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KSW72
Reviews
El caso Asunta (2024)
Boring!
This is one of the few Spanish-language shows I chose to watch because the content seemed compelling. The acting is generally good and the real-life story is curious, but the way it's told is long and tedious. Not much depth to the direction, just seems like they're trying to create constant suspense when it's not really needed. The story itself is enough, but the direction focused too much on the principal actors. Yet, I've chosen to watch the whole series!
Do I recommend watching it? I don't say to avoid it but know that it may just put you to sleep instead of keep you on the edge of your seat.
The Circle (2017)
Thought it was pretty good.
Thought provoking, top actors, a good premise. In the line of all things The Truman Show, this move takes it "one step further," and shows us the possibilities that next gen tech can afford us. It's intriguing. I do believe (and know) that data is being collected about us and used all the time. But, i don't believe in the cynicism that results from such practices, as is depicted in this movie. I think there's a natural selection process even with technology - whatever doesn't work for us goes out the window eventually. Everything has a shelf-life, even Google...I mean, The Circle. The movie has gotten rotten reviews, but I thought it was entertaining.
Anatomie d'une chute (2023)
The Anatomy of Dissolution
This is a chilling and haunting movie, and not so much of a physical fall but of an emotional and psychological dissolution of a relationship. It wasn't even about infidelity or lack of respect, but of something even more troublesome. A total lack of trust that develops over time with another soul. There is an aching that comes from the reality of human relationships and what happens when people turn their backs on each other. A psychological and emotional isolation that hurts so deeply. So, what starts out as a crime case turns into a forensic investigation of a marriage and personality dynamics. There was something about this movie that reminded me of Force Majeur...a similar theme but with deadlier consequences. Yet, at the end of this movie, I was still wondering "did she do it?"
A Haunting in Venice (2023)
Dark and crazy, in a good way
I'm a huge Agatha Christie fan and genuinely felt frightened watching this movie. It was quite out of the ordinary fare, very dark and crazy. Not exactly a who-done-it, but more of a character study of Poirot himself. What makes him tick, what gets under his skin and what frightens him? I found that aspect to the film to be more interesting. The visuals and scenery were a little too dark to be truly enjoyed, but still the ambience was set appropriately. When I walked out of the theater, there was just a nip of Fall cool in the air, it was dark and windy with not many people around - it seemed I was living an extension of the set. I would say Branagh achieved his goal of making a memorable movie.
Knock at the Cabin (2023)
What I want to know is....
Why do studios keep giving Shyamalan money to make movies?? Aside from a handful, the others have been complete duds. And worse, brilliant ideas that have been so poorly imagined and executed. I so badly want to watch his movies, but I anticipate being disappointed. I've rooted for him for so long, and now I give up. For god sakes, get some better writers, someone to bounce your ideas off of, someone to give you honest criticism, someone who can help you craft a real story. Because your movies are becoming laughable, M. Night. And, it's pissing me off - a hard-working, honest and passionate movie lover. We want your best, not your "it'll pass."
Beef (2023)
Next Gen Parasite
The house, the class differences, the sarcasm, the Koreans...but set in LA. I'm only half way through the series, but it's difficult to overlook. Not sure why A24 wanted to make an American version of this story, but so far, it's quite good and the acting is great. It's a sad commentary on the way people try to make a buck and how money is made on two ends of the spectrum. It's visually appealing and the storylines are unfolding very patiently. Just wish there wasn't so much nasty language, but the characters and scenarios more than make up for it. Highly recommend. I sense a twist coming up and totally looking forward to it!
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
Before Lara Croft, National Treasure and The DaVinci Code...
There was Indiana Jones. This particular installment encompasses almost every theme from all the movies above. The series was a true trailblazer in that respect. It's great, crazy fun. My only criticism is that they really blew the cultural depictions, especially in the temple of doom. Frozen brain for dessert? Really? So wrong.
