Fantasy

Not as good as Pan's Labyrinth, but definitely worth watching.

I didn't read books, somehow I always have something smarter to read, but I gladly rewatch the movies from time to time. Maybe it's a story for children and it may not have special depth, but it is visually beautiful and so much fun, even after several viewing.

8,5/10

The Lord of the Rings (2001-2003)

"One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all And in the darkness bind them"

Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" is a book that has introduced me to the world of epic fantasy and, while no longer in the top of my favorites, will forever hold a special place in my heart. I will never forget how I eagerly awaited this movie trilogy, as well as the thrill of the movies when I first saw them in the cinema. And with each new viewing, enjoyment is no less. Although I don't like movies this long, the twelve hours of "The Lord of the Rings" just fly by.

It is far from being the perfect movie, as many seem to perceive it. I find many changes to the book to be unnecessary hollywoodization. Elijah Wood never felt right in the role of Frodo, and his latently gay relationship with Sam will never stop poking my eyes. It may be up to me, but I've never experienced it in a book. There are a lot more of all sorts of minor complaints, but in spite of them, the overall impression of this epic trilogy in every respect is an unforgettable experience. A very well adapted story, camera, directing and effects that take your breath away, mostly excellent cast choices and ingeniously blended music that greatly enhances the already perfect atmosphere, make this film a masterpiece of the genre and, in my opinion, one of the best film achievements of all time.

10/10

It is much weaker than the first movie, so it was difficult to keep the attention for nearly three hours, but it's far from being bad.

7/10

The Lord of the Rings (2001-2003)

"One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all And in the darkness bind them"

Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" is a book that has introduced me to the world of epic fantasy and, while no longer in the top of my favorites, will forever hold a special place in my heart. I will never forget how I eagerly awaited this movie trilogy, as well as the thrill of the movies when I first saw them in the cinema. And with each new viewing, enjoyment is no less. Although I don't like movies this long, the twelve hours of "The Lord of the Rings" just fly by.

It is far from being the perfect movie, as many seem to perceive it. I find many changes to the book to be unnecessary hollywoodization. Elijah Wood never felt right in the role of Frodo, and his latently gay relationship with Sam will never stop poking my eyes. It may be up to me, but I've never experienced it in a book. There are a lot more of all sorts of minor complaints, but in spite of them, the overall impression of this epic trilogy in every respect is an unforgettable experience. A very well adapted story, camera, directing and effects that take your breath away, mostly excellent cast choices and ingeniously blended music that greatly enhances the already perfect atmosphere, make this film a masterpiece of the genre and, in my opinion, one of the best film achievements of all time.

10/10

I'll never get tired of this movie.

8,5/10

Underworld Franchise (2003-2016)

Still a better love story than Twilight :D

Set (predominantly) in the present day, this fantasy franchise tells us of a centuries-old war between vampires and werewolves. We follow the story from the perspective of Selene (Kate Beckinsale), one of the greatest vampire warriors, who leads the werewolf hunt. When she meets Michael (Scott Speedman), a man who is persecuted by werewolves for a mysterious reason, her life and worldviews change drastically. This saga has quite a well-crafted story and characterization, though as the franchise goes on, the quality of the story declines to eventually turn into a shallow action. The acting, the camera, the directing, the effects, the music ... it's all pretty well done, but nothing spectacular.

Underworld (2003)

The first film introduces us to the dark world of vampires and werewolves, which secretly coexists with ours. While vampires are a well-organized society with a powerful army, werewolves are a wild unleashed horde that is gradually exterminated by vampires. And then emerges a leader capable of uniting werewolves, as well as a man capable of uniting the features of both races in one hybrid being. A good thriller with a story that will intrigue you, and with just the right amount of romance and well-directed action.

7/10

Underworld: Evolution (2006)

"Evolution" continues directly to the first movie and now Selene and Michael are trying to break into the history and secrets of both races, in a desperate attempt to bring the centuries-old war to an end. A worthy sequel in the same manner and quality as the first film.

