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hereticjones
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Ragnarok (2020)
Outstanding Adaptation of Norse Mythology
What an outstanding adaptation of Norse mythology! All the Indigenous Norwegian actors did a marvellous job, even though they are perhaps unknown in the West, and it was fascinating to see this glimpse of real life in modern Norway, intertwined with the legends of their own ancient culture. The ending of Season 1 was superb, including the music, and the cinematography throughout. I was so impressed with the first season that I'm afraid to watch the next two, lest they be disappointing, as many reviewers have slated the ending of Season 3.
The only irksome thing was Netflix's insistence on shoehorning culturally inappropriate actors into every film out of Marxist political correctness, instead of letting each world culture proudly celebrate its own people. It was also odd that, apart from Thor, only females were "allowed" to be Scandinavian blondes, as if blondness were a feminine genetic trait, which is absurd.
But apart from that, this first season was a real gift from Norway. Remember what the seeress said: "People think Ragnarok is the end, but they are wrong. It is where it begins!"
Edit: After watching Series 2 & 3, I must disagree with those who say the ending was terrible. I thought the ending was brilliant, especially the cinematography of the slow-motion battle scenes. And no, it wasn't all in Magne's head---that was just what the humans thought. When the real Ragnarok comes, it will be Wotan/Odin who annihilates Loki/Satan, that justice shall be done. Just as Thanos/Odin destroyed Loki/Satan in the Marvel Thor films.
Well done, Norway!
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013)
The Warmth of the Characters
As many others have said, Peter Jackson and his team have given a great gift to humanity, in making Tolkien's marvellous fantasy world come to life in the most spectacular manner.
The reason I liked these three Hobbit films even better than the splendid Lord of the Rings ones was something that is hard for me to define clearly: the "warmth" of the characters. As an Italian gentleman once said, "There are two kinds of beauty. There is a cold kind of beauty, and a warm kind."
It is not the fault of the individual actors in these two trilogies, but somehow Martin Freeman's portrayal of Bilbo had a richness and honest warmth lacking in Ian Holm's portrayal. Likewise, Richard Armitage's portrayal of a king had that same warmth, which was lacking in Viggo Mortensen's. Luke Evans and many other cast members also projected that same kind warmth, including the supposedly "cold" elves Lee Pace, Hugo Weaving, Orlando Bloom and Evangeline Lilly. Benedict Cumberbatch even managed to make Smaug so interesting and likeable that I was sorry to see his demise.
I don't know how to describe what I mean. Perhaps "charisma" is the word.
Mortal Engines (2018)
A Polished Piece of Globalist Propaganda
I enjoyed watching this movie, despite disagreeing with its subversive message, because it was very well done: the intriguing plot, the action sequences, cinematography and music captured the imagination, and you could see Peter Jackson's masterful hand in all of it. The cast was well-chosen, and the actors gave their best efforts, including the bit parts and moments of light relief. Hugo Weaving always has a commanding presence on the screen, and the character of Shrike was genuinely poignant.
The blatant propaganda, however, was nauseating. Europeans and their western civilization based on Christianity were depicted as evil predators, cheering on mass slaughter, even though they are the world's smallest ethnic group, now comprising only 7% of the people on the planet. The entire rest of the world, comprising 93% of humanity, their ethnic groups and religions, were all depicted as heroic victims of Europeans. ...Yawn...
Shaun the Sheep (2007)
This series is a National Treasure
Wallace & Gromit were Nick Park's wonderful invention, and Shaun the Sheep carried his ideas to new heights of wholesome, adorable entertainment. My favourite is Series 5 from 2016, when all the traditional features and characters of the English countryside were still there, before political correctness stepped in. The tiny details in the furnishings and tools of the farmhouse, fields and barn are just astonishing, and I sometimes stop the video to marvel at the details. If you ever need cheering up, young or old, Aardman will do it, whether it's Shaun and the Farmer, "Wallace & Gromit", "Chicken Run" or "Early Man". If not for Nick Park's extraordinary vision, Shaun the Sheep wouldn't exist, so let's give credit where it is due.
Inkheart (2008)
Refreshingly Wholesome Family Fun
This film was so much better than I expected: no sex or innuendoes, no nudity, no swearing, no blood & guts spilling everywhere, no tiresome Leftist political agendas, no annoying spoilt brats---just good, wholesome, family fun. Even the villains were comical, and all of the actors were excellent.
There were also moments of real poignancy to tug at your heartstrings, the best being Paul Bettany's truly outstanding performance. The film's ending was beautiful. It's a pity so many naysayers on here criticized the tiny part of Jennifer Connolly as his wife, without realizing that she and her two screen kids are actually his family in real life. The part of "Mo's" screen wife Resa reaching out in mute desperation to her daughter was also heart-wrenching.
You can always count on Brendan Fraser and Andy Serkis to shine in any role, as they did here, helping to make this film an unexpected pleasure to watch, along with the music and cinematography. Well done to everyone involved, especially to the director Iain Softley.
The Legend of Zorro (2005)
Swashbuckling Good Fun
This film was a worthy sequel to "The Mask of Zorro", and both films were swashbuckling good fun. In this sequel, as in the first one, all the actors gave excellent performances, including the little boy who played Zorro's son, Adrian Alonso. The villains were more likeable in this one, though still thoroughly villainous, especially Nick Chinlund and Rupert Sewell. The jokes were well-placed within the script (in contrast with the relentlessly jarring "jokes" that ruined every dramatic moment in the Thor films directed by Waititi). The stunts were spectacular, the cinematography and costumes beautifully done, and it was a relief to watch a film with no sex scenes, which, truth be told, are unnecessary in any film. Sometimes the chemistry between the two leads in a film is just perfect: Antonio Banderas & Catherine Zeta-Jones in the Zorro films, and Brendan Fraser & Rachel Weisz in the Mummy films, to name but a few.
James Horner's soundtrack was splendid, as we have come to expect from one of the world's greatest composers. It always amazes me how the best film composers manage to find precisely the right music for every delicate nuance of emotion or action in a movie, inspiring the audience.
I think everyone involved in these two Zorro films should look back on them as one of the highlights of their careers, something of which to be immensely proud.