PeetaFr0d0 Reviews

The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021)

Funny, delightful, animated film about an unusual family

[9/10 · 17 June 2024]

This Sony Pictures animation production totally lived up to my expectations, as I expected something as lively and high-quality from the studio, especially when I knew that the creators behind this one are they who brought "The Lego Movie" and "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" to the big screen. The movie tackles dependence from technology, has a post-apocalyptic storyline, and has a relatable (at least to me) main character: Katie Mitchell, a movie lover and an aspiring filmmaker, is the character most movie buffs (including me!) can relate to. This film has great animation, humorous moments balanced with heartwarming ones, and an inspirational message about authenticity over contrived happiness (usually made up for social media), the truth that even a dysfunctional family can succeed in doing things together and retain their bonds, despite the adversities, and about the sacrifices made from parents for a better life for their children. It also advocates that we should follow our dreams no matter how impossible the achievement of them might seem at first, and that everyone can be who he chooses to be, regardless of the obstacles. The picture gets its points across without giving away neither the family entertainment is meant to deliver, nor the fast pace. It is really fun, has children-friendly action, cinephile references and is enjoyable for everyone in the family, making it an ideal choice for family movie night.

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Fantastic, greatly (re)watchable, musical masterpiece for the whole family

[10/10 · 15 June 2024]

"The Wizard of Oz" starring Judy Garland and directed by Victor Fleming, director of "Gone in the Wind" is undeniably one of the all-time great musicals and, not only for the revolutionary, beautifully colourful visuals, the first-time-seen-in-the-big-screen alternation between sepia tones and Technicolor, the skillful and exhilarating storytelling that holds the viewer's interest from beginning to end and the joyful musical numbers accompanied by extremely catchy songs, but also for its overarching message about courage, insistence, inventiveness and kindness, which is by no means didactic and doesn't take away from the entertainment the film delivers. The choreography is very successful and aligned with the film's pace, direction is great as well, the set design is impeccable, with lush visual detail in every sequence, the soundtrack is perfectly fit for every scene, Judy Garland steals the show as the young girl whose character develops through her adventure, and as I see it, there is something to enjoy for everyone in the family in this motion picture. All the above reasons define this film as a tremendously enjoyable classic with timeless and intergenerational appeal (it is one of the most incessantly revisited pictures of all time), which is thoroughly uplifting and highly recommended for all moviegoers who haven't seen it yet, but for the ones who have done so and have remained "young in the heart" (as the card in the start of the picture says), as well.

The Fifth Element (1997)

Fun, colourful, action-packed sci-fi

[8/10 · 15 June 2024]

This science - fiction action - romance film uses incredibly innovative special effects, which make it a visual treat. It's totally watchable, with frequent landscape changes, comedy and action sequences, as well as appealing aliens, that all of the above make for a lighthearted pick for a popcorn-friendly movie night. Although not a masterpiece, it has lush set design, a nice soundtrack and decent performances from the leading trio, (Bruce Willis as the two-fisted cab driver Korben Dallas, Milla Jovovich and Gary Oldman), good direction which offers us thrilling enough battle sequences, the aura of classic adventures (like "Indiana Jones") and sci-fi films (sometimes seems like a mix of "Alien" and "Star Wars", not irritatingly though), and an underlying anti-war message near the end of the movie. It -briefly- raises moral issues as the worth of the human race, the power of love, which add a layer of sophistication to the motion picture, but above all succeeds as an entertaining, lighthearted and gleeful blockbuster, that delivers laughs and occasionally over-the-top action. It is recommended to everyone who needs an enjoyable 2-hour escape from reality and it could be "used" as an introduction to sci-fi comedy (obviously, it's not at all better than George Lucas's "Star Wars"). A scene from this motion picture, though, will leave you wondering why female pleasure is acceptable in a film of this genre (which was rated PG-13), while it's considered offensive in a drama film like "Boys Don't Cry" from 1999, which was slapped with an NC-17 rating due to a scene of such nature and needed to be censored in order to ensure a more commercially lucrative rating.