7/10

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009)

"Rise of the Lycans" is an "origins story" and takes us into the Middle Ages. Vampires were aristocracy, and werewolves were their slaves, until the young werewolf Lucian rose into a leader who led his race in the struggle for liberation, thus beginning a centuries-old war between the two races. The franchise still holds a level.

7/10

Underworld: Awakening (2012)

Humans discover the existence of vampires and werewolves and decide to exterminate them. Michael and Selene are hit while fighting humans and she wakes up twelve years later, not knowing what happened to Michael. She now has a twelve-year-old daughter, the first natural-born hybrid, who she must protect from Lycans that want to take advantage of her in their fight for dominance.

The fourth film is slightly weaker than its predecessors. The action continues in the same manner, but the story is underdeveloped. I was under the impression that I was watching a long movie trailer, not the movie itself. But basically, I liked it.

6,5/10

Underworld: Blood Wars (2016)

The latest installment in the "Underworld" franchise is by far the worst, but not redundant. "Blood Wars" rounds off this saga, but it does a rather lousy job, and the movie is reduced to eighty minutes of shallow action and two-dimensional characters that are there just to keep the story from staying unfinished. I don't want to recommend it, but again, you have to see it if you wish to know how the story ends.

5/10

The Lord of the Rings (2001-2003)

"One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all And in the darkness bind them"

Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" is a book that has introduced me to the world of epic fantasy and, while no longer in the top of my favorites, will forever hold a special place in my heart. I will never forget how I eagerly awaited this movie trilogy, as well as the thrill of the movies when I first saw them in the cinema. And with each new viewing, enjoyment is no less. Although I don't like movies this long, the twelve hours of "The Lord of the Rings" just fly by.

It is far from being the perfect movie, as many seem to perceive it. I find many changes to the book to be unnecessary hollywoodization. Elijah Wood never felt right in the role of Frodo, and his latently gay relationship with Sam will never stop poking my eyes. It may be up to me, but I've never experienced it in a book. There are a lot more of all sorts of minor complaints, but in spite of them, the overall impression of this epic trilogy in every respect is an unforgettable experience. A very well adapted story, camera, directing and effects that take your breath away, mostly excellent cast choices and ingeniously blended music that greatly enhances the already perfect atmosphere, make this film a masterpiece of the genre and, in my opinion, one of the best film achievements of all time.

10/10

Good movie. Perhaps a bit too long, I had the impression of watching a series, but good. It's not Guillermo del Toro that I'm used to, but it's certainly worth a look, especially who likes super(anti)hero movies.

7/10

Something's wrong

Although I did not read the book, it is obvious that something's wrong with this movie. In many aspects it is better that two prequels, but then again it leaves impression of weak movie, occasionally even boring. Acting, directing, production, special effects (especially hippogryf), everything is on high level and finale is great, but with story itself something definitely isn't right. Something's missing. Book fans surely know what I am talking about, even if I have no idea myself...

7/10

Secret Jesus

Criminal, son of a preacher, after many years, returns to his hometown in Texas to take over his father's church. But although he is trying to be good, past, long-standing habits and character can not be erased overnight. Things are further complicated when the story involves a child of the forbidden love, the Irish vampire, a pair of angels, a completely crazy local tycoon, and an ex-girlfriend.

"If by 'baby' you mean the most powerful entity ever known, the singular force that could shift the balance of power, threaten all of creation, then yeah, it's a 'baby'."

A great story, a dark atmosphere pervaded with (black) humor and a bunch of completely insane characters and situations. The chaotic angel fight, which opens the sixth episode of the first season, is one of the craziest things that I was fortunate to see on television. The atmosphere and framing will especially appeal to comics fans. If for no other reason, watch this because of Joseph Gilgun as a vampire of a very specific kind, which you did not have the opportunity to see before. Brilliant.

"Afraid of the cross?

It's a 2.000-year-old symbol of hypocrisy, slavery, and oppression. But it won't burn me face off."

