OMTR Reviews

The English Patient (1996)

"If you take in someone else's poison - thinking you can cure them by sharing it - you will instead store it within you."

[8/10 · 14 June 2024]

Superb acting performances (Ralph Fiennes, Kristin Scott Thomas, Juliette Binoche and Willem Dafoe), rightly Oscar-nominated and rewarded, which punctuate three unequal acts.

The first act is full of promise.

And the second one is a bit overlong.

Because it is only in the falling action of the third act that we eventually reach the climax, with the cave scene, and that we finally, truly, find the epic dimension that we expected.

Despite its flaws, 'The English Patient' is indeed a major piece of cinema, which deserves its praise and numerous accolades around the world. But it partially lacks the epic breath that characterizes films like 'Lawrence of Arabia'.

Arrival (II) (2016)

Universal Language

[9/10 · 13 June 2024]

'Arrival' is a science fiction drama film that focuses on the communication between newly arrived alien Heptapodes and us as humanity.

Linguists and scientists have praised the authenticity of the science depicted in the film by Denis Villeneuve, whose work once again flirts with the status of a masterpiece.

And movie buffs can only admire this scientific precision and cinematic quality.

Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner respectively play Dr Louise Banks and Dr Ian Donnelly with great sensitivity, and their chemistry contributes greatly to the success of the film.

Humanity has not yet overcome and advanced beyond the predatory phase of development. Which makes any hypothetical contact with a higher intelligence difficult. All the more so since interlocutors are responsible for what they say and not for what others understand.

Thus, the majority of humans are quicker to resort to violence than to wisdom. This is why listening; analysis and understanding are key elements to avoid prematurely committing an irreversible act.

Contact (1997)

The Union of Science and Spirituality: "I was given something wonderful, something that changed me forever..."

[10/10 · 12 June 2024]

As passionate about astronomy as I am about cinema, philosophy, poetry, psychology, sociology and spirituality - not to mention that I am certainly forgetting many other areas of human knowledge covered by this dramatic science fiction film - I fully appreciate this superb adaptation of Carl Sagan's masterpiece; which is also dedicated to the memory of "Carl" following Mr. Sagan's passing during filming.

Young Ellie, who lost her mother at birth, always felt the need to broaden her horizons under the watchful eye of her father, Theodore Arroway, who was always a model of fairness until his last breath when his daughter was only 9 years old. A trauma that would have the effect of forging the personality, perseverance and resilience of the student who would become Dr. Eleanor Arroway, from Cal Tech to MIT, and then from the SETI program to the First Contact.

'Contact' once again reveals the full extent of Robert Zemecki's talent as a filmmaker, particularly when he highlights all of Jodie Foster's passion for her role and with his sublime cutaway shots.

The rest of the cast is equally excellent, as is Alan Silvestri's soundtrack.

"You're an interesting species, an interesting mix. You're capable of such beautiful dreams and such horrible nightmares. You feel so lost, so cut off, so alone, only you're not. See, in all our searching, the only thing we've found that makes the emptiness bearable is each other." ~ David Morse as the Vegan taking on the appearance of Theodore Arroway

"I was given something wonderful, something that changed me forever... A vision of the universe that tells us, undeniably, how tiny, and insignificant and how... rare, and precious we all are! A vision that tells us that we belong to something that is greater than ourselves, that we are not... that none of us are alone!" ~ Jodie Foster as Eleanor Arroway.

Stargate (1994)

"I don't want to die. And your men don't want to die, and these people certainly don't want to die."

[8/10 · 8 June 2024]

Co-written and directed by Roland Emmerich, this science fiction action-adventure film benefits from an engaging production design and convincing special effects, which immerse audiences in Ancient Egypt and that of the 1920s, as well as in 1990s America and on an exoplanet in the Orion constellation.

An aspect of the story inspired by the Orion Correlation - a theory in Egyptology attempting to explain the layout of the Giza pyramid complex.

