Saturday, November 1, 2014

September - October '14 Movies Digest

Once more procrastination got the best of me...so another 2-in-1 digest coming right up:

A Good Day To Die Hard

Acting: 2.5/5
Story: 2/5
Perception: 1.5/5

Rating: 2/5

It is a bad thing when you get bored while watching a 'Die Hard' movie. The flick lacks adequate pacing, involvement from the center figure and it falls short in providing the entertainment of previous installments. John McClane should highly consider retiring.



Sin City : A Dame To Kill For

Acting: 3.5/5
Story: 3/5
Perception: 4.5/5

Rating: 3.5/5

The sequel everybody was waiting for, and that almost lives up to the expectations. They managed to keep general feeling intact but there are some details that fall a bit short. First, the dynamics is slightly faded and there are some action sequences depicted in a way that is too close to the comics, rendering it fake-ish. Otherwise the visuals are astonishing. The screen performances are entirely tuned to the production, but some of them stand out, like JGL and the guy playing Rourke. And once again Marv is fun to watch.

22 Jump Street

Acting: 3.5/5
Story: 2.5/5
Perception: 4/5

Rating: 3.5/5

The self-irony pill is served once more by the Jump Street crew, adding the 'sequel' double dose. And this coupled with the crazy chemistry between Hill and Tatum concocts a funny flick. They only have to be careful not to abuse the formula.


Gone Girl

Acting: 4.5/5
Story: 4.5/5
Perception: 4.5/5

Rating: 4.5/5

Initially not on my watch-list but a more than pleasant suggestion. I was expecting a pre-decided movie with two or three predictable turns and a heavy thriller vibe, and I got a mountain road series of twists and turns coupled with a detective mystery pace, sparkled with light, almost comedic glimpses. There are some questionable and convenient perks but nothing crucial. Moreover, the two leads are at their best, and the supporting crew put in their effort as well to instigate the viewer in doubting everyone's side every step of the way.

Enemy

Acting: 4/5
Story: 4.5/5
Perception: 3.5/5

Rating: 4/5

A great mind-bending picture. I am not fond of the visual yellowish tones but that does really add up to the general eerie perception of the story. Gyllenhaal delivers a highly convincing performance, but the rest of the cast seemed too odd or dramatic even for this kind of movie. Anyway the impressive amount of clues and cryptic details makes the viewer analyse and retrace the plot every step of the way, including after the credits.

Sunday, August 31, 2014

August '14 Movies Digest

I wish more months would be like this one: 2 great flicks and someother decent ones...

The Monuments Men

Acting: 4.5/5
Story: 2/5
Perception: 2/5

Rating: 2.5/5

Probably one of the biggest waste of potential in recent cinema! The movie seems to be compilation of theme-related sketches missing their continuity. It would be a sin to question the acting quality but the episodic sensation and the lack of tension render the movie quite dull. So it's even more of a shame considering the well-intended topic.

Lucy

Acting: 3.5/5
Story: 2.5/5
Perception: 4/5

Rating: 3/5

It is mostly a visually entertaining movie, with a couple of metaphysical hints embedded into it! It starts with a quite racy rhythm which is maintained until the end and Johansson gives a solid performance. So regardless of a couple of  plot-holes and self-accepted conceptual flaws the picture is cinema-enjoyable. 

Guardians of the Galaxy

Acting: 4/5
Story: 4/5
Perception: 5/5

Rating: 4.5/5

A lesson in entertainment! It has the right high pace, a truckload of funny moments and some soft spots to trigger the public's involvement. They managed to get the best out of a less known brand, by slipping key background details for each character into a highly dynamic plot. Moreover the characters are at least decently depicted starting with Drax, up to the two impressive fast-talkers Rocket and Star-Lord. And since it's the Marvel Universe no comment is needed regarding the visuals and even the 80s packed soundtrack.

