a shallow viewer could consider it to be just a fairy-tale for children, because this masterpiece is much more than that and its depth covers all generations. Although it's almost 80 years old it still resists the teeth of time, even visually. Its costumes and special effects are extremely outdated but still effective. I admit, it would be very interesting to see how it would all look like with today's technology, but I think this is one of those shrines that should not be touched.
10/10 - DirectorMel GibsonStarsGerardo TaracenaRaoul Max TrujilloDalia HernándezAs the Mayan kingdom faces its decline, a young man is taken on a perilous journey to a world ruled by fear and oppression.Gibson obviously has fetish for quasi-historical movies. He sets historical stage and plays fictitious events on it, but so convincing that it is easy to believe they really happened. He's good actor, but much better writer and director. Also, improvement in his movies is evident. He started with typically Hollywood spectacle Braveheart in 1995. Decade later he made hideous The Passion of the Christ, but improvement in directing and production is huge. And two years later we get Apocalypto that overcomes both predecessors beyond comparison. Although it is less historical than previous two, it is much more believable and stronger. I'm anxious to see if the newest Hacksaw Ridge is even better.
8/10 - DirectorRobert StevensonStarsDavid HartmanDonald SindenJacques MarinIn 1907, four explorers discover a lost colony of Vikings in the Arctic.Beautiful adventure, not completely for children, shown in naive way typical for Disney movies. This could be made into much more complex movie and with today's technology it could be top blockbuster. Story, acting and directing are decent, but special effects and editing are pretty bad even for its time. But, this is just a Disney from 70's so we should turn a blind eye a bit. It is entertaining and it has Oscar nomination for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration. It's worth watching.
6/10 - DirectorBrian Trenchard-SmithStarsDavid ArgueJohn LeyNicole KidmanA trio of teen BMX enthusiasts become entangled with a group of bank robbers after discovering their cache of walkie-talkies.Cult movie of my childhood. I think that in my elementary school there was no one who didn't see this at least few times and it was one of everyone's favorites. Now, three decades later, I see it from different perspective and I could find bunch of flaws. But I won't. Tonight it was still entertaining and all the time I wished to find my old BMX, fix it up and get wild for old times sake. Until ten years ago I was always on the bike. It was my main mean of transportation. I rode it to work, made tours around Serbia and even rode it to clubs on weekend nights. Maybe that's why this movie leaves stronger impression on me than it should, or maybe it's because of 16 years old Nicole Kidman. I think we were all in love with her in those days. :D
7/10 - DirectorGary TrousdaleKirk WiseStarsMichael J. FoxJim VarneyCorey BurtonA young linguist named Milo Thatch joins an intrepid group of explorers to find the mysterious lost continent of Atlantis.I love to put my movie marathon on pause from time to time and watch some Disney cartoon for a change. It's healthy for a soul. From this one I did not expect anything at all and I was in for a pleasant surprise. Young and silly scientist gathers expedition to find Atlantis, but his crew are not who he thought they are. After about 20 minutes I lost any feeling that I am watching cartoon and I experienced this same as feature movie. It would be great if they would really make one. It hold attention and does not irritate you with too much niceness and morality, so it is not annoying to non-kids audience. It's not on the level with greatest Disney masterpieces but it definitely is worth watching. I really enjoyed it.
7,5/10 - DirectorP.J. HoganStarsJeremy SumpterJason IsaacsOlivia WilliamsThe Darling family children receive a visit from Peter Pan, who takes them to Never Never Land where an ongoing war with the evil Pirate Captain Hook is taking place.This is probably the best adaptation of Peter Pan and it deserves place in movie classics. The reason it had low success in theaters and it passed almost unnoticed lies not in its quality, but in fact it was released in the middle of Harry Potter mania and at the same time with the best fantasy movie of all time - The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Practically nothing had real chance competing with those two.
This is classic version of Peter Pan, but really excellent one. Production is top, although not on LOTR level. Kids are incredibly cute and they played their roles really well and scenery is beautiful. Few times I thought that CGI is bit unconvincing, but I think it's done on purpose to make distinction between real world and world of fantasy. What particularly distinguishes this adaptation is the relationship between Peter and Wendy, which is elevated to a higher level than the one we are used to. Here they are not just children, but preteens who develop early stage of romantic love and even some sort of sexual tension. That deepens their relationship and adds new dimension to the story, that is not just two-dimensional fairy-tale any more, like it was in animated Disney version. Warm recommendation.
8/10 - CreatorBryan FullerMichael GreenStarsRicky WhittleEmily BrowningYetide BadakiA recently released ex-convict named Shadow meets a mysterious man who calls himself "Wednesday" and who knows more than he first seems to about Shadow's life and past."It takes the story of the book, turns it upside down, shakes it, reconfigures it, and makes it many things, including funnier, more televisual, and broader in scope."
The only thing that gave Shadow the strength to get through the prison days was the beloved woman waiting for him at home. When he was released prematurely, so that he could attend her funeral, that freedom meant nothing to him anymore. This mental state of his was used by the mysterious Mr. Wednesday, to win him over to his service.
We soon find out the circumstances under which Shadow's wife died, and the nature of his new job is slowly being revealed and the series "American Gods" turns into a crazy adventure, full of violence, sex, and creatures from various mythologies from all over the world.
I read Neil Gaiman's eponymous novel, on which the series is based, back in 2004, so I'm not sure how much "American Gods" conveys the events from the book, and how much of the script is original material, but many changes are more than obvious.
Much of the series is tailored to modern trends of racial, religious, and sexual diversity, and the flow of politically colored messages.
The most obvious example is the choice of Ricky Whittle for the role of Shadow. Nowhere in the novel "American Gods" did Gaiman clearly indicate Shadow's racial affiliation. It has been suggested that he is dark-skinned and of mixed origin, which could be black, but also Gypsy or Indian. The choice of a black actor opened the possibility for the series to deal more seriously with racism, which the book does not deal with in such a direct way, but which is always a current topic in America.
Female characters are given much more space than in the book, and some of the female characters mentioned only along the way got some of the most important roles here. Especially Shadow's wife, who has one of the main roles in the series "American Gods", side by side with the main characters of the novel.
Although politicization in adaptations of books, which originally don't bother with it, is really going on my nerves, these changes and scenes are quite nicely integrated into the original story and, in my opinion, they more contribute to Gaiman's universe than they turn the series from his way.
The series also includes homosexual characters of both sexes, which I don't remember from the book (although I allow the possibility that I am wrong) and, unlike many films and series that force them just to respect the norm, here it is done somehow naturally, and even some slightly more explicit scenes were shot with style and taste. The only exception is an episode almost drowned by an endless scene of rather explicit homosexual orgies, which has neither a substantive nor an aesthetic place in "American Gods".
The story is original, weird, and holds attention. The show is visually fantastic and the choice of actors and their performances are excellent. I can't say that I'm thrilled, but I really liked the series and I don't understand how it is possible for its ratings to drop to such an extent that they cancel it.
The third season ended with a very impressive scene that can be a cliffhanger for the continuation of the story, but in a way, it rounds off the previous story and gives the series, although a bit depressing, a satisfactorily meaningful ending. So, even if we don't get the true ending in the form of the fourth season or maybe a feature film (both possibilities are still in circulation), feel free to embark on this adventure, because you won't waste time, as is the case with most canceled series.
