Films I watched in 2019
The feature films and documentaries I have watched in 2019. When and how:
List activity
775 views
• 0 this weekCreate a new list
List your movie, TV & celebrity picks.
238 titles
- DirectorBilly WilderStarsWilliam HoldenDon TaylorOtto PremingerAfter two Americans are killed while escaping from a German P.O.W. camp in World War II, the barracks black marketeer, J.J. Sefton, is suspected of being an informer.28.12. Blu-ray on TV. Second time.
While it's definitely bested by it's successors "Bridge on the River Kwai" and "The Great Escape", the first entry in the P.O.W. genre is still a good film, if not Wilder's best. 7.5/10 - DirectorJ.J. AbramsStarsDaisy RidleyJohn BoyegaOscar IsaacThe surviving Resistance faces the First Order once again in the conclusion of the Skywalker saga.27.12. Asker kino, Sal 2. First (and last) time.
I have no words. I'm sad, angry and hurt. 1/10 - DirectorOla SolumStarsHanne KroghKnut RisanBente BørsumA small princess in a small kingdom in Adventureland disappears on Christmas eve. She has gone out to find the Christmas Star. The Queen follows and the King curses the Christmas Star, so it disappears for years, until young Sonja arrives.24.12. NRK on TV. Somethingth time. *Only watched the middle
- DirectorVáclav VorlícekStarsLibuse SafránkováPavel TrávnícekCarola BraunbockLife changes dramatically for a Czech housemaid when the family coachman gives her three magical hazelnuts.24.12. NRK on TV. Somethingth time. *Norwegian dub
- DirectorFrank CapraStarsJames StewartDonna ReedLionel BarrymoreAn angel is sent from Heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed.23.12. Blu-ray on TV. Somethingth time.
- DirectorRenny HarlinStarsBruce WillisWilliam AthertonBonnie BedeliaJohn McClane attempts to avert disaster as rogue military operatives seize control of Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C.22.12. Blu-ray on TV. Somethingth time.
It might not compare to "Die Hard with a Vengeance", but this is definitely up there with the good sequels. 8/10 - DirectorMark SandrichRobert AllenStarsBing CrosbyFred AstaireMarjorie ReynoldsAt an inn which is open only on holidays, a crooner and a hoofer vie for the affections of a beautiful up-and-coming performer.22.12. Cinemateket i Oslo, Lillebil. First time.
What a strange film. At it's best, it's pretty good, but a lot of the musical numbers aren't all that great, and the blackface number is, of course, incredibly offensive. Fred Astaire's drunken dance number is a highlight, though, showcasing both dancing talent and great acting at once. Bing Crosby does a good job throughout in his more sympathetic part. 6/10 - DirectorChris ButlerStarsHugh JackmanDavid WalliamsStephen FryMr. Link recruits explorer Sir Lionel Frost to help find his long-lost relatives in the fabled valley of Shangri-La. Along with adventurer Adelina Fortnight, this trio of explorers travel the world to help their new friend.19.12. DVD on TV. First time. * Norwegian dialogue
- DirectorCéline SciammaStarsNoémie MerlantAdèle HaenelLuàna BajramiOn an isolated island in Brittany at the end of the eighteenth century, a female painter is obliged to paint a wedding portrait of a young woman.19.12. Gimle kino. First time.
The film is a little artsy and artificial at first, but it gets better as emotions start to grow between the characters. There are a lot of beautiful images in the film, and it depicts love nicely. 7.5/10 - DirectorBent HamerStarsSverre HansenKjell StormoenLeif AndréeTwo brothers in their seventies, Pa and Moe, have lived together all their lives in a little house in the country, the only interruption being when Pa made a weekend trip to Småland on his moped during the second World War. The past returns when his adult son dating from his Swedish visit, Konrad, comes to live with them after his mother has fallen ill. Soon Moe is about to discover that three is indeed a crowd...19.12. DVD on TV. Second time.
- DirectorPaul FeigStarsMadison IngoldsbyEmma ThompsonBoris IsakovicKate is a young woman subscribed to bad decisions. Working as an elf in a year-round Christmas store is not good for the wannabe singer. However, she meets Tom there. Her life takes a new turn--that seems too good to be true.17.12. Odeon Lothian, Screen 2. First time.
- DirectorGreta GerwigStarsSaoirse RonanEmma WatsonFlorence PughJo March reflects back and forth on her life, telling the beloved story of the March sisters - four young women, each determined to live life on her own terms.15.12. Cameo Picturehouse, Screen 1. First time.
- DirectorNancy MeyersStarsKate WinsletCameron DiazJude LawTwo women troubled with guy-problems swap homes in each other's countries, where they each meet a local guy and fall in love.12.12. Netflix on TV. First time.
- DirectorRian JohnsonStarsDaniel CraigChris EvansAna de ArmasA detective investigates the death of the patriarch of an eccentric, combative family.12.12. Vika kino, Sal 1. First time.
Rian Johnson subverted my expectations by making a pretty good movie! It starts out a bit wobbly and takes time grabbing your interest, but comes together very well in the end. Daniel Craig is very funny, and I wouldn't mind seeing his character again, tackling another mystery. 7.5/10 - DirectorMorgann GicquelStarsTuomas HolopainenAri ArnbjörnssonDon RosaA duckumentary about famous Duck artist Don Rosa and the impact of his work in the arts through his worldwide fan base.11.12. Blu-ray on TV. First time.
- DirectorNoah BaumbachStarsAdam DriverScarlett JohanssonJulia GreerNoah Baumbach's incisive and compassionate look at a marriage breaking up and a family staying together.10.12. Netflix on TV. First time.
Divorce Hollywood Style: A lot of actors (and others) will probably identify themselves with the gruesome battles between cynical, greedy lawyers in this film, and the effects that process has on a couple breaking apart. I'm very happy I can't do that.
Adam Driver is spectacular in the role of Charlie, and while it's nice seeing ScarJo return to acting, she doesn't quite convince in every scene. Laura Dern and Ray Liotta are both great as the big divorce lawyers, and so is Alan Alda as the (somewhat) more human variant.
