2015
2015 didn't really turn out to be as excellent as 2014. It did have it's moment though. Here is a list of films I have seen and films I plan on watching. You can tell them apart if you see or do not see my quick thoughts written below them.
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- DirectorDenis VilleneuveStarsEmily BluntJosh BrolinBenicio Del ToroAn idealistic FBI agent is enlisted by a government task force to aid in the escalating war against drugs at the border area between the U.S. and Mexico..........................................................
Where do I even start?
Golden Globes you f'king retards. Spy and Trainwreck gets nominations and Sicario gets snubbed, good job guys. I don't think anyone takes them seriously anymore. This is the third year in a row that Denis Villeneuve drops one of the greatest films of the year. 2 out of 3 they have been THE best of the year - Prisoners being the first.......
Sicario being the second.
This is as close as we can get to a flawless film. There have been few times where I have struggled this much to find flaws. I even struggled finding any continuity errors and if there were any they were so small and insignificant that I have already forgotten them.
Opening scene - exceptional. Literally the best way to present the weight of the entire film. Acting - amazing. Emily Blunt gives the best performance of her career. Benicio Del Toro finally back in an amazing roll and reminding me why I love him as an actor. Directing - fantastic. One of Denis best films. Better than Prisoners? Hard to tell but for now I'll say no. Script - perfect. Cinematography - do I even have to tell you? Not once did I check the time or pause quick to look up anything on imdb.
Oscar nominations is coming soon and I and surely many more are begging you: Do not neglect Sicario like you did Prisoners. Do not neglect Emily Blunt like you did Hugh Jackman. Do not neglect Benicio Del Toro. Do not neglect Denis Villeneuve. Do not neglect Taylor Sheridan. Do not neglect Roger Deakins for the millionth f'king time. Do not neglect Jóhann Jóhannsson and his phenomenal score.
We do not forgive and we do not forget.
Sicario gets a well deserving 10/10 - DirectorQuentin TarantinoStarsSamuel L. JacksonKurt RussellJennifer Jason LeighIn the dead of a Wyoming winter, a bounty hunter and his prisoner find shelter in a cabin currently inhabited by a collection of nefarious characters.3 hours went by like it was 2 hours. I f'king loved this movie. It's either my 2nd or 3rd favourite Tarantino film - I'm not sure if I like it more or less than Jackie Brown. The score was amazing. The directing was as expected amazing. All the performances were great. I'm so glad to see Jennifer Jason Leigh back and pulling one of the greatest performances of her lifetime because she is one of my favourite actresses. I'm pretty sure she won't but I'm routing for her to win the Oscar. And the story was so incredibly unpredictable and funny as hell.
I liked The Hateful Eight as much as Ex Machina but I'm placing Ex Machina above because it was a directoral debut and Quentin has mastered not only his style but the entire film industry since 1992.
9/10
SPOILER
Just realised something. If Minnie doesn't allow Mexicans in the haberdashery then how come she let in Bob in the first place? Had they made him stay outside in the stagecoach it would've made more sense and been pretty funny.
Doesn't seem like Tarantino to not take notice of this. - DirectorJ.J. AbramsStarsDaisy RidleyJohn BoyegaOscar IsaacAs a new threat to the galaxy rises, Rey, a desert scavenger, and Finn, an ex-stormtrooper, must join Han Solo and Chewbacca to search for the one hope of restoring peace.23 November 2015: Calling it right now - this will be the most financially successful movie of all time.
I unexpectedly got super fanboy excited for this film a couple of weeks before the premiere, didn't think I was going to. So my expectations went through the roof. But I gotta say: They were met.
I have to watch it again to be sure but it may be the best of the entire franchise, the only competition in my eyes is Episode 5. They did not hold back. The new characters were all likeable - no blank slates. The effects were amazing. I pretty much bought everything I saw as being real. Something I was afraid that they would do was to include a comic relief character. The droid kinda was that but they controlled themselves and prevented it from becoming Jar-Jar Binks.
My only negative was that it should have ended a couple of minutes earlier. Because let's be honest here, that very last scene was retarded. It was so unnecessary. Much like the last episode of Mr. Robot would've been so much better as the first episode of season 2 - The final scene in The Force Awakens would've been so much better if it was one of the first scenes in Episode 8.
But nevertheless I'm confident that it's one of the best film I've seen all year so far.
9/10 - DirectorAlex GarlandStarsAlicia VikanderDomhnall GleesonOscar IsaacA young programmer is selected to participate in a ground-breaking experiment in synthetic intelligence by evaluating the human qualities of a highly advanced humanoid A.I.The concept and ideas aren't really new but even so I still think it was really well executed. For a director debut I would say that it's fantastic. I'm also glad that he chose to direct it himself instead of just writing the script. Because in the wrong hand this has a lot of potentiality to become a piece of sh*t. Alicia Vikander Oscar nominated for The Danish Girl but her performance in Ex Machina was better. I'm also thinking that Oscar Isaac may have been a potential snub because he was also really great. Although maybe I'm saying this because I really like Oscar Isaac. The score should've definitely been up there among the other nominees though.