The cast and performances are also an asset. Starring roles include Kurt Russell as Colonel Jonathan J. "Jack" O'Neil, James Spader as Dr. Daniel Jackson, an archaeologist and linguist, and Jaye Davidson as Ra - the god of the sun and king of all Egyptian gods.

I first saw 'Stargate' upon its theatrical release, before seeing it again on television five years later and finally last night on DVD. After three decades, it remains an enjoyable movie to watch, which addresses the theme of liberation from millennia of feudalism.

Rain Man (1988)

"What you have to understand is, four days ago he was only my brother in name. And this morning we had pancakes."

[10/10 · 5 June 2024]

A touching comedy-drama and road movie, which deals with autism with accuracy, humor and tenderness, written by Barry Morrow and Ronald Bass and directed by Barry Levinson.

Tom Cruise plays Charles Sanford "Charlie" Babbitt, a classic car dealer, who learns of the existence of an autistic older brother, embodied by Dustin Hoffman, after the death of his father, whom he had not seen since his coming of age and his departure from his father's house.

The two brothers and Charlie's girlfriend, Susanna played by Valeria Golino, embark on a road trip taking them from Cincinnati, Ohio to Los Angeles, California, during which they learn to know and appreciate each other.

Since the beginning of his acting career in 1981, Tom Cruise has always diversified his roles and increased his experience with the biggest names in all genres of cinema.

Dustin Hoffman, rightfully awarded the Academy Award for Best Actor for his phenomenal performance, and Tom Cruise made history with their exceptional portrayal of the Babbitt brothers.

A huge critical and popular success, 'Rain Man' won the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival, before being nominated in eight Academy Awards categories and winning four Oscars for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Screenplay - Written Directly for the Screen. Its impressive list of accolades includes top awards from several film institutions and organizations around the world.

The Adventures of Tintin (2011)

Spielberg and Hergé admired each other's work

[10/10 · 2 June 2024]

Steven Spielberg's cinematic genius brings Herge's comic strips and bubbles to life before our amazed eyes, of adults who dive back into their cherished childhood memories with utmost delight.

The film is mainly inspired by the albums 'The Crab with the Golden Claws' (1940-1941), 'The Secret of the Unicorn' (1942-1943) and 'Red Rackham's Treasure' (1943), but also differs significantly from the source material in some aspects, notably those relating to the antagonists.

The cast includes Jamie Bell, later replaced by Thomas Brodie-Sangster, as Tintin, Andy Serkis as Captain Archibald Haddock and Sir Francis Haddock, and Daniel Craig as Ivan Ivanovitch Sakharine, descendant of Red Rackham the pirate.

Spielberg with his cast and crew have been praised for the stylized motion-capture animation, which is faithful to Hergé's works, excellent acting performances, awesome action sequences and terrific visual effects.

As well as the magnificent new score composed by John Williams.

I am very much looking forward to the continuation of the adventures of Tintin and Haddock, on the big screen, as soon as possible.

According to the latest news, by Peter Jackson for the second film and by a director who remains to be confirmed for the third film. With releases respectively planned for 2025 and 2027.

Expend4bles (2023)

Sylvester Stallone was not involved in the creative process

[8/10 · 31 May 2024]

Pros

Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, 50 Cent, Megan Fox, Dolph Lundgren, Tony Jaa, Iko Uwais, Randy Couture, Andy Garcia and Levy Tran all portray their respective character with passion.

From aging and touching veterans to rookies who bring 'new blood', in every sense of the word, our favorite last line of defense settles scores with arms dealers and terrorists who threaten to start a world war.

Cons

Not having included Sylvester Stallone in the creative process and the lack of legendary action stars from the 20th century are the two main mistakes made by the producers, which explain why this fourth episode did not meet the expected results.

According to various sources of news, Sly has either already confirmed that this was Barney Ross' last mission or claimed that he was working on 'Expend5bles'.