Argylle (2024)

Surprisingly fun and well produced spy action-comedy

[7/10 · 14 June 2024]

This film was unexpectedly enjoyable and well-made, although it doesn't have the most original screenplay of the genre. On an up-note, it boasts countless twists and turns (which the viewer won't see coming) during the whole duration of it, a smart idea, some decent performances from the main cast, especially those of Henry Cavill and Bryce Dallas Howard as the reserved but lovable writer, and some eye candy as well, courtesy of impressive special effects. Voice-over is efficient, when used, and the humorous approach to subject matters as how to defeat an attacker delivers. The soundtrack is in line with the pace of the sequences, and although some ways of elimination of bad guys are well-worn, this doesn't detract much from the whole. The picture has some similarities with the themes of identity explored in the first film of the "Bourne" franchise (The Bourne Identity), even though the plot doesn't dig deeper into them, and there is a light likeness -only visual- with scenes of Emerald Fennell's debut "Promising Young Woman". The movie ultimately hits the mark, and it's a fun, if forgettable spy film, recommended to the ones who are searching for a lightweight option to have a good time.

Promising Young Woman (2020)

Funny, grimdark, subversive and harsh genre-bending directorial debut

[9/10 · 28 January 2024]

This is a film which combines many genres (revenge movie, dark comedy, thriller, crime drama) in a very successful way. It attacks unapologetically rape culture, and shows us how is society biased against women, favouring "good guys" over "bad girls". It might be harsh and bittersweet, but that's how true life is, and as I see it, one of the missions cinema has is to portray life as it is, with its ups and downs, exposing societal pathogenies and problems but showing the bright side of life, as well, and I think this movie succeeds in it, for the most part, at least. The script is truly original (undoubtedly a well-deserved academy award for Best Original Screenplay for the director Emerald Fennell), with many twists and turns, revenge-fueled -seemingly thoughtless- acts, and its grimly realistic, but ultimately fulfilling ending, is really true to life, and the fact that it doesn't show on-screen the rape, which is at the heart of the film, only adds to its impact and charm. The scene with the head of the protagonist centered just "in" the angles of a square frame is impressive, and the combination of old-fashioned aesthetic with contemporary elements is nothing less than effective, and transfuses a timeless breeze. The technique of tracking shot* is well-used when needed, and although the separation of the picture to parts seems a bit outdated sometimes, it doesn't detract a lot from this work. Above all stands the explosive and powerful, yet absolutely convincing performance of Carey Mulligan. I believe that this movie in the end is an audaciously raised "bird" to the stereotypes, the perceptions of the society about some matters, and, also, s**t-shaming victims of sexual assault are subjected to. This one is recommended not only to feminists, but to the ones who would like to get a new perspective on gender issues and to some people who think they know all about it, but some others want to change their minds. I can't wait for Fennell's new feature, "Saltburn"!

*Tracking shot is a cinematic technique in which the camera operator follows the actor/actress with the camera in his/her hands.

A Simple Plan (1998)

Gripping, bleak, dramatic film noir

[10/10 · 3 December 2023]

This is one of the best crime/noir movies I've ever seen, which benefits from the excellent performances from the ensemble cast (especially Billy Bob Thornton as the main character's strange brother, Bill Paxton and Bridget Fonda as the wickedly clever wife of the protagonist), the snowy, wintry setting and from the build-up and the character development. Sam Raimi proves his directorial skills in this motion picture and delivers a thrilling and stark movie, that remains watchable, though. It may start off as a Christmas-themed movie (because it's set before New Year's day), but it's actually about the corruptive power of money and how it can pervert people and make them do horrible things. The usage of black crows throughout the film contributes to its atmosphere and the effort to get its message across. In my view, they symbolize the evil because of their black color and their scary appearance, and their presence is intensified as the storyline proceeds and the characters' actions become more immoral. This pic is living proof that an interesting and meaningful movie doesn't need much eye candy, extravaganza or pompous special effects, just an intriguing plotline, a cast which comprises talented actors, a good director, and something to say. There, Sam Raimi seems more mature from his other attempts, as the original Spider-Man trilogy and the horror cult "The Evil Dead", and delivers a cautionary tale that packs a powerful punch in every level (emotionally, visually and plot-wise). The soundtrack is also great and adds to the film's effect. Although the end may seem a bit disappointing, it's much like a catharsis, like the one in ancient Greek tragedies. I recommend it to everyone who wants to watch a suspenseful and essential film, which will leave the viewer both satisfied and give him food for thought and a motive for conversations.