The following seasons introduce a bunch of new characters of which, although some are perfect, many fail to maintain level with characters from the first season, in terms of both the idea and the cast and their performances. The story further complicates, maybe too much, and the third and fourth seasons are totally over-the-top. I love over-the-top comedies and so-bad-it-is-good movies, but this series didn't start in that manner.

The second season has completely cut off any ties to the first one, and the series becomes something else entirely, and the third season went so far that one wrong step could make everything go to hell. They brought it in the situation to balance on a thin line between ingenious and ridiculous and I was afraid that the fourth season could easily bury the show. But they managed to maintain the level to the end and this is easily one of the best things in the genre so far.

9/10

Little girl, don't touch that squirrel's nuts! It'll make him crazy!

Terribly underrated movie. Of course, it is not on top of world cinematography, but in own genre, it's a true masterpiece. In my opinion, one of Barton's finest achievements. Fairy-tale for children and all of us who still feel that way.

8/10

The very best in genre.

What a story it is. A tragic tale of romance, passion, and murder most foul.

While he was practicing vows in a forest night before the wedding, clumsy Victor accidentally proposes to a corpse of a girl brutally murdered by her fiancé. Corpse wakes up, pronounces that fateful "I do" and takes Victor to the underworld. He is trying to escape and get back to the girl he loves. One of Barton's best movies. Plot, emotion, acting, music... beautiful.

9/10

Either this movie is better than the previous ones or it's just my impression because I had a fan(atic), who knows all the books by heart, to fill in the flaws that a film makes in relation to the book.

8/10

Underworld Franchise (2003-2016)

Still a better love story than Twilight :D

Set (predominantly) in the present day, this fantasy franchise tells us of a centuries-old war between vampires and werewolves. We follow the story from the perspective of Selene (Kate Beckinsale), one of the greatest vampire warriors, who leads the werewolf hunt. When she meets Michael (Scott Speedman), a man who is persecuted by werewolves for a mysterious reason, her life and worldviews change drastically. This saga has quite a well-crafted story and characterization, though as the franchise goes on, the quality of the story declines to eventually turn into a shallow action. The acting, the camera, the directing, the effects, the music ... it's all pretty well done, but nothing spectacular.

Underworld (2003)

The first film introduces us to the dark world of vampires and werewolves, which secretly coexists with ours. While vampires are a well-organized society with a powerful army, werewolves are a wild unleashed horde that is gradually exterminated by vampires. And then emerges a leader capable of uniting werewolves, as well as a man capable of uniting the features of both races in one hybrid being. A good thriller with a story that will intrigue you, and with just the right amount of romance and well-directed action.

7/10

Underworld: Evolution (2006)

"Evolution" continues directly to the first movie and now Selene and Michael are trying to break into the history and secrets of both races, in a desperate attempt to bring the centuries-old war to an end. A worthy sequel in the same manner and quality as the first film.

7/10

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009)

"Rise of the Lycans" is an "origins story" and takes us into the Middle Ages. Vampires were aristocracy, and werewolves were their slaves, until the young werewolf Lucian rose into a leader who led his race in the struggle for liberation, thus beginning a centuries-old war between the two races. The franchise still holds a level.

7/10

Underworld: Awakening (2012)

Humans discover the existence of vampires and werewolves and decide to exterminate them. Michael and Selene are hit while fighting humans and she wakes up twelve years later, not knowing what happened to Michael. She now has a twelve-year-old daughter, the first natural-born hybrid, who she must protect from Lycans that want to take advantage of her in their fight for dominance.

The fourth film is slightly weaker than its predecessors. The action continues in the same manner, but the story is underdeveloped. I was under the impression that I was watching a long movie trailer, not the movie itself. But basically, I liked it.

6,5/10

Underworld: Blood Wars (2016)

The latest installment in the "Underworld" franchise is by far the worst, but not redundant. "Blood Wars" rounds off this saga, but it does a rather lousy job, and the movie is reduced to eighty minutes of shallow action and two-dimensional characters that are there just to keep the story from staying unfinished. I don't want to recommend it, but again, you have to see it if you wish to know how the story ends.