Whether "Expend5bles" happens or not, the producers ought to work with Sly on the creative process - at least involve him as executive producer in order to maintain continuity - to make sure that the franchise gets back to the spirit of the initial trilogy and what made its critical and public success. Because Sly is the creator, the leader, the heart and the soul of the "Expendables".

Red Sparrow (2018)

"Every human being is a puzzle of need."

[9/10 · 29 May 2024]

In contemporary Russia, the Matron of a brutal specialist training school for "Sparrows" - operatives capable of seducing their targets with sexpionage - says it clearly from the start : "The Cold War did not end." and "Your body belongs to the State. Since your birth, the State nourished it. Now the State asks something in return."

Francis Lawrence - the director of the Hunger Games films since Catching Fire (2013) - and Jennifer Lawrence know each other very well and have developed a relationship of trust, which allowed Jennifer Lawrence to push her physical and psychological limits to play Dominika Egorova and her aliases.

Joel Edgerton is Nate Nash, an idealistic CIA agent, who works in Moscow, Budapest and London.

Matthias Schoenaerts in the role of Vanya Egorov, Dominika's uncle, Jeremy Irons in that of General Korchnoi and Charlotte Rampling in that of the Matron give depth to their characters, while exploring the dark side of societies where individual liberty does not exist.

Francis Lawrence brings his experience while Jennifer Lawrence gives a performance that would have deserved an Oscar nomination for Best Actress.

Psycho (1960)

"I'm Norma Bates."

[10/10 · 28 May 2024]

Alfred Hitchcock gives a masterful filmmaking lesson with this first adaptation of the 1959 eponymous novel by Robert Bloch.

Not a single shot is not finely worked, both in terms of the script, camera movements and editing.

Anthony Perkins sublimates himself in the double role of Norman Bates and his late mother, who has become an alternative personality.

His partners, notably Janet Leigh as Marion Crane and Vera Miles as Lila Crane, also excel in their respective roles.

Bernard Herrmann's powerful soundtrack follows the protagonists' anguish, as they delve deeper into the mystery of the Bates Motel and becomes as sharp as a blade during murder scenes.

"Norman Bates no longer exists. He only half-existed, to begin with. And now, the other half has taken over. Probably for all time." ~ Dr. Fred Richman.

The Godfather Part III (1990)

"When they come, they'll come at what you love."

[10/10 · 21 May 2024]

The conclusion to the Godfather trilogy opens on the remains of the Corleone residence in Nevada. Before returning to New York, where it all began for young Vito Andolini Corleone in 1901.

In the late 1970s, Michael Corleone, always played to perfection by Al Pacino, is doing his utmost to legalize the family business and reconcile with Kate (Diane Keaton) and their two adult children, Anthony (Franc D'Ambrosio) and Mary (Sofia Coppola).

By trying to clean up the structure of his investments, Michael Corleone realizes to what extent high finance and the Vatican are involved in an underground world from which he is trying to escape.

Michael's quest for redemption-even as he considers himself beyond redemption for the sins of his past-disturbs those who profit from crime, from New York to Sicily and from the Vatican to Switzerland.

Even though Michael finally learns from his father's wisdom in trying to stop having enemies, these ruthless people have not developed his ethical and legal sensitivity, and seek to take him down with all the former Dons of New York and New Jersey still alive.

It is then that his nephew Vincent (Andy Garcia), son of Sonny, comes into play and is inducted as "Don Corleone" with these words of wisdom from his uncle: "Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgment."

Michael finally finds himself with Kate and their children in Sicily, and returns to the village of Corleone. Anthony then asks his father why such a beautiful country has such a violent history and customs.

The film ends with Anthony's debut at the Palermo Opera, performing in front of his family, including his aunt Connie (Talia Shire) who has always supported his brother over the past two decades, in a masterfully shot and edited epic scene that concludes the trilogy.

Basically, with the same artistic and technical teams, Francis Ford Coppola created three masterpieces, but this third part is not appreciated for its true worth like the first two films. Go figure!

