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Reviews
Jack Reacher (2012)
It's so bad it's good - almost
Jack Reacher, directed by Christopher McQuarrie, is an action thriller that leaves viewers divided on whether it's an unrecognized cinematic triumph or a catastrophic misfire.
This film adaptation of Lee Child's novel has an applaudable plot, direction, and cinematography, with the disappointments of the dialogues and Tom Cruise's performance.
To clear the air, let's start with the film's merits. One aspect where Jack Reacher undeniably shines is its plot. The movie engages the audience with a suspenseful narrative, teetering on the edge of a classic noir thriller. The central mystery, involving a heinous crime and a mysterious ex-military investigator named Jack Reacher, unfolds with meticulous precision, weaving a captivating web of intrigue that keeps the viewers on the edge of their seats.
The direction of the film, helmed by Christopher McQuarrie, exhibits moments of brilliance. McQuarrie brings a gritty realism to the movie, capturing the essence of Lee Child's source material. His visual storytelling is commendable, and the action sequences are pulse-pounding, offering some intense moments of suspense that cater to the thriller genre's aficionados.
Cinematography in Jack Reacher plays a significant role in amplifying the film's atmosphere. The use of dark, moody tones adds to the gritty ambiance, heightening the tension throughout the narrative. The skillful camera work not only captures the suspense but also evokes an underlying sense of danger that lingers in the film's every frame. The urban landscape and locations provide a striking backdrop to the story, enhancing the film's overall visual appeal.
However, the film's merits only scratch the surface of this confusing cinematic experience. A glaring flaw that cannot be ignored is the quality of the dialogues. It was, simply put, a nightmare. In many instances, the script seems to fall into the realm of cliché-ridden conversations, with characters uttering lines that could induce involuntary cringing on the poor viewer's side. It's regrettable when a film with such a strong plot and visual potential stumbles over its own words and makes you want to simply throw away the tv.
What exacerbates the dialogue's shortcomings is the uneven delivery by some of the cast members, especially Tom Cruise. While Cruise is for some unfathomable reason a charismatic actor known for his action-packed performances, in Jack Reacher, he struggles to encapsulate the essence of the character effectively. The dialogues, and acting, feel forced yet non expressive and lacking the authenticity needed to make the character of Jack Reacher truly come to life. For a movie that hinges on its central character, the weak dialogue and delivery are significant drawbacks. All the other actors, one could argue, did not do terribly though. They should have done themselves a favor and said no to the film.
Jack Reacher, at its core, is a character-driven narrative. The audience's ability to empathize and connect with the titular character is essential for the film's success. Regrettably, the dialogues and, by extension, the character development fall short. In contrast to the character's rich background in Lee Child's novels, Jack Reacher in the film adaptation appears two-dimensional, lacking the depth that could have elevated the movie to a higher level.
It's understandable why the viewer's expectations might influence their experience. For those who came into Jack Reacher with high hopes, the disconnect between the character they envisioned from the novels and the portrayal on screen could lead to disappointment. The potential for a more profound, engaging character was there, but it was underutilized.
One cannot ignore the confounding nature of Jack Reacher's high rating, especially given its dialogue and character development issues. Some may attribute this to a dedicated fan base that passionately supports the character or Tom Cruise's star power. But for those who appreciate well-constructed narratives and captivating dialogue, the movie's acclaim might appear unjustified. One shudders to think this movie has a sequel (everything doesn't need a sequel)
In conclusion, Jack Reacher is a film of mixed qualities. It boasts a compelling plot and effective direction and cinematography. However, it stumbles significantly in the dialogue department and in the portrayal of its central character. The film is a testament to the challenges of adapting beloved literary figures to the big screen while maintaining the essence of what makes them iconic. Despite its flaws, Jack Reacher still holds intrigue for those who enjoy a suspenseful thriller, but it leaves room for improvement in its dialogue and character development to fully realize its cinematic potential.
City of Ghosts (2021)
Must watch if you have kids!
"City of Ghosts" is a delightful series that manages to strike a perfect balance between being entertaining for kids while also offering something for just the young at heart.
One of the standout features of the series is its ability to captivate without overwhelming. Unlike many children's shows that tend to bombard the senses, "City of Ghosts" takes a more serene approach. It is not overly stimulating like so many kid's shows. It offers a calm and easy-to-follow delivery that allows both kids and adults to immerse themselves. This subtlety in execution is a breath of fresh.
One of the series' greatest strengths is its commitment to diversity and cultural exploration. "City of Ghosts" effortlessly weaves in various cultures and introduces viewers to different backgrounds in a fun and educational manner. It's a remarkable show for parents to introduce their children to the beauty of diversity and the importance of embracing differences.
The storytelling in "City of Ghosts" feels incredibly natural and conversational. The young characters at the heart of the series embark on ghost-hunting adventures in their city, and the way they interact with the supernatural is both relatable and endearing. This relatability extends to the friendships and connections they form with the spirits they encounter. It delivers the funny concept of looking for ghosts in an easy manner.
Visually, "City of Ghosts" is a treat for the eyes. The animation is top-notch, with a unique and charming style that sets it apart from other animated series.
It is a gem on Netflix so as Netflix does like to cancel all good shows, it may be doomed. But I hope we see so many more episodes. I wish all kids shows were like this.
Don't miss the opportunity to explore the supernatural wonders of this charming city!
The Highwaymen (2019)
Amazing
The standout element is undoubtedly the impeccable acting. Their chemistry on-screen is palpable, and their portrayal of the veteran lawmen brings the whole movie to life. The movie is engaging even with not so many dialogues. It explores the moral complexities and personal sacrifices faced.
I realize this is a movie, however I wish it had also focused on the later consequences faced by these two men. However, the acting was superb and I made an account just to review this. This should have been released on the big screens. However, no other characters get any storyline at all which is a bit of a downside. Surprisingly not even bonnie and clyde (unless it serves to the storyline of the highwaymen themselves). Maybe that is intentional but the whole movie was carried by these two men.