l_r_26 Reviews

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

First half - SUPERB, Second Half - so so..

[7/10 · 10 September 2015]

This movie starts off great! Very watchable! Very unique, very interesting. Then.. it actually continues to be just as good.. BUT, then the last 40 minutes or so are NOT on the same level. Seems like too generic. The surprising and unique is replaced with the predictable and just plain charade-y.

The CAST is AMAZING! Absolutely the best thing about this movie. Every actor is perfectly suited for their roles. Especially the main actors. Fiennes, Norton, Murray, even Owen Wilson, the lobby boy and others.. But Fiennes especially. He is "very good".

My real rating: 7.9

MY RATING SYSTEM:

9.4 - 10 = rating 10 ***** 8.9 - 9.3 = rating 9 ***** 8.4 - 8.8 = rating 8 ***** 7.9 - 8.3 = rating 7

7.4 - 7.8 = 6 7.0 - 7.3 = 5 6.0 - 6.9 = 4 5.0 - 5.9 = 3 4.0 - 4.9 = 2 1.0 - 3.9 = 1

Frozen (I) (2013)

Very Watchable, Very Entertaining!

[8/10 · 30 July 2015]

This movie is very entertaining and very well made!

One of the best animated movies ever. Top 10 probably. The first half of the movie deserves a rating of 9/10! The way they made Anna have great relationship with Hans and then while engaged with him put her in with another "great guy" Sven, added a superb dynamic which keeps you guessing and rooting for one of the two guys. Plus the sister is single so, one of the guys could end up with the queen.. That was great. One of the only movies where you actually don't know how it will pan out.

The jokes and funny bits were done masterfully! Lots of good laughs throughout the movie!

The story is also good. But unfortunately the last part of the movie just solved all of the problems way too quickly and it didn't make sense.

1) The way Hans turned from good to bad, made no sense at all. He could easily kill the queen, but actually saved her life, only to then turn on Anna and go back and try to kill the queen...

2) How the whole winter situation got resolved and turned into summer could be done better.. BUT, it was awesome how we expected the act of love to be done unto her, only to realize at the end that she needed to show love. And did by saving her sister's life! That was very well scripted.

My real rating: 8.7

MY RATING SYSTEM:

9.4 - 10 = rating 10 ***** 8.9 - 9.3 = rating 9 ***** 8.4 - 8.8 = rating 8 ***** 7.9 - 8.3 = rating 7

7.4 - 7.8 = 6 7.0 - 7.3 = 5 6.0 - 6.9 = 4 5.0 - 5.9 = 3 4.0 - 4.9 = 2 1.0 - 3.9 = 1

Arsenic and Old Lace (1944)

Not the happy & fun movie I was hoping to watch.

[5/10 · 8 December 2014]

Not the happy movie I was hoping to watch. Killing aunts, killing Jonathan, Teddy a schizophrenic thinking he is a president.. Not my cup of tea. Didn't like it! I'm sure this movie was great 50 years ago, but it did not stand the test of time. Having watched lots of movies, I find a lot of old movies surprisingly good, but this is not one of them.

There were a couple good "situational" jokes, and Cary Grant did a good job.

Real rating: 6.7

MY RATING SYSTEM:

9.4 - 10 = rating 10 ***** 8.9 - 9.3 = rating 9 ***** 8.3 - 8.8 = rating 8 ***** 7.7 - 8.2 = rating 7

7.0 - 7.6 = 6 6.0 - 6.9 = 5 5.0 - 5.9 = 4 4.0 - 4.9 = 3 3.0 - 3.9 = 2 1.0 - 2.9 = 1

Judgment at Nuremberg (1961)

Judging the 4 judges of Nazi era. Great courtroom drama about the Nazi Germany and moral code & responsibilities of domestic and world powers!

[7/10 · 8 December 2014]

This movie is a great courtroom drama! It is interesting as it speaks of a very evil time of Nazi Germany. The plot of the movie is very well done, but this movie is about 30 minutes too long. Some "non-courtroom" scenes could easily be cut. I loved the cast in this movie. Which is always pretty much the most important factor determining the greatness of a particular movie.

