albertval-69560 Reviews

Crooks (2024– )

Quite Interesting Premise

[8/10 · 17 April 2024]

The question is can a story about a gold coin be that interesting to hold the viewer in rapt attention all throughout the series? Yes. This is one instance where the viewer gets into a roller-coaster ride from Berlin to Vienna to Marseilles. The ride has enough traction that the viewer is willing to invest his time as the main protagonists go from one mishap to another.

The actors are competent in performing their roles credibly and naturally without hysteria. One can ask another pertinent question: can the relationship of Charly (Frederick Lau) and Joseph (Christoph Krutzler) happen in real life? I guess so if we consider their respective personalities.

The length of the episodes are just right, which means the pacing is ok. And the actors, coming as they do from different ethnic backgrounds, are able to pull off the scenes.

The last episode suggests another season is possible.

This series deserves your time and attention.

Ripley (2024)

Binge-worthy

[8/10 · 13 April 2024]

This is the 6th reiteration of the absorbing fictional story of Tom Ripley. Of the 5 earlier versions, I was able to watch The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) starring Matt Damon and Gwyneth Paltrow.

This film is a series which gives it ample time to explore the complicated character that is Tom Ripley. And Andrew Scott totally inhabits his role as Ripley, a really talented conman. Scott delivers the goods, so to speak.

It's a mesmerizing crime thriller helped a lot by its beautiful locales: from Atrani in the Amalfi Coast, to Rome, Palermo and Venice.

It's also interesting, casting-wise, that John Malcovich, who started in Ripley's Game (2002) plays a cameo role as Reeves Minot, a questionable art dealer and forger.

Dakota Fanning and Johnny Flynn play crucial supporting roles, not to mention the Italian detective Mauricio Lombardi who's effective in his role as the determined Pietro Ravini.

This is an excellent movie which is binge-worthy on a particularly hot weekend.

Guy Ritchie's the Covenant (I) (2023)

Plausible Story

[8/10 · 11 April 2024]

A movie with similar vibes is Devotion (2022). Both films deal with a war story and explore the interaction between 2 men in combat. However, may I hasten to add that Guy Richie's The Covenant is more gritty and it has a more engaging plot.

It reminds the viewer of the role of local interpreters in the war of the US against the Taliban in Afghanistan which is the backdrop of the story.

This is an action picture but interspersed with some uplifting dramatic moments. One might find it incredible. But, if you come to think of it, it's possible. Why not?

The chemistry between Kinley and Ahmed is palpable. Again, one may doubt whether the reason why Ahmed did what he did justified what he actually did. Again, it's possible.

Dar Salim gives his best in this film which should dispel the baseless notion that actors who're Middle Eastern in ethnicity can't act.

Watch this worthy film despite some goofs that others have spotted. It's still watchable, by and large.

Warrior (2019–2023)

They Don't Pay Us Enough to Think

[8/10 · 27 March 2024]

Truly an enthralling, absorbing series. It has all the ingredients for a memorable film. Too bad, there will be no season 4. Season 3 ended with a lot of unanswered questions. At any rate, the series is well-developed as are the characters which would make it easier for the viewer to conjure up a suitable ending.

The setting of the story is an exciting time for Americans as the U. S. begins to develop rapidly. It's a tale of different worlds as immigrants from China interact with immigrants from the Old World and with the recently freed Negroes. Such an interesting brew produces interesting stories, indeed.

The viewer is presented with a layered story with exciting twists. It's a story of ambition, greed, discrimination, murder and mayhem in the late 1800s in San Francisco.

The action sequences are superbly done, the script is crisp (the title of this review is an example), the actors are truly alive, and there are many competent characters that engage the viewer: from Andrew Koji, Dian Doan, Olivia Cheng, Hoon Lee, Joe Taslim, Joanna Vanderham, Kieran Bew, Dean Jagger and Langley Kirkwood. In addition, the sets and costumes realistically bring the viewer back to that time and place.

Watch this remarkably engaging film. You'll not regret it.

The Signal (2024)

Hello!!!

[7/10 · 11 March 2024]

This series has a similar vibes to an earlier German production, "Dark." Both films are engaging scifi thrillers. But at only 4 episodes, the film spins an interesting story with an equally interesting premise. The premise has been talked about for so long, yet we're still waiting for a tangible outcome. It will probably take much longer than our lifetime before anything happens. After all, we're talking light years here.

Inevitably, the viewer has to ask a couple of questions. One, is what happens to Voyager 1, which the series suggests, plausible scientifically? Two, how was it possible for Paula to be allowed on the flight to the space station given her condition?

