native_girl333 Reviews

Midnight in Paris (2011)

A wonderful mix of reality and fantasy

[8/10 · 16 January 2012]

Woody Allen has done it again! A witty and funny comedy is set in the most romantic city of the world, Paris.

Gil Pender (Owen Wilson) is a writer who is on a vacation with his fiancé Inez (Rachel McAdams) when he gets absorbed in the magic of the Parisian midnight. Pender is stuck in the rut with his script because he's afraid to show it to anybody. Then he has a colorful blast from the past when he meets his idols, a group of various artists from the 20's. Naturally nobody seems to believe him. He finds himself wanting to spend more time with Ernest Hemingway and Scott Fitzgerald than his girlfriend. He also meets a lovely lady Adriana (Marion Cotillard). Gil starts to question what's really important to him.

Allen's story brings back the glamor of the 20's. The script's insightful and the maestro's vivid imagination and humor are flourishing once again. The cast is great, especially Wilson has a fantastic role for a change. Also Marion Cotillard and Adrien Brody as a surrealist Salvador Dali are brilliant.

"Midnight in Paris" is the best Allen since the great "Match Point" and lovely "Vicky Christina Barcelona".

Inglourious Basterds (2009)

New breeze from Tarantino

[9/10 · 18 October 2009]

I was looking forward to see what film-wizard Quentin Tarantino had done after fantastic "Death Proof".

At first it was hard to get along with "Inglorious Basterds" because it seemed to lack the signature of Tarantino. It was almost like you had come to watch a movie that someone else had directed. There was a long dialog but the humor wasn't there. And bow! Suddenly you were completely hooked. That's the brilliance of Tarantino. He always manages to catch a fly to his web with intriguing things in his movies. I noticed that even though his action is pretty nasty, harsh and cruel he has somewhat soften over the years, in the good way. As always Tarantino's great sense of music is present also in "Inglorious Basterds". Other fact that is brilliant with Tarantino that he always stays true to his idols. The original "Inglorious Basterds" (1977) is one of his favorite films.

The cast is also very good. At first Brad Pitt, with his southern accent, is annoying but you kind of grow on his character. Melanie Laurent (plays Shosanna Dreyfus) is a new talent. Diane Krueger was also good playing Bridget Von Hammersmark. Usually she is a bit woody. But the man who steals the show is Christoph Waltz who plays wonderfully twisted SS colonel Hans Landa. I can see him even winning an academy award with his performance. You can't help admire his language skills! "Inglorious Basterds" isn't the best of Tarantino but it has some of that extra special glamor.

Twilight (I) (2008)

Contemporary Vampire Tale

[7/10 · 4 May 2009]

Having always enjoyed vampire-movies I was delighted by the fact that Stephanie Mayers book had been made into the silver screen. This version is contemporary with hit music and hot young cast.

I represent the age when "Interview with a Vampire" was a hot flick. Now Brad Pitt has been replaced with Robert Pattinson who started his career from Harry Potter -movies. Twilight is in my belief more appealing to the younger audience but older can also enjoy this. If you can see through the teenage buzz "Twilight" can be very attractive. I was drawn by the fact that the movie wasn't spoiled with huge amount of special effects that could have ruined whole movie. Also the quality of darker picture is very nice. "Twilight" gets its power from the relationship between the two main characters, Bella and Edward. It is refreshing to have an another point of view when making a vampire film. Bella is Edward's temptation but he doesn't want to change her into one of them. Or he wants, very badly, but his feelings for Bella are stronger. The director Catherine Hardwicke indulges too much of the intensity that getting bored is dangerously close. When the audience already knows Edward's secret it makes watching somewhat numbing. Setting the tempo isn't Harwickes merit. On the other hand she has ability to direct some beautiful scenes.

The young cast is in development phase. Kristen Stewart as Bella is the most soulful of the group. Robert Pattinson is a little bit woody but I think he will make it big in the future if he manages to get more diverse parts.

12 Monkeys (1995)

A masterpiece from Gilliam

[10/10 · 4 May 2009]

Terry Gilliam is no usual film maker. His movies are always mind-bending and thought-provoking. Sometimes his style is hard to understand but in "Twelve Monkeys" (1995) he hits a home run.

