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eikonoklastes
Reviews
Meikurûmu (2015)
Surprisingly good film
I went into this movie with the preconceived notion that it was a sleazy soft-core type production.
Instead, it turned out to be a decent comedy (Its genre is listed as "Drama", but that's a bit of a misnomer). It's a mostly light-hearted, tongue-in-cheek look at the porn industry from the unique perspective of a dedicated make-up artist trying her best to do her job under difficult circumstances.
There were some genuinely funny moments and even a couple of moments where the film tried to be a bit heartfelt, but came across as hammy.
People looking at this title solely for titillation will be severely disappointed as this is not even remotely pornographic. There is only brief, non-sexual nudity and one instance of a woman moaning (loudly) off-screen, but in a humorous context.
Everyone else, approaching it with an open mind might be pleasantly surprised with what they get.
What We Do in the Shadows (2014)
Excellent idea stretched too thin
I went into this film with the preconceived notion that it was a horror film with comedy elements to it. Not being a fan of the horror genre, I was pleasantly surprised to see that it was the other way around. In fact, I don't think it qualifies as a horror film on any level really, except for a couple of predictable jump scares.
15 minutes in and I was thoroughly enjoying myself.
The set design, costumes and imagery throughout this film are fantastic. The attention to detail and the sly nods to the whole genre in general is a treat.
Unfortunately, the joke wears a bit thin after a while. The introduction of the werewolves was a nice break, but otherwise there is just too little material that has been stretched too far over the run time.
In summary: a great idea, well executed for the most part, but a film that could possibly have benefited from being far more concise so as to not dilute the impact of the general concept.
I want to rate it higher than 6, but 7 seems too generous. I'll settle for a 6.5.
The Trip to Italy (2014)
Everything went horribly wrong
I'm a huge Steve Coogan fan and was so excited about this film.
It ended up being overly self-indulgent, excruciatingly unaware, and a waste of good talent.
I gave it 1 point for the cinematography, which was splendid, 1 point for some genuinely funny lines (all too infrequent unfortunately), and 1 bonus point for Steve Coogan, just because I'm a huge Steve Coogan fan.
I am not sure who this film is targeted at. It plays like a semi-fictionalized travel guide with 2 fine comedians, who are seemingly more digestible in character than as themselves.
The story goes nowhere. There are a couple of remarkably weak side "plot" elements introduced for each character. Please believe me when I say 'weak' is a grotesque understatement.
They have a running "gag" throughout the whole film that gets tiresome pretty much after the first use. If I was traveling with someone who insisted on doing that everywhere, I'd have either told them to severely tone it down (to preferably shut up), or I'd have split up and found my own way.
For anyone who isn't a big Steve Coogan fan, I'd recommend that you steer well clear of this steaming pile of rubbish. Actually, Steve Coogan fans should steer even further away because it will mar your impression of an otherwise legendary comedian.