anacpcruz Reviews

Men in Black (1997)

What an Innovative and Creative Sci-fi Comedy

[9/10 · 3 June 2022]

This movie experience was something else, it was over the top. In this piece everything was creative, full of movement, embraced in a comedy that made me forget about the reality. Speaking of which, it was very much brightly exploited to make an alien based comedy. There was not even a single flaw in the plot, sequence or in special effects. Everything makes weird sense, could almost be plausible the premise that the men in black exist to control aliens, protect the planet Earth and erase human beings memories in order to prevent massive hysteria, and contribute for those beings to live in ignorance, as a blessing and a pillar to their happiness! The jokes were well written, fun and not depreciative, not offensive, building a healthy humor throughout.

Some scenes were so over the top hilarious and creative, namely, the birth of the little squid alien, the little powerful gun of agent J (Will Smith), the coolness and experience of agent K (Tommy Lee Jones), that ball of energy damaging the headquarters of the agency, and last but not least - de little alien inside the dead man's head.

It's impossible to not notice the fresh, fast, and impressive work of Will Smith. He was a rising star in his own right, because I believe that his performance in this movie catapulted him to do whatever he wanted in Hollywood.

Linda Fiorentino (the Coroner) plays a major role too. Part due to destiny, part due to the circumstances, the fact is that a female presence is very important to the film and storyline. Especially because she portrays a character full of intelligence, independence, a female with a qualified profession, and also expressive and beautiful.

The concept is beyond everything that has been made or done. Plus the fact that this comic masterpiece took place in the late 90's, and still the special features and effects are the finest and in the state of the art.

But the most important point is that this cinema work of art was not only about Will's athleticism, good looks, aliens or simple comedy. This movie was about cycles, life cycles. Something that could be less valued by the distracted viewer, like the fact that D (Richard Hamilton) and K (Tommy Lee Jones) retire from their peculiar professional life. And that was very real, and not fictional.

Overall, I will give this wonderful movie 9 out of 10 stars.

Norbit (2007)

Rasputia Self-esteem Stole the Show

[10/10 · 14 April 2022]

It's a feel good movie that will make you feel better about your day. I've seen "Norbit" maybe five or six times, and I always laugh, no matter what! It's the movie definition of having a good time.

The introduction was perfect! Super creative and fun! The dialogs and structure of the story were awesome!

Eddie Murphy always had a provocative style. Fans are used to his genius writing and acting. Once again we have a lot of physical comedy, and Eddie moves the chess pieces using some social prejudice, we know. But the richness of a comedy is there. And we have the cliché that always functions in characters, like the pimps and even an old lady. Not to mention the Italian-Americans, the Asian-Americans, the African-Americans, are all represented communities. The multicultural soup, with some serious comedy - all these ingredients added to the mix and we have an amazingly fun movie to watch, that will make us laugh and forget the harsh daily reality for some time, for some moments. That's the aim of good cinema!

The comic old church song and Eddie's narrator voice at the beginning is hilarious. On the same recipe of "The Nutty Professor", Murphy morphs into these three diverse characters, from Mr. Wong to Rasputia. Such good make-up and effects work, that make a huge impact on the viewer who only finds that afterwards!

The wedding scene, the dance class, the dynamic of the town with the Pimps and the Latimore's, are the fresh, sometimes crude, but always funny comedy that I am looking for as a viewer.

The Pimps - Pope Sweet Jesus and Lord Have Mercy - , for me, were the best characters in the whole movie. Even better than the laughable Rasputia. Eddie Griffin did a terrific effortless job, as did Katt Williams. Two comedy geniuses in the same movie as the master Murphy - was a perfect strategy! Only for the cast I already knew that I would have a good time.

The amusement park scene was beyond creative and hilarious. The dates between Norbit and Kate, that the pimps confirmed that were dates in another funny scene, contributed to amazing laughs.

The pizza scene where one of Rasputia's brothers brings to her the boxes of pizza and then, he tells her that Norbit is on a date with Kate. Their reaction along with the background music contributed to make a priceless iconic comedy moment!

