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Reviews
Wonder Woman (2017)
Great movie but not without flaws *spoilers included*
I was walking into Wonder Woman with high expectations given the reviews. However, I had read some critics reviews and while the critics said it was a really good addition to the superhero movie with great casting (Gal Gadot was perfectly cast), the story had flaws. I do agree with those critics. Still, I walked out thinking it was a great movie and would go back again and again to see it.
The great thing about the movie really are the actors. Gadot blew me away. Whoever cast her for the role of Wonder Woman deserves a medal. She really embodied everything that is Wonder Woman to me. She's charming, funny, smart, naive and absolutely bad-ass. Gadot carries this role off with panache. Robin-Wright Penn and Connie Nielsen were also well cast in their respective roles.
In terms of story, the first half is slow as it introduced Diana's back-story. However, I appreciated the slowness if only to make me understand where the character came from and what motivated her. The second half made up for the slowness when the action kicked into high gear. I will say this though about the first half, the imagery is mind-blowing. There are absolutely gorgeous screen-shots of the island from which Diana originated.
The great thing about the story was that Wonder Woman is portrayed as a great fighter while still retaining her heart, humanity and sense of wonder. Another great thing about the story was the twist with Areas near the end of the movie. I have to admit it took me by surprise, and I am rarely caught off-guard anymore when it comes to plot twists. Well done by the writer!
Unfortunately there were weaknesses. There wasn't enough explanation about why some characters were motivated to do certain things or why they believed the way they believed. There was little explanation why some characters were "evil" while others were "good". In other words, there was a shortage of backstory. Then again, you can only do so much in two and a half hours.
There was also a moral/philosophical stance the movie took, that I understood was important to the story. However, it was never truly explored how Wonder Woman arrived at the conclusions she did except for "love". Don't get me wrong, love is a great motivator, but it just wasn't enough, given the horrors that she saw for the first time and the internal crisis she faced, when the rosy glasses she wore about humanity finally fell off and she saw the world and human beings for what they were. Lastly, the free will argument was weak in the movie. I found the movie to give mixed messages about that and in some places, it was contradictory.
However, this wasn't a philosophical movie but an action-hero movie. It's important to put that in context. So overall the fact that the movie had some philosophical failings isn't really a major problem. I'm hoping the writer and director will continue exploring those themes in the subsequent movies, in fact, to give us some more insight into the Wonder Woman and her motivations. I will also say that I am VERY glad that the movie brought up these questions of "what is good?", "what is bad", "where do I fit in?" The world isn't black and white and action hero movies shouldn't be either.
Having said that, I really thought overall it's a great movie and it was really elevated by the actors performances, especially Gadot. I'm hoping to see a lot more of her on the big screen in the future!
Begin Again (2013)
Light, airy, meaningful and melodic **spoilers included**
I walked into Begin Again, after having to work a full day at the office on a Saturday. Suffice it to say, I wasn't in the best of moods.
So, I decided that I wanted to watch a movie that would improve my mood and also cater to my love of music. Thankfully, begin again did both.
I loved the premise; two people down on their luck in love and life join forces to make beautiful music.
The acting was wonderful. I couldn't believe Keira Knightley has such a beautiful singing voice. Her voice is light, lyrical and airy, but quite emotive. I thought she was the perfect fit for the role of Greta, not just because of her voice, but also because she brought a fragile, yet optimistic quality to Greta. There is a moment, in the movie, where she comes to a very painful realization and she plays it perfectly. Who hasn't been where her character was in that moment? Mark Ruffalo is amazing. He played the heck out of his character, who was all over the place. Loved the transformation of his character upon rediscovering his love of music. James Corden was hilarious and who knew Adam Levine could actually act? He was pretty good in this movie. I think John Carney hit gold with this cast.
The music was lovely. It's got a quiet, folksy ambiance and is quite relaxing...well, after a tough day at the office, I welcomed this. Listening to the soundtrack after work with a good, chilled glass of wine is heaven.
New York is its own character in the movie, and it, too, was great. This movie reminded me how magic New York can be. The scene where Greta and Dan walk through New York at night, sharing a headset was just magical. I actually think this is one of those scenes that may be remembered in years to come. Keira and Mark had perfect chemistry in that scene and you could feel their connection through music.