Oppenheimer (I) (2023)

Elaborate, complex, and silently exciting, if slightly tiring, Nolan biopic

[9/10 · 29 October 2023]

This is the first biopic film Nolan directs, and it truly has a tremendous result! It uses an unconventional way to narrate the events which lead to the rise and fall of one of the most important, complex and brilliant individuals in human history, meaning that the scenes that are centered around Robert Oppenheimer are shot in color, whereas the scenes exploring the life and actions of Lewis Strauss, president of the U. S. Atomic Energy Commission (played by the astonishing Robert Downey Jr.) are shot in black-and-white. It really sags a bit at some points, and there's almost too much characters, too much information and too many facts, not to mention special quantum physics' knowledge which may go over some viewers' heads (me included!), but in general it's a gripping, layered biographic film that makes it to keep you on the edge of your seat at some moments! It shows us how the development of the A-bomb affects the titular character in every aspect of his life (in social, professional, mental and interpersonal level). We get to see that Oppenheimer was a communist, extremely unfaithful, but above all a bright mind that had the power to make something dangerously powerful and destructive. This movie raises some interesting moral questions about the latter, especially when somebody doesn't know the scope of the impact the object he's developing will have to the world. As I see it, the most memorable quote from this picture is the line Einstein speaks to Oppy near the end: "If your country, which you have served so well, rewards you this way, turn your back on them!", or something like that. Also, the surrealistic scenes showing Oppenheimer fantasizing (among others) about the devastating effects the toss of the atomic bomb must have had on the residents of the cities only add to the film's odd charm and anti-nuclear weapons' message, which is primarily gotten across by the gradual provocation of a sense of fear to the viewers towards them. Cillian Murphy's performance is a masterclass in acting, making him the odds-on actor for the Academy Award for Best Actor, (it's even enriched with close-ups on his pale but beautiful face!), Emily Blunt is great as Kitty Oppenheimer, a smart woman whose brightness went to waste due to the societal position of the women in general, Florence Pugh stands out as the well-known psychiatrist Jean Tatlock, who had an affair with Robert Oppenheimer while he was married and Matt Damon is really convincing as the rough general Leslie Groves, a high-ranking member of the U. S. Atomic Energy Commission who pays a lot of attention to the success of the Manhattan Project. The sex scenes between Oppenheimer and the contextually woman are essential, in my opinion, and transfuse heat to his relationships with them, and they are tasteful without being explicit. Finally, the Trinity Test sequence is suspenseful and exciting, making you unable to take your eyes away from the screen. This motion picture demands to be seen on the big screen, and is recommended not only to Nolan fans, but to the ones who want to have a «first meeting» with him, and to the ones who want to watch a biographic film different from the others. It's sure to be one of the highest contenders for many of the categories of this year's Academy Awards (especially in the basic categories!)

Canvas (III) (2020)

Heartwarming, well-drawn short animation about loss and passion

[8/10 · 2 October 2023]

This is a really touching short animation movie, about a grandpa who loses his wife and -consequently- loses his inspiration to draw. But, when his granddaughter, who obviously loves drawing, starts visiting him, more and more often, it's like she manages to fire up his love and inspiration for drawing. The hand-drawn animation is fantastic and realistic, and the ultimate message is hopeful: no matter what happens, continue doing what you love. There's no dialogue in this film, mainly because it's unnecessary, as I see it, and it's truly unneeded, because every emotion is conveyed without talk in other ways. I recommend it to everyone who wants to watch something simultaneously touching and uplifting, and to everybody who has recently experienced a loss or another traumatic event which makes him want to give up what he/she/it loves, but he/she/it doesn't want to do so.

