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Reviews
Poor Things (2023)
A bit crazy, but absolutely great!
Yorgos Lanthimos is known for his unconventional and thought-provoking films like "Alps," "Dogtooth," "The Lobster," "The Killing of a Sacred Deer," and "The Favourite," and "Poor Things" stands out as one of his finest works yet.
The vibrant production design, costumes, and makeup beautifully capture the eccentricity of the film. Lanthimos' direction is masterful, skillfully maintaining the absurdist tone without ever feeling disjointed. Every performance shines, particularly those of Emma Stone and Mark Ruffalo, whose outrageous and hilarious portrayals make their characters both captivating and entertaining.
Tony McNamara's writing delves into strange and fascinating themes, seamlessly weaving together elements of fantasy to create a captivating narrative. The visual presentation is bold and striking, complemented by a fantastic soundtrack that enhances the film's dark humor and comedic moments.
Despite its unconventional nature, the pacing remains engaging, ensuring that the audience is never bored. While "Poor Things" may not be for everyone, it is undoubtedly another triumph for Lanthimos, showcasing his unique vision and storytelling prowess.
Dune: Part Two (2024)
a masterpiece!
I was blown away by the sheer power and efficiency of the storyline in this film. Unlike its predecessor, which occasionally felt dragged out, every scene in this sequel felt vital and impactful. The dialogue crackled with intensity, leaving me inspired and moved.
Managing character development in a film with a large ensemble cast can be a daunting task, but here it was executed flawlessly. Each main and supporting character brought something unique to the table, enriching the narrative and adding depth to the story.
From the seamless editing to the captivating score, the stunning cinematography to the exceptional acting, every aspect of this film was executed to perfection. Watching it in IMAX only heightened the experience, elevating it to a whole new level of cinematic brilliance.
In short, this film is a masterpiece in every sense of the word. I wholeheartedly recommend experiencing it on the biggest screen possible to fully appreciate its grandeur and impact.
Layer Cake (2004)
Absolutely Outstanding!
Layer Cake presents a gripping narrative of a London drug dealer on the brink of retirement, only to be pulled back into the underworld by his mob boss. Directed by Matthew Vaughn, known for his collaborations with Guy Ritchie in the British gangster genre, the film demonstrates a nuanced approach, focusing on mood and atmosphere rather than bombastic scenarios. Daniel Craig delivers a standout performance as the nameless dealer, elevating the film above its conventional plot.
Vaughn's portrayal of London is refreshing, depicting a thriving cityscape rather than a destitute one. Ben Davis' cinematography captures the city's vitality, while the engrossing score by Lisa Gerrard & Ilan Eshkeri adds depth to the narrative. However, at 105 minutes, the film feels too short, with plot strands converging hastily in the final quarter. Nonetheless, Layer Cake culminates in a compelling climax that solidifies its status as one of Britain's finest gangster offerings. With a rating of 9/10, it sets new standards for the genre, showcasing Vaughn's directorial prowess and Craig's versatility as an actor.
Angel Has Fallen (2019)
Very good movie!
In the latest installment of the Fallen series, our resilient secret service protagonist, portrayed by Gerard Butler, finds himself at a crossroads. With the possibility of ascending to the role of the president's top protector looming, he grapples with the repercussions of his demanding lifestyle, exacerbated by his reliance on painkillers. Complicating matters further is the arrival of a newborn at home, prompting him to reconsider his priorities. Enter an old comrade from his military days (a plot twist anyone could see coming), who seeks Butler's assistance in securing government contracts for his private military company.
However, a leisurely fishing excursion takes a disastrous turn when a swarm of armed drones decimates their group, leaving Butler and President Freeman (whom he rescues) as the sole survivors. Despite his heroics, damning evidence implicates Butler, thrusting him into a desperate flight to clear his name, evoking shades of Richard Kimble from "The Fugitive."
While not exactly breaking new ground (after all, this is the third installment in the series), the film succeeds by staying true to its formula without stretching the bounds of believability for its protagonist or thrusting him into improbable situations (take note, Die Hard series). The ensemble cast includes Danny Huston as Butler's friend, Tim Blake Nelson as the vice president, Jada Pinkett Smith as an FBI investigator, a welcome addition of Nick Nolte as Butler's conspiracy-theorist father, and Piper Perabo stepping in for Radha Mitchell as Butler's steadfast spouse.
Argylle (2024)
Fascinating!
Is it an outstanding movie? Not exactly. But it's exceptionally enjoyable and provides a great deal of entertainment - perhaps the most fun I've had watching a movie since, well, since "The Kingsmen," ironically enough. Yet another stellar production from Matthew Vaughn and MARV. It's worth noting that a few familiar faces from "The Kingsmen" make appearances here - Samuel L. Jackson playing a protagonist this time around, and Sofia Boutella taking on a neutral role after portraying villains in the previous film. They're joined by the prominently featured names of Henry Cavill, Bryce Dallas Howard, Bryan Cranston, Catherine O'Hara (who consistently shines on screen), and of course, Sam Rockwell.
A word of caution, though: If you're seeking a serious, gritty, dark action thriller akin to the Bond or Bourne franchises, or any of the more conventional spy films, you'll be disappointed. However, if you're in the market for a rollicking good time, complete with Matthew Vaughn's signature visual flair and extravagant fight sequences, then you're in for a treat because that's precisely what this film delivers. And let me tell you, did I ever have a blast watching it!