chervenkov Reviews

The Truman Show (1998)

One of the very best

[9/10 · 24 January 2024]

Doubt that the film works so well without Jim Carey. He is comedic and animated yet brilliantly portrays a man in mental crisis who seems to feel stuck in the same daily routine. The set up is great, mutiple scenes paint Truman as adventerous and hungry to see the world. Even the beginning in front of the mirror is about climbing a mountain. He gets progressively more determined to escape his little limited counterfeit town, culminating in overcoming his fear of sailing since every other path out is shut off. The bus scene is the funniest thing ever, Truman running in excited while the actors stare blankly like bunch of NPCs waiting for the driver to break the gearbox.

The script is not only truly original but also tightly packed. No bloated sequences, every scene moves the plot forward while giving more details about Truman's life. It is suprising how seemlessly the humourous and dramatic parts blend together, considering the crazy premise. Major highlight is the scene with Marlon sitting on the edge of the bridge (director surely choose the location deliberately). Truman sounding like a man who is figuratively on the edge and about to crack while Marlon simply repeats the lines dictated by Cristoph. The change in his voice when he gets to "The last thing I will ever do is lie to you" is amazing, as if the actor can't stomach uttering those words for obvious reasons. Truman looks completely defeated in the seconds after, maybe realizing he can't even trust his best friend.

Director Peter Weir plays around with the camera angels quite a bit, attempting to show what it would be like to watch the actual TV show. That and the audience shots really elevate the concept further. Many other details are easily missed, for example the family album has a picture of Truman as a kid dressed in clown costume behind bars, pretty overt metaphor for how the producers see him. There is also a brief shot of a Vitamin D supplement next to his coffee, makes sense considering the sunlight on the set is artificial. But perhaps the most poignant is the name of the boat he sails away with - Santa Maria. Columbus's ship had that name, you know the guy that happened to stumble upon the New World.

The symbolism is next level when it comes to Christof. The credits at the start refer to him as just "Christof" while the other actors in the TV show are credited with surnames as well. Considering he is called the creator multiple times and his name contains Christ it's pretty obvious what the witers were going for. He feels the world outside the artificial enviroment "is the sick place". Maybe that prompted him to conceive of the idyllic Seahaven (yes SeaHeaven) and The Truman Show. Meryll even calls her life "noble and blessed" in the introduction. The final sequence where Truman's boat pierces the wall of his little fake world is phenomenal. Truman feeling almost relieved that his suspicions about a massive conspiracy against him are correct. Quickly followed by Cristof speaking seemingly from the sky with slight echo, epitomizing the God figure saying he has watched over Truman for the entirety of his life. Oh it's good, so good that it might be one of the best!

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

Cheated by the film nerds

[3/10 · 27 December 2023]

The pacing gives the impression that the director's main goal is to showcase the special effects rather than move the plot. The film is obviously not trying to impress with memorable dialogue or fascinating characters.

That said, watching this nowadays is incedibly patience testing. Never has a movie urged me to fast forward more. Didn't give in, enduring every drawn out sequence at least hoping for a gratifying finish. Unfortunately, the ending feels completely tacked on and might as well be from a different film entirely. Maybe human kind accended to a higher life form?? What does that have to do with the monolith? Eager to read the book.

Can't recall ever being less engaged with a film, there was simply nothing going on. Just to clarify, wasn't expecting to be on the edge of my seat the entire length, but at least something to look forward to. Baffled by the praise considering there are literally minutes of black screen with ominous soundtrack.

The quintessential "film nerd" take is that 2001: A Space Odyssey communicates some larger than life concept. Search for Roger Ebert's review if you are curious about that point of view.

Triangle of Sadness (2022)

Don't get it

[4/10 · 22 November 2023]

I liked the openning, the satire about the modelling world is hilarious. It quickly dips into some awkward and incoherent commentary on gender roles.

In fact, awkward and incoherent could describe the rest of the film. There are humorous scenes but they are so few and far in between that you start to doubt what genre this is supposed to be.