The Sixth Sense (1999)

A smartly crafted psychological thriller that succeeds in being scary without gratuitous bloodshed

[10/10 · 10 September 2023]

This psychological thriller is undeniably one of the best I've ever seen (although I haven't seen many thrillers), and I believe this thanks to the performances (especially those of Willis, Osment and Collette), the handling of the colour palette, one of the most famous quotes in cinema history (which has now gained a cult status), the direction and -mostly- the unexpected ending, which answers all the questions arisen during the film. The premise of it is that a well-known and acclaimed child psychologist begins working with a 9-year-old boy, Cole, who claims that he sees ghosts. The psychologist feels that he must help the boy recover, to make up for a treatment that failed, in a case similar to Cole. This is a really atmospheric movie, particularly in the scary and suspenseful scenes, the performances are excellent (in particular the ones delivered from the aforementioned actors), Shyamalan's direction contributes to the movie's scariness, the colour palette that uses red during scenes with emotional intensity or to show that something from the real world has been tainted from the world of the dead, and the surprise ending that answers all the questions originates from one of the best plot twists in cinematic history. To sum up: just watch it. Whether you want to see an unpredictable thriller without unnecessary gore, or you just want to see a great film that keeps your interest without unneeded plot points and drama, this one is sure to fulfill you.

Shoplifters (2018)

"Quiet", but also meaningful and emotional Japanese family drama

[9/10 · 10 September 2023]

This is a great and emotional, although a bit sad drama about a family in which parents have part-time jobs that compel them to turn to shoplifting, who "adopt" a young girl, whose parents neglect her. We get to see the formers' everyday life, and finally realize they are more than just a family of shoplifters. Humanitarian director Hirokazu Koreeda manages to extract fantastic performances from the whole cast, and digs into the reasons why somebody would turn into shoplifting and generally illegal acts. The film itself neither excuses the family nor criticizes it. It just shows how hard is to be moral in an immoral world, and that sometimes truly unethical acts and people remain unpunished. We watch how companies and even the state could be responsible for the downfall and turn to crime of citizens (particularly the ones who live in poverty), as well. Concerning the more hopeful and enjoyable moments of the film, we observe the bond that's slowly created between the family and the young girl (and especially the young boy's efforts to bond with the new member of the family), how the adults (and the children) take care of young Yuri, and the more playful and intimate time the members of the family pass with each other. There are also valuable messages about what love is and how is this emotion expressed, and that even a family of outsiders can be loving. I recommend it as an introduction to Japanese cinema and also to the ones who want to see a touching but not schmaltzy family drama, without razzle-dazzle and exaggerated performances, that makes it to be deeply humanistic.

Enola Holmes (2020)

An entertaining, fast-paced mystery film with feminist messages

[7/10 · 30 August 2023]

This is an interesting mystery-action movie, that takes advantage of the fourth-wall breaking technique, which transfuses forwardness to the picture, and even interactivity at one point. The plot revolves around young Enola, who is sister of the well-known detective Sherlock Holmes. After her mother disappears mysteriously, she sets off to find her. During her adventure, we get to see her meeting new people, managing to get through in difficult situations and finally making it to be an independent and powerful young woman. This film uses the "breaking of the fourth wall" cinematic technique, when needed, that adds to the interactivity of the picture, and transfuses immediacy to it. It also has surprising twists and turns, although it ends up being predictable at some points. It has important female empowerment messages and shows women taking action and doing things unexpected for the era. It's funny as well, has suspense at times, and is really enjoyable. The costumes are historically accurate, too. Millie Bobby Brown is also delightful and funny as the young, sharp-witted sister of the regarded and famous detective. Even though it's not a masterpiece or one of the best whodunnits, it is a polished Netflix production that's recommended to someone who wants to see a more woman-centric mystery-period film.

Tom and Jerry (II) (2021)

Lightweight, cartoonish "Tom and Jerry" pic; fun, although a bit disappointing

[6/10 · 29 July 2023]

This "Tom and Jerry" film is a light, mostly children-aimed live-action/animated farce, but, although it's what anybody would expect from this franchise, I found it slightly disappointing. Its main purpose is fun (it may bore some parents, though). It makes it by using the foreseeable slapstick humour, and a seemingly clever premise, which result in a few laughs. Exaggerated situations are also to be anticipated in that movie, and the performances are decent. The direction is just average, and this motion picture is nothing special, and I think it succeeds in keeping the youngsters entertained, but it has little to offer to viewers older than 7-8 years old.