The lovely Loyd has a good intervention too, but the Pimps explode in the wedding scene.

The whole writing about how the Latimore's would take over Mr. Wong orphanage, in order to transform it into a strip club named Nipplopolis, was beyond well constructed.

Above all, Rasputia's sense of self-esteem, self-confidence and self-worth gave dynamic to this movie, and therefore are the nucleus of this piece. Everyone in town is afraid of Larimore's, and, even more funny, her own brother's are afraid of her, even though they are muscular, tall and well built. That feature helps immensely when, before the wedding scene, we see her brother Blue dancing to that fitness video - beyond hilarious!

Overall it was a hilarious, creative, innovative experience from the beginning until the very end. And the pimps deserve their own movie. I can't express in words how good and well made this movie is. The plot is funny and it was very well directed.

This is one of the few movies that I saw more than five times and always makes me feel better, like a medicine produced by a good actor and writer. Not to mention that this piece is the only one with a review full of spoilers, because I couldn't remain silent about the funny details. So, I will give this movie 10 out of 10 stars - "How u' doin'?!"

I Spit on Your Grave 2 (2013)

Vengeance is Mine

[10/10 · 18 December 2021]

The character that gives light to this movie, Katie, feels lost, depressed and anxious because she fights but can't see her professional goal being achieved.

This remarkable film It features human trafficking for sexual exploration and abuse purposes. I can't believe in what I was witnessing. Abuse trough drugs, electric shocks, and sexual and physical abuse. This was beyond torture or violence; this was beyond disturbing. Not to mention the emotional roller-coaster full of deception, desperation, suffering and despair, that the viewer experiences side by side with Katie.

Understandably Katie is severely traumatized and suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder due to the atrocities and injustices that she passed in her last days.

What an adrenaline rush while testifying Katie making justice with her hands, courage, creativity, and fearlessness. "Vengeance is mine!". The survival skills and the force, courage and resilience that comes from within Katie is remarkable. But, in a way, it's from traumatic abuse of our rights, and from traumatic events, experiences and occurrences that our character and personality developed into a superior stronger winner self-made stage and level.

In general, this piece is beyond disturbing, unfortunately very plausible. The story behind the family is finally understood in the end, and every piece of the puzzle is put together. And every psychological feature of the characters has a justification. I can only congratulate the screenwriters Neil Elman and Thomas Fenton.

Overall, I will give this high quality and impactful film 10 out of 10 stars.

Constantine (2005)

Dark But Real - Heaven and Hell Are Right Here Behind Every Door

[10/10 · 4 December 2021]

I first saw this film in 2004 and I had the privilege of being absorbed by it through the theater screen. Keanu Reeves is, indeed, a very competent actor that was able to make us feel the power of realism living in this world. In this extremely negative and violent society, where evil forces are absolutely whispering to us, energy that manipulates us on a daily basis, at every breath we take. He portrayed a very compelling exorcist, in a way that his acting is very believable. And the beautiful Rachel Weisz whose choice was perfect for the role.

Also, the sets were perfect, the light, the angles of the camera, not to mention the marvelous soundtrack by the amazing band - "A Perfect Circle".

What a masterpiece full of chained action, emotion and special effects that help the movie to make every sense. And showed us that is better to have faith in something superior, ethereal, that to not have any at all in anything.

Overall, I will give this excellent movie 10 out of 10 stars.

Crank (2006)

Pure Epinephrine!

[9/10 · 27 November 2021]

This movie is an artificial adrenaline pump throughout! The viewer is submerged in an always in movement character and plot. Not to mention the fact that, although it is an action movie, its also a comedy movie, with lots of laughable moments.

Jason Statham as Chev Chelios, and Amy Smart as Eve, really have chemistry on the screen, and add a lot of dynamism. That's how an action movie should be! Interesting, fun, entertaining, full of movement, original, articulated, coherent. In one word - perfect! My own life got out of my brain, and I feel so entertained and full of adrenaline too!