5/10

Good plot, great acting and directing, and fantastic visual effects. It lacks some of the "soul" first one had, but it's still a sequel and it's bound to repeat itself and lose some soul on lack of originality. But whatever it loses on originality, it is more than covered by quality in every aspect.

When I was watching the first one, unfortunately, I did not pay attention to music. This time music hypnotized me. It is so good that I even watched complete ending credits not being able to interrupt music that follows it. The movie sounds fantastic.

And of course, Johnny Depp, the only man who could possibly pull off Jack Sparrow, one of the best actors of our time.

8/10

Magical

This movie leaves me speechless every time…

8/10

• You're mad. - Thank goodness. If I wasn't this would probably never work.
• Do you think he plans it all out or just makes it up as he goes along ?!

I have not read the book, but I have the impression that the film is a bit hurried. Maybe it would be better if, instead of two hours, they stretched it to three, so that the story could be better elaborated.

7/10

Beautiful fairy-tale

"Are we human because we gaze at the stars or do we gaze at them because we are human? Pointless, really. Do the stars gaze back? Now, that's a question..."

If Neil Gaiman is not enough reason for you to see this movie, there are also Claire Danes, Robert De Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer, Peter O'Toole, Ian McKellen, Siena Miller...

9/10

"Human beings make life so interesting. Do you know that in a universe so full of wonders, they have managed to invent boredom?" 15 November 2015

Death: HUMANS NEED FANTASY TO BE HUMAN, TO BE THE PLACE WHERE FALLING ANGEL MEETS THE RISING APE. Susan: Tooth fairies? Hogfathers? Little... Death: YES. AS PRACTICE. YOU HAVE TO START OUT LEARNING TO BELIEVE THE LITTLE LIES. Susan: So we can believe the big ones? Death: YES. JUSTICE. MERCY. DUTY. THAT SORT OF THING. Susan: They're not the same at all! Death: YOU THINK SO? THEN TAKE THE UNIVERSE AND GRIND IT DOWN TO THE FINEST POWDER AND SIEVE IT THROUGH THE FINEST SIEVE AND THEN SHOW ME ONE ATOM OF JUSTICE, ONE MOLECULE OF MERCY. AND YET - Death waved a hand - AND YET YOU ACT AS IF THERE IS SOME ... SOME RIGHTNESS IN THE UNIVERSE BY WHICH IT MAY BE JUDGED. Susan: Yes, but people have got to believe that, or what's the point... Death: MY POINT EXACTLY.

7/10 [10/10 for the book]

A little weaker but more versatile than the first one. Certainly entertaining.

7/10

Amazing life in reverse

For me, this is one of the best movies of all time. The story is well developed, there are no significant flaws or illogicality, the idea is original and interesting, acting and directing very good. It lasts more than two and a half hours, but with a curious story, strong dialogues, depth, and well-measured tempo it keeps attention on a high level from the beginning till the end. I would not be myself if I didn't have some objections, of course, but this time I don't want to spoil.

10/10

Underworld Franchise (2003-2016)

Still a better love story than Twilight :D

Set (predominantly) in the present day, this fantasy franchise tells us of a centuries-old war between vampires and werewolves. We follow the story from the perspective of Selene (Kate Beckinsale), one of the greatest vampire warriors, who leads the werewolf hunt. When she meets Michael (Scott Speedman), a man who is persecuted by werewolves for a mysterious reason, her life and worldviews change drastically. This saga has quite a well-crafted story and characterization, though as the franchise goes on, the quality of the story declines to eventually turn into a shallow action. The acting, the camera, the directing, the effects, the music ... it's all pretty well done, but nothing spectacular.