Cruella (2021)

An enjoyable, stylish and dark live-action Disney movie

[7/10 · 25 July 2023]

This live-action Disney pic was a pleasant surprise to me. I didn't expect something so intriguing, thrilling and fun from a movie seemingly adapted from the well-known live-action Disney film "101 Dalmatians". This is an unexpectedly delightful and dark origin story of how notorious "Cruella" has become who she is. Emma Stone and Emma Thompson both deliver great performances as Estella Miller and Barroness respectively. The plot's twists and turns are also impressive and succeed in holding the viewer's attention, the soundtrack seems to have been designed for that particular movie and the costume design is brilliant (it deservedly earned the film an Oscar for that category). It might have its flaws (mostly script-wise, though with a most memorable line directed at a younger Cruella: "What's your story?"), but it kept me delighted and excited for its whole runtime! I can't wait for the sequel! I recommend it to the ones who believe nothing interesting can be produced based on the "101 Dalmatians" franchise, and to the ones who want to watch a different origin story as well.

The Driver (1978)

A mediocre action film, boring at times, slightly disappointing

[6/10 · 23 July 2023]

This action movie is centered around the rivalry between a police detective and an unstoppable driver, who is entangled in robberies. The only purpose of the former is to catch the latter. It has some good parts, as the soundtrack, some of the action sequences (especially the ones including relentless, almost fierce, driving), but, in my view, it feels boring sometimes, because it slows down, resulting in occasional sags. It's not quite what I expected, maybe it was the lack of action, or the lifeless performances from some members of the cast, or the absence of the surprise element from the plot. It's a bit unsatisfying, although high profile directors (like Quentin Tarantino) have mentioned it as an influence on their films. Actually the performances from Ryan O'Neal and Bruce Dern are good, although not nuanced. They both remain unnamed during the whole runtime of this picture, and the reason of this might be the fact that these two people could be a hardcore driver and a detective in any age and country. I don't actually recommend it, probably only to film noir afficionados, who don't look for something above average.

The Martian (2015)

Distinct, funny, touching and inspirational sci-fi

[9/10 · 21 July 2023]

This science fiction motion picture differs from other congeners, first of all because it doesn't revolve around aliens and there's a much more human-centered and compassionate premise at the heart of its story. It shows us how people can come together for a higher purpose, in this case to save one of their crew who was dumped during a meteor shower. We also see how useful -and in this case lifesaving- resourcefulness can be, and that if you insist and try without stopping and being discouraged by possible obstacles, you finally make it. Cover-up used from people who have a vested interest and deceit employed from the aforementioned people is also a subject that is touched upon, and we see how NASA can act in a self-serving way thinking how well its programmes will evolve instead of the life and security of the astronauts who take place in them. This film has surprising moments of humor and cheekiness (mainly from Mat Damon's character) which lightens the atmosphere. Mat Damon is great as an innovative astronaut who takes advantage of the material that is available to survive. The supporting cast is also strong. The direction from Ridley Scott contributes to the high quality of this movie, that proves us you don't have to be nerdy to be really smart. The soundtrack is extremely astute, too. Above all it's a fun, suspenseful survival story that blends tension and wit successfully, and it's also proof that a good sci-fi doesn't need to have much eye candy and visual effects to be truly good. It's recommended not only to the fans of science fiction, but to the ones that are bored of watching alien-centric stories in screen and want to see something with more heart and laughs and less special effects as well.

The Bourne Identity (2002)

Gripping, action-packed, surprisingly deep identity crisis spy thriller

[9/10 · 20 July 2023]

The first installment in the "Bourne" movie franchise is a fast-paced, thrilling action film that keeps the viewer on the edge of his seat. The suspense of the shots filmed in dark lighting is intensified by the dramatic soundtrack, and of course there is comic relief when necessary, with bursts of wit that succeed in lightening the atmosphere. Mat Damon delivers a great performance as a desperate man who has seemingly identity crisis. This crisis transfuses unexpected depth to the film, especially during the tense conversations, and the even tenser monologues of the protagonist. I didn't expect a deeper exploration of the identity crisis in this certain movie, because it's an actioner, and that doesn't take away a lot from this movie. It also shows the audience the truth for secret agents' lives and the sometimes harsh attitude of the secret organisations that employ them. The direction contributes to the anticipation and climax of clutch scenes. The finale is both emotionally rewarding and keeps you in suspense of what comes next. It's not a torturously formulaic film, to the audience's satisfaction. Recommended to everyone who wants to watch an above average and entertaining action thriller.