It's funny how the couple in the film are both involved in theatre, as a lot of the film actually feels like a play, and the script could easily have been performed on stage. - DirectorDavid SteimanStarsBill GoldbergDouglas SmithEmilie de RavinSanta Claus is actually a demon who lost a bet with an angel, so he becomes the giver of toys and happiness. But when the bet is off, he returns to his evil ways.08.12. DVD on TV. Somethingth time. *Crapfest '19: The Crapfest Before Christmas
I love this movie. It's so silly and fun, and delivers exactly what it sets out to do, and so is a perfect 10 in my book. I showed it at Crapfest this year, only because the B-movie humour and Christmas setting fit so well with the rest of the program, and also because I figured we'd need a genuinely funny pick-me-up after "The Star Wars Holiday Special". - DirectorSteve BinderDavid AcombaStarsMickey MortonPatty MaloneyPaul GaleChewbacca and Han Solo try to get to the Wookiee homeworld of Kashyyyk to celebrate Life Day, but are impeded by an Imperial blockade. Chewie's family passes the time with various forms of entertainment.08.12. YouTube on TV. First time (in its entirety). *Crapfest '19: The Crapfest Before Christmas
- DirectorRené CardonaStarsJosé Elías MorenoCesáreo Quezadas 'Pulgarcito'José Luis Aguirre 'Trotsky'With Merlin's aid, Santa Claus must defeat the evil machinations of the devil Pitch to ruin Christmas.08.12. YouTube on TV. First time. *Crapfest '19: The Crapfest Before Christmas
- DirectorNicholas WebsterStarsJohn CallLeonard HicksVincent BeckThe Martians kidnap Santa Claus because there is nobody on Mars to give their children presents.08.12. YouTube on TV. First time. *Crapfest '19: The Crapfest Before Christmas
- DirectorRalph NelsonStarsSidney PoitierLilia SkalaLisa MannA travelling handyman becomes the answer to the prayers of nuns who wish to build a chapel in the desert.07.12. DVD on TV. First time.
- DirectorHoward HawksStarsCary GrantRosalind RussellRalph BellamyA newspaper editor uses every trick in the book to keep his ace reporter ex-wife from remarrying.05.12. DVD on TV. Second time.
- DirectorWilliam DieterleStarsCharles LaughtonMaureen O'HaraCedric HardwickeIn 15th-century France, a gypsy girl is framed for murder by the infatuated Chief Justice, and only the deformed bellringer of Notre Dame Cathedral can save her.04.12. DVD on TV. First time.
Thrilling film! Loved everything, from the sets and cinematography, to the acting, with Charles Laughton's Quasimodo as the obvious stand-out. It's easy to understand why this is among the films brought up when praising Hollywood's golden year of 1939. 9/10 - DirectorTerence FisherStarsPeter CushingHazel CourtRobert UrquhartWhile awaiting execution for murder, Baron Victor Frankenstein tells the story of a creature he built and brought to life - only for it to behave not as he intended.03.12. Blu-ray on TV. First time.
In this film, the monster actually IS called Frankenstein! In that Peter Cushing's Victor Frankenstein has a lot of malice added to the character's usual unscrupulousness, and so becomes the true monster of the film. Christopher Lee's creature looks more like a lost, oversized English schoolboy with his black mop of hair and weird coat. This film definitely pales in comparison to the 1931 version, and didn't feel as fresh to me as Hammer's "Horror of Dracula". 5.5/10 - DirectorDavid YatesStarsDaniel RadcliffeEmma WatsonRupert GrintHarry, Ron, and Hermione search for Voldemort's remaining Horcruxes in their effort to destroy the Dark Lord as the final battle rages on at Hogwarts.02.12. Blu-ray on TV. Sixth time.
There is a lot of good in this film, but it also has some serious flaws that affect the overall impression. The use of strange, never seen before locations during the battle of Hogwarts takes away a lot of emotional connection, and the weird and silly final duel *spoiler* including Voldemort disintegrating into dandruff at the end, destroys what could otherwise have been a very impactful climactic moment. How this can be so many peoples' favourite "Potter" despite these things, will always be beyond me. 6.5/10 - DirectorStanley KramerStarsTony CurtisSidney PoitierCara WilliamsTwo chained-together escaped convicts, White and Black, must learn to get along in order to elude capture.02.12. DVD on TV. First time.
I've wanted to watch this for a long time, and it did not disappoint. The black and white cinematography sets a perfect mood for this gritty tale of two escaped convicts. In addition to the captivating story of Curtis' and Poitier's characters bonding, I really enjoyed the office politics and tiny clashes between the sheriff and his "posse". 8.5/10 - DirectorDavid YatesStarsDaniel RadcliffeEmma WatsonRupert GrintAs Harry, Ron and Hermione race against time and evil to destroy the Horcruxes, they uncover the existence of the three most powerful objects in the wizarding world: the Deathly Hallows.28.11. Blu-ray on TV. time.
I think this might be my favourite "Potter" after the first two. It's either this or "Azkaban" for the number three spot. It just gives me that same feeling of being in the universe as Columbus' films did. The wondrousness is gone, but the magic is still very much there, and it feels like a natural evolvement of the series, unlike it's two immediate predecessors. The music is good, the decision to split the book into two films was good, and for once in the case of Yates, even the direction was good. Apart from the dance scene and the running through the forest, I have no complaints. 8/10 - DirectorJorunn Myklebust SyversenStarsJosefine Frida PettersenJean Superbanan AndersenEspen Reboli BjerkeWhen a champion dancer begins to falter, her family questions her faith and prompts her to search for more radical solutions.27.11. Klingenberg kino, Sal 4. First time.
Fine performances in a film that, while showcasing the horrors of both extreme religious communities and professional disco dancing, approaches it's subject with an interesting angle. 7/10 - DirectorJon S. BairdStarsSteve CooganJohn C. ReillyShirley HendersonLaurel and Hardy, the world's most famous comedy duo, attempt to reignite their film careers as they embark on what becomes their swan song: a grueling theatre tour of post-war Britain.27.11. Blu-ray on TV. First time.