It's also relevant to mention the amazing work of supporting actors with very hilarious characters like, Edi Gathegi as the Haitian Cabbie, Efren Ramirez as Kaylo, Jose Pablo Cantillo as Verona, Reno Wilson as Orlando.

We need to also congratulate the screenwriters Mark Neveldine and Brain Taylor for the immense creativity and originality of the script. It's fun, entertaining, interesting, comic, full of action and movement. We never had low or paralyzed moments, only a fast-paced roller-coaster in the shape of a screen work of art! And I found it very cultural and ethically inclusive, since it portrayed Chinese, Caucasian, Black, Latin, and Arab actors, and culture themes.

I was extremely excited as well when I saw one of my beloved idols: Chester Bennington! Back in 2014, when I first saw this masterpiece, I was a huge Linkin Park fan, as well as today. What a great enhancement!

Overall, I'm gratifying to give this movie 10 out of 10 stars.

The Descent (2005)

The Metaphor of the Cave Adapted

[10/10 · 20 November 2021]

The Descent into darkness, into facing your fears in order to succeed and, consequently, get the revenge, the vengeance you aim for. This magnificent film is clearly a metaphor about courage, and the capability and ability to fight, to act and overcome our deepest fears, only that way we will be able to crawl and rise to the surface and breathe to a different new life and world, full of the purest oxygen, that we deserve.

The scrip and production were way ahead of its time, in 2005. A so powerful story only portrayed by woman, way before the cultural, social, and political movements of this century, about equality in all fields of society.

The music production department also deserves to be congratulated. We have the general theme, way original and on the point, but also the little music pieces that helped so well to transmit the message of tension, anxiety, claustrophobia, but also adrenaline and courage.

"If we stop, we will die!" or "the only way out is to keep moving forward!" - those are powerful sentences that we can use as life inspirational and motivational quotes.

The climb the ceil of the cave scene was so powerful, so tense, so strong, simply transmitting force and courage.

"Which way?" - they asked with a lighter in Juno's hand. Only those who ever feel lost for years, know and understand that feeling and sense of pure anxiety, about what's is coming on the way next, about what atrocities, negativities we must deal and overcome next in our life path.

When you fight to overcome, and fight again and again, personality begin to change - "What happen to you?!" Juno asked Sarah.

The last scene when Sarah is crawling towards the surface of the cave, is so powerful! She is physically covered in blood, sweat and tears, emotionally is suffering, but she is fighting until the end, until she found her goal! That survivalist mentality that we all need this society is portrayed here. Plus, the magnificent classical music, that add the final emotional and simultaneously rational force to the scene that we viewers feel intensely as well.

Personally, I have been in love with this film since 2005, when I saw it through a video club rental shop. Since then, I never witness a better story, plot, cast or directing that was better or can even compete with "The Descent".

Overall, it's a masterpiece of huge relevance in proportion in suspense-horror subgenre. So, I will give it 10 out of 10 stars.

Sweet November (2001)

Not the Average Romantic Movie

[7/10 · 8 November 2021]

In my perspective, Keanu Reeves was always a great actor and I think he portrayed the character of Nelson amazingly well. In the beginning he had that aggressive behavior typical of a workaholic, narcissist kind of high functioning psychopath in the competitive work world, and then, with a gradient, we see the character change and unfold, and the behavior changes day by day in that November. Although I respect other people's opinions and reviews, I think Keanu captured brilliantly those changes. Of course not of that was possible without the charisma of Charlize Theron character - Sara Deever. The unconventional, in the opposite side of the social spectrum woman, with Nelson think he has nothing in common.