And again like Sicario I did not once pause quick or check the time. My main issue without getting into spoilers would be with what Chris Stuckmann and Adam Johnston agrees on. That really brought the film down from being better than Force Awakens in my opinion. Not that FA doesn't have flaws but that moment really took me out of the movie and was really out of place in comparison to the rest of the film's plausibility.
9/10 - DirectorDuke JohnsonCharlie KaufmanStarsDavid ThewlisJennifer Jason LeighTom NoonanA man crippled by the mundanity of his life experiences something out of the ordinary.Finally got to see Anomalisa and wow was it amazing. The animation was absolutely fantastic. I've never seen anything like it. Several times it caught my attention that shots had been going on seamlessly for a couple of minutes, and that's stop-go animation. I can just imagine the f'king time and effort it took to accomplish that. The film felt incredibly real even though it was animated. A story like this could've easily just been made as a live action film to save money for the studios. But I'm so happy it didn't because it would not be the same at all. The voice acting was perfect and I really want to see some Tom Noonan interviews right now. The movie was heart felt, interesting, hilarious, sad and quite intense at points. As soon as the blu-ray arrives I will pick it up and watch it again because there is so much there that I just didn't discover yet. And depending on my second watch I might just give this year's second perfect 10/10. But for now I'll keep it just below that.
9/10 - DirectorJames PonsoldtStarsJason SegelJesse EisenbergAnna ChlumskyThe story of the five-day interview between Rolling Stone reporter David Lipsky and acclaimed novelist David Foster Wallace, which took place right after the 1996 publication of Wallace's groundbreaking epic novel, 'Infinite Jest.'I really really like dialogue driven movies and The End of the Tour was exactly what I love about dialogue driven movies. It was really well paced, well acted and well written. At first I just saw Jesse Eisenberg and Jason Segel but as the movie went on I think that they brilliantly became their characters. The directing was pretty great too.
Now if you're reading the description of the film then you might notice that it's really similar to Anton Corbijn's Life that came out in 2015 and you're right. The plot is pretty similar. But The End of the Tour was so much better. Not only did it have more memorable scenes but it was written in a way that you're able to understand and care about the characters. And like I said it's really well paced and you're not ever bored. So if you're choosing between the two then choose The End of the Tour because it is worth your time.
8/10 - DirectorDanny BoyleStarsMichael FassbenderKate WinsletSeth RogenSteve Jobs takes us behind the scenes of the digital revolution, to paint a portrait of the man at its epicenter. The story unfolds backstage at three iconic product launches, ending in 1998 with the unveiling of the iMac.Fast paced as to be expected from a Danny Boyle film. So much better than Jobs. Because good or bad, Steve Jobs is an interesting enough person to get a good biopic. The dialogue was very interesting and I liked the editing in some scenes where it cut back and forth between two arguments from two different times. The ending did feel really cheesy though.
8/10 - DirectorGeorge MillerStarsTom HardyCharlize TheronNicholas HoultIn a post-apocalyptic wasteland, a woman rebels against a tyrannical ruler in search for her homeland with the aid of a group of female prisoners, a psychotic worshiper and a drifter named Max.Never seen such awesomeness since, I don't even know. I think it would have helped if I had seen The Road Warrior and Beyond Thunderdome prior to watching it though, I had only seen the original Mad Max. But nevertheless I dug the sh*t out of this film.
7/10 - DirectorDavid Robert MitchellStarsMaika MonroeKeir GilchristOlivia LuccardiA young woman is followed by an unknown supernatural force after a sexual encounter.Very good horror film! Really creepy, I'm talking The Babadook-creepy. Amazing cinematography. And like The Babadook, there were no jump scares to be found.
7/10 - DirectorRick FamuyiwaStarsShameik MooreTony RevoloriKiersey ClemonsLife changes for Malcolm, a geek who's surviving life in a tough neighborhood, after a chance invitation to an underground party leads him and his friends into a Los Angeles adventure.I really enjoyed this film. And being a huge fan of hip-hop music this was my favourite soundtrack since 8 Mile probably. I liked the contrast of casting A$ap Rocky (a modern hip-hop star) in a film that revolves around the old school hip-hop era. The acting was overall pretty good. The directing was pretty good. And it was pretty funny. Pretty much the definition of a feel good movie.
7/10 - DirectorSean BakerStarsKitana Kiki RodriguezMya TaylorKarren KaragulianA hooker tears through Tinseltown on Christmas Eve searching for the pimp who broke her heart.This was not the film I expected it to be in terms of style and tone. Also since I don't watch trailers for movies I did not expect the characters to be transgender so that came as a huge surprise. But this film had a lot of similarities to some of my favourite movies of all time. It takes place during one day, different characters with separate stories that all comes together in the end. And although I hated the "girls" at first they became more likeable towards the third act. And James Ransone was pretty hilarious as usual, I think he's a great actor. I will most definitely check out Sean Baker's previous or upcoming work.
