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Up (2009)
A movie that makes you cry, laugh and everything in between.
"Up," the 2009 animated film from Pixar, is nothing short of a cinematic masterpiece. With its heartwarming storytelling, dazzling animation, and profound emotional depth, it's a film that deserves nothing less than a perfect 10/10 rating.
At its core, "Up" is a story about love, adventure, and the journey of life itself. We follow the endearing character of Carl Fredricksen, a widowed elderly man, who embarks on an extraordinary journey to fulfill a lifelong dream. His unlikely companion, a young wilderness explorer named Russell, adds an element of humor and heart to the story that is both heartwarming and relatable.
The film's emotional resonance is its crowning achievement. In the first 10 minutes, "Up" manages to tell a poignant love story that tugs at your heartstrings and sets the emotional tone for the entire film. This opening sequence alone is a testament to the storytelling prowess of Pixar and the emotional depth that animated films can achieve.
Visually, "Up" is a feast for the eyes. The attention to detail in the animation is remarkable, from the lifelike textures of the characters to the breathtaking landscapes of Paradise Falls. The vibrant color palette and attention to visual storytelling enhance the overall experience.
Michael Giacchino's musical score is a perfect complement to the film, elevating its emotional impact and underscoring the sense of wonder and adventure that permeates the story.
"Up" is a film that appeals to all ages. It delivers a powerful message about the importance of pursuing our dreams, cherishing our loved ones, and finding adventure in unexpected places. It reminds us that it's never too late to go on a grand adventure or to make a connection that changes our lives.
In conclusion, "Up" is not just an animated film; it's a work of art that resonates with audiences on a deep emotional level. It combines humor, adventure, and heartfelt storytelling to create a truly magical cinematic experience. "Up" earns a well-deserved 10/10 rating and stands as a timeless classic in the world of animation.
Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019)
Ever wanted to just have the worst experience ever? Go watch this.
Star Wars Episode 9: The Rise of Skywalker is the definition of cruelty. Never before have I felt the need to just leave the theatre because I couldn't take it anymore. After Rian Johnson's Episode 8: The Last Jedi, which was a horrible movie too, I had better expectations since Episode 9 would again be directed by J. J. Abrams, who also made Episode 7: The Force Awakens, which wasn't too bad. But I was disappointed in the extreme. The script is so bad that Ed Wood would turn in his grave. Palpatine's return was a lousy marketing attempt that was never really thought through and only exists to attract a large audience and make a lot of money. Rey is also incredibly poorly written as a main character. All in all, the film doesn't seem to have been thought through properly at all and you can see how little J. J. Abrams really knows about Star Wars. Rose Tico is probably the worst character ever to appear in a film. The Rise of Skywalker is the end of a nine-part film series that has been unable to recover from a steady decline since 1983 (with the exception of Episode 3, which is better than the other prequel and sequel films) and received its coup de grace with Episode 9.
Incendies (2010)
"One plus one, does it make one?"
I saw Incendies for the first time in Canada in French with English subtitles and it was an experience I won't soon forget. The storyline is superbly written. The alternation between flashbacks of the mother and the present from the siblings' point of view is perfectly orchestrated and complements each other beautifully. But what makes this film perfect is its twist. It is surprising and unpredictable and at the same time not unrealistic or exaggerated. Especially the sister's shocked reaction to the big reveal is terrifying. Those who have seen the film know what I mean. Overall, Denis Villeneuve's best film is a disturbing family story that you can't get out of your head after the film is over. Seeing the film a second time gives you a completely different perspective on what happens.
Schindler's List (1993)
Whoever saves one life saves the world entire.
Schindler's List is heartbreaking, disturbing, scary, powerful, moving, courageous and an appeal for freedom, remembrance and humanity. Steven Spielberg creates a film that moves you, whether you are German, Jewish or anything else. Schindler's List bores into the soul of the viewer and does not let go. Ralph Fiennes is masterfully creepy and disturbing in his role. All the while, all you can think is, "How can these people be treated so inhumanely?" and all you want to do is intervene in the plot to save the people, only to tragically realize once again that events are an unalterable part of history. Forever this film will stand as a monument to the Holocaust and the many people murdered and pay respect to them.
