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7/10
A brilliant series, but emotionally empty
8 May 2024
A brilliant series, but emotionally empty. I think that sums it up very well.

The series is a flawless production, with an outstanding cast, yet it leaves me emotionally indifferent. The abundance of great actors makes it difficult to identify with a specific character - it's unclear who the main character really is. Although there are some small, touching moments, overall it lacks depth and genuine emotional connections to the characters.

All in all, the series is a cinematic delight, but not particularly gripping.

Nevertheless, the series offers a visually stunning portrayal of events and an epic staging that brings the historical drama to life in an impressive way.
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Hunter Hunter (2020)
7/10
Unexpectedly intense!
8 May 2024
In "Hunter Hunter," director Shawn Linden showcases his knack for spinning a gripping tale that intertwines the rugged Canadian wilderness with the dark motifs of fairy tales. The film kicks off with an authentic portrayal of a family's precarious existence as fur trappers and hunters in the remote wilds of Manitoba.

While the thriller plot may seem straightforward and the killer's identity not a shocker for Horror movie fans, the film captivates with its slow-burn tension. The atmosphere builds skillfully until the film delivers a unexpectedly intense finale that leaves even the toughest viewers breathless. The film's visual design is particularly impressive, effectively capturing the loneliness and menace of the wilderness.
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Baby Reindeer (2024)
8/10
Anyone can become a victim. Even men.
6 May 2024
Anyone can become a victim. Even men. The story is gripping. The seemingly illogical, tragic decisions of the main character that ultimately lead him to misery are understandable, human but somehow also horror.

The series blurs the lines between special attention, too much closeness, and literal abuse so softly that sometimes one is left speechless, because one somehow finds oneself in the feelings of the main character. A series that is so real and close to reality, even though one may have never experienced it in this form before.

Netflix once again scores a series hit with depth and little obvious canned entertainment.

Very wicked! Very unique!
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Star Wars: Tales of the Empire: Devoted (2024)
Season 1, Episode 4
8/10
In the center of darkness. Great.
4 May 2024
Great. We're right in the middle of the training and progress of Barriss Offee. A journey into darkness and how the character struggles with evil. Gloomy and a look at the Inquisitors and their tasks. Certainly an episode for Star Wars connoisseurs and insiders, otherwise there won't be much fun here. The Inquisitors, depicted as a group of minions of the Galactic Empire in the Star Wars universe, are directly subordinate to the Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Vader. They were established after the execution of Order 66, the command to exterminate the Jedi, to track down and eliminate any remaining Jedi. It's precisely this task that is examined here.
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8/10
A journey to the dark side
4 May 2024
The Evil at the Center. Just as we once accompanied Anakin Skywalker on his journey to the dark side, there are now finally two more characters we get to accompany into the abyss.

The approach of the Star Wars creators is emotional and profound. The atmosphere is truly dark, rarely seen except in Andor. Now, we are actually on the side of evil. Whether Morgan Elsbeth, seemingly a supporting character, needed to be chosen as the main character remains questionable. There are certainly much more intriguing characters in the Star Wars universe. But in the end, after the story of Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader, we witness another transformation into evil. And it is precisely this that makes this series so compelling in the otherwise rather cheerful Star Wars cosmos.