7/10 - DirectorAdam MacDonaldStarsJeff RoopMissy PeregrymNicholas CampbellAn urban couple goes camping in the woods and find themselves lost in the territory of a predatory black bear.
- DirectorYorgos LanthimosStarsColin FarrellRachel WeiszJessica BardenIn a dystopian near future, according to the laws of The City, single people are taken to The Hotel, where they are obliged to find a romantic partner in 45 days or they're transformed into beasts and sent off into The Woods.The most original and unique film I've seen since Her probably. It was both strange, heartbreaking, intense and hilarious at the same time which can easily become a disjointed mess. But it was all meshed together so incredibly well in this film. Colin Farrell did an excellent job, so much that I didn't even realise it was him until like 30 minutes into the film. Not only that but ALL performances in this film were great! Certain directing choices also really impressed me. Like the decision to have random animals walking in the background of scenes. And I think that leaving the ending ambiguous was also a wise choice because to have them triumph would be kind of odd and unrealistic - even more so than the film's actual universe. Speaking of which, I would've like to known more about that universe and it's backstory. Exposition might had been out of place if done wrong but considering everything else this film has going for it I think that they could've made it work. It's like I said the most unique movie universe since Her so I would've really liked to know more about it. Great film nevertheless though.
8/10 - DirectorTom McCarthyStarsMark RuffaloMichael KeatonRachel McAdamsThe true story of how the Boston Globe uncovered the massive scandal of child molestation and cover-up within the local Catholic Archdiocese, shaking the entire Catholic Church to its core.I was really looking forward to Spotlight and after seeing it I was really pleased. The obvious comparison would be to All the President's Men. Was it as good as that? No, but All the President's Men is a phenomenal film and Spotlight was really great. The directing was pretty great and the film moved fast as I hoped it would. The script was also really great. Every actor also did a really great job. Mark Ruffalo was especially great and I'm sure as hell will be routing for him at the oscars. Speaking of which how come he's nominated as a supporting role when his name appeared first in the end credits? And he was obviously a main role, wtf Oscars what happened this year? Anyway I thought that he was outstanding and that he carried the film on his shoulders.
I sort of kind of knew what the film was about but I didn't check anything on the original story. That was a good play on my part because part of what was so great about Spotlight was the unraveling of the story. Giving that though I'm not sure how much of the enjoyment will stay on my second viewing because unlike All the President's Men I didn't exactly feel that it had those moments that'll stay with you forever. And there were some scenes that had terrible audio, like really terrible. But that also may have been due to technical issues in the theatre and not to sound editors being incapable of using their ears. But nevertheless Spotlight was a great film and I wouldn't have any problem with it bringing home the best picture Oscar.
8/10 - DirectorAlejandro G. IñárrituStarsLeonardo DiCaprioTom HardyWill PoulterA frontiersman on a fur trading expedition in the 1820s fights for survival after being mauled by a bear and left for dead by members of his own hunting team.It was as expected a great movie. But I don't think it was the best of the year. The acting was excellent, come on just give Leo his Oscar already. Don't try to pretend like Eddie Redmayne deserves it more. And it will shut everybody the f'k up about Leo not having won an Oscar yet. Tom Hardy was also great but still not better than Mark Ruffalo in my opinion. The directing was amazing and definitely the best out of the other nominees. The cinematography was amazing but not better than Sicario. Please don't give Lubezki the award for the third time in a row. Give Deakins what he absolutely deserves.
Now more about the movie. It had some terrible lip syncing at times and I felt that it was too long. There were some dream sequences that, although I did like them, I didn't exactly understand the purpose towards them being in the film. But that's it for flaws. And the directing, cinematography and acting makes up for those flaws.
8/10 - DirectorChloé ZhaoStarsJohn ReddyJashaun St. JohnIrene BedardWith an older brother in jail and living with their single mother on Pine Ridge Reservation, Johnny and his sister Jashuan's lives develop new challenges when their absentee cowboy father suddenly dies. The loss prompts Johnny to strike out for Los Angeles, but would mean leaving behind his beloved sister.This was possibly the most human film I've seen since Mommy. It's not was good as Mommy but that's really not fair since Mommy is absolutely amazing. This had a lot of small details that I really liked. Like certain line delivery, a characters insignificant action, a characters reaction to something, so much of this sh*t that made me really admire the film's direction.
My problems with the film are minimal. The mother sort of disappeared during the second act of the film. The acting in an important scene was a little off. During one scene we saw something subtle which made me expect the story to go a certain way. I think that if they went with that it would've been great, so it sort of felt like a wasted opportunity. But even so the story unfolded really well regardless. And in this film the characters were extremely likeable. They felt real and relatable.
7/10 - DirectorSam MendesStarsDaniel CraigChristoph WaltzLéa SeydouxA cryptic message from James Bond's past sends him on a trail to uncover the existence of a sinister organisation named SPECTRE. With a new threat dawning, Bond learns the terrible truth about the author of all his pain in his most recent missions.People give this film sh*t for going back to the old Bond formula - When it actually only makes sense for them to do so! They are bringing back the old Bond terror organisation and the old uber Bond villain, why wouldn't they go back to the old Bond formula? And simultaneously they are covering new ground for the Bond franchise with long tracking shots and what not. The opening scene was both amazing and ridiculous at the same time - therefore both acknowledging how ridiculous Bond intros has been in the past and at the same time trying new things. And there were moments in this film where I was absolutely certain that Bond was going to die, f'king intense!