The movie sets in then future, to the year 1997. A virus has killed 5 billion people which is almost all of human race. A convict, James Cole (Bruce Willis) is helping some scientist to solve the mystery of twelve monkeys and prevent the horrible future. The film jumps trough times as James travels in time. Gilliam has hooking film techniques that the movie opens piece by piece to the audience. The plot could have been difficult to follow but Gilliam clearly has skills in story-telling. The story is menacing picture of the future. It isn't hard to relate to the scary image of "Twelve Monkeys" because of the what is happening for example in Mexico these days. It is just terrible to think what kind of future is ahead of us. With watching "Twelve Monkeys" horrible thoughts are not so easy to forget.

Alas "Twelve Monkeys" is very recommendable, psychological thriller. Brad Pitt makes by far his best role as Jeffrey Goines. The performance earned him a academy award nomination. Also other cast is in order including Willis, Madeleine Stowe, David Morse and Christopher Plummer.

Yes Man (2008)

Carrey and Deschanel = A Working Combination

[7/10 · 4 May 2009]

I didn't have high hopes for this film. I thought it would be entertaining Sunday movie. As a matter of fact it was much better than I originally thought.

Carl's (Jim Carrey) life is going badly. The man has been stuck on working in a bank for five years without a promotion. He is lazy, he would prefer to be alone and watch a movie than to go out with his friends. And all because his wife Stephanie (Molly Sims) divorced him three years earlier. Carl's life changes suddenly when he gets a opportunity to become a Yes-Man. First Carl is very skeptic about this but magically saying "yes" starts to work. Carl meets different kind of girl Allison (wonderful Zooey Deschanel) who is not afraid to enjoy her life...

"Yes Man" offers a couple of new jokes that makes you laugh out loud. The new comedies of Jim Carrey have lately been just shadows from his pasts funny flicks like Dumb and dumber, The Mask etc. It was great that the film makers had a gut to cast a different kind of comedienne as opposite of Carrey in this film. Deschanel is great and little eccentric. For that reason she was a brilliant choice to play Allison. Also Carl's boss played by Rhys Darby is hilarious. The plot is somewhat predictable which is a little minus. In summary "Yes Man" is enjoyable and funny comedy.

Slumdog Millionaire (2008)

Children deserve some respect!

[10/10 · 20 February 2009]

"Slumdog Millionaire" tells a story of Jamal (Dev Patel), a young man who is participating in India's version of the hit TV-show "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire". Jamal manages somehow answer right in every question that wakes up local authorities. The amazing story and the answers are build around the questions.

Danny Boyle has done some great movies earlier but "Slumdog Millionaire" is clearly his challenging picture ever. He does with fresh story-telling and simply with great style. The cast is young but they are so natural and talented. The story is raw and merciless. You cannot help yourself of thinking how happy my childhood has been comparing. It is wonderful that Boyle has decided to tell the story through children. They are the heroes in this movie. They deserve some respect! There is no question that why the movie has been so popular because it is different but people can easily relate to it because of the underdog situation. Boyle reflects the poverty and exploitation of children in Indian society to the influences of USA for instant. In addition there is the turmoil how can so young and uneducated man know so much? Why wouldn't he because he has probably been trough more than educated adults around the world. And maybe it was meant to be...

Even if the story seems so hopeless there is a ray of light in the relationship between Jamal and Latika (Freida Pinto). When the movie ends you still expect the worst. Thought provoking and touching movie!

Tropic Thunder (2008)

Treat of a Film Freak

[9/10 · 27 January 2009]

Tropic Thunder is sharp, funny and very entertaining comedy which gives no mercy to the actors or the people involving to the film making.

Opening sequence gives many laughs. It doesn't really mock the great war movies but ables the film makers to show how great parts can be used again with funny spices in the mix. The rest is the big party of great performances. The plot has been thought very well. There is a one action star, one funny man and of course you have to have a method actor. Robert Downey Jr hits the home run as the serious drama, method actor from Australia (Hmmm... I wonder who have they had on their mind?) who takes the acting on the whole new level. It isn't no wonder Downey Jr. was noticed by the Academy Awards and for a such a funny performance! Tom Cruise parties in the role of a producer with a mean mouth. Other cast is also in the order.

In the movie there is so much great stuff that a great movie buff can really enjoy. I am a great fan of the Academy Awards and it is always funny when someone questions the criteria what movies or performances gets the nominations.

Tropic Thunder is one of the most funniest movies in the of 2008! I recommend to watch it!