** SPOILER ALERT **

As 4 judges of Nazi Germany are judged for their cooperation with Hitler's Nazi Germany, viewer himself can participate in observing his own opinion and how the prosecution and defense may sway his or her stand on the issue.

The high point of the movie is the Janning (Lancester) taking a stand and giving a testimony about how he believes he actually is guilty.

Overall a great movie. But not the easiest to watch due to it's length and some dull moments. A big minus for that.

My real rating: 8.0

MY RATING SYSTEM:

9.4 - 10 = rating 10 ***** 8.9 - 9.3 = rating 9 ***** 8.4 - 8.8 = rating 8 ***** 7.9 - 8.3 = rating 7

7.4 - 7.8 = 6 7.0 - 7.3 = 5 6.0 - 6.9 = 4 5.0 - 5.9 = 3 4.0 - 4.9 = 2 1.0 - 3.9 = 1

Great Expectations (2012)

Good effort, but it somehow didn't hit home with me.

[6/10 · 8 December 2014]

Good effort, but it somehow didn't hit home with me. I don't know exactly why. I think it might be because I already watched 2 versions of this same movie, and it was "just a retelling". It wasn't fresh. So, maybe new viewers will rate it better. But the movie is well made. Good actors good production. You can see there was lots of effort put into this movie.

***SPOILER ALERT*** I like how it ended. Because it is very unnatural and evil for a girl to act the way she did. So, it is at least redeeming that she is in the end broken from the chains of destructive behavior.

This movie needed way more romantic scenes. And way less side stories. It's hard to tell so much in just 2 hours and so , things were not presented as strongly as they could have been.

Real rating: 7.0

MY RATING SYSTEM:

9.4 - 10 = rating 10 ***** 8.9 - 9.3 = rating 9 ***** 8.3 - 8.8 = rating 8 ***** 7.7 - 8.2 = rating 7

7.0 - 7.6 = 6 6.0 - 6.9 = 5 5.0 - 5.9 = 4 4.0 - 4.9 = 3 3.0 - 3.9 = 2 1.0 - 2.9 = 1

X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)

Superb! But "First Class" is even better!

[8/10 · 8 December 2014]

This movie started off great! Honestly the first action scene might be the best I've seen in this decade. Then, the beginning story just pulls you into the movie. Super enjoyable. Then, as the movie goes on, it loses a bit of it's greatness, but is still very very good!

**SPOILER ALERT*** I have a problem with the story. I wish script would be better. Motives of characters are not well established. Why did Mystique want to kill Trask even after all has been explained to her? Also Eric, some of the things were just kinda too vaguely established for me.

Then there is Charles with his power to control people. I also don't like that. Read minds, make suggestions, find mutants, but don't take control of people! That is just too much power. Why didn't he just take control of Trask and resign and abort the Sentinels program.

Anyway, despite all this, I really enjoyed this movie a lot!

Real rating: 8.6

MY RATING SYSTEM:

9.4 - 10 = rating 10 ***** 8.9 - 9.3 = rating 9 ***** 8.3 - 8.8 = rating 8 ***** 7.7 - 8.2 = rating 7

7.0 - 7.6 = 6 6.0 - 6.9 = 5 5.0 - 5.9 = 4 4.0 - 4.9 = 3 3.0 - 3.9 = 2 1.0 - 2.9 = 1

Jane Eyre (2011)

Not my cup of tea , kinda boring, but a good movie. You just have to be in some sort of a "granny" - patient, nothing too exciting mood when you watch it.

[7/10 · 8 December 2014]

I could rate it a 6 but gave it a 7. This movie started kinda OK. It was enjoyable and well made. Then, after a while I honestly got bored. This movie went a bit too slowly. It wasn't "juicy" enough, it didn't flow as well as I would have liked either. The side stories of young Jane and of Jane at St. John's house, weren't woven into the main story well enough. But they were interesting stories.