Why did we need to see old people vommiting and falling apart, that's an equivalent to cheap fart jokes. Guess there is some appeal for viewers who dislike the wealthy. Apart from that, have no clue what the director is attempting to communicate.

The third act on the island just made me want to fast forward. Yes, social hirarchy breaks down, kinda knew that from Lord of the Flies and other thematically similar films. The male model character becomes so incredibly pathetic that even seeing his face started to irritate. Ending isn't exactly gratifying either.

This thing won awards, only proof that tastes in film and art vary wildly.

Dead Poets Society (1989)

Didn't see the bleak turn coming

[8/10 · 30 October 2023]

As someone who lived in a boarding school for a few years, the theme of conformity vs individuality seems fitting. The openning scenes really drives the point home, repeating tradition, discipline etc.

Robin Williams as the funny, thoughtful and spontaneous teacher Keating brings a 10/10 performance. The character seems to be made for him. Or maybe he just makes the role his own, persistently being the opposite of the surrounding stiff regimented school routine. The bond between the students is truly endearing with Keating's influence making the difference on their outlook on life. Does Knox fight for the girl without the inspirational teacher, perhaps not.

The sub-theme of Neil's authoritarian father also works, although the resolution of that conflict comes off as incoherent. Up untill that point, there was a pervasive sense that the boys are growing and their unique individuality is starting to show. It would have been more gratifying for Neil to be brave and stand up for himself, as Keating passionately advised.

The actor playing Charlie has such swagger, it's unfortunate he didn't become a household name. Overall, special movie with the caveat that the ending could be seen as melodramatic.

Primal (2019– )

Savage and gory but also emotionally impactful

[8/10 · 20 September 2023]

Was blown away by the first season, the vibrant animation style in addition to the lack of dialogue creates an immersive experience like no other. You are really drawn into the gory, raw and survivalistic world of Primal from the first incredible episode. There are witches, magic, mutated monkeys, giant spider etc. It somehow all fits together with the emphasis on visual storytelling. Also the caveman's yelling and grunting are funny and entertaining.

Second season really anthropomorphizes the Dino which isn't the most unique thing out there. It gets noticably more violent and savage but also slightly repetitive. The caveman intentionally seems to not fit with the other people. We are made too feel for him as he is conflicted about his life, roaming around the jungle with his dinasour while others live in organized tribes. He really seems to crave for human contact. Read an interview with the creator saying he is meant to represent the last Neanderthal, fascinating element of the show.

That last episode of s2 is pretty wild. When Mira offers him a hut with a bed, he sits on the ground as if to say he will forever be a caveman. He paints his entire life story on the wall of that hut. Maybe it's a callback to the first episode of the series where he erases the cave paintings of himself and his family. Looking forward to the third season and anything else Genndy comes up with.

Asteroid City (2023)

Wes doing Wes things

[8/10 · 23 August 2023]

You know it's going to be pretty weird when it's directed and written by Wes Anderson, he is unapologetic about it. His trademark story within a stroy is brough to entirely different convoluted level here. The characters are introduced by the playwright before we have seen any part of the plot. He even rolls the "final" credits just five minutes into the runtime. Also the color scheme is so bright it almost feels like the sandstone hills are plastic.

All this can be taken as negative but also wonderfully odd. There are so many small details to the dialogue that you need a pause to fully appreciate them. "Why does the Augie burn his hand on the Quicky-Griddle?" Bizzare scene bettween the playwright and the actor playing Augie on first look. Yet, that same actor - the photographer burns his hand literally an hour later in the play with unclear motivation.

Probably the most memorable episode is when Schwartzman the actor outside his character in the play demands answer about the meaning of it all. That might be Wes hinting that it's an intention for the film to be perceived as ambiguous, as even his actors are baffled.

Not everything lands, the "You can't wake up if you don't fall asleep" scene, uhm what is that about? The kids memorising and continually repeating names in order didn't add much either. Anderson's flicks are always the most odd and suprising trips.

