July '15 Movies Digest

Better late than never...

John Wick

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

Playing an emotionless/expressionless bad-ass is Keanu’s trademark, and he does it more than satisfactorily. There is no doubt that the premise and the depicted context are a bit far-fetched; it might as well be comics-inspired. But the whole movie builds up in a decent way, and the viewer gets used to the unwritten rules at the realm. So in the end the experience is solidly entertaining.

Ant-Man

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

And once more Marvel does it well; on top of that making another successful transition from comedic actor to superhero. Michael Douglas still leads the show but the Evangeline Lilly and especially Paul Rudd aren't far behind; and the rest of the crew, villain included, come through as well. A refreshing touch are the smoothly done transitions from the micro-world to normal scale showing superior technical prowess. It is a pleasant way to fluently incorporate a new character into the MCU and to draw the curtain on Phase 2.

Terminator Genisys

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

When the veteran actor brought as a nostalgia-triggering gimmick is the best part of the movie...there are more than a couple of things that are wrong. First of all, there's no connection between the protagonists, and given they're complex past, there should be some. The story has its intriguing ideas but many are not exploited properly, like J.K. Simmons ark. A good thing would be for them to stop since thy're reaching the bottom of the barrel in the time-war against Skynet.

Inside-out

Wits: 5/5
Story: 4.5/5
Perception: 4/5
Rating: 4.5/5

First adjective that comes to my mind regarding this movie is: witty! The entire context was carefully prepared and parallel for the components of the subconscious world was brilliantly established. Even if there are some slowed down transitions the whole story is highly involving and the voice casting choices were  on the spot. It goes without saying that the technical quality is close to flawless. So in the end, superb idea and execution!

June '15 Movies Digest

Not the most glorious month...

Mortdecai

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

When out of a cast including Johnny Depp, Ewan McGregor, Jeff Goldblum and Gwyneth Paltrow, the most enjoyable character is played by Paul Bettany there's something rotten in that movie. And in this case it is the scenario, which is like a bad Wes Anderson homage oozing with over-exaggerated and caricatured situations. The film has some good moments nonetheless but the general impression is quite messy.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

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

I thought this movie was destined for failure but in the end it came to be functional. My main gripes concern Megan Fox and her extended tie-ins into the story, the lack of a charismatic villain, and the lack of originality in the last act...The Amazing Spiderman was not so far back. But the turtles can be considered a success given the discontent that they first created. So this movie really earned the chance to improve for the sequel.

May '15 Movies' Digest

Starting to get it back together...

Avengers: Age of Ultron

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

It was difficult to leave up to the expectation but Marvel with Whedon at the helm did it again. Bringing forward some characters that were underdeveloped up to this point and adding new ones to be further developed keeps the MCU still pumping. Evidently the technical prowess needs no further praise. Concerning the actors they all seem to enjoy this a lot and that's what's needed in this kind of movies. In addition, James Spader's Ultron fulfills his role entirely; contributing actively to the long succession of wise-ass remarks. But in my opinion, the crown-line is Hawkeye's vivid description. What's in store next?

Shaun the Sheep Movie

Acting: 3/5
Story: 4/5
Perception: 3.5/5
Rating: 3.5/5

Not being familiar with the cartoon I was a bit surprised when realizing that I was way above the age average. Still I had a good time which shows that emotions and laughter don't need words to be generated. Besides the stop-motion prowess continues to amaze me.

The Family

Acting: 2.5/5
Story: 2.5/5
Perception: 2.5/5
Rating: 2.5/5

Top billing actors and an eyebrow - raising premise, that's about it. The veteran cast was mostly on autopilot and with the exception of the youngster the rest was not too convincing. The plot in itself was not bad but the twist triggering event was highly insignificant and circumstantial.

Mad Max: Fury Road

Acting: 3.5/5
Story: 3/5
Perception: 4/5
Rating: 3.5/5

Motorized mayhem, Charlize and a drop of Hoult... That's what comes out of is one. The story is as linear as they come with the aforementioned exceptions the character development is thin but the practical stunt pyrotechnics frenzy and the crazy factor take over and hush down that inner voice saying 'it doesn't make any sense'.

The Fifth Estate

Acting: 3.5/5
Story: 1.5/5
Perception: 1.5/5
Rating: 2/5

A controversial topic with a remarkable actor in the spotlight...it can't go wrong, can it? Well, most of it is hurled to the ground by a dull, detached and somewhat chaotic story line. Assange shouldn't feel threatened by this one.

2 Guns

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

Fast talk, action and  plot twists! The duo has an impressive chemistry, while also holding their own separately. In addition, they have a sturdy opposition from the main bad guy, which make the whole story more appealing. The twists and turns keep the viewer interested, though they might be a tad to numerous, while everything seems to be entwined. In the end, it is a fun flick to watch.  

April '15 Movies' Digest

More of a light-spirited month...