I thought Spectre was great! Definitely one of the best Bond films.
7/10 - DirectorTerrence MalickStarsChristian BaleCate BlanchettNatalie PortmanA writer indulging in all that Los Angeles and Las Vegas have to offer, undertakes a search for love and self via a series of adventures with six different women.I can totally understand how someone would find this movie boring. However to me there was something really hypnotic about it. I think that people that are into ASMR can find a lot of enjoyment in this movie - and I think that's a big reason to why I find a lot of enjoyment in it. I can't say that I understand everything in the movie but unlike another movie further down on the list this had things going for it which made up for it. And the cameo by Michael Wincott was just the icing on the cake.
This was the first Terrence Malick film I have seen and now I'm more excited than ever to see more of his work.
7/10 - DirectorSeverin FialaVeronika FranzStarsLukas SchwarzElias SchwarzSusanne WuestTwin boys move to a new house with their mother after she has face-changing cosmetic surgery, but under the bandages is someone the boys don't recognize.Benched this film for like a year until I finally watched it. And I'm glad that I did because this was a great film. I love how things were revealed to us. We got very little information at scattered times and the info that was revealed did support both major theories I had while watching. It wasn't until the final act that things became clear. And speaking of the final act, the one negative I have about the film is that that final act, once a major hint was shown to us, did get a bit repetitive. And I was a bit disappointed that we were told exactly what was going on during the final scene since I had already figured it out. I'm not bragging or anything, I'm just saying that they didn't have to tell us, I think most people would've figured it out without them telling us. And if not people could've just watched it again. I myself will most likely watch it again pretty soon just to see if I missed other subtle hints in the first and second act.
On a technical level, the film was shot beautifully - amazing cinematography. It was directed really great. And it was really well acted. I think if Ingmar Bergman were still alive and made a film in 2015, this would be it.
7/10 - DirectorAdam McKayStarsChristian BaleSteve CarellRyan GoslingIn 2006-2007 a group of investors bet against the United States mortgage market. In their research, they discover how flawed and corrupt the market is.First 30 minutes: Has some editing flaws. At times it feels like it tries way too hard to be different and at times it feels like it really wants to be The Wolf of Wall Street. During some scenes it felt like I was watching an episode of The Office.
But as soon as the main plot was introduced all that bullsh*t disappeared and the film was suddenly standing on it's own legs. The script was really good. I love that Steve Carrell is starting to showcase his acting abilities even further by starring in big dramatic roles. I think Jeremy Strong also did a really good job with his role in the film. Christian Bale's performance however did feel a bit over the top. As far as directing goes I think that it's possibly Adam McKay's best movie, the competition is Anchorman which is brilliant for what it is - a silly comedy. So that's why I'm not sure if The Big Short is his best made movie.
7/10 - DirectorCrystal MoselleStarsMukunda AnguloNarayana AnguloSusanne AnguloConfined in an apartment from a New York housing project, the six Angulo brothers learned everything they know about the world through watching films and spend their time reenacting their favorite movies with intricate homemade costumes.I'm not much for documentaries, that's the reason why almost none of my lists include any. But this one got my attention solely because of these brothers chemistry with each other. And that was probably the best thing about this documentary. Their life story is of course interesting and I find it so fascinating that these brothers are interacting so incredibly well with both each other and other people giving their life story. My favourite scene was the Tarzan Boy scene - it was really funny. And all the scenes showing them having legitimately fun at their apartment made me happy.
To conclude, solid documentary and movie.
7/10 - DirectorBaltasar KormákurStarsJason ClarkeAng Phula SherpaThomas M. WrightOn May 10, 1996, mountain guides Rob Hall and Scott Fischer combine their expedition teams for a final ascent to the summit of Mount Everest. With little warning, a storm strikes the mountain and the climbers must now battle to survive.I mean it wasn't the greatest movie in the world but, not that bad. Not that bad at all! It really exceeded my expectations. I'm not familiar with the actual story but it felt like they were very true to it and avoided a lot of typical Hollywood clichés and I think that has to do a lot with the director being a foreign non-Hollywood director. Will sure have my eyes on the next project he chooses.
7/10 - DirectorJohn WellsStarsBradley CooperSienna MillerDaniel BrühlAdam Jones is a chef who destroyed his career with drugs and diva behavior. He cleans up and returns to London, determined to redeem himself by spearheading a top restaurant that can gain three Michelin stars.The story was alright. The acting was alright. The direction was alright. The dialogue was alright. The pacing was alright. I find myself not really having much to say about the movie other than it's alright. The only thing that I kept in mind was that during one important moment I'm pretty certain that music from Donnie Darko was playing.