That being said, the viewer is glued to his/her seat as he/she follows what's happening to Sven, Charlie and Paula. Sometimes, it's a bit disorienting because of the time jumps--to the present and to the recent past.

Great acting from the young actress, Yuna Bennett, who's able to hold her own against Peri Benmeister and Florian Fitz.

Scifi lovers should have a good time with this binge worthy series.

One Day (2024)

Soul Mates

[9/10 · 14 February 2024]

This series could closely describe our concept of soul mates. The story of Dex and Em spans 20 years centered on the same day of the year.

The chemistry of the lead actors Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall is palpable and permeates the screen when they are together. Really great acting from the both of them, as well as from the supporting cast of experienced thespians like John Weldon, Amber and Essie Davis. Likewise, the writing and direction are praiseworthy. The witty repartee attests to this.

There is never a dull moment in the 14 episodes. If the viewer can help it, he would rather keep on going to find out what's going to happen to the couple with all the ups and downs in their relationship. The viewer is fully invested and engaged which says tons about the quality of the series.

One can't help but compare this with the "Before" trilogy with its similar vibes, storyline and time setting (20 years).

Nine Days (2020)

Unusual Premise

[8/10 · 6 February 2024]

You could think of this film as a prequel to Dante's vision of the afterlife as he pictures it in Divine Comedy.

Is it hard to comprehend the state of unborn souls and the fate of those souls who are not born into an earthly life? It drives home the point that life on this earth matters; that we should cherish priceless moments that we become part of as we journey through life.

From the movie's point of view, life is priceless because not all souls can be born; that, in fact, life is a gift. It begs the question: when does the soul begin? Is it difficult to consider that when the soul is not born, it disappears into oblivion for all eternity? Perhaps, yes, because we haven't thought about this.

It's a thoughtful film. The message is something worth our time to ponder. Watch it.

The Sky Is Pink (2019)

Celebration of a Well-lived Life

[8/10 · 6 February 2024]

I didn't expect Aisha's story to be this good. I thoroughly enjoyed the film even if I had to rely on the English subtitles.

The portrayal of Aisha by Zaira Wasim is memorable. She acts graciously and effortlessly with a hint of impish delight.

Some might be bothered by the length of the film (over 2 hours) but this didn't stop me from enjoying it immensely.

Superb storytelling. Quite funny, too. Aisha as narrator is witty and funny and irreverent in turns. But it's heartfelt which is what's important. It manages to turn a tearjerker into something unexpectedly light-hearted and hopeful. The viewer experiences his own small epiphany as he's immersed in Aisha's story.

The other actors did great, too. Priyanka Chopra is consistently good in her craft (whether she's speaking in Hindi or English). Farhan and Rohit Suresh Saraf provide able support creating a beautiful story devoid of hysteria or over-the-top portrayal.

We have to thank the writer and director for bringing this gem of a story to film.

Nyad (2023)

Never Too Old

[8/10 · 4 February 2024]

Normally, one might question the motive for doing such really unusual things like what Diana Nyad did at age 64. Not only once but 5 times over the course of 35 years.

I've watched similar movies in the past with a similar theme like climbing the highest mountain, diving to the deepest depth of the ocean, and such extraordinary feats.

Somehow, the viewer has an idea of how the narrative goes--from temporary seatbacks in the face of extreme hardships and danger to sweet triumph in the end despite the odds.

What's so engaging about this biopic is the doggedness of Diana who refused to give up on her dream at her age. This makes the storytelling so engrossing. There's really not a dull moment. The flashbacks are important to give the viewer a broad picture of Diana's backstory.

Great acting from Annette Bening and Jodie Foster. And what's also endearing is John Bartlett 's role in Diana's ultimate success. Despite his misgivings, he believed in her. The ending of the story reveals what happens to him after the unbelievable feat.

Watch it. You'll not give up watching.

Dear Jo (2023)

This Indonesian Film Doesn't Disappoint

[7/10 · 16 December 2023]

This is the 2nd Indonesian film that I watched in any genre, and it didn't disappoint. It might seem a little bit clichéd complete with a character who's the best buddy of the male protagonist. It might also come off as a little melodramatic. Probably. But the story calls for it in some scenes. However, it's not the norm.

The lead actors are fine particularly Anggika Bolsterli. She inhabits her character and she does it with confidence.

An added benefit to the viewer is that he gets to have a glimpse of what seems to be an interesting, fascinating city--Baku, Azerbaijan in central Asia, and Jakarta--Indonesia's old capital. There's also this out-of-town place called Xinaliq in the Caucasus.

