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The Monuments Men (2014)
A War Movie with Culture !
Although this is a strange War movie , let me say a number of pro's in favour of George Clooney being a great Director . He has always reminded me of Clark Gable , a great actor from 1925-59 , but he never seemed to reach that potential . So he has filled that niche of screen playboy for the last 25 years . Yet , he has finally shown us that all his movie experience was worthwhile in this superbly directed movie . And I hope to see many more of his directions in the future . Well I personally compared the Monuments Men , with Argo by Ben Affleck who is another actor with excellent directional skills , and seems to be in the same boat here . Now about the movie.. it is an involving story , based on fact , but the real Monuments Men were actually younger than the actors , or certainly seemed to be . George has packed the movie with well known American performers such as his old movie buddy , Matt Damon , along with John Goodman (also in Argo) and Bill Murray . Popular British actor , Hugh Bonneville , and popular French actor , Jean Dujardin , are also in the movie . Cate Blanchett provides an outstanding performance as Claire Simone , the former spy -French Liaison with the Allies . Dimitri Leonidis was also a standout in the movie as Private Epstein , the former German-Jew helping the Monuments team . Other notable appearances were Zahary Baharov as the competitive Russian Commander Elya . Justus von Dohnanyi as the shifty SS Commander , Victor Stahl . And Holger Handtke as the unrepentant Colonel Wegner . Overall , a movie that held my interest and empathy throughout !
Austenland (2013)
Lost in Austenland !
This is a very campy theme-role romp ! But a word of warning about this movie to true Austen Romantics: this is a loose comedy based on Austen fandom which may offend you ! Austenland is a funny romance focused around an Austen fan , whose visit slowly succumbs to disillusionment , in a contemporised period theme resort . If you are an ardent fan looking for Austen with an emotional modern twist , consider Lost in Austen or The Jane Austen Book Club , instead . But back to Austenland , which is very well cast indeed , and certainly has some amusing scenes , I can but hope they make a period comedy mini-series with all the characters involved , perhaps called The Lady Charming Mysteries (along with her effervescent husband , Colonel Andrews and others). I have some ideas along this line .
Upside Down (2012)
Rightside Up!
Upside Down is introducing us to a new genre of science fiction , that being Sci-fi Fantasy . The movie is visually stunning , and actually strikes you very much as a futuristic Wizard of Oz . The story has some clever twists too , and there is an enjoyable adventure to be had for us . It suffers a common problem with all modern movies , in that toward the end of the movie , the story appears a little rushed . In the last half hour , the story loses detail which it shouldn't do . The ending is enjoyable , but should have hinted of continuing , which the movie works toward . Overall , a wondrous movie with an interesting story , and good acting !
The Host (2013)
Alien Invasion should never be this nice !
This is a quieter science fiction movie by Stephenie Meyer , who also was behind the Twilight Vampire movies . There is a little action , but it is mainly a thoughtfully driven movie , with Andrew Niccol directing who also did Gattaca , The Truman Show and In Time . If you like his work , you will enjoy this too . The Host is very well cast with good performances from everyone . Saoirse Ronan never looked more beautiful . But my problem with this movie is a science fiction technicality , and I will try not to spoil it here . The aliens are advanced millenia ahead of us and their complete acceptance of our backward technology did not ring true for me , so I hope that criticism wasn't a knife in the neck , but a whisper in the ear . Overall I enjoyed this and think it deserves 7.9 for the good performances .