The Godfather Part II (1974)

"Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer."

[10/10 · 20 May 2024]

The middle part of the Godfather trilogy functions as much as a prequel - to chronicle the life of Vito Corleone, from the assassination of his family in Sicily and his escape to America at the age of 9 to a Christmas dinner in family shortly before the start of the first part of The Godfather - as a continuation of Michael Corleone's reign on The Corleone Family empire.

In parallel with a new Oscar nomination for Al Pacino - for Best Actor this time - as Michael "Don" Corleone, we find Robert De Niro playing Vito Corleone in his youth. A role played so perfectly that one wonders if it is not a rejuvenated Marlon Brando, and which rightly earned De Niro the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor.

Excellence in acting is also achieved by Diane Keaton, Robert Duvall, Talia Shire and Lee Strasberg in supporting roles, as well as Roger Corman and Harry Dean Stanton in small roles.

Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director for Francis Ford Coppola, Best Adapted Screenplay for Francis Ford Coppola and Mario Puzo, and Best Original Score for Nino Rota rightly reward outstanding performances that finish making this second part a masterpiece, which lives up to the level of the original.

The Godfather (1972)

"Do you renounce Satan?"

[10/10 · 19 May 2024]

A large cinematic fresco depicting the life of the Italian-American organized crime, in general, and of the Corleone Family of New York, originally from Corleone in Sicily, in particular, between 1945 and 1955.

The strength of Francis Ford Coppola's masterful work lies mainly in the following points:

• His Oscar-winning big screen adaptation with Mario Puzo,
• His stellar casting achieving excellence, notably with an Oscar-winning performance by Marlon Brando and an Oscar-nominated performance by Al Pacino,
• Nino Rota and Carmine Coppola's soundtrack, which includes one of the most iconic themes in cinema history and is one of the best film scores ever composed,
• The baptism scene, which is a lesson in filmmaking.

"Do you renounce Satan?" is the question posed to this ostensibly religious underworld, but so disinclined to follow the Teachings of Jesus Christ.

If Vito "Don" Corleone was able to lead a rather balanced and honorable life it is because he knew the limits not to be crossed. This is precisely why he firmly rejects drug trafficking out of conscience. And that he constantly calls for reason to prevail in order to avoid outbreaks of violence.

A wisdom that dies with him despite everything he tried to pass on to his biological and spiritual heirs during his lifetime; and which will ultimately cause the fall of the Corleone Family.

The Presidio (1988)

"I've known buildings that were easier to talk to than you."

[8/10 · 17 May 2024]

An atmospheric crime drama film by director-cinematographer Peter Hyams who captures the atmosphere of San Francisco while filming her beautifully.

Sean Connery as Lieutenant Colonel Alan Caldwell, Mark Harmon as Jay Austin, an SFPD detective and former Military Police soldier, and Meg Ryan as Donna Caldwell, Lieutenant Colonel Alan's daughter Caldwell, are charismatic and seasoned enough to make their character interesting and endearing.

Caldwell and Austin form a pair of atypical "Buddy Cops", who lead an investigation in order to dismantle a criminal organization within the armed forces.

Qualities that make 'The Presidio' a pleasant film not only to watch but also to rewatch.

Misery (1990)

Oscar Winning Performance

[9/10 · 16 May 2024]

An impressive adaptation of Stephen King's novel, written for the screen by William Goldman and directed by Rob Reiner.

With Kathy Bates, 1991 winner of the Golden Globe and the Oscar for Best Actress for her brilliant portrayal of Annie Wilkes - whom Stephen King picked as his personal favorite character among all those he created in his literary career.

James Caan as famed novelist Paul Sheldon, Richard Farnsworth as Sheriff Buster, Frances Sternhagen as Deputy Virginia, who's Sheriff Buster's wife, and Lauren Bacall as Marcia Sindell, Paul Sheldon's agent, also achieve excellence in their respective roles.