Many viewers would probably be left bewildered by the entire thing. There is so much packed in that watching it twice is sort of required. The humor at points is incredibly subtle, and the deadpan delivery certainly doesn't help. Looking forward to the madman's next project.

Samurai Jack (2001–2017)

Maybe it's the nostalgia speaking

[9/10 · 18 July 2023]

Making Jack's adversaries mostly mechanical things is an excellent idea for avoiding blood and gore while still having the necessary edge. Can clearly recall imagining splicing robots left and right while watching the show as a kid.

Loved the fifth season. The tone is noticably more adult yet the peculiar humor is still present. Also there is refreshing change in the attitudes of Jack and Aku. The episodes where the samurai's inner turmoil and despair are unveiled are terrific. The execution is is so memorable that it made me think animation has incredible potential when discussing the headspace of its characters. Also Aku is somehow even more entertaining than I remember him.

Some episodes from the first four seasons slightly pale in comparison with others but still, 9/10 from me.

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)

Film that indulges in the director's eccentricity (in a good way)

[8/10 · 30 May 2023]

Will definetely be looking forward to future Wes Anderson movies after watching this one. The format of story within a story gives him the excuse to make it just right amounts of surealistic and improbable.

The pretty cinematography, very tasteful film score and the myriad of famous actor cameos set the whimsical mood. It's crucial that the oddity of Wes Anderson's characters doesn't cross the line into the realm of ridiculousness. That is obviosuly a matter of taste, personally found them wonderfully weird, however some viewers might be put off. The dialogue requires your full focus as it's delivered with suprising pace.

The film is not entirely upbeat and lighthearted. There are some sinister parts to the story mentioned impassingly around the end by the narrator - elderly Zero. His wife and infant child died to the "Prussian Grippe" and Gustave was killed by a firing squad. Also Zero's siblings were murdered in his home country. Considering all that, this quote sticks out "There are still faint glimmers of civilization left in this barbaric slaughterhouse that was once known as humanity." Maybe Gustave saw poetry, parfumes and paintings exactly as some of those faint glimmers of civilization in a time of military conflict.

On a sidenote, the aspect ratio switches with the time frame of the storytelling. These fine details and many more make "The Grand Budapest Hotel" special and distinct.

In Bruges (2008)

Martin McDonagh doesn't miss

[8/10 · 4 May 2023]

Watching McDonagh's more recet work made me want to go back and consume everything he has created. It's astounding how brave and unconventional "In Bruges" is, considering it is his first full lenght film.

Altough it feels lighthearted, that is purely due to the witty dialogue. There is some wonderfully twisted humor in this thing. Attempting to murder a person while he is commiting suicide and stopping him?? The restaurant scene with Ray and Chloe also sticks out - "I shoot people for money. Priests, children, you know the usual". Colin Farrell offers an amazing performance, perhaps the best I have seen.

Somehow it all adds up gratifyingly, the final scene with Harry being a direct call back to an earlier sequence that starts the entire story. Well almost, it wasn't a kid, it was a midget.

Heat (1995)

Iconic 90s movie!

[7/10 · 15 March 2023]

The plot isn't the most original thing and some of the secondary characters feel sort of tacked on (e.g the driver). However, unlike most other action films the protagonists are given enought time to develop. The audience is given a chance to get familiar with their personal lives and distinct details of their personalities.

Perhaps the most special sequence of scenes is the shootout after the bank robbery. The sound of the bullets echoing throughout the city, the robbers looking dapper as hell in their suits, the police cars being converted into swiss cheese. Those few minutes are absolutely one of the most momorable in the action genre as a whole.

The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)

Abnormal film by mostly all standards

[8/10 · 12 March 2023]

In a world of formulaic plots that have started to feel painfully derivative, The Banshees of Inisherin is evidentely playing a diffrent game. If you have ever felt limited or handicapped by the people in your social circle, the Gleeson's character might resonate with you.

The relationship between the Padraic and Colm is very conflicting and nuanced. That is the main focus and the major highlight, those ingtriguingly complicated interactions where you aren't sure if they are going to kill each other or if they still care for the other's well being. For example Colm helps Padraic in the scenes with the the policeman after they already aren't on speaking terms.