Sweet biopic with Coogan & Reilly at their best. - DirectorDavid YatesStarsDaniel RadcliffeEmma WatsonRupert GrintAs Harry Potter begins his sixth year at Hogwarts, he discovers an old book marked as "the property of the Half-Blood Prince" and begins to learn more about Lord Voldemort's dark past.26.11. Blu-ray on TV. Somethingth time.
I have an ever-changing relationship with the later "Potter" films, especially the fifth and sixth. Today I had a very good experience with this, landing it solidly above "Order of the Phoenix".
It still has it's flaws, chiefly Michael Gambon, Nicholas Hooper, and the ridiculous and unnecessary attack on The Burrow, but apart from those, there actually is a lot to appreciate in it, especially the greater focus on Ron, after him being reduced to a speaking extra in "Order". 7/10 - DirectorVictor FlemingStarsSpencer TracyFreddie BartholomewLionel BarrymoreA spoiled brat who falls overboard from a steamship in the 1920s gets picked up by a New England fishing boat, where he's made to earn his keep by joining the crew in their work.26.11. DVD on TV. First (ish) time.
A few years ago I watched the first third or so of this, but for some reason didn't finish it. I'm glad I finally got around to doing that today. The story is a straight forward moral tale about growing up and becoming a better human, but the characters and the actors portraying them all feel so real, that it's very captivating. Also, there are some spectacular scenes at sea. 8/10 - DirectorMartin ScorseseStarsRobert De NiroAl PacinoJoe PesciAn illustration of Frank Sheeran's life, from W.W.II veteran to hit-man for the Bufalino crime family and his alleged assassination of his close friend Jimmy Hoffa.25.11. Vega Scene, Sal 1. First time.
This feels like more of a Scorsese pastiche than "Joker", and a worse one at that. Everything, especially before Pacino's Jimmy Hoffa is introduced, just feels so tired and overdone. It's a parade of mob film clichés that did not give me anything. Having all the classic mafia actors in it actually contributed to the tiredness, as they just underline the feeling of having seen it before, rather than bring on some wonderful feeling of nostalgia, or something like that. The best scenes are when they're all old in the end, both because it's something new, and also because the filmmakers do a much better job aging them than they do de-aging them. Watching the flashback scenes of the younger De Niro was like watching a cut-scene in a "Mafia" game.
This is one of Scorsese's weakest ever, and I don't see why they had to waste so much money on it. 5.5/10 - DirectorRune Denstad LangloStarsAnders BaasmoKyrre HellumMarte AunemoNORTH Following a nervous breakdown, ski athlete Jomar has isolated himself in a lonely existence as the guard of a ski park. When he learns that he might be the father of a child way up north, he sets on a strange and poetic journey through Norway on a snowmobile, with 5 liters of alcohol as sole provisions. On this trip through amazing arctic landscapes, Jomar seems to do everything in his power to avoid reaching his destination. He meets other tender and confused souls, who will all contribute to push Jomar further along his reluctant journey towards the brighter side of life.25.11. Blu-ray on TV. First time.
Very efficient storytelling. Covers a lot of ground without wasting any time on unnecessary scenes. An interesting little odyssey. 7.5/10 - DirectorCharles ChaplinStarsCharles ChaplinMack SwainTom MurrayA prospector goes to the Klondike during the 1890s gold rush in hopes of making his fortune, and is smitten with a girl he sees in a dance hall.22.11. DVD on TV. Third (?) time.
First time I watched the original silent version. It's more natural than the 1942 narrated version, but this DVD had terrible cropping that was quite jarring. - DirectorDavid YatesStarsDaniel RadcliffeEmma WatsonRupert GrintWith their warning about Lord Voldemort's return scoffed at, Harry and Dumbledore are targeted by the Wizard authorities as an authoritarian bureaucrat slowly seizes power at Hogwarts.20.11. Blu-ray on TV. Somethingth time.
What to say about "Order of the Phoenix"? I've often though of it as my least favourite of the Potter films, although I sometimes lean more towards "Half-Blood Prince" or "Deathly Hallows pt. 2" (the only thing I remain firm on is that David Yates is the worst thing to happen to Harry Potter and the Wizarding World at large).
When it first came out, I hated it for it's short length, fast pace and lack of Quidditch. I've described it as a feature length trailer many times, and though I've come to appreciate the choices made in the adaptation more with time, I still find that description kind of fitting. Last year I re-read the book, and rewatched the film, and came to the conclusion that they've chosen the right parts of the story to adapt, there's just not enough of it.
There is a lot of fluff in the novel, but it still does not make sense for the thickest book to become the shortest film. If they'd just kept all the situations that are in this film and given them more breathing time, especially building on Harry and Sirius' relationship, I think this would have been a much better, more emotionally resonant experience. I've heard there was a three hour cut at some point, and really think they would do well to release it. As it is, it is a rushed experience that fails to set up the films to come (although to be fair, "Deathly Hallows" wasn't out yet limiting their knowledge of what was to come), and leaves you wanting. The score features some highlights from the post Williams era, though, and Imelda Staunton is perfection as professor Umbridge. 6/10 - DirectorF.W. MurnauStarsGeorge O'BrienJanet GaynorMargaret LivingstonA sophisticated city woman seduces a farmer and convinces him to murder his wife and join her in the city, but he ends up rekindling his romance with his wife when he changes his mind at the last moment.20.11. Blu-ray on TV. Second time.
I did not rate this too highly the first time I watched this. Shame on me. I must not have been in the right mood for a silent film or something like that, because it really is beautiful in every way. 9/10 - DirectorClaire DenisStarsRobert PattinsonJuliette BinocheAndré 3000A father and his daughter struggle to survive in deep space where they live in isolation.19.11. Cinemateket i Oslo. First time.
I did not expect this to be such a B-film.(In a bad way.) The story goes nowhere, the dialogue is bad, and Binoche's delivery even worse. 4.5/10 - DirectorFritz LangStarsPeter LorreEllen WidmannInge LandgutWhen the police in a German city are unable to catch a child-murderer, other criminals join in the manhunt.18.11. Blu-ray on TV. Third time.