Were there weaknesses with movie, sure? It's a bit clichéd, and of course everything works out in the end. However, that didn't bother me at all, because you walk in knowing it's a feel good movie, and the movie doesn't pretend it's something that it's not.
The crowd I was watching the movie with applauded and walked out in a happy mood, and really isn't that what movies are all about? Having you feel something, walking out happy, sad or contemplative?
Sex and the City (2008)
Good, but not great * warning: spoilers*
Let me tell you I went into the movie three years ago without expectations, because movies following iconic shows rarely are as good as the shows itself were. But still, it's good to revisit old friends.
I loved seeing the girls again and the movie felt like a conclusion for their story, which was left open in the last episode of the show. The humour was good, especially Samantha's, though nowhere near as good as it was on the show. But seeing the girls, the designer clothes and purses, the hangouts and especially New York brought back many happy memories of watching the show through the years.
I am re-watching it now, and the one thing that bothers me very much aboutthis tale is the fact that Mr. Big, once again, treats Carrie like crap by leaving her at the altar, all because she got carried away (no pun intended) in planning their wedding. Big could have simply told Carrie that he wasn't comfortable with it when the wedding got a little bigger than he wanted, instead of telling her at the last minute when the preparations were almost done and then not showing up on the day of the wedding. The man is over 50, I don't see how he can get cold feet when he's been dating her for ten years and they practically lived together for three of those years. So, you've been married before, and it didn't work out. That's no fault of hers and he shouldn't have punished Carrie for it by humiliating her by not showing up to their wedding.
First, he doesn't talk to her about this issue, so there is no discussion and no negotiation about the size of the wedding. Yes, Carrie should have consulted him a bit more, but he could have also taken a bigger interest in the wedding than he did. It seemed the wedding was a complete business transaction to him and not a ceremony to bind him to the, as he called her, 'love of his life'. Newsflash, you don't treat the 'love of your life' like crap for ten years and then leave her at the altar, because she got carried away and made the wedding bigger than you wanted. You're a grown man, act like one!
Yes, Carrie made the wedding about herself. But didn't she have the right to do so? Big had treated her pretty badly during the time they were dating and I think she totally deserved the wedding she wanted, not the one Big had in mind. He pretty much determined the status and way their relationship was conducted throughout the whole time they were dating. The wedding was a big deal to Carrie and instead of respecting that and her, he turned his back on Carrie and the wedding. If this was me, I would never consider dating or marrying this guy after that.
I do believe it was right to forgive him, but I don't think she was right in taking him back after everything he put her through. The hurt won't end just because she's married to him. Sometimes the one you think is 'the one' just isn't healthy for you and you have to let him go for good. It's a tough lesson in life.
However, I do understand that this is more of a fairy tale (albeit a bit of a cautionary one) and in this tale everything turns out fine after she marries the prince (or the jerk as I see him). It just wasn't believable to me that after all the maltreatment she suffered at his hands she could forgive him for this final humiliation and heartbreak. But then, maybe I'm more of a realist than a romantic.
P.S: I absolutely loved the 'love letters of great men' readings, because THAT is how true romance is done. Unfortunately love letters have gone out of style, but they'll never be out of style for me!
Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Where do I sign up?
I watched Inglorious Basterds tonight after wanting to see if for weeks, because everyone was recommending this movie to me and it was absolutely awesome! I don't know how Tarantino does it. I love the postmodern nature of his work, his imagination, his storytelling and his absolute craziness. Nobody makes movies like him. Who else would take a WWII and rewrite history? Who else would kill some of the most evil people of the 20th century; Hitler and Goebbels? Who else would give power to a bunch of Jewish soldiers to bash out the brains of the Nazi scum that was killing so many people? As I exited the cinema with my friend, we said at the same time "this is how it should have happened!". I don't think any filmmaker has ever made me say that before. If Tarantino does not get some award nominations as best director, there is no fairness in this world!
Best Performances in the film: Christoph Waltz - brilliant...the reviews of his performance are spot-on. He is incredible as someone so evil he can kill people while smiling and still be somewhat charming. I can't see how he is not going to get nominated or win the Academy Award for his performance, it was stunning.