Besides the roller-coaster that Sara turn in Nelson life, there's other themes that are debated and exposed. Firstly, the concept of bulling and moral harassment. And, the most important, in my eyes, was the bring up the question of animal rights, specially the questions of domestic animal testing, the potential slaughter for consumption proposes. Overall, the consideration that domestic animal are not objects, but beings with feelings and rights, and that deserve all unconventional love and respect. Their great purety is that they recognize it and give back all the love they get. So, Sara character expose us the relevance of those themes, and most importantly - the necessity of bravery and courage and to rescue those innocent animals of those terrible living conditions, so, even worse - those threats to their own lives. So, I felt very apprehensive in the adoption by a Chinese man in a decrepit van, that don't even show any requirements of love, respect, tenderness, affection or the slightest interest in the innocent dog, threat him like an object or a pice of something. Luckily, that was on proposed in the script, and I was very happy with the overcome, and the rescue of Ernie.

Overall, I will have this piece 7 stars out of 10 available.

The Conjuring (2013)

Only Improved with Ed and Lorraine Warren

[7/10 · 6 November 2021]

I have to say that James Wan is a massive positive surprise in Hollywood paradigm. He is multi-talented, super creative and have an intelligent way of directing and approaching filming. Bottom line - he's in reference in cinema and a honor and prestigious to Asian American community. With a vast experience in multiple genres, he can dominate them all - even horror - one of the most complex genres to build and make believable in a movie.

"The Conjuring" is, in my view, the icon of the horror movies of the 10's. A plot so successful that originated a sequence of exceptional movies on a billionaire franchise. The music, the sequence of events, the fact that is based on a true story - is all very well managed. But the great difference for good, in comparison with other movies from the same genre, is the presence of the demonologists Ed and Lorrain Warren. In fact, they are the most real-life story that was portrayed in the movie. With no speculation - the couple were well known for their work helping other people, with peculiar spiritual and mental problems and issues. So, more then the Peron's family story, that serves like a base and the ground zero for the script, my focus and what make me consider this film, was, undoubtedly the Ed and Lorrain Warren real lives being projected in a movie incarnated by two charming and amazing actors like Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson.

Overall, I gave this work 7 stars out of 10, as a mark for a steppingstone movie in the difficult horror genre, especially this century.

Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010)

Epic Sequence

[10/10 · 29 October 2021]

"Afterlife" is not inferior to its predecessors. In fact, we have more fight, more adrenaline, more strength, and more special effects typical of a sci-fi sequel movie. The plot is clever, original and have logic sequence of events. And the music was very well selected and suited the scenes perfectly.

As a viewer's we feel energetic with this work full of adrenaline, and with a script that is not so farfetched in our times.

Thankfully the character Jill Valentine is back. The fearless, survivalist human with no hacks, only skill, sacrifice capabilities, focus and sheer will.

It's so intense that I submerged in the film, and to achieve that the whole work of production needs to be incredibly well constructed. A cinematographic roller-coaster that don't make us feel agonized. On the opposite side of spectrum - made the viewer feel entertained, engaged and with the will to take part in the plot and in the scenes.

Overall, I think that this movie deserves all 10 stars out of 10 available.

The Animal (2001)

Let's Go to the Wild/ Funny Side!

[9/10 · 10 October 2021]

What a great soft kind movie! Rob Schneider comes back with the unfortunate guy premise that always have negative results. Rob is so good with face expressions and physical comedy. He is indeed superb. And the trio of friends of his character Marvin were so well chosen and worked well in the scrip. The jokes were beyond hilarious! And the "black guy" jokes made all the sense in the end, giving the whole plot an awesome twist that I loved. And the lines were unbelievably funny.

Besides the good dialogs, coherence and script, we cannot ignore the fact, that this comedy had the animal love and respect theme, something that was somewhat new and bold to bring out in the early 00's society.

Overall, I certainly enjoyed this film and laugh throughout the sequence, specially, I confess, with the black friend character. So, I will give this work a 9 out of 10 stars.

Point Break (1991)

Creative, Dynamic, Pure Action, But With Some Issues

[6/10 · 5 October 2021]

As a viewer I think that Point Break was a milestone in Keanu Reeves career, and set him up in the path of action movies niche, where the time has proven that he excels.