- DirectorFritz LangStarsBrigitte HelmAlfred AbelGustav FröhlichIn a futuristic city sharply divided between the working class and the city planners, the son of the city's mastermind falls in love with a working-class prophet who predicts the coming of a savior to mediate their differences.17.11. Blu-ray on TV. Second time. *2010 restoration
- DirectorTerence FisherStarsPeter CushingChristopher LeeMichael GoughWhen Jonathan Harker rouses the ire of Count Dracula for accepting a job at the vampire's castle under false pretenses, his friend Dr. Van Helsing pursues the predatory villain.16.11. Blu-ray on TV. First time.
- DirectorCharles ChaplinStarsCharles ChaplinMerna KennedyAl Ernest GarciaThe Tramp finds work and the girl of his dreams at a circus.15.11. Blu-ray on TV. Third (?) time.
Not Chaplin's most iconic, but definitely his funniest. 10/10 - DirectorFrank CapraStarsClark GableClaudette ColbertWalter ConnollyA rogue reporter trailing a runaway heiress for a big story joins her on a bus heading from Florida to New York and they end up stuck with each other when the bus leaves them behind at one of the stops along the way.14.11. DVD on TV. Third (?) time.
- DirectorBong Joon HoStarsSong Kang-hoLee Sun-kyunCho Yeo-jeongGreed and class discrimination threaten the newly-formed symbiotic relationship between the wealthy Park family and the destitute Kim clan.10.11. Vika kino, Sal 1. First time. *Film fra sør
It's always nice when something lives up to the hype, and "Parasite" certainly does, even if it doesn't quite stick the landing with it's ending. Despite that, it's one of the greatest cinematic experiences I've had this year, with striking imagery and a great mood throughout. 8.5/10 - DirectorJim JarmuschStarsTilda SwintonTom HiddlestonMia WasikowskaA depressed musician reunites with his lover. However, their romance, which has already endured several centuries, is disrupted by the arrival of her uncontrollable younger sister.08.11. Blu-ray on TV. Second time.
- DirectorKenneth BranaghStarsKenneth BranaghEmma ThompsonKeanu ReevesYoung lovers, and soon to wed, Hero and Claudio conspire to get verbal sparring partners and confirmed singles, Benedick and Beatrice, to wed as well.07.11. DVD on TV. Second time.
- DirectorDag Johan HaugerudStarsHenriette SteenstrupJan Gunnar RøiseThorbjørn HarrLykke (13), the daughter of a prominent Labour Party politician, has accidentally beaten her classmate Jamie, the son of a local right wing-politician, to death. Lykke claims Jamie's death was an accident, but nobody believes her. The school's principal, Liv, is an idealist who, against her political beliefs, has been living in a secret relationship with Karl Erik, Jamie's father. When they can't keep their relationship a secret anymore, the surroundings react with disbelief. Liv's brother Anders is Lykke and Jamie's class teacher. He was supposed to be in the school yard when the accident happened, and is overwhelmed with guilt for not having been able to prevent the accident from happening. Like water surrounding an undertow, we'll experience how the community relates to the accident and the aftermath. How could it happen - and how is it possible to continue living afterwards?06.11. Klingenberg kino, Sal 2. First time.
- DirectorKen LoachStarsKris HitchenDebbie HoneywoodRhys McgowanHoping that self-employment through gig economy can solve their financial woes, a hard-up UK delivery driver and his wife struggling to raise a family end up trapped in the vicious circle of this modern-day form of labour exploitation.03.11. Cinemateket i Oslo, Tancred. First time. *Troll i eske
Painful and moving about real world characters facing real world problems. 8/10 - DirectorPedro AlmodóvarStarsAntonio BanderasAsier EtxeandiaLeonardo SbaragliaA film director reflects on the choices he's made in life as the past and present come crashing down around him.02.11. Vika kino, Sal 2. First time.
A much better film about an artist looking back at his childhood while struggling with addiction than "Rocketman" (which I also watched today). Less is often more, and I liked the grounded drama and comedy in this very much. Banderas is very good. 8/10 - DirectorDexter FletcherStarsTaron EgertonJamie BellRichard MaddenA musical fantasy about the fantastical human story of Elton John's breakthrough years.02.11. Vika kino, Sal 1. First time.
Wonderful performance by Taron Egerton in a so-so film. The script is weak, as are many of the supporting roles, and the whole thing lacks a bit soul. 6/10 - DirectorAlan ElliottSydney PollackStarsAretha FranklinJames ClevelandAlexander HamiltonA documentary presenting Aretha Franklin with choir at the New Bethel Baptist Church in Watts, Los Angeles in January 1972.02.11. Vika kino, Sal 1. First time.
Great historical document featuring beautiful music, but not a great piece of filmmaking. 6.5/10 - DirectorTodd Douglas MillerStarsNeil ArmstrongMike CollinsBuzz AldrinA look at the Apollo 11 mission to land on the moon led by commander Neil Armstrong and pilots Buzz Aldrin and Mike Collins.02.11. Klingenberg kino, Sal 4. First time.
Fantastic! One of the best films I've seen this year, and definetly one of the best archive documentaries ever made. The definitive moonlanding film. 9/10 - DirectorHenry SelickStarsDanny ElfmanChris SarandonCatherine O'HaraJack Skellington, king of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town, but his attempts to bring Christmas to his home causes confusion.01.11. Blu-ray on TV. time.
- DirectorRoger CormanStarsVincent PricePeter LorreBoris KarloffA magician, who has been turned into a raven, turns to a former sorcerer for help.31.10. Blu-ray on TV. First time.
What a cute film. Vincent Price is adorable as the sweet and gentle magician Erasmus Craven, and it was fun seeing Karloff in human form and strange seeing Peter Lorre so old. Babyfaced Jack Nicholson could really have done with some direction, as he just looks completely lost all the time, but all in all a fun film I'm definitely watching again some other Halloween. 7.5/10 - DirectorJames WhaleStarsBoris KarloffElsa LanchesterColin CliveMary Shelley reveals the main characters of her novel survived: Baron Henry Frankenstein, goaded by an even madder scientist, builds his monster a mate.30.10. Blu-ray on TV. Third time.