Vicky Cristina Barcelona (2008)

Human Heart is Very Complicated Muscle

[8/10 · 24 January 2009]

Woody Allen is a brilliant story teller. Vicky Christina Barcelona proves that.

Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Christina (Scarlett Johansson) are about spend their summer in the beautiful Barcelona Spain. Vicky is going to get married next fall and Christina is pursuing to find herself. The two meet a sexy stranger Juan Antonio (wonderful Javier Bardem) who suggest a weekend trip to Oliviedo. Christina is instantly attracted to the man who is attracted the both of beautiful women. There begins a complex relationship between number of people. More spices is thrown into the mix by Juan Antonio's crazy ex-wife, Maria Elena (great Penelope Cruz).

Allen is master of handling a complicated relationships and striking dialog. His language is witty and filled with pathetic humor. The cast is chosen very well. All Johansson, Hall, Bardem and Cruz handle their part very well. Also it was nice to see Patricia Clarkson again on the screen because she is a such a good actress. Penelope Cruz really shines as a loony ex-wife. It wouldn't be surprise if she would be awarded with an Oscar.

Vicky Christina Barcelona isn't so unpredictable as Allen's masterpiece "Match Point" but it offers laughs and enjoyable drama comedy. The movie also makes you want to travel to lively Barcelona!

As It Is in Heaven (2004)

Straight from the Heart

[9/10 · 26 December 2008]

Daniel Daréus (brilliant Michael Nyqvist) is a world renounced conductor and composer who moves back to a little village in Sweden. There Daniel faces new challenges when a priest Stig (great Niklas Falk) asks him to give advice to village's church choir. Problems arise when Daniel starts to teach choir with his own methods that causes Stig to think did he make a huge mistake by asking Daniel to give his advices. Also a violent husband of one of the choir members, Gabriella (Helen Sjöholm) creates some harm.

"As it is in Heaven" has great characters in which the audience can adapt easily. Michael Nyqvist performance is fantastic. He is perfect to play bohemian artist. Other like Ingela Olsson as Stig's passionate wife, are acting straight from their hearts. The movie reflects always burning issues like bullying and what is morally right. A small town as a scenery highlight the conflicts. "As it is in Heaven" reminds us that it is important to find your own voice and courage's us to do what we want to do. The movie was given a honor to compete in a foreign film category at the Academy Awards in the year 2004. And for good reason! I recommend this film to everybody who enjoys a great drama with marvelous acting!

Hancock (2008)

True Face of a Superhero

[8/10 · 20 November 2008]

"Hancock" proves that being a superhero isn't always great.

John Hancock (Will Smith) is the only superhero left. He leaves in a dodgy trailer and finds alcohol more exciting than fighting against crime. People hate him and he doesn't make anything to please them. Hancock is crude and tired of doing heroic deeds. Then a unlucky PR-man Ray (Jason Bateman) tries to help Hancock to get back the appreciation of people. Ray's wife (Charize Theron) doesn't like the bad behaving superhero...

The director Peter Berg has picked a subject that brings something new to the superhero-genre. The Marvel pictures presents more typical superheroes but Berg thrills to the core of humanity. Every superhero has their human alter egos but Hancock doesn't hide behind some mask and doesn't seal his true persona. Hancock is bored to be the only rescuer of humankind and is lonely. Being different than others can be devastating and everyone needs somebody who understands what it's like to be different. Even though "Hancock" is funny and is full of parody things the movie includes some serious matters also.

"Hancock" is nice change to the genre!

The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)

Great Family Adventure

[7/10 · 12 August 2008]

"The Spiderwick Chronicles" is delightful adventure what is a perfect family movie.

The family Grace moves into a old house that mom (Mary Louise Parker) has inherited from her aunt. The house isn't any ordinary house. Rumour has it that aunt Lucinda (Joan Plowright) was taken away to a nursing home because she said she had seen magical creatures. Jared (Freddie Highmore) starts to hear things and finds something interesting. Soon the Grace children find out all the secrets of the old Spiderwick house...

"The Spiderwick Chronicles" has a clear plot. It is entertaining and exciting. Although it has the same known elements like "Lord of the Rings" -saga, "The Chronicles of Narnia" and Harry Potter -serie the movie has it own special story and some nice, new things. Any fantasy and mythology included stories have some facts in common but "The Spiderwick Chronicles" stands up on it's own. The story isn't so familiar but it would be fantastic to see some more of these chronicles! The story is constructed well so the whole story fits in an hour and half which is good considering the young audience. Although you would have enjoyed to continue watching a bit more.