There are some remarks by the islanders regarding the ongoing war, they think it's senseless. The irony is quite subtle like a lot of other details - Colm's dwindling faith in God reflected in his amusing confessions. Notably the priest asks about his "despair" Here's a memorable quote "Do worry sometimes, I'm just entertaining myself... while I stave off the inevitable". Really paints the picture of his bleak outlook on life and obviously is linked to his actions.

The Irish stereotypes are hyperbolized to the max and make for peculiar yet seemless humor. The message might seem to some awfully ambiguous and lacking any satisfactory closure. For once there is no hero you are supposed to root for, no cheesy sentimental soundtrack, nothing forced down your throat. All the possible credit to the actors who pull it off, without making it feel contrived.

One thing is for sure, you are going to be a lot more appreciative of your fingers after viewing this.

Fight Club (1999)

"You have a kind of sick desperation in your laugh"

[10/10 · 9 November 2022]

You know it's good, when there are so many wildly different interpretations of the plot.

Reading Chuck Palahniuk's novel helped shed some light for me personally. Here is a crucial paragraph from the book that is not in the movie, quotes from the narrator:

"I am nothing in the world compared to Tyler.

I am helpless. I am stupid, and all I do is want and need things.

My tiny life. My little job. My Swedish furniture. I never, no never told anyone this, but before I met Tyler, I was planning to buy a dog and name it "Entourage."

This is how bad you life can get"

This in a way explains why Edward Norton's narration sounds so dejected and lifeless. Evidentely he is incredibly unhappy, feels limited and has lost all hope his life can be any better. That is perhaps the reason he can't sleep and why he fantasizes about dying in a plane crash. Joyful people certainly don't wish for that sort of thing. It's no coincidence, his made up persona - Tyler wants to make radical changes to the society surrounding him. Same society that trapped him in consumerism, a dull office job etc.

In the third act there's the scene in the hotel room which finally makes it clear they are the same person and reveals the main theme of the film. Here are some of Tyler's quotes talking to Edward Norton: "You were looking for a way to change your life. You could not do this on your own. All the ways you wish you could be, that's me. I look like you wanna look. I am smart, capable and most importantly, I am free in all the ways that you are not." "People do it every day. They talk to themselves. They see themselves as they'd like to be. They don't have the courage you have, to just run with it".

I have probably watched Fight Club more than five times at this point and it's always a trip. It get's better after you understand what the hell is happeing.

Palm Springs (2020)

The most unlikely combination

[8/10 · 11 September 2022]

Personally found it pretty thought provoking. With its commentary on how difficult it can be to keep excited to try out new things and how repetitive evrything can feel. It's true that the main premise is nothing new, however as a whole the film has plenty of unexpected elements to keep you engaged. All the actors are outstanding. Yes even the annoying girlfriend, she is a great caricature. If you like absurd and silly humor you would really have a lot of laughts.

Some of the final scenes were a bit too saccharine for my taste but the characters went to some suprisingly dark places leading to that point so maybe it evens out. Most memorable quote "We are already sick of each other, it's the best" - not exactly what you expect to hear in a rom-com, if you would even put it in that category.

Breaking Bad (2008–2013)

Should have been shorter, don't see how the last season needs 16 ep

[7/10 · 22 June 2022]

Binge watched the entire 5 seasons in a bit more than a week. The least favorite was by far the last one.

Initially Walt is a nuanced character that simply wants to leave enough money to his family while carefully navigating the life of meth cook, trying his hardest to avoid crossing any moral lines. There is a scene in season 2 where he states his goal is 770k before he gets out, wishing that day would come sooner as he is clearly unable to stomach some of the behavious of the people he needs to work with (Tuco).