The vibe of the movie also isn't something after my own heart, but I can see how female (and male) romantic and "scholary" audience might enjoy this much more than I did. The last part of the movie (40 minutes or so) was twice as good as the rest of the movie! Ultimately the last scene was very beautiful and memorable! So, overall I have to say a good quality movie, but not one of the great ones on my list.

Real rating: 7.5

MY RATING SYSTEM:

9.4 - 10 = rating 10 ***** 8.8 - 9.3 = rating 9 ***** 8.2 - 8.7 = rating 8 ***** 7.5 - 8.1 = rating 7

6.7 - 7.4 = 6 6.0 - 6.6 = 5 5.0 - 5.9 = 4 4.0 - 4.9 = 3 3.0 - 3.9 = 2 1.0 - 2.9 = 1

Rope (1948)

Simple movie. Easy to watch. Interesting. Good.

[7/10 · 6 December 2014]

This movie is good. I really like those simple movies. Like 12 Angry Men. Where there is a simple plot, a simple environment and than an interesting story unfolds. It is very gripping and enjoyable. Still, it isn't perfect. There are many things you wonder while watching. Many things that don't make complete sense. Mostly about how the two "murderers" are acting. But overall a good cast , good performances and a very unique story. Just not quite what I would call a great movie.

Real rating: 7.3

MY RATING SYSTEM:

9.4 - 10 = rating 10 ***** 8.6 - 9.3 = rating 9 ***** 7.8 - 8.5 = rating 8 ***** 7.1 - 7.7 = rating 7

6.1 - 7.0 = 6 5.1 - 6.0 = 5 4.1 - 5.0 = 4 3.1 - 4.0 = 3 2.1 - 3.0 = 2 1.0 - 2.0 = 1

Sabrina (1954)

Very mediocre.

[6/10 · 6 December 2014]

***SPOILER ALERT*** This movie is nothing special. I didn't watch it as a great classic but just as I would any other movie. I liked the vibe of the movie the romantic tensions, fun etc. But there was too much lacking and too much not making sense. She was in love with Holden her entire life, and then Humphrey was able to on a whim make her forget Holden and fall in love with him. And, there was no great chemistry between them as it happened. He really was too old for the role and not only too old but just not good for it. It just didn't make much sense to me. There should be some romantic deep moments or something to justify such a story. And the ending also, wasn't believable. Great classic actors miscast. Miscast big time! They didn't jell together. Still Aubrey was good. Actually it was Humphrey, who was the weak link in this movie in my opinion. Still it was slightly enjoyable to watch.

Real rating: 6.2

MY RATING SYSTEM:

9.4 - 10 = rating 10 ***** 8.6 - 9.3 = rating 9 ***** 7.8 - 8.5 = rating 8 ***** 7.1 - 7.7 = rating 7

6.1 - 7.0 = 6 5.1 - 6.0 = 5 4.1 - 5.0 = 4 3.1 - 4.0 = 3 2.1 - 3.0 = 2 1.0 - 2.0 = 1

X: First Class (2011)

Wow! Superb!

[9/10 · 4 December 2014]

This movie is amazing! From start to finish it is gripping, interesting, fun, and extremely well made! A+ production and direction!!!

The cast!! The characters!! Wow! Incredible! Kevin Bacon was almost perfect; Jennifer Lawrence was close to perfect; January Jones was looking perfect(!!!); all of the rest were OK. James McAvoy was very good. And then Michael Fassbender!!! He stole the show(the movie)! A perfect casting choice. So, the cast really makes this movie soooo great.

This movie could get a 10/10 if it were a bit different. I wish to see just a tad more romance. Interaction between Magneto and Raven. Maybe also Moira and Xavier.

And the biggest thing that should be changed is telepath's ability to control others's thought and also to control what they do and can even control what they see and feel in real life. That is just too much. Common sense tells us, that is unfair! And it is.

Other than that, mid movie there were moments that were not the best. All the drafting of mutants and their little party could be done so much better. Also, the action scenes were good, but they could be better.