The story is a timely reminder that we, humans, have what it takes to overcome adversity. But that we have to take that first step to move on.

My only comment is that the ad placement for a watery product seems too obvious.

The Killer (2023)

"Anticipate, Don't Improvise"

[9/10 · 11 November 2023]

There have been movies about killers and assassins before this one. So, the obvious question is: what makes it different from the rest? It's the fresh approach to the story.

It's a first person account of the Killer as he goes about his business. It's an inside look into what he thinks as he prepares for the kill. There are a lot of philosophical musings that make me think that these thoughts sum up the Assassin's Creed which incidentally is the title of Michael Fassbender's 2016 starrer.

Stick to the plan. Trust no one. Anticipate, don't improvise. Forbid empathy. Fate is a placebo. These might as well be every man's creed as he struggles through life.

No doubt, there are tense, suspenseful moments. In fact, all the encounters the Killer has are edge-of-the seat scenes because you don't really know what happens next. The dialogue (or more like the Expert's monologue) is engaging. Tilda Swinton nails her part. The fight sequences with the Brute is so well-staged that it looks thoroughly realistic. The scenes with lawyer Hodges and his assistant, Dolores, are memorable. And, for a moment, you would think that the Killer will not be true to his creed for once.

Michael Fassbender delivers a coup de grace here. Outstanding performance. He has been a consistently great actor. Kudos to the writer and director who put out this film masterfully.

This film can't be missed.

Fair Play (2023)

Achingly Poignant Love Story

[8/10 · 6 October 2023]

It's a surprisingly gripping film. And the setting in an investment/stock brokerage firm on Wall Street makes this film about relationships rather unusual.

It's billed as a thriller but, for me, this is more a story about a promising relationship that goes awry, of ambitions that are struck down because of the whims of man, and of the heroic effort of a girlfriend who really wants to make it work.

Great cast and great performances. The main characters are so credible that you think they're in that tragic relationship for real. The viewer feels the pain and the anger and the loss that Phoebe Dynevor and Alden Ehrenreich feel and show on screen. I also like how Eddie Marsan handles his role so convincingly and effortlessly.

Some viewers call this a thriller. In a way, yes, it is especially towards the last few scenes when you are second-guessing how it will end before the screen goes dark.

This film is thoroughly, achingly enjoyable. Each scene counts. Never a dull moment.

Reptile (2023)

Watchable Slow Burner

[6/10 · 5 October 2023]

A decent whodunit. What does make it different from the other detective stories that went before it? Maybe the idea that the victim, in this case, is a female real estate who doesn't have much background. The viewer had to patiently watch it unfold.

I say patiently because it's a slow burner. Some scenes seem unconnected if you don't follow the plotline closely. And it tries to be suspenseful with ominous music at appropriate moments. But it's not enough for the viewer to be glued to his/her seat

Benicio del Toro portrays a good detective: both thorough and thoughtful. He does it effortlessly. Justin Timberlake is good enough although you would have wanted his character to have more meat. Which brings me to Alicia Silverstone. I wish she had a more significant part: more than her role as an attentive wife who tries to brighten up her scenes with witty quips. Well, there's at least one scene where the attention is focused on her.

Overall, it's a watchable film. But the viewer would need to bring along a load of patience.

Heart of Stone (I) (2023)

Enjoyable

[7/10 · 24 August 2023]

This is great entertainment. It's an action movie pure and simple and it is really unfair to expect it to be something else.

Like many other action movies, the plot is predictable. Yet the action sequences are well- done.

Gal Gadot's performance is par for the course. You watch her acting in a similar way in her previous DC action pieces. A breath of fresh air is the other female protagonist, Alie Bhatt. Jamie Dornan could have turned in a better performance though.

You watch this action movie for what it is.

The sci fi side reminds you of an earlier Tom Cruise starrer, The Minority Report.

So watch, sit back and enjoy the bumpy ride to different locales.

Ajeeb Daastaans (2021)

Love, a Multi-faceted Thing

[8/10 · 14 July 2023]

I've watched Hindi movies before but this anthology is pleasantly surprising because it impacts the viewer in a meaningful way. Of the 4, "Sloppy Kisses" and "Unspoken" are poignant but they are not overly dramatic. They are better than the rest. But this doesn't mean that the others are not well-crafted, too.

They get their message across, and the viewer relates with it. It's just that "Sloppy Kisses" and "Unspoken" deliver more punch. And you would have wanted an alternate ending. We'll, the viewer could imagine a different ending, one that suits his own experience and perspective of the world.

