uolevivittu Reviews

Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)

Disappointing, except the stunts

[6/10 · 8 November 2023]

There's some good things.

The stunts are great as always. However, some of them are great only because you know Cruise did it for real, not because what is on the screen in super inventive of fresh. Like a fight on the roof a train, a car chase in Rome, motocycles... I think we've seen all this. The only really fresh action scene is right at the end.

As a big plus, the theme is very current from the real world, a threat to humanity caused by AI.

List of bad things is far longer:

It's too long and filled with convoluted bad guy monologues, you can't keep track of their motives and eventually you'll just start ignoring the whole plot and waiting for the stunts.

The new character...by Hailey Atwell. I didn't like her. Nice face, cringey acting, annoying character. She didn't deserve Ethan Hunt's loyalty, after doing nothing but betraying him, over and over again, for small gains. I read Tom Cruise dated her in real life, I think this has clouded Tom's judgement. She shouldn't have gotten the part, or at least not this much screen time. I prefered Rebecca Fergusons character much more.

The worst thing, Atwell's character displaces the old team almost completely, and they are put to the sidelines. Also lines and scenes that were written to Simon Pegg for example, aren't as witty as usually. He had far less funny scenes or lines, than in previous parts.

Some parts are obvious CGI. I mean obvious to the eye.

Writers did a bad job, it's too silly (yet taking itself seriously), convoluted, artificially complicated and outlandish, even for a MI movie. They were never realistic, but they made some sense until now

Bad guys are not memorable at all, compared to Rogue Nation and Fallout.

Actually I hated this movie, mostly. Even when I loved MI series, minus part 2. MI series was on endless winning streak since part 3, I guess it had to end at some point.

They filmed during Covid restrictions, perhaps it had a negative effect on the creative energy on the set... the only movie worse in this franchise is part 2.

Perhaps Dead Reckoning Part II ties everything together, but I don't think it will. But now people can say the lack of satisfaction when the credits roll was due to it being just the first act. I'd say it's because of bad writing and Hailey Atwell messing it (and Tom's head) up.

Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)

Good CGI, but the concept is Cameron's weakest

[6/10 · 16 June 2023]

Terminator 1-2 and Aliens are among my Top 10 favourite movies. T2 and Aliens are probably the two best sequels ever made.

The blue people aren't really working for me. Yes the graphics are amazing. But it's not enough. I just don't care enough or feel for these blue characters enough. The world is too weird to care about. Everything feels like an excuse to show another groundbreaking CGI effect. I don't care about this world or it's lore.

It's sad that Cameron became obsessed with simplistic morality tale about "Save the planet". Yes I understand it's preaching about important things, like stopping climate change, protecting the diversity of species, forests and all that. But it's just not very intelligent cinema. One movie made the point already.

Actually I didn't even finish this, the blue people started to get on my nerves around mid-way. Around the time they started to learn to swim. I simply didn't care about their fates. And yes I care about our planet.

Before Midnight (2013)

Well acted again, but depressing

[6/10 · 28 March 2023]

The argument scene in the end kills it for me. It's just too depressing. And the things they accuse each other about.

My parents have been together for more than 50 years and I've never heard them argue this viciously. Never. Plenty of small bickering about trivial things, but nothing this vicious, not even close.

Celine seems really annoying in this movie. Very angry feminist... She was never my type (too neurotic), but in first two movies it was tolerable, here I can't even imagine why any man would want to be with her. And apparently Jesse cheated on her, so the marriage is doomed in my eyes.

I'm not one of those modern people who think that you can stay together after cheating. Not even if you have kids. Cheating is bye bye time from my perspective, and I'll never change my stance on it. I'd rather die alone. I just couldn't enjoy the movie because of my personal values. And because of the long, emotionally draining fight scene.

Just think about the first scene of the first movie, and the mid-age couple arguing in the train. Now, make that 1/3 of this movie, and that's what you get. Realistic, maybe, but I wasn't fun to watch.

This movie basically says, that there is no true love, all love eventually turns into intolerable BS, so don't even bother. Just let us believe into beautiful things for a moment, even if it's just in the movies. (And it's not, every long realationship doesn't end up like this... Jesse and Celine should have just divorced)

Glass Onion (2022)

The ending wasn't quite as brilliant as the first Knives Out, otherwise just as great

[9/10 · 23 December 2022]

I loved the first Knives Out. I think it was best film of the year, by far.

This movie starts a little slow. But I didn't mind. It's setting things up, introducing characters and murder doesn't happen instantly like in the first movie. Plot thickens mid-way to the story.