The most intriguing question in all of this is ultimately why they had to make the whole thing an animated series.
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Land of Bad (2024)
6/10
Can war still be entertainment?
28 April 2024
Mr. Russell Crowe does a decent job, but his best days are behind him. His counterpart, Liam Hemsworth, sadly lacks even a fraction of his brother's charisma. The film fluctuates between these two worlds. It's typical American pathos: rescue mission, problems, solution, everyone super happy. The US soldiers are above all and the best, the enemy can't hit anything and runs around without cover, making them easy targets. It's okay for a casual watch, but in light of the current world situation, one must question whether such action movies and their portrayal of war are still the right form of entertainment. Can war still be entertainment?
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Fallout (2024– )
8/10
Truly outstanding!
24 April 2024
Amazon nailed it this time. What didn't work at all with "Rings of Power" works perfectly with this gaming adaptation. "Fallout" promises an exciting journey through post-apocalyptic worlds. Starting with the consistently good casting, you get a truly consistent and believable, albeit twisted, world presented here. Ella Purnell stands out particularly positively, perfectly fitting into the role of competent and motivated, yet highly naive Vault-Dweller Lucy with her large doe eyes. Walton Goggins as the mysterious cowboy. The horror and gore elements are gross but fitting. Even without knowing the games, the series is truly outstanding. Can wholeheartedly recommend. Want more of it... immediately!
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The Lion King (2019)
6/10
Whats the point, Disney?
21 April 2024
A nature documentary as a film. The big question here is: What did Disney aim to achieve with this film? Everything is simply the same as the original - the same story, the same characters, almost the same music. The only thing that has been changed is the animations, which are now real film recordings with CGI effects. Why do something like this? I watched the film with my children, and they were naturally thrilled. But I couldn't really explain to them what the difference is compared to an animated film. Overall, it's probably a revival of old feelings. But here again, the question arises: Why simply copy the film with a camera? All in all, it offers good entertainment without being bad.
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Renegade Nell (2024– )
7/10
Jack Sparrow as a woman
19 April 2024
Jack Sparrow as a woman. We are in the 18th century in England - a great time, and as for the costumes, you immediately feel transported back to Pirates of the Caribbean. The series is very entertaining from minute one, has a lot of humor and action. Everything one needs, plus there are fantastic elements. That also makes it comparable to Pirates of the Caribbean.

The great thing is that Louisa Harland, as the main character, has an equally formidable opponent in Frank Dillane. A very well-filmed series, with a strong female lead and a great soundtrack. Absolutely worth watching and easy entertainment.
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Shōgun (2024)
8/10
Game of Thrones in Japan! Great!
6 April 2024
The series is so different from what an American or European eye knows. On the other hand, it's also so familiar and incredibly good. It is precisely this Japanese stranger that makes this series so exciting The scenery and costumes in particular are incredible and chosen with great attention to detail. Shogun maintains its high standard and skillfully conveys the cultural peculiarities of Japanese culture at the time. I'm incredibly excited about the story without any prior knowledge, Disney is finally bringing out a somewhat new series. The subtitles are a little annoying, but I got used to them pretty quickly. Game of Thrones in Japan.
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King Richard (2021)
7/10
A great Smith in a generic american dream movie
4 April 2024
Will Smith's best acting performance to date. The film itself is classically pleasantly staged. Not too strenuous but not particularly outstanding either. Fans of retro clothes from the 90s will definitely enjoy the costumes. The story about a controlling father who decides before his children are born that they should become tennis professionals. The film is overlong and takes quite a while until it gets to its really intense moment. Despite interesting questions about social injustice, the film unfortunately remains just another biopic that portrays the American dream in a familiar way. But with a great Will Smith.
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8/10
Why get married today?
1 April 2024
An incredibly honest series with outstanding acting. Anyone who is in a marriage will get even more out of this five-episode masterpiece. It's unbelievable what was achieved here with one camera and two actors. Long dialogues. It's a little surprising that people once again dare to show nothing other than two characters discussing throughout the episodes. In many moments you actually forget that it's an act. In others you think someone stranger will stand next to you and tell you about their day without being asked. For today's viewing habits, in which fast camera panning and action are important, it is probably difficult to get anything good from this series. This is about pure acting. The interaction between two spouses who don't know what to do next.

In the end the question remains: why get married today?
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7/10
Great for the youngest and all Star Wars Mamas and Papas
25 March 2024
Just because of Master Yoda, who appears in his younger years, one should watch this series.

The title and storytelling are naturally tailored so that the youngest can easily follow the action, animated in great, vibrant colors. Particularly appealing is that each plot contains a meaningful and valuable message in Jedi style at the end. The action is not lacking either, all well-balanced and as non-violent as possible, of course.

The animated series fits into the official Star Wars canon and takes place during the High Republic era. So it's also suitable for Star Wars moms and dads. Absolutely worth watching.
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The Gentlemen (2024)
7/10
As a teenie I would have probably found the series very good
23 March 2024
At 16, I would have probably found the series very good - lots of exaggerated coolness and silly kids' jokes. So, classic Guy Ritchie entertainment - not too serious, not too deep, sometimes overly constructed and over the top. Those who enjoy that will find a balanced mix of action and humor in the series. Everything is stylishly executed with creative camerawork. Just like in "Snatch" or "The Gentlemen," on which the series is based, he once again embraces the gangster genre. His formula of having the protagonists stumble from one problem to the next is initially amusing but eventually tiresome, although it remains somewhat entertaining.