I'm not really familiar with the actors but they are good. The music is hauntingly sweet that adds to one's appreciation of the stories..And kudos to the directors who have given us a meaningful film that resonates with the viewer.

Inside Man (II) (2022)

Darkly Funny and Ironic

[7/10 · 29 June 2023]

I passed up on this series more than once because I thought, initially, that it didn't much appeal. But, was I wrong. My bad.

It turns out that it's absurdly entertaining. Some people might think the storyline is implausible. They may be right. But then again, truth may be stranger than fiction, sometimes. Well, it's dark humor at its best with a pinch of irony.

David Tennant nailed his role as the vicar with a loving family. Stanley Tucci as Jefferson Grieff is cool. The way he goes about solving cases of missing persons (with his funny sidekick Dillon) is brilliant ala Sherlock Holmes. Add to this his own thespic style of playing the role of a super sleuth.

The film comes across with a sobering message: how an apparently inconsequential thing can lead to tragedy. It also tangentially touches on an issue involving priests that doesn't seem to go away.

The actors playing Janice, Mary and Beth deserve our applause, too. Thanks to Steven Moffat for a thoughtful film.

Watch this film. It's darkly funny.

Treason (2022)

Sober, Thoughtful Series

[7/10 · 27 June 2023]

I watched this film mainly because of Oona Chaplin knowing her famous lineage of artists, and because I admired her acting in the Games of Thrones where she played the role of Talisa Maegyr, a nurse,

As Maddy in this film, a medical doctor, Oona Chaplin projects both vulnerability and grit vey well. Her transformation from a somewhat clueless mom to a determined fighter is laudable and something that the viewer doesn't miss.

Of course, the viewer doesnt forget Olga Kurylenko, the Ukraine-born actress who has made a name for herself in the movie world most recently in "Extraction 2." Olga is consistent. She's comfortable in drama as well as in the action genre. Frankly, this film is more about Maddy and Kara than about Adam.

It has to be acknowledged that the premise of this film is intriguing which catches the viewer's interest early on and that doesn't let up until the last few frames,

Overall, direction is good, acting is great. The film is a reunion vehicle of sorts of Olga and Oona who were both in Quantum of Solace and of Oona and Ciaran who were both in Game of Thrones.

Sober, thoughtful film that's quite enjoyable.

Sleeping Dog (2023– )

Slow Burn but Engaging

[7/10 · 25 June 2023]

It's a slow burn but it doesn't get boring. The story of Mike Atlas is engaging made more complicated because he has a wife and daughter who're clueless about what's happening to him, and who are just about to give up on him.

The viewer, like Mike, is bent on pursuing the leads that would jog his memory to remember his past and uncover his mistake.

It's a typical German production quite competent in its execution. The cinematography is great; the script is tight, well-written. The characters come alive with their own backstories.

The actors do justice to the roles they are assigned to give life to. Special mention to Max Riemelt, Melika Foroutan and Carlo Ljubek.

Extraction II (2023)

Undoubtedly a Remarkable Action Film

[9/10 · 16 June 2023]

A top-rank film in its genre. Amazing action sequences and first-rate production values. Simply a great action film with a couple of sobering moments, the hallmark of an unforgettable action flick.

The locations are excellent, too. Much of the film takes place in Donauplatte near the famous Danube River. The action scenes in a high-rise building in this area are incredible. The producers (among them, Chris Hemsworth, himself) didn't spare anything to make the scenes incredibly realistic--such death, destruction and mayhem in just one locale.

There's this scene early on where Tyler has hied away in the woods recovering from his injuries. He splits firewood then throws the ax hitting the trunk of a tree spot on from a distance. Shades of Mighty Thor hurling his impervious hammer at the galactic enemy.

Great cast; remarkable performances from Hemsworth, Iran-born Golshifteh Farahani, Adam Bessa and Tornike Gogrichiani. Hemsworth is different from other action stars because of the depth of his sensitivity. Something that reminds you of Pierce Brosnan.

It's also a reunion of sorts for Hemsworth and Idris Elba, the guardian of Asgard. Watch out for the well-known actor in a cameo role.

There's definitely going to be a Part 3 if you believe in Elba's character.

Vortex (2022)

A Crime Somewhere in Time

[8/10 · 9 June 2023]

This is a fresh take on time travel. There have been films dealing with the subject of time travel but this is the first time that I've watched a movie that explains space-time anomaly by means of a glitch on a new technology that reconstructs crime scenes thru virtual reality.

It's a whodunnit somewhere in time but a love story at its core. This is the unique appeal of the movie.