8/10 - CreatorMichael HirstStarsKatheryn WinnickGustaf SkarsgårdAlexander LudwigVikings transports us to the brutal and mysterious world of Ragnar Lothbrok, a Viking warrior and farmer who yearns to explore--and raid--the distant shores across the ocean.Hard and cruel, but somehow tempting way of life
19 January 2018
I'm not a fan of historical and quasi-historical films and series, so I had no high expectations for "Vikings". But the first season bought me right away. It's completely different from anything I've seen so far, and there are more dead than in "Game of Thrones". Now I finished the second season and the series just keeps getting better. It seems to me that there are more scheming and twists than in GoT. The acting and characterization are excellent, and the action scenes are incredibly believable and realistic. It gets more and more complicated and tense and will not only hold your attention but also your breath.
7 April 2024
I finally made it to the end. In the later seasons, the story branches out in too many directions and gets overly complicated. The series in most respects maintains the level until the very end, but the story begins to repeat itself, the same plots revolve around different generations of characters and, although it cannot be said that the quality decreases, it all becomes a bit monotonous. Some of the denouements delighted me, some disappointed me, and some felt unfinished, but I guess that's a matter of taste. All in all, an above-average series, but I think they should have ended it earlier. Definitely a recommendation, if for no other reason than because of the original and striking performances of the entire cast, among which Katheryn Winnick, Gustaf Skarsgård, Alex Hogh Andersen, and Travis Fimmel stand out the most.
8/10 - DirectorFrank CoraciStarsJackie ChanSteve CooganJim BroadbentTo win a bet, an eccentric British inventor embarks, with his Chinese valet and an aspiring French artist, on a trip full of adventures and dangers around the world in exactly 80 days.IMDb rating is currently 5.8/10. Movie was nominated only for Razzie and Stinker Awards, and financially it's one of the biggest fiascos in history. Of the invested over 100 million, it pulled out about 20%. I'm asking myself who's crazy here...
I think that the main problem is that most of the people view this film as either the adaptation of Verne's novel or as a remake of the 1956 film of the same name. In both cases movie would be a failure, but this is neither remake nor adaptation of the novel, so the bad reputation is caused by prejudice rather than the real quality of the film. Script is based on Verne's novel, but but this adventure comedy is a homage to Vern, not an adaptation. Story is modernized, enriched with new adventures and references to many personalities and events, and combines genres with taste and measure in a comedy that keeps the attention and smile on the face from the beginning till the end. When criticizing this film, we must not lose sight of the fact that it is Disney and that accordingly it must be children-friendly.
Apart from Schwarzenegger, from whom we don't expect much anyway, the acting is very good. In addition to Jackie Chan and Steve Coogan, who are the bearers of this film, in other roles appear many famous faces, among which are Cécile de France, Jim Broadbent, Ian McNeice, Ewen Bremner, Macy Gray, Rob Schneider, Luke and Owen Wilson, John Cleese and excellent Kathy Bates as the Queen.
In my opinion, only those who do not like comedy and adventure as a genre could be dissatisfied with this film,but such people are not competent to judge it and it certainly is not fair that they influence its ratings.
8/10 - DirectorJake KasdanStarsDwayne JohnsonKaren GillanKevin HartFour teenagers are sucked into a magical video game, and the only way they can escape is to work together to finish the game.Since I liked the original "Jumanji" and I love Robin Williams, when I saw the announcements for the film with Dwayne Johnson in the main role and then the trailer, I expected another one in a row of poor remakes. Internet reviews and comments made me completely giving up on it. But my girl wanted to see it and I'm thankful for that.
"Welcome to the Jungle" is neither remake nor sequel of "Jumanji" (1995). Instead, it only takes the idea from the original, approaches it differently and modernizes it, so the story has practically no touch points with a movie from the nineties. The screenplay is interesting, movie is visually great, but the main advantages of this film are the actors and plenty of humor. Jumanji is now a video game and four teenagers, entering into it, become complete opposite of their physical and psychological traits in the real world. When The Rock plays a cowardly nerd and Jack Black is a narcissistic and superficial girl, whose life comes down to Instagram, hilarious fun is guaranteed. Movie I'll certainly see few more times.
8/10 - DirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsTom HanksRobin WrightGary SiniseThe history of the United States from the 1950s to the '70s unfolds from the perspective of an Alabama man with an IQ of 75, who yearns to be reunited with his childhood sweetheart.Stupid is as stupid does.
"The presidencies of Kennedy and Johnson, Vietnam, Watergate, and other history unfold through the perspective of an Alabama man with an IQ of 75." says IMDb and I agree. This is the story about many things, but most of all, I think this movie is about the eternal question: What is the essence of life? And you don't need your whole life to find the answer. This two and a half hours could be quite satisfying.
10/10 - DirectorJean GiraultStarsLouis de FunèsMichel GalabruChristian MarinAfter being chosen to represent France in an international congress, Cruchot and his troops must go to New York, and adapt to its social and cultural aspects.I thought I saw them all as a child, but it seems I missed one. And even while watching it for the first time I was pretty much bored. There are few interesting moments, like homage to "West Side Story" and scenes with black cab driver, but overall it's not even close to the first movie. Seems forced and unconvincing...
5/10 - DirectorRidley ScottStarsTom CruiseMia SaraTim CurryA young man must stop the Lord of Darkness from destroying daylight and marrying the woman he loves.Old school fairy tale, with princess, elves, fairies, dwarfs, unicorns, goblins and, of course, prince of darkness. I'm not one of those who think that fairy tales are for children only, moreover I like them very much. But this one is really just for kids. It's beautifully done, with, for its time, stunning visuals, nice soundtrack and good acting (as good as possible considering Tom Cruise in leading role), but, targeting mainly children, story is too linear and predictable and whole movie is too restrained for my taste. The strongest impression on me left makeup of fairy tale creatures, especially Tim Curry as Darkness. For these masks, this movie deserved the Oscar, not only the nomination.
7/10 - DirectorLiam LynchStarsJack BlackKyle GassJR ReedTo become the greatest band of all time, two slacker, wannabe-rockers set out on a quest to steal a legendary guitar pick that gives its holders incredible guitar skills, from a maximum security Rock and Roll museum.Better than "Citizen Kane" :D
"Cause it's the Pick of Destiny, child
You know we will be rockin' cause it's fucking insane
It's just the Pick of Destiny, child
More precious than a diamond on a platinum chain
In Venice Beach, there was a man named Kage
When he was buskin' he was all the rage
He met Jables and he taught him well
All the techniques that were developed in Hell
Cock pushups and the power slide
Gig simulation, now there's nowhere to hide
They formed a band they named Tenacious D
And then they got the Pick of Destiny
Cause it's the Pick of Destiny, child
You know we will be rockin' cause it's fucking insane
It's just the Pick of Destiny, child
Our tasty grooves are better than a chicken chow mein
Cause he who is sleazy is easy to pleasy
And she who is juicy must be loosy-goosey
And he who is groovy will be in my movie
So come on
The wizard and the demon had a battle royal
The demon almost killed him with an evil kapow
But then he broke his tooth and thus the demon said "OW"
Cause it's the Pick of Destiny, child
You know we will be rockin' cause it's fucking insane
It's just the Pick of Destiny, child
You know our movie's better than Citizen Kane
Cause he who's a geezer must live in my freezer
And she who is starkey is full of mularkey
And he who is groovy must be in my movie
So come on
Cause if you're a diva, then go to Geneva
And if you're a crony, then suck on my bony
And if you are groovy, then get in my movie
It's called the Pick of Destiny"
7/10 - DirectorWalter HillStarsRalph MacchioJoe SenecaJami GertzA wannabe blues-guitar virtuoso finds an old blues player and hopes he can teach him a long-lost song by legendary musician Robert Johnson.Blues ain't nothing but a good man feelin' bad...