Fast forward to season 5 he is an absolute megalomaniac - basically wants to be the drug lord, orders people to be murdered, revels in his important status etc. He seemingly rationalizes all that with the consistently repeated sentence "I'm doing it for my family". Also, that trademark mean look he gives everyone whenever they disagree with him got old pretty quick. His endless family drama is repetitive and irratating, just found myself not caring much about it. The character simply degrades into one dimensional flatter version and that progression doesn't feel gratifying at all. You spent dozens of episodes rooting for him and he turns into that?

Personally have some gripes with other season 5 characters, namely Lydia and Todd, what do they actually add to the story other than filling time with their one note sociopathic behaviour. Why Jessi suddnly changed - WHY did he stop saying BiAtch?

You can read about the numerous positives of the show in the other reviews, unfortunately the last season is just so random and far fetched that in my opinion ruined an otherwise mostly amazing TV series.

Edge of Tomorrow (2014)

Tom Cruise trying to get past the last saving point

[7/10 · 23 February 2022]

The parrallels with Groundhog Day are obvious to anyone who has seen that movie. As an avid video game enjoyer I couldn't see the film as anything else but leveling up a character, acquiring new skills and knowledge, exploring the posibilities of the enviroment. If you happen to misstep, you are back to square one, trying something else in hope to finish the quest.

Even Emily Blunt looks like she came from a video game, she fights the mimics with a sword?? That image of her on the passing bus looking badass, may as well be one of the characters in Tekken.

The movie is all about the two protagonists and their chemistry is undeniable. The mutual foundness they develop is touching. It's a science fiction film that certainly felt novel and distinctive.

Interstellar (2014)

Favorite Nolan movie

[8/10 · 9 February 2022]

First off, the entire plot is so far fetched that it is allmost comical, there are worm holes, time distortion etc. That said it is science fiction after all. Maybe that is the case for majority of the sci-fi genre, some might even call it a requirment.

The entire emotional impact of the film is centered around the bond between father and his children. I was worried while seeing it that the sentimental parts are quickly going to enter sacharine overload. Fortunately it really works the way it's executed. Perhaps it has to do with the stellar acting and the slow pace. Altough the lenght might be a bit much for many, it allows these type of moments to be included sparingly mixed with enough action in between. Nonetheless, there was this one scene where the scientist Ann Hathway said they should trust love in their decision making - found that a bit cringe.

Apart from that, enjoyed it very much. Found myself engaged the entire way through, caring about the characters and immersed in the story. McConaughey is at his absolute best here.

Inception (2010)

If there is one movie to be remade, hope it's this one.

[6/10 · 4 February 2022]

Initially first saw Inception when it came out. All I could recall were some basic parts of the plot line and that I need to rewatch it since big portions of the film went completely over my head. So recently I had a chance to do that on one of the streaming platforms. I was able to pause and think about the dialogue, go back to earlier scenes just to check if I remember them accurately. After around 3 hours of laser focussed viewing, I was left slightly frustrated but don't regret it.

On the face of it, the concept of dream state being induced by a machine and linking number of minds in the same experience, is really appealing. Unfortunately, the writer/directer goes unbelievably overboard with the entire idea. Did we need a dream architect, a second level, third one etc. The most emotionaly potent moment of the entire film is when Fischer meets his dying father in the vault on the third level. The goal is achieved, implanting an idea into his subconscious mind through a dream (i.e Inception). However, if the father-son relationship is so central (accroding to Tom Hardy's character), how come we only get that one scene?

The gravity beding special effects certainly make up for an engaging experience in additon to the amazingly dramatic soundtrack. I don't regret seeing it, parts of it are amazing. Just wish the plot was more coherent.

The Matrix (1999)

Ahead of it's time, it certainly has iconic status

[8/10 · 30 January 2022]

Considering the whacky script, the writers managed to keep it siprisingly cohesive. Never really got why characters have to be dressed in black when entering the Matrix. They all look good I guess... The philosophical influences are pretty overt. I read the the writters insisted the actors read Similacra & Sumulation, that book Neo uses to hide his disks at the start.

It's very influential in terms of action scenes at least. That sequence when Neo "wakes up" in his real body for first time, those 40 to 60 seconds have to be one of the most memorable of any movie I have ever seen. It's dystopian, it's sick, it's twisted, it's amazing.