The Characters are lively but there could have been spend more time in developing the characters. The characters are interesting and it have been nice to see more of them. Hopefully a possible sequel will do the trick.

I recommend "The Spiderwick Chronicles" to families but maybe the most youngest members of the family might scare some facts.

As Good as It Gets (1997)

"You make me want to be a better man"

[10/10 · 9 August 2008]

"As Good as It Gets" tells a story of highly neurotic Melvin Udall (brilliant Jack Nicholson) who "Terrorizes" his neighborhood and a understanding waitress Carol (amazing Helen Hunt). Controlled life of Melvin starts to fall apart when he gets a responsible task. Melvin suddenly realizes that maybe the life is going to be like it is. Melvin starts a complicated process without losing his straightforward nature.

James L. Brooks has directing is flawless and Mark Andrus has written a brilliant script with great characters. Nicholson is at his best at playing likable unlikable Melvin. Helen Hunt shines in the role of Carol. Also Greg Kinnear and Cuba Gooding Jr. support the fantastic movie.

"As Good as It Gets" is not a story of a neurotic person. It is a story of a human being who just want to be heard and understand. Through the character of Carol Melvin finds himself bewildered and wanting to change his ways just a bit. It is also a story of different people who can find love from unusual places.

One of the best drama-comedies ever made!

The Savages (2007)

Dear and Horrible Sisters and Brothers

[9/10 · 5 August 2008]

Tamara Jenkins has written and directed a fine description of relations between siblings. Wendy (Laura Linney) is a writer who is struggling to get funding for her project and has a relationship with a married man. Jon (Philip Seymour Hoffman) is a professor of theater who is just writing a book about one of the greatest theater influence, Bertolt Brecht. Siblings have not seen each other in a while. Suddenly their father (Philip Bosco) has got old and children are forced to take care of their father with whom children haven't been so close to. Wendy and Jon have had a poor childhood which have clearly affected their lives.

Jenkins uses Brecthian method, alienation (vermensdung) for characters to see themselves from another perspective. Jenkins clearly knows her field. I was intrigued by the fact because I personally work in the field of theater. Philip Seymour Hoffman and Laura Linney make touching and subtle roles. Jenkins shows her skills as a director as well as her writing skills. Jenkins has managed capture the essence of sibling-hood with great and bad spices.

Lust, Caution (2007)

Ang Lee has don it once again!

[9/10 · 5 August 2008]

"Lust, Caution" is yet a one brilliant piece of movie from the recognized director Ang Lee.

An activist, patriotic theater-group wants to assassinate Mr.Yee (Tony Leung) who has a warm relationship with Japan. A beautiful Wong (Tang Wei) is send to seduce Yee for murder plans to succeed. Wong is a great actress but where can be the line be drawn between masquerading and true feelings. Wong is strong and is willing to help the activists at any costs.

The performances of Leung and Wei are powerful and passionate. Ang Lee has proved to be a magical one-to-one director. Even though the movie was criticized to be violent and highly sexual the erotic part is made realistic and rough with a good reason. "Lust, Caution" does not ride with nudity or what some might call pornography. It shows a different sides of using power and who possess it. Women are usually treated badly and men control them but in "Lust, Caution" women can be very dangerous and on the top.

"Lust, Caution" is seductive, politic and fantastically directed!

The Crying Game (1992)

"I can't help it. It's in my nature!"

[10/10 · 7 May 2008]

When I was a teenager "The Crying Game" managed to surprise and touch. I watched it again last night and the magic is still there. Neil Jordan just have the touch.

A soldier, Jody (Forest Whitaker) is kidnapped by the terrorist group of IRA. He forms a surprising friendship with one of his kidnappers, Fergus (brilliant Stephen Rea) who has "a killer smile" but has also a heart. Jody adjures Fergus to go and find his loved one if something would happen to him...

Neil Jordan has written an amazing script which makes you laugh and cry. The story is very well structured. It is a story of love as an universal thing. This is the philosophy that is very dear to me. Jordan masquerades brilliantly human reflections through well-written characters like Fergus and Dil (Jaye Davidson). Dil's character gets to say the best punch-lines in addition of Fergus. The metaphor of the scorpion and the frog reflects human nature greatly.