Anyways, I loved this movie!!!

Real rating: 9.3

MY RATING SYSTEM:

9.4 - 10 = rating 10 ***** 8.6 - 9.3 = rating 9 ***** 7.8 - 8.5 = rating 8 ***** 7.1 - 7.7 = rating 7

6.1 - 7.0 = 6 5.1 - 6.0 = 5 4.1 - 5.0 = 4 3.1 - 4.0 = 3 2.1 - 3.0 = 2 1.0 - 2.0 = 1

Ninotchka (1939)

Pleasantly surprised! Ninotchka is a delightful movie!

[8/10 · 4 December 2014]

This movie is amazing! It truly is better than most of the today's Hollywood output.

It starts of wonderfully and it manages to get you into a good mood! Greta Garbo plays very well! She is a close to perfect cast! And the rest of the cast is great as well.

************SPOILER ALERT************

The dynamic between Ninothcka and Leon is very very good! The scene where he tries to get her to laugh in the high point of the movie. After that everything changes. And that scene is really magical!

So, she goes from being stern to being happy! The only thing I would change is I would make the transition just a notch more gradual. Because it really went from 0 to a 100 in a split second. But nonetheless, it worked great and I am happy it happened relatively soon, so that the movie has a dynamic range, and goes into lot's of different "moods".

Besides wanting to see a more gradual and believable transformation of Ninotchka, I really have nothing more to say against it.

I enjoyed it a lot! Wow! And this was made in 1939! Goes to show you, that really was the year when filmmakers got it all figured out. One of the best years for cinema to this day.

Delightful! Funny! Engaging! Enjoyable!

Real rating: 8.2

MY RATING SYSTEM:

9.4 - 10 = rating 10 ***** 8.6 - 9.3 = rating 9 ***** 7.8 - 8.5 = rating 8 ***** 7.1 - 7.7 = rating 7

6.1 - 7.0 = 6 5.1 - 6.0 = 5 4.1 - 5.0 = 4 3.1 - 4.0 = 3 2.1 - 3.0 = 2 1.0 - 2.0 = 1

The Object of My Affection (1998)

Not my cup of tea. J-Aniston, the only bright point of the movie.

[6/10 · 4 December 2014]

POSITIVES:I do like the vibe of the romantic-comedic movies, because they are light and happy movies. And this movie has such qualities. J-Aniston is very good and beautiful in this movie.

NEGATIVES: This movie is unnecessarily vulgar. It is also not very intriguing. And it is also, kinda bland. Paul Rudd is not very charismatic here. I'm thinking he is not a lead role kinda actor. Another thing is, I didn't know this movie was about gay people, so it kinda caught me off guard. I'm not very comfortable watching relationships and flirting and touching of gay nature. Man to man. And this movie had some such moments.

The plot of this movie is so - so. Too many gay twists and improbable turnarounds. Despite it all, it is somehow slightly watchable and enjoyable.

So, in conclusion not exactly my cup of tea. And even from a more objective perspective this movie is mediocre at best.

*************SPOILER ALERT***************

At least they stayed true to the story and finished the movie with Rudd actually straight up rejecting Aniston! So, he is still gay and stays gay. And she ends up getting together with a nice black man.

Real rating: 6.4

MY RATING SYSTEM:

9.4 - 10 = rating 10 ***** 8.6 - 9.3 = rating 9 ***** 7.8 - 8.5 = rating 8 ***** 7.1 - 7.7 = rating 7

6.1 - 7.0 = 6 5.1 - 6.0 = 5 4.1 - 5.0 = 4 3.1 - 4.0 = 3 2.1 - 3.0 = 2 1.0 - 2.0 = 1

Scent of a Woman (1992)

The Al Pacino show! Now this is a quality movie!!! One of the best dramas ever!

[9/10 · 3 December 2014]

Wow! This movie is epic! Al Pacino made this movie what it is! And that is why he is among the best actors ever. Like in Scarface, he just takes over a whole movie.

