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Reviews
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
The road of love, not the destination
An exceptionally interesting, moving and superb performed movie is what Eternal Sunshine provides. An insight on love, but from a different point of view. A movie that very much deserves its spot in the top 250.
I highly recommend anyone -who accepts somewhat more alternative movies- (though casting provided Hollywood's most famous) to watch this as it gives you goosebumps, but in the best sense possible. Spoiler: It's definitely got a bit of a 'Vanilla Sky' theme but in a different context.
It's truly a breath of fresh air to see Jim Carrey step out of character and show his true talents. Kate Winslet once again shows that she is without doubt the best actress of her generation. Other stars like Kirsten Dunst and Elijah Wood are very able to fill up any backing vocals needed in this song about love.
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, a movie that discusses the road of love, not the destination, however depressing or sad we know that destination will be. But to choose love for love, not for that destination.
Truly a masterpiece, with highest regards to Kate Winslet. 8 out of 10.
[Rec] (2007)
One of the best thrillers ever made
I'm not a definite fan of these kind of horror movies, where there's a 'documentary' type of filming, as if it was all really happening. Cloverfield, The Blair Witch and the likes of those tried this and surpassed. But Rec is so much better than those. I accidentally watched this as my brother told me it was a Spanish chickflick. I promise you, by the end of it, you will be struck with the amazing and utter creepiness of this movie. And you'll certainly never look at stairwells the same....
Be sure that your lights work, that you have sufficient stuff that makes you feel comfortable near and that you're able to turn the TV off if you need to. Trust me- you'll be shaking at times.
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
Utterly Burtonesque show full of -bloody- great scenes
Being a huge fan of the fantastic marriage between Depp and Burton, my expectations were very high. From the moment it started, as always with Burton-movies, I was stunned by the visual performances. The opening of the movie is similar to the Burton-remake of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, full of surprises, amazing visuals and a tension building set-up. It's a fantastic musical/movie and it's a lust to hear and see. Mrs Burton, Helena Bonham Carter, is a great actress and singer who truly embodies Mrs. Lovett. Her struggle with her feelings for Mr. Todd are so greatly put together by her skills that you feel awkward all the time- and that's a good thing! It seems Depp and Burton, when working together, really can do no harm. However, it must be said that if you're not into musicals, this movie is probably not your thing. It's got little lines but a lot of songs, and great ones if I may say so. Also, if blood gives you a punch in the stomach, you might want to skip.
A fantastic, utterly Burtonesque movie that once again proves the unbelievable chemistry between Johnny Depp, Tim Burton and of course Helena Bonham Carter. Well done!
Enchanted (2007)
A very happy movie with fun for every age
Last night me and my Dad went to the opening night of this movie. The cinema wasn't loaded so my expectations weren't quite high. But from the minute the movie started, I laughed and felt great! Disney has made an effort in this movie, to show the world they know their movies are supersweet and always have a happy ending. The movie contains a lot of resemblance with lots of Disney movies, ranging from Snow White to Cinderella and all in between. Not to mention that the star in the movie looks like an actual Disney cartoon.
The music is addictive, the jokes are to be liked by both kids and adults and the atmosphere is just great. I can't imagine anyone not liking this film and not being happy when the end title appears. I felt like a little girl when I got out of the cinema, and I know a lot of girls there felt the same way.
Plus, Patrick Dempsey plays a great character rather then being total eye-candy (which he is, but that's not his role) like in G.A.
So please, go and watch this movie. It'll make you laugh, tingle and feel utterly romantic. A must-see, without any doubt.
Braceface (2001)
Always fun to watch
Having virtually every kid TVshow synchronized into Dutch, I don't know how the English version sounds, but I really like the Dutch version too. Braceface embraces all those horrific problems teenage girls go through. From falling in love with the one boy everyone wants to growing from a girl into a woman. Episodes vary from love to hate and everything in between.
Actually, this is not really a series for young girls. All the problems main character Sharon gets into will be highly recognizable for girls in their late teen-ages or twenties, but not if you yourself are actually 13. Having said that, a wonderful series that I always tend to enjoy in the morning or the afternoon for a good and decent laugh.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
A movie that you will want to see
Burton and Depp; it's like a marriage that won't fail. Take them in Edward Scissorhands, Corps Bride, and now The Chocolate Factory. It's bound to be a lovely movie.