Still I think I liked it. It feels like a movie I would start watching if I'm bored or just want to relax.
6/10 - DirectorJaco Van DormaelStarsPili GroyneBenoît PoelvoordeCatherine DeneuveDid you know that God is alive and lives in Brussels with his daughter?Great concept and good presentation. Bad in my opinion, bad execution. Had this script been given to say Wes Anderson then it would probably be competing for best movie of the year. At least he would be able to make the whole thing funny as f'k. What we got was so many jokes that just fell flat, mostly with the character of God and the whacky music that was playing when he had all his whacky antics. And the extremely over the top acting didn't help. There was one REALLY great scene where God was talking to a priest but that's it.
Even despite he entire concept you really have to suspend your disbeliefs to what's going on. There's logistical issues as well. Very flawed movie with a great concept.
6/10 - DirectorTom HooperStarsEddie RedmayneAlicia VikanderAmber HeardA fictitious love story loosely inspired by the lives of Danish artists Lili Elbe and Gerda Wegener. Lili and Gerda's marriage and work evolve as they navigate Lili's groundbreaking journey as a transgender pioneer.I'm glad that even though this film was set in the past it still had a modern style to it's direction and cinematography. Because a lot of films that are set in the past can throw me off because of the extremely stale, boring and basically non-existing style they have. But this film kept me interested throughout because of it's style. The close-ups of the dog made me laugh even. The acting was good on all fronts.
But am I the only one that gets turned off when a film is set in a foreign country and yet everyone is speaking english? Not only that but everyone has a british accent as well. It says that it's loosely based on the original story so if you're only going to cast people with british accents anyway then why not just have the movie being set in England instead of Denmark? It's not going to upset anyone. The people in France all spoke french with each other so it doesn't make sense why all the Danes are speaking english with each other. I had the same problem with The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.
Had it not been for this I would've rated the film slightly higher but it is a pet peeve of mine so the 6/10 rating stands. - DirectorGuy RitchieStarsHenry CavillArmie HammerAlicia VikanderIn the early 1960s, CIA agent Napoleon Solo and KGB operative Illya Kuryakin participate in a joint mission against a mysterious criminal organization, which is working to proliferate nuclear weapons.They are gonna try to make this into a franchise aren't they?
Uhm, I enjoyed this film. It wasn't that great but still probably the most enjoyable Guy Ritchie film since Rocknrolla. I did laugh a couple of times. Not sure how many of those times were initially meant to be funny but I'm sure a few of them were. Henry Cavill was responsible for most of them actually. He was like an exaggerated version of Sean Connery's Bond and felt like such a major f'king douchebag - I found it hilarious. I still feel like the movie was kind of forgettable though. It was a bit funny yes but there wasn't anything impressive about it.
So instead of making a sequel or another Sherlock Holmes film I think that Guy Ritchie should go back and make crime movies again. Lock Stock & Snatch are two of my favourite movies so it's a shame to see that the great things about those movies are not to be found in Ritchie's latest movies. Enjoyable doesn't really cut it when I know that I can get both enjoyable and great filmmaking at the same time from him.
6/10 - DirectorRidley ScottStarsMatt DamonJessica ChastainKristen WiigAn astronaut becomes stranded on Mars after his team assume him dead, and must rely on his ingenuity to find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive and can survive until a potential rescue.This year's Interstellar. It wasn't as good as Interstellar but it was still pretty good - and funny. There were some errors and clichés though.
To be honest I can't say that I remember much from the film about 1,5 months later.
6/10 - DirectorGuillermo del ToroStarsMia WasikowskaJessica ChastainTom HiddlestonIn the aftermath of a family tragedy, an aspiring author is torn between love for her childhood friend and the temptation of a mysterious outsider. Trying to escape the ghosts of her past, she is swept away to a house that breathes, bleeds - and remembers.A lot of different colors for a period piece which I liked. Mia Wasikowska did a good job and I like her as an actress. She's talented, attractive, lovely and holy sh*t I didn't know she was that young. Although it was kinda distracting that whenever her hair was up in a do or whatever it was obviously straight but whenever she took it down it was wavy. I know, unfair complaint since Blade Runner is responsible for this as well and Blade Runner is my 3rd favourite movie of all time. But Blade Runner also has a lot more going for it than Crimson Peak.
We saw a wheelchair at one point which I guess was an homage to The Changeling. The scene with the bathtub felt like either an homage or a ripoff of The Shining. And the part with the red ball just felt like a half-ass attempt at mimicking them both. There was a "twist" that I guess was supposed to be shocking but it wasn't all that unpredictable to be honest. I wanted to like this movie but I just didn't - much like almost every other Guillermo Del Toro movie I've seen. I thought he had enough restraint to not make fourth wall jumpscares.
