Reviews

Authentic. It is the first word that comes to my mind after watching this French film. Victims and criminals meet in mediation with the aim of somehow coming to terms with painful experiences and moving on. So simple, but obviously very difficult.

The film is very good at conveying all the layers that exist in both the victims and the aggressors. It feels like a mixture of documentary and drama, but above all this film is insightful and strong in its narrative. In any case, what is striking is how important communication is. To meet, to tell, to look each other in the eye. Bearing in mind that 80 percent of offenders in prison commit new crimes (a fact in my home country), the film shows another and important angle of focus on changing behaviour. For the victims, this form of mediation means a high price, re-traumatisation and an experience of losing the little control they at least feel they have. But the way also gives them hope for change.

The film does not give any conclusion as to whether this is the right way to focus on crime, but it at least tells us that there are opportunities to move forward.

Very good character actors provide an intensity and nerve that is often missing in films today. Without them, this film's message would not have been as powerful as it is here.

The film has many strong moments, and you will certainly not sit back unmoved after watching it.

Most of it has already been written here about this film. I want to focus my user review to be about the lead actress Kirstin Dunst. Because she is the one who really made an impression on me in this film, and also raised a good film to be both interesting and good. I watch a lot of movies, but for some reason Kirstin Dunst has gone "under the radar" with me. That's over now. After seeing her performance in this movie I realize how good she is. Rarely have I seen a better example of a person who is immeasurably good at what she works as; press photographer and at the same time behind a professional and tough exterior, is actually both burnt out, disillusioned and a person who has compromised with herself - for far too long.

Civil War is a good film, it shows the horrors of war, civil war, the brutality of war etc, but without Kirstin Dunst's efforts as the tormented Lee, this would not have worked as well as it actually does. Great acting is always delightful to discover. I hope to see more of Kirstin Dunst in the years to come, in films that challenge her in the same way as the vulnerability and doubt she manages to convey so believably in this gritty war film.

What do I not understand about this movie?

Now that I have seen it, and see both user shares here (mostly with Masterpiece as the title) and in various professional reviews praising and praising this film. I count on many "not useful" after publishing what I now have in mind, but stand well in it; I don't think this movie is particularly good.

Dune part 1 was, for me, a promising start (although I prefer movies to have an ending). Rarely have I been more disappointed than when I finally got to see Dune Part 2. I'll explain:

The 1 was the prelude, I thought. Unlike David Lynch's 1984 Dune, director Denis Villeneuve used Part 2 to establish the story, the characters. I could then forgive that, in that film too, I thought the whole thing was slow, and partly boring. (although the Dune part 1 film was also beautifully shot). I thought that Part 2 would offer more action-oriented, exciting action than it largely does.

Part 2 continues in the same vein as the first film; endless dialogues, a slow love story that never quite convinces, endless scenes (beautiful yes) of sand/desert scenery. A long period where endless time and scenes are spent on the main character's "inner struggle" about what he should become and do.

When the film finally has some punch, the showdown between Paul Atreides and House Harkonnen and the Emperor remains incredibly tame and unexciting. One fight scene, and then it's all over.

Timothée Chalamet is a shooting star and a skilled actor. But he doesn't convince me in this movie. I don't think he's suited to be a tough leader in a grand sci fi adventure like this is supposed to be. For me in this role. I actually don't think he fits this role. So this was jarring for me as well.

A bunch of the best actors we have today are on the cast list. Of little help to me. The scenes with the worms are only marginally better made than in the 1984 version. Is it not possible to achieve something better with today's technology?

I read that the third Dune movie is in the works. I'm not going to spend money on watching it. Maybe when it comes on a streaming service I have. Otherwise, I'm done.

There are so many reasons why you should see this one! In my home country of Norway, it is a tradition to broadcast Easter crime series. This year, this highly regarded series was put on the broadcast programme. It is not a "crime story" in the traditional sense. We understand very well who the killer is here. So an exciting investigation where you wonder who the killer is, is missing. Nevertheless, I highly recommend it.