This movie is just soooo watchable. So enjoyable. So real. So magical. In a most simple way.

I don't know what to say. It's just amazing!

***SPOILER ALERT****

The only thing I would have added is a hint that him and that lady at the end of the movie, become a couple (which I believe they do anyway) and a bit less vulgarity.

Real rating: 9.2

MY RATING SYSTEM:

9.35 - 10 = rating 10 ***** 8.6 - 9.3 = rating 9 ***** 7.8 - 8.5 = rating 8 ***** 7.0 - 7.7 = rating 7

6.1 - 7.0 = 6 5.1 - 6.0 = 5 4.1 - 5.0 = 4 3.1 - 4.0 = 3 2.1 - 3.0 = 2 1.0 - 2.0 = 1

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)

Thrilling , great movie! Not as good as the prequel (Rise of the..)

[8/10 · 3 December 2014]

This movie is flawless but something is missing to be able to call it epic.

The pace and tone of the movie are very engaging. Viewing both sides, people and apes alike creates a wonderful engagement where you start caring for both sides. Honestly you care for the apes more than you do humans. And can relate to both sides as well.

This movie is great in how it portrays the apes. The graphic is incredible. You can sense their emotions.

I like the plot a lot! I also like the casting job. Keri Russell was the best casting choice of the movie. She adds the female touch perfectly where it is needed. Leading actor was OK. And Gary Oldman, I was not impressed. In the latter stage of his career he always brings this gray, "proper" character to the screen.

Movie is enjoyable, but seriously lacks some witty moments and it also isn't great enough to be epic. I liked the first one (Rise of the ..) more than this one. I wasn't "wow-ed" like I was with the first one , but it was good!

Real rating: 8.0

(Real rating for the 1st movie: Rise of the planet of the Apes: 8.5)

MY RATING SYSTEM:

9.35 - 10 = rating 10 ***** 8.6 - 9.3 = rating 9 ***** 7.8 - 8.5 = rating 8 ***** 7.0 - 7.7 = rating 7

6.1 - 7.0 = 6 5.1 - 6.0 = 5 4.1 - 5.0 = 4 3.1 - 4.0 = 3 2.1 - 3.0 = 2 1.0 - 2.0 = 1

Pastor Jones (2005 Video)

Christian movie, that is R rated! - Mediocre movie

[6/10 · 3 December 2014]

This movie starts off OK. With a sermon from pastor Jones.

Very soon it is quite obvious that this is not an A or even a B production, but like some kind of a C production movie.

Still, I've seen worse, so it's not that bad. It's not like a homemade movie.

The plot is OK. We are set up in worldly/gangster environment with only a few true Christians. And we have some drama unfolding...

Staying true to their character the worldly characters curse a lot, and act in sinful ways. Many of those scenes could easily be cut out of the movie. So, I really didn't like that.

Making a Christian movie, you have to be a little more tactful than that.

Very mediocre movie.

A huge minus for lead actress , a supposed Christian, to offer sex in exchange to get a divorce paper signed. It was her husband, but still. The way it was portrayed was just bad! But I guess we can take it as, we all make mistakes?? Was that their intention? I don't think so.

Finally, a huge plus! For how the movie ended! Tyrone turning to God and finding Christ and becoming a true practicing Christian. And them saving their marriage! That was nice!

Overall , the movie could be made much better, but I give it another plus , because there aren't many Christian movies out there, and I appreciate the effort!

Real rating: 6.1

MY RATING SYSTEM:

9.35 - 10 = rating 10 ***** 8.6 - 9.3 = rating 9 ***** 7.8 - 8.5 = rating 8 ***** 7.0 - 7.7 = rating 7

6.1 - 7.0 = 6 5.1 - 6.0 = 5 4.1 - 5.0 = 4 3.1 - 4.0 = 3 2.1 - 3.0 = 2 1.0 - 2.0 = 1

The Phantom of the Opera (2004)

Didn't like the satanic elements

[2/10 · 1 December 2014]

This movie would be a lot better had it not been so satanic. There are lots of evil elements in the movie and dark, luring, evil.