Underworld (2003)

The first film introduces us to the dark world of vampires and werewolves, which secretly coexists with ours. While vampires are a well-organized society with a powerful army, werewolves are a wild unleashed horde that is gradually exterminated by vampires. And then emerges a leader capable of uniting werewolves, as well as a man capable of uniting the features of both races in one hybrid being. A good thriller with a story that will intrigue you, and with just the right amount of romance and well-directed action.

7/10

Underworld: Evolution (2006)

"Evolution" continues directly to the first movie and now Selene and Michael are trying to break into the history and secrets of both races, in a desperate attempt to bring the centuries-old war to an end. A worthy sequel in the same manner and quality as the first film.

7/10

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009)

"Rise of the Lycans" is an "origins story" and takes us into the Middle Ages. Vampires were aristocracy, and werewolves were their slaves, until the young werewolf Lucian rose into a leader who led his race in the struggle for liberation, thus beginning a centuries-old war between the two races. The franchise still holds a level.

7/10

Underworld: Awakening (2012)

Humans discover the existence of vampires and werewolves and decide to exterminate them. Michael and Selene are hit while fighting humans and she wakes up twelve years later, not knowing what happened to Michael. She now has a twelve-year-old daughter, the first natural-born hybrid, who she must protect from Lycans that want to take advantage of her in their fight for dominance.

The fourth film is slightly weaker than its predecessors. The action continues in the same manner, but the story is underdeveloped. I was under the impression that I was watching a long movie trailer, not the movie itself. But basically, I liked it.

6,5/10

Underworld: Blood Wars (2016)

The latest installment in the "Underworld" franchise is by far the worst, but not redundant. "Blood Wars" rounds off this saga, but it does a rather lousy job, and the movie is reduced to eighty minutes of shallow action and two-dimensional characters that are there just to keep the story from staying unfinished. I don't want to recommend it, but again, you have to see it if you wish to know how the story ends.

5/10

"I think I've just had another near-Rincewind experience" 30 June 2016 / 28 March 2020

Like in "Hogfather", Death is pretty much lousy done, which is a shame because Death is the most awesome character in Discworld series. But besides that, it is absolutely fantastic. I thought it would be impossible to adapt Pratchett to feature film and preserve its original charm, but the movie definitely possesses the spirit of the written Discworld. The Luggage and legendary Del Boy in the role of Rincewind are an inexhaustible source of entertainment.

9/10

Enjoyable

Hard-core fans of Harry Potter claim that movie franchise started well enough but it goes worse with every new movie. To me, as to someone who did not read the books, it is quite the opposite. Maybe they don't follow books as much as they should, but actors are growing up and acting improves with every movie, story is more and more interesting and directing and effects sustain same good level. Great entertainment for whole family.

7,5/10

Visually it's nothing special, but it's far from bad. But story is lousy... Boring, confusing, without emotion... waste of time.

4/10 [6/10 for animation and 2/10 for story]

Loved it

Pretty much low-budget, but very entertaining. A smart, witty parody on famous fairy-tales, full of cultured humor, without vulgarity and all those nasty things that suppose to be funny these days. Perfect for brain relaxation.

8/10

Books must be treated with respect, we feel that in our bones, because words have power. Bring enough words together they can bend space and time.

Terry Pratchett is one of my favorite writers. I have every single book published in my country, 41 to be precise, and that's not even half of his bibliography. He is best known for his Discworld series, dozens of novels placed on a flat world, carried through space on the shoulders of four elephants, standing on the back of Atuin, gigantic turtle. Sounds familiar? In these novels, Terry parodies the whole history of humanity in all its aspects. I can not choose the favorite one, because every single one is awesome. Some of his work is adapted to movies, TV series and cartoons and I think I saw them all. On par with "The Colour of Magic", this is by far the best adaptation. I won't go into the story itself because I will assume everyone has read the book. And if you still didn't, do yourself a favor and put it on your priority list. Like Terry's books, this movie is extremely entertaining, hilarious and joyful. It may not be a masterpiece of cinematography, but it surely is the masterpiece of clever and meaningful comedy.

9/10

7,5/10