majdic_stojan Reviews

Deadly Honeymoon (2010 TV Movie)

Expected less but Summer Glau saved the day

[8/10 · 25 September 2014]

The movie actually positively surprised me. Seeing the rating I expected a lot less than it actually delivered. OK, the movie still isn't exactly the best. The highlight of the movie is Summer Glau, who managed to portray the confused, but still very rationally acting bride excellently. The movie might not be the best, but she did an awesome job, probably saving the whole movie. Besides her, I enjoyed the performance of Zoe McLellan, while Chris Carmack did a very poor job in the movie. It's clear that Lindsey didn't plan what happened on the ship, but after it happened, she tried to get the best out of it. I believe that she actually loved her cheating husband.

***SPOILERS***

Quite a few clichés in the movie – bad guys again the ones from Eastern Europe (are there no bad guys in US?), the ship's captain doing everything and anything to keep the affair away from public, an FBI agent on leave but she's immediately in operation (and she's, what a surprise, divorced) and so on. Under the balcony on which everything happened there were no lifeboats. How come that the camera ended in a lifeboat? Did Lindsey hide it there? She would have to be extremely stupid to do so. She'd probably just toss it into the sea, gone forever.

But, in the end … quite enjoyable little less than 90 minutes. I've seen a lot of worse movies and rating of 4,6 is too low for my taste. But I admit, that it's definitely not everyone's taste.

Underworld: Awakening (2012)

Not exactly the best movie of the franchise

[6/10 · 16 September 2014]

Honestly, if it wasn't for Kate Beckinsale (OK, Selene ...) I'd probably miss this movie. I liked the first two films of the franchise, but this one left me somehow in doubts. I didn't like that Michael was not in this movie, but I liked Kate. The movie is absolutely no masterpiece, there are some almost stupid moments in it, but as a whole, it's watchable and delivers what one might expect: an hour and a half of passable entertainment, providing you're a Underworld fan.

I liked the choice of actress for Eve. India looks just like Kate might have looked in her age.

The end, however, left me wondering ... is there going to be another movie, revealing if Selene and Eve ever found Michael or not? Judging by Kate's statements it's highly unlikely.

On the other hand: there are definitely rumors about new movie, but ... without Selene and Michael. I guess I won't watch such a movie. Selene is the heart and soul of Underworld and a movie without her would be just one more attempt to earn some more money from the franchise.

Bottomline: if you like Underworld and Selene, you won't be too disappointed. But don't expect too much!

Help for the Holidays (2012 TV Movie)

Exactly what you want for Christmas

[10/10 · 7 August 2013]

I'm a little late with my review, but still ... To be honest, I watched the movie exclusively because of Summer Glau. Otherwise I'm really not in Christmas movies. So, I started watching the movie with no expectations but to see another good performance of gorgeous Summer Glau. But, who would have thought ... I actually liked a movie! A lot! Not only that Summer's performance was excellent, also other actors delivered very good performances and even the story was good. I actually liked Santa in this one. Sure, you can't expect deep psychological studies, elaborate relationships, social criticism from a Christmas movies. They're here to entertain, to cheer us up and this movie succeeded in each and every aspect. The story's nice, the actors good but what overwhelms the most is really Summer's outstanding performance. It's simply amazing, how she manages to capture the viewer with only a smile and makes even the worse dialogues good (not that there were any bad or stupid dialogues in this movie). I think that she's one of the most underused actresses in this business. It's really funny that she even manages to curb the ratings of the episodes where she has guest appearance. Eva LaRue was also excellent. i know her from CSI:Miami and this was something completely different but she managed it with flying colors. Well done Eva! The other actors were not quite so good (at least for my taste), but still far better than 90% of performances in other movies. Pity that we don't get a sequel this year. It would be nice to see how Christine and Dave managed to fit in into real life or if Vancamps managed to keep the Christmas spirit. Nice movie, meant to entertain and it managed it perfectly.

Andromeda (2000–2005)

Could have been SO much better

[5/10 · 15 September 2006]

After series finale I have been left with completely mixed emotions and had to wait for a very long time to come to a complete summary of the series. What started as one of the best Sci-Fi series, having enormous potential ended as a trash series with nothing left of the grandeur it once possessed.

The idea itself is intriguing and uncovers vast possibilities of exploring the personal and interpersonal nuances of feelings, relationships etc. And in the first season as well as in the first half of second season the signs were set to "GO". However, after Robert Hewitt Wolfe left the show and Bob Engels took over the show almost immediately began to drift into crappy action Sci-Fi. Each episode had to show at least 20 dead enemies, had at least 5 fighting scenes, 10 big explosions and so on. The once almost invincible ship became more vulnerable than MS Windows and she "went down" at least once per episode.

Character development went not further but backwards, the writers forgot what has already been seen and said, denied some aspects which were already stated clearly.