Saw (2004)
Some people are so ungrateful to watch this movie. But not you. Not anymore.
Saw is a timeless milestone for the entire horror genre. The film is one of the most famous examples of a small budget creating great art. The twist is very well directed and is considered one of the best ever. I'm a big fan of Leigh Whannell, who proves in his debut how much talent he has as a screenwriter. The first part of Saw, which later became a cult film, is now an important part of film horror and is unique for its idea and implementation. Tobin Bell, who still plays Jigsaw in the latest installment of the series, Saw X, is terrifically creepy and intimidating in his role and, like the entire film series, a cult figure, not only of horror, but of the entire film world.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)
The precious, truly.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King is, in my opinion, the best Lord of the Rings film and provides a terrific conclusion to Tolkien's fantasy epic. The alternation between Aragorn, Legolas, Gandalf, Gimli, Merry and Pippin and Frodo, Sam and Gollum is perfectly done. Every time you think, "Where are the others right now?" you get what you want. The special effects are once again fantastic. Peter Jackson also succeeds in building tension, especially in the battle on the Pelennor Fields, Shelob's lair and the destruction of the One Ring. And even if a large part of the 6th book is omitted, is a terrific film that will always be a part of my life.
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)
The weakest of the trilogy but still a great experience
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers is the weakest part of the trilogy for me, but still a very good second part. Positive aspects are mainly the magical representation of Middle Earth and the groundbreaking visual effects. You can really tell how much love Peter Jackson put into these films. One reason why "The Two Towers" is the worst part of the Lord of the Rings trilogy for me is that the film has a much slower pacing than the first and third parts. There are many scenes of Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas either walking or riding horses through Rohan, which just feels too drawn out. Also, the film puts much more focus on Gimli, Aragorn and Legolas and doesn't show much of Frodo, Sam and Gollum, as much of their experiences were moved to the third film by Peter Jackson in favor of a very detailed depiction of the Battle of Helm's Deep. Still, the film is well done and provides a nice transition to the third film.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
A magical entry into Middle-Earth
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is a wonderful entry into the best trilogy ever created. Peter Jackson has managed to turn a book that was considered "unfilmable" into a cinematic experience that no viewer could ever forget. You don't have to have read the book to enjoy this trilogy. In the first part, Peter Jackson shows Frodo's departure from the Shire, his encounters with the fellowship and the subsequent collapse of the same. For the most part, he remains faithful to the book, omitting some aspects, such as Tom Bombadil. These are carefully chosen, however, and make sense for the flow of the story. Visually, the film is also incredible and a milestone in special effects for the early 2000s.
From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)
From classic gangster film to surprising horror carnage.
In general, I find it very good and refreshingly different how the viewer is played with in the first 50 minutes. The film is presented as a classic gangster film, but later it turns out that everything you had seen before is actually completely irrelevant. This drastic change of subject is very well done as a surprise. The screenplay is fantastic. But that's usual with Quentin Tarantino as a screenwriter. The acting is also good. Tarantino's performance as a crazy sex offender and murderer particularly stands out. Also good are Clooney's and Keitel's acting.
Overall, it's a very well done gangster comedy with horror and gore elements, which is especially convincing due to its surprising second half.
Oppenheimer (2023)
Fine, but I was expecting more.