I know Harrison Ford had his heyday with Star Wars, Indiana, and the Jack Ryan series, but he really was so much fun to watch - and he was SO handsome AND charming. Hard to believe he's now an old man. But, he still has the charm. So cool that he was able to give his young co-star an Oscar this year!
The Menu (2022)
Wow. Just wow.
This is one of the few movies I had to watch again immediately after I finished it. I don't know why, but I just did - maybe to validate what I had just seen. Margot's first words encompass the whole movie: "then my palate will die happy." Not so subtle foreshadowing. What a crazy, ridiculous ride this was. Kind of like Chef's Table and The Cook, The Thief, His Wife and Her Lover (younger folks, look it up) had a baby. At the end of it, I wasn't quite sure what the intention of this misadventure was actually supposed to be all about, but the movie is visually stunning and the acting is superb. All in all, it's a sour treat leaving you yearning for a sweet chaser.
Presumed Innocent (1990)
One of the best...
I have both read the book and watched the movie - many times - and I still find it fascinating. The characters, the actors, the storyline and the score. I also think this is one of Harrison Ford's best performances, and Raul Julia is impeccable as Ford's lawyer. I wish they had explored Rusty's relationship with Carolyn a bit more, but all the elements are so well balanced in this movie. It's hard to believe it's 32 years old, and has aged well. It feels like the beginning of one of the modern movie-making styles of deflecting the suspect and diverting the audience. It's a chilling story told so well.
The Square (2017)
Intriguing and multi-layered
Ironic, sarcastic, pretentious and so interesting. It was a completely modern study in socioeconomics and trust. My takeaway was that everything the square was supposed to represent as an art piece is exactly what was north being reflected in the main character's life. There was no trust, no equality, no compassion or help for someone who is so privileged and also in need. And then there were themes of the vulnerable, poor, foreign, and how the the face of modern Sweden has changed. Yes the movie is long, but it's a great character study and a quite an absurdly hilarious take on contemporary art. It's also nice to see Dominic West and Cael Bang together again (previously in The Affair).
The Crown (2016)
Season 5 is Good
I'm not sure why all the criticism of season 5 - there's not much in it that we haven't already heard many times over. I thought it was quite good if taken as a separate series from the previous seasons. The only thing that was a revelation was (finally) a suggestion that MI 5/6 may have been spying on Princess Diana years prior to her divorce - and all the other assertions that accompany such a possibility.
Elizabeth Debicki was amazing - I couldn't picture it at first, but she is by far the most believable Diana on screen. Dominic West is a strange choice for Prince Charles, but he pulls it off. Interestingly, across all the seasons, the most compelling scenes and episodes continue to be the ones that focus on Prince Philip. They contain the deepest character analysis. Episode 6 is the strongest one, IMO, of the season, which did not disappoint - contrary to all the bruhaha in the media.
My Policeman (2022)
Not bad, maybe even good
I'm actually watching the movie now. Yes, Harry Styles' acting needs some work, but it's really not that bad. I don't know why people are knocking it so much. He's quite natural in his acting, but his talking needs to be better. And, he is bit TOO pretty for the screen and to be a believable policeman in Brighton. I'm also surprised at how far they went with the sex scenes. The other actors are amazing.
The storyline is pretty standard fair. I really enjoyed it on the whole. As I did with Don't Worry Darling, whose storyline is a bit more problematic. What a tragic story here, though, and much more interesting.
Vatican Girl: The Disappearance of Emanuela Orlandi (2022)
Boring (slightly revised)
I actually update my review - I agree that it's best to watch the first and last episodes. The story is in fact quite chilling, and by the end, left me more afraid than most horror movies - but I stand by my initial review about the production and storytelling approach across the series!
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What has all the ingredients of a real-life international mystery thriller has been reduced to a pointless and winding retelling of a girl's disappearance. A girl who happened to live in Vatican City.