A young student of a classical guitar dreams of becoming a recognized blues musician. He meets harmonica legend Willie Brown, played by Joe Seneca, and together they start a journey from New York to Mississippi Delta, a kid hoping to learn the lost song of the legendary Robert Johnson and Willie in order to cancel his contract with the Devil. On the way, they meet various characters and they experience interesting adventures, through which the naive boy slowly mature into a real blues player.
I refuse to analyze and objectively evaluate this film. In movies with a soul like this objective quality is essentially irrelevant. I will only mention the good acting and superb music, for which are most responsible Ry Cooder and Steve Vai.
I can not rate it ten, because I would not go so far as to place it among the best movies of all time, but, considering how many times I saw it, how many more times I will watch it in the future and the emotions it awakes in me every time, I can not rate it lower than
9/10 - DirectorJean GiraultStarsLouis de FunèsJean LefebvreGuy GrossoThe entire squad of gendarmes from Saint-Tropez has been retired. But there is no such power that could stop them from protecting the law and public order.The entire San Trope's gendarmerie is sent in an early retirement, to replace them with younger, stronger and more modern gendarmes. But Cruchot and his friends hardly endure the boredom of pensioner's life and soon get into a series of hilarious troubles. This fourth movie doesn't bring anything especially new into the franchise, but there are no bigger flaws either. A light comedy adventure for resting the brain.
6/10 - DirectorMichael ColdeweyMichel LemireStarsMichael IronsideJulie StrainBilly IdolAfter surviving an invasion on her peaceful homeworld, a beautiful avenger must stop a powerful psychopath from gaining immortality and rescue her kidnapped sister.A worthy successor
"Heavy Metal 2000" is a worthy successor to 1981's "Heavy Metal". Made in the style of the original, it has a strong reminiscent of the eighties. Unlike the first one that is an omnibus, this one has only one story, but the story and characters at the level of the first movie. There is a bit less nudity and violence, and the soundtrack, although weaker than the one from the '80s, has several really good tracks, performed by the great names of its time. Those who loved the first should likewise love this one.
7/10 - CreatorDonald WilsonSydney NewmanStarsWilliam HartnellPatrick TroughtonJon PertweeThe adventures in time and space of the Doctor, a Time Lord who changes appearance and personality by regenerating when near death, and is joined by companions in battles against aliens and other megalomaniacs.Absolute must watch!
"Doctor Who" is awesome BBC show, on the air since 1963. There are 36 seasons so far, "divided" into two groups. The old "Doctor Who" had 26 seasons from 1963 till 1989, with almost seven hundred episodes, and the new one started in 2005, and we are currently waiting for the 11th season. This renewed series is one of the best shows ever, easily deserving 10/10. While waiting for the 11th season I decided to watch the original series. At the moment, I'm in the middle of the second season, and although it is pretty much outdated in every way, it is still very good show and, if you like the new Doctor Who, I recommend you to give a chance to old one too. You won't be disappointed.
7/10 - DirectorJoe JohnstonStarsRobin WilliamsKirsten DunstBonnie HuntWhen two kids find and play a magical board game, they release a man trapped in it for decades - and a host of dangers that can only be stopped by finishing the game.You couldn't just stick to Monopoly...
Two siblings move to a new house and find an unusual board game in the attic. Magical board game. The most entertaining board game ever ... for us. For them, potentially lethal.
When it came out I was a teenager and I was thrilled. From this perspective, the film is outdated and naive, but still quite fun. Robin Williams does not shine with his full splendor, but he is certainly better than in "Night at the Museum", with which this film has a lot of similarities. Kirsten Dunst is very good in one of her first major roles, but just one year after "Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles" this role is too bleak to leave a stronger impression. I didn't see all of her movies, but from what I did, the role of Claudia is unquestionably her best and I doubt she could ever outclass it. The effects are very naive, though not bad, and if you enter this adventure without high expectations you will surely have a good time.
7,5/10 - DirectorTim BurtonStarsMia WasikowskaJohnny DeppHelena Bonham CarterNineteen-year-old Alice returns to the magical world from her childhood adventure, where she reunites with her old friends and learns of her true destiny: to end the Red Queen's reign of terror.Disappointment
"Alice in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll, directed by Tim Burton (whom I love), starring celebrities like Johnny Depp (whom I adore), Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway, Crispin Glover, Stephen Fry, Alan Rickman and legendary Christopher Lee, with technical capabilities of year 2010 and a $ 200 million budget ... You can not blame me for having high expectations. And when you see this wonder of wasted potential you won't blame me for being disappointed either.
The film is visually impressive and I really have no complaints, but everything else is lousy. Tim Burton didn't really fail, but we all know that he can do it much much better. Mad Hatter is one of Depp's weakest roles, Mia Wasikowska is sweet and she played Alice quite decent, and only Helena Bonham Carter really made an impression on me. The story is cute but lousy, it's not boring, but it doesn't engage you as much as such adventure should. You will not have the urge to turn off the movie, but you will not be upset if you need to leave it in half. However, I'm not sure how much is that the fault of unimaginative screenwriter and director (it certainly isn't Carroll's fault), and how much is this actually result of this being Disney movie primarily intended for children, which imposes many limitations. But the fact that the film is intended for children is just an explanation, and not an excuse for a naive, shallow and too simple story. A quality movie for children should be multilayered, on the first glance simple enough to entertain children, but with a certain depth that will intrigue adults. This movie doesn't have that. If you are out of elementary school you're too old for this.
6/10 - DirectorTim BurtonStarsMark WahlbergHelena Bonham CarterTim RothIn 2029, an Air Force astronaut crash-lands on a mysterious planet where evolved, talking apes dominate a race of primitive humans.Unfairly underrated
I sat to watch this movie full of prejudice based on bad reviews, and in the beginning, I was thinking to give up on it. But, I saw it through and my opinion has completely changed. This is a very good movie. Almost all arguments against this movie are based on the premise that it is a remake of the cult classic from 1968. If that was the case, compared to the original, this movie sucks. But it is a very wrong angle and it is understandable that conclusions based on the wrong premise, filled with emotion and prejudice, will be wrong conclusions.