The social commentary was perhaps even more on point this time (mostly about stupidly rich people and class), and there was a lot more humour. The plot was also very interesting and complex.

Contrary to what some reviews say, you can definitely pick up clues, and try to solve the crime when watching this film. You can definitely rule out certain suspects pretty early on, from how they react into certain things.

The ending however, didn't quite live up to the first movie. It was alright but not quite as briliant as the first movie. The ride there was more enjoyable this time, so I forgive it.

I'm giving it a 9. I gave the original Knives Out a 10.

This was definitely better on second watching after doing some Googling, there was lot of name dropping and stuff I missed the first time.

Avatar (2009)

Cameron's weakest sad to say

[7/10 · 10 December 2021]

I love every Cameron film except this one. Rewatched it after 10 years now, and nope.

Amazing visually, especially in 3D theater like I saw it the first time.

But the story was simplistic and nothing that innovative. Story is the heart of a movie, not visuals or effects.

The blue people aren't really working for me. The animation is great, but they have so much screen time that it becomes apparent that CGI wasn't (and still isn't) quite there. You can't completely replace real scenes and actors, without losing something. I know the facial expressions are mo-capped from real actors, but there's still something off about them.

One of the most talented film makers of our time, James Cameron, committing to this idea for three movies is a waste, sorry to say. It kinda works for one movie, but three? I'm not seeing it.

No Time to Die (2021)

Not Craig's best, not his worst

[7/10 · 20 November 2021]

I'd rate the Craig Bonds in this order, actually:

Casino Royale, Skyfall, this one, Spectre, Quantum of Solace

Too many scenes dragged on for too long. The movie is too long, for the unremarkable story it's telling. There was plenty of room for editing out dialogue and you could have tightened most scenes easily.

Also what I liked about Casino Royale, was the lack of silly gadgets. Here Bond has gatling guns hidden in his Aston Martin, so the movie kind of takes a step back into the campy times in some scenes. But other times it feels modern, it's a bit weird mix stylistically.

Ana de Armas as Paloma (a nervous but surprisingly efficient rookie agent) was the best part of the movie really, but it's a small part. Craig does a good job as always with the script he is given.

The bad guy (Rami Malek) is slightly dissapointing, somehow his acting and the whole character is quite "middle of the road". The opening scene was interesting, but later his character loses steam.

There's good action scenes though, but you've seen some of them on the trailers already. The best ones were in my opinion in Italy, near the beginning.

The black woman (can't remember her name) who is to replace 007 in this movie, was unnecessary and the character just mainly annoying. Paloma was much more likeable and did a better job as a agent, without being a stuck up feminist...

Clear and Present Danger (1994)

Best of the Jack Ryan movies IMO

[8/10 · 4 July 2021]

Better than Patriot Games, which wasn't half bad. It's just well written thriller, with a believable feel to it. Good sound design, for which it was Oscar nominated.

Creed (II) (2015)

Best movie in the franchise since the original Rocky

[9/10 · 24 June 2021]

Lots of review bombing here, is this a race thing or what?

I'm not a black person (white male from Scandinavia) but I found the main couple very likeable. Stallone does also one of his better roles. The script may be a bit predictable, but it's well acted and well made. The movie has heart, just like the first Rocky had.

I don't actually care much for the franchise, the first Rocky was good, but the sequels got goofier and goofier as time went on, to the point where they felt like parody of themselves almost. But this feels just as fresh and sharp as Rocky did, back in the day.

Creed II however was clearly weaker (while not a total dud), and starts to have the same symptoms as Rocky sequels in the 80's. Hope they stop now.

This movie however, great one. In my Top 3 boxing themed movies, others are the original Rocky and Million Dollar Baby. Would have deserved that Oscar honestly.

Creed II (2018)

Not terrible, but clearly worse than the first Creed

[7/10 · 24 June 2021]

Well-made but a bit uninspired movie.

Creed was a surprise hit and had really likeable characters, fresh idea and grounded story. It was good in a same way as the original Rocky was.

This however is starting to feel like those old Rocky sequels, a tired re-hash and fan service. It lacks the freshness of Creed, and starts to resemble those campy Rocky sequels from the 80's, in a bad way.

It's still ok because of good actors, but honestly I hope they don't make Creed 3. Better just leave this franchise alone before it gets really bad, the well has ran dry.

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

Best Indiana Jones movie. Largely thanks to comedic brilliance by Connery & Ford

[10/10 · 26 May 2021]

This is quite simply the perfect adventure movie. Just 10/10. Never been topped, never probably will be topped.