The series is actually worth watching, but I don't think you're missing out on much if you don't see it.
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8/10
Somewhere over the rainbow
22 March 2024
Somewhere over the rainbow... Who doesn't know the song? The golden era of Hollywood. Despite involving a total of 14 authors and five directors in the production, the result appears seamless. This also includes a touch of luck, such as the decision to cast the lead role with 16-year-old Judy Garland, who was considered too old at the time, rather than the initially favored child star Shirley Temple.

One must truly ignore the time differences to give the film a chance to be objectively viewed in today's days. Those who can do so will still find something to appreciate in the timeless story and memorable compositions. In an era of CGI and Hollywood extravagance, it's difficult to place this film accurately or fully enjoy it. It's already too old for that.
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Road House (2024)
6/10
Good fights! Entertaining. Could have been more
21 March 2024
The film is entertaining. He has his moments. The good thing about the film are the fight scenes. Sometimes brutal and dark. The camera is impressive. But that was it. Unfortunately, Gyllenhaal is completely underwhelmed as an actor. The fake grin doesn't fit. If he defends a bar in the Florida Keys, that could look good - because Gyllenhaal can fight, as he has already proven in numerous films. But everything here seems fake. The dialogue is weak and the bad guys seem like stupid caricatures. And the villain himself, real-life MMA bad boy superstar Conor McGregor in his film debut, can fight but unfortunately can't act. In addition, the story is quite flat. Which isn't a bad thing in a fight film - but a bar where there are regular fights and that's so banally constructed seems unbelievable.
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7/10
He did it again!
21 March 2024
He did it again, Hayao Miyazaki is simply the ultimate master director of anime. And one thought that with films like "My Neighbor Totoro" or "Spirited Away" or "Howl's Moving Castle," he had already garnered enough awards and international success. After all, he officially announced his retirement in 2013. But no, he goes one step further. This film here is another masterpiece, as the director remains true to his animation style and is not impressed by the grandiosity of Hollywood or the polished Disney animated films.

Just like in his other films, the characters and creatures are unique once again. And like his characters, much remains mysterious in this film. There are no simple resolutions or moments. It's a film about death, which sometimes feels a bit confusing and is quite lengthy. The film is not without its flaws, but still good. After all, it has already won an Oscar.
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8/10
Wow! A film as dark and convincing as hardly any other Godzilla film
21 March 2024
A film as dark and convincing as hardly any other Godzilla film. Brutal and direct, without any ridiculous moments. Very impressive. When it comes to monster movies, it's always about the atmosphere; the atmosphere is crucial. Because the story of a monster can be quickly told. The film has a deep and compelling story. I was somewhat confused when I heard that a new Godzilla film was being released. There have been too many, and only a few were good. This one is a masterpiece, even for non-Godzilla fans.

Absolutely impressive images were created here that will continue to influence the next Godzilla films for a long time. It's the mix that does it. It seriously raises the question of how Hollywood, with what feels like ten times the budget, can't manage to do the same thing-not in terms of effects, but especially in terms of their characters and figures often being neglected. In this film, they are at the heart of the story.

Placing the film in the last days of World War II gives the whole thing a historical and critical touch. There's a direct critique of the US atomic bombing of Japan, but the fact that Godzilla mutated due to radioactive rays leaves no doubt here.
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Drishyam (2015)
8/10
Good message for the young
19 March 2024
An entertaining film with a very good camera. The film is a remake of the original, which was only two years younger. Here probably with a larger star cast. As usual for Bollywood, the film is a bit too long for my taste. The story is very entertaining and partly deals with vigilante justice and a family man who tries to do the right thing. Corruption and oppression are portrayed here in an interesting way. Sometimes the themes and acting seem artificial, but that's familiar from Hollywood and is part of the deal. The European taste was certainly a bit exaggerated at times and overall a bit drawn out. But absolutely worth seeing.
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8/10
An empathetic tale of an unusual friendship
18 March 2024
Although initially not performing remarkably well at the box office, the film later gained cult status through positive reviews and word of mouth. Personally, I didn't see it until over 20 years after its release, and it completely passed me by. Yet, it truly is a small masterpiece and a milestone in the world of animation.