I must say, the beginning is a bit too slow to my taste. It takes quite a while before the kids get into the factory, which is where the real adventures start. The message inside of the story, being that you should be good and not greedy, is one that belongs to the fabulous Roald Dahl who is one of my favorite writers of all time. And he's right! Don't spoil kids too much.
Apart from that, even if you don't want to know about the message while watching, I'd say that Johnny Depp will indulge you. Once again, he proves how fantastic his skills are. Even if you hate the guy, still, watch it! The visuals are breathtaking and take you back to those days when you were reading the book and made up your pictures of the inside of the factory. This all makes it so sweet that you will want to squeak with joy every now and then.
Without any doubt not just a kid's movie, with lots of funny things and adult jokes. Like what happens to you if you eat chocolate and how people respond to that. Or if you eat each other. Etc. Etc. Please, go and see this movie and enjoy it. I know you will.
9 out of 10!
Edward Scissorhands (1990)
The best team ever to work together
Johnny Depp and Tim Burton. It's like a marriage that doesn't have any chance of failing. Johnny, with his eccentric and very unique way of acting and Burton, full of surprises and always willing to take movies to a weirder level; you could say that Edward Scissorhand is one of their beautiful babies. Johnny Depp is often spoken about as a not so talented actor that made it this far due to his looks. Though his role as Edward makes him even more beautiful, which shows that it's not all about his looks, in this movie you see his potential. His ability. And his wit. You might consider not watching as it seems a bit too arthousy, but trust me, none of that. In fact, it's a lot more mainstream than some people might want to state. Get your hopes up for a night of sheer class and a presentation of what Johnny Depp does best, together with his 'hubbie' Burton. Oh, and if you like this, please watch Corps Bride and The Nightmare before Christmas as well!!
Minoes (2001)
A lovely movie with a lot of funny moments
Carice van Houten, now famous for her role in Zwartboek, is a great actress and knows how to get her audience's attention. In Minoes, she is a very sweet and fun girl and together with Theo Maassen she really put together a lovely movie. Though not more than 1 hour of entertainment, this movie is something you could watch over and over and over again. Why? It's lighthearted, very funny and brings out the genius that was Annie M.G. Schmidt, who wrote the story years ago. The power of this movies is also the voices of the cats. Famous Dutch people like Wim T. Schippers, a.k.a. Ernie (Bert and Ernie), and Hans Teeuwen, a renowed Dutch comedian make funny jokes all the time and besides it's really fun to hear someone be a cat. If you enjoyed this movie, I highly recommend Ja Zuster, Nee Zuster, which has a similar class and quality. Go ahead and watch them and have a great time!
Finding Neverland (2004)
Beautiful fairytale with excellent acting by Depp and Winslet
When I saw Hideous Kinky about a year ago, I enjoyed Kate Winslet's performance so much I felt I needed to see as much of her footage as possible. Also having Pirates 2 in the cinemas at that time and stating that Depp is one of my favorite actors (and certainly not just because of this look) I told myself how fantastic it would be if someone would make a movie with Depp AND Winslet. Next day I saw this DVD in the HMV and 2 seconds later I already payed for it.
Peter Pan in the Disneyversion? Never liked that story. But Finding Neverland tells the true story, as J.M. Barrie experienced it. And what a great idea to do so. Depp is an actor that can work with scissors, pirate hats or a chocolate factory, but also as a Scottish writer. His accent is nearly flawless, as are his lines. He does what not a lot of actors do; he really, really becomes J.M. Barrie. And Kate Winslet. Oh God, Kate Winslet. I have made comments on IMDb about her and they were all positive, she is fantastic! Also in Finding Neverland. What a great, strong performance.
Though so very often kids acting are not really as good as their parents think (being pushed around), these kids do exactly what they need to do. Though in some kind of a supporting role, they shine and they shimmer.
Last but not least, this story has a message, that maybe is one of the most beautiful ones I've ever heard. When my mum passed away days after I saw the movie, I pictured her in Neverland, too. And it works.
A terrific movie and a must-see, whether you're 7, 70 or 100 years old.
Chocolat (2000)
A warm, sensual and exciting movie about l'amour
Being as it is that Julliette and Johnny are both two of my favorite actors, I had to see this movie. Comments weren't as positive as I'd hoped, but as everyone has a taste of their own, I decided to take my sister to the DVD rental shop and we got Chocolat. Having lived in France and fully understanding the language, my sister loved the French taste this movie provides. Julliette is a very beautiful actress who has a sense of calm and tranquility about her. This makes watching her even more so enjoyable.