The plot is clever, have twists and a lots of action with a good adrenaline pump covering the story from the beginning to the end. On the other hand, all the actors were very believable in this good high budget action movie full of twists and turns, with that one and only 90's essense.

Besides that, the script is full of good and inspirational quotes, that make the viewer think and reflect, and that's almost always the aim of a film with quality.

Over all I will give only a 6 out of 10, because of some little incohrency in the story.

Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)

The Legend Comes to Live to the Eternity of Movie History

[9/10 · 29 September 2021]

Francis Ford Coppola was able to brilliantly captured the essence of the book by Bram Stocker. It was raw, real and with a magnificent work of edition, photography and costume design.

The light engineering, with the management of the darkness, and the rendering of the storytelling was very well selected and made. Also the casting of actors were the best. Remember that both Keanu Reeves and Wynonna Ryder were in the early stages of their successful careers, and the bet in both was a lucky strick. As a viewer, I can't imagine better actors in the early 90's to portray Johnathan and Mina. However, the biggest surprise was the astonishing performance of Gary Goldman, and, of course, the slender work of sir Anthony Hopkins were out of this world. I only disagree with the excessive sex scenes with the symbolic redhead character Lucy. The lust is a sin connected with vampires, but I think that was overly used in the plot.

Over all, with the passage of time, this film turn out to be a classic for the subgenre horror/ terror with the vampire theme. "Dracula" by Stocker, the first, the real, and the one and only was very respected by Coppola. The legend and story of Prince Vlad of Transylvania or Count Dracula was very well portrayed and exposed . So, I have this work 9 out of 10.

Ted 2 (2015)

An Insult to the Intelligence

[1/10 · 25 September 2021]

This film was the worst movie I have ever seen. The plot was full of prejudice, namely with age, institutions, and also nepotism. On the same line we have an emphasis in drugs and laziness which led to a distortion of the facts of reality in which the good rational choices and behaviors are inferiorized and the bad, poor choices are superiorized. I know it's a piece of fiction and comedy by genre, but it so offensive in some scenes and sequences, with unnecessary criticism, offensive opinions, promoting drugs and drug use, laziness and unproductivity, and also childish behavior on a grown adult. The only harmless positive scene was the fun fight at "Comic Con" with the "nerds" and the ridiculous villains in costumes. Bottom line I will only give this movie 1 out of 10.

Borat Subsequent Moviefilm (2020)

Subsequent Epic Iconic Comedy

[9/10 · 14 September 2021]

In the same line of the first Borat movie, this "new" Borat also comes to the United States of America, with a mission and goals to achieve. Now Borat have more life experience after years in imprisonment and a new opportunity to travel, but he doesn't go alone this time. The premise alters from the first trip because he's daughter Tutar, with the amazing acting of Maria Bakalova, will change the trolling game in Yankee soil. Sacha Baron Cohen used well the new word social, political and health order, and the context of the pandemics and the American elections to continue the plot based in trolling and make innocent fun of random Americans, all in the name of the most original comedy. A modus operandi that blasts the world with "great success" with the first Borat movie.

Now, the major difference is that the great nation of Kazakhstan doesn't need America's knowledge, only need Borat to give U. S. citizens a gift. A gift which was very well selected to bring an outstanding plot twist, with a very actual connection.

The only negative point to me was the excessive use of sexual themes and references, even when is to comedy purposes.

Overall, this film and subsequent comedy icon of the 21st century deserves a good 9 out of 10 points.

John Wick (2014)

John Wick is the Epitome of the Action Work of 21st Century

[10/10 · 26 August 2021]

This is the first movie of the genre action-revenge that has the premise of the love for animals, namely dogs. Only for this is creative, thought provoking, mentality shaping, and indoctrinate viewers for the importance of our beloved pets, which should be considered our family. Besides the arguments who presented us with an excellent plot, very well written and structured, we also need to give props to the very competent director, who did a perfect job. Alongside, the photography and the ambience of this movie was meticulously constructed, into a dark, silent, yet real and serious atmosphere.