I will never be one of the people who list "Bride of Frankenstein" as one of the greatest sequels ever, but it certainly has a lot of nice moments, even if I don't agree with all the choices they've made, or where they take the story. I will agree that Karloff gives an even better performance in this, as he is given more to work with, though. 7.5/10 - DirectorChris ButlerSam FellStarsKodi Smit-McPheeAnna KendrickChristopher Mintz-PlasseA misunderstood boy takes on ghosts, zombies and grown-ups to save his town from a centuries-old curse.30.10. DVD on TV. First time.
Surprisingly mature and fun (especially after the disappointment of Laika's "The Boxtrolls" the other day). The morality lesson at the end was a bit heavy, and I wish they'd played with the expectations of the extremely stereotypical cast of characters way more than they did, but apart from that I had fun. 7/10 - DirectorEllen HovdeAlbert MayslesDavid MayslesStarsEdith Bouvier BealeEdith 'Little Edie' Bouvier BealeBrooks HyersMeet a mother and daughter, high-society dropouts, reclusive cousins of Jackie O., managing to thrive together amid the decay and disorder of their East Hampton, NY, mansion, making for an eerily ramshackle echo of the American Camelot.28.10. Cinemateket i Oslo, Tancred. time.
This is one of my favourite documentaries, so it was a real treat seeing it in a 2K restoration on the big screen. Missed having subtitles, though. 9/10 - DirectorGraham AnnableAnthony StacchiStarsBen KingsleyJared HarrisNick FrostA young orphaned boy raised by underground cave-dwelling trash collectors tries to save his friends from an evil exterminator.28.10. DVD on TV. First time.
I've held off watching this because I didn't like the look of it, and it turned out my skepticism was right. The story is dull, the characters clichéd, and the film seriously lacking in charm. 6/10 - DirectorWes CravenStarsHeather LangenkampJohnny DeppRobert EnglundTeenager Nancy Thompson must uncover the dark truth concealed by her parents after she and her friends become targets of the spirit of a serial killer with a bladed glove in their dreams, in which if they die, it kills them in real life.27.10. DVD on TV. Fourth (?) time.
I'm glad I discovered slasher films in my teens, because even this, the gold standard of 80s horror cinema doesn't really hold up to my tastes and sensibilities now. Freddy is still fun, but nowhere near as cool as he used to be. 6.5/10 - DirectorHenry SelickStarsDakota FanningTeri HatcherJohn HodgmanWandering her rambling old house in her boring new town, an 11-year-old Coraline discovers a hidden door to a strangely idealized version of her life. In order to stay in the fantasy, she must make a frighteningly real sacrifice.26.10. DVD on TV. Somethingth time.
Henry Selick is a genius. "Nightmare Before Christmas" is great, but "Coraline" is his masterpiece. 10/10 - DirectorHoward HawksStarsKatharine HepburnCary GrantCharles RugglesWhile trying to secure a $1 million donation for his museum, a befuddled paleontologist is pursued by a flighty and often irritating heiress and her pet leopard, Baby.25.10. Download on TV. Third time.
It's not often I laugh as much as I do when I watch "Bringing Up Baby". It's one of the funniest movies I know, and the best of the screwball comedies of the thirties. 9/10 - DirectorVictor SjöströmStarsVictor SjöströmHilda BorgströmTore SvennbergOn New Year's Eve, the driver of a ghostly carriage forces a drunken man to reflect on his selfish, wasted life.24.10. Cinemateket i Oslo, Lillebil. First time.
This has been high on my watchlist for ages, and I finally got to see it at the Cinematheque in Oslo tonight. It starts out a little slow, with no help from the 1998 music, but the drama and the music really pick up after a little while. It's a dark tale, that goes many places few other films of it's time would, and the actors give very nuanced performances. "Körkarlen" didn't captivate me as much as the best silent films, but it's very good in it's finest moments, and the scenes with the titular (in English) "phantom carriage" were very moody and well done. 7.5/10 - DirectorRoger CormanStarsVincent PriceMark DamonMyrna FaheyUpon entering his fiancée's family mansion, a man discovers a savage family curse and fears that his future brother-in-law has entombed his bride-to-be prematurely.22.10. Blu-ray on TV. First time.
After the atmospheric black and white of "The Old Dark House", the over-lit colour of "House of Usher" fails to impress, although Arrow's blu-ray looks very fine. There isn't enough story here for a feature, and the main couple are rather stiff, but apart from that it was fairly enjoyable. Vincent Price did good with what he had to work with, even if the blond hair and lack of mustache was a bit jarring. 6/10 - DirectorJames WhaleStarsBoris KarloffMelvyn DouglasCharles LaughtonSeeking shelter from a storm, five travelers are in for a bizarre and terrifying night when they stumble upon the Femm family estate.21.10. Blu-ray on TV. First time.
I haven't seen any old horror movies that I've never seen before for ages, so I really enjoyed this. I'm a big fan of Whales' 1931 "Frankenstein" and enjoyed the mood and atmosphere of this as well (even if it doesn't really compare to the greatness of that film). 7.5/10 - DirectorIvan ReitmanStarsBill MurrayDan AykroydSigourney WeaverThree parapsychologists forced out of their university funding set up shop as a unique ghost removal service in New York City, attracting frightened yet skeptical customers.14.10. Blu-ray on TV. time.
- DirectorVince GilliganStarsAaron PaulJonathan BanksMatt JonesFugitive Jesse Pinkman runs from his captors, the law, and his past.11.10. Netflix on TV. First time.
It feels strange adding this to my film list, as it definetly feels like I just watched two hours of television. It's an ok continuation, but unlike "Better Call Saul" it doesn't really add anything to the "Breaking Bad" universe. Continuing the journey a little longer was alright, but it feels like it ends in exactly the same place it picked up, so I don't know exactly what I got out of this. 7/10 - DirectorAlfred L. WerkerStarsBasil RathboneNigel BruceIda LupinoThe master sleuth hunts his archenemy, Professor Moriarty, who is planning the crime of the century.09.10.2019. YouTube on TV. First time.