Neighbors

Acting: 3/5
Story: 3/5
Perception: 3/5

Rating: 3/5

Give me shorter screen-time of Seth Rogen in a normal dialog and I'll be happy. I was satisfied with all the other protagonists, even surprised in a positive way by Efron's performance, but Rogen is definitely not my acting type. On the other hand, all the cast members give a solid show in all the comedic moments; and even though some of them are far from being highbrow, the fun time is guarantied. On top of this, there are some feeling-infused transitions who fit in decently.

Scarface

Acting: 4.5/5
Story: 5/5
Perception: 4/5

Rating: 4.5/5

A classic and for good reasons. It has the dynamics, the intensity, the charisma and a hint of exaggerated depictions and extended tension creating pauses.



Wish I Was Here

Acting: 3.5/5
Story: 3/5
Perception: 3/5

Rating: 3/5

 It's got the Garden State touch but unfortunately not it's soul, resulting from successive plot safe choices. This takes away the edge, but it still has its funny and/or uplifting moments and that generate joy. Technically it is decently executed, and the acting performances are solid, but still lacking a real challenge.

Thursday, July 31, 2014

July '14 Movies Digest

One down, one up...

Transformers: Age of Extinction

Acting: 2.5/5
Story: 1.5/5
Perception: 1.5/5

Rating: 1.5/5

What a mess!!! Besides the usual Transformers glitches, this one adds pure insignificance of the human and robot characters, whose names aren't even stated. It seems that all of it was either badly written or that it suffered an editing massacre, chunks that might have brought some continuity being chopped out, even though it would have lead up to an unnecessary three hours Transformers movie. Stanley Tucci's performance and even Wahlberg's are oases in this cinematographic desert but they are simply irrelevant. And neither they and nor the 10 minutes of cool action scenes couldn't have saved this movie.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

Acting: 4.5/5
Story: 4.5/5
Perception: 4.5/5

Rating: 4.5/5

Technology has made tremendous progress and it is what takes this movie from good to very good. First of all, the plot is carefully built with unexpected twists and turns. Then there's the brilliant work from the two main motion-capture actors, the master Andy Serkis and the guy playing Koba. And afterwards the CGI adds a stunning layer to the experience. Surely, some dramatic moments may seem long in their quest to add tension, but that's has a low impact.

Friday, July 11, 2014

June '14 Movie Digest

Still trying to make the schedule...

Edge of Tomorrow

Acting: 4/5
Story: 5/5
Perception: 4.5/5

Rating: 4.5/5

This movie shows a fresh take on sci-fi, with a very interesting concept which uses almost all the potential that it holds. I'm thinking that the idea crystallized around the frustration of playing video games that didn't enable progress saving, and it all came out very nicely. The viewer experiences the same feeling: frustration, (false) hope, despair etc. as the main character; partly from the reliable acting and mostly from the directing and editing. The detail that was missing in my opinion is a proper ending, but all the rest and the excellent visuals with an innovative alien design covers up most of this shallow aspect.

(Contextual questions: Even thought they're living the same day over and over, the biology doesn't change; so the characters are getting older and older, right? and also What defines a new day? 0:01 am GMT?)

Godzilla

Acting: 3/5
Story: 4/5
Perception: 4/5

Rating: 3.5/5

A new take on the story of the giant lizard meant to wash away the '90s sad blockbuster and its Chernobyl worms. And it succeeds at the task pretty well. First of all it takes a different angle then Pacific Rim, focusing less on the beast and more on the human factor, on the way the rest of the world is affected by its enormous appearance. This means that we don't get all the visual details and the action packed flick, but more of a suspense build-up until near the end, where the sweet stuff happens. Unfortunately the main characters are a bit too stiff, so the direct implication is mostly transmitted through the camera work. But it was worth the detour.

Epic

Wits: 3/5
Story: 3/5
Perception: 3.5/5

Rating: 3/5

The premise is far from being original; it's actually very similar to Luc Besson's Arthur and the Invisibles trilogy. But the pace of this adventure makes it catchy. The somewhat animation go-to comedic characters fill the required bill to make it funny as well. And the visual work suffices to result in a good family movie all together.