When we talked about the cast we only had good things to say. There isn't, without a doubt, anyone in Hollywood more capable to portray John Wick character better than Keanu Reeves. He is John Wick. He was born for the role. The supporting veteran actors were also well known to the public and fulfil this piece of cinema with quality and realism, making the plot even more plausible and believable to the craving audience.

Overall, this is not the typical action-revenge/ professional assassin movie, full of incredible stunts, drugs, secret mob societies, and revenge. This film is much more than this. This work of cinema has deepness and a lot of layers on it, with a lot of subjects treated.

A movie with such quality that I will rewatch it over and over again.

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2016)

So, Please Director: Keep the Camera Steady!

[6/10 · 21 June 2021]

The first part of this peace was so dark, claustrophobic, with no lighting, camera shaking, not steady, unstable, and changing angle every couple of seconds throughout, constants cuts of segments, along with the very zoom pictures. As a result: I can't get where the story was going, I could not see, rationalize, nor comprehend what the characters were doing, resulting in a blur for me, as a viewer. Not to mention a long physical feeling of dizziness!

The last movie of this saga released in 2012 ends in the dystopic city of Washington DC, with Wesker saying that they were "in the beginning of the end", along with Ada Wong, which character disappears from the story of this movie. And that sounded promising! But then this movie, which should be final, we begin with a prolapse, like in the middle of anything, with no point of articulation. I think its important to say that the last movie in 2012, was a worth view, in terms of with filming and editing. But, in this one we see the opposite. Therefore, for the first part, or the first 50 minutes I was suffering to understand the plot, but after that, the story gain depth, becomes more dense and comprehensible, start to make sense and becomes plausible, even though it's Sci-fi genre. The dots were connected in the story of the Umbrella Corporation and Alicia/ Project Alice, which make all the film more interesting.

Nonetheless, it is not the best movie of the franchise, but could be because it is the final effort of this saga. Over all, this production should and could be a so much better cinema product than actually is. Personally, I think that directors and actress with family bonds tend to low the level of professionalism and quality in a movie. So, please director: keep the camera steady!

First part of this peace was so dark, claustrophobic, with no lighting, camera shaking and changing angle every couple of seconds throughout, constants cuts of segments, along with the very zoom pictures. As a result: I can't get where the story was going, I can't see nor comprehend what the characters are doing, resulting in a blur of me, as a viewer.

The last movie of this saga released in 2012 ends in the dystopic city of Washington DC, with Wesker saying that they were "in the beginning of the end", along with Ada Wong, which character disappears from the story of this movie. And that sounded promising! But then this movie, which should be final, we begin with a prolapse, like in the middle of anything, with no point of articulation. I think its important to say that the last movie in 2012, was a worth view, in terms of with filming and editing. But, in this one we see the opposite. Therefore, for the first part, or the first 50 minutes I was suffering to understand the plot, but after that, the story gain depth, becomes more dense and comprehensible, start to make sense and becomes plausible, even though it's Sci-fi genre. The dots were connected in the story of the Umbrella Corporation and Alicia/ Project Alice, which make all the film more interesting.

Nonetheless, it is not the best movie of the franchise, but could be because it is the final effort of this saga. Over all, this should and could be so much better cinema product than actually were.

The Nutty Professor (1996)

Timeless Comedy! "Showtime! Showtime!"

[10/10 · 30 December 2020]

This was not a one man show, however Eddie Murphy seven characters were so well designed, over the top, funny, creative, successful that made the movie so memorable and pleasant to watch. Particularly, I found as a viewer the family dinner table scenes the maximum level of comedy in a movie. Besides the geniality of the dialogs, I learned that Murphy played the mother, grandmother and the father. That made the scenes so hilarious, so bold and fun to the roof! I also found it so good and pleasant to view the scenes with a stand up comedian, specifically because part of the dialog was improvised. In general that was one of the best moments of Eddie Murphy fine career as an actor. This brilliant actor deserves all the credit that he gets to today. But the most profound, provocative, relevant, and precious was the moral of the story brought by Professor Klump. That is about body acceptance, body positivity. A theme so well known and debated nowadays. That's why I think this is a timeless comedy and the epitome of the genre. This piece is part of the history of comedy movies, and, of course, a milestone in Eddie Murphy's career. I also want to give credit and congratulate the production team, especially to the makeup artists that made some seven unique characters. The characterization were so good that really deserved that Oscar. This cinematographic piece was really "Showtime, Showtime", quoting Buddy Love, Eddie Murphy awesome character, from the beginning to the end.