- DirectorRidley ScottStarsHarrison FordRutger HauerSean YoungA blade runner must pursue and terminate four replicants who stole a ship in space and have returned to Earth to find their creator.08.10.2019. Blu-ray on TV. Somethingth time.
- DirectorTim BurtonStarsMichael KeatonJack NicholsonKim BasingerThe Dark Knight of Gotham City begins his war on crime with his first major enemy being Jack Napier, a criminal who becomes the clownishly homicidal Joker.07.10. Blu-ray on TV. Somethingth time.
- DirectorJohannes NyholmStarsLeif EdlundYlva GallonKatarina JacobsonAs a couple goes on a trip to find their way back to each other, a sideshow artist and his shady entourage emerge from the woods, terrorizing them, luring them deeper into a maelstrom of psychological terror and humiliating slapstick.06.10. Cinemateket i Oslo, Tancred. First time. *Troll i eske
There is some nice imagery here, but the film wears the "Groundhog Day" premise very thin, very fast. 5.5/10 - DirectorRobert WiseStarsJulie AndrewsChristopher PlummerEleanor ParkerA young novice is sent by her convent in 1930s Austria to become a governess to the seven children of a widowed naval officer.06.10. Blu-ray on TV. Fourth time.
- DirectorTodd PhillipsStarsJoaquin PhoenixRobert De NiroZazie BeetzDuring the 1980s, a failed stand-up comedian is driven insane and turns to a life of crime and chaos in Gotham City while becoming an infamous psychopathic crime figure.04.10. Cinemateket i Oslo, Tancred. *70mm First time.
"So, who's the best Joker?" my friend leaned over and asked me, when the credits started rolling. "Heath Ledger," I immediately replied. Joaquin Phoenix gives a great performance as Arthur Fleck, but when it all comes down to it, he only takes on the Joker persona for a very short time at the end of the film, and when he does, there's actually a lot of Ledger in it.
My first thought after answering my friend's question was that the film was "good, not fantastic". When a film has as much hype as this, it tends to feel urgent to form an opinion, and while the film gripped me throughout, it never captivated me in the same way as the great films that inspired it, like "Taxi Driver", "The King of Comedy" or "The Dark Knight". I was worried the film was going to be a mish-mash of pastiches from those films and others, so I was relieved to find that it is indeed it's own thing. I'm going to try to not compare this to "The Dark Knight" too much, because they are such different films, telling very different stories. Nolan's Batman films, "The Dark Knight" in particular, have such epic, sweeping narratives, featuring extremely effective story telling that is hard to compete with. "Joker" instead dives into some of the background details mentioned throughout those films, mainly the troubles in the eighties and Joker's origin.
"If I'm going to have a past, I prefer it to be multiple choice," the Joker says in the classic graphic novel "The Killing Joke", an idea used to great effect in "The Dark Knight", and while all of "Joker" is sort of encapsulated in each of the scenes in "TDK" where Ledger's Joker sticks his knife in somebody's mouth and tells one of his origin stories, this film has enough going for it to merit it's existence (something I was very sceptical about back when the project was first announced). In "Joker" we are treated to one of the "multiple choices" and it's a fascinating character study of what makes a man snap.
*SPOILERS BELOW*
Almost all the elements to the story work fairly well, bound together by a mesmerizing performance from Joaquin Phoenix (probably just playing himself), except for the Thomas Wayne bit. Having Bruce's father not be the wonderful saint we're used to seeing him remembered as is nice, but having Joker possibly be Batman's brother is even worse than having him be the guy who killed his parents back in '89. *SPOILERS ABOVE*
Still, for the most part I believe in the world he lives in and the journey he undertakes, and am happy to have had the first good film to come out of Gotham in 11 years.
8/10 - DirectorSidney LanfieldStarsBasil RathboneNigel BruceRichard GreeneSherlock Holmes and Dr Watson investigate the legend of a supernatural hound, a beast that may be stalking a young heir on the fog-shrouded moorland that makes up his estate.03.10. YouTube on TV. First time.
I've wanted to see this film for ages, but haven't been able to find it until a sudden urge for some classic horror or mystery made me look it up on YouTube tonight. I've seen a few of the Rathbone/Bruce "Sherlock Holmes" films from the forties, but never the first two that were actually set in Victorian times. This is so much better than the sequels. I remember the story too well to enjoy this as much as I could have, so I look forwards to watching "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" and once again seeing Rathbone shine as Holmes in a Victorian, non-war propaganda setting. 7/10 - DirectorMike NewellStarsDaniel RadcliffeEmma WatsonRupert GrintHarry Potter finds himself competing in a hazardous tournament between rival schools of magic, but he is distracted by recurring nightmares.30.09. Blu-ray on TV. Somethingth time.
- DirectorFlorian Henckel von DonnersmarckStarsTom SchillingSebastian KochPaula BeerGerman artist Kurt Barnert has escaped East Germany and now lives in West Germany, but is tormented by his childhood under the Nazis and the GDR-regime.29.09. Cinemateket i Oslo. First time.
Excellent film. Did not feel the runtime at all. 8/10 - DirectorMichael Dudok de WitStarsEmmanuel GarijoTom HudsonBaptiste GoyA man is shipwrecked on a deserted island and encounters a big red turtle, which changes his life.27.09. Netflix on TV. First time.
Beautiful film. It's nice to see different esthetics in animation, and the simple, quiet story moved me. 8/10 - DirectorDavid LoweryStarsRobert RedfordCasey AffleckSissy SpacekBased on the true story of Forrest Tucker and his audacious escape from San Quentin at the age of 70 to an unprecedented string of heists that confounded authorities and enchanted the public.27.09. Blu-ray on TV. First time.
Finally a decent David Grann adaptation. Nice part for Robert Redford to cap off with ("Endgame" not withstanding). 6.5/10 - DirectorGil JungerStarsHeath LedgerJulia StilesJoseph Gordon-LevittA high-school boy, Cameron, cannot date Bianca until her anti-social older sister, Kat, has a boyfriend. So, Cameron pays a mysterious boy, Patrick, to charm Kat.24.09. DVD on TV. First time.
