Change Your Image
hotfrederick
Reviews
À bout portant (2010)
WOW. On from beginning to end.
I am not really into these movies, but the French are so good at making these films so intense, much more than US ones. The timing is great. I'm not sure what will happen next. Nothing stereotypical in this.
Surprisingly, the acting I liked the most was Roschdy Zem's. Seriously, he knows how to make a baddie have some class. Little wasted energy. Something I did not expect from his character. Impressive.
Developed characters? I think there is enough there to see who these people are for the film. Anything more would be a bit long for the action. I'd like to wonder why Werner got away with being so corrupt. I am not sure why no one cuffed him straight after the video that implicated him. His face was not so fierce as usual at that point. Good acting, too. But Roschdy Zem was excellent.
Few of Us (1996)
Wow! The silence is beautiful ..... but ......
What a rare treat! To be almost the first to review a picture. And this one! Cool ....
I am writing as I watch this. I think I can do this because I probably won't miss much. That's not to say you aren't missing anything. On the contrary ....
To watch how people handle silence is beautiful. Without silence you are nothing. I have to disagree with the reviewer that said being close to nature is not good for people. No wonder we suffer so much. This only expresses one way of dealing with nature. There are many. I do not think we have the best system so far.
Anyway, I do not want to get into a glorious argument about this. I am just so happy that someone has made a film where noise is not the way to communicate. Be honest! The shots of faces are stunning. Yekaterina Golubeva is STUNNING! I admit I wanted to watch the movie to watch her. What a tragedy she has passed so soon. Such an incredible looking woman who never seem to prioritise her looks to move forward. I wish I had met her in person.
I have been thinking of a TEDTalk to discuss no one is greater than you. This movie reminds me of the medium to achieve that.
Worth watching to learn to face your own silence.
2, now 3 reviews!? What a state of denial we are in .......
Le voyage du ballon rouge (2007)
Definitely pretentious
Really, what does the balloon have to do with the story? To reference the original 1956 film is irrelevant considering the direct relationship the balloons have with the children in the original film.
Any idea of the balloon in this film is lost. Just red things everywhere. So Chinese. Pick up on something cool, layer it onto something irrelevant and then say it has meaning. I lived in Beijing for 2.5 years dealing with this stuff. Just boring.
The story itself is another thing. This may have relevance in itself, but really, it is all kind of bland and boring and there is no real dynamic interaction with people.
I think what the director is trying to do is relate the beauty of Chinese culture in a Western world. He fails miserably. It is a shame that they reduce the interesting things of Chinese culture to the levels that they do. Misplaced pride. Offset identities.
Boring.
Copie conforme (2010)
So so interesting .........
Aren't women just fantastic? :)
Juliette says it all. Man becomes immortal when he protects his woman. That's all it takes. For those guys who think that this is so frustrating, or just the women he can find, I can tell you it's worth the trouble. I already know I am immortal for someone. It's a great feeling.
Haven't read any reviews, but of those who think this is a waste of time, I am not sure what they were looking for. Most of the film is pretty honest, more or less. looking at the foundations that build almost every relationship. The journeys may be different, but the foundations are almost universal.
Anyway, if you really want to be immortal, which means making the world immortal, too, you must make your woman, all women, know they are safe.
What else is there to live for? :)
Awesome!
City of Ember (2008)
Hmmmm .... Nice movie, but .....
OK, I like it. Admittedly, I did not read the book (didn't even know about it, but I will look for the audiobook after this). Like those who have read the book, it is easy to see that the mole in the film is completely useless and unnecessary; whatever exec thought it needed something like that must have been thinking of how to keep his kids in check. So was the pseudo-immolation of Sul, but then, like he said, he was doing his job.
Ye, there are some holes, but, really, it is pretty good! I enjoyed it. I like that the future portrayal is not a squeaky clean city that many envisage. it is also nice, unlike any sci-fi (can I call it that) film I have seen, that the guardians of Ember are friends the people discover, not come to a world that they have to enter in fear, but in a quest of knowledge, to see how the world changed.