Stephen King himself considers 'Misery' to be one of the best film adaptations of his literary works.

The Great Escape (1963)

Dedicated to the Fifty

[10/10 · 15 May 2024]

Producer-director John Sturges adapted Paul Brickhill's 1950 novel of the same name with a legendary casting, and modesty, to reenact the 1944 mass escape from the Nazi prisoner of war camp Stalag Luft III. And, thus, paying tribute to the fifty men murdered by Hitler and the Gestapo after all but three Allied prisoners of war had been recaptured.

A book and a film that bear witness to the sacrifice of a generation to free the world from the Nazi yoke.

In a time when we are once again witnessing the rise of political extremes - as in the 1930s - such essential works should be part of the curriculum of our schools, to honor the promise of the Nuremberg trials: "Never again!"

Deadpool 2 (2018)

No Cash Value

[8/10 · 14 May 2024]

Deadpool is back in an even crazier adventure.

The long pre-credits sequence is breathtaking, brilliant and exhilarating.

The first film was about life and love. The second episode focuses on childhood, fatherhood and (human) family:

Wade Wilson: "Family was always an F-word to me. My pile-of-s*** father took off and bailed. I mean, it's not like I have a lot of strong role models to draw off of for Todd."

Vanessa: "Hey, look at me. You are not your father. Besides... I will never, ever let our child be named Todd."

And what makes us strong:

Blind Al: "Listen to the pain. It's both history teacher and fortune teller. Pain teaches us who we are, Wade. Sometimes it's so bad we feel like we're dying, but we can't really live until we die a little, can we?"

Deadpool: "Cable, you get back to your family and you tell them Wade says hi. And promise me, promise me one thing: that you'll start judging people not by the color of the skin but by the content of their character."

I especially like the first and third end credits scenes with the baby (won't spoil), which give the film an even higher dimension about using power for good.

The Italian Job (2003)

"I trust everyone. It's the devil inside them I don't trust."

[8/10 · 12 May 2024]

From Venice to Los Angeles, via the Alps, this "Italian job" takes us on the journey of experts in heists against criminals - executed with such a degree of intelligence and such a level of perfection that not a drop of blood is shed - for there are two kinds of "thieves".

Written by Donna and Wayne Powers, based on the 1969 film of the same name, this truly high-precision work is efficiently directed by F. Gary Gray. Who showcases the dramatic talent of his cast including, amidst others, Mark Wahlberg, Charlize Theron, Edward Norton, Seth Green, Jason Statham, Mos Def, Franky G and Donald Sutherland among the main roles.

The Fugitive (1993)

"THEY killed my wife."

[10/10 · 12 May 2024]

Perfectly written, directed, cinematographed, cast, acted, edited and paced, this 1993 adaptation of the 1960s television series of the same name is an example of an expert thriller.

Beyond the expertly executed action thriller film, it is also a powerful parable on innocence, justice and the greedy ready to sacrifice the best.

'The Fugitive' was nominated in seven Academy Award categories - including Best Picture produced by Arnold Kopelson, Best Cinematography by Michael Chapman, Best Film Editing by Dennis Virkler, David Finfer, Dean Goodhill, Don Brochu, Richard Nord and Dov Hoenig, Best Original Score by James Newton Howard, Best Sound by Donald O. Mitchell, Michael Herbick, Frank A. Montaño and Scott D. Smith, and Best Sound Effects Editing by John Leveque and Bruce Stambler - winning the Best Supporting Actor Oscar for Tommy Lee Jones.

One of the greatest critical and public successes of the year 1993-1994, rightly and widely rewarded by various academies and institutions in the world of cinema across the planet.

Great White (2021)

Convincing directorial debut and shark film

[7/10 · 11 May 2024]

'Great White' is a survival horror movie well written by Michael Boughen and skillfully directed by Martin Wilson in his debut feature film.

The acting is convincing, as are the great white sharks. Both real sharks and special effects on a limited budget.