After watching "The Taming of the Shrew" a couple of weeks ago, we got very curious about wether you could do a modern version of the play. Because of this, we discovered "10 Things I Hate About You". There's a lot to like in it, but it often gets too 90's. 6/10
Note: I thought it might be weird seeing Heath Ledger in this after rewatching "The Dark Knight" last night, but his turn as the Joker is so transformative I can't really tell it's the same actor. - DirectorChristopher NolanStarsChristian BaleHeath LedgerAaron EckhartWhen the menace known as the Joker wreaks havoc and chaos on the people of Gotham, Batman must accept one of the greatest psychological and physical tests of his ability to fight injustice.23.09. Blu-ray on TV. Somethingth time.
I could write something banal about Joaquin Phoenix having some big clown shoes to fill, but I won't, because the upcoming "Joker" seems like an entirely different beast. No matter how good of a character study that film ends up being, "The Dark Knight" will always reign supreme as the ultimate Joker film. The reason is that it's the only film to truly explore the Batman/Joker relationship that is the core of many of the very best comic books.
The epic scope of "The Dark Knight" is still unsurpassed, and the decade of superhero extravaganzas that has followed it still has nothing on it. Telling the whole Joker/Batman conflict from start to finish, as well as the fall of Harvey Dent in just two and a half hours is a feat for the ages.
I will never experience the same pure excitement as I did watching it on opening night again, but it's always a great experience revisiting Nolan's masterpiece. 10/10 - DirectorJames GrayStarsBrad PittTommy Lee JonesRuth NeggaAstronaut Roy McBride undertakes a mission across an unforgiving solar system to uncover the truth about his missing father and his doomed expedition that now, 30 years later, threatens the universe.20.09. Asker kino, Sal 1. First time.
Apocalypse Now... in space! The film feels a bit like a sci-fi version of "Heart of Darkness"/"Apocalypse Now", but the plot feels thinner here. The experience on the other hand, is very exiting! This was the freshest space adventure I have seen in years. 7.5/10 - DirectorLee UnkrichStarsTom HanksTim AllenJoan CusackThe toys are mistakenly delivered to a day-care center instead of the attic right before Andy leaves for college, and it's up to Woody to convince the other toys that they weren't abandoned and to return home.16.09. Blu-ray on TV.
I've been on the verge every time I've seen this, and this time it finally got me. I cried. 10/10 - DirectorSteven BognarJulia ReichertStarsJunming 'Jimmy' WangRobert AllenSherrod BrownIn post-industrial Ohio, a Chinese billionaire opens a factory in an abandoned General Motors plant, hiring two thousand Americans. Early days of hope and optimism give way to setbacks as high-tech China clashes with working-class America.14.09. Netflix on TV. First time.
Very informative, and great access, but still not all that captivating. 6.5/10 - DirectorAndy MuschiettiStarsJessica ChastainJames McAvoyBill HaderTwenty-seven years after their first encounter with the terrifying Pennywise, the Losers Club have grown up and moved away, until a devastating phone call brings them back.12.09. Klingenberg kino, Sal 1. First time.
It stinks. It's a superfluous continuation of a story that should have been done, more steeped in nostalgia for it's better predecessor than a Disney Star Wars. Bill Hader and the guy who played adult Ed were good, though, and there were a copuple of good scares. 5/10
Note: The trailer show at the beginning was very well put together. First King's "Doctor Sleep", then the other big clown movie of the season, "Joker", and finally a "Birds of Prey" trailer pretending to be the actual film beginning. - DirectorFranco ZeffirelliStarsElizabeth TaylorRichard BurtonCyril CusackBrutish, fortune-hunting scoundrel Petruchio tames his wealthy, shrewish wife, Katharina.08.09. DVD on TV. First time.
Apart from the horribly mysogynistic speech at the end, it was pretty fun. Nice seeing Michael York again. 6/10
Note: I'm curious to check out "10 Things I Hate About You" now, to see how you could do this story in our time. - DirectorAndy MuschiettiStarsBill SkarsgårdJaeden MartellFinn WolfhardIn the summer of 1989, a group of bullied kids band together to destroy a shape-shifting monster, which disguises itself as a clown and preys on the children of Derry, their small Maine town.08.09. Blu-ray on TV. Second time.
It felt a little soon for a rewatch, but I'm probably gonna be glad I did it when going to see "Chapter II". I really appreciate the acting, visuals and mood of this film, so I will definitely revisit Derry again over the years. 7.5/10 - DirectorAri AsterStarsToni ColletteMilly ShapiroGabriel ByrneA grieving family is haunted by tragic and disturbing occurrences.06.09. Blu-ray. First time.
I had been putting of seeing this because I thought it would be prohibitively scary, but when I finally got around to it, that wasn't a problem at all. The grief, on the other hand, was painful. Like "Midsommar" the plot is sometimes a bit contrived, but it leads to some good scenes. Peter's scene in the car was gripping. 7/10 - DirectorJohn LasseterAsh BrannonLee UnkrichStarsTom HanksTim AllenJoan CusackWhen Woody is stolen by a toy collector, Buzz and his friends set out on a rescue mission to save Woody before he becomes a museum toy property with his roundup gang Jessie, Prospector, and Bullseye.06.09.2019. Blu-ray on TV. Somethingth time.
- DirectorJim JarmuschStarsBill MurrayAdam DriverTilda SwintonThe peaceful town of Centerville finds itself battling a zombie horde as the dead start rising from their graves.03.09. Vega Scene, Sal 2. First time.
It's not Jarmusch's best, but I had a very good time. It made me want to watch more classic b-movies again. 6.5/10 - DirectorHlynur PálmasonStarsIngvar SigurdssonÍda Mekkín HlynsdóttirHilmir Snær GuðnasonAn off duty police begins to suspect a local man for having had an affair with his recently dead wife. Gradually his obsession for finding out the truth accumulates and inevitably begins to endanger himself and his loved ones.01.09. Cinemateket i Oslo, First time. *Troll i eske
A lot of nice visuals, interesting editing, and great performances from the grandfather and granddaughter. It doesn't quite stick the ending, but was interesting throughout. 7/10 - DirectorLaurence OlivierStarsLaurence OlivierJean SimmonsJohn LauriePrince Hamlet struggles over whether or not he should kill his uncle, whom he suspects has murdered his father, the former king.01.09. DVD on TV. Second time.