Otherwise, still kinda boring. It just isn't as great as some people say. It may be dangerous for a lot of people. Dark forces at play here. Not all the way, but a lot.

And that is the one thing I "resent". This movie is PG-13?? No way! Do not let your 13 year old watch this!

Also, casting .. not great. Pretty average. Best cast was Minnie Driver.

So, all in all , not a good movie. Maybe a tune or two that were quite nice. And a nice set and dresses and stuff. Nothing to see really. A disappointment.

Real rating: 2.9

MY RATING SYSTEM:

9.35 - 10 = rating 10 ***** 8.6 - 9.3 = rating 9 ***** 7.8 - 8.5 = rating 8 ***** 7.0 - 7.7 = rating 7

6.0 - 7.0 = 6 5.0 - 6.0 = 5 4.0 - 5.0 = 4 3.0 - 4.0 = 3 2.0 - 3.0 = 2 1.0 - 2.0 = 1

The Family Man (2000)

Why don't they make them like this no more!?

[9/10 · 1 December 2014]

I rated this movie a 10! And it may be the most undeserving 10 on my list. But it is up there! It is just so refreshing! So watchable!

This movie is just sooooo awesome! Nick Cage makes this movie a hit! Just wow! Now I understand why he is such a big name in Hollywood! He is just full of charisma!

The plot is amazing! Casting is great. Maybe Tea Leoni was a weak link but still good enough to keep the movie a masterpiece.

Some clichés , but I like this movie so much I just overlook them. Haha. Well, clichés are clichés for a reason I guess. They work.

Also, this is a feel good movie! A movie that challenges your moral values. That makes you look into what is really important! I love it!

Highly recommended!

Real rating: 9.4

MY RATING SYSTEM:

9.35 - 10 = rating 10 ***** 8.6 - 9.3 = rating 9 ***** 7.8 - 8.5 = rating 8 ***** 7.0 - 7.7 = rating 7

6.0 - 7.0 = 6 5.0 - 6.0 = 5 4.0 - 5.0 = 4 3.0 - 4.0 = 3 2.0 - 3.0 = 2 1.0 - 2.0 = 1

Rust and Bone (2012)

Not so good

[4/10 · 1 December 2014]

This movie is another typical European. Do not watch if you want to actually feel good. Or be encouraged or motivated etc..

So, this movie is morally low. It is also very tedious. After 30 minutes it felt like I've been watching it for an hour. Seriously. It's hard to watch. Not very rewarding.

Do not recommend.

Very average, with some unique directing style. But let's not be like artists who look at an abstract painting and see immense 10000$ value. Artistic style is secondary. If a movie doesn't pull you in and it isn't enjoyable, than it didn't reach it's goal. Period.

Real rating: 5.0

MY RATING SYSTEM:

9.35 - 10 = rating 10 ***** 8.6 - 9.3 = rating 9 ***** 7.8 - 8.5 = rating 8 ***** 7.1 - 7.7 = rating 7

6.1 - 7.0 = 6 5.1 - 6.0 = 5 4.1 - 5.0 = 4 3.1 - 4.0 = 3 2.1 - 3.0 = 2 1.0 - 2.0 = 1

The Weather Man (2005)

This is no "Family Man"

[6/10 · 1 December 2014]

I don't know why I was thinking (hoping) this would be another "Family Man" which really warmed my heart and was the most welcoming surprise of the year for me. This movie is not it. It is not upbeat. Nor does it have much redeeming qualities. Still, there are some things I liked.

So, the positives: - this movie is somehow watchable! - Nick Cage! - Great casting! Cage, Hope Davis, M Caine

And the negatives: - Nick Cage is not at his best. He is good though - A bit too pessimistic for my taste - Unnecessarily vulgar - just not memorable. Bland.