It is of course a very good series (like so many other British productions), it is the subject matter that makes it so uncannily current.

It is about abuse and fatal connections. What can happen to lonely, searching, good people when they meet people who do not have good intentions. Who will exploit their loneliness and who will spare no means to achieve gain, i.e. Money and wealth.

In a time when, unfortunately, we constantly read and hear about people who are deceived and abused by fraudsters, this series, in addition to being pure entertainment, can also be a thought-provoking reminder. Be careful! Not everyone you meet will wish you well. Unfortunately, that's how the world has become, we all have to be vigilant. Thank you for making this series. That it is based on a true story should really remind everyone of the dangers lurking out there. In this way, the series becomes something more than a very good drama/crime.

English drama with top actors can never fall completely flat, can it? I only found this series now (2024), and read that it was partly poorly received when it came out. Nevertheless, I can reassure you that it is not bad. Nor is it among the best, far from it. But with actors like Sarah Lancashire and Mark Lewis Jones, this series lasts through 4 episodes. Without them, and the rest of the other good actors, I think this could have gone badly.

They prove here that even with that uninteresting plot, somewhat stereotypical character, they manage to keep the series alive. Compared to a lot that is produced today, this one is certainly good enough.

The series creators should also be praised for sticking to 4 episodes, and not dragging this out unnecessarily. Give it a chance, not everything that is made for us viewers can score all possible points.

A late night, apparently nothing on tv. I go through the channels in search, before bed. Is there something?

Then this movie appears. Jim Broadbent as the title suggests, the unlikely pilgrim. And I'm stuck watching. What an incredibly beautiful story this film tells. And Broadbent has never been better on film than the old man who wants to do a good deed, to give hope. He sets out for a walk. A bitter wife sits back and slowly takes in what the husband is about to do. And why.

Good movies and good books sometimes have the ability to trigger something in us. This movie is a good example of exactly that.

Hope, love, coming to terms with the past, coming to terms with oneself, standing up for what you believe in. As in many good English dramas, this film also has a rich gallery of interesting people the pilgrim meets on his way as he trudges his way through England.

Incredibly well made, recommend this to all film lovers.

H. G. Wells wrote the world famous novel of the same name (and on which the series is based). Here, only the title is correct, the series is very loosely based on the book. That doesn't mean it's bad for that reason.

In fact, this series is worth watching. It is entertaining and sometimes very exciting. Big names such as Gabriel Byrne and Elisabeth McGovern are in leading roles, among well-known French names such as Léa Drucker and Adel Bencherif. In addition, a number of young (for me) new actors who make up the characters in this film.

The first thing I want to point out is that to benefit from 24 episodes you have to be a die-hard sci fi fan. Because here you should pay close attention, and immerse yourself in a story about both journeys in time and space, aliens and a battle between our world and the attackers. I enjoyed following along, but I think a lot of people I know wouldn't engage with all the episodes. Because some of the episodes are somewhat complicated, others are slow. In addition to sci fi, there are plenty of personal stories with those involved, both family relationships, friendships and love affairs. This focus helps to justify that it actually takes 24 episodes to tell this one.

I think the series creators have succeeded in what I think was the goal; to create an entertaining sci fi series that takes time to explore and tell carefully. If I could have a complaint, it would have to be that they could have done something better with effects and robots that become somewhat boring to follow in the long run. No WOW effect there.

Beyond that; as a sci fi fan; absolutely approved.

Poor Things is an adventure of a movie. Totally unlike anything else. From the user reviews, we can read an enormous gap between praise and slaughter. But no one is unaffected by this film.

Don't expect linear storytelling, open your mind to play and fun. Emma Stone is a great talent who deserves all the praise and the Oscar statuette for her efforts in this film. Without her, perhaps this would not have become such a unique film? She gives the character Bella both substance, depth, layers and, not least, humor. The script is incredibly unpredictable, rich in content and certainly not to everyone's taste. But I have no doubt that this is a film you will remember.

I'm glad that someone dares to think "outside the box" in film. We need films in all genres, also innovative thinking and films that break boundaries in acting and script, like this one.