I know Raiders of the Lost Ark is widely regarded as the best Indy movie, because it was the first. But I think it's only the second best.

Last Crusade is not just more entertaining, but it also deepens the character of Indiana Jones in a way that Raiders never did. His childhood, father relation, what made him the man he is. And where he got that scar, hat, whip and name from.

The movie's first act is good too, but things really kick off once Sean Connery (RIP) enters the frame. The comedic chemistry between Harrison Ford and Sean Connery is just gold, almost Chaplinian physical comedy combined with great verbal comedy. And most of it takes place during an epic chase scene, which would be great on it's own. And that scene at the fireplace trapdoor just gets me every time. And who could forget the autograph by Hitler lol. Or "...no ticket..." and the reaction it creates. The whole movie is just filled with legendary scenes and jokes, really. Hard to pick.

The final act, the tank chase scene, and the dramatic Grail trials, everything is just perfectly executed. "He chose poorly". While I think the funniest segment of the movie is the mid part. The ending is more dramatic, fittingly so.

I mean, how can you say on a straight face that Raiders is better? Just how. I get it, it was the first, it's the most original, but still... this is one of those rare sequels that tops the original one. (Aliens and T2 come to mind too, not much else)

Before Sunrise (1995)

Realistic portrayal of real romance. But the main couple is not relatable to me, too artsy people

[7/10 · 22 May 2021]

The insecurity of first date is realistic, realizing that few awkward comments like "Nice bridge" when walking on an ordinary bridge or nervous first kiss doesn't mean there is no chemistry, very realistic. The fact real life is not perfect, disagreement is not a fight. It's all very realistic, and way better than most romantic Hollywood movies.

However, they are completely different people than me. They are a bit too "everything I say needs to be super deep", a bit too bohemian art types. So I couldn't relate, I would probably feel awkward with people like this IRL, not just in the beginning but next morning too.

Not all intelligent conversations involve culture, poems or stuff like that. Some couple could both be into math or engineering, and talk passionately about that. Or rock music, sports, whatever. I couldn't relate to them that well.

Doesn't make the movie bad, Ethan Hawke's character becomes a writer in the sequel, so it makes sense to be like that. Their conversations were just a bit exhausting at times :D But there was good bits too, although they are thoughts that most thoughful adults have thought of in their life, or something close to it. But still well written, and well delivered.

Anna (II) (2019)

People praise John Wick and the sequels, but hate on this? Why exactly?

[7/10 · 23 April 2021]

Because it's the same kind of thing... no plausibility, no human interest, plenty of nasty violence, 1 antihero wins all fights against impossible odds. Violence is what people see these for, right? I think Wick movies are vastly overrated, and this wasn't bad. It's nowhere as good as something like Leon The Professional, because that movie had heart, not just violence. Here, just violence (and some sex), some plot twists, who double-crosses who. But the action is well made, and bodycount is high.

Black Book (2006)

Verhoeven's best movie (yes, including Robocop) and one of best WW2 movies

[10/10 · 8 April 2021]

Some people might skip this movie because it's mostly not in English, as the story is about Dutch resistance and spy operation in WW2. But they shouldn't... you'll really be missing out. Apparently this is inspired by true events. Everything screams big budget and Hollywood, even when it's a Dutch production.

The less you know about the story beforehand the better. But basically it's a clever spy thriller about infiltrating the Nazi headquarters in Haag, in 1944. This movie has no boring moment, no wasted shot, no wasted line of dialogue. Bit of action too. Just when you thought you figured who double-crossed who, there's a new surprise.

The acting is top notch, Carice van Houten is so damn good heroine. Pretty, witty, charismatic, and great in portraying emotions boiling underneath.

All the other parts are well acted too. I've seen this at least 5 times (I love how you can see hints about the plot early on, if you know what to look for), and I don't usually care for movies that aren't English spoken to be honest.

The Fugitive (1993)

The best thriller, that wasn't made by Hitchcock?

[10/10 · 8 March 2021]

A suspense classic.

Superb acting by Harrison Ford, in one of his best performances, as the likable everyman who doesn't use brawn and brute force, but his wits. Tommy Lee Jones won an Oscar for this, but Ford could have won just as well.

Ford plays a doctor, an innocent man sentenced to death, for murdering his wife. His character while not an action hero, is obviously smart, and that's masterfully written into the script in several nail-biters, where he is able to use his fast thinking and knowledge of the hospital world. Jones is the federal agent, trying to catch him.

