lialiosk Reviews

Divergent (2014)

Great if you stop there!

[7/10 · 18 March 2024]

As the first film and formal introduction to the divergent movie series it serves moderately well.

We get introduced to this post apocalyptic world which has ended up at a run down and dried up version of Chicago circled by iron stair towers.

Visuals aren't the most impressive but the selling point is the fact that everyone in this society belongs in a faction and being factionless is effectively being homeless. It is an affective marketing point, People like grouping themselves in fictional groups. This was an interesting system which of course on the other hand feels like a hat-culture. So at first when learning that our main character is a divergent(unable to fit in any faction) we are rooting for her in order to not end up like the rest.

The acting is not the best but it's what's expected from young adult fiction.

The ending is really something ambiguous, on the one hand subverting expectations is impressive but the way they continue the series really let's me down.

Passengers (I) (2016)

Morality, Romance and Sci-fi

[8/10 · 18 March 2024]

A truly beautiful and quite thoroughly thought through movie. I enjoyed the fact that it is incredibly close to theatrical plays. The fact that it manages to capture our attention with one setting and four characters is truly astonishing. More than this it manages to establish a moral dilemma which really captivated me. It helps a lot that the actors are amazing.

The setting is this enormous spaceship relocating some 5000 people from Earth to Homestead II. It shows how passengers are divided in classes already before they even land on the new planet... A hibernation pad malfunctions and the dilemma is whether or not he can live alone for the rest of his life and never reach Homestead II or to condemn another passenger with him. It has some amazing scenes when Aurora finds out the truth... Later on, she has to forgive him in order to cooperatively solve the spaceship's problems.

Welcome the Stranger (2018)

Why though?

[4/10 · 18 March 2024]

Can't Recommend

It is a really frustrating movie. I only watched it because of the house, old habit of mine. It starts with weird lights and continues on with weird and uncanny characters. It truly tried to incorporate the atmospheric horror aspect of thriller movies however it was a weak attempt.

I appreciated the villa shown in the movie so much. The vines covering the walls, the interiors and the pool. The plot is exceptionally lacking and confusing something not meant for thrillers. It is clear that our protagonist has unresolved issues when she visits, but the movie never explains.

The most frustrating part is that it is all alien related, but it has nothing built on it or anything.

The Greatest Showman (2017)

A truly wonderful experience!

[9/10 · 18 March 2024]

If you like musicals and are looking for a hidden gem that's the movie for you! The first time I started watching the movie with my family we were all moved and happy to be watching. My sister and I especially loved the movie.

Maybe I'm a little prejudiced due to the fact that I've been watching it since I was sixteen... I should point out my boyfriend hated it for some reason.

The houses shown are incredible, the atmosphere and the aesthetic of the era is good enough especially considering it's a musical. Costume design is excellent. The songs are amazing and so are the singers. It's truly amazing to see Zendaya and Hugh Jackman in the same movie!

However the true factor thar made me love the movie is the amazing zero to hero approach at every problem and the everlasting idealisation of one's first love something especially fitting for the dramatisation era.

Jupiter Ascending (2015)

Nice concept, needs some help.

[7/10 · 18 March 2024]

It could really be a very good movie with an interesting new concept for galactic civilisation. Some parts however reflect on poor story-telling and lazy plot armor. Also it would be best if the classic stereotypical aliens were involved, however the movie mentioned that they are responsible for earth's stories about aliens as well as supernaturals, that was a funny moment.

The movie had some beautiful scenery as far as the Ambrassax family is seen because most scenes in earth look awful. The most appealing factor of the movie for me is the ability to harness entire planets creating the serum enabling the rich to live forever... Now that alone gets 4 stars from me!