Brad Pitt - he was hilarious. If anyone doubts Pitt's range as an actor, this movie should shut them up. He has fantastic comedic timing and his facial expressions in the movie were priceless.
Eli Roth - I loved him as the Bear Jew! He was savage, but you can understand his anger and thirst for blood, because of what is being done to his people.
Melanie Laurent - She really is a very good young actress. Her subtle emotions, due of the horrific situation she finds herself in, are beautifully expressed. Her bad-ass nature as well. I hope to see more of her in on this side of the continent.
Biggest applause goes to Quentin Tarantion though, who is not afraid to take chances and tick people off with his storytelling. Bravo!
True Blood (2008)
Impressive new show
I haven't been a big fan of television for a while, but True Blood has brought me back! There is something about this show that has me at the edge of my seat when I'm watching. In my opinion it's a unique show (though vampire shows have been done before), and will become a large part of popular culture.
First of all, I am a fan of Anna Paquin and I think she plays Sookie very well. There are those that disagree, there are those who say she is too plain for the role. I think that Anna has a special beauty that is just right for Sookie. I also think that she is maturing a character that is a rather light character and that is hard to do, but Paquin makes it look easy and people don't perceive the subtleties in her acting. I think she's excellent as Sookie, and I couldn't see anyone else for the part.
Most of the side characters are amazing. I love Sam, he's a wonderful, upstanding and moral guy with a shape-shifting problem. Sookie's brother Eric is a hoot - a sex-obsessed wanna-be G.I. Joe. Lafayette is probably one of my favourite side-characters - I love his flair and his no b.s. ways - though he does get involved in illegal narcotics a bit too much. Jessica is hilarious and so is Hoyt.
Another excellent aspect of True Blood is bad-boy vampire Eric. My goodness, where they found gorgeous, very tall Alexander Skarsgard is beyond me, but I'm glad they found him and added him to the show. Not only is he quite easy on the eyes, but the man can act and he is able to go from evil and cruel to vulnerable in a second, and make it convincing. He is also quite hilarious. Plus, Eric's chemistry with Sookie is electric. And let's not forget Eric's hilarious, high-heeled wearing side-kick Pam, another excellent side character. They could make a Sex and the City and Vampires around her character.
Another fantastic find that the show made was Allen Hyde as Godric. What a fantastic young actor and what a wonderful character. Allan was in only four shows but left a huge impression on many viewers. I hope there is a way for Alan Ball to bring him back. And I think we'll see a lot more of Allan Hyde from now on, maybe not on True Blood, but on TV and the movies. His debut to North American audiences was truly impressive.
There are, of course, weaknesses in the show. I find the character of Bill quite bland and annoying. I actually like Stephen Moyers work, and I liked him in season one of True Blood, but I couldn't warm up to him in season two, when all he is doing is running around yelling "Sookieee" all the time. It gets on your nerves after a while.
Plus, the Maryanne storyline has now dragged on and on. And I have to say, I am not that impressed with the mynead storyline. Eggs is a boring character and Tara, who was quite a fantastic character in season one, has turned into an idiot. And Lafayette, feisty, plain-talking Lafayette, has lost his joie de vivre (ok Eric tortured him for weeks, and I guess he now suffers from PTSD, but still...).
Apart from that, the positives definitely outweigh the negatives. My hope for the future for the show; more scenes between Sookie and Eric, more Godric (somehow), Lafayette becomes his old feisty self, Tara snaps out of her stupid phase, Maryanne and Eggs leave, more Jason and his hilarious antics, Sam finds love and stops pining after Sookie, more Jessica and Hoyt...
Atonement (2007)
Best movie of the year? Heck, best movie of the last decade!
Two names; Keira Knightley and James McAvoy. They are incredibly brilliant and their acting is flawless in this absolutely stunning movie. From the scenery, to the acting to the musical score, this movie is absolutely spectacular. This is true film-making in the flesh.
The first part of the movie is just incredible. From the lush country-side mansion to a gorgeous Knightley and a handsome James McAvoy, it's just visual poetry. These two create such chemistry between their characters, that it seems obvious why they would wait for each other.