Just try to watch this movie from a point of view of someone who did not see the original franchise and have no idea what is it all about, and you'll enjoy a great movie. Because this is not really a remake. The only thing they share is the basic idea that in distant future apes will rule the Earth. Other than that those are two completely different movies. Characters are new and different, the story begins slightly similar, but develops and ends completely different. This is typical Tim Burton's dark fairy-tale, original in every way, except for stealing the basic idea from cult classic. The story is interesting and brings completely new ideas that make it essentially different from 1968 movie. The way apes rise to be on the top of the evolutionary scale, the event that stops the battle and the way the main character ends his adventure are three main and totally unexpected twists that are completely new. I saw all five movies from the old franchise and I was still surprised by every plot twist here. Nothing was already seen or too predictable. Because this is not really a remake. The crash-landing scene is the only one visually similar to '60s movie. But if you think about it, he had to land somehow, and there are not so many ways to do it and survive. I mean, he could not teleport himself or catapult from ship and land by parachute from outer space...
8/10 - DirectorJames BobinStarsMia WasikowskaJohnny DeppHelena Bonham CarterAlice is appointed to save her beloved Mad Hatter from deadly grief by travelling back to the past, but this means fatally harming Time himself, the noble clockwork man with the device needed to save the Hatter's family from the Red Queen.Slightly better than the first one
If you glue this movie directly to the end of the previous one from 2010, you probably wouldn't even notice that it's two films. So, everything I wrote about "Alice in Wonderland" stands for this one too. However, this one is perhaps slightly more entertaining.
6,5/10
From the perspective of the ten-year-old kid, I could maybe raise it to 8/10.
Alice in Wonderland (2010)
Disappointment
29 August 2018
"Alice in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll, directed by Tim Burton (whom I love), starring celebrities like Johnny Depp (whom I adore), Helena Bonham Carter, Anne Hathaway, Crispin Glover, Stephen Fry, Alan Rickman and legendary Christopher Lee, with technical capabilities of year 2010 and a $ 200 million budget ... You can not blame me for having high expectations. And when you see this wonder of wasted potential you won't blame me for being disappointed either.
The film is visually impressive and I really have no complaints, but everything else is lousy. Tim Burton didn't really fail, but we all know that he can do it much much better. Mad Hatter is one of Depp's weakest roles, Mia Wasikowska is sweet and she played Alice quite decent, and only Helena Bonham Carter really made an impression on me. The story is cute but lousy, it's not boring, but it doesn't engage you as much as such adventure should. You will not have the urge to turn off the movie, but you will not be upset if you need to leave it in half. However, I'm not sure how much is that the fault of unimaginative screenwriter and director (it certainly isn't Carroll's fault), and how much is this actually result of this being Disney movie primarily intended for children, which imposes many limitations. But the fact that the film is intended for children is just an explanation, and not an excuse for a naive, shallow and too simple story. A quality movie for children should be multilayered, on the first glance simple enough to entertain children, but with a certain depth that will intrigue adults. This movie doesn't have that. If you are out of elementary school you're too old for this.
6/10 - DirectorSergio LeoneStarsClint EastwoodEli WallachLee Van CleefA bounty hunting scam joins two men in an uneasy alliance against a third in a race to find a fortune in gold buried in a remote cemetery.The Good, the Better and the Best
They say nothing's perfect, there's always room for improvement. I say they never saw "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly". It's pointless for me to write about this movie, because it would be just a listing of every single aspect of it and saying it's perfect. So I'll just mention the most perfect of perfections - the music. It's not just the masterpiece among movie soundtracks, it is a legendary monument of music overall.
10/10 - DirectorTaika WaititiStarsSam NeillJulian DennisonRima Te WiataA national manhunt is ordered for a rebellious kid and his foster uncle who go missing in the wild New Zealand bush.Forgettable
"Hunt for the Wilderpeople" is defined as adventure/comedy/drama. When it comes to comedy, the movie has just one hilarious black-humorous scene and drama is not particularly dramatic. The premise is interesting and has a lot of potential but, besides just a few strong scenes, this adventure was quite boring. This is one of those movies with no significant flaws, but which simply evaporates from memory soon after watching.
6/10 - DirectorWes AndersonStarsGeorge ClooneyMeryl StreepBill MurrayAn urbane fox cannot resist returning to his farm raiding ways and then must help his community survive the farmers' retaliation.Good production is worthless without a good script
Technically speaking, the movie is very well-done. Interesting animation with an old-school charm, good soundtrack and famous names, such as Wes Anderson, George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Bill Murray, Willem Dafoe and Owen Wilson, led me to watch this film with somewhat high expectations. Audio-visually the movie did not disappoint, but the story itself was really lousy. It is probably pretty good for pre-teen children, but to me, it was quite boring. And do not fall for advertising - this team has to make much more effort to acquire the right to the comparison with Pixar.
6/10 - DirectorAnthony C. FerranteStarsIan ZieringTara ReidCassandra ScerboFin has to go back in time to rejoin his shark-battling friends to stop the first Sharknado and save humanity.Ready to blow my mind?
One can go over the top only so far before it becomes completely ridiculous. Honestly, I doubted that even the second movie could be good and I deeply admire creators for being able to come this far. But after the fourth they really should have quit. The fifth I could forgive, but this crap is definitely unforgivable. The idea is not so bad and the movie is full of interesting references to a bunch of historical figures and events, as well as some cult movies (Back to the Future, The Planet of the Apes), but overall impression this movie leaves is as lousy as it can be. Everything from the script, through acting directing and special effects, is unbelievably terrible and boring. So far this was my favorite movie franchise, but after this, and especially its ending, which is one of the worst endings ever, I really hope they won't make fools of themselves anymore. If you liked previous Sharknados, skip this crap and preserve them in good memory.
2/10 - DirectorSergio LeoneStarsRod SteigerJames CoburnRomolo ValliA low-life bandit and an I.R.A. explosives expert rebel against the government and become heroes of the Mexican Revolution.You're a grand hero of the revolution now
"I know what I am talking about when I am talking about revolutions. The people who read the books go to the people who can't read the books, the poor people, and say, 'We have to have a change.' So, the poor people make the change. And then, the people who read the books, they all sit around the big polished tables, and they talk and talk and talk and eat and eat and eat. But what has happened to the poor people? They are dead! That's your revolution! So, please, don't tell me about revolutions. And what happens afterwards? The same fucking thing starts all over again!"
From the very beginning, the film will shamelessly attract your attention. It is opened by the close-up of the urine stream, drowning insects on the tree. Close-up shots on details, especially the face and eyes, are a kind of trademark of Sergio Leone, and he uses them skillfully and frequently to show the atmosphere and more accurately depict the psychological state of his characters. For the fifth consecutive time, music was entrusted to the legendary Ennio Morricone, but it is so different from the music in the previous films that by style I would never have thought that Morricone was in question. Moreover, it did not fit in with the movie, and it irritated me so much that I was tempted to watch the film without sound.
This time, instead of a gunslinger, the main character is an explosive specialist, an Irish revolutionary who is forced to leave his homeland, and goes to join the revolutionaries in Mexico. Along the way, he meets Mexican bandit and tricks him into joining him and helping the cause. Although it definitely is Western, this film greatly differs from the classic representatives of the genre, because it is also socially and politically colored war drama, as well as a psychological study of morality, family, friendship and searching for oneself. The presence of humor somewhat dilutes the rather heavy atmosphere of the film and makes it, in my opinion, much more relaxed than this story deserves, but also significantly more fun.