I won't lie that I'm disappointed in this production. I also wish it had more English language, as well as a greater role for the male journalist - his part is so integral to this whole story. My criticism is more for the way the story is told. It's meandering and somewhat pointless. No doubt, the circumstances are complex and there are many connections. And, yet, I binge watched the whole series in one night. The only enlightening part was what we've all suspected for centuries - that the Catholic Church is more than just a religious institution.
Lykke-Per (2018)
Amazing film
This is an absolute gem - I would almost go so far as to say that it's a must watch. This kind of cinematography, acting and story are very rare. It's a beautifully made film with a heartbreaking story of unbridled ambition in the backdrop of a stern family life. The acting is impeccable, especially by its lead actor.
I have watched this movie at least three times on Netflix. I hope they never remove it. It's a cautionary tale, empathetically told, of someone who resists their own soul. In today's period of instant gratification, and when ambition is never a bad thing, it's good to be reminded of the value of humility.
Don't Worry Darling (2022)
Great cinematography, entertaining
The look and feel of the movie is great. Harry styles is impressive, Flo IS a force, and interesting storyline. Script could have been tighter.
I thought the premise was interesting, but too much focus on style over substance in the script. And what is the Victory project??? We never find out any of that. Also, Chris Pine was very good - he was convincing as a leader. I wish Harry's character was explored a little more alongside Florence's. Overall, the movie did not deserve the negative reviews it's been getting. Still entertaining and thought provoking. I recommend it, just not exactly a first date movie!
The Turn of the Screw (2009)
Downtown Abbey precursor
My initial impressions of this movie are that Julian Fellowes saw it and borrowed heavily from the atmosphere it created - from the intro music to the camera shots to Michelle and Dan. But, decided to make a more pleasing storyline.
That's all I could really think about!
Spencer (2021)
A Joke
This is more about Stewart than the movie...what a caricature. It's like her Twilight character hit middle age. I don't really understand her casting for this role. To be fair, I haven't seen one decent enactment of Diana. No one has quite got her. Sadly.
Our Souls at Night (2017)
Beautiful...Reminds Me of Bridges of Madison County
A lovely story...it reminded me of Bridges of Madison County. Had the same kind of rhythm and inflection. Same lighting and scenery with similarly renowned actors. It's touching to see how two people can come together at any age, crave and find connection.
American Pastoral (2016)
A love letter to Ewan McGregor
Ewan McGregor, you have made a masterpiece here. The movie is beautifully heartbreaking. Your love for the craft of storytelling is so apparent. You and I are about the same age, and I am loving everything you do cinematically even more. Your acting is so pure and genuine. I just watched the Long Way series, which is really poles apart from this film, but I can see the same humanity in both. Please keep making great movies, acting in them, and maybe even put out an album if you have time in between. Thank you for.
No Time to Die (2021)
In the end, the bug gets Bond
Now, I understand why Eon chose to delay the release of this film three times. Like many around the world in the last 18 mos, the bug gets Bond in the end. How strange that few in the media have made have that connection - and how relevant the storyline is to what we've collectively been through (including the sinister conspiracy theory). I wish we could have seen more of his storyline with Madeline played out on screen. But, this movie really helped put so much context to the whole Daniel Craig series. It's like a whole other collection of Bond films - which I guess I may be the only one who didn't realize this fact earlier. My only wish is that the series had focused more on the storyline as opposed to SO many action sequences. After every film, I feel like there's something left unsaid. In all, this was a visually beautiful film with a unusually vulnerable Bond.
Adoration (2013)
One of my all-time faves
An unconventional, controversial -- indeed taboo -- subject handled so beautifully. You forget the relationships and just focus on the feelings between human beings. Awesome scenery, mood, and acting.
Joker (2019)
Good Movie, But A Total Taxi Driver Remake
It's like Batman and Taxi Driver had a baby and named it Joker. The character is from Batman but the storyline is totally Taxi Driver, which I just saw for the first time. I was shocked to find that the structure and feel of the two movies are so similar, and many of the elements almost exactly the same (isolation, run-down NYC, the trash and lack of morality, etc.). All in all, a good movie and great acting from Joaquin Phoenix.