Who can say that this isn't plausible. Science fact may turn out to be stranger than fiction.

How the movie uses this plot device to spin the story completely engages the viewer. This reflects a well-made script that involves the viewer in the hunt for the killer.

The actors are excellent in their respective roles. Tomer Sisley, Camille Claris, Eric Pucheu and Zineb Triki deserve our praise.

Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga (2023)

Smoke and Mirrors

[7/10 · 8 June 2023]

There must be something about Indian films that intrigues a foreign viewer. It could be the rhythmic musical score that easily attracts the viewer's ear. It could be the above par acting or the usually decent script. It could be all of the above.

That's why the viewer couldn't appreciate the film initially. Acting is lacklustre except for the lead actor Yami Gautam who nails her part as a flight stewardess who falls in love with a persistent guy. The other credible actor is the lead investigator.

In particular, the scenes inside the hijacked airplane have much to be desired. You feel that the hijackers seem to be just going through the motions without any air of authenticity.

But the film gets better from there particularly when the viewer finally finds out what's really happening and the plot becomes twisty. The viewer realizes why the hijackers act the way they do. The viewer doesn't expect how things turn out. The surprise improves his level of appreciation for the film.

Watch it and let's compare notes.

Mixed by Erry (2023)

I'M A DJ

[8/10 · 7 June 2023]

This is a story that's one part funny, and one part sad. All Erry wanted to do was to be known as a DJ. Barred from doing so, he created an illegal business worth billions of lira in the late 80s reproducing pop music of that time for young Italians at a cheap price. Perhaps unwittingly, he created a huge market for his unusual product.

The story of the three brothers is fascinating. As young as they were, they thought through ingenious ways to produce and market audio tapes mixed by Erry. This started music piracy in Italy.

In a way, Erry was innocent because all what he ever wanted was to share pop music with his contemporaries. He never imagined at the beginning that he was doing something wrong.

It's an entertaining movie. The writers succeed in compressing all the highlights of the bold, smart enterprise of Giuseppe, Angelo and Enrico Frattasio into a watchable feature film. The actors do justice to the story. It's a cohesive story thanks to the director, Sydney Sibelia. Bravo!

A Tourist's Guide to Love (2023)

A Shallow Story Within a Travelogue

[3/10 · 7 June 2023]

This is one movie you want to love but couldn't. For the most part, it's cheesy. The lead actors try their best to be credible but acting ends up being wooden. The defect is in the storyline. It's a challenge producing an entertaining film out of a travelogue.

The lines are cliche. For example, Sinh Thach (Scott Ly) explains enthusiastically the difference between a tourist and a traveller; thus: a tourist escapes from life; a traveller experiences it. What can I say...duh.

The saving factor is that the film showcases Vietnamese culture. The viewer gets a glimpse of local culture which is most welcome. But as to the observation that Vietnam is a top tourist destination, the jury is still out on this one.

A Beautiful Life (I) (2023)

A Star is Born Sans a Bodyguard

[7/10 · 6 June 2023]

Don't expect too much because this is a light romantic movie. The main characters are not well-developed. True. Nonetheless, there's tension between them which should count for something. Elliot and Lilly have personal issues of their own. The movie doesn't quite tell whether these are resolved at the end but the viewer can take his pick. If you believe in the lyrics of Elliot's last song, you'd say it will be a happy ending.

What stands out, of course, is Christopher's original music which I enjoyed. Seldom do you watch a movie where the lead actor also composes the songs he sings in the movie.

By no means is the story unique because the theme has been used by earlier films that are even topbilled by bigger, better known actors/singers like A Star is Born and Bodyguard. Still, the movie is enjoyable in its own right.

Rough Diamonds (2023– )

Great Film with Cultural Undertone

[8/10 · 2 June 2023]

The juxtaposition of hassidic Jewish life in the diamond district of Antwerp and a life of crime is something that's intriguing. This is the first series that I've watched that deals with the subject, and the creators Rotom Shamir and Yuval Yefet succeed in their vision for the film. Shamir, who's also the director, brings the story to vivid life.

It's gratifying to have a glimpse of the customs and values of ultra-Orthodox Jews outside of Jerusalem, the center of Judaism.

The drama is engaging and you sympathise with Gila's predicament as she grapples with the future. Noah is in a similar predicament and even if you have watched similar themes before, you feel their angst and helplessness.

Great acting all around. It's not over the top but subdued which makes it more memorable.

Watch this series for a good reason: for the drama, the acting, the cultural backdrop and the beautiful scenery of Antwerp. Cinematography is satisfactory, too.