The biggest drawbacks of this film are John's flashbacks, which, although they support the characterization of his character, completely derail the movie from its path, and the last one, in my opinion, is unnecessarily disgusting and more appropriate to some pathetic romantic drama than the war western, as well as totally inappropriate music, which may not be bad in itself, but it does not fit in this movie. If not for flashbacks and music, this movie would stand shoulder to shoulder with other Leone's masterpieces, but these two flaws totally ruined the overall impression.
7,5/10 - DirectorJim HensonStarsDavid BowieJennifer ConnellyToby FroudSixteen-year-old Sarah must solve a labyrinth to rescue her baby brother when he is taken by the Goblin King.Jailbait Jennifer Connelly vs. creepy David Bowie
A teenage girl, who spends much of her time in her fantasy world, got tired of babysitting her little brother whenever their parents leave home. On one occasion, when the baby wouldn't stop crying, she wished out-loud for goblins to take him away, so she can finally have some peace. But she couldn't imagine that this would really happen. Now she has just thirteen hours left before her brother is forever turned into a goblin, and in front of her there is a huge magic labyrinth, in the center of which is the castle where the Goblin King holds her baby brother.
The film was directed by Jim Henson, who is also the author of the original story. This fairy-tale adventure for children in many ways reminiscent of the more famous "Wizard of Oz," "Alice in Wonderland" and "The Neverending Story" and, if I remember correctly, I would say that from them even borrows certain characters and situations. A large number of actresses auditioned for the lead, and Jennifer Connelly won it. She certainly is a much better choice than Sarah Jessica Parker or Laura Dern, but also unfathomable to me because Helena Bonham Carter and Marisa Tomei also were in competition. Goblin King is portrayed by David Bowie, who is also the author and performer of all the songs in the film. When I first watched this movie, as a kid in the late eighties, at the same time I was fascinated and terrified, and for years after that Bowie was creeping me out. And just one more interesting trivia - an owl from the very beginning of the film is the first attempt of a realistic CGI animal in a feature film.
7,5/10 - DirectorJohn LandisStarsJohn BelushiDan AykroydCab CallowayJake Blues rejoins with his brother Elwood after being released from prison, but the duo has just days to reunite their old R&B band and save the Catholic home where the two were raised, outrunning the police as they tear through Chicago.Elwood - "It's a hundred and six miles to Chicago. We got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and we're wearing sunglasses."
Jake – "Hit it."
Those who still didn't see this movie (at least 10 times) should do it immediately, cause life is too short and you may lack time to see it a few hundred times. And those who saw it and did not like it... nope, that kind does not exist, at least for me. The one and only - Blues Brothers. There wasn't anything like this before or after this gem, not even close. This movie has everything - prison, drama, action, awesome car chases, one of the most exciting love stories ever shown on big screen, comedy, mass shooters, flamethrowers and explosions. And on top of that, it has legendary casting - Carrie Fisher, Henry Gibson, John Candy, Twiggy, Frank Oz (Yoda), even Steven Spielberg - and without competition, THE VERY BEST SOUNDTRACK IN HISTORY. John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd are heavily supported by James Brown, Cab Calloway, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Steve Cropper, Matt Murphy, Chaka Khan, John Lee Hooker. For this movie 10/10 simply isn't enough.
10/10 for the movie
∞/∞ for the soundtrack - DirectorTerry GilliamStarsSean ConneryShelley DuvallJohn CleeseA young boy accidentally joins a band of time travelling dwarves, as they jump from era to era looking for treasure to steal.Comparison with "Brazil" is blasphemous
When I saw Gilliam's "Brazil" I was amazed, so I googled about it and found out it was part of so-called "Trilogy of Imagination". Naturally, I decided to see the other two movies. "Time Bandits" is the first part of this trilogy and tells the story about eleven years old boy who accidentally joins a group of time-traveling stealing dwarfs. The story leads us to the palace of King Agamemnon, in Sherwood and in the midst of Napoleon's conquests, but if, based on this brief description, you expect good entertainment, you will be disappointed. The premise is interesting, but the realization in the form of fairy-tale adventure for children does not offer almost anything to adults. With the film "Brazil" this achievement shares a similar "feeling", great camera and directing, and effects are really good for its time. The cast is at the very least fascinating and includes names such as John Cleese, Sean Connery, Shelley Duvall, Ian Holm, Michael Palin, Ralph Richardson, Peter Vaughan, David Warner, and Jim Broadbent. But the story itself is poorly written. A lot of random events, too chaotic to be receptive to children, and meaningless to adults. There is no real plot here, but only interesting ideas scattered through the futile film, and if the aim was a satire, I must admit I noticed some here and there, but nothing more than that. True, the movie somewhat holds attention because it keeps you in anticipation of what's coming. Unfortunately, the answer to that question is - nothing. If it was not technically so good and with such a great cast, I would probably give up on it halfway through.
6,5/10 - DirectorJuuso LaatioJukka VidgrenStarsJohannes HolopainenSamuli JaskioAntti Tuomas HeikkinenAfter years of playing songs by other artists, the opportunity of a concert in Norway encourages a metal band to compose their own material, but not before overcoming some unexpected difficulties."It is better to shit yourself than to be forever constipated."
This sentence perfectly summarizes the Finnish comedy "Heavy Trip". In some backwoods in Finland, four metalheads have been practicing other people's songs for twelve years, without having one of their own, nor have they ever performed before the audience. By chance, they encounter one of the organizers of the biggest Norwegian metal festival and give him their demo tape. On one occasion, it was convenient to frontman to lie that they were invited to participate in the festival, but then the lie spread and situation got completely out of control. The band decides to write an original song and appear at the festival uninvited, come what may. Of course, anything that can go wrong will go wrong and the guys will find themselves in the wildest adventure of their lives.
I can not say that the movie is objectively particularly good, but as a metalhead myself, I really enjoyed the ride. The story is original, and adventure is, although totally over-the-top, essentially very realistic and full of life. The humor is mostly mediocre, but there are some hilarious moments, and there's some touching drama too. The acting is good and dialogues I can not judge because I do not speak Finnish and I do not trust subtitles nearly enough to evaluate based solely on them. And of course, the metal sound is something I'm always happy to hear in the movie, even if it's a subgenre that I do not normally listen to. If you do not have too high expectations, you will surely have good fun.
7/10 - DirectorClyde BruckmanBuster KeatonStarsBuster KeatonMarion MackGlen CavenderAfter being rejected by the Confederate military, not realizing it was due to his crucial civilian role, an engineer must single-handedly recapture his beloved locomotive after it is seized by Union spies and return it through enemy lines."Undoubtedly the best train film ever made"
I do not like silent movies, but this one held my attention from the beginning to the end. I was so preoccupied with it that I didn't even smoke one cigarette. Train chasing during the civil war in America, a comedy that deserves at least 7/10 at today's standards, and considering that this is a silent film from 1926...