One thing that really blew me away is how these people would first perceive a sunrise. How can we imagine what it would be like to come out of the horizon when what you expected was total darkness? To go through that feeling must be insane! Unlike the characters, I know I would be in total shock and wonder. Well, I do that at every sunrise/set I see that is amazing, anyway.
And the music. Really not bad. Grand, but not melodramatic, not puffing out it's chest. Hopeful, yet grounded. Very interesting. Goes with the style that this sci-fi flick relates much more to home than just a total fantasy with no relevance to our current society.
About Saoirse, she looked terrific in the red messenger jacket. I like the twined stitching (I used to fix my clothes that way but her's is better). And she looked so clean in this role, more than in any role I have seen her in. To be honest, she plays characters I do not like much, but there is no denying she did a great job of this one. How she says she likes to go fast is cool. :)
Interesting that this film bombed, not that I even knew it existed until a few days ago. Many film goers may want more fantasy, not extensions of our reality.
Love the design of the buildings. Could not help wonder how the Builders could envisage that their technology would last 2+ centuries, and that the people would not be innovative with technology to improve what they have. An easy film to realise how extremely important it is to keep knowledge.
Anyway, it's a fun flick without being stupid. Amen for that!
Rapt (2009)
What do you think?
Yes, it is a great film. Very interesting, and solid characters. I can't understand how someone opined that he felt no identity with any characters and feels shortchanged that the ending was not complete. Hell if I can understand people who write their comments like their opinion rules and nothing else matters.
Anyway, I was looking for some kid of conspiracy, something conclusive, but the director left something else and I have to deal with that.
So, I have a question; do you think he is intending to commit suicide, or let the chips fall as they will as he can't pay the kidnappers since he relinquished all control of his funds and has nothing (am I right about this?).
I think, in a more normal film, he would commit suicide, as dealing with the public with anything that will happen will be a disaster. I do think that is what he is going to do, as that is the only way he could be remembered as honourable. Or he could be thinking of a plan to return to the head of the company by blaming the board for what they did, but I do not think that would work.
What do you all think?
Source Code (2011)
Fantastic
To all those that like the film, I agree completely. Really well done. I picked just because I like Jake as an actor. He tries hard, never takes it for granted. Add Michelle Monaghan, so underrated and still gorgeous, and it turned out even better.
It's great that syntax of time was not adhered to as relevant, that the story, however small, changes. And to end the way it did, not the alter-reality, but to make everyone laugh ... that is awesome. And the music works here best. Music matters a lot, and I found the dramatic unwarranted. The story had more depth than that, but just at that point, at about the 1:18:15 mark, with all that laughing. This is really beautiful. The alter-reality music is OK, but the rest, unfortunately, is pretty unremarkable. Shame.
Still, a great, well-executed story. I read somewhere that Jake was over-acting. Seriously, what would you be doing if you were on a train and the last thing you remember was trying to fly a helicopter? He did a good job. And Vera Farmiga was good, too. It's tough to be human in the military.
Fine job.
No Such Thing (2001)
It's great, but ....
Really, the music makes the film. I have always thought grew films have a similar rhythm to music. This is no exception.
Not as deep as other Hal Hartley films (Girl From Monday is awesome!) but it has that rhythm.
BUT! How does a girl at co-ordinates 48.72W 38.50N end up in a hospital in Iceland? The location is so close to the US or Canada, is MILES away from Iceland, and yet, she ends up there. Weird. And the route, no matter where it would have crashed, would be closer to anywhere else except Iceland. Never understood that.
Still Hal puts us to the test with his film style, people and cars criss-crossing at every opportunity, the music. The usual. Hal is a terrific director.
After reading jshoaf's review 12 April 2008, I am further enlightened. I stand corrected on Hal's depth.
Medea (1969)
Intense, and Maria is amazing.
Wow. Pretty amazing. Pier must have been a bit tame with this considering his later work.
Anyway, I just had to say that Maria Callas is gorgeous in this film.
If you needed proof that intense, emotional women are intoxicating, then this shows it.
Really strong performance. Very instinctive.
It's worth watching the film just to see her, and the photography that makes that so captivating.
Pier is a new discovery for me. An intense man.
Well worth the watch.