Scary Movie (2000)

Let the Comedy-Horror Begin!

[6/10 · 15 September 2020]

The title doesn't fool anyone. The viewer know that he/ she will have a blast during this film. This piece is a milestone in the comedy-horror subgender. It's funny, understandable by anyone, enjoyable, a satire of all the hit movies of the early 2000's, and all this was mixed into a very humorous cake of laughs. Beside the plot, the cast was very well selected too. But was Anna Faris role that helped this movie to be the success that it was, and also catapult her career. Over all, this cult movie is required in the list of those who are comedy fans, whatever the age or social class. "Scary Movie" is intemporal.

American Psycho II: All American Girl (2002 Video)

Put the Wrong Silly Music to the Side. This Characters Ambition is Amazing!

[10/10 · 1 June 2020]

In order to succeed you really need to stop at nothing! And, fictionaly or not, Rachel is a character that gives up a life lesson in winning, achievement and success, indeed. Of course the murders was the heritage of the core story of the first movie, but an intelligent viewer won't let herself/ himself be persuaded by nor the horrible, inadequate music, nor by excessive fiction. What we need to take out of this film is the brilliant, strong and courageous character that Rachel Newman is. We should all take inspiration and motivation from this. Plus, it's not coherent that this movie is attached to the first American Psycho, which is based on a book. This is a total independent, different and opposite version, in which any women wasn't desrespected or denegrated. Rachel was just attacked and her rights violated by criminal, but she found her courage and made justice at her own hands, she defended herself. But at a high cost and price - she was traumatized and developed a sociopathic personality, a really good defense mechanism in the real competitive society that we live in. And that's all. All we have to do is analyze the facts, and extract the fiction and the mediocre music out - that was only choiced by cowards who refuse to accept that sociopathy exists. Over all, Mila Kunnis and William Shatner made a good job in this one of a kind movie, which is also such a motivational piece.

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)

The Best Honor to Lady "Jolie" Croft

[10/10 · 1 May 2020]

The first scene is absolutely powerful, I was immediately glued to the screen after that. Of course we already knew "Tomb Rider" series from the video games in the late 90's, early 00's, and I was positively surprised by these whole film. It's empowering to woman, has a well structured storyline and a high quality production. The story was written in a believable way and the fact that the action took part in inumerous locations made all more interesting, enjoyable, cultural and fun. Director Simon West did a wonderful job casting Angelina Jolie. She was the perfect choice to interpret Lara, because miss Croft is well known for her beauty and, simultaneously, strength, both physical and mental, as well as courage, individualism, confidence and the capability to achieve her objectives. John Voight as the character father was a spicey add to the mix, because, of course, he's Jolie's real father. Lady Croft is a female hero, a role model and an achiever, a winner, an inspiration and a motivation, and she's the person who can save the Earth. Over all we also saw a brilliant performance by Daniel Craig. This is, undoubtedly, one of the best based on a video-game movie of the 00's decade.

