jonna-s1 Reviews

The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010)

Nic Cage is greast

[3 March 2012]

The performances are nothing short of excellent. Jay Baruchel does a great job playing his usual "nerdy" character, if you've seen movies like The Trotsky or She's Out of My League, or even the previews for this movie you'll know you're not seeing anything different. Nonetheless he still does a great job and we all love his job at playing Dave. I also loved Nicholas Cage a GREAT deal, and I don't normally like him, but he was great in Kick-Ass and Bad Lieutenant earlier this year, and I could kinda foretell he would continue his awesome streak, and he does so. He plays Balthazar very mysteriously yet comically. Also great was Alfred Molina as Maxim and Tony Kebbell's very flamboyant portrayal of Drake Stone.

The action scenes are a real breath of fresh air- FINALLY a movie where the action scenes are comprehensible! Obviously it's a family movie so Turteltaub wouldn't choose the popular shaky-camera quick edit style. The action is really fun! There's tonnes of it and the special effects are a good bonus too. There's tonnes of humor in the film, and it was NOT just what you see in the trailer that was funny. There's one particularly hilarious scene in the middle which I won't spoil since it's too funny! Overall, while not a masterpiece, The Sorcerer's Apprentice was a fun time at the cinema, and a good film for the family, even if it leans towards a tad frightening in some parts. That said, I'd recommend it for sure and it'll make for a good brainless summer action flick for the whole family.

Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005)

Crakling good!

[3 March 2012]

Being a "Wallace and Gromit-fan", I was looking forward for this full-length movie. Surprisingly I saw it at THE world-premiere in Vlissingen (NL), at the Film by the Sea festival. A wonderful feeling to be one of the first to see this very amusing and merry movie. It's about Wallace and Gromit (whom I believe don't need an introduction) having their own pest-control company in the city which is hosting a giant-vegetable contest in a few days. Everyone, including an eccentric baroness, is hoping his or her giant carrot or melon will win the Golden carrot. Unfortunately the town is plagued by lots of hungry rabbits. This is where W&G come in. The have their own cracking contraptions to control these cute creatures in a human way.

It's a very funny and colorful story. Anyone who liked the three proceeding short movies of W&G (which are more than great!), will love this full-length movie. Nick Park really delivered a wonderful and original result with a great sense for humor. Like in Chicken Run, it truly amazes me how he can capture so much story and emotions in just a few frames. "Job well done, lad" ;-) Oh yeah: The music was fantastic! It really completes the ride. Enjoy!

Suing the Devil (2011)

I think 17,000 fans on Facebook would disagree with the rating...

[3 March 2012]

Just watched this movie two weeks ago and really wanted to share my opinion especially after seeing the low rating. I think 17,000 fans on Facebook would disagree with the rating The level of acting and the intensity of all the performances have, without exception, always taken my breath away. It is a movie that I love and will never tire of watching.

You forget, as you watch the movie, that pretty much the entire movie takes place in one courtroom. Movies today, actors today, would not be able to maintain the level of suspense that this movie created and hold your attention for the entire hour and 36 minutes. It starts off slowly, and you become part of the jury in this brain-teaser, frustrated as one man holds out because "he is not sure" if he's Satan.

Malcolm McDowell gives an amazing performance as the devil but all the actors give tour de force performances, and you sit mesmerized as one by one they are all converted to Christ. The movie is also a good social commentary of the times, regarding the racial intolerance, prejudices and biases that governed people today. There are still faith-based bigots hiding behind a tree as evidenced by the low rating. And watching it again today, I would say not much has really changed! Excellent performances