6/10 - DirectorPeter LandesmanStarsWill SmithAlec BaldwinAlbert BrooksIn Pittsburgh, accomplished pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu uncovers the truth about brain damage in football players who suffer repeated concussions in the course of normal play.This was an obvious oscar bait. It was the definition of an okay movie. There wasn't anything horrible about it but certainly not anything great about it either. Will Smith did a good job but since he's such a personality himself it's really difficult to see beyond just plain old Will Smith. I could see and appreciate what things he did differently with this character compared to all the other Will Smith roles. But there were still quite a few moments where he responded to questions or finished his sentences sounding exactly like Will Smith. The Oscars has made a whole lot of mistakes this year but not nominating Smith was not one of them.
Besides Will Smith the film doesn't have that much going for it. Everything is handled in a very simple way and you can tell that they didn't focus a whole bunch on artistic choices or genuine great filmmaking. They just wanted the story out and the film to be inspirational. That being said though I was never bored. The film was paced pretty good for what it was.
6/10 - DirectorAnton CorbijnStarsRobert PattinsonDane DeHaanPeter LucasA photographer for LIFE Magazine is assigned to shoot pictures of James Dean.The acting was good, especially from Dane Dehaan. The directing was good and the cinematography was good. But overall I found the movie to be a bit boring. No really memorable scenes, they all just sort of blend together in my head and I think I will forget most of them pretty quick.
6/10 - DirectorHsiao-Hsien HouStarsShu QiChang ChenYun ZhouA female assassin receives a dangerous mission to kill a political leader in eighth-century China.You know how movies can be called an Oscar bait? Well, I feel like this movie was a Palme d'or bait.
The first 30 minutes I had the same experience as when I was watching Tinker Taylor Soldier Spy or The Pillow Book. I just couldn't for the life of me figure out what the hell was going on.
I honestly found this movie to be a bit pretentious. It seemed to try way too hard to be an amazing deep art film that it just didn't cut it for me - kind of like The Pillow Book.
And it's not that I don't like when a movie is difficult to fully understand. I mean if you believe that then explain why Ingmar Bergman and David Lynch are two of my favourite directors. The thing is that it has to be enjoyable even if you don't really understand what's going on and I don't think this movie was.
I did enjoy the main character though. Qi Shu did a great job portraying her.
6/10 - DirectorTodd HaynesStarsCate BlanchettRooney MaraSarah PaulsonAn aspiring photographer develops an intimate relationship with an older woman in 1950s New York.To me this was pretty much the definition of forgettable. It was alright but far from amazing. I didn't find anything about it to be special. The first 2 acts were slow and a bit repetitive, especially the second act. Only in the third act is where things started to happen. I barely remember the score and yet it's Oscar nominated over other better scores like Ex Machina. There wasn't anything particularly bad about the film but I was pretty f'king bored throughout. I doubt I'll ever watch it again and I think I'll forget it really quickly.
6/10 - DirectorLenny AbrahamsonStarsBrie LarsonJacob TremblaySean BridgersA little boy is held captive in a room with his mother since his birth, so he has never known the world outside.The acting was good on both parts, although the monologging from Jack was pretty bad actually. The direction was alright but Oscar worthy? Hell no, not even close. Too many errors and inaccuracies and I cannot talk about them without going into SPOILERS.
First one: How the f'k did Old Nick not notice Jack getting loose and standing up in the pickup truck right away? Second one: How the f'k did they get Joy out of the room so quickly when Old Nick was the only one with the code to the sealed door? Third one: How the f'k did Joy act so together after being locked in a room for 7 years? She should've been socially affected like Jack but she literally acted like she had been away at camp for a couple of months or something. It wasn't until a bit later that she showed any signs of being emotionally damaged. But even that was just dropped or forgotten really quickly. Forth one: Wtf was up with her dad not wanting to look at Jack? They never explained that or referenced it again after it happened. Fifth one: WTF happened to Old Nick? Was he arrested? Did he escape authorities? Did he kill himself? What happened to him? I would like to know but the script just forgot him.
This could be a very interesting movie had they paced it a bit differently and focused more on certain things. For instance had they focused more on Jack wanting to go back to the room and Joy being incapable of handling this it could've been a great movie. But instead they took the easy way out and went for the happy ending.
I do not see why people are going crazy over this movie. 4 Oscar nominations? I get the Brie Larson one but best film, directing and script? No f'king way at all is this worth any of those.
6/10 - DirectorJohn CrowleyStarsSaoirse RonanEmory CohenDomhnall GleesonAn Irish immigrant lands in 1950s Brooklyn, where she quickly falls into a romance with a local. When her past catches up with her, however, she must choose between two countries and the lives that exist within.Ah yes, the best picture nominated Brooklyn. I don't think I've seen a best picture nominated film that was this melodramatic in a while. What is wrong with the Oscars this year? They have made so many mistakes this year. There is nothing new or special or impressive about this film. Saoirse Ronan nominated for best lead actress. She wasn't bad but just because you can cry on command doesn't mean that you automatically deserve a oscar nod. Especially not when Emily Blunt in Sicario happened. And I can't say that I liked her character at all. But if you think that I'm just a heartless bastard who dislikes every character that's socially awkward you should know that I've been recommending Mr. Robot to every living breathing thing since I saw the first episode. The thing is that she was just a copy paste shy and innocent girl.