The acting is fantastic. Stephen Rea is always very charming in his subtle way. Forest Whitaker was then just starting but his performance as Jody is touching. Jaye Davidson was a very good finding to play Dil. Miranda Richardson is ice-cold and cool as Jude. Jim Broadbent is funny as the bartender Col.

What a great movie! 10/10!

Sooloilua (2007)

Elstelä Rocks!

[9/10 · 4 May 2008]

"Sooloilua" is a story of difficult relationships and love. Emma (Saija Lentonen) is a journalist who gets suddenly sent to interview a successful conductor and ladies man Joel Abrahamsson (Kari-Pekka Toivonen). The interview fails but surprisingly Emma and Joel find themselves caught in swirls of love. Then Emma ends up nurturing Joel's demented mother (Kristiina Elstelä). And the difficult mother is not the only turn along the way...

"Sooloilua" is a first full-length movie for the director Lauri Nurkse. Nurkse manages to make a very decent job. He has had a great chance to work with the most capable Finnish actors like Kristiina Elstelä who is the real dynamo of the film. Elstelä makes a funny and touching performance as Joel's mother Lea. Saija Lentonen is sweet and subtle as Emma and Kari-Pekka Toivonen fits well in the part of our little pathetic-side conductor. "Sooloilua" is based on a same-named novel by Katja Kallio who has also scribbled the script. The result is a working, entertaining romantic comedy.

"Sooloilua" hits your laugh-nerve and makes you enjoy your journey with the three different main-characters!

Atonement (2007)

"I saw him. Yes, I am sure. I saw him with my own eyes."

[9/10 · 3 May 2008]

"Atonement" tells a story of a young girl (Saoirse Ronan) who witnesses a terrible thing which changes many lives dramatically. What is real and what is the truth? "Atonement" plays with these subjects.

Joe Wright has directed a brilliant drama where beautiful scenery and great story play the biggest part. The brilliant novel by Ian McEwan is fitted to the silver screen fantastically. The suspense is holding you tight in its grip. The music supports the movie and gives a delightful touch to the storytelling. The cast especially James McAvoy as Robbie and young and talented Saoirse Ronan as Briony deliver their roles with such a presence. The appearance of Vanessa Redgrave is great also. The episodic scene technique was imaginative and very mind-teasing which was a very essential ingredient to the plot.

It was very surprising that director Wright didn't get a Oscar nomination for his achievement. The screenplay of Christopher Hampton also lost in the Academy Awards. Both Wright and Hampton did a superb job. But this was clearly a year of the Coen brothers, very well earned of course. Gladly Dario Marianelli won the Golden Statue for best achievement in music.

"Atonement" is a clever, beautiful, emotional and touching experience. Definitely a worth watching!

Juno (2007)

Positive Surprise

[8/10 · 30 April 2008]

"Juno" is a heart-warming story of love and finding yourself.

Juno is 16-years-old and learns that she is pregnant after her first sexual experience. Juno is not a typical teenager. She sees things from her own special perspective. She decides to give her baby for adoption. Juno finds a all-American couple who wants to have a child very badly...

The writer Diablo Cody has managed to scribble a working script but sometimes the dialog is trying to be a bit too clever which isn't necessary. On the other hand Juno is a different teenager which explains it a bit.

Ellen Page makes a convincing performance as Juno. J.K Simmons and Alison Janney are funny in their parts as parents of Juno. Jennifer Garner makes a great role as child-wanting Vanessa.

Jason Reitman has directed "Juno" with endless optimism which leaves you smiling and feeling good after the film. "Juno" subjects young people as independently thinking and doesn't highlight the teenage pregnancy to be a bad thing but does not encourage young girls getting knocked-up. In "Juno" everybody gets something. That is a delightful feature in this so uneven and unfair world.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)

"How about a shave?"

[9/10 · 13 April 2008]

Tim Burton has done it again! Sweeney Todd is brutal and filled with dark humor and great acting. Johnny Depp is on fire! Benjamin Barker (fantastic Johnny Depp) was thrown to the jail because he had something that another one desired. Now he is back and full of vengeance. Together with Mrs. Lovett (Helena Bonham Carter) Sweeney Todd plans a horrendous plot to have his revenge on Judge Turpin (brilliant Alan Rickman). Are you brave enough to sit to the chair of our lust-for-blood barber? The music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim are exquisite. Combined with Burtons imaginative world and great story-telling the movie is one of the enjoyable musical there is. Burton draws beautiful, horror-romantic pictures that will not leave the audience cold. The songs like "Johanna", "Pretty Women" and "By the Sea" makes you want to sing along with Sweeney and others. Particularly "Johanna" is very beautiful and touching ballad performed by pretty Jamie Campbell Bower. Great performances are the key. In addition of Johnny Depp Helena Bonham Carter and Alan Rickman shines through this dark and dreary movie. Timothy Spall is Beadle, a sleazy little accomplish of Judge Turpin. The appearance of Sacha Baron Cohen is delightful and funny!