9/10 - DirectorChris WedgeCarlos SaldanhaStarsDenis LearyJohn LeguizamoRay RomanoThe story revolves around sub-zero heroes: a woolly mammoth, a saber-toothed tiger, a sloth and a prehistoric combination of a squirrel and rat, known as Scrat."You're the embarrassment to nature, do you know that?"
A pack of saber-toothed tigers is trying to get hold of the human baby, while the silly sloth and lonely mammoth are trying to save him and return him to the human tribe. It reminds a little of "The Lion King" and Mammoth and Sloth are quite similar to Shrek and Donkey, who premiered a year earlier. But regardless of questionable originality, the story is very emotional with lots of gags and witty remarks and 80 minutes will fly by in a jiffy. Animation and sound are excellent, the story of friendship, devotion, and self-sacrifice is universally susceptible to both children and adults, and along the way, you will learn how dodo birds became extinct, the origins of the continents and, of course, what squirrel is capable of in order to preserve her acorn.
8/10 - DirectorRussell MulcahyStarsChristopher LambertSean ConneryClancy BrownAn immortal Scottish swordsman must confront the last of his immortal opponents, a murderously brutal barbarian who lusts for the fabled "Prize".Unintentional comedy
As a child, in the late eighties, I loved this movie and I was able to watch it over and over again countless times. Three decades later I spent two hours in nostalgic boredom. This movie can be good only to a child, and ironically, it's R rated and not intended for children. It is based on an interesting idea about the existence of a small number of immortals scattered around the globe and destined to wait for a certain time when they'll meet and fight each other until there's only one left. Unfortunately, this premise is not well-developed and it's full of holes and illogicalities. The wooden acting of Christopher Lambert is plain boring, while the brilliant Sean Connery is totally underutilized and Clancy Brown is at the same time the main villain and a comic relief, a combination that could work well only in comedies and which has no place in this movie. Duels are probably the weakest point of the film, as the swordsmen who have had centuries to perfect their skill seem like five-year-olds fighting with sticks. As far as the effects are concerned, I am aware that they could not have been much better in 1986, but they are largely unnecessary and without them the film would be much more convincing. Not everything has to be explicitly shown to the viewer, and a good director would find a way to replace more difficult effects with the imagination of the viewer. Objectively, the only real quality here is Queen's music that stretches through the entire movie. Subjectively - I do not like Queen. The main reason why I did not give a lower rating is a few really hilarious scenes that I was fairly laughing about, primarily a duel for insulting honor where drunk Highlander persistently refuses to die, as well as Kurgan's crazy driving and making faces behind the wheel. I also have to mention the scene of death of Highlander's first wife that, although less and less with every watching because it's poorly done, still shakes me every time and even induce a tear.
6/10 - DirectorRidley ScottStarsSusan SarandonGeena DavisHarvey KeitelTwo best friends set out on an adventure, but it soon turns around to a terrifying escape from being hunted by the police, as these two women escape for the crimes they committed.
- I guess I went a little crazy, huh?
- No, you've always been crazy. This is just the first chance you've ever had to really express yourself.
This excellent adventure drama by Ridley Scott had the misfortune to be released too soon after the legendary film "The Silence of the Lambs" and remain in its shadow. It was nominated for six Academy Awards and it is one of only four films with two nominations for the best actress in a leading role, but the Oscars were taken away by objectively better "The Silence of the Lambs". Fortunately, the script for "The Lambs" is an adaptation of a novel, so "Thelma & Louise" could win the Oscar for the best original screenplay.
The movie tells the story of two oppressed women from the lower middle class, who embark on a weekend in the countryside, but under unfortunate circumstances become refugees before the law. They committed a crime by an accident, but once they felt liberated from their miserable lives, something in them snapped, and for them, there was no turning back. In the movie we encounter the disempowerment of a woman in marriage, subordination to a man, rape, lethargy, unfairness of the legal system, power of friendship, thirst for freedom, ... but although most of the subjects only briefly pass through the film, all are pretty strongly presented. Characterization of our heroines is fantastic and Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis, in my opinion, achieved their life roles. The other characters are not particularly developed, but they are interesting enough and with an excellent selection of actors greatly contribute to the general impression. There are Harvey Keitel in the role of a good-willed cop, Michael Madsen in the role of Louise's boyfriend and, extremely unusual, probably the most sane and likable character in the film, and Brad Pit in the role of a petty criminal and rogue who will push Thelma over the edge.
In just two hours you'll get believable characters with strong backstories and even better development during the film, wide specter of relationships, entertaining road-trip adventure, a well-measured dose of quality humor, and the extremely emotional finale you won't ever forget. And "some" will fall in love with Geena Davis for the hundredth time.
8/10 - DirectorGarth JenningsStarsMartin FreemanYasiin BeySam RockwellMere seconds before the Earth is to be demolished by an alien construction crew, journeyman Arthur Dent is swept off the planet by his friend Ford Prefect, a researcher penning a new edition of "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy."So long and thanks for all the fish
This humorous SF adventure is an adaptation of the eponymous novel by Douglas Adams, one of my favorite books and a book that can not be adequately translated into a two-hour film. The screenplay was written by Adams himself, so I was very surprised that the source material was so terribly butchered. The film not only lacks many important details, but the entire large parts of the original story, and some things that are not in the book are needlessly added. Still, the film is not that bad, because it kept the spirit of the book and it's full of Adams's recognizable humor. If you have not read "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" you probably won't have as many objections as the fans of the book, but in that case, I recommend you not to watch it, because it would spoil the book that you simply must read sooner or later. And if you did read it, you will be disappointed. I did enjoy it, but I think I more enjoyed the memories of the book that the film has awakened than the movie itself.
On the technical side, the movie is pretty good. Camera, directing, effects, everything is in place. The cast is excellent, but unfortunately totally unused, because the characterization is very poor, almost non-existent. This is probably the biggest flaw of the film, because the humor in the novel is based primarily on the characterization and character development. Only the character and performance of Martin Freeman are somewhat worthy of the source material. On the one hand, I have the urge to give it the lowest possible rating because of the desecration of this iconic book, but at the other, I am aware that the Guide is impossible to translate to this form (TV series could possibly work) and that the film, given the constraints, is pretty much success, technically well-made and quite fun. Any rating on a scale from one to ten could be reasonably justified, and since I can not decide, I'll give it symbolic
42
P.S. Before you sit down to watch this movie, do not forget the towel! - DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsHenry ThomasDrew BarrymorePeter CoyoteA troubled child summons the courage to help a friendly alien escape from Earth and return to his home planet.One of my favorite childhood memories
I was very small when I saw this movie for the first time and, believe it or not, E.T. was pretty much scary to me. Because of that I was refusing to watch it again for years. But when I finally did, it was experience one never forgets. And even now, decades later, this movie evokes deep emotions and even makes me cry. It may be simple and technically outdated, but its essence has eternal value. "E.T." is that kind of movie that should definitely be watched from time to time and for which you are never too old.