And yes, I almost forgot; beautifully filmed.

A lot is basically in place here. Although we horror fans have seen this many, many times before in other versions. An evil spirit has taken over a person, the main character must uncover, fight to survive, etc. Heard that before? YES!

This falls apart quickly. And that's a shame. The film starts well with an insight into a main character who has major personal challenges. She is good at work, but struggles socially. She has turned her back on her own family. Here I think that the film's bad reviews are undeserved. Because it begins in a way that makes me at least interested in the main character; What is she really struggling with? I'm not going to reveal anything, but when she returns to her home areas it just becomes stupid and very illogical with some supporting roles that overplay and everything eventually seems illogical and poorly thought out.

Unfortunately not a great experience, and I wasn't scared either.

If you like political thrillers, this series is right up your alley. The series is based on the book of the same name by Thomas Perry.

Without having read the book, I clearly see qualities in the script that are both delicate and exciting. In this series, a solid and well-written story is told.

The series has a wide range of gifted actors with both long experience and, for me, some new acquaintances. First and foremost, Jeff Bridges is phenomenal in the lead role of Dan Chase. The series also has John Littgow and Amy Brenneman in major roles. Lithgow in particular is sharp and fascinating as the ring fox Harold Harper. A character we as viewers struggle to categorize; Does he have ulterior motives?

I would also like to highlight E. J Bonilla and Alia Shawkat as important roles who with their efforts also contribute to making this series very watchable.

I won't reveal the plot here, but if you like well-made political thrillers, I recommend this one. The series is also partly very exciting, but if you are only looking for action, you will be disappointed. This is a TV series with dialogue, conversations and reveals layers upon layers of intricate stories that are revealed along the way. It could have been boring, but the excellent actors I mentioned here ensure that we are entertained. But you should pay close attention when watching the episodes. Here is a lot of information and "brain training" for us who watch.

I am looking forward to season 2 of the series.

After watching many of the episodes in the hotel inspector, I have no problem stating that this one is the best.

The reason is that in this episode it becomes very clear what a huge difference professional assistance can make to a struggling hotel. And in this episode there is also a proprietor who warmly embraces the suggestions the inspector makes. The result is striking.

In many other episodes, it is about hoteliers and drivers who oppose her suggestions for improvements. Even if they are on the verge of bankruptcy and the feedback is terrible. Here they can see for themselves the potential changes can have.

For the first time in this series I wanted to go on holiday to Bath and stay at this hotel. Right in the blink of an eye for me.

Fun to see what can be achieved with simple changes and following professional recommendations.

How on earth will I manage to find the right words to describe the cinematic experience this film gave me? (English is not my mother tongue) I still have to try.

I remember Liv Ullmann in a lecture talking about the film Persona. She said a movie doesn't have to explain everything to you. Give all answers. But instead give you something that you take with you and think about. Maybe after a while you think; aha, that's how it was! She also said that a film can change you, and give you new perspectives. I think that is a summary I can share with her about this special, beautiful and profound film.

For me, who also lost my parents at an early age, the film's message about loss and coming to terms with loss was right at the center of my heart. I have very rarely experienced such magnificent acting as Paul Mescena and Andrew Scott give us here. But I don't think the message would have been as real without Andrew Haigh's script and the lead actors. That these two actors and the film are not included in the Oscar nominations this year is shocking. They give it their all in this film, and take us viewers on a journey about alienation, loneliness and, not least, how to live on after great losses.

In addition to excellent acting, a strong message, Andrew Haigh has also provided excellent music, a journey back in time for me as a youth in the 80s. Rarely has the maligned pop music of this decade come into its own more than in this masterpiece.

I will never forget this film.

Holy Spider is a film that hit me in the stomach like a fist. It is impossible not to be touched by this film and what it tells about.

Sometimes, not often, I am blown away by amazing acting performances. This movie is an example of that.