Not really into action movies, however the fighting scenes in this one are gripping and engaging. Maybe it's the premis of the entire story that makes them seem meaningfull and not some mindless battering. How could you not root for Neo, there is religious symbolism all over the prohecy that he is "the One". The man that bought the his program right at begining even calls him "my own personal Jesus Christ''.

The question is if you were in Neo's position would you take the red pill or would you keep enjoying that simulated steak like Cypher? Made it pretty dramatic there, didn't I.

Fleabag (2016–2019)

''I have two degrees, a husband and a Burberry coat."

[6/10 · 8 January 2022]

It is definitely a polarizing viewing. First of all, poor Harry always forgetting his dinasour toy and having to collect it. He really is the biggest punching bag character ever. Him and the sister Claire were my favourites.

Watched the full two seasons and got quite a few laughts. That said, it isn't remotely as unique as the rating suggests. The priest theme was an absolute bore. Here is this sexually adventurous sinner woman and obviously she has to fall for the celibate priest. It is just so cheesy and contrived.

Otherwise, I can certainly see why many viewers find breaking the 4th wall so exciting. When Fleabag talks to us, it's as if we have direct access to her consciousness, inner world, the stuff in her head. Similar thoughts that we all have, many of them conflicting and even embarassing. You have to love how unapologetic Fleabag is about everything.

The thing is I found some of the other characters to be so unbearably cringe, namely Martin and the stepmother/godmother/"I fist climaxed when I was eleven".

How to with John Wilson (2020–2023)

A genre of its own

[9/10 · 3 January 2022]

The format is unlike anything I have seen. It's seemingly so random, you can only imagine the time needed to edit everything together while keeping the coherence. Really enjoyed it, it's endearing and lighthearted.

Upon finishing each episode I felt the sudden desire to connect the people in some form. Even if it's awkward and outside of what is deemed normal. Hope there is a third season.

Sideways (2004)

"Half my life is over and I have nothing to show for it"

[8/10 · 28 December 2021]

This is such a good movie. The story isn't something flashy, however it has enought going for it to keep you engaged. It has well executed comedic elements but there is a lot more to it. That moment when Paul Giamatti is in the fast food chain, drinking his most valued bottle of whine from a pepsi cup. It has to be one of the most heartbreaking scenes I have ever seen.

From the beginning the script is evidentely contrasting Miles and Jack. One has much of what the other wants and this certanly creates an intriguing parallel. Miles lives alone and is craving for someone to get close to him, Jack lives in a house full of people who seem to accept him. When Miles talks about why he is into pinot, it is as if he is comparing it to himself - "Pinot needs constant care and attention. It can only grow in these really specific little corners of the world. And only the most patient and nurturing growers can do it. Only someone who really takes the time to understand pinot potential can coax it into it's fullest expression." The writting is just so tasteful, very subtle at points and with good pacing.

The actors obviously work their magic and make for wonderfully flawed characters. The only drawback for me is that Jack never really becomes likable. He leaves Miles on his own several times, yes he is funny but a bit one-note at the same time. His consistent pursuit of women maybe has something to do with the theme of mid life disappointment and him trying to escape the thought of his impending marriage. I personally identified with Miles as everyone has been through difficult periods in their lives.

Enemy (2013)

Mind bender

[9/10 · 12 December 2021]

It is ceratainly a movie for niche audience. The closest comparison I can think of is The Machinist (anorexic Christian Bale), there is again repressed memories and split personality. Watching with intent is mandatory if you have any hope of comprehending what is happening on screen. I needed two viewings to really grasp the meaning of all scenes, in addtiotion to reading some theories online.

There is basically no action, many scenes happen in the main protagonist's head. It could put you to sleep if it wasn't for the sex scenes. A few reviewers wrote that it was shot beatifully but I doubt that is the best description. The cinematography certainly creates the intended dire and bleak mood. There is nothing pretty, just like there is nothing pretty in Gyllenhaal's head.