The story is nuanced, beautifully translated from Ian McEwan's novel and Joe Wright MUST get a best director nod and win.
Keira Knightley has come a long way from her "Bend it like Beckham" days. She was outstanding in "Pride and Prejudice", but THIS is the defining role for her, she is superb and absolutely nails it. She plays Cecilia as a conflicted young woman and her accent is right on the money. This is her best performance to date and deserves a Golden Globe and Oscar nod. She will be robbed if she doesn't get both!
Similarly, James McAvoy is wonderful in this movie. What this man can say with one look is incredible. Definite Oscar nod here too!
Just a brilliant, astonishing accomplishment by the director and the actors. And it shows you how putting together the right cast and crew and the mega-talent inherent in this movie equals brilliance.
This movie teaches filmmakers how to successfully translate a literary masterwork to the big screen.
This movie is destined to become a movie classic. People will be talking about this movie many years from now.
A Mighty Heart (2007)
A good movie with very good actors
It is obvious that this movie would not be light-hearted, due to the subject matter and I was glad to see that the movie was well done and well acted and very thoughtful with such difficult material and subject matter.
Kudos to Michael Winterbottom I think hits the right note with the careful docu-style directing. And I really thought that Futterman, Panjabi, Jolie and Khan's acting were exceptional! They handled difficult material with grace and heart and it shows in their performances. I hope to see Oscor nods for all four actors! This movie is a good movie to remember Daniel Pearl by and what true journalism really is; investigative reporting, not tabloid reporting. There is great journalism out there and we can see that through this movie. The sad fact is that many journalists, especially those reporting from the Middle-East, lose their lives for reporting the things they uncover. This movie is a tribute to those journalists as well, in my opinion.
I really liked the scenes in which Mariane, Asra, Captain and their colleagues were collaborating with each other to try to find Danny, because it shows that we can all get along, no matter what our background, and I feel this movie showed that very well. (I didn't know whether this was a spoiler warning or not, so I checked off spoiler warning just in case)
Unfortunately, for many people it seems that politics underscores their critical evaluation of this movie. This is the same debate as with the politics of the movie "Munich" (2005). Some people, with extreme political opinions, just do not like a balanced view and actively attack it. I can understand critical negative opinion of this movie based on good, thoughtful criticism, but I have read some really vile criticisms, which had little to do with the movie and more with people's political biases. However, I am glad to see that people with a balanced and sensitive view to world politics, still get their movies made. It is obvious that people will attack the movie and even Ms.Jolie (as I had the misfortune to read) for reasons, other than the critical merits of the film or the merits of her acting, but rather her person and their political bias, which is quite sad in my opinion.
Kudos for everyone working on this film for having the courage to make this film the way Mariane Pearl and the crew envisioned it!
Munich (2005)
An Excellent Movie and Hope for Peace
I saw the movie yesterday with a full movie theater in the afternoon and most people were riveted. Yes, there were one or two who walked out, but my question is why.
Spielberg never judges the occurrences of Munich or the Israeli team who was to hunt down the perpetrators, what he does that is most important is raise ethical and moral questions.
Is that so wrong. I simply don't understand why some people are boycotting the film. I think maybe you should go see the film and then you can go make up your mind.
Spielberg's message is that when we use violence, violence comes back to us and that is true. He humanizes both peoples; the Israelis and the Palestinians and through them shows the terrible tragedy that is the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Never at any one point does he make a moral judgement against anybody.
I don't understand. We're supposed to live in a democracy and Spielberg has the right to express the opinion through his movie, but for people to make up their minds either before they see it, or deciding to see it with a bias, doesn't help anyone.
It's a movie with open-ended questions, it doesn't judge, but raises very important, very relevant questions.
Is it wrong to question? I think a people or nation loses its soul when it's restrained from or refuses to ask important questions and looks at their own actions...that's what people in the movie are doing they are constantly self-examining themselves to see if their actions were right-for their peoples, nations, families. What is home after all? (as the movie asks)
That is not wrong-that is human! In short, if you haven't see the movie, go see it and then make up your mind...and PLEASE see it with an open mind and without judgement.
I think in order to be able to really look at peace it is important that we take a critical look at our own actions and words...they are not always right and we should ALWAYS question.
Thanks!