Sunday, June 15, 2014

April - May '14 Movies Digest

And I've did it again...

Frozen

Wits: 3.5/5
Story: 3.5/5
Perception: 3.5/5

Rating: 3.5/5

I have to be honest and admit that the song pileup in the first 30 minutes worried me a bit. But in the end having an almost song-less rest of the movie was not bad at all. There were some similarities with Tangled especially based on the sidekick humor, but also enough twists to make it interesting. And once more the visuals are nicely brushed which enhances the experience.

The Amazing Spider-Man 2

Acting: 3.5/5
Story: 3.5/5
Perception: 4/5

Rating: 3.5/5

After the first installment which was a successful reboot, this second movie wanted to be a bit too multitasking. That's why at times there are too many plot lines to follow. Besides some of them are either fixed in an obvious way or undeveloped. Nonetheless the main characters still have a good chemistry with a still sarcastic Spidey, Jaime Foxx does a solid job and the effects are simply stunning. All of which being good arguments for an intense flick.

Dredd

Acting: 3/5
Story: 3.5/5
Perception: 3/5

Rating: 3/5

Haven't seen the Sly version of the movie but this one is quite enjoyable. The show mainly belongs to Lena Headey as a top wicked villain but the main characters deliver a more than decent performance. Plus the dynamics are quite good, which is what's expected from a plain action movie.

X-Men: Days of Future Past

Acting: 4.5/5
Story: 4.5/5
Perception: 3.5/5

Rating: 4/5

I never thought I was going to say this for a X-Men movie, but this one was too psychological for my taste. There is no doubt on the quality of the cast and their performance as well as on the the whole script, but at times this was going too slow. For me the peak moment was the quicksilver fragment since it held the aspects that the rest of the movie lacked: dynamics, a bit of humor and a notable implication of a new character. And that's another issue for me: every installment gravitates around the same protagonists and it starts to get old. There are also some franchise continuity issues but that's secondary. Still, the movie is worth watching and it gets one hooked in a fair amount of time. Two more years for a new one...

Ender's Game

Acting: 2.5/5
Story: 3/5
Perception: 2.5/5

Rating: 2.5/5

Yet another book that didn't survived after the movie adaptation as I was told. Besides there are: the quite robotic child actors and the tired adult ones, a fragmented movie lacking connections throughout the plot, some missing explanations, premise presentation and transitions. All of this not allowing a proper character development, even if we had glimpses of an existent potential, and thus blocking the creation from an emotional bond with the protagonist. That's why in the end you care only that it's over even though it doesn't make that much of a sense.

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

March '14 Movies Digest

Some heart and some action!

The Lego Movie

Wits: 4.5/5
Story: 4.5/5
Perception: 5/5

Rating: 4.5/5

You don't need to be a fan of these plastic bricks to enjoy this movie, but if you're one, like me, this is a fantastic ride. First of all, visually it is brilliant and flawless, and the soundtrack gets to you easily. Then the story has enough twists and turns and a nice sentiment to it. And finally, the choice of hints is quite cool. In the end, it really make you think about buying new Legos.

The Grand Budapest Hotel

Acting: 5/5
Story: 5/5
Perception: 4/5

Rating: 4.5/5

Another Wes Anderson delight! Probably one of his most elaborate stories yet, with a bunch of unexpected situations, that are magnificently delivered by the cast filled with A-listers: the concierges' scene was absolutely brilliant! And for some nitpicking: around the half of the movie the pace really slows down, more than I've expected, but then it catches up well enough to recover the lost ground.

300: Rise of an Empire

Acting: 3.5/5
Story: 2.5/5
Perception: 3/5

Rating: 3/5

It is better than what I was expecting but far behind of its predecessor. First of all, tackling the bigger picture of the Greek-Persian wars made them take a lot more liberties and not only on a detail level as it was done with 300; and that disturbs me a little. Secondly, it is basically the same thing, so the 'wow!' effect is no longer there. And thirdly, the visual modifications like the gallons of fake-muddy blood and giving up the 300 tri-color theme also made it less appealing. Luckily the two main protagonists are good enough to save some of it.