The Weight of Water (2000)

A strange, oddly thrilling murder mystery film brimming with allegory

[7/10 · 19 July 2023]

This is a really odd movie, dark and mysterious, occasionally bloody, taking advantage of allegories in many points. The usage of the colour palette is just right, darker in flashbacks showing the past and brighter when we're watching the present. The performances from the main cast are all decent, and Sean Penn, Catherine McCormack and Sarah Polley stand out. The direction is sometimes suspenseful, as well as the development of the plot, and it truly succeeds in reaching the climax. I also noticed a directorial goof, concerning the lighting of a scene. I think it's one of the movies that were panned by critics for (nearly) no reason. To be honest, of course it's not a masterpiece, it might overuse allegories at some points, but it's not a cinematic atrocity, in my opinion. This motion picture is actually based on a true case, that its truth was never actually found out. It's recommended to the ones who want to see an oddly interesting movie, different from many others.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)

Fun, exciting, satisfying Indy's adventures finale, but not as good as previous Spielberg-directed "Indy" movies

[7/10 · 17 July 2023]

This is the conclusion to an iconic character's more- than-forty-years adventures. It's the first film neither directed by Steven Spielberg nor produced by George Lucas, and that might be the reason that it feels like something is missing during all the runtime. Of course the movie has strengths, like the nostalgic feeling it emits, the action sequences that manage to grip the viewers' attention, the mystery scenes during whom the characters search, the conundrums the heroes have to solve and certainly the heart and emotion the movie uses, as well as the pure old-school entertainment it offers to hardcore fans and newcomers alike. It also has something to say about the tainting of the human relationships but also how unexpected changes can happen concerning them. This picture uses deepfake AI technology to portray Harrison Ford younger, with impressive results! This one heavily draws from the Greek mythology and history for sure, with interesting -and sometimes funny- results. What's missing, actually, is the element of surprise, and the twists and turns as well, because after four Indiana Jones films you end up knowing what to expect, and to be honest I think it steals from some past Indy movies (a part with bugs and spiders). It's surely not a bad movie (far better than "Crystal Skull", for sure), but that finale, although touching, could have been better, character, filming and casting-wise (concerning the last you'll understand that it needed some actors of a certain nationality). It's a movie that needs to be seen on the big screen, as "Top Gun: Maverick" from 2022.

Fast X (2023)

Nothing particularly notable, just a fun popcorn movie

[5/10 · 16 July 2023]

I'm not a fan of the "Fast and Furious" franchise, actually I haven't seen any other previous film of that franchise before, so you might expect my opinion on this flick: a generic actioner that only serves as a pick for an enjoyable movie night. I won't call it exactly as a total waste of money and time, I just believe that you won't lose anything if you don't see it. It has some strengths, like the love for every family member and the willingness for self-sacrifice, if necessary, the performance of Helen Mirren as the beloved grandma of the family, and the happy memories from the past of Toretto family. But, aside from these, it has nothing really special and there are far better action movies out there, if you want to see one, without all of those car crashes, that -to me- become boring and gratuitous after some time. It's not downright disappointing, but I'd say it's only recommended to the fans of the franchise and it doesn't truly have something important to offer, apart from lightweight entertainment.

Galaxy Quest (1999)

Extraordinary, funny, suspenseful sci-fi movie with action for the whole family

[8/10 · 15 July 2023]

This is an original science fiction movie, that's actually a satire of sci-fi movies and TV shows. It might be sci-fi genre-wise, but it's also very funny at times, has suspense (although light), decent performances from Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Tony Shalloub and the bad-tempered Alan Rickman. The gentle, kind and amusing aliens are endearing as well. It's one of the movies that don't portray aliens as monsters who threaten the humankind, instead they humanize them, even though the bad guy is an alien. It has twists and turns, is action-packed, and carries messages about courage, friendship, teamwork, solidarity and above all is one of the few movies that are equally fun for kids and parents. It's sad at times, but manages to keep entertained both mentioned above, even if the special effects are not very spectacular. I recommend it as a whole-family movie night choice, but keep in mind that children need to be at least 10 years old because it has some language, violence and sexual references.

Arrival (II) (2016)

An extraordinary, thought-provoking and tender sci-fi/alien film

[9/10 · 20 June 2023]

This one is a refreshingly original science fiction movie, that approaches the "aliens on Earth" matter in a surprisingly new and sweet way. It's a film that manages to build up suspense, to impress us with huge sceneries and other similar objects literally from the space and to excite us with the complexity the distinct aliens use to communicate with people. It's also a motion picture that takes advantage of the "flashbacks within flashbacks" cinematic technique, that are necessary to explain some more complicated parts of that story. The performances are strong and compassionate, especially the leading one of Amy Adams, but also the supporting ones of Jeremy Renner and Forest Whitaker. This movie makes it to handle a really heavy and troubling subject matter, without being schmaltzy, glamorizing it or exaggerating it, and without sanitizing it, either. It is thrilling, innovative and simultaneously touching and affectionate towards the probability of the arrival of a new form of life. I highly recommend it to the ones who want to watch a unique sci-fi movie, and who want to get troubled and think about some matters (the last one is a strength of the film).

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

A quirky, well-acted and funny dramedy

[9/10 · 19 June 2023]

This is a nice movie of Wes Anderson's. It follows the "story within story" structure, and does so successfully. It's primarily narrated in first-person, which alternates with dialogue when necessary. Additionally, it's divided in parts, a fact that makes it very original. It has the characteristic palette of pastel colours which the director uses, and even if I haven't seen any other movie Wes Anderson has directed yet, I found it very interesting, funny and touching as well. The story has some twists and turns that make it exciting, the performances are great, especially that of Ralph Fiennes, but also Tony Revolori, Adrien Brody, Willem Dafoe and Saoirse Ronan deliver very good performances. The direction is wonderful, the cinematography is beautiful and the film carries a message about the historical buildings, and even monuments, that get demolished basically for money. Even if the ending may not be the happiest possible, this one remains a fun and "colourful" movie that you can enjoy, with a surprisingly nostalgic look to the past, uncommon for the director.

The Hound of the Baskervilles (1988 TV Movie)

A nice and interesting adaptation of the book, although it could have been better

[7/10 · 4 May 2023]

This is a well-produced mystery film. The acting is great, the art direction is impressive (especially the mansion of the Baskervilles) and the scenery is beautiful, particularly the rendering of the maze-like marsh. It is a movie that manages to build up the suspense, and the characterization is generally descent, though it's not a film that relies on it at its core. The soundtrack is good, and some standout performances are Edward Hardwicke's as the loyal although naive John Watson and Jeremy Brett's as the sharp-witted and intelligent Sherlock Holmes. It's a good mystery movie as a whole, but I think it lacks the spark. I recommend it to fans of the book and the author.

The Birds (1963)

An exciting, at times scary, although a bit overrated thriller by Alfred Hitchcock

[7/10 · 4 May 2023]

This is a good film of Alfred Hitchcock's, although not one of his best and in no case a masterpiece, in my view. It has some strengths, to be honest, like the direction, and the characters were well-performed. The soundtrack was ominous at times, as well, but the best directorial choice in some scenes was the total absence of sound! Hitchcock is very good in building up the tension, which is the key of suspense, and the near-complete lack of macabre images that leaves more things to the imagination of viewers (a signature technique of the director) really contributes to this thriller movie and the genre as a whole, but the abrupt ending and the fact that the bird attacks remained unexplained (while in the titular book are explained in some way) were a real turn-off to me. I liked the movie in general, but I disliked these aforementioned elements of it. Overall, it's a good, albeit flawed film, as I see it, that is recommended to the fans of horror movies and thrillers, but also to the ones who want to see an unusual horror movie.

Ocean's Eleven (2001)

A fun, stylish and thrilling action-comedy

[8/10 · 11 April 2023]

This is one of the most delightful and light movies to watch. It has an absorbing (although run-of-the-mill) storyline, appealing leads (George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, Matt Damon) although they portray con-artists, wit, a fast pace and it is action-packed. These ingredients, even though they don't necessarily comprise a masterpiece, they make for an entertaining film that it's worth the while -enough for a nice night at home, alone or with friends-. It is relatively well-acted, the direction is decent, the action scenes are great and the soundtrack is very well-composed. It's one of the best movies of 2001, in my opinion, and an action film with an acceptable plot (something rare in this days). It is a fine popcorn-friendly pick for action fans, and for families with young teens (12+).