Costume design is the handwriting of Colleen Atwood. Costumes play an important part in the film. Atwood shapes the spirit of Burton and has created very working and variable combination.

Sweeney Todd is morbid and macabre but still you can find a little sympathy for our murderer. Burton knows that if you can't be together alive you can be together in death. Surprisingly comforting and beautiful thought.

Hitman (I) (2007)

Mild Hit-man

[5/10 · 5 April 2008]

"Hitman" is based on a popular game and the fact sure can be seen.

Agent 47 (Timothy Olyphant) is a one of the hit-man's from a organization of killers. The organization has raised and trained them. At this time Agent 47 gets a assignation to kill the president of Russia. He finds out that the gig is a set-up case...Surprise, surprise: the police is also after him.

It is a some kind of guideline that whenever anything is popular amongst the people it has to be made as a movie also. "Hitman" is a fair action-packer but the plot is unfortunately thin as ice. There is some great choreography moves but that is quite there. Timothy Olyphant is somewhat charming as Agent 47. He manages to be woody and stiff as a trained killer should be. Still there is a human side somewhere deep in this hit-man's heart. His soft spot is definitely a hooker Nika (Olga Kurylenko who is soon to be a next Bond girl). A heart-throb Dougray Scott is also on board but his characters stays a bit distant.

"Hitman" is a mediocre action film but nevertheless it is entertaining!

No Country for Old Men (2007)

Sarcasm Flourishes Even On the Most Dry Land

[9/10 · 3 April 2008]

"No Country for Old Men" is a one of the best movies of Coen Brothers. It is still very different than their other movies.

Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin) finds a briefcase including a blood money from a drug deal. Moss gets a ruthless hit-man, Anton Chigurh (absolutely brilliant Javier Bardem) hunting him down. Also a sheriff, Ed Tom Bell (fantastic Tommy Lee Jones) is interested of finding Moss. Moss is on the run but how long does it take our killer to find him...

Joel and Ethan Coen have used great ways to tell the story imaginatively. The direction for each actor is flawless and the characters are well written. The brothers have a creative way to show us what has happened without showing everything concrete. The minimalism of Coen's is very present. The three leading characters represents a different sides of the matter and form a working triangle. "No Country for Old Men" is one of the most powerful stories, indeed.

Javier Bardem gives without a doubt his careers yet best performance as a merciless killer whose only weakness is that sometimes he gives his victims a choice by calling a coin. Tommy Lee Jones is at his best as sheriff Bell. Josh Brolin fits fantastically to the role of Llewelyn Moss.

"No Country for Old Men" is one of the most serious creation of Coen's but still their flourishing sarcasm flows. There is no wonder why the movie was noticed by the Academy of Oscars. High recommends!

Fido (2006)

"From dust have you come and to dust shall you return, but from dust shall you not be resurrected"

[7/10 · 30 March 2008]

"Fido" is not as good zombie-comedy as "Shaun of the Dead" but it is a lively and funny story of the world where people don't die normally but transform into flesh-eating and menacing zombies.

Luckily there is a corporation, Zomcom, what has managed a possibility to live with zombies in a normal society. They can be servants and for other help, etc. Timmy Robinson (introducing K'Sun Ray) is a lonely boy who finds the most unusual friend of a Zombie Fido (Billy Connolly). Tim's father (Dylan Baker) opposes the zombies as a house-hold item but Tim's understanding mother (beautiful Carrie-Ann Moss) wants to take a zombie also to their family. Problems arise when Fido accidentally kills a old woman and compromises family Robinson's future...

"Fido" is a colorful and macabre, a nice little package of black humor. The feeling of the 50's is fun and gives a nostalgic touch to the subject and highlights the dark features. The movie is tagged as a horror-comedy but it is a thoroughbred comedy. There is nothing scary in it. "Fido" is entertaining and enjoyable comedy and includes lots of laughs. Besides a little plot flaws and a little too short film-duration the movie reflects the state of normal society by commenting it trough black humor. Though it would have been great to see more completed character-developing.