Denis Villeneuve is really a master at adding subtle signs that add to the plot immesurably. The room where the two Jakes meet is the same room where biker Jake takes the girlfriend later on. The track playing in the video store during the first fisit is about cheating. There is a poster of a giant woman in the same store. His lectures are about opression and disctatorship. The spiders that pop up consistently and the wires that look like webs. It all adds up.

Recongnize the symbolism in the midst of the otherwise subdued plot and you are going to see the charm of this thing. My main gripe is the jumbled timeline. There is enough complexity without you having to wonder if a scene is a memory, halluciantion in Jake's head or happening in the present.

It felt the girflfiend could've had more lines and told her side of the story. Perhaps the intention is to portray her as a purely sexual interest of the protagonist, keeping the focus on the ''tyranical'' wife. After all she is figuratively going take away his life, just like the female spiders do to their mating partners. I know, it's a mind bender :)

The Terminal (2004)

Endearing and wholesome - Tom Hanks as "big huggable bear''

[7/10 · 7 December 2021]

Stole ''big huggable bear" from one of the other reviewers. It's Just the perfect description of Viktor's character. I have watched this movie probably five or six times. I enjoyed it a lot more when I was a child, maybe I have become cynical with age.

The sentimentality in the scenes between Viktor and Amelia really feels slapped on without much purpose. We are already sympathetic to Viktor and their entire interaction felt needless. How could you not feel for Tom Hanks's character, everyone has been stuck at an airport at some point. Perhaps the writters should have kept the script closer to the main theme of the film - following bureaucratic rules while making the compassionate compromise when appropriate.

The antagonist airport director allmost felt like a caricature. He brings his freaking lunch in a lunchbox, obeys the rulebook to the letter, even refuses to make an innocent lie to benefit himself. Anyway, I found him a bit bland and forgettable.

As a person from Eastern Europe, I found Tom Hanks's accent absolutely hilarious. He even said a fell sentences in my native language. He is absolutely the highlight of the movie for me. Him and the indian cleaner obviously, who makes people slip on purpose.

Arrival (II) (2016)

Intriguing premise, mixed bag as a whole

[6/10 · 3 December 2021]

Some absolutely sensational special effects and great acting. Problem is I only cared about parts of the film. The entire concept of alient invasion creating mass panic and chaos has been beaten to death, hasn't it? The scenes of showing the news, the military doing their thing of assuming the worst etc. The beginning was generic at best.

There is some fascinating commentary on cooperation and how cooperating with one another get's the best out of us. In fact the entire movie is rooted in that idea. The aliens' gift plays precisely in that theme, universal language helping us understand out intentions (not unique, the Esperanto idea). The fact each ship gives only a part of the equation is pretty pointing as well. ''They'' want to assure it gets to everyone and require us to cooperate. The film contrasts that with the individualistic behavious of each nation as they shut themselves up and refuse to share information.

To me the movie get's ahead of itself making up some crazy chracteristic of this alien gift. There just isn't enough elaboration on how that works and it comes off incoherent. How does Amy Adams suddenly learn to speak the language? Is it because of the crazy scene where the aliens are right next to her?

At least we get the happy ending of the main protagonists being together and having a family.... I guess. To sum it all up, bits of this film are amazing others could have easily been cut. Mixed bag.

Chinatown (1974)

Could be 20 minutes shorter, nice vehicles otherwise

[6/10 · 3 December 2021]

The pacing definetely felt off, as if it is expected to your hold your attemtion without much happening on screen. I mean compared to this, newer cinema is on a different gear. However, that might be a distinctive characteristic of the era and I haven't watched enought to compare it to similar films.

The biggest highlight is the plot. It might seem convoluted to some people but it is a crime, mystery genre after all. The only thing I personally disliked was the entire father/daughter sexual abuse thing. It felt tacked on and to be honest a bit fake. In terms of acting, Jack Nicholson was most conviencing, altough his character isn't exactly complex.

The cars from the 30s and 40s are gorgeoes. Personally couldn't help but fantasize driving one of them.