Zar Amir Ebrahimi plays the lead role. As a female journalist in Iran, she has most things against her. The obstacles are lined up in a country that discriminates against women and that absolutely does not take her seriously as an investigative journalist who wants to get to the bottom of mass murders of prostitutes. The other lead actor is played by Mehdi Bajestani; rarely have I seen a more scary, believable and complex psychopath on film.

I just want to recommend it, for anyone who likes good film art. But also because the film's message shows how important the fight is for women's rights and the price those who stand up against injustice and discrimination are treated.

Having now seen all the episodes of season 4, I can give my assessment.

The plot and location work very well. Screenwriter and director Issa López has added the action to Alaska. With credible photography and sound, we are drawn into this environment, where contradictions between the modern world and the beliefs and customs of the indigenous population are confronted. In this environment, a well-functioning, exciting and surprising crime story has been created.

Veteran Jodie Foster has brought along newcomer Kali Reis as police chief and employee, respectively. The two work brilliantly as a truly mismatched couple, who must work together to get to the bottom of everything this series swirls with investigation and mystery.

The first episodes of the series take us on a journey into the unknown. With superstition and folklore. The series also successfully weaves past events into the specific incident that the investigation revolves around. But pay close attention; there are quite a few side tracks here that require you as a follower of the series to pay close attention. This is not a TV crime drama that you can sit and chat with others while the series plays in the background. Then you easily miss new moments.

I really enjoyed this series. Jodie Foster shows again that she is and will be one of our best female actresses. Newcomer Kali Reiss I guess will get new assignments after her performance in this series as a female investigator struggling between work, culture and personal challenges.

I would like to see the two continue in the next season also in this successful series. Good crime stories are in short supply! This one delivers!

Quality British crime is always worth watching. This series included. First, I want to offer some advice about this series; it pays to watch the episodes closely. I watched them as they were made available on streaming, and therefore had to wait a week between each time. I shouldn't have done that. The reason is that the series is about a true serial killer who operated over several years, with a double-digit number of victims. This series is thorough and chronological in uncovering each and every murder, and the investigation. This means that there will be many names, many events that it is easy to fall out of, if you do not watch the series at short intervals.

I like this series, it is primarily a period piece from the British 70s, and is excellent in its depictions. It is also good in that it depicts well how helpless the police were (long before DNA), and how the killer was allowed to continue. Maybe too long? Because the series also addresses mistakes and misjudgments the police make along the way. Finally, the series also shows a view of women and especially prostitutes who have probably changed a lot in today's society. At least I hope so.

This is therefore a series that I have greatly appreciated. As a drama and witness to the times, but there is no great tension. The excitement comes at the expense of the detailed events and the investigation surrounding them. If I have to make any criticism, it must be that the series would have been even better with e.g. To take us inside the killer's head and mind. Then it would have had everything.

There is so much to write about this movie. I'm a movie buff, but I've never seen anything like it.

If you want an insight into HOW ordinary men and women become part of a genocide, you will be disappointed. That is not the purpose. Instead, we witness how they choose to seemingly find a comfortable place, with evil both around them and within them. I have rarely experienced greater discomfort watching a film. Director Jonathan Glazer allows us to witness what unfolds, because this is not a film with a lot of dialogue or great drama. He could also conjure up effects from inside the concentration camp. But keeps the focus constantly on the "idyl" outside.

This is therefore not a film for those who expect action, drama and big war scenes. Instead, it dwells on the family life of people who accept the atrocities on the other side of the wall. As if it were the most natural thing in the world that thousands are gassed and burned, while the children are put to bed and read fairy tales to them.

With effective scenes, the director nevertheless allows us to see hints that some of those involved are struggling, or are in some way negatively affected. I won't reveal that here.

This is also a film where your ears become as important as your eyes. The sounds in the film tell the horror, which our eyes are spared.

Watch it because Jonatan Glazer has made a very important film about how cruel people can be to each other. As a reminder that we must be vigilant and constantly take care of our minorities.

See it also as an eerie reminder of what happens when pure evil spreads, and everyman becomes active participants in it.

