I would describe this film as combo of a sci-fi and road movie and while it is a good flick overall , I found it a little bit underwhelming compared to the magnificent Take Shelter and the captivating Mud. Great special effects,the acting is strong enough : Michael Shannon,Joel Edgerton, Adam Driver and the little kid who plays Alton were brilliant.Sam Sheperd was also good in a small but pivotal role.However, I was really disappointed in how underwritten was Kirsten Dunst's character.While delivering a solid performance, you can still feel that something's missing.She doesn't seem to find her footing and the movie could have worked just as well without her. The pace of the film was a little bit too slow at times and the final act was a little bit too simplistic considering how much tension and mystery there was through the whole feature.There are also some unanswered questions which leaves this film an ambiguous feel to it but not necessarily in a good way.
Reviews
4 Reviews
Macbeth
(I) (2015)
"Hail Macbeth !"
21 November 2015
Beautiful adaptation of one of Shakespeare's most famous tragedies.The cinematography and the battle scenes are breathtakingly gorgeous. Fassbender delivers once again a knock out performance : He was indeed born to play that part.Watching him transitioning from a brave warrior & moral man to a paranoid & lunatic king was quite something . Cotillard was also sublime as the doomed Lady Macbeth : Shakespeare's dialogue for a french performer must have been quite a challenging task but she's succeeded quite admirably.So big extra kudos to her. Let's not forget the excellent supporting cast : Thewlis, Considine , Reynor and especially Harris & Debicki ( in a short but poignant performance). All led by Kurtzel fearless direction (need to see Snowtown ASAP). He has truly created a dark,visceral & well-crafted epic. And in my opinion , the dialogue was quite accessible as well. That being said , I still slightly prefer Polanski's version ;)
Glassland
(2014)
Interesting little indie gem !
19 October 2015
I bought this movie on DVD on Amazon UK a few weeks ago and I have no regrets ! It's a small but pretty impressive indie from Ireland with top-notch acting. Will Poulter is funny and believably boy-next-door, his accent flawless; Michael Smiley brings hard-won compassion as an alcohol counselor and the always magnificent Toni Collette gives once again a splendid performance. But this is Reynor's film and he holds the screen like a pro – always thinking, tapping, twitching with silent fury. John's a good guy but he looks like he wants to kill someone. That no such eruptions occur makes Glassland's power all the more remarkable. Well done.A must see.
Maryland
(2015)
Matthias Schoenaerts is once again phenomenal
7 October 2015
This is not your usual "home invasion" film.It's above all an incredible sensory experience.Alice Winocur (who directed 2 years ago the magnificent "Augustine") creates a great combo between drama & paranoid thriller.And don't expect a love story ala Bodyguard. Matthias Schoenaerts is phenomenal as usual.It's quite an intense performance.You're truly seeing things through the eyes of his emotionally damaged character. Diane Kruger is also solid but the movie truly belongs to King Matthias.The ending could have been slightly better but it doesn't take anything away from the quality of the film. The soundtrack is also very catchy : Gaffelstein is a genius ! He creates a very atmospheric environment. A must see !
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