The suspense never lets go. This is among the greatest, up there with classics like Rear Window and Vertigo. I wish they'd still make movies like this.

There's basically two implausible moments, one, no woman would offer him a ride in night-time Chicago lol. Two, the dam jump would have been lethal.

The Edge of Seventeen (2016)

Better than most movies of the genre

[8/10 · 29 November 2020]

The main character, Nadine, is actually slightly annoying for the better part of the movie. A bit of drama queen, everything is always about her. Even when there was some tragic stuff in her past, it doesn't warrant such behavior.

She has a few wakeup calls in the end, and that's the whole point of coming-of-age movies I guess. Growing as a person

She's witty throughout though, very well written dialogue. Having insights that seem a bit too clever and mature for most 17-year olds. (I believe she was 19 or 20 in this role, typical for Hollywood)

Scenes with Woody Harrelson (her teacher) are hilarious, anything that guy says here is just gold. I actually re-watched the teacher-student scenes couple of times, they are hilarious.

I liked this more than Mean Girls, or Perks of Being a Wallflower. Better than most coming-of-age movies. Seen quite few of them

Casino Royale (2006)

The only Bond movie I actually like. Make of that what you will

[9/10 · 22 November 2020]

"Bonds are stupid" I thought until this movie. Cliched, formulaic, zero believability, zero human interest, zero realism. Always the megalomaniac bad guy with plans of world domination, air head Bond girls, Aston Martinis and Vodka Martinis. Stupid gadgets, chases, big ending battle, Bond gets the girl, roll credits.

Casino Roayle breaks the formula, and has the first Bond actor that actually looks like a killer (he is a hitman for the UK government, really). Like a hard and not that happy man. The character is appropriately dark, because having a job like that wouldn't make you a cheerful fellow always cracking jokes, like Pierce Brosnan portrayed. There is humour but it's more mature and subtle. The Bond girl (the second one) is not an airhead just for decoration.

I didn't like Craig's Bonds after this that much. Skyfall was okay, but far from the greatness of this one. The other two had bad scripts.

Strangers on a Train (1951)

Not Hitchcock's best

[7/10 · 21 November 2020]

I actually burst in laughter when the cop shot the innocent carousel operator. The whole thing was just disregarded afterwards, "Meh, it's just the hobo who pulls the lever, all good".

Also the tennis scene is way too prolonged. But otherwise, it's pretty good. Nothing as good as Rear Window or Vertigo, which I consider Hitchcock's best.

Knives Out (2019)

One of the few ACTUALLY good movies in.. what, ten years?

[10/10 · 5 September 2020]

When I see IMDb top 250, and sort by date... it's saddening to see. Super hero movies. Super hero movies. Since when this became a thing? I have no interest for Marvel characters in spandex, no matter how "mature" the storytelling is. Yeah I've seen a few, and they didn't deserve their score, while some were ok.

Okay there's Bollywood movies too, but I feel they get higher rating than deserved also because India is a massive (and growing) country, and Indians vote their native movies. National pride sort of thing

BUT this movie. Good old style story telling, a real whodunnit, with humor and some social commentary sprinkled on top. But the main emphasis is on the Agatha Christie style murder mystery. It's like playing the boardgame Clue, trying to figure out the killer, but in movie form. Great entertainment, so well written.

Only thing I didn't like was Daniel Craig's accent, I mean it was a bit overdone. Everyone else seemed realistic, and this character seemed like a caricature. I like Daniel Craig in Casino Royale, Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and bunch of other films. His acting was good here too, but I wish he just did his natural accent.

SPOILERS AHEAD:

Small other criticism, I did find the ending a bit implausible, even an experienced nurse would check the labels when the stuff she's giving is potentially lethal. And not just trust the hand-feel of the liquids. Besides, how different can two bottles of liquid really feel, if their size and amount of liquid is the same?

SPOILERS END

Anyway, it was a small thing... otherwise one of best movies I've seen in many years. And deserves it's high score (unlike those superhero movies)

About the rumored Knives Out 2, writing a story as good as this twice in a row... seems unlikely. But hope they succeed, definitely interested

Take Me Home Tonight (2011)

Slightly underrated

[7/10 · 10 May 2020]

I think it's better than the current 6,3 standing in IMDb. I've watched it multiple times over the years, which I can't say about many 6,3 movies.

Sure, it's not the best comedy on the planet, but it has certain 80's charm to it. I always liked "Coming to age" movies too. Maybe to relive my own youth, but whatta heck.