But you know what the worst thing is? Like none of this would've mattered but there was one thing that almost enraged me. Are you sitting down? They ended it on a f'king freeze frame!!! The Oscars nominated a movie for best picture that ends ON A F'KING FREEZE FRAME! Not only that but it's a FREEZE FRAME on two characters hugging each other. Brooklyn was just a melodramatic oscar bait period piece with no style or substance that I'll forget in a couple of weeks and it's not worth your time.
5/10 - DirectorColin TrevorrowStarsChris PrattBryce Dallas HowardTy SimpkinsA new theme park, built on the original site of Jurassic Park, creates a genetically modified hybrid dinosaur, the Indominus Rex, which escapes containment and goes on a killing spree.This was basically a mixture between a Jurassic Park movie and Deep Blue Sea. A scientist at a place with dangerous animals makes one of them smarter and it escapes. Chris Pratt was Thomas Jane, Bryce Dallas Howard was Saffron Burrows, Irrfan Khan was Samuel L. Jackson, Omar Sy was Michael Rapaport etc. There are more similarities in the plot and scene constructions but I don't wanna get into that here.
Because I like Deep Blue Sea this film was enjoyable - until the last 30 minutes. Like I wasn't expecting a mind-blowing film but, wow, the last 30 minutes of this film was the most cheesy and cringe worthy experience I've had this year. And like Nobody seemed to care about a f'king T-Rex being on the loose at the end. "Nope, the evil dinosaur died so therefore we can all relax. A T-rex is equally dangerous yes, but the script says that it's not evil and that it can wonder around the park without hurting any human beings." I mean weren't they all still at the park in the ending scene? Did any of them not give a sh*t about there being a giant dinosaur on the loose? Was the T-Rex also trained to respond at Chris Pratt's commands?
Uhh, everything about this film was so f'king mediocre.
5/10
Also I can see that Colin Trevorrow is in line to direct one of the Star Wars films. I hope they regret this decision and get someone else instead because if it turns out like this film I can't be held responsible for my actions. Use JJ Abrams, Kathryn Bigelow, George Miller, sh*t I'd rather have Josh Trank directing it. - DirectorJames WanStarsVin DieselPaul WalkerDwayne JohnsonDeckard Shaw seeks revenge against Dominic Toretto and his family for his comatose brother.Took me 3 days to get through this movie and I'm already having trouble remembering the plot. So many scenes where the characters logically should've died. So many ridiculous action sequences and no self awareness from what I can recall. I like James Wan as a director but I think he should stick to making horror films. And I hope that this was the last Fast & Furious film we got.
4/10 - DirectorSpike LeeStarsNick CannonTeyonah ParrisWesley SnipesA modern day adaptation of the ancient Greek play Lysistrata by Aristophanes, set against the backdrop of gang violence in Chicago, Illinois.I like Spike Lee's old films. I like Do the Right Thing. I like Mo' Better Blues. I like Clockers. But lately he has struggled with his filmmaking. And Chi-Raq wasn't any breath of fresh air.
Opening song: Pretty bad actually. I could appreciate the time and effort it took to writing the dialogue like a hip-hop song while simultaneously demonstrating messages and propelling the story. However, it was really f'king distracting and became annoying real quick. And when the messages are obvious as hell and the story is just next to alright the whole concept just kind of fades away.
Samuel L. Jacksons character was pretty much just a recycled version of Mister Señor Love Daddy. And as soon as I saw Isiah Whitlock Jr. all I could think was "He's gonna say Shiiieeeeeet isn't he?" And sure enough... And wtf was up with that David Patrick Kelly scene? John Cusack though, he probably did the best he's done in a long long time. But the film was just too predictable and boring for me.
5/10 - DirectorOlivier RingerStarsClarisse DjuroskiLéa WarnyAlain EloyFor Cathy, it is not always easy to be born on February 29th, especially when for her birthday, her father gives her an egg to hatch. But it is probably less difficult than to be suffering from myopathy as her best friend Margaux...It was as if this entire film was written and directed by a 5 year old. Nothing makes sense. Yes I will forgive a stupid action if they are committed by children as long as it's not just a cheap plot device, but there were a sh*t ton of stupid actions committed by the adults as well. Like the neighbour girl driving them to the farm and just f'king leaving two like 8 year olds, one of whom's in a F'KING WHEELCHAIR, alone in a F'KING ROW BOAT! Seriously that was one of the dumbest sh*t I've seen ever in a film. Or everything the cops did. The writer and director has no grasp whatsoever on how the police works.
The positives? Well, I can understand that it's difficult to direct a duckling. And part of the score reminded me of Gone Girl. But these things were so incredibly cancelled out by incoherent bullsh*t. There were no likeable characters at all, the kids who we're supposed to care about were so goddamn annoying. And like I said the adults were so f'king stupid. At one point when the wheelchair kid went on the bus the bus driver helped her in but he never turned on the chair's brakes and neither the script nor the director acknowledged it. How the f'k did this get on a film festival?