Furios 7

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

Probably the end of an era for the FF franchise, which peaked with Fast 5. All this got insanely huge turning a bit into an Expendables rehash, leaving in the rear-view mirror its street racing legacy; even more than that it could be associated with the sci-fi genre. But the high octane vibe which made it famous was luckily still maintained. What's to acknowledge is that they closed most of the loops and came up with a decent send off for Paul Walker.

Muppets Most Wanted

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

They brought a bigger cast, cooked up a more intricate plot, but the novelty factor got dimmer. The human side of the cast was more engaging for this one, especially through Ty Burell's performance. And as for the first one, there are enough chuckle/fun moments, that could make it worth a look.

November '14 - March '15 Movies' Digest

History repeats itself a lot recently...finally I managed to have a moment to put this list together...

Grand Piano

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

This one really spews a feeling of incompletion. It holds an intriguing premise but nothing more. Most of it is pretty bland and the initial tension fades away quite fast. Moreover the two protagonists can't do much to save it. In the end the question that lingers is: that was all?

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1

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

This movie is another example of the fact that splitting the last book of a series is not the most inspired choice. Most of the picture's purpose is to set the premise and this takes two thirds of its actual length. And even though there are several touching moments everything is highly slow-paced. Moreover a couple of performances were questionable, especially the one of Philip Seymour Hoffman. Nonetheless the second part has the right ingredients to prepare the viewer for what is mostly to come in the next installment.

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies 

Acting: 4/5

Story: 3.5/5
Perception: 3.5/5

Rating: 3.5/5

It is sad to admit it but for a middle earth film conclusion this one was disappointing. The main reason was its first act. The transition from the magnificent Smaug ending went through some weird* steps of doubtful pace down to an almost full stop. As if it was needed to create a secondary premise after three quarters of the trilogy have passed. If the acting was spot on there are some other aspects where the film soared: mainly the obvious CG moments and some story conflicts with the original trilogy. But all of this doesn't take anything away from the epicness of the titular event.

*the first counter-anticlimactic movie intro in cinema

Interstellar

Acting: 4/5

Story: 4/5
Perception: 4.5/5

Rating: 4/5

Chris Nolan has to carry the burden of his brilliant early movies, and this doesn't leave him too much a margin of error. So what would have been an over the top achievement for any other director, is dissected to the tiniest details in his case. This is why we can complain of a first act which is too longwinded and melodramatic, of a somewhat shanty character unfolding, another melodramatic ending and of scientific quirks. Even if you find McConaughey exaggeratedly manneristic, Hathaway doubtful, those are details of overall solid performances. And from a cinematographic standpoint the picture is mesmerizing while also triggering a wee bit of an intellectual debate.

The Imitation Game

Acting: 5/5

Story: 4/5
Perception: 4/5

Rating: 4/5

One of the rare recent biopics done right...and that's probably because it only focuses on a short period of time. Cumberbatches, with a Sheldon Coopery vibe, and the rest of the cast performances make you get easily attached to their struggle. And the tension curve is smoothly dosed for the viewers to synchronize with. In all a very good Oscar bait. 

Qu'est-ce Qu'on A Fait au Bon Dieu?

Acting: 4/5

Story: 4/5
Perception: 4/5

Rating: 4/5

Every 2-3 years french cinematography comes up with a widely accepted entertaining movie...this is one of them. There is a strong french touch to it reinforced by the borderline political incorrectness of most of the situations, but the balance of it all is the key of the flick. And this makes it generally enjoyable.

How To Train Your  Dragon 2

Wits: 4.5/5

Story: 4.5/5
Perception: 5/5

Rating: 4.5/5

This franchise looms in being my animation reference (...ok...you'll stone me for not seeing Toy Story). The whole story is pictured as an evolution from the last installment, and it does it with success. The character development is further unraveled. Plus, it has the right amount of emotions to really make the viewers 'feel' for the protagonists and continue to serve as a lesson of life, where not everything is rainbows and unicorns...and dragons. In addition, the visuals are stunning; making me regret once again not seeing it in 3D.

Kingsman: The Secret Service

Acting: 4.5/5

Story: 4/5
Perception: 5/5

Rating: 4.5/5

MIB meets James Bond meets Kickass!!! Classy, nuts and a tad cheeky! The plot is dead straight with a steady dynamic pace. The over-the-top characters are interpreted spot on by Colin Firth and co. Moreover, the visuals are well balanced, with a bit of shock effect, and there are some very good choices for the score. Pure crazy entertainment!

Whiplash

Acting: 5/5

Story: 4.5/5
Perception: 4.5/5

Rating: 4.5/5

This is a trademark of challenging character evolution films. The directorial and camera work project entirely the struggle and the tension held within. And all those sensations derive from the brilliant performance of J.K. Simmons doubled by his young co-protagonist. Not to mention the score embedded directly into the movie which completes the experience.

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.

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.