Der siebente Kontinent (1989)
God, how depressing
Maybe this is a film as therapy for suiciders. Everything is just so intentionally bleak. I feel so sorry for the family that did this in real life.
If someone needs you, you can't die. If you really want to die, do it in the best environment possible. This could change your mind. If I was ever to do this, I'd go to a beach or something. No doubt that would wake me up and then I'd be hungry and go buy fish and chips, or something.
I guess people commit suicide because they are so alone. How can so many people be alone in a world with so much potential for communication? 1: A lot of what is discussed is rubbish. 2: There is little means for expressing oneself with others.
Too much processing, at the expense of an outdated economic structure.
OKOKOK! Couldn't help the last part, but it is honest.
Henneke looks like an enlightened person, really to express these insane, depressing things he shows in his films. I suggest, instead of outlawing Hanneke from his work, change society to something more fruitful so we do not give him the fuel to make these depressing movies. I'd wager he would love that as much as I.
:)
Defendor (2009)
Not just a funny movie.
Wow. I picked up this movie out of the blue. What a find.
OK, I am going to get a little deep here.
So many superhero movies when they are really normal people: Kick-Ass, Unbreakable, Megamind. Even Mr Incredible with Syndrome wanting to make everyone superheros, so no one is. Even Matrix portrays a kind of superhero. No doubt, there are more films with normal people being superhuman. Even Stranger Than Fiction has something to do with this theme.
So, if we all had a bit of Arthur in us, would that be so bad? Is being a superhero really a relative comparison? Is that why we don't do anything, and leave it to people who are not all there but they are honest, but might fail and/or die? Seriously, is grabbing a child, or something equivalent, from an oncoming car so remarkable? Are we so fu#ked up that people would hesitate to do that? Really, what kind of world did we create (yes, admit it, we created this) that demands we need superheroes to do our dirty work? All we have are these movies of what we dream we could be. Someone must be that we do not know about. Someone normal.
What if we did live in a world where we could all be superheroes? What kind of world would that be? Do superheroes really need a bad guy? Megamind got over it. Can we? The character, Paul Carter, said: "Do you remember when you saved Jack's life? I'll never forget what you did that day. You were just a regular guy doing something remarkable. You don't need a costume. Ordinary people, they do extraordinary things all the time. You're always going to be that hero, Arthur, just by being yourself." Says it all. One has to wonder what people looking for power outside of themselves really are, and are taking us on their ride.
Eat Pray Love (2010)
seems almost everyone is right
Yep. Pure Hollywood.
Grabbed this as I was hoping it would be deep. Have not read the book, but as a traveller, I can understand this is a way to find your soul (just my opinion).
Food in Italy looked awesome, but what is the deal celebrating Thanksgiving? This is Italy! Be Italian! And the funny smile at the end acknowlwdging friends she really has no connection to. Italy is so intense, and this was pretty tepid.
Never been to India. I'd think yelling in a place of peace would already be wrong. I would go to find peace and go at my pace, not have someone badgering me that I have the capacity to love the whole world.
Haven't got to Jaier's part yet. All I am seeing is someone who is really not inside herself, and looking outside to find it.
I have to admit I am always irked by people that waste so much energy, and I am now. If Julia was using more instinct to communicate, it would be much cooler. Nothing more focused and centered than that.
Power is in experience. This is different for everyone. Just so long as we are not striving to be critical, it's all good.
It's all in you, baby. Let it flow. :)
Love & Other Drugs (2010)
nice movie
Great to see how nudity is just a natural part of a relationship. She handles it very well.
Really self-confident with her sexuality.
Then something seems to change at 1:10 that does not seem to work with her.
I guess she is trying to not let him get close.
Anyway, nice film. Hathaway does a great job. And Jake is always good.
I really like how sexy they are. So normal.
I wonder if they had an affair? She is so complex, I would find it hard not to. :)
The Invention of Lying (2009)
What's with the mansions? If you don't have one, are you a loser?
