geor_20284 Reviews

300: Rise of an Empire (2014)

the Athenians stand alone...

[8/10 · 9 March 2014]

Just watched it. I am Greek and teachers were busting our b...., about ancient Greece. I don't have an idea about ancient history and i don't care. I haven't read the comics and i didn't like 300. It was overblown and lost me in the middle of an endless fight with the same things over and over again.

But this sequel, is the real deal. It is simpler. The fight scenes are tighter and punchier. Instead of giving a huge 100 minute battle, they divided it into 3 major battles. In between a minor back-story took place, which gave me breathing space and a lighter tone in the plot.

Coming to the second best element of the movie: it is goofier than ever. Rise of an empire is not ashamed of its clichés. The actor lines are heard a gazillion times before in epic movies, so they keep them restrained. Less is more in this department. They speak when they have to and when they do, you either feel it or laugh with it.

Yes, it is funnier. There is nothing wrong with a sex scene in an epic movie, there nothing wrong in a joke here and there, it is a Hollywood movie and a comic so you are supposed to laugh a little. Or a lot, in my case!

Finally, it is totally and uncontrollably (in the end) entertaining. Yes i laughed, i sat with agony in my seat to see where this all goes to, i felt chills and this emotion in my gut (the same in every good epic story) and i watched in awe some of the best battle scenes i have ever saw.

Instead of dismissing it for another epic movie, go and have some fun. And fall in love with Eva Green ;-)

Metallica Through the Never (2013)

something special for special viewers!

[7/10 · 7 October 2013]

Just watched it and went back home in awe. It's not only because it was the most spectacular show i 've ever watched, nor because the back story freaked me out. It was because i realized that through the never i got a glimpse from future music entertainment.

Let me guarantee you some things about Through the never. -You WILL have a good time. -You will head bang. -You will grab the person next to you saying "this is surreal mate" -You will sing Metallica songs for the rest of the week. -You will start imagining other bands doing the same thing in the future.

But let me just say some cons -You will have a small headache, similar to the one after a loud concert -You won't see any plot -If you are not a Metallica fan or a metal fan in general you are in for a shock -If you are Mustaine, you will feel like crying again.

Seriously now, nobody should miss it especially in 3D. It is like a big concert video clip. It will change music live shows in the future. Metallica are still pioneers.

Surfer, Dude (2008)

a stoned near documentary comedy about surf

[6/10 · 27 July 2013]

What is good about this film? Well if you are one of those people that got sick with overblown action movies or vampire teenage dramas, "Surfer, dude" is going to provide you a break. Like the waves though, it is good not to force this movie. It will come to you some day, in the TV, when you are back from work, tired and in need of something laid back. You don't have to spend a penny to see this movie. This is its central message: good things are for free. Well almost, you have to have a TV. Another good think is the view from the almighty ocean. Yes the shots of the sea and the waves will always have a calming effect on us, it is scientifically explained. The long beaches, the sand, the sun, Willie Reed are natural elements that relax us. The good parts of our world. The lead is in most natural, meaning always stoned. I never seen a more stereo typical view of a pot head but with a hint of control in the weed consumption. He smokes it, not the weed him.

What is bad about the movie? Well it is not a serious, provocative film for cinema lovers. Surfer, dude is like the guy in school that you know you'll never have something in common but respect his different way of seeing things. The plot is not multi-layered or anything and the ideas are not explained in detail or in depth. Theories and ideas and intentions of the characters are just what it is. "What is good about surf? What is good about the wind..." The lines are poor, and the actors are just there, except of course Woody who is always a pleasure watch.

If you want meaning, you can find it anywhere. Many say there is no meaning in this movie. Well i say you can find meaning in rock standing still, if you want to. There are simple meanings about capitalism and retrieval to nature and stuff like that. The only meaning is not to over analyze this movie. After all it is one more movie, that talks about not selling out to video games for money and still the movie product is out in the cinemas trying to make some money! In its defense, it doesn't try so much to sell itself with big explosions and romance but it is happy just to be out there. After all it was a bust, selling only a handful of tickets.

I watched Surfer, dude last night in the TV and i enjoyed it for what it is. A movie that doesn't expect anything from you and you should do the same for Surfer, dude. Let it be and you never know when it will come to you...