The chemistry between the lead couple (Topher Grace, Theresa Palmer) is good, and every scene where they are together, works. Probably, because they were a couple in real life too.

The soundtrack is great, some of that good 80's stuff. If you're into it. I definitely am, so it raises the score for me.

Dan Folger gets a bit annoying at times, especially after he does cocaine. But he has some good lines too, and when he is more sober, he is tolerable.

Anna Faris also funny here.

SPOILERS AHEAD:

The plot is not very believable. Matt Franklin says to Tori he only lied about his job. But that's not true. He also lied about being into windsurfing, to impress her. Although he never said he owns the car, he heavily implied he does. He also lied about the promotion at Goldman Sachs, and his buddy assisted him in this pre-planned scam. Which makes it obvious that it was very calculated, very early on. And he even dared her to risk her job, with the "Penis-game", all the while working at Suncoast Videos himself. With nothing to lose. All these lies would've been revealed to her later. Way to start a relationship...

How could a woman trust this guy, after all these lies. I don't know. Even if he did one dangerous stunt. (Which is, kind if childish reason to get attracted to a guy, that you just called a pathetic loser a moment earlier)

I kinda hoped they would have met just in honest way. Like in "Say Anything..." But maybe the comedy wouldn't have worked as well then. Still a fun movie.

RoboCop 2 (1990)

Severely underrated sequel

[8/10 · 30 April 2020]

Is it as good as RoboCop? No, probably not. Does it deserve the hate? Absolutely not. It's way better than score leads you to believe. Kind of similar deal as Die Hard vs. Die Hard 2. Not as great as the first one, but a worthy sequel.

I really don't get the hate, and I'm pretty critical about these things. It's very similar in style to the first one, it has the same satirical tone about United States and extreme capitalism. All those satirical TV ads and news broadcasts, here and there. The bad guy is every bit as good as Clarence Boddicker. Okay maybe not quite, but close.

Lot of action, lot of black humor.

The Green Mile (1999)

Overrated

[4/10 · 25 March 2020]

I didn't like the supernatural elements. They are used for all major plot twists, and there's not really any explanation offered, as to why things happen. Not even in the end. It kept my interest until the end, only to disappoint.

Yeah I get it, one of the prisoners is a God's Angel or whatever. But sent for what purpose? Why as this muscular black man? What's the purpose of that? Who sent him, God apparently? Why? Are the other angels like him? If not, why not? If yes, how people are selected to be angels. How their appearance is selected? Are they all muscular? Why does he exhale something that looks like insects, after healing someone? Why he acts like he is a bit slow, are all angels a bit slow?

Yes it's well acted, had some good characters and desperately trying to make you cry (No luck with me) with continuous tear-jerk attempts towards the end.

I suffered until the 3+ hour movie ended, all because of two things

A) Frank Darabont, director of The Shawhank Redemption B) High rating in IMDb

Afterwards I wanted my 3 hours back. Such a letdown

Just go watch The Shawhank Redemption instead, way better prison movie that actually manages to be touching (with no tear-jerk moments), and is tied to reality, not "Here comes the plot twist, wait for it... it's called... a supernatural, unexplained phenomena".

The Firm (1993)

Better than it gets credit for... because the plot is too complex for the average viewer?

[10/10 · 3 April 2019]

Great plot, with lot of twists. You need to focus, especially towards the end, otherwise you won't be able to keep up. This is why I'd suspect it gets so low rating. For dumb people it will seem boring and difficult to follow. It's not an action movie no... but it doesn't make it boring. Smart plots aren't boring.

Brilliant bluesy/jazzy piano soundtrack by Dave Grusin. I enjoy it greatly even without the movie. Every actor does a great job, especially Tom Cruise who in this movie is likable, compared to movies like Top Gun and Cocktail where he is annoying and slimy. Here he is much more believable, sympathetic and has matured as an actor. One of his best performances. One thing I didn't like though is how he handled the situation at the beach, and got away with it in the end. Setup or not, it wasn't a happy ending for me

Whiplash (2014)

Good movie, but not realistic

[10/10 · 6 August 2017]

Real music schools (studied music and jazz myself for years with national top teachers) don't have teachers like this, atmosphere like this kills creativity. Real atmosphere is much more positive and based on encouraging, not threatening. Yes it's extremely competitive business where everyone works incredibly hard, but still it mainly happens in good spirit, since you won't get into bands if people hate you. Nothing new or groundbreaking is born in the atmosphere of fear, just mechanic repetition of old.

But it doesn't matter for the story, great acting,interesting plot twists, great... pretty much everything. Great movie.