Real rating: 6.8

MY RATING SYSTEM:

9.35 - 10 = rating 10 ***** 8.6 - 9.3 = rating 9 ***** 7.8 - 8.5 = rating 8 ***** 7.0 - 7.7 = rating 7

6.0 - 7.0 = 6 5.0 - 6.0 = 5 4.0 - 5.0 = 4 3.0 - 4.0 = 3 2.0 - 3.0 = 2 1.0 - 2.0 = 1

Fanny and Alexander (1982)

Unique. Allows viewer to see the beauty of people and people's interactions. Quite enjoyable. Also, flawed and not as good as some people say.

[8/10 · 7 November 2014]

*****SPOILER ALERT********

In first part of this movie, we meet a big family on the Christmas eve. This part is quite beautiful, but also a bit complex meeting all the new people at once. The story isn't a gripping one, but a movie grips you to the screen nonetheless.

In the second part, the true plot of the movie begins. The Story of widowed (Oscar the theater man dies) Emma now marrying a bishop. And her 2 children from a previous husband. Fanny and Alexander. The bishop is strict!

The movie does have a high watchability witch I did not expect. Still, some scenes are boring. Too long. Dull.. And most problematic of all, not likable! Ghosts? Weird thoughts etc..

But I wasn't bored, maybe because I watched it on a DVD , via a VLC player and I adjusted the speed of the movie. Mostly watching it at double speed. Going normal only at very interesting scenes.

I like the person to person, up close scenes, with some emotional charge and this movie has some of those.

For some reason I really liked watching this movie, although there were quite a lot of things in it I did not like.

I must say though, people, this is not a movie you have to love. I know I don't. So often, we fall into a trap where we look through a lens of "what does the world think". Even though "world thinks" (in this case the IMDb) that this movie is top-notch. If you don't feel that it is, just be honest.

Not easy to rate this! Seriously. I just love how it's made. The pretty Swedish girls (Maj and Emma) , the sweet grandma (Eldke) , the kids, the bishop.. very colorful characters and an enjoyable ride. But I can't let go of things which I really did not like and of some "flaws" (the way Isaac smuggled those 2 kids is completely impossible, unless he was having a groundhog day, and played it 40 times till he got it right). And some totally not-likable scenes.

Also, the kids. Not the best cast. I want to give it a 7 , but there is something almost magically that I just like so much. Just viewing people as they are. This movie is special that way.

So, where do I draw the line.

At...

Real rating: 8.1 = 8/10!

The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)

Good movie. For me, it just lacks strong comedic or emotional outlet.

[7/10 · 7 November 2014]

This movie really is good. The plot is great. And the actors are great.

But to be honest, for some reason this movie is not the most watchable. It is too "militant". Well it is a military movie of course, but still, it just lacks something to me. For my taste. Maybe more jokes or a playful character. Or even a bit different directing. I also miss some scenes with up-close face to face conversation with some emotions. Those are the things that raise the value of a movie.

*************** SPOILERS BELOW ******************************

The ending is interesting. I believe Nicholson (Alec Guinness) set off the bombs deliberately (and not by accidentally as many seem to believe, because they reason - that "he would never intentionally destroy a bridge which he had been working on for so long"). In the final scene the Colonel (=Nicholas = Alec Guinness) says "what have I done", presumably realizing he's been collaborating with the Japanese. Then he runs towards the detonator, before being mortally wounded by Warden's mortar shell. Unless he was planning the set off the bombs, he wouldn't run towards the detonator. So, right at the end he realizes , that in the big picture it doesn't matter that the Brits may got a nice recognition for building a bridge , it is much more important to serve your country, and not help your opponent. (As his medic friend tries to tell him throughout the movie)

I did have some issues with this movie. But it is however undeniable that BotRK is a very good movie , especially for its time!

Real rating: 7.7

MY RATING SYSTEM:

9.35 - 10 = rating 10 ***** 8.6 - 9.3 = rating 9 ***** 7.8 - 8.5 = rating 8 ***** 7.0 - 7.7 = rating 7

6.0 - 7.0 = 6 5.0 - 6.0 = 5 4.0 - 5.0 = 4 3.0 - 4.0 = 3 2.0 - 3.0 = 2 1.0 - 2.0 = 1

Mary and Max (2009)

I didn't like it.