Anna Nicole (2013 TV Movie)

In the Present She Saw the Future, In the Future she Saw the Past

[6/10 · 22 April 2020]

This film was not geniously architected, but it portrays Vicky/ Anna in a honorable way, and the viewer never see an obscene image from the beginning to the end of this piece. We all knew that Anna Nicole had a reputation to be a sex, drugs and rock & roll abuser, but, through the scenes it's well notorious the unconditional love that she had for her son, Daniel. He was always her light, the star that shine in her life. And it's factual too, that she did the best she could, the best that she had learned herself, since she was alone throughout her young adult life and motherhood. Yes, she was over the top, and not politically correct, but that character/ personality aggregated to her overwhelming appearance made her who she was: the desirable, yet suffering with inner trauma, 21st century Marylin Monroe. The director made an excellent job with this biography movie, showing more the personality, the human being, without focusing too much in the scandals and on the negative side of her life. Over all, I was expecting worse and have a slightly good surprise. And this goes into the light.

The Da Vinci Code (2006)

Never Dumb, Never Boring. So Clever!

[10/10 · 5 April 2020]

Just as I imagine while reading the book in April 2015. Every little detail is there: the controversy with the Catholic Church, the History subjects, the changes and movements in the story. What an amazing directing and photography work. This is history and adventure, development from the beginning to the end, suspense, alteration of the facts. Over all, never dumb, never boring, so clever! A marvelous thriller, faithful to the book. This work by the author Dan Brown is a superb piece of art and the director, Ron Howard, honored that. And the choice of the actors was very well done: Tom Hanks is a very competent actor, and Audrey Tautou is such a compelling actress. So, this is a very high quality film.

Joker (I) (2019)

Brilliant, Perfect, Powerful, Real

[10/10 · 19 February 2020]

Only those who experience/d abuse, disrespect, disregard, injustice, violence, misfortune, negligence, humiliation and rejection from a very young age, will understand the feel, the need, the desire for justice, fairness, revenge, vengeance from all humans (family and society) "in loco", if possible. "Joker" is not a so fictional character. Unfortunately, there are plenty of joker's out there who were mistreated, neglected, and abused, by factual inferior human beings, that have gone free without there well-deserved punishment. This union of talent and capacity forces of Todd Philips and Joaquim Phoenix just had realism into the story. Plus, from a neurologic point of view, it showed us how a sociopath is made. Particularly, how the pain and suffer that leads to depression and pos-traumatic stress disorder, can change the brain chemical balance, the reality perspective, and, ultimately, the personality; transforming us into a confident, fearless, courageous, and vengeful human creature, but still with a sense of justice. It's also a positive point of this movie conception, that the introduction of the "Batman" story was very well determined and written. Let's cheer up to this corrupt and violent society that we live in! At least, they made something right this year: to give the Oscar to the most brilliant actor of all - Joaquim Phoenix. Thank you.

The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

This Can Be Very Relatable

[8/10 · 14 January 2017]

Despite this movie had tremendous success and stardom, I must confess that I was avoiding this flick through the years. Somehow I built the image, and the marketing around it helped, that this would be a very empty, futile, pointless experience and that I will learn nothing useful. I was wrong. This can be very relatable, namely the office emotional abuse by an authoritarian and disrespectful boss, the jealousy of a close colleague, and the everyday struggles of a young well educated woman in this century. I also really need to emphasize the stupendous acting performance by Maryl Streep has Miranda Priestly, the very real arrogant boss. When she realizes that she needs Andrea's dedication, commitment and competence to make her life function almost and every day, she finally sees her worth. But this time Anne Hathaway character go forward with her professional ambitions and finds a new job, in the traditional journalism area where she belongs.

Snowden (2016)

"I Support Online Rights"

[8/10 · 9 January 2017]

"I support online rights" – it's the sentence glued to Edward's Snowden laptop cover. Although it's only seen near to the final scene, it's the core, the driving force, the backbone of all film and Snowden real life choices. As we know, every choice come with a consequence either positive or negative. However the citizen had to be forced to go out of his birth country, he never lost his hope and motivation to show the world, the modern society that we should fight for our rights, even those which are sometimes disrespected by our own government entities. The conduction of the narration and scene sequence were very well thought, and made the general public understand every step of Snowden, and what sort of reality he needed to deal. It's also to be praised the courage and bravery that he had to put himself and his family in danger, but first of all the incredible idea of hiding a memory card in a Rubik's Cube.