Being the Johnny Depp fan that I am, of course I was anxious to see him. His role is also a very subtle one, not pushing his character nor trying to be the pretty boy people want him to be. To me, he's like Kate Winslet; always looking for films that suit him, not his wallet. Obviously Pirates let aside, but still that was an alternative role as well.
With everything that goes on in the village, and with knowledge that most women on this planet like chocolate, I really suggest you watch this movie. It's not flawless but it brings that French atmosphere right into your living room and gets you to wanting to learn the language, or go there. Maybe even start your own 'chocolaterie'.
A beautiful performance by Julliette who deserves to be called the best French actress of the moment alongside with Audrey Tatou!
Transformers (2007)
Exciting and superb graphics -but a real men's movie
When my brother manacled me into going to the theater with him in order to watch Transformers, I felt I was going to have the worst night of my life. I remembered the cartoons, and kind of liked them, but it wasn't as if I actually was a fan or anything. Of course, I remembered Optimus Prime and did hope to see him on screen.
So the movie started, and I tell you, my mouth has been opened for the complete opening scene. So many things happen, so many things take place, that I was utterly stunned. As Micheal Bay is not a great director (understatement of the century) he needs to get his audience's attention in the first couple of minutes. Well, he sure got me!
Transformers has superb graphics; the CGI is amazing. The way Bumblebee transforms, as if it's something that you see everyday. Compliments to those who did that stuff.
But I've got to state something. This is a real guy's movie. It's got hot chicks, (yes, I agree, they look great in their skinny bikini type clothes and botox lips)war, fast cars (especially the 'new' Bumblebee, what a fine car) and heroism. What's in it for girls to watch? Well, it's exciting, and the guys are OK. Don't get your hopes up though; this is a typical boys-night-out movie and if you take your BF he might be a little too interested in either the leading chick or the Australian lady. But, whatever suits you!
And compliments to Jon Voight. He's still cool, save the Anaconda part.
Go and watch this movie, expect great CGI, babes, cool music and excitement. Don't expect a great story, deep characters or a message. It's summer.
Zwartboek (2006)
A great production full of surprises and excellent acting
When Paul Verhoeven was younger, he did a lot of movies in Holland. His most famous one was 'Soldaat van Oranje', which as I believe is still one of our best movies. Paul was playing with the idea of making Zwartboek for a number of years, but eventually decided to 'go for it'.
And what a great choice. Zwartboek takes you to the world that the movie takes place in right from the very start. Carice, a brilliant actress who I knew from her lovely film Minoes, (English Title: Undercover Kitten) gets you involved. All throughout the film, whether she's singing with the Nazi's, kissing Muntze or crying because of her loss, she takes the viewer with her. Wherever she goes, you go, and it doesn't get annoying. One scene, she wonders: "Houdt het dan nooit op?" (Does it never end ??!) Her emotions in that particular scene are so real that you feel pain in your chest. I think this was probably the best piece of acting I have ever seen! Also, Sebastian Koch is a fantastic actor in this movie. Though a Nazi, you get to feel for him, or at least understand that he is not so much a violent and crude man, but so much more a compassionate man who wanted to provide for his family. The tension between Carice and Sebastian throughout the movie is intense and real. No wonder they have had a relationship since the movie was shot. Halina Reijn, Ronnie, is a great actress too. Her beauty, might it not be the same as Carice's but there is something about Halina, makes her fit for this film.
However, some of the other actors fail to impress me. Michiel Huisman, who plays the boy that Carice meets while relaxing outside her house, doesn't seem to be the kind of actor for these movies. His performance in pulp like Costa would be a little more suitable. And Johnny de Mol really doesn't add anything. He's playing some kind of psychedelic Christian who's totally weird or something. Most of the Resistancepeople don't get to me either. A real shame.
Holland was in upright position when we first got to see this movie, but I think it wasn't what we expected. Still, a great movie and the so-deserved big break for Carice, who will now star in a James Bond, an Irish thriller and play the lead in a movie with no other than Tom Cruise himself. The ability of Verhoeven to get Dutch actors , as he did with Rutger Hauer, Jeroen Krabbé, Famke Janssen and others, once again is proved.
A great production that will take you from place to place in seconds. An absolute must for anyone who likes Carice.