[4/10 · 7 November 2014]

For this movie, I have to say, it just isn't my taste. At all. Too trying to be artistic and too dull. Or I just wasn't in a mood for this movie.

I can't rate this higher than animated movies with much better graphics. With much better humor. With more emotional power. With better music. etc. Still, I did recognize why people like this movie. It can connect with people experiencing loneliness and struggling to find friends. But even so, the characters aren't too likable. I don't know. I think this just isn't a movie for me. And that is all there is to say about it. I see some people loving some girls I don't find beautiful at all. So, we all have our own tastes. Nothing new here.

Why the high rating? I can only assume, only a select audience is viewing this. Real blockbuster audience would rate this 7.0 tops.

But I guess this is how it is. And that is why IMDb ratings can't be fully trusted.

My Real Rating 3.9

3 Idiots (2009)

Now that, is a movie! Enjoyable. Fun. Unique. Brilliant. Emotional.

[9/10 · 6 November 2014]

May I add to that, potentially life-changing!

I would rate this movie somewhere between 9 and 10 , I wasn't sure which grade to give it, but 10 seems more appropriate.

This movie actually , has many flaws. And I know I often watch a movie then rate it with a 5/10 , then rumble about it's flaws.. But, sometimes there is just something that you "love" and in it the flaws are minimized and overlooked. So it is with this movie for me. I love love love how inspiring it is. And how it can bring the emotions out of you. Make you connect and feel with the characters! This is simply amazing! Not many movies can do that. There are 2 or 3 scenes that I adore, and then there are others, flawed and all.. but still this movie is just special. A must watch.

It starts a bit slow.. but you have to be patient. First half is good, second half is awesome!

The cast in this movie is perfect! Amir, his friends, the teacher , the girl. Just perfect. And really the girl was an important role to cast and she is such a good choice! Looks wise at first you would think hmmm maybe not so much; but that girl has a spark that you will not find. I saw her in one other movie and so I knew what she could do, and surely as movie rolls along , she adds her sparkly personality and lifts the movie a notch higher. Aamir Khan has become my favorite Indian actor, and is perfect in this, and the professor is also such a good choice! Just wow! Why do I go on and on about the cast, because this cast made the movie what it is. It's not about how well you act, it's how well a role you are put into based on who you are. A super good movie! Different from Hollywood, very refreshing!

Real rating: 9.35

For a Few Dollars More (1965)

Now that is a true great western movie!

[9/10 · 6 November 2014]

This movie surprised me! Wow!

Exciting! True Western! Awesome plot!

I like the unique western world. The world with fearless bold men who are like western world superheroes. It's just fun.

Awesome cast! The only thing missing for me was a man-girl story, to run parallel to the main plot.

I honestly didn't think I'd be that into a western movie. But from the start it kept me in suspense and it is more watchable than I thought it would be.

Not John Wayne, for me it's Clint Eastwood that is a real western icon. Just fits perfectly into that role.

Real rating: 8.75

Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

I guess only a select group is rating this movie. If the audience would be as wide as with the blockbusters, this movie would have a rating below 8.0

[5/10 · 6 November 2014]

I guess only a select group is rating this movie. If the audience would be as wide as with the blockbusters, this movie would have a rating below 8.0. (probably around 7.0 in my estimation)

Boring , Predictable and Nice! Doesn't deserve the high rating.

So, yes, this movie is a nice ride. And that is all it is. For me personally it wasn't too emotional. I didn't really feel strongly for the characters let alone shed a tear. A big negative factor is a high predictability.

Still, it is a nice ride. Kinda depressing, kinda emotional and mostly I have to say, for me personally, it was just boring.

I kinda liked the simplicity of the movie. But I don't know, it just isn't powerful enough.

Maybe if I watched it at some other time I would react differently , but probably not by much.

Real rating: 4.8