This could have been a very tight film. Could have had some really insightful dialog. It's interesting that when one lies, everyone wants to believe in you. Yes, I know. It's an easy crowd. One also has to wonder if, when people tell the truth, that if there is a discrepancy, the fallout would be more than just saying the system is wrong (the 'system' IS wrong, but that's another story) and your truth comes first. I would have thought the first lie would have thrown a spanner in the works and all this order would become chaos (maybe that is why macro-society is such a mess). I guess that is what happened, as everyone wanted to believe the truth of one person, not their own.
So, if you are in a society where everyone tells the truth, does this mean people are still wanting for something that gives them identity? Do people need to believe in something outside of themselves? I would have thought that understanding what the truth is would mean you know your identity.
Did their telling the truth mean someone had told them to? Not likely. It takes wisdom to understand what truth really is, what it really means.
But what is this fat/loser deal? And genetic match-ups? What has that got to do with truth? She lied when she says marrying Lowe is what she really wants. It's obvious she loves the fat guy. To ask the man in the sky? That is messed up in itself.
I got to admit the present of sex and how he messed that up was funny. Big, big mistake.
At least this film opened a series of questions to think about, but could have been much, much better. And still funny. More so. I wonder if the script was hacked into its final form, and the original intention was to be really focused? That would have been amazing.
:)
Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010)
Crap
Yep. Crap. Loads of potential. Could have been infinitely stronger without the typical high school innuendos. Uma Thurman and Rosario Dawson inevitably rock, but they really have nothing to do with the story, and that is portrayed weakly.
It would be better if the realisation of power was much more responsible. When he lost his mother, he took it the same way you might have paid too much for a coffee. Not enough surprise in the realisation of who he is. And that silly camp. Follow the rules, but break the and you are the favourite. Their idea of understanding identity is tragically flawed. I am watching the lightening bolt being returned as I am writing this, and it's just sad. No tension, no testing, no revelation. How did all these strong actors get sucked into this?
It's too bad. Wasted talent.
And I think Satyr would have had more fun staying with Rosario. He could at least have brought her with him :)
Moon (2009)
Does anyone think that ....
... the clones only last 2 weeks? If he thinks he is going home in 2 weeks, then has a n accident which he wakes up from, the new clone has to think he is leaving in 2 weeks, too.
I am not sure if this has occurred to anyone, but I do see that if they have so, so many clones, and it takes a ship from earth less a than a day to arrive, then they must have an idea of the shortness of life of these clones. The energy to sustain clones in limbo would not be cheap (although, they are making their own energy). So I suspect that there must be an idea that the clones do not last 3 years.
Also, how could long range comms be out for 3 years!? Would not make sense to a 3 year clone, but would to a 2 week one.
What do you think?
Monsters vs. Aliens (2009)
No good
Na. Did not do it for me.
Weak relationships. Usual weakly presented girl gets strong, usual idiot male fiancé, more than usual idiot villain with flaws not developed. Just weak everywhere.
I think Dreamworks do some OK stuff, but this is not one of them.
What I do think they got right was Susan's outfit. Awesome textile design. Someone should make that for real. Anyone know if something like that exists anywhere? I'd want to buy one for my girlfriend.
Did the scriptwriter(s) of this also write WALLE? Similar weaknesses. But WALLE was a bit better.
Renaissance (2006)
really, very interesting
I read that this did not well, that the story is not solid, that Volckman feels he has failed in some way.
I disagree. First, it is well executed. Volckman is doing well to not only to try a new technique, but to have a focus that is worth thinking about: would immortality reduce the value of life? Big question ...
I can see he trying hard to build a feeling, and he is not compromising. This is to be applauded. I am sure it was an interesting exercise to build characters in such a form. I have seen artists reduce a form to bare minimum to build the intensity of a moment. I identify this film with this.
Further, it is much more interesting than Richard Linklater's roto-scoping, and Volckman's story has more meaning than Linklater's later stories of a wasted life on drugs. Old news. Everyone knows it, but no one does anything about it. Renaissance has more to offer, something new to think about. And there are many more stories out there with loads of holes in them that do far better.
Well done, Volckman. Really nice work.
Tideland (2005)
Well! That was extraordinary!