Bottom line: if it would be possible, I'd rate seasons as follows:

1. season 10

2. season 8

3. season 6

4. season 4

5. season 0

However, overall note is 5.

This could have been such a great show.... :-(

What Dreams May Come (1998)

Intriguing

[7/10 · 11 July 2002]

OK, I have hard times dealing with such movies. It tends to show everything in black and white colors, with no grey tone in between. Good guys are good guys and bad guys are bad guys; although there are no bad guys in this one.

The idea is ....... what? To tell us that love can save everyone? To tell us heaven is a place we create in our own mind? I don't know. But, on the other hand, it is a sweet movie. I mean, I like movies with happy end. Never mind if the end is predictable throughout the whole story.

I think, the best part of the movie was acting of main characters, especially Sciarra persuaded me. Sure, Robin was excellent too, although not so persuasive and heart touching as Annabella.

Visual effects were really stunning. I haven't seen a lot of movies with such good effects. But it simply isn't enough.

I'd say, the movie nevertheless did touch me. I was sad all the way watching it, but in a good way. Not depressed, but sad. And maybe, just maybe, the message of the movie is really one you can live with. Sure, love is one of most important and powerful emotions and it can really change someone's life. As it did here, even in death.

Bottom line is, I kinda liked it. And I wouldn't mind seeing it again. It's not a masterpiece, but a simple, touching movie. Although the whole thing explaining how heaven and hell work was a bit boring and in my opinion not really necessary in such extent.

Andromeda (2000–2005)

Could be better

[5/10 · 6 February 2002]

When I saw first few episodes I was badly disappointed. However, being a sci-fi fan, I gave the show a second chance and, surprise, surprise, I began to like it. True, plots are ... hmmm ... let´s say like patchwork - a little bit of this, a little bit of that, all mixed up in a shaker like cocktail. Generally, it´s a fairly viewable show. Unfortunately, I don´t appreciate "Dylan-centric" aspect. Well, it´s understandable, concerning the fact, that Kevin Sorbo is a co-producer.

Personally I rate Lexa Doig as best actor with not enough opportunity to show her skills. Her portraying of Rommie is exquisite. Laura Bertram makes the best of her character as does Gordon M. Woolvett too. These three should get more episodes, concentrated on their characters. Others are, although more present and with more lines, not outstanding. Concerning Kevin Sorbo, I can´t get rid of an impression, that he remains Hercules, this time in space. Guest stars are occasionally good, but never excellent.

The show does have many fans, just try to surf the net a bit! I hope, next seasons will bring more coherent episodes, with more acting challenges and less cocktail plots.

The Perfect Storm (2000)

Depressing, yet overwhelming

[9/10 · 6 February 2002]

I saw film twice in two days. It is simply very good. Although it is based on a true story, it concentrates more un subtle character development. The fact, that natural disasters can bring people together, is more than confirmed in this movie. The ship´s crew played as one.

The acting performances are evenly good, there´s not one character that could be regarded as better than others (in terms of acting!).

However, the question, what really happened to Andrea Gail and its crew will remain secret forever. Therefore, it´s perhaps only one possible interpretation of what went on during the storm. Wolfgang Petersen offered us his vision and you can like or dislike it.

I just wonder, how did the people in Gloucester react, when Andrea Gail reappeared in their haven like flying Dutchman. It must have been depressing. Especially for those, who lost someone in that night.

The Sixth Sense (1999)

Film That Divides

[10/10 · 6 February 2002]

I can´t say that I´m an absolute Bruce Willis fan. In fact, I find his roles before this film one-dimensional: many explosions, uncounted bullets flying around and an ever-winning, untouchable hero .... boring. However, this time I´ve been surprised. He did a great job, it´s just, the kid was even better. I´d say, you love this film or hate it; it´s hard to stay unimpressed (in good or in bad). The finale is not entirely predictable, so it leaves you taste of something unfinished, and yet .... Plot is depressing, but the end...... fabulous. I´d like to see more such roles from Bruce Willis. He´s got the stuff to become a first class character actor; if he lets action aside. From my point of view, highest recommendations. It´s even better the second time!

No Alibi (2000)

Good, but difficult to understand

[8/10 · 28 January 2002]

Warning! Spoilers ahead!

SPOILERS

I've seen movie in German, so it might be, that I missed some clues.

Despite some weakness in the plot, it's a movie that came through to me. I liked especially Lexa Doig's acting. Sometimes I got impression, that she *is* Camille. But I can't stop wondering, what happened at the end with Bob, Cassie and baby. I belive, she, after initially being set on Bob, eventually ended up loving him and regretting what happened with his brother and being forced to lie to him. Otherwise it's a bit strange, that she would carry his baby and love it. It's up to viewer to decide - and I don't like such endings. Dean Cain was as good as ever, Eric Roberts .. well, I've seen him better but also worse.

I believe that the film is more an analysis of human relations and reacting in unexpected situations than a crime story.

Bottom line is, I liked it very much.