"I'd say I'm a pretty darn good father. My father tried to eat me. I don't remember trying to eat Timmy." -Bill Robinson-

Raja 1918 (2007)

Beyond Borders

[9/10 · 23 March 2008]

"Raja 1918" takes us to the world of war between Whites and Reds in Finland. After the declaration of independence Finland drifted to the situation that it was torn between Finnish and former Soviet Nation. Before the independence Finland was under the power of Russia. "Raja 1918" tells a story of a captain Karl Von Munck (Martin Bahne) who is sent to the eastern border to control the way where people want to cross the border to Finland. Von Munck falls in love with a teacher Maaria Lintu (Minna Haapkylä) who is engaged to a rebel fugitive, traitor Heikki Kiljunen (Tommi Korpela). The movement controlling is cruel. People are guaranteed, sent back to Russia or killed merciless.

The cast is brilliant. Martin Bahne is a very needed addition to the Finnish actors. Bahne brings a delicate touch to the Finnish soldier scene and deliver a touching performance. Bahne also speaks Finnish, Swedish and German what is very impressive. Minna Haapkylä is again in a strong female lead. Tommi Korpela is great as tough Heikki Kiljunen. Hannu-Pekka Björkman, Risto Kaskilahti and Lauri Nurkse make also memorable roles.

"Raja 1918" is a well-made, well-acted and surprising war-drama. The movie makes you appreciate our freedom and safety after all wars. The Civil War was very appalling and divided the people but it strengthen the unity of Finland and formed it how it is today. "Raja 19182 is realistic and interesting. The movie holds you till the end and still you yearn for more. "Raja 1918" is one of the best movies that Finland has produced ever. Freedom is a very topical subject because of wars and Civil Wars around the world.

High recommends!

Mr. Brooks (2007)

A Dark Passion

[8/10 · 22 March 2008]

Kevin Costner is Mr.Brooks who owns a successful company. On the outside he looks just like any normal family-man but he has a very dark side. He likes to kill people. He has done it in the past and now it is again time to unleash the beast...

Detective Tracy Atwood (Demi Moore) has hunted a merciless killer for a while. Now he is killing again. This time Tracy wants to get him and lock him up for good. The twisted plans of Mr.Brooks goes asunder when a photographer (Dane Cook) takes pictures of him while he's executing his passion and starts to blackmail our killer. The way Mr.Smith is blackmailing Mr.Brooks is not a typical way... At the same time Mr.Brooks has a different kind of problems with his daughter Jane (Danielle Panabaker).

Mr.Brooks is a very good thriller. The director Bruce A.Evans has explored the question that can a person manage to have a normal life and still have a passion of killing, and can this passion be inheritable. Mr.Brooks is reminds of serial killers like Ted Bundy who was charming and smart but had a very dark mind. The movie is surprising and thrilling. Acting is in order. Kevin Costner makes a one of his best performances in years. William Hurt is brilliant as Marshall. Demi Moore is good as a tough detective Atwood.

Mr.Brooks is one of the best thrillers of the year 2007!

Stardust (2007)

Catch a Falling Star

[8/10 · 1 March 2008]

"Stardust" is a magical story of Tristan (Charlie Cox) who takes a journey to find a fallen star to give it to her love (Sienna Miller). Young Tristan is not the only one who is after the star. A trio of witch sisters are after it also. They need the star to revive their youth. But the star is not so easy to catch...

The story is very funny and an adventure of adults. Neil Gaiman's original story includes extraordinary characters (Goat man/Billy and Ferdy the Fence played by Ricky Gervais are brilliant!) and bubbly, black humor. The director Matthew Vaughn (producer partner of Guy Richie) has had a special privilege of working with a superb cast including stars like Michelle Pfeiffer, Claire Danes, Robert De Niro and narrator Ian McKellen himself. 25 years-old Charlie Cox is talented, new face to the star line of the actors. De Niro has a very delicious role indeed... It has been Vaughn's luck to have so capable cast because sometimes his directing gets loose which can be seen when actors are left only with their imagination and improvising.

In summary "Stardust" is a fantasy story with action, humor and especially love. The visual effects are great and support the story. "Stardust" is entertaining and it was sure a positive surprise in the field of fantasy genre. High recommends!