2/10 - CreatorSam EsmailStarsRami MalekChristian SlaterCarly ChaikinElliot, a brilliant but unstable cyber-security engineer and vigilante hacker, becomes a key figure in a complex game of global chaos when he and his shadowy allies try to take down the corrupt corporation his company is paid to protect.Currently the greatest TV-show running. It grabbed the torch from True Detective. But literally NO ONE in Sweden has seen it. And because no one has seen it nobody will want to start watching it because people only want to see what everyone else has seen. F'society.
For now it's probably my 3rd favourite TV-show of all time - after Twin Peaks & The Mighty Boosh.
Thank god it won the Golden Globe for best television series. And that Christian Slater won was also nice. But Rami Malek didn't get his well deserving award though, f'king bullsh*t.
9/10 - CreatorChad HodgeStarsSiobhan Fallon HoganToby JonesShannyn SossamonA Secret Service agent goes to Wayward Pines, Idaho in search of two federal agents who have gone missing in the bucolic town. He soon learns that he might never get out of Wayward Pines alive.Saw the pilot episode and I don't think I want to watch any more of the show. The presentation felt so goddamned rushed. The style was really bland and boring. And the whole place and entity of Wayward Pines is such a try hard attempt to be Twin Peaks. I mean seriously, "There are no crickets in Wayward Pines" - "The owls are not what they seem". And then there's the ceiling fan..... The f'king ceiling fan actually made me a little upset. The only silver lining I found was Terrence Howard, he was the only appealing character and he was in the episode for like 2 minutes. Not nearly enough to make me watch more episodes.
And they ripped off Truman Show a little as well by the way.
No, this was bad.
4/10 - DirectorF. Gary GrayStarsO'Shea Jackson Jr.Corey HawkinsJason MitchellThe rap group NWA emerges from the mean streets of Compton in Los Angeles, California, in the mid-1980s and revolutionizes Hip Hop culture with their music and tales about life in the hood.
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsTom HanksMark RylanceAlan AldaDuring the Cold War, an American lawyer is recruited to defend an arrested Soviet spy in court, and then help the CIA facilitate an exchange of the spy for the Soviet captured American U2 spy plane pilot, Francis Gary Powers.
- DirectorPaolo SorrentinoStarsMichael CaineHarvey KeitelRachel WeiszA retired orchestra conductor is on vacation with his daughter and his film director best friend in the Alps when he receives an invitation from Queen Elizabeth II to perform for Prince Philip's birthday.
- DirectorWoody AllenStarsJoaquin PhoenixEmma StoneParker PoseyA tormented philosophy professor finds a will to live when he commits an existential act.
- DirectorRyan CooglerStarsMichael B. JordanSylvester StalloneTessa ThompsonThe former World Heavyweight Champion Rocky Balboa serves as a trainer and mentor to Adonis Johnson, the son of his late friend and former rival Apollo Creed.
- DirectorDavid O. RussellStarsJennifer LawrenceRobert De NiroBradley CooperJoy is the story of the title character, who rose to become founder and matriarch of a powerful family business dynasty.I can't be the first person to point out the striking similarity between this poster and the cover of Deus Ex.
- DirectorRamin BahraniStarsAndrew GarfieldMichael ShannonLaura DernA recently unemployed single father struggles to get back his foreclosed home by working for the real estate broker who is the source of his frustration.
- DirectorLászló NemesStarsGéza RöhrigLevente MolnárUrs RechnA Jewish-Hungarian concentration camp prisoner sets out to give a child he mistook for his son a proper burial.
- DirectorPete DocterRonnie Del CarmenStarsAmy PoehlerBill HaderLewis BlackAfter young Riley is uprooted from her Midwest life and moved to San Francisco, her emotions - Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness - conflict on how best to navigate a new city, house, and school.
- DirectorSebastian SchipperStarsLaia CostaFrederick LauFranz RogowskiA young Spanish woman who has recently moved to Berlin finds her flirtation with a local guy turn potentially deadly as their night out with his friends reveals a dangerous secret.
- DirectorAlfonso Gomez-RejonStarsThomas MannRJ CylerOlivia CookeHigh schooler Greg, who spends most of his time making parodies of classic movies with his co-worker Earl, finds his outlook forever altered after befriending a classmate who has just been diagnosed with cancer.
- DirectorNoah BaumbachStarsGreta GerwigLola KirkeShana DowdeswellA lonely college freshman's life is turned upside-down by her impetuous, adventurous stepsister-to-be.
- DirectorJoachim TrierStarsJesse EisenbergGabriel ByrneIsabelle HuppertThe fractious family of a father and his two sons confront their different feelings and memories of their deceased wife and mother, a famed war photographer.
- DirectorLeslye HeadlandStarsJason SudeikisAlison BrieJordan CarlosA good-natured womanizer and a serial cheater form a platonic relationship that helps reform them in ways, while a mutual attraction sets in.
- DirectorGerard JohnstoneStarsMorgana O'ReillyRima Te WiataGlen-Paul WaruA young woman is forced to return to her childhood home after being placed under house arrest, where she suspects that something evil may be lurking.