9/10 - DirectorCarlos SaldanhaStarsRay RomanoJohn LeguizamoDenis LearyManny, Sid and Diego discover that the ice age is coming to an end, and join everybody for a journey to higher ground. On the trip, they discover that Manny is not in fact the last of the woolly mammoths.A consistent and worthy successor to the previous film
Due to global warming, Ice Age is coming to an end and the herd from the first film has to get away from the upcoming flood. Technically, the film is at the same level as the previous one, and the story is new, fresh and fun. The story does not have the depth and drama that the first "Ice Age" had, but in terms of adventure and comedy, it does not lag behind. I fairly laughed and had a good time.
7,5/10- "Do we have to bring this crap?"
- Stop, hey, what's that sound
- If your species will continue, clap your hands...
- She's a ton of fun.
- DirectorTony BancroftBarry CookStarsMing-Na WenEddie MurphyBD WongTo save her father from death in the army, a young maiden secretly goes in his place and becomes one of China's greatest heroines in the process.Different kind of Disney Princess
In a Chinese family with no male children, daughter disguises herself as a male and goes to war against Huns instead of her elderly father. Hilarious Eddie Murphy lends his voice to her sidekick, a clumsy little red dragon. The story is interesting, with lots of Disney humor, but also a good message. Essentially, this is "coming of age" and "women empowerment" drama, but shown in a typical Disney way, to the extent that even this girl warrior can be classified among the Disney Princesses. I had the impression that someone forced them to make a "women empowerment" movie, and then they did their best to disguise it as much as possible. I know that Disney movies are primarily intended for children, but still I think they banalized it too much. Also, I did not like the animation, but the music is excellent. Overall, a pretty good movie and a big step out of the comfort zone for Disney.
7,5/10 - DirectorJ BlakesonStarsChloë Grace MoretzMatthew ZukGabriela LopezFour waves of increasingly deadly alien attacks have left most of Earth in ruin. Cassie is on the run, desperately trying to save her younger brother.Mediocre
An average SF action/adventure, nothing special in terms of acting, directing, effects... It does not stand out by any means, but I have no objections either. It deserves an average six out of ten, but I'll rate it a bit higher because of an interesting twist.
7/10 - DirectorCarlos SaldanhaMichael ThurmeierStarsRay RomanoJohn LeguizamoDenis LearyWhen Sid's attempt to adopt three dinosaur eggs gets him abducted by their real mother to an underground lost world, his friends attempt to rescue him.I liked you guys better when you were extinct
The third film about the squirrel running for the acorn is visually more impressive than its predecessors. Like the second movie, this one also lacks the depth of the original "Ice Age", but to be fair, it does not need it, because so far it is the most imaginative, most exciting and most entertaining part of the franchise. I have no objections and I had a really good time.
8,5/10 - DirectorRian JohnsonStarsDaisy RidleyJohn BoyegaMark HamillRey develops her abilities with the help of Luke Skywalker, as the Resistance prepares for battle against the First Order.I honestly liked it
It is the fact that the presence of the Disney company is clearly felt in the film. It is also a fact that the story has more holes and illogicalities than the previous parts of the franchise and that at times it is over-the-top ridiculous. And it's also the fact that, while watching the movie, I did not pay attention to any of this at all, because I completely enjoyed the entertainment. Only later, when I was browsing reviews on the internet (which almost unanimously rate this movie one or two out of ten), with every argument I read I was rewinding the movie in my head and realizing that the criticism is valid. But even though the things haters wrote about it are accurate, I really liked this movie. If not with the story, with audio-visual experience and even overall atmosphere, "The Last Jedi" quite satisfactory respected the legacy and spirit of the franchise. It took it a little time to catch the momentum, but when it really started it kept me at the edge of my seat till the end. Comic reliefs may be too frequent and exaggerated for hard-core fans of the franchise, but, in my opinion, they are quite good and have excellent timing. Yes, they give this movie a bit of "Guardians of the Galaxy" kind of feeling (Marvel is also Disney), but as I like "Guardians" more than original "Star Wars", it just made it more enjoyable for me.
7/10 - StarsGary SiniseMolly RingwaldJamey SheridanAfter a deadly plague kills most of the world's population, the remaining survivors split into two groups - one led by a benevolent elder and the other by a malevolent being - to face each other in a final battle between good and evil.Not nearly enough powerful
A deadly virus has "escaped" from the government laboratory and caused an epidemic of apocalyptic proportions. The human race is decimated and rare survivors, who for unknown reasons are immune to the virus, are finding each other and regrouping. In their dreams appear an old woman, who claims to receive instructions from God and calls them to herself, and the mysterious man who directs them on the opposite side. Slowly, people begin to gather in two larger camps, one in the east, the other in the west, and prepare for the final battle between good and evil.
"The Stand" is a six-hour film, directed by Mick Garris, broadcast in the form of a mini-series, if four "episodes" of 90 minutes each can be called a mini-series. The story is quite faithful to the source material, which was expected because Stephen King himself adapted his own novel into the screenplay. It gathers a wealth of familiar faces, including Gary Sinise, Molly Ringwald, Jamey Sheridan, Laura San Giacomo, Miguel Ferrer, Rob Lowe and Stephen King himself. But despite the fact that it was written by King, great cast and a length that leaves more than enough time for elaboration, the story impressed me as two-dimensional and shallow, and characterization is rather unconvincing. Still, the film is distinctly King-ish and very atmospheric, largely contributed by discrete but excellent music, mostly blues. I enjoyed it, but not enough to ever spend six hours on this adventure again. Recommendation for fans of Stephen King and B production of the eighties. The rest of you should better skip it.
6,5/10 - StarsPatricia WettigDean StockwellTom HollandMost of the passengers on an airplane disappear, and the remainder land the plane in a mysteriously barren airport.Unusual approach to time travel implications
Ten passengers wake up during the flight from Los Angeles to Boston and realize that all the other passengers, including the crew, disappeared. Everything is fine with the plane, they are on the right course and, fortunately, one of them is a pilot. But soon they discover that the unexplained disappearance of their companions is the smallest problem they have.
The adaptation of King's story "The Langoliers" was done as a three hours long film, broadcast as a mini-series of two ninety-minute episodes. This mysterious SF drama has a very interesting premise, excellent characterization, and a good atmosphere, and the first "episode" promises a great movie. The second "episodes" keeps these qualities, but unfortunately also introduces some new, completely unnecessary ones, which have severely lowered the level of the film. I could forgive unconvincing reactions of the characters in certain situations, as well as a few pathetic scenes but CGI, that is so bad it will make you laugh in disbelief, I can not. If these CGI scenes were necessary for the development of the story, and if the technology of that time and the budget did not allow them to do them properly, that might have somewhat mitigated my reaction. But these scenes are not only unnecessary, they are also completely uncalled for, and they would spoil the film even if they were made at the level of today's multi-million blockbusters, so the film is tainted and corrupted without any need. If it had stayed a psychological SF drama, "The Langoliers" would be a strong eighth, but with this tragicomic attempt of CGI horror, I really can not rate it higher than
6/10 - DirectorJoachim RønningEspen SandbergStarsJohnny DeppGeoffrey RushJavier BardemCaptain Jack Sparrow searches for the Trident of Poseidon to rule the sea while being pursued by old rival Captain Salazar and a crew of deadly ghosts who have escaped from the Devil's Triangle.Carina: "I'm not looking for trouble."