Also watch it because the lead actors Christian Friedel and Sandra Hüller are convincing in their lead roles as the Nazi couple who think they have found paradise on earth.

Who would have thought? And this was only 80 years ago.

A lot of rave reviews have been written about this movie that came out in 2019. As a huge fan of crime fiction, I recently streamed it and gave it a shot. I think I can state that this is a movie that you will either love or hate. A bunch of impressive actors such as Jamie Lee Curtis, Daniel Craigh and Toni Collette do a good job. Not to forget veteran Christopher Plummer. The plot is set up as an investigation with a flashback to a death that takes place in an upper-class environment.

Still, it didn't grab me.

Why not? I couldn't get caught up in the action. The main reason is that the crime itself was not that exciting. And the subsequent explanation doesn't engage me either.

To be honest, I didn't finish the movie. I gradually fell off.

The actual tone of the film is both satirical, something comic with a touch of seriousness. I prefer the latter in crime stories. And it must be a murder or circumstances that make me engaged. It was missing here.

A late night. Sluggish on the sofa. Looking for something to watch on TV before bed. Then I happen to come across this gem of a film.

Father and daughter have "opted out of society". They live in the forest, from what they can find and grow. The interaction between the two is both believable and moving. Thomasin McKenzie plays the daughter, Ben Foster the father.

With small measures, it is revealed that the father, despite his touching care, has major personal challenges. What they are is not revealed in the film, it is up to us to interpret and try to understand.

The film's action further revolves around how the two try to gradually adapt to a "normal life". They are greeted with goodwill and receive help. From representatives of society at large. There are no "bad guys" in this film. But it is clear that the help given is not the right one. Especially for father.

Grand acting, low-key action and grand drama unfold.

I was carried away and had only one wish at the end of the film; that it didn't end.

Sometimes (not often) we stumble upon something that provides a magical movie experience. Leave no Trace is one such.

I am writing this review in anticipation of season 3. After being largely entertained by the previous two seasons.

Unlike many other series and movies (there are so many to choose from). Some are good, some easily forgettable. I keep thinking about this series.

Why is The White Lotus so good? Why would I recommend it to new viewers?

There are three components that make it so good: 1) Unique characters portrayed by excellent actors 2) The combination with the beautiful surroundings and the drama that takes place between the characters. Everything that the beautiful surroundings hide 3) The surprising experiences. The unpredictable and partly shocking events in the series are the opposite of boring and predictable.

The White Lotus manages to entertain, surprise and shock. Everything is so well executed; acting, script, direction and the setting.

The White Lotus deliver at a sky-high level. A lot of other things become downfalls after watching this series. I hope for much more.

To take the most important thing first: Daisy Edgar-Jones and Sebastian Stan in the lead roles are what elevate this film from average to good. The two are brilliant in this different horror from director Mimi Cave.

A tip: read as little as you can about the story beforehand. At least I'm not going to reveal anything. The film starts almost as a romantic comedy/drama, but takes an unexpected turn after approx. 30 minutes. Then it becomes both creepy and grotesque. I don't think this movie is for everyone, but for those who have a taste for horror, I think it will do well.

And the main actors deliver the whole film through. Sebastian Stan in particular is convincingly good here.

In the reviews I've read, it says that the ending fails to match the rest of the film. Nonsense. It's actually very exciting and I appreciated the explosive ending.

Perfect popcorn movie on a Friday night on the couch.

Is there anything better than a good crime story?

In a deluge of TV crime dramas, I can state that after watching only the first episode, that this one rises far above the others.

I must admit that I haven't seen all of the previous seasons (with different actors). The fact that Jodie Foster has the main role here made the choice easy. One of our very best. Here she certainly does not disappoint as the hard, slightly rough investigator who gets a lot to do in Alaska, where the action this time is laid.

Foster impresses again, but so do the rest of the actors. This episode has laid an excellent starting point for a lot of excitement for us all going forward.

TV crime often needs time to become exciting. Not here. I was glued to the screen from the first second.

Thank you for making such high-quality series available for all of us who love excellent crime fiction.