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

Acting: 3.5/5
Story: 4.5/5
Perception: 3.5/5

Rating: 4/5

And with this one the full-length previews for the Avengers 2 are done. And as expected it's more grounded than Thor 2 and Iron Man 3, even though it also got its fair share of witty lines.Still, the veterans acting qualities aren't enough to counterbalance the main boy-scout attitude. Also, the filming style was a bit 'bipolar' at times, quickly switching from nice panoramic short to strange angles and shaky-cam. Anyway, the huge plus of the movie is definitely the story which is intricate and twisted to the right amount. Now, I'm waiting to see the series tie-in.



!!!Somewhat of Spoilers below!!!

Bonus on The Winter Soldier: Even Marvel admits Hawkeye's uselessness. This would have been a good opportunity to develop the B-grade Avenger, with all the S.H.I.E.L.D fuss, but instead they chose to introduce another character. Let's hope he'll be more fun than Cap.  

On a side note: It's a known fact that some major characters are missing from the Avengers because of studios' rights. But I wasn't expecting the feud to start over Magneto's offspring: the Maximoff siblings. Moreover, between the two of them I would have gone for Wanda aka The Scarlet Witch, but as it seems it's Pietro (Quicksilver) who's for the moment credited for both X-men: DoFP and Avengers 2. On top of all this both actors come from the Kick-Ass franchise and once again Marvel/Disney has the upper hand since they scored the protagonist compared to the friend that wasn't even recast for the second installment. Still Fox has Sir Ian McKellen, Patrick Stewart, Michael Fassbender, James McAvoy and...a certain Hugh Jackman. Anyway, let's see how this match develops. 

Sunday, March 2, 2014

January - February '14 Movies Digest

The last months were a bit overcrowded. Now I got some time to put everything together.


Fast & Furios 6

Acting: 3.5/5
Story: 3/5
Perception: 3.5/5

Rating: 3.5/5

This film series is probably one of the most common guilty pleasures of movie goers, and on top of that, if you put aside most of the logic and the laws of physics, they make very entertaining popcorn flicks. It most likely peaked with Fast Five, but this installment still delivers a good show down. The issue is that the plot is getting more and more over twisting and that in this case there were some sloppy aspects and discontinuities that are too obvious.

Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters

Acting: 3/5
Story: 2/5
Perception: 2.5/5

Rating: 2.5/5

The idea behind this whole story, with the demi-gods and everything, is a fun one. The problem is that there are many moments in the movie where things are forced to fit in.  It's still ok to watch thanks to decent pacing and most of the acting and to some neat cameos and secondary roles.

The Wolf of Wall Street

Acting: 5/5
Story: 4/5
Perception: 5/5

Rating: 4.5/5

Another grey area masterpiece from the Martin Scorsese. It is completely fueled up from beginning to end as most of its protagonists in spite of its three hours. No doubt, all the human and technical aspects of this production deserve nothing but praise, but the tone might have been infinitesimally different. There might be critics out there concerned about the 'frivolity' of this movie, but in my opinion that's less of an issue competed to almost unapologetic way that the whole story came out. But even with this too subtle a warning, this movie is over the top.

We're The Millers

Acting: 3.5/5
Story: 3.5/5
Perception: 3/5

Rating: 3.5/5

There's a lot of raunchy humor in this one, but the plot is crazy enough to be considered original; plus, the acting follows up nicely. All in all, it created a good number of crazy situations with its quirky jokes and that's all that matters.


Anonymous

Acting: 2.5/5
Story: 2/5
Perception: 2/5

Rating: 2/5

This is the definition of a forgettable movie. It most likely captured movie goers attention with its intriguing theory, but the final result is just dull, with a couple of slightly intenser moments.