Martin Wilson also highlights the natural beauty of the filming locations - Redcliffe Peninsula, Moreton Island and Whitsunday Islands, Queensland, Australia - with his cinematographer Tony O'Loughlan.

The New York Times named 'Great White' as one of top 5 action films of 2021, with director Martin Wilson nominated by the Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA).

Air Force One (1997)

Harrison Ford is the President of the United States

[9/10 · 9 May 2024]

'Air Force One' begins with these wise and solemn words:

President James Marshall: (in Russian, addressing state dinner in Moscow) "The dead remember our indifference; the dead remember our silence. (turns back to English) I came here tonight to be congratulated. But today, when I visited the Red Cross camps, overwhelmed by the flood of refugees fleeing the horror of Kazakhstan, I realize I don't deserve to be congratulated. None of us do. The truth is we acted too late. Only when our own national security was threatened did we act. Radek's regime murdered over 200,000 men, women and children and we watched it on TV. We let it happen. People were being slaughtered for over a year and we issued economic sanctions and hid behind the rhetoric of diplomacy. How dare we. The dead remembered: real peace is not just the absence of conflict, it's the presence of justice. And tonight, I come to you with a pledge to change America's policy. Never again will I allow our political self-interest to deter us from doing what we know to be morally right. Atrocity and terror are not political weapons, and to those who would use them, your day is over. We will never negotiate. We will no longer tolerate and we will no longer be afraid. It's your turn to be afraid."

'Air Force One' is another story that some may have found far-fetched at the time of the film's release, caught in the euphoria of the decade following the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Unfortunately, it has suddenly become extremely topical since the madness of the Russian ultranationalists, led by Putin, imposed on Europe the first war on its soil since the end of the Second World War. By invading, occupying and destroying Ukraine and, repeatedly, threatening to use nuclear weapon in complete disregard of decency and international law and treaties.

The behavior of a terrorist. Not that of a respectful head of state, who has developed personal and professional ethics as well as a sense of duty.

Thus, the hijackers who take Air Force One and its passengers hostage correspond exactly to the type of criminals mentioned above. Their leader, Egor Korshunov, is magnificently played by Gary Oldman.

Harrison Ford was born to enbody the President of the United States of America, President James Marshall, as was Glenn Close in the role of his Vice-President, Kathryn Bennett.

Wolfgang Petersen effectively directed this political action thriller film while co-producing it.

And Jerry Goldsmith composed a new epic soundtrack to highlight this struggle of the Free World against those who hate it.

"Get off my plane!"

American Gangster (2007)

The Rise and Fall of Frank Lucas

[10/10 · 8 May 2024]

With this thrilling, gripping and suspenseful biographical crime film, Ridley Scott brilliantly retraces the life of Frank Lucas, the biggest drug lord in Harlem, then in all of New York and finally on the East Coast of the United States in the 1960s and 1970s.

After half a decade of investigation, patience and sacrifice, Law Enforcement Officer Richie Roberts, who worked as a Detective in the Essex County Prosecutor's Office and Essex County Bureau of Narcotics, brought down not only the Lucas family and their drug empire, but also all the crooked cops who were corrupting law enforcement in New York and New Jersey.

The brilliant reconstruction work of Ridley Scott, with his cast and his production and technical teams, was notably rewarded with twenty-one awards, including two Oscar nominations for Best Art Direction and Best Supporting Actress for Ruby Dee, who also won a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role.

The performances of the rest of the cast, notably Denzel Washington as Frank Lucas and Russell Crowe as Richie Roberts, are also worthy of an Academy Award.

Red Dawn (2012)

"We inherited our freedom. Now it's up to all of us to fight for it."

[8/10 · 7 May 2024]

If some people still found the story far-fetched when the film was released, it is unfortunately very topical today.