I can't think why professional critics could say this film is 'awful'. On the opening scenes, I was worried it would become a typical lowlife story to entertain people who like to see the degeneration of human beings for pleasure, but Terry Gilliam, who again shows his brilliance in making appalling life a revelation, made it watchable. His humorous delivery over the illogic of life is evident, and appealing to get through the film. Also, having stars that would be hard-pressed to truly be so vile helps take this in.
The acting is brilliant. Jodelle is extraordinary. What an amazing girl. I keep thinking I hope this film will not destroy her mind because of the content. I'm a also wondering what her character is eating, but that's not important under the circumstances.
I have to admit that it helps that the film concentrates on mental issues over reducing it to violence. The fantasy really helps to understand the kind of torture such a life could be. Those who love Tarantino probably wouldn't like this. Tideland is not gruesome or degenerative enough. And too deep.
Brazil is a marvel. To see Gilliam do it again shows his intellect. Really impressive for something so so so sad.
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)
Peter Weir is a terrific director, but this is nowhere as deep as his usual films
I am writing this while i am still watching the movie, which, I guess, explains enough what I think about it.
Peter Weir is one of the best directors I have ever seen. His movies are almost always profound. He is an incredible thinker. I wish I could meet the guy one day and have a good chat over coffee.
I see his detail in M&C, but not the story. His story telling is not to the level I anticipate from him. I can only blame the script. Still, I know that life on the ocean is tough, and God knows how humans handled it then. It's a very hard life, and we have a lot to respect such people for. Perhaps this is Peter Weir's point. Given a different source, and perhaps some freedom, I am sure he would have done much better. It does help when scripts are not very obvious.
For the record, ocean sailing is not easy. To think what we carry in vessels is nothing to what they dealt with. Mini cities.
The ocean is a very alien space for people. When it's peaceful, it's a amazing, and when she's wild, batten down, stay on deck, and hang on.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009)
Hollywood stories never change ...
To the person who said the CG sucks, you were watching the unfinished film.
Still, as much as I love the Wolverine character, the usual nemeses, brother betrayal, etc, is getting long in the tooth. The story is weak. Why spend so much money on building an indestructible man, and then 'chop his head off'? And even the second after it's finished? Melodramatic delirium for nothing.
Why should the brother kill W's girlfriend? Why not be a man and cut to the chase, and why not show that such an act is cowardice? If the brother wants to be strong, then doing banal rubbish like that is stupid. Why doesn't it hurt W every time his blades are released anymore. Now he does it for an amusement trick instead of the unbearable pain he went through before.
Reviewers say it is more human, but really, it looks more plastic to me. Just going through the motions of fear and friendship. Only Liev kind of got it. He's a big dude that acts like he doesn't need support, but he has the military behind him to act like a big shot with a purpose. Very boring.
I don't see the strength in these characters. You want animal? You stab that Asian shooter and look at his eyes die, giving in to the weakness of rage, not recreate an explosion like the end of Mad Max and think you are cool.
Considering the cliffhangers they want to throw at the audience, it would have been better to let the cat out of the bag early and really push the depth of the characters for wanting to do that. and save any cliffhanger (if they need it) at the end. In essence, all these mutants are people, too. All have different beliefs, all are pretty lonely. That's human. Work it amongst military idiots, made all the more idiotic by saying one thing and the next in five minutes. Work that. Even the beginning is wrong, showing these guys toughness by glorifying war. War guys are tough, but what a waste of energy.
The torture between W's integrity and pain makes us identify with the character. Now he has become just one guy tossed around with others in a salad. Which part should I eat next?
Le réveil (1996)
hahaha ... I have been trying to locate this forever
Incredibly funny. Perfect timing. I saw it in Karlovy Vary Film Festival, Czech Republic, in 1996 or 1997.
I still remember the sequence of events. I have been addicted to coffee ever since this film.
I'd love a copy of this film.
Incredible.
How the hell did they rig the house like that? Not CGI? Amazing!
I wonder what the producers and directors are doing now?
Brilliant, exceptional, superb work.
PS: If the makers see this. I'd love them to contact me. There should be a reshowing of it somewhere in the world. Australia!