I've idolized this film since first seeing it eight or nine years ago, so I was very happy to find I still loved it upon my first rewatch. It's like a piece of great, classic theatre, but also wonderful cinema. In this post-modern world I can only dream of seeing sets and costumes like this when I go to the theatre, so having this amazing production preserved for the ages is a blessing. 10/10 - DirectorJohn KrasinskiStarsEmily BluntJohn KrasinskiMillicent SimmondsA family struggles for survival in a world where most humans have been killed by blind but noise-sensitive creatures. They are forced to communicate in sign language to keep the creatures at bay.31.08. Netflix on TV. First time.
Did not live up to the hype. The monsters looked ridiculous, and since we got to know that from the beginning, it was hard to feel scared of them. There were a couple of semi-tense scenes, but the film mostly drove home the point of how extremely important sound is, especially for a horror film. 6/10 - DirectorJoachim TrierStarsAnders Danielsen LieHans Olav BrennerIngrid OlavaOne day in the life of Anders, a young recovering drug addict, who takes a brief leave from his treatment center to interview for a job and catch up with old friends in Oslo.31.08. Cinemateket i Oslo. Third time? *35mm
When rewatching this today, eight years (on the day) since it first came out, it's hard to not judge it by the holy grail status it has gotten in Norwegian cinema since then. It still is one of the best Norwegian films made, and it is very good, but I would not say it's the very best, and I don't believe it's the pinnacle of Norwegian cinema.
The film becomes better as it progresses, and in hindsight the first third or so of the film feels a bit expository. The pay-off for the somewhat clunky start, featuring Hans Olav Brenner doing his best at acting, is very good, though, as it allows us to just experience the rest of the film along with Anders. My favourite scene is the one in the cafe, closely followed by the bike ride and them sneaking into Frognerbadet. 8.5/10
Note: A fun element in rewatching the film for the first time since actually moving to Oslo (not just visiting a lot) is to track the geography of the film, as it takes place in exactly the parts of town I frequent myself. - DirectorTom ShadyacStarsJim CarreyMaura TierneyAmanda DonohoeA pathological liar-lawyer finds his career turned upside down when he inexplicably cannot physically lie for 24 whole hours.30.08. DVD on TV. Second time.
Jim Carrey isn't as funny as he used to be, but it was still nice rewatching one of his classics. 6/10 - DirectorTerry ZwigoffStarsSteve BuscemiThora BirchScarlett JohanssonTwo eccentric best friends graduate high school and respond to a man's romance-seeking newspaper ad as a gag, only to find their lives becoming increasingly complicated.26.08. DVD on TV. First time.
I had been wanting to see this for a while, so was disappointed to find it reminded me a lot of "Napoleon Dynamite" (which I can't stand). Tora Birch's character was way too unsympathetic and unlikable for my taste, and I always find it diificult to watch a film where I don't want to spend time with the main character. Buscemi shines as Seymour, and ScarJo adds more depth to her character the further she separates herself from Birch, but on the whole, the film didn't really engage me as much as I had hoped. I can imagine it being very cool in 2001, though. 6/10 - DirectorMilos FormanStarsWoody HarrelsonCourtney LoveEdward NortonThe story of controversial pornography publisher Larry Flynt, and how he became a defender of free speech.24.08. Netflix on TV. First time.
Another one of those "good, not great" dramas of the 90's. It's an enjoyable story, although I quickly tired of Flynt's antics. 6.5/10 - DirectorPaul SchraderStarsEthan HawkeAmanda SeyfriedCedric The EntertainerA minister of a small congregation in upstate New York grapples with mounting despair brought on by tragedy, worldly concerns and a tormented past.The soul searching of the first half was what I expected from this film, and it was good, but the "Taxi Driver"/"Passion of the Christ" stuff at the end lost me. 7/10
- DirectorFrancis Ford CoppolaStarsMatt DamonDanny DeVitoClaire DanesAn underdog lawyer takes on a fraudulent insurance company.23.08. Netflix on TV. First time.
Dramas and thrillers from the 90's are always good, if seldom great. You'd never guess this was a Coppola film. Danny Glover was the highlight. 6.5/10 - DirectorRobert AltmanStarsMaggie SmithRyan PhillippeMichael GambonSet in the 1930s, a group of pretentious rich and famous get together for a weekend of relaxation at a hunting resort. But when a murder occurs, each one of these interesting characters becomes a suspect.21.08. DVD on TV. Second time.
Having recently started watching "Downton Abbey", I could hardly help feeling that this was the proto-version of that series. All the upstairs/downstairs intrigue and drama is really what this is all about, while the murder mystery takes much more of a backseat than I remembered. The first half sets up more than the second half delivers, and it doesn't really utilize all of it's impressive cast, but it's still very enjoyable. 7/10 - DirectorVictor FlemingKing VidorStarsJudy GarlandFrank MorganRay BolgerYoung Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto are swept away by a tornado from their Kansas farm to the magical Land of Oz, and embark on a quest with three new friends to see the Wizard, who can return her to her home and fulfill the others' wishes.19.08. Blu-ray on TV. Somethingth time.
- DirectorWash WestmorelandStarsKeira KnightleyFiona ShawDominic WestColette is pushed by her husband to write novels under his name. Upon their success, she fights to make her talents known, challenging gender norms.19.08. DVD on TV. First time.
Typical bio-pic with a strong Keira Knightley, and a so-so McNulty. The score was very good. 6.5/10 - DirectorJim JarmuschStarsAdam DriverGolshifteh FarahaniNellieA quiet observation of the triumphs and defeats of daily life, along with the poetry evident in its smallest details.18.08. Blu-ray on TV. Second time.
I've wanted to rewatch this since I first saw it. Adam Driver is amazing in this quiet, little marvel. 8.5/10