a-bognar93 Reviews

Gone Girl (2014)

Doesn't feel real

[5/10 · 21 January 2015]

SPOILERS !!!!

Other then the major plot twists not the most exciting movie and i am not particularly flawed by the idea behind it either.

My main concern is how the movie is trying to present the characters at least up until some point as a normal couple, although it is obviously not the case. Obviously it's not just that everything was fine and then they just stopped trying and caring for the other one at some point, but instead none of them actually cared about each other...ever.

And that is my main point, both of the characters are representing classic cases of sociopaths, in terms of they never actually show real signs of caring about anyone, instead it highlighted through the movie multiple times how they are using other people, including each other to reach their goals. It is especially true for Amy but the main thing, that is the catalyst to the action is how Nick is one of the many man who Amy dealt with for not being a caring person (and obviously not only a rightful punishment but really just part of Amy's nature), he obviously has an affair but doesn't seem to show truthful love towards that girl either, in the conclusion he stays with Amy not because of love but because of common need, and also very often does same type of things to his sister as well.

However even as we see perfect example of sociopaths they still don't fit the picture, first none of them really seem to pursue additional goals in life such as career and on top of that the chances of 2 sociopaths being a couple is quiet unlikely really.

Honestly there were some good and not-so-good acting and generally the plot as i mentioned had exciting parts, but the story was just so off that i can't say i want to watch it again.

Lord of War (2005)

Modern Godfather?

[5/10 · 21 January 2015]

SPOILERS!!!

Well i think it is sort of a modern Godfather, at least there are some similarities such as the movie tries to give a complex picture of a figure who we would normally perceive as an evil person just based on his "profession" and the movie tries to explain us that it's not just black and white but more like a grey area (obviously in terms of good- bad). Other then that obviously it mostly based around violence just a more modern form and the hero does not actively take part in it, but does encourage it and makes a business out it. And on a side note that actually fact that the hero does not take part in the violence is actually not really a purely good thing it also represents him to be coward to some extent. And lastly, a very strong motive in both movies is how it is not really about an achievement, there is no END to this activity and the main hero even if he sometimes says so or acts so does not believe that this only a temporary solution for him, but instead he will continue it even if it means sacrificing anything, even his family.

That being said obviously not as great dialog as in Godfather, not as good acting, not as good story and mainly the action is sort of like in Godfather 3, some interesting scenes but huge part of it actually becomes boring.

I didn't like the ending either, due to the plot his family realizing that he is a liar (which they probably already knew just couldn't face it until they see it.) and leaving him completely makes sense, but when watching the movie it just seems ridiculous that his wife just follows him, he leaves stuff open and everything just happens too easily for a veteran leader warlord of a shady business. The directors couldn't seem to find a more realistic option it seems so they forced this one to get the moral ending they wanted.

Kino's Journey (2003)

Kino's Journey

[7/10 · 15 January 2015]

Definitely a very slow paced anime, if you are looking for action you are at the wrong place.

However, if you are interested in experiencing the elevating joys, the wide arsenal of emotions and artistic features an anime can offer then you have just found what you are looking for.

This piece of art is coming at you with a mixture of sounds, pictures, and dialog like not much other anime out there. Every single episode is a rather complex assessment of the different systems that have existed and exist throughout human history and of the different element of human personality in general.

Our main hero, Kino is a traveler and as such it is not the end point, not the destiny of the journey that is important for her, but the experience she gather while being on the road. Many of the episodes have not much connections to each other, they could be separated from each other and still be meaningful, in other words there are a lots of episodes (in the literature sense).

It was created by the same crew as Serial Experiments Lain, so if you've seen that you should have a good idea what you are in for, however this one is taking a less theoretic approach to the different problems humanity as a whole and an individual is facing. Most importantly, each episode gives you a comprehensive example, that way getting the problem close to you and is looking for practical solutions. Still in the end the Kino takes no active part in the events and is just a bystander, who forms her opinion but does nothing more (maybe with exemption of 1-2 life-death problems she can't stand by).

Summing up, to truly understand this piece you have to do your own part, this show doesn't serve you answers on a silver plate, but rather questions.

Yu Yu Hakusho: Ghost Files (1992–1995)

My childhood

[7/10 · 15 January 2015]

As a kid it aired on an anime channel and it was pretty much the only anime i watched until i grew older, back then I've seen it about 5-6 times all the way from the beginning to the very end.

Just like many other anime, this one is heavily centered around character development as well. As a result what we get are really good, and well detailed characters that make the center of the series. During the 3 seasons there are at least 6-7 characters that have deep stories and personalities to them, so chances are you are going to be attached to at least a couple of them by the end of the show. Other than the heroes going through an emotional journey in which they mature and find their places in their worlds (the plural form is intended) they also develop physically in their power levels, symbolizing this journey.

As for the story line, it's nothing too complicated or excessive, but it is OK. The real deal however are the fight scenes, being an action packed anime, there are tons of cool abilities used by our heroes and the villains they face, and they don't always win their fights either, which makes it much more realistic and exciting. In some instances you might even find yourself rooting for the bad guys, as the line between good and bad is not that clear like in real life.

Overall if you like action based anime with lots of fight scenes then this is a MUST WATCH for you.

Hell Girl (2005–2006)

Outstanding visuals and dialog

[6/10 · 15 January 2015]

This anime can be enjoyed by a wide variety of people. If you are fascinated by the Japanese symbolism or like the thrill of tense moments or enjoy common people finding themselves challenged by supernatural mysteries this one is for you.

The dialogs are very clever, the visual elements are stunning and the plot is definitely interesting. There is just one problem, but admittedly it is a big one: It is very monotone.

The same scenario and conversations are repeating themselves every episode over and over, so if that is something that annoys you, you might want to stay away from it, however if you can get through the first 6-8 episodes, you will be pleasantly surprised as the ending is worth waiting for.

If not for the repetitions i'd probably give it an 8 or 9.

Good Intentions (I) (2010)

Fun one time movie

[5/10 · 15 January 2015]

A portrait of the life in a small southern town in the USA, Good Intentions is a fun movie, that offers a deep variety of emotions.

As the title suggest our main character Etta just want the best for her family, but ends up failing to do so because she wants to have everything and everybody around her under her control. In the end she learns a valuable lesson about trusting others and giving them the respect and honesty they deserve.

You are probably not going to watch this movie more than once, but the humor, the characters and the atmosphere of the small town will probably be enough for you to make the movie a great experience if only for 84 minutes, it certainly has been for me at least.