The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)
crap, weak, useless
Man, so much potential to make a great film, and this is almost as worse as Al Gore and the Inconceivable Truth. How a politician garners more attention in a black Cadillac espousing what scientists have forewarned for decades is beyond me. Just more evidence that the world just values idiots that know nothing.
This movie almost follows the same vain. When will and do people change? How does Jennifer meekly say this twice, like a tape recorder, as if it has meaning? How do people bulls&%# the world for so long and then say on the brink of treating the world like rubbish, WE will change? It makes me feel so stupid. The original movie said the same thing, in a much more poignant fashion, 50 years ago. Has the human race 'changed'? We just make films to convince people that people will change, so we wait for someone to make the first step and just go along with it when the time comes.
Nice; very intelligent. Idiots.
Has anyone not realized that progression (of intellect, at least) is slowing down? That the human race is doing its best to slow the present economic system to avoid its inevitable destruction? And then what? Oh, right: 'Won't happen in my lifetime, so why should I care?'
If we have a different side, why the hell does it not win out in making decisions based on cohesion to build product and services that do not waste so much resources and that VALUE THE EARTH. Economics first until the 11th hour, and then get Al Gore to save the world.
What happened to the Gandhi's and King's of this world? And why do such people have to use so much energy to convince those with so much fear, and yet, who are in power? How did George Bush and Mao Zedong get to 'rule' countries if we have a different side?
And then, a film like this uses the fundamental aspect of the earth standing still as an afterthought before the main sphere takes off. How did that happen?
A powerless film for powerless people.
Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
Really good, and tragic
Hi,
I have been reading the good and bad reviews of this. I hope this might appease the people, especially Indians, who found it insulting to your culture.
I want you to know that I, and I am sure many others, will not assume that the 'slums' could sway people to assume that this is the general picture of India, and not be different to many other countries with poverty issues. All countries, however varying, have their slums and wealth, have stupid people bent on power trips, be it with money or with religion. Please, do not think that one commercial film can depict a country in a lesser state than others. I read someone here write that the Chinese would never allow such a film to be released about their country. I lived in China for almost 3 years, and I believe me, in general, the power trippers there have a lot to learn, no less from India. I have never seen so many people live in poverty, and still do their best to be strong in a culture that treats its people so badly. Anyway, this is my opinion, but I have seen it first hand. I did not live in a hotel and avoid it while I was there. I will not go back to China because of it, regardless of what financial advantages I could achieve to live there.
I can tell you that, to me, this movie really brought the Bollywood style palatable to the Western viewer. It made my initial aversion of going to India become one of fascination. I have man friends who love India (I can't remember none who disliked it), where reviews of visits to China are mixed. I love the colour, love the determination of these children, and that Jamal overcomes whatever befalls him to be a confident man who gets the girl. I found his and Latika's energy really strong, particularly in the end, and the dance sequences. Above all the tragedies (please do not say they do not exist, as they do in all countries), there is this amazing joy. I see that in the India depicted in the film, above all else.
I can't watch again the scenes of horrible people exploiting children (appalling in any culture) , but do enjoy Jamal's tête-à-tête and his not being intimidated by the WWTBAM host. Some people are born with such traits; Jamal could be one.
Anyway, I love the film. Very cool. And, like the genius Chinese women I have met, the Indians show just as much distinction.
Really, do not be offended. It's really good.
Quantum of Solace (2008)
Well, lots of people might not like it, but ...
I thought it was great. I am happy it is not a typical Bond. I see a director who is fleshing out a character, hence the quiet bits, with great music. I like the fact that the villain is different; who said they have to confirm to the usual mad hats that are in previous bonds? Yes, Greene is not like the genius ruse in Casino Royale, but it is in context with the how appallingly we are treating this world, and all the short-sighted people going along with it.
I like the fact that Bond did not destroy an Aston Martin to oblivion after driving it for 30 seconds, and that the rest of the cars are beat up or electric, and that a great car does not make a character.
Fields is great (fantastic voice), but what I love the most, after all that, is how Matthis and his girlfriend/wife speak Italian. It is because it can be spoken in such a tone and yet with strength that makes it one of the best languages in the world, and why women love it so much. :)