Overall, the film is fine. A particularly positive aspect, as with all Nolan films, are the special effects. The soundtrack is also well done. For the most part, the film is treated as a biopic, although it deviates from that in a few places. For example, while there is a focus on Oppenheimer's development and becoming a professor of physics, especially in the beginning, it becomes more and more impersonal as the film progresses. So in the end it is not a biopic of Oppenheimer, but rather a biopic of the atomic bomb itself. Apart from the few historical inaccuracies (Albert Einstein did not play as big a role for Oppenheimer in real life as it is shown), the film is accurate. However, the long dialogues, which some people criticize as "boring", are more of a plus for me, especially compared to past films by Christopher Nolan, which placed more emphasis on visuals. As already mentioned, the film unfortunately becomes more and more impersonal and in the end only relies on long scenes in court, in which the events are once again replayed by already known characters from their point of view. I expected much more. I think the film could have been much better if Nolan had focused more on Oppenheimer's psychological problems after the atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. At least, I would have found that more interesting.
So in the end, the result is a biopic that isn't really a biopic at all, with a lot of wasted opportunities that either makes you keep looking at your watch in the cinema or makes you think: That's it?
A Clockwork Orange (1971)
Horrorshow.
"Clockwork Orange" is one of my favorite movies. Many criticize it for an alleged blunt depiction of violence without seeing the real message and guiding question behind it all. Yet it is so simple. The film is about freedom and the question of whether it is better to be able to act freely or to be forced to do good. Alex represents pure evil in this story. He enjoys torturing, raping and taking pleasure in inflicting pain on others. So the question now is whether such a person has the same right to freedom as a "good" person. And what is a "good person" anyway?
There is another chapter in the book, but it was not integrated into the film. In this one, Alex decides to turn his back on crime and live a decent life after meeting a former Droog again a few years later and seeing that he now has a family. This may sound nonsensical to some, after all Alex was evil the whole movie, how could he become good so easily? But I think that this twist only emphasizes Alex's evilness. He doesn't care at all if he continues to beat up homeless people or rape underage girls. He just says, "Then I'll stop doing it." Whether the last chapter would have done the film any good is a matter of opinion. After all, many don't understand this last chapter and it probably would have just given more opportunities for criticism.
"Clockwork Orange" is a masterful adaptation of the novel. You can tell how much Kubrick is fascinated by the art of film. There is so much love in the setting and in the costumes.
In the end, "Clockwork Orange" has accomplished something that few films have. The film is simply disgusting to some, but thrills others. And it is just like its main character: enterprising, agressive, outgoing, young, bold, vicious.
Apocalypse Now (1979)
The horror, the horror
I am not a fan of war movies. Most of the time, I find them boring and repetitive. But "Apocalypse Now" was different. There are three versions of this film. The original, the redux and the final cut. The final cut is by far the best. The original is missing a lot of great scenes and I found the redux version to be too long (It's 3 1/2 hours). But the final cut is pretty much perfect.
The acting is very good. Especially Robert Duvall and Marlon Brando. It portrays the madness, war can get one into perfectly, without stretching it too much and without repeating itself. The scenery is beautiful, Coppola did a great job there. All in all, I gave this movie a 9/10. If this movie only existed in its final cut, it would probably be a 10/10.
SPOILERS:
Francis Ford Coppola shows the crazyness of the Vietnam war by creating an instensity that barely any other film has. Sheen and Brando's characters are comparable on a certain level. Throughout the film, we are told again and again that Brando is crazy. But during our journey through the Vietnam War, Sheen himself becomes crazier and crazier, threatening to become like the general he is sent to kill. Coppola thus shows that it is not a personal attitude but the war itself that is the gateway to losing oneself.
Joker (2019)
My favourite movie of all time.
This movie made it. It shows the life of a man who loses absolutely everything that is important to him, his subsequent depression, and his final decline into madness. I also love that this film doesn't necessarily have to be considered an origin story of the Joker as a Batman villain, but that it can also simply show the destruction of a life with no connection to any comic book world. There are many ways to interpret this film. One criticism that is often mentioned is the similarity of this film to "Taxi Driver" and "The King of Comedy". I've seen both of them and I have to say, yes, they are very similar. But "Joker" takes these two films, combines them perfectly and adds its own sparkle that makes this film memorable for me. I am very excited to see the sequel.