Director Brad Bird demonstrates in his debut exactly the qualities that were responsible for making "The Incredibles" and "Ratatouille" a global successes.

An empathetic tale of an unusual friendship that transcends all external adversities. An adventure film that you should see, not just for children.
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The 400 Blows (1959)
7/10
Jean-Pierre Léaud's performance is unique
18 March 2024
We follow a boy from the Parisian middle class, who is barely noticed by his parents, melancholically searching for freedom and attention. Despite the heavy subject matter, the film has an incredible lightness to it. Jean-Pierre Léaud's performance at such a young age is also unique. Léaud brings incredible depth and nuance to the character, while sensitively portraying the vulnerability and rebellion of the boy.

The story follows 12-year-old Antoine Doinel, who grows up in impoverished conditions in Paris and increasingly feels estranged from school, his family, and society. When he gets into trouble and runs away from home, a journey of self-discovery and survival begins, leading him through the streets of Paris and eventually to a correctional facility.

Jean Constantin's film score also contributes to the emotional impact of the film. Its gentle melodies and catchy motifs enhance the mood and amplify the significance of the story, without ever being intrusive.
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Tokyo Story (1953)
7/10
A quiet observation
18 March 2024
One needs peace, time, and patience to watch this film. What is offered is primarily a well-thought-out masterpiece based on subtle observations and dialogues. Less visually spectacular or particularly fast-paced, as one might expect from contemporary films, the director portrays a family where tradition meets modernity.

The film not only explores the relationship between generations but also raises questions about identity, responsibility, and the conflict between traditional values and modern lifestyles. Ozu succeeds in addressing universal themes that are still of great relevance today.

Those who are not in the right frame of mind or expect the film to be classic entertainment are not in the right place here. It's a quiet observation by director Ozu.
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7/10
Feels like Bollywood in Austria
16 March 2024
It feels like there's as much singing in this movie as in almost no other American film. The film, with its nearly three-hour runtime, feels simply too long. With its images and clichés, the film has shaped Americans' perception of Austria. Accordingly, the landscape shots are also kitschy, very beautiful, but also a bit too much of a good thing.

But there are also good aspects. Julie Andrews shines in the role of the joyful Maria, who not only captures the hearts of the children but also those of the widowed Captain von Trapp, played by Christopher Plummer. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable and contributes significantly to the film's emotional core.

All in all, it's a bit too long but worth seeing, especially to understand the perspective of Americans on Austria.
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7/10
A film historic milestone with low entertainment value
16 March 2024
From today's perspective, it's hard to watch this film. Compared to Buster Keaton or Charlie Chaplin, who shaped an era with humor and wit, this film is primarily dramatic and tells an intense story. The highly praised film mainly relies on close-ups, where the faces of the characters resemble individual paintings. This aspect is worth highlighting. Due to the numerous text overlays, heavy music, and the lack of levity, this film is difficult to watch almost 100 years later. Certainly significant from a film historical perspective, but with relatively low entertainment value. Watch it an decide.
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7/10
Slow-burning erotic drama that requires a lot of patience.
16 March 2024
"Oldboy" director Park Chan-wook takes the audience on a journey into a world of intrigue, deceit, and unexpected twists that keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end. The film is quite different from "Oldboy" as one might expect - more drama, less action like in "Oldboy." Instead, it focuses more on intense character development.

The story, based on Sarah Waters' novel "Fingersmith," is a sophisticated play of deception and identity. Through cleverly placed twists and revelations, a plot full of surprises unfolds, constantly challenging the audience anew. The film succeeds in sensitively illuminating the complex relationship between the main characters and making their motivations understandable.

The film takes its time to slowly build up tension and thoroughly develop the characters before progressing to the highlights of the plot. However, this is also the film's biggest problem: With a runtime of over two hours and twenty minutes, it might be perceived as too long for some viewers, especially if they cannot fully immerse themselves in the complex storyline. A slow-burning erotic drama that requires a lot of patience.
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