Jack: "What a horrible way to live."
The fifth film of the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise is in every way "the same" as its predecessors. With minor exceptions, where it fails or shines for a moment, the whole franchise leaves an impression of one big movie. In terms of the story and in terms of directing, editing, camera, effects, sound, and acting, all five movies are more or less at the same level, therefore I have nothing to say about this movie that I have not said before about previous four. I just want to mention the end, which simply screams "Disney" and "Hollywood". Very emotional happy-end, with no humor and without any cliffhanger or at least an indication of the temporality of happiness, somehow does not fit into the tone of this franchise, but although it is typically Hollywood pathetic, or as Captain Jack Sparrow said: "What a truly revolting sight", I admit that it has achieved its purpose and I ended up with a few tears in my eyes.
8/10 - DirectorLuc BessonStarsBruce WillisMilla JovovichGary OldmanIn the colorful future, a cab driver unwittingly becomes the central figure in the search for a legendary cosmic weapon to keep Evil and Mr. Zorg at bay."Where did he learn to negotiate like that?"
In the distant future, a dark force is approaching the Earth in order to destroy all life. The four stones which represent the four elements in combination with the perfect human being as the fifth element are the only defense of mankind against destruction. (I wonder how women look like in 300 years distant future if Milla Jovovich represents perfection...) The army, an order of priests, an alien race of warriors and some criminals, all trying to be the first to get hold of the five elements.
The story combines SF, action, drama, romance, and comedy, in a way that is at times totally ridiculous, but this film should not be taken seriously, because its sole goal is to entertain and it does it more than well. Technically it is top-notch and at that time it was the most expensive film made outside Hollywood. The cast, besides Milla Jovovich, includes many well-known faces, such as Bruce Willis, Gary Oldman, Ian Holm, Luke Perry, and Brion James, and although their performances are not Oscar material, the characters are diverse, original and very entertaining, and for this type of film, they are just right. The directing is great, there are some excellent cadres, and the special effects are amazing for that time. There are also aria unachievable for the human voice, performed by a singer whose name is in the Serbian language, the biggest explosion ever recorded indoors, the language invented especially for this film, creations by Jean-Paul Gautier and a multitude of ingenious details. Interestingly, Luc Besson began to write this script in the age of sixteen, but managed to finally film it twenty-two years later.
8,5/10 - DirectorTerry GilliamStarsJohn NevilleEric IdleSarah PolleyAn account of Baron Munchausen's supposed travels and fantastical experiences across late 18th-century Europe with his band of misfits."You told me size don't make a difference"
After "Time Bandits" (1981) and "Brazil" (1985), "The Adventures of Baron Munchausen" represents the final movie in Gilliam's "Trilogy of Imagination". These films show the impact of imagination on three periods of human life: "Time Bandits" on childhood, "Brazil" on adulthood, and this one on old age.
Although the film is much better than the "Time Bandits", it does not come close to the brilliant "Brazil". It was nominated for four Academy Awards: for the Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Best Costume Design, Best Visual Effects, and Best Makeup, and, together with the music by Michael Kamen, that's about everything that's good in this movie. For 1988, it is visually fascinating, and still interesting to the fans of the surreal film and Monty Python. While entertaining and somewhat humorous, the film has no particular depth and strength, and gives the impression of a fairy tale intended primarily for children, yet contains scenes and replicas which are by no means appropriate for the youngest audience.
In the leading role is John Neville, primarily a theater actor, who agreed to play in the film just because he is a great fan of Monty Python. The role of Venus is Uma Thurman's first role. She won it on her first audition, which is very rare. Eighteen-year-old Uma is truly divine in the role of the goddess and she completely enchanted me in the scene that imitates Botticelli's painting "The Birth of Venus", as well as during the dance with Baron. Her husband, the god Vulcan, was played by three times older Oliver Reed, who spent most of his time drunk (which is quite obvious in the movie), trying to seduce young Uma. Frankly, the scenes of the fifty-year-old Oliver Reed as Uma's husband, and especially the scene in which Uma kisses with then sixty-three-year-old John Neville, I really did not have to see. There are also Jack Purvis, Jonathan Pryce, Sting, and Robin Williams's head.
Production of this movie was a total mess. There were many problems, the movie was terribly late and twice over budget, so Terry was at the edge of getting fired. The two-dimensional architecture of the Moon was not intended that way. They ran out of money to build a proper set, so Gilliam improvised and made one of the most bizarre and memorable scenes in the film. I will conclude with the quote of Eric Idle, who described this production as a terrible nightmare:
"Up until Munchausen, I'd always been very smart about Terry Gilliam films. You don't ever be in them. Go and see them by all means - but to be in them, fucking madness!"
7,5/10 - DirectorGeorge LucasStarsEwan McGregorLiam NeesonNatalie PortmanTwo Jedi escape a hostile blockade to find allies and come across a young boy who may bring balance to the Force, but the long dormant Sith resurface to claim their original glory."Remember, concentrate on the moment. Feel, don't think. Trust your instincts."
I have no idea why is this movie so underrated. I am not giving it more than 6/10, but it definitely is not crap and it is fun to watch.
6/10 - DirectorGeorge LucasStarsHayden ChristensenNatalie PortmanEwan McGregorTen years after initially meeting, Anakin Skywalker shares a forbidden romance with Padmé Amidala, while Obi-Wan Kenobi discovers a secret clone army crafted for the Jedi."When I'm around you, my mind is no longer my own."
It is better than "Episode I", but still nothing special. Typical Hollywood action with background romance, just in space instead of America.
7/10 - DirectorGeorge LucasStarsHayden ChristensenNatalie PortmanEwan McGregorThree years into the Clone Wars, Obi-Wan Kenobi pursues a new threat, while Anakin Skywalker is lured by Chancellor Palpatine into a sinister plot to rule the galaxy."So this is how liberty dies, with thunderous applause."
Jedi are unbelievably irritating. Jedi sucks, Sith are evil, chick dies,... there's no one to root for.
7/10 - DirectorGeorge LucasStarsMark HamillHarrison FordCarrie FisherLuke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the galaxy from the Empire's world-destroying battle station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the mysterious Darth Vader.May the Force be with you
Episodes I and II have 6,5 on IMDb, III has 7,7 and this one has almost 9. I don't understand. Maybe I am not able to see things from the '70s perspective, I was not even born back then, but from my point of view, all four I saw so far are on more or less same level, slightly above average movies. I'm giving 7 to all of them. I just have to acknowledge one thing as first time viewer. If I didn't know anything about this franchise before watching it, it is possible that I wouldn't even notice two-decade space between trilogies. Sure, when you see 3 movies from the 21st century and then in the 4th sequel you see Harrison Ford as a youngster, it reveals pretty much, but other than that trilogies are perfectly blended.
7/10 - DirectorIrvin KershnerStarsMark HamillHarrison FordCarrie FisherAfter the Rebel Alliance are overpowered by the Empire, Luke Skywalker begins his Jedi training with Yoda, while his friends are pursued across the galaxy by Darth Vader and bounty hunter Boba Fett.Luke, I am your father
I don't regret watching this, but I would not watch it again. Nice way to kill two winter hours and that's all.
7/10