Because, after the invasion of Ukraine by Russia supported by North Korea, the attack on Israel by Hamas and Hezbollah supported by Iran, Russia and certainly also North Korea, and the repeated attacks of China against Vietnam and the Philippines, forced to strengthen their armed forces, 'Red Dawn' suddenly becomes very plausible.

This is all the more true since it was North Korea, supported by the Eastern Bloc, which attacked the Allied Forces and the United Nations on June 25, 1950. And the fascist regime in Pyongyang has worsened over the course of this century with the coming to power of the always self-proclaimed "Supreme Leader of North Korea" Kim Jong Un, who shares Putin's nuclear obsession.

The Spirit behind the Wolverines of Spokane, Washington, is the one that helped liberate the world from Nazi yoke and Japanese imperialism during World War II.

After a relevant eco-geopolitical introduction, the action unfolds in an interesting and enjoyable manner, with Chris Hemsworth leading his cadets in the fight against tyranny: "I'm going to fight. Anybody who wants to join is welcome to it. We'll hit them on our terms. We're the Wolverines and we create chaos."

The Green Berets (1968)

"Have you ever been to Southeast Asia? ... Out here, due process is a bullet."

[7/10 · 6 May 2024]

The first act is very realistic and objective. It shows what the Green Berets are and asks those who condemn them, without trying to understand a point of view different from theirs, if they have ever been to places in the world where corruption and violence prevail over the rule of law, and where due process often takes the form of "a bullet".

The second act follows the life of a camp where the Green Berets assist South Vietnamese forces and populations who do not wish to get involved in the Viet Cong movement and are thus intimidated, kidnapped, raped, tortured and murdered. To my knowledge, 'The Green Berets' is the only film with 'Heaven & Earth' (1993), which closes Oliver Stone's Vietnamese trilogy, to show the use of routine terror by the "People's Army of Vietnam - Viet Cong" during the Second Indochina War.

By the way, read the article "The Viet Cong Committed Atrocities, Too" by Heather Stur, published in The New York Times on December 19, 2017.

The third act consists of retaking the camp invaded by the enemy before capturing South Vietnam's VC leader.

Opinions expressed have the right to be expressed, whether shared or not. Because, otherwise, the condemnation of the work without critical thinking, which recognizes both its strengths and its flaws, is only a form of intellectual terrorism, which rejects fundamental human rights such as the freedom of expression.

Finally, if the part located at Fort Bragg in North Carolina was indeed filmed on location, it was Fort Benning next to Columbus, Georgia, right on the Alabama border, which was used for the scenes taking place in Vietnam. Hence a notable difference in vegetation.

"Sure, I wave the American flag. Do you know a better flag to wave? Sure, I love my country with all her faults. I'm not ashamed of that, never have been, never will be." - John Wayne.

American Sniper (2014)

"MY REGRETS ARE ABOUT THE PEOPLE I COULDN'T SAVE"

[9/10 · 5 May 2024]

Clint Eastwood adapted the memoir 'American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U. S. Military History' (2012) by Chris Kyle with dignity, modesty, and respect.

His cast does not just play real people, they embody them with the full extent of their personal and professional skills and ethics, capturing the trauma caused by the barbaric, cowardly and vile terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, and of the war on terror that followed.

The greatness of 'American Sniper' comes precisely from the human and philosophical depth that Clint Eastwood infuses into his work, without getting lost in needless political considerations.

Honor to all those who participated in the conception of this tribute film and to all those to whom the film pays homage.

Incredibles 2 (2018)

"You have powers!"

[9/10 · 2 May 2024]

'The Incredibles' (2004) team returned for this sequel, still written and directed by Brad Bird.

'Incredibles 2' is a hymn to everyday (super)heroes, to responsible parenthood, to the family that evolves together and to civic-mindedness in the face of manipulators.

Toxic narcissists who want us to believe that we are being manipulated, even though they are the ones manipulating in order to destroy the aforementioned values, for which any balanced person will fight.

This is precisely what the new generation of Incredibles proves, starting with lovely little Jack-Jack, who discovers his powers.