nancy_hse Reviews

The Holdovers (2023)

Great film but not a comedy

[8/10 · 27 January 2024]

I feel like the marketing materials misrepresent this movie as a holiday comedy when it is none of that. It's a quiet contemplation on belonging, family and choices with a wonderful cast. You might have a couple of laughs but not because it is a comedy, but because life is absurd and sometimes the only thing you can do is laugh at it. The holiday cheer is also no more than a distant backdrop to the events. The cinematography is beautiful and truly transports you back to the era. The film has a lot to say but also doesn't scream at you, allowing you to make your own conclusions.

Highly recommended.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2 (2012)

Don't let everyone else's opinions influence your own

[7/10 · 1 March 2013]

OK, I've never thought that I would defend a Twilight movie. I've watched all of them and - I have to admit it - they were ridiculous. The book series itself is not a masterpiece but is an easy and absorbing read. But the films have always been famous for bad acting (how do the good actors actually manage to act so badly?) and for making even the most (theoretically) touching scenes ridiculous. I didn't anticipate much before watching this last film. That's why I was positively surprised by it. The movie is fast-paced, entertaining, absorbing and enjoyable. There is not much sense or much good acting in it but it reaches its goal very well. I couldn't get away from the screen (even though I wasn't in the theater and could always leave) and I received my part of guilty pleasure. So don't think you're a misfit if you like it. Maybe you're just more honest with yourself.

An Invisible Sign (2010)

Surprisingly warm and well-acted

[8/10 · 14 April 2011]

I'm really disappointed to see that this movie has such a low rating - it doesn't give the movie justice at all.

First of all, the story is unusual and well-told - I haven't read the book so I cannot compare but I suppose that the basis is very good because in general adaptations tend to be worse than original books, and this adaptation is pretty good. The film explores the idea of growing up - when does this moment come? What should happen to finally show us that we are adults ourselves, that there is no other grown-up around? This process of maturing of a person totally locked into her shell is very interesting. Secondly, I must say that I've never been Jessica Alba's fan but now I can say that she's not only pretty but she can act. Hope that she will have more films coming that actually involve acting. Thirdly, the ensemble cast gives a really good impression. There is no one who seems out of place. And finally, the film itself leaves you with such a warm and positive aftertaste that any faults that it has seem totally irrelevant.

Not a masterpiece but still a very good movie. 8/10

Nowhere in Africa (2001)

Better read the book

[6/10 · 22 February 2010]

My opinion is probably influenced by the fact that I've read the book but since this movie is an adaptation it should be able to deal with this.

The movie itself is neither very good nor very bad. It has some very good scenes which cause the exact feelings they are supposed to. But mostly the movie is as if in a rush to show events and feelings that are not supposed to be shown like this. This movie must be even slower (although many people think it's too slow as it is) because many things are left out of our view. And one more thing which is - in my view - very bad. There are too many "love lines" (along with nude scenes which are completely unnecessary) which don't exist in the book. I have no idea why the directors tend to show these things so much even when they only spoil the picture. The story is good by itself, there's no need to use such methods to draw attention to it.

I would highly recommend to read the book which is nothing less than a masterpiece. Its beautiful and unconventional language is unforgettable. The comparisons are fascinating and are definitely something that could be only created by wise people of Africa rather than Western people. Also, you can see how wise Owuor and Regina are. You can see some hints of it in the movie but the book gives a much better perspective. And of course, the story is completely coherent comparing with the movie where it is sometimes too difficult to understand the reasons of some actions/events.

So really, better read the book.