American Hustle

Acting: 5/5
Story: 4/5
Perception: 3.5/5

Rating: 4/5

As the lives of its characters this movie has a schizophrenic side to it. It shifts tones and pace dramatically from one scene to another; granted it's the life of con artists but it may seem difficult to follow at times. Anyway, the cast is purely brilliant and the general perception of the world it portrays seems very authentic while showing the characters at the highest and lowest points. And once again Laurence will gather infinite praises for bringing front her typical wacko character that she embodies perfectly, but I think that Adams should get a lot more credit.     

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Backlog Movies Digest

The last months were a bit overcrowded. Now I got some time to put everything together.


The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug

Acting: 5/5
Story: 5/5
Perception: 5/5

Rating: 5/5

That's what I'm talking about! This return trip to Middle-Earth is very intense and captivating from start to end with top notch action scenes. The end is everything but one, leaving the viewers with one of the best cliffhangers of recent cinema. If cliffhangers are not your thing probably you'll hate this one. The late change from two to three movies is quite clear but the cutting scene is most likely the best one, since it allows the spectators to fully apprehend Smaug's might. And the side stories that they put in to gain volume fit in quite good and add more intensity. On Gandalf's side some conflicts with the LOTR trilogy might emerge but there's still a movie left. Going to the execution part as well as the actors delivery was flawless with special props to Bilbo's and Thorin's inner struggles and Smaug's "performance" both CGIy and Cumberbatchy. The only thing is that maybe there were a wee bit to much jump scares for my liking.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Acting: 4/5
Story: 4.5/5
Perception: 4.5/5

Rating: 4.5/5

For someone who hasn't read the books this installment comes as a franchise boost. I really liked the first one but I was hoping it to be something more than a Battle Royale soft version. And Catching Fire does just that. In addition, it redeems Katnis' and Peeta's performances as a couple adding more consistence to their struggle and justifying what I first thought to be a cold acting. The more or less twisty plot got me very interested in the two movie finale. For the more technical aspects the movie is very well executed.
Gravity

Acting: 4/5
Story: 5/5
Perception: 5/5

Rating: 5/5

I'm not entirely certain about the scientific rigor of all the facts and premises but this movie is an unique experience. This is the kind of picture that gives reason to 3D cinema. And it will probably be the closest that this generation will get to space. From the first moments and until the very end you are entirely emerged living every moment as if you were there. Most of the credit fir this experience is to be given to the director, the filming and the editing team. Sandra Bullock is ok but any other decent actress would have been good for the part.
Snowpiercer

Acting: 4/5
Story: 3.5/5
Perception: 3.5/5

Rating: 3.5/5

This a very intriguing dystopic movie based on a comic book. At the end you get out with somewhat of a puzzled impression. This is because the scenes vary between pure psychedelic, wonderfully filmed or artsy long-winded all while pointing out some interesting ideas. The human factor plays an important role in delivering this mosaic of experiences, the actors doing a good job. Still some questions remain unanswered by the time the credits roll.
Turbo

Wits: 3/5
Story: 3.5/5
Perception: 3/5

Rating: 3/5

A classic animated underdog story. I found the premise of the racing snail a funny one. The movie is quite enjoyable but nothing more. There are some comic moments without excelling in any way.


Thor: The Dark World

Acting: 3.5/5
Story: 3.5/5
Perception: 4/5

Rating: 3.5/5

Definitely these Marvel Phase 2 movies are funnier than those from Phase one; and since it's a comics world which shouldn't take itself to seriously I like this cheeky tone. Plus this new installment is more visually spectacular with some sweet action scenes. And all this with a villain that's not so charismatic and a love story arc that is improving but still needs some work. Most of this was put aside by Tom Hiddleston's delivery of Loki. It will be interesting to see how his secondary villain status in the Marvel universe will work with the studio's need to please his fan base.
Welcome to the Punch

Acting: 3/5
Story: 2/5
Perception: 1.5/5

Rating: 2/5

Some "is it/is it not" nemesis chasing movie. The names of McAvoy and Strong got my attention but the story